Fire fighting equipment and fire fighting method

Abstract

To extinguish a fire by spraying charged liquid particles to a fire extinguishing target area while suppressing / preventing spraying of charged liquid particles to a protection object to which damage caused by water should be avoided.SOLUTION: Fire-fighting equipment for extinguishing a fire occurring in a fire-fighting target area 1 includes a spray head part 10 and a first high voltage power supply part 20 as a spraying part for spraying charged liquid particles charged to a predetermined polarity when a fire occurs in the fire-fighting target area 1. A conductor part 14 and a second high voltage power supply part 22 as an electric field generation part for generating electric charge with the same polarity as the polarity of the electric charge on the charged liquid particles and generating an electric field that prevents charged liquid particles from being sprayed to a protection object 12 in the fire-fighting target area 1 by the electric charge. The electric field generation part may be the one provided with an insulator part and a static electricity generation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system and a fire extinguishing method that extinguish a fire by spraying electrically charged liquid particles. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a fire extinguishing system that extinguishes a fire in a target area such as inside a building by dispersing charged liquid particles generated by charging liquid particles contained in an extinguishing liquid such as extinguishing water or an extinguishing agent to the target area, and the system disperses charged liquid particles to extinguish the fire. In the fire extinguishing system that disperses charged liquid particles, the amount of extinguishing liquid required for extinguishing the fire can be reduced, thereby reducing water damage. This is because the dispersed liquid particles are charged, and therefore the liquid particles have a high adhesion to the target object, which is the source of the fire, due to electrostatic force, thereby obtaining a high extinguishing effect, and at the same time, a high fire prevention effect is obtained by wetting the target object.

[0003] In addition, when a fire occurs, smoke (smoke particles) will also be generated in the area to be extinguished. However, the smoke particles are attracted to and captured by the charged liquid particles dispersed by electrostatic force, so that fire extinguishing equipment that disperses charged liquid particles can achieve a high smoke extinguishing effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-230185 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-183712 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional fire extinguishing equipment that sprays charged liquid particles, even though the amount of extinguishing liquid required to extinguish a fire can be reduced and water damage can be reduced, because the charged liquid particles are sprayed over the entire area to be extinguished, it is unavoidable to spray charged liquid particles over certain protected objects that need to be protected from water damage, such as exhibits and collections such as paintings and statues in art museums, books and documents in libraries, and electrical and electronic devices that must not get wet, such as computers and electrical and electronic products.

[0006] Furthermore, even if firefighters perform firefighting work while making sure to avoid such protected objects, when a fire occurs, the high temperature and thick smoke at the scene make it difficult to check and it is also difficult to extinguish the fire quickly.

[0007] There are also gas-based fire extinguishing systems that do not use extinguishing liquids such as water or extinguishing agents, but use extinguishing gases such as carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas, or halon gas. Gas-based fire extinguishing systems require the formation of a release compartment that includes the area to be extinguished before releasing the extinguishing gas, and in order to ensure the concentration of the extinguishing gas in the area to be extinguished, in the event of a fire, openings including door openings and air conditioning duct openings connecting the inside and outside of the release compartment are closed before the extinguishing gas is released into the release compartment.

[0008] For this reason, necessary conditions for gas-based fire extinguishing equipment include the provision of pressure relief vents and pathways for releasing pressure to prevent the release of extinguishing gas from building up pressure in the release compartment and damaging glass windows, etc., the provision of guidance for evacuating people from the release compartment as there is a risk of suffocation from the released extinguishing gas, and the provision of the ability to emergency stop the release of extinguishing gas in the unlikely event that people are unable to evacuate.

[0009] There are also gas-based fire extinguishing systems that use halon gas, which is said to be able to ensure an oxygen concentration that will extinguish the fire but will not cause suffocation, but as the oxygen concentration can drop due to oxygen consumption caused by a fire in the release compartment, and the halon gas released can change into harmful gases such as HF due to flames and heat, which can have an effect on the human body, it is very important to take people into consideration when using gas-based fire extinguishing systems.For this reason, gas-based fire extinguishing systems are more difficult to handle than fire extinguishing systems that spray extinguishing liquids such as fire water or extinguishing agents, and it is not necessarily the optimal solution to use gas-based fire extinguishing systems in order to avoid the spraying of charged liquid particles on protected objects that need to be protected from water damage.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a fire extinguishing system and a fire extinguishing method that extinguishes a fire by spraying charged liquid particles in an area to be extinguished, while suppressing or preventing the spraying of charged liquid particles to objects to be protected that need to be prevented from suffering water damage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] (Fire extinguishing equipment) The present invention is a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire that has occurred in a fire extinguishing target area, a spraying unit that sprays charged liquid particles charged to a predetermined polarity when a fire occurs in a target area for fire extinguishing; an electric field generating unit that generates an electric charge having the same polarity as the electric charge carried by the charged liquid particles when a fire occurs in the area to be extinguished, and generates an electric field that prevents the charged liquid particles from being dispersed onto a protected object in the area to be extinguished by the electric charge; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0012] (Dispersion of charged liquid particles with fixed charge polarity) The spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles having a fixed charge polarity, either positive or negative.

[0013] (Dispersion of charged liquid particles with switchable charge polarity) the spraying unit sprays the charged liquid particles in a manner that allows the charge polarity to be switched at a predetermined timing; The electric field generating section switches the generated electric field by switching the polarity of the electric charge generated in response to the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles, which is switched at a predetermined timing.

