Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of Taiwan Patent Application No. 097124853, filed on Jul. 2, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to adjustable fluid-driven illumination devices, and more particularly to adjustable fluid-driven illumination devices with enhanced operational flexibility and efficiency. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Water supply and illumination are two critical safety factors during fire suppression at a fire scene. Conventionally, in addition to holding a fire-fighting nozzle to acquire water, a firefighter utilizes a flashlight disposed on a helmet to illuminate the fire scene. Accordingly, as fire-suppression equipment carried by the firefighter often weigh more than 20 Kg, the heavy flashlight disposed on the helmet causes an extra burden to the firefighter, thus adversely affecting the fire suppression. In another aspect, because a fire-fighting hose provides a powerful water pressure, the firefighter must securely hold the fire-fighting nozzle with two hands during the fire suppression. Therefore, the firefighter cannot spare extra strength or a hand to hold the flashlight for illumination of the fire scene. 
         [0006]    To solve the aforementioned problems, Taiwan patent. No. 1269850 discloses a conventional fluid-driven illumination device with a turbine generator inlaid in a fluid passage of a fire-fighting nozzle. Vanes of the turbine generator are driven to rotate by water flowing through the fluid passage of the fire-fighting nozzle, generating electric power to provide illumination. The turbine generator inlaid in the fluid passage of the fire-fighting nozzle, however, causes loss of water pressure and amount whenever the fire-fighting nozzle is operated. Thus, employment of the conventional fluid-driven illumination device or fire-fighting nozzle for complex and unpredictable fire scenes is limited. 
         [0007]    Moreover, Japan patent Pub. No. 2005278902, U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,333, U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,520, and Korea patent No. 100308732 disclose various conventional fluid-driven illumination devices. Similarly, because of structural constraints and limitations for complex and unpredictable fire scene employment, use of the fluid-driven illumination devices is limited. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0009]    An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device comprising a nozzle, at least one light-emitting element, a grip, and a turbine generator. The light-emitting element is connected to the nozzle. The grip is connected to the nozzle. The turbine generator moves between the nozzle and the grip and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element. The turbine generator comprises at least one rotating blade. When moving into the nozzle to enable the rotating blade to rotate by impact of a fluid flowing through the nozzle, the turbine generator generates electric power, driving the light-emitting element to irradiate. When the turbine generator moves into the grip, the rotating blade is not subjected to the impact of the fluid flowing through the nozzle, stopping the turbine generator from generating the electric power. 
         [0010]    The adjustable fluid-driven illumination device further comprises a revolver rotatably and movably connected to the grip and abutting the turbine generator, driving the turbine generator to move between the nozzle and the grip. 
         [0011]    The grip comprises an inner threaded portion. The revolver comprises an outer threaded portion engaging the inner threaded portion. 
         [0012]    The adjustable fluid-driven illumination device further comprises a push rod abutting the revolver and connected to the turbine generator. 
         [0013]    The adjustable fluid-driven illumination device further comprises at least one resilient element connected between the turbine generator and the grip, providing restoring resilience to the turbine generator. 
         [0014]    The adjustable fluid-driven illumination device further comprises a trigger rotatably connected to the grip and connected to the turbine generator, driving the turbine generator to move between the nozzle and the grip. 
         [0015]    The adjustable fluid-driven illumination device further comprises a torsion spring connected between the trigger and the grip, providing restoring resilience to the trigger. 
         [0016]    The adjustable fluid-driven illumination device further comprises a support rod, a fixed tube, a self-rotation shaft, a spring, and a button. The grip comprises a partition on which the turbine generator is disposed. The support rod is fit in the partition and is connected to the turbine generator. The fixed tube is disposed under the partition. The self-rotation shaft is movably disposed in the fixed tube and abuts the support rod. The spring is fit on the support rod and is connected between the partition and the self-rotation shaft. The button is connected to the self-rotation shaft, driving the turbine generator to move between the nozzle and the grip. 
         [0017]    The rotating blade comprises a radial blade. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic plane view of an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of a first embodiment of the invention in an operational mode; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic plane view of the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of the first embodiment of the invention in another operational mode; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic plane view of an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of a second embodiment of the invention in an operational mode; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic plane view of the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of the second embodiment of the invention in another operational mode; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic plane view of an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of a third embodiment of the invention in an operational mode; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic plane view of the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of the third embodiment of the invention in another operational mode; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3C  is a partial exploded perspective view of the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of the third embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic plane view of an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device of a fourth embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic bottom view of  FIG. 4A ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 4C  is another schematic bottom view of  FIG. 4A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  100  is applied for fire suppression and comprises a nozzle  110 , a plurality of light-emitting elements  120 , a grip  130 , a turbine generator  140 , a revolver  150 , a push rod  160 , and a plurality of resilient elements  170 . 