[0014] (Recovery action 1) When the fire extinguishing target area is restored, the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles, and the electric field generating unit stops generating the electric field.

[0015] (Recovery action 2) When the area to be extinguished is restored, the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles, and the electric field generating unit generates an electric charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the smoke particles, and this charge generates an electric field that prevents the smoke particles from adhering to the object to be protected.

[0016] (Configuration 1 of the electric field generating unit) The electric field generating unit is a conductor portion covered with an insulator, the conductor portion being disposed in correspondence with a region in which an electric field is to be generated; a power supply unit that applies a predetermined voltage to the conductor unit to charge the conductor unit so as to generate charges of a predetermined polarity in the conductor unit; Equipped with.

[0017] (Configuration of electric field generating unit 2) The electric field generating unit is an insulating portion disposed in correspondence with a region in which an electric field is to be generated; a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity to charge the insulator unit so as to generate a charge of a predetermined polarity in the insulator unit; Equipped with.

[0018] (Fire extinguishing method) A method for extinguishing a fire that has occurred in a fire extinguishing target area, comprising: In the event of a fire occurring in the area to be extinguished, A spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles that have been charged to a predetermined polarity; The electric field generating unit generates an electric charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles, and this electric charge generates an electric field that prevents the charged liquid particles from being sprayed onto objects to be protected in the area to be extinguished. Effect of the Invention

[0019] (Effectiveness of fire extinguishing equipment) The present invention is a fire extinguishing equipment for extinguishing a fire that has broken out in a target area for extinguishing, and is equipped with a spraying unit that sprays charged liquid particles charged to a predetermined polarity when a fire breaks out in the target area for extinguishing, and an electric field generating unit that generates a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles when a fire breaks out in the target area for extinguishing, and generates an electric field using this charge to prevent the charged liquid particles from being sprayed onto protected objects in the target area for extinguishing.Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the spraying of charged liquid particles onto protected objects that require water damage to be avoided, without interfering with the extinguishing of a fire that has broken out in the target area for extinguishing.

[0020] In addition, since the object to be protected is protected from the charged liquid particles dispersed by the generated electric field, it is possible to protect the object to be protected without completely covering it physically.

[0021] (Effect of spraying charged liquid particles with fixed charge polarity) In addition, since the spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles whose charging polarity is fixed to either positive or negative, it is possible to simplify control over the spraying of the charged liquid particles and the generation of the corresponding electric field.

[0022] (Effect of dispersing charged liquid particles with switchable charging polarity) In addition, the spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles with charge polarity switchable at predetermined timing, and the electric field generating unit switches the generated electric field by switching the polarity of the charge generated in response to the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles, which can be switched at predetermined timing, thereby making it possible to spray charged liquid particles more flexibly and generate a corresponding electric field according to the conditions in the area to be extinguished.

[0023] (Effect of recovery action 1) In addition, when the area to be extinguished is restored, the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles and the electric field generating unit stops generating the electric field, making it possible to simplify the control of the fire extinguishing equipment.

[0024] (Effect of recovery action 2) In addition, when the area to be extinguished is restored, the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles, and the electric field generating unit generates an electric charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the smoke particles, which generates an electric field that prevents the smoke particles from adhering to the protected object, thereby making it possible to protect the protected object from damage caused by smoke remaining in the area to be extinguished after the fire is extinguished.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relating to the fire extinguishing method also provides the same effects as those of the invention relating to the fire extinguishing system described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of a fire extinguishing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the spray head unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a first high-voltage power supply unit together with a spray head unit. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a second high-voltage power supply unit together with a conductor portion. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing, in a flowchart, a control operation by a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the charging gun device together with an insulating portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing, in the form of a flowchart, a control operation by a control unit in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a fire extinguishing system and a fire extinguishing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following preferred embodiments.

[0028] [Basic Concept of the Embodiment] First, a basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a fire extinguishing system that sprays electrically charged liquid particles to extinguish a fire that has broken out in a target area, and other embodiments include a fire extinguishing method implemented by the fire extinguishing system.

[0029] Here, the "area to be extinguished" is a concept including a place or space where fire extinguishing is performed by fire extinguishing equipment, i.e., where charged liquid particles are sprayed, a source of smoke or the like, a source of fire, or a place or space in which these exist, etc. In addition, the "area to be extinguished" is not limited to a partitioned place or space such as a room in a building, but also includes a place or space that is partially open to the outside, such as a gas station.

[0030] In the embodiment, in addition to the spraying section that sprays charged liquid particles charged to a predetermined polarity when a fire breaks out in the area to be extinguished, an electric field generating section is provided.

[0031] Here, "if a fire breaks out in the area to be extinguished" is a concept that includes cases where the fire extinguishing equipment detects by some means that a fire has broken out in the area to be extinguished, and includes cases where, for example, it detects an activation operation by a person who has confirmed the fire at the scene, or where various well-known fire detection means such as smoke detectors and heat detectors are installed at designated positions in the area to be extinguished and a fire is detected using those fire detection means.

[0032] In addition, the "spraying unit" may have any configuration or structure as long as it is capable of spraying charged liquid particles in the area to be extinguished, but includes, for example, a spraying head unit that is provided at a predetermined position in the area to be extinguished and sprays the supplied extinguishing liquid such as extinguishing water or extinguishing agent as charged liquid particles, and a power supply unit that supplies (applies) a predetermined voltage to the spraying head unit so that the spraying head unit can charge the liquid particles contained in the extinguishing liquid to generate charged liquid particles.

[0033] In addition, "charged liquid particles" are liquid particles (microdroplets) contained in extinguishing fluids such as fire-extinguishing water and extinguishing agents that have been electrically charged. For example, in a spray unit equipped with a spray head unit and a power supply unit, the liquid particles are charged using an induction charging method in which a predetermined voltage is applied from the power supply unit to the spray head unit, generating a high electric field in the spray head unit, and the charged liquid particles are generated by passing through this high electric field.

[0034] In addition, "charged liquid particles charged to a predetermined polarity" refers to liquid particles charged to either positive or negative polarity, and is a concept that includes liquid particles that are charged so that the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles changes over time, etc. Note that positively charged particles carry a positive charge, and negatively charged particles carry a negative charge.

[0035] In addition, the term "dispersal" is a concept that may include alternative terms such as release, water discharge, spouting, spraying, etc., based on the meaning of the term.

[0036] Next, the "electric field generating unit" generates an electric charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles, and generates an electric field that prevents the charged liquid particles from being sprayed onto objects to be protected in the fire extinguishing area.

[0037] For this reason, the electric field generating unit generates an electric field using a positive charge when positively charged liquid particles (charged liquid particles carrying a positive charge) are sprayed, and generates an electric field using a negative charge when negatively charged liquid particles (charged liquid particles carrying a negative charge) are sprayed.The repulsive force acting between charges of the same polarity is used to repel the charged liquid particles heading toward the object to be protected away from the object, thereby suppressing and preventing water damage to the object to be protected.

[0038] Here, the "protected object" refers to an object that is to be protected from the charged liquid particles that are sprayed to prevent water damage in the fire extinguishing area, and includes, for example, exhibits and collections such as paintings and statues in art museums, books and documents in libraries, and electrical and electronic devices that must not get wet, such as computers and electrical and electronic products.

[0039] In addition, the "electric field" generated by the electric field generating unit is a concept that includes everything that prevents (suppresses or prevents) the dispersion of charged liquid particles onto objects to be protected in the fire extinguishing area, and the position or area where the electric field (charge) is generated and the configuration or structure of the electric field generating unit for generating it are arbitrary as long as they prevent charged liquid particles from being dispersed onto objects to be protected.

[0040] As an example, the "electric field generating unit" may include a conductor portion covered with an insulator that is disposed in correspondence with an area where an electric field is to be generated, and a power supply unit that applies a predetermined voltage to the conductor portion to charge the conductor portion so as to generate a charge of a predetermined polarity in the conductor portion. In other words, the necessary electric field is generated by applying a voltage to the conductor portion from the power supply unit to give the conductor portion a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles.

[0041] The "electric field generating unit" may include an insulator portion disposed in correspondence with an area in which an electric field is to be generated, and a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity to charge the insulator portion so that a charge of a predetermined polarity is generated in the insulator portion. That is, the necessary electric field is generated by generating static electricity using the static electricity generating unit and applying a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles to the insulator portion. Here, it is preferable that the insulator covering the conductor portion and the insulator portion are flame retardant or non-flammable.

[0042] Next, in the embodiment, there are two spraying methods for spraying the charged liquid particles, and in the first spraying method, the spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles whose charge polarity is fixed to either positive or negative polarity. Here, in the first spraying method, the charge polarity of the sprayed charged liquid particles is fixed, so the fire extinguishing equipment may be configured to be capable of spraying only charged liquid particles charged to either one of the polarities, or may be configured to be capable of selecting the charge polarity of the sprayed charged liquid particles by changing the settings of the fire extinguishing equipment, etc.

[0043] In addition, the second spraying method involves spraying charged liquid particles using a spraying unit that can switch the charge polarity at a predetermined timing, and switching the generated electric field by switching the polarity of the charge generated by the electric field generating unit in response to the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles, which can be switched at a predetermined timing.

[0044] Here, "switchable" means enabling various switching such as manual switching by detecting an operation on an operating unit, automatic switching by detecting a preset condition (switching that does not require human operation), etc., and "predetermined timing" does not mean that the switching timing is limited to one time, but may be multiple times.

[0045] Next, in the embodiment, there are two actions when the area to be extinguished is restored: the first action is that the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles and the electric field generating unit stops generating the electric field, and the second action is that the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles, the electric field generating unit generates a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the smoke particles, and generates an electric field that prevents the smoke particles from adhering to the protected object by the charge. Also, the second action makes it possible to suppress and prevent damage to the protected object caused by smoke remaining in the area to be extinguished after the fire is extinguished.

[0046] Here, "when the fire extinguishing target area is restored" is a concept including the case where the restoration of the fire extinguishing equipment is detected by some means, for example, the case where a restoration operation by a person who confirmed that the fire was extinguished at the scene is detected, and the case where the condition that the fire is extinguished is detected using various known fire detection means such as a smoke detector and a heat detector. Also, "smoke particles" are particles contained in the smoke generated by a fire, etc.

[0047] Specific embodiments are described below. In the specific embodiments described below, a first embodiment is a case in which the spraying unit includes a spraying head unit and a first high-voltage power supply unit (power supply unit), and the electric field generating unit includes a conductor unit and a second high-voltage power supply unit (power supply unit), and a second embodiment is a case in which the spraying unit includes a spraying head unit and a first high-voltage power supply unit (power supply unit), and the electric field generating unit includes an insulator unit and a charging gun device (static electricity generating unit).