         [0031]    One end  111  of the nozzle  110  may connect to a fluid supply piping (not shown). In this embodiment, the nozzle  110  may serve as a fire-fighting nozzle. 
         [0032]    The light-emitting elements  120  are connected to the nozzle  110 . Specifically, the light-emitting elements  120  may be disposed on the other end  112  of the nozzle  110 . Moreover, the light-emitting elements  120  may be high-brightness LEDs or light bulbs. 
         [0033]    The grip  130  is connected to the nozzle  110 . In this embodiment, the grip  130  is disposed between the end  111  and end  112  of the nozzle  110 . Additionally, the grip  130  comprises an inner threaded portion  131 . 
         [0034]    The turbine generator  140  is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements  120  and comprises a plurality of rotating blades  141 . In this embodiment, the rotating blades  141  may be radial blades, impulse blades, or axial blades. 
         [0035]    The revolver  150  is rotatably and movably connected to the grip  130  and abuts the turbine generator  140  by way of the push rod  160 . Namely, the push rod  160  abuts the revolver  150  and is connected to the turbine generator  140 . Additionally, the revolver  150  comprises an outer threaded portion  151  engaging the inner threaded portion  131  of the grip  130 . Accordingly, by rotation of the revolver  150 , the revolver  150  can move (upward and downward) in the grip  130 , driving the turbine generator  140  to move between the nozzle  110  and the grip  130 . 
         [0036]    The resilient elements  170  are respectively connected between the turbine generator  140  and an inner wall of the grip  130 . In this embodiment, the resilient elements  170  are springs. 
         [0037]    The following description is directed to operation of fire suppression using the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  100 . 
         [0038]    An operator or a firefighter can hold the nozzle  110  and aim a fluid outlet (i.e. the end  112 ) thereof at a fire source or fire scene. A fluid, such as water, flowing through the nozzle  110  can then be spouted to the fire source or fire scene. 
         [0039]    When the fire scene is dark and requires illumination, the operator can rotate the revolver  150  with one hand, enabling the revolver  150  to move (upward) in the grip  130 , and further driving the turbine generator  140  to move (upward) into the nozzle  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . At this point, the rotating blades  141  of the turbine generator  140  are rotated by impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the nozzle  110 , driving the turbine generator  140  to generate electric power. The electric power generated by the turbine generator  140  is transmitted to the light-emitting elements  120  disposed on the fluid outlet (end  112 ) of the nozzle  110 , driving the light-emitting elements  120  to irradiate. Accordingly, illumination can be provided at the fire scene during the fire suppression, thus enhancing safety and convenience of the fire suppression. 
         [0040]    On the other hand, when the illumination for the fire scene is sufficient or the fire scene requires more fluid pressure or amount for fire suppression, the operator can reversely rotate the revolver  150  with one hand, enabling the revolver  150  to move (downward) in the grip  130 , and further driving the turbine generator  140  to move (downward) into the grip  130 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . At this point, the rotating blades  141  of the turbine generator  140  are not subjected to the impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the nozzle  110  any more and thus stop rotating. The turbine generator  140  stops generating the electric power. Accordingly, the fluid pressure in the nozzle  110  is not reduced by obstruction of the turbine generator  140 , such that the amount of the fluid spouted from the fluid outlet (end  112 ) of the nozzle  110  is increased, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the fire suppression. 
         [0041]    Moreover, when the turbine generator  140  moves (upward) into the nozzle  110 , the resilient elements  170  connected between the turbine generator  140  and the inner wall of the grip  130  are stretched to provide elastic tension. When the revolver  150  moves (downward) in the grip  130 , restoring resilience provided by the resilient elements  170  ensures that the turbine generator  140  moves (downward) with the revolver  150 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  200  is applied for fire suppression and comprises a nozzle  210 , a plurality of light-emitting elements  220 , a grip  230 , a turbine generator  240 , a trigger  250 , and a torsion spring  260 . 
         [0043]    One end  211  of the nozzle  210  may connect to a fluid supply piping (not shown). Similarly, the nozzle  210  may serve as a fire-fighting nozzle. 