[0048] [Specific details of the embodiment] The embodiment of the fire extinguishing system will be described in more detail below. a. First embodiment of fire extinguishing equipment b. Spray head c. First high voltage power supply section d. Second high voltage power supply section e. Operation of fire extinguishing equipment e1. Operation by first control e2. Operation by second control e3. Operation after recovery e4. Control operation by the control unit f. Second embodiment of fire extinguishing equipment f1. Charging gun device f2. Operation of the charging gun device f3. Control operation by the control unit g. Modifications of the present invention

[0049] [a. First embodiment of fire extinguishing equipment] First, a first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system will be described with reference to Fig. 1 showing the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system.

[0050] The first embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment comprises a spray head unit 10 and a first high-voltage power supply unit 20 as a spray unit, a conductor unit 14 and a second high-voltage power supply unit 22 as an electric field generating unit, and also comprises a fire detection unit 16 and a control unit 18.

[0051] The spray head unit 10 is provided in an area 1 to be extinguished, such as inside a building, and sprays charged liquid particles of extinguishing liquid, such as a fire extinguishing agent or fire water, which is charged with either positive or negative polarity, into the area to be extinguished. Note that, although two spray head units 10 are provided on the ceiling surface of the area to be extinguished 1 in Fig. 1, the locations and number of the spray head units 10 are arbitrary and may be provided as appropriate depending on the size of the area to be extinguished 1, etc.

[0052] In addition, a first high-voltage power supply unit 20 is connected to the spray head unit 10 via a high-voltage cable 32, a water source 24 is connected to the spray head unit 10 via a water supply piping 30, and a control unit 18 is connected to an opening / closing valve 26 provided midway between the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 and the water supply piping 30 via a signal line 34.

[0053] The first high voltage power supply unit 20 supplies the spray head unit 10 with a voltage required for charging the liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10. The first high voltage power supply unit 20 will be described in detail later.

[0054] The water source 24 is filled with extinguishing liquid such as a fire extinguishing agent or extinguishing water to be sprayed from the spray head unit 10, and supplies the filled extinguishing liquid to the spray head unit 10 when it is necessary to spray charged liquid particles from the spray head unit 10 in the event of a fire, etc., and is provided with, for example, a fire pump equipment.

[0055] The conductor section 14 generates charges of the same polarity as the charges carried by the charged liquid particles to be sprayed, in order to suppress and prevent the spraying of the charged liquid particles from the spray head section 10 onto the object to be protected 12 where water damage should be avoided. This is because, when the polarity of the charges of the charged liquid particles and the generated charges are the same, a repulsive force acts between the charges of the charged liquid particles and the charge of the conductor section 14, and the charged liquid particles heading toward the object to be protected 12 are repelled by the electric field generated by the charge of the conductor section 14.

[0056] In addition, the position of the conductor 14 relative to the object to be protected 12 (the position where the charge is generated) can be arbitrary as long as it is possible to keep the charged liquid particles heading toward the object to be protected 12 away from the object to be protected 12, but for example, in Fig. 1, the object to be protected 12 is an exhibit such as a painting hung on a wall, and the conductor 14 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the object to be protected 12. In addition, the surface of the conductor 14 is covered with a flame-retardant or non-flammable insulator, for example soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0057] Further, a second high voltage power supply unit 22 is connected to the conductor unit 14 via a high voltage cable 32, and the second high voltage power supply unit 22 is connected to the control unit 18 via a signal line 34.

[0058] The second high-voltage power supply unit 22 supplies (applies) a necessary voltage to the conductor portion 14 to generate charges of the same polarity as the charges carried by the charged liquid particles in the conductor portion 14, thereby charging the conductor portion 14. The second high-voltage power supply unit 22 will be described in detail later.

[0059] The fire detection unit 16 detects a fire occurring in the area to be extinguished 1, and when a fire is detected, transmits a fire detection signal to the control unit 18 via a signal line 34. Here, various known fire detection means such as a smoke detector and a heat detector are applied to the fire detection unit 16. Note that, although one fire detection unit 16 is provided on the ceiling surface of the area to be extinguished 1 in FIG. 1, the location and number of the fire detection units 16 are arbitrary and may be appropriately provided depending on the size of the area to be extinguished 1, etc.

[0060] When a fire breaks out in the extinguishing target area 1, for example when a fire detection signal is received from the fire detection unit 16, the control unit 18 controls the spraying of charged liquid particles from the spraying head unit 10 and generates charges of the same polarity as the charges carried by the charged liquid particles sprayed by the conductor unit 14. The control operation by the control unit 18 will be described later.

[0061] Moreover, an operation unit 28 is connected to the control unit 18 by a signal line 34. Here, any operation can be performed by the operation unit 28, but for example, a start-up operation for operating the fire extinguishing equipment in the same manner as when a fire detection signal is received from the fire detection unit 16, a recovery operation performed when the fire extinguishing activity is completed and restored, and an operation for setting the voltage applied by the first high voltage power supply unit 20 and the second high voltage power supply unit 22 can be performed. The operation unit 28 capable of performing the start-up operation may be provided within the fire extinguishing target area 1, and when a plurality of operation units 28 are provided, the operations performed by each operation unit 28 may be different.

[0062] [b. Spray head section] Next, the spray head will be described. This description will refer to Fig. 2, which shows the structure of the spray head. In Fig. 2, the side where the charged liquid particles are sprayed (spraying side) is the lower side, Fig. 2(A) shows a perspective view of the spray head as seen from the lower side, and Fig. 2(B) shows a cross-sectional view as seen from the side.

[0063] The spray head unit 10 may have any configuration or structure as long as it can spray charged liquid particles, but for example, as shown in Fig. 2, it is made up of a body 1010, a spray nozzle unit 1020, an electrode holder 1030, an induction electrode unit 1040, a water-side electrode unit 1050, and a pipe connection unit 1060. The body 1010, the spray nozzle unit 1020, the electrode holder 1030, and the pipe connection unit 1060 are made of insulating materials.

[0064] The spray head unit 10 is assembled by first fitting the conductive water side electrode unit 1050 from below into a through hole formed inside the body 1010 along the direction of the spray axis 1070, then fitting the pipe connection unit 1060 to the upper side of the water side electrode unit 1050 and fitting the spray nozzle unit 1020 to the lower side of the water side electrode unit 1050, and finally attaching the induction electrode unit 1040 by the electrode holding unit 1030 to the open space below the spray nozzle unit 1020. The configuration and structure of the induction electrode unit 1040 are arbitrary, but for example, it is a ring-shaped one formed by insulating a conductive electrode core material with silicone resin or the like.

[0065] In addition, a water supply pipe 30 is connected to the pipe connection part 1060, and pressurized fire extinguishing liquid is supplied from the water source 24 to the pipe connection part 1060, causing the spray nozzle part 1020 to spray liquid particles having an average particle diameter of, for example, approximately 100 to 300 μm.

[0066] A high-voltage cable 32 is connected to the cable connection 1042 of the induction electrode section 1040 and the electrode connection 1052 of the water-side electrode section 1050, and a predetermined voltage (e.g., a direct current voltage of 10 kV) adjusted within a predetermined adjustment range (e.g., 0.5 kV to 20 kV) within the voltage range capable of charging liquid particles is applied between the induction electrode section 1040 and the water-side electrode section 1050 from the first high-voltage power supply section 20. This applied voltage forms a predetermined external electric field around the ring section of the induction electrode section 1040, and liquid particles sprayed from the spray nozzle section 1020 by the induction charging method are charged as they pass through the ring section of the induction electrode section 1040.

[0067] Here, the predetermined adjustment range may include a voltage range in which the liquid particles cannot be charged, and it is sufficient if the voltage can be adjusted to a predetermined voltage that can charge the liquid particles. Also, the voltage polarity (positive / negative) of the applied voltage is switched by the first high voltage power supply unit 20.

[0068] Regarding the charging of the liquid particles in the spray head unit 10, for example, when a predetermined DC voltage is applied so that the potential of the induction electrode unit 1040 becomes positive with respect to the water side electrode unit 1050 as a reference potential (earth potential, 0V), the liquid particles sprayed from the spray nozzle unit 1020 are negatively charged. Also, when a predetermined DC voltage is applied so that the potential of the induction electrode unit 1040 becomes negative with respect to the water side electrode unit 1050 as a reference potential (earth potential, 0V), the liquid particles sprayed from the spray nozzle unit 1020 are positively charged. Also, when the absolute value of the voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 1040 and the water side electrode unit 1050 is set in the range of, for example, 0.5 kV to 20 kV, the occurrence of spark discharge is prevented, and charged liquid particles are generated while ensuring safety. Hereinafter, a voltage whose potential is positive with respect to the reference voltage may be called a "positive polarity voltage", and a voltage whose potential is negative with respect to the reference voltage may be called a "negative polarity voltage".

[0069] The configuration and structure of the spray head unit 10 are arbitrary and are not limited to the spray head unit 10 shown in Fig. 2, but include any appropriate structure or known structure that can generate liquid particles and charge the generated liquid particles to spray them as charged liquid particles. The voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 1040 and the water side electrode unit 1050 is not limited to a DC voltage, and a pulse voltage, a pulsating voltage, or an AC voltage may be applied.

[0070] [c. First high voltage power supply section] Next, the first high voltage power supply unit will be described with reference to Fig. 3 which shows the configuration of the first high voltage power supply unit together with the spray head unit.

[0071] The first high-voltage power supply unit 20 supplies the voltage required for generating charged liquid particles in the spray head unit 10 to the spray head unit 10 via a high-voltage cable 32, and while the configuration and function thereof are arbitrary, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, it includes a high-voltage variable circuit 2010 that adjusts the voltage to be supplied, and a polarity reversing circuit 2020 that switches the voltage polarity of the voltage to be supplied. In addition, the high-voltage cable 32 has a voltage application cable 3210 that is connected to the induction electrode unit 1040 side, and an earth cable 3220 that is connected to the water side electrode unit 1050 side.

[0072] A voltage application cable 3210 connected to the polarity inversion circuit 2020 of the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 is connected to the induction electrode unit 1040 of each spray head unit 10 via a current limiting resistor 2030, and an earth cable 3220 connected to the polarity inversion circuit 2020 of the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 is connected to the water side electrode unit 1050 of each spray head unit 10, thereby charging the liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10 when a predetermined high voltage is applied between the induction electrode unit 1040 and the water side electrode unit 1050. Here, the voltage application cable 3210 and the earth cable 3220 use a voltage-resistant cable with high insulation, but when only a DC voltage is applied, the positive side cable may be a voltage-resistant cable and the negative side cable may be a normal low-voltage cable.