         [0044]    The light-emitting elements  220  are connected to the nozzle  210 . Specifically, the light-emitting elements  220  may be disposed on the other end  212  of the nozzle  210 . Moreover, the light-emitting elements  220  may be high-brightness LEDs or light bulbs. 
         [0045]    The grip  230  is connected to the nozzle  210 . In this embodiment, the grip  230  is disposed between the end  211  and end  212  of the nozzle  210 . 
         [0046]    The turbine generator  240  is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements  220  and comprises a plurality of rotating blades  241 . Similarly, the rotating blades  241  may be radial blades, impulse blades, or axial blades. 
         [0047]    The trigger  250  is rotatably connected to the grip  230  and is connected to the turbine generator  240 . Accordingly, by turning the trigger  250 , the turbine generator  240  can move between the nozzle  210  and the grip  230 . 
         [0048]    The torsion spring  260  is connected between the trigger  250  and the grip  230 , providing restoring resilience to the trigger  250 . 
         [0049]    The following description is directed to operation of fire suppression using the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  200 . 
         [0050]    An operator or a firefighter can hold the nozzle  210  and aim a fluid outlet (i.e. the end  112 ) thereof at a fire source or fire scene. A fluid, such as water, flowing through the nozzle  210  can then be spouted to the fire source or fire scene. 
         [0051]    When the fire scene is dark and requires illumination, the operator can press or turn the trigger  250  with one hand, enabling the trigger  250  to rotate (clockwise) in the grip  230 , and further driving the turbine generator  240  to move (upward) into the nozzle  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . At this point, the rotating blades  241  of the turbine generator  240  are rotated by impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the nozzle  210 , driving the turbine generator  240  to generate electric power. The electric power generated by the turbine generator  240  is transmitted to the light-emitting elements  220  disposed on the fluid outlet (end  212 ) of the nozzle  210 , driving the light-emitting elements  220  to irradiate. Accordingly, illumination can be provided at the fire scene during the fire suppression, thus enhancing safety and convenience of the fire suppression. Moreover, when the trigger  250  rotates to move the turbine generator  240  (upward) into the nozzle  210 , the torsion spring  260  is compressed, providing restoring resilience. 
         [0052]    On the other hand, when the illumination for the fire scene is sufficient or the fire scene requires more fluid pressure or amount for fire suppression, the operator can release the trigger  250 , enabling the trigger  250  to rotate (counterclockwise) in the grip  230  by the restoring resilience provided by the torsion spring  260 , and further driving the turbine generator  240  to move (downward) into the grip  230 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . At this point, the rotating blades  241  of the turbine generator  240  are not subjected to the impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the nozzle  210  any more and thus stop rotating. The turbine generator  240  stops generating the electric power. Accordingly, the fluid pressure in the nozzle  210  is not reduced by obstruction of the turbine generator  240 , such that the amount of the fluid spouted from the fluid outlet (end  212 ) of the nozzle  210  is increased, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the fire suppression. 
         [0053]    Moreover, in some circumstances, when the pressure of the fluid flowing through the interior of the nozzle  210  is strong enough to overcome the restoring resilience or elastic tension provided by the torsion spring  260 , the turbine generator  240  can be positioned in the nozzle  210  without persistently pressing or turning the trigger  250 , further enhancing the convenience of the fire suppression. When the pressure of the fluid flowing through the interior of the nozzle  210  is reduced or the fluid does not flow through the interior thereof any more, the turbine generator  240  can move (downward) into the grip  230  by the restoring resilience provided by the torsion spring  260 . 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C, an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  300  is applied for fire suppression and comprises a nozzle  310 , a plurality of light-emitting elements  320 , a grip  330 , a turbine generator  340 , a support rod  350 , a fixed tube  360 , a self-rotation shaft  370 , a spring  380 , and a button  390 . 
         [0055]    One end  311  of the nozzle  310  may connect to a fluid supply piping (not shown). Similarly, the nozzle  310  may serve as a fire-fighting nozzle. 
         [0056]    The light-emitting elements  320  are connected to the nozzle  310 . Specifically, the light-emitting elements  320  may be disposed on the other end  312  of the nozzle  310 . Similarly, the light-emitting elements  320  may be high-brightness LEDs or light bulbs. 
         [0057]    The grip  330  is connected to the nozzle  310 . In this embodiment, the grip  330  is disposed between the end  311  and end  312  of the nozzle  310 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , the grip  330  comprises a partition  331 . 