[0073] The high-voltage variable circuit 2010 adjusts the voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 1040 and the water-side electrode unit 1050 in response to a control signal transmitted from the control unit 18 via the signal line 34, thereby enabling the spray head unit 10 to spray charged liquid particles with a charge suitable for extinguishing a fire. In addition, by lowering the absolute value of the applied voltage to produce charged liquid particles with a reduced charge, it is possible to prevent discharge accidents caused by an increase in the charge that may occur on objects to be extinguished that are easily charged.

[0074] The polarity reversing circuit 2020 switches the voltage polarity of the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2010 in response to a control signal transmitted from the control unit 18 via the signal line 34, thereby switching the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10, and it is possible to spray charged water particles of a charge polarity suitable for fire extinguishing. Note that the voltage polarity is not necessarily switched by the polarity reversing circuit 2020, but is switched as necessary. Furthermore, when the object to be extinguished or the object to be protected from fire is charged or is easily charged, a higher fire extinguishing effect can be expected by spraying charged liquid particles charged with a polarity opposite to the charge polarity.

[0075] [d. Second high voltage power supply section] Next, the second high voltage power supply unit will be described with reference to Fig. 4 which shows the configuration of the second high voltage power supply unit together with the conductor portion.

[0076] The second high-voltage power supply unit 22 supplies (applies) a necessary voltage to the conductor unit 14 via a high-voltage cable 32 to generate charges in the conductor unit 14 that have the same polarity as the charges carried by the charged liquid particles to be sprayed, thereby charging the conductor unit 14, and the configuration and function thereof are arbitrary, but for example, as shown in Fig. 4, it includes a high-voltage variable circuit 2210 that adjusts the voltage to be supplied, and a polarity reversing circuit 2220 that switches the voltage polarity of the voltage to be supplied. In addition, the high-voltage cable 32 is a voltage application cable 3210 that is connected to the conductor unit 14, and an earth cable 3220 that is connected to the earth.

[0077] A voltage application cable 3210 connected to the polarity reversing circuit 2220 of the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 is connected to the conductor portion 14 via a current limiting resistor 2230, and an earth cable 3220 connected to the polarity reversing circuit 2220 of the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 is connected to earth, so that when a predetermined high voltage is applied to the conductor portion 14, a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles to be sprayed is generated in the conductor portion 14.

[0078] The high voltage variable circuit 2210 adjusts the voltage applied to the conductor 14 in response to a control signal transmitted from the control unit 18 via the signal line 34, thereby adjusting the repulsive force (strength of the electric field generated by the charge of the conductor 14) generated between the charge of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10 and the charge of the conductor 14, thereby making it possible to suppress or prevent the spraying of the charged water particles onto the object to be protected 12. Here, the voltage applied to the conductor 14 is arbitrary, but is adjusted so that it is the same as the absolute value of the voltage applied to the spray head unit 10 by the first high voltage power supply unit 20, for example.

[0079] The polarity reversing circuit 2220 switches the voltage polarity of the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2210 in response to a control signal transmitted from the control unit 18 via the signal line 34, thereby making it possible to switch the polarity of the charge generated in the conductor unit 14 in accordance with the switching of the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10. Note that the switching of the voltage polarity by the polarity reversing circuit 2220 is not always performed, but the voltage polarity is switched as necessary.

[0080] [e. Operation of fire extinguishing equipment] Next, the operation of the fire extinguishing system will be described. When a fire breaks out in the fire extinguishing target area 1, the fire is detected by the fire detection unit 16, for example, and a fire detection signal is sent from the fire detection unit 16 to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 then controls the spray head unit 10 to spray charged liquid particles, and generates a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles sprayed by the conductor unit 14. The control unit 18 also performs the same control when a start-up operation is performed by the operation unit 28.

[0081] In order to spray the charged liquid particles from the spray head unit 10, the control unit 18 sends a control signal via signal line 34 to the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 and an on-off valve 26 provided in the middle of the water supply piping 30, and performs control by sending a control signal via signal line 34 to the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 in order to generate a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles sprayed by the conductor unit 14.

[0082] Here, the control by the control unit 18 is arbitrary as long as it can cause the spray head unit 10 to spray the charged liquid particles and generate a charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles sprayed by the conductor unit 14, but there are, for example, first and second controls as the control by the control unit 18. In the first control, the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles is fixed while the charged liquid particles are sprayed from the spray head unit 10, and in the second control, the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles is switchably operated while the charged liquid particles are sprayed from the spray head unit 10.

[0083] (e1. Operation by first control) First, the operation of the fire extinguishing system under the first control will be described. In this description, the case where the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles is fixed to negative while the charged liquid particles are sprayed from the spray head unit 10 will be described.

[0084] The control unit 18 controls the on-off valve 26 by opening the on-off valve 26 and supplying the fire-extinguishing liquid from the water source 24 to the spray head unit 10.

[0085] The control unit 18 controls the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 by, first, causing the high-voltage variable circuit 2010 to output a set predetermined voltage, and, second, causing the polarity reversal circuit 2020 to switch the voltage polarity of the voltage output from the high-voltage variable circuit 2010 when it is necessary to switch the voltage polarity.

[0086] Here, in order to make the charged liquid particles have a negative polarity, it is necessary to apply to the spray head unit 10 a voltage (positive polarity voltage) that makes the potential of the induction electrode unit 1040 of the spray head unit 10 positive, with the water side electrode unit 1050 of the spray head unit 10 at a reference potential (earth potential, 0 V).

[0087] Therefore, when the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2010 is set to a voltage of positive polarity, the polarity reversing circuit 2020 is controlled not to switch the voltage polarity, and when the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2010 is set to a voltage of negative polarity, the polarity reversing circuit 2020 is controlled to switch the voltage polarity.

[0088] The control unit 18 controls the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 by, first, causing the high-voltage variable circuit 2210 to output a set predetermined voltage, and, second, causing the polarity reversal circuit 2220 to switch the voltage polarity of the voltage output from the high-voltage variable circuit 2210 when it is necessary to switch the voltage polarity.

[0089] Here, since the charged polarity of the charged liquid particles is negative, the polarity of the charge generated in the conductor portion 14 is negative, and it is necessary to apply a voltage (a voltage of negative polarity) to the conductor portion 14 such that the potential of the conductor portion 14 becomes negative with respect to the earth potential.

[0090] Therefore, when the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2210 is set to a voltage of positive polarity, the polarity reversing circuit 2220 is controlled to switch the voltage polarity, and when the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2210 is set to a voltage of negative polarity, the polarity reversing circuit 2220 is controlled not to switch the voltage polarity.

[0091] Furthermore, the control by the control unit 18 of the on-off valve 26, the control of the first high voltage power supply unit 20, and the control of the second high voltage power supply unit 22 are performed at the same timing, but it is not necessary to completely match the processing timing by parallel processing or the like, and the processing may be performed in any order by forming a sequence.

[0092] In addition, when it is necessary to switch the voltage polarity, the polarity reversing circuit 2020 of the first high voltage power supply unit 20 and the polarity reversing circuit 2220 of the second high voltage power supply unit 22 may operate to adjust the voltage to the opposite voltage polarity to the voltage polarity currently being output to the high voltage variable circuits 2010, 2210, without switching the polarity by themselves.

[0093] (e2. Operation by second control) Next, the operation of the fire extinguishing equipment under the second control will be described. In this explanation, the case where the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10 is initially set to negative will be described. Note that here, the operation related to switching the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles, which is different from that under the first control, will be explained, and other operations are basically the same as those under the first control, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The second control by the control unit 18 makes it possible to switch the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles while the charged liquid particles are being sprayed from the spray head unit 10, and this switching includes both manual switching by operating the operation unit 28, etc., and automatic switching (switching that does not require human work) based on conditions, etc., previously set in the control unit 18. In addition, the condition for automatic switching is not necessarily limited to the number of switchings being once, and includes, for example, switching repeatedly at a predetermined period, switching the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10 to positive or negative, and switching the polarity of the charge generated by the conductor unit 14 accordingly.

[0095] For example, when switching the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10 from initially set negative to positive, the control unit 18 controls the voltage applied from the first high voltage power supply unit 20 to the spray head unit 10 to be switched from a positive voltage to a negative voltage, and controls the voltage applied from the second high voltage power supply unit 22 to the conductor unit 14 to be switched from a negative voltage to a positive voltage. Here, in order to switch the voltage polarity of the voltages applied by the first high voltage power supply unit 20 and the second high voltage power supply unit 22, control may be performed so as to switch the voltage polarity of the voltages output from the high voltage variable circuits 2010, 2210, or control may be performed so as to adjust by switching the voltage polarity by the polarity reversing circuits 2020, 2220.

[0096] (e3. Operation after recovery) Next, the operation of the fire extinguishing equipment after restoration will be described. When the control unit 18 detects that the fire in the fire extinguishing target area 1 has been extinguished by an operator or the like and a restoration operation has been performed by the operation unit 28, the control unit 18 closes the on-off valve 26 and stops the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2010 of the first high voltage power supply unit 20 and the high voltage variable circuit 2210 of the second high voltage power supply unit 22.

[0097] As another control, the control unit 18 may close the on-off valve 26 to stop the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2010 of the first high voltage power supply unit 20, but may continue the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 2210 of the second high voltage power supply unit 22. This is because smoke may remain in the fire extinguishing target area 1 even after the fire has been extinguished, and the remaining smoke (smoke particles) is suppressed and prevented from adhering to the protected object 12.

[0098] Smoke (smoke particles), like the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10, is charged with a certain polarity, and by generating an electric charge in the conductor unit 14 that has the same polarity as the charge carried by the smoke (smoke particles), a repulsive force acts between the charge of the smoke (smoke particles) and the charge of the conductor unit 14, just like in the case of charged liquid particles, and the smoke (smoke particles) can be moved away from the object to be protected 12.

[0099] In addition, in order to ensure that the polarity of the charge generated in the conductor portion 14 is appropriate, it is possible to detect the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles) remaining in the extinguishing target area 1.For example, a charge detector that detects the charge polarity of a fine particle mixture containing smoke particles, etc., as disclosed by the inventor of the present invention in Patent Application No. 2021-139693 (Patent Publication No. 2023-033790), can be added to the fire extinguishing equipment to make it possible to detect the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles) present in the area near the protected object 12, and the control unit 18 can control the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 to generate a charge in the conductor portion 14 that has the same polarity as the charge polarity detected by the charge detector.