         [0058]    The turbine generator  340  is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements  320  and comprises a plurality of rotating blades  341 . In this embodiment, turbine generator  340  is disposed on the partition  331  of the grip  330 . Similarly, the rotating blades  341  may be radial blades, impulse blades, or axial blades. 
         [0059]    The support rod  350  is fit in the partition  331  of the grip  330  and is connected to the turbine generator  340 . 
         [0060]    The fixed tube  360  is disposed under the partition  331  of the grip  330 . 
         [0061]    The self-rotation shaft  370  is movably disposed in the fixed tube  360  and abuts the support rod  350 . 
         [0062]    The spring  380  is fit on the support rod  350  and is connected between the partition  331  of the grip  330  and the self-rotation shaft  370 . 
         [0063]    The button  390  is connected to the self-rotation shaft  370 , driving the turbine generator  340  to move between the nozzle  310  and the grip  330 . 
         [0064]    The following description is directed to operation of fire suppression using the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  300 . 
         [0065]    An operator or a firefighter can hold the nozzle  310  and aim a fluid outlet (i.e. the end  312 ) thereof at a fire source or fire scene. A fluid, such as water, flowing through the nozzle  310  can then be spouted to the fire source or fire scene. 
         [0066]    When the fire scene is dark and requires illumination, the operator can press the button  390 . Here, as shown in  FIG. 3B , teeth on an end of the button  390  contact four teeth of the self-rotation shaft  370  and push the self-rotation shaft  370  upward. At the same time, the spring  380  is compressed and the support rod  350  and turbine generator  340  are pushed upward. When the button  390  is pressed to a top point, because of an inclined relationship between the teeth, the four teeth of the self-rotation shaft  370  leftward slide down and are obstructed by tooth sliding tracks disposed in the interior of the fixed tube  360 . As the tooth sliding tracks are separated from each other and an obstruction plate is separated from a passage, related mechanisms are obstructed on the top when the button  390  is pressed once. Accordingly, by pressing the button  390 , the turbine generator  340  can move (upward) into the nozzle  310 . At this point, the rotating blades  341  of the turbine generator  340  are rotated by impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the nozzle  310 , driving the turbine generator  340  to generate electric power. The electric power generated by the turbine generator  340  is transmitted to the light-emitting elements  320  disposed on the fluid outlet (end  312 ) of the nozzle  310 , driving the light-emitting elements  320  to irradiate. Accordingly, illumination can be provided at the fire scene during the fire suppression, thus enhancing safety and convenience of the fire suppression. 
         [0067]    On the other hand, when the illumination for the fire scene is sufficient or the fire scene requires more fluid pressure or amount for fire suppression, the operator can again press the button  390  with one hand. Here, the self-rotation shaft  370  slides down into the passage, enabling the turbine generator  340 , support rod  350 , self-rotation shaft  370 , and button  390  to downward return to original positions thereof by restoring resilience provided by the spring  380 . Accordingly, by pressing the button  390  again, the turbine generator  340  can move (downward) into the grip  330 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . At this point, the rotating blades  341  of the turbine generator  340  are not subjected to the impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the nozzle  310  any more and thus stop rotating. The turbine generator  340  stops generating the electric power. Accordingly, the fluid pressure in the nozzle  310  is not reduced by obstruction of the turbine generator  340 , such that the amount of the fluid spouted from the fluid outlet (end  312 ) of the nozzle  310  is increased, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the fire suppression. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , an adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  400  is applied for fire suppression and comprises a first tube  410 , a second tube  420 , a plurality of light-emitting elements  430 , a turbine generator  440 , and a sealing ring  450 . 
         [0069]    The first tube  410  comprises a plurality of retardant plates  411 . In this embodiment, an end  412  of the first tube  410  may connect to a fluid supply piping (not shown). 
         [0070]    The second tube  420  rotatably connects to the first tube  410 . In this embodiment, a central axis of the first tube  410  in the flowing direction of a fluid is aligned with that of the second tube  420  in the flowing direction of the fluid. Moreover, the first tube  410  and second tube  420  may construct a sprinkler. 
         [0071]    The light-emitting elements  430  are connected to the second tube  420 . Specifically, the light-emitting elements  430  may be disposed on an end  421  of the second tube  420 . Moreover, the light-emitting elements  430  may be high-brightness LEDs or light bulbs. 
         [0072]    The turbine generator  440  is disposed in the second tube  420  and is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements  430 . Moreover, the turbine generator  440  comprises a plurality of rotating blades  441  adjacent to and corresponding to the retardant plates  411  of the first tube  410 . Additionally, the rotating blades  441  are selectively covered by the retardant plates  411 . In this embodiment, the rotating blades  441  may be axial blades. 
         [0073]    The sealing ring  450  is disposed between the first tube  410  and the second tube  420 , providing functions of sealing therebetween. 
         [0074]    The following description is directed to operation of fire suppression using the adjustable fluid-driven illumination device  400 . 
         [0075]    An operator or a firefighter can hold the first tube  410  or second tube  420  and aim a fluid outlet (i.e. the end  421 ) of the second tube  420  at a fire source or fire scene. A fluid, such as water, flowing through the first tube  410  and second tube  420  can then be spouted to the fire source or fire scene. 
         [0076]    When the fire scene is dark and requires illumination, the operator can relatively rotate the first tube  410  and second tube  420  to expose the rotating blades  441  of the turbine generator  440  from the retardant plates  411  of the first tube  410 , as shown by the rotating blades  441  depicted by solid lines in  FIG. 4B . At this point, the rotating blades  441  of the turbine generator  440  is rotated by impact of the fluid flowing through the interior of the first tube  410  and second tube  420 , enabling the turbine generator  440  to generate electric power. The electric power generated by the turbine generator  440  is transmitted to the light-emitting elements  430  disposed on the fluid outlet (end  421 ) of the second tube  420 , driving the light-emitting elements  430  to irradiate. Accordingly, illumination can be provided at the fire scene during the fire suppression, thus enhancing safety and convenience of the fire suppression. 
         [0077]    On the other hand, when the illumination for the fire scene is sufficient or the fire scene requires more fluid pressure or amount for fire suppression, the operator can relatively rotate the first tube  410  and second tube  420  before the fluid flows through the first tube  410  and second tube  420  or after the fluid has not been supplied thereinto, enabling the rotating blades  441  of the turbine generator  440  to be covered or obstructed by the retardant plates  411  of the first tube  410 , as shown by the rotating blades  441  depicted by dotted lines in  FIG. 4B . At this point, the rotating blades  441  of the turbine generator  440  are not subjected to the impact of the fluid (water) flowing through the interior of the first tube  410  and second tube  420  any more and thus remain stationary behind the retardant plates  411 . The turbine generator  440  stops generating the electric power. Accordingly, the fluid pressure in the first tube  410  and second tube  420  is not reduced by obstruction of the rotating blades  441 , such that the amount of the fluid spouted from the fluid outlet (end  421 ) of the second tube  420  is increased, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the fire suppression. 
         [0078]    Moreover, the turbine generator  440  is not limited to having two rotating blades  441  and the first tube  410  is not limited to having two retardant plates  411 . Specifically, according to practical application requirements, the turbine generator  440  may have more rotating blades  441  and the first tube  410  may have more corresponding retardant plates  411 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the turbine generator  440  comprises three rotating blades  441  and the first tube  410  comprises three corresponding retardant plates  411 . 
         [0079]    In conclusion, in the disclosed adjustable fluid-driven illumination devices, the turbine generators can be moved into or out of fluid passages of the nozzles or selectively impacted by the fluid flowing through the fluid passages as required. When illumination is required for the fire scene and the fluid pressure is sufficient, the turbine generators can be easily moved into the fluid passages of the nozzles by transfer mechanisms and impacted by the fluid flowing therethrough. The turbine generators can then generate the electric power, driving the light-emitting elements electrically connected thereto to illuminate the fire scene, and further assisting in fire suppression and fire rescuing. On the contrary, when a fire occurs in a bright outdoor place (i.e. the operator does not need assisted illumination), the turbine generators can be easily removed from the fluid passages of the nozzles by the transfer mechanisms and are not impacted by the fluid flowing therethrough. The adjustable fluid-driven illumination devices can then provide original fluid-spouting functions and the fluid pressure is not reduced. Accordingly, the operator can adjustably obtain proper illumination and a fluid source during the unpredictable fire scene using the disclosed adjustable fluid-driven illumination devices, assuring personal and colleague safety and enhancing fire-suppression efficiency. Furthermore, the illumination provided by the disclosed adjustable fluid-driven illumination devices may assists victims in escaping fires. 
         [0080]    While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Technology Category: 2