[0100] In addition, the application of voltage by the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 can be stopped at any timing, for example, when the charge detector can no longer detect the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), i.e., when it can be presumed that no smoke is accumulating or that almost no smoke is accumulating, or when a preset time has elapsed, etc., so that the generation of charge in the conductor unit 14 stops.

[0101] (e4. Control operation by the control unit) Next, an example of a control operation by the control unit will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0102] The control unit 18 normally judges whether or not a fire detection signal is received, which is transmitted when the fire detection unit 16 detects a fire, and when a fire detection signal is received, the control unit 18 operates the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 to apply a voltage corresponding to the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles to be sprayed to the spray head unit 10, operates the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 to apply a voltage required for generating in the conductor unit 14 a charge having the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles to be sprayed, and further opens the opening / closing valve 26 to supply fire extinguishing liquid from the water source 24 to the spray head unit 10 (steps S1 to S4). If the control unit 18 does not receive a fire detection signal, the process returns to before step S1.

[0103] Next, the control unit 18 detects and determines whether the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles has been switched, and if it detects a switch in charge polarity, it switches the voltage polarity of the voltage applied by the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 and the voltage polarity of the voltage applied by the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 (steps S5 to S7). If the control unit 18 does not detect a switch in charge polarity of the charged liquid particles, the process proceeds to step S8 without performing steps S6 to S7.

[0104] Moreover, since the processes in steps S5 to S7 are operations based on the second control described above, if the first control is selected as the control of the control unit 18, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S8 without performing the processes.

[0105] Next, the control unit 18 performs a detection and determination of recovery, and if recovery is detected, closes the on-off valve 26 and stops the voltage application by the first high voltage power supply unit 20 to stop the spraying of the charged liquid particles (steps S8 to S10). Note that if the control unit 18 does not detect recovery, the process returns to before step S5.

[0106] Next, the control unit 18 detects and determines the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), detects the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), and if the conductor unit 14 generates a charge with a polarity opposite to the detected charge polarity, switches the voltage polarity of the voltage applied by the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 (steps S11 to S13). Note that if the charge unit 14 generates a charge with the same polarity as the detected charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), the control unit 18 maintains that state.

[0107] Then, if the charged polarity of the smoke (smoke particles) is not detected, that is, if it can be assumed that there is no smoke accumulating or that there is almost no smoke accumulating, the voltage application by the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 is stopped and the process returns to before step S1 (steps S11, S14).

[0108] In addition, if the control unit 18 selects control such that, when recovery is detected, the voltage application by the second high-voltage power supply unit 22 is stopped in conjunction with the closing operation of the on-off valve 26 and the stopping of the voltage application by the first high-voltage power supply unit 20, then the process proceeds to step S14 after step S10 without performing steps S11 to S13.

[0109] [f. Second embodiment of fire extinguishing equipment] Next, a second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an insulator section 40 and a charging gun device 42 as an electric field generating section instead of the conductor section 14 and the second high voltage power supply section 22. Since the configuration other than the electric field generating section is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] (f1. Charging gun device) First, the charging gun device will be described with reference to Fig. 7 which shows the configuration of the charging gun device together with the insulating portion.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 7, the charging gun device 42 includes a charging gun controller 4210 , a positive charging gun 4220 , a negative charging gun 4230 , and a switch 4240 .

[0112] The charging gun controller 4210 controls the operation of each of the positive charging gun 4220, the negative charging gun 4230, and the switch 4240 based on a control signal from the control unit 18 via a signal line 34. Although the positive charging gun 4220, the negative charging gun 4230, and the switch 4240 are each controlled via the charging gun controller 4210, they may also be controlled directly by the control unit 18.

[0113] The positive charging gun 4220 generates static electricity to generate a positive charge on the insulator section 40, and based on the control of the charging gun controller 4210, generates positive ions by corona discharge from the electrode section at the tip that is directed toward the insulator section 40, thereby positively charging the insulator section 40. Similarly, the negative charging gun 4230 generates static electricity to generate a negative charge on the insulator section 40, and based on the control of the charging gun controller 4210, generates negative ions by corona discharge from the electrode section at the tip that is directed toward the insulator section 40, thereby negatively charging the insulator section 40.

[0114] Here, the voltage applied by the charging gun controller 4210 to the electrode portions of the positive charging gun 4220 and the negative charging gun 4230 is arbitrary, but similar to the voltage applied from the first high voltage power supply unit 20 to the spray head unit 10, a predetermined voltage (e.g., a DC voltage of 10 kV) adjusted within a predetermined adjustment range (e.g., a maximum of 25 kV) is applied.

[0115] The position of the insulator part 40 (the position where the charge is generated) is arbitrary, but for example, it is provided so as to surround the periphery of the object to be protected 12 similar to the conductor part 14 of the first embodiment. If the case, gauge, or the like of the object to be protected 12 is an insulator, the case or gauge can be used as the insulator part 40, and it is desirable that the insulator part 40 be a flame-retardant or non-flammable insulator.

[0116] The switch 4240 is used to switch the connection state between the insulator section 40 and the earth, and based on the control of the charging gun controller 4210, connects the insulator section 40 to the earth when it is desired to remove the charge generated in the insulator section 40, and disconnects the insulator section 40 from the earth in other cases.

[0117] (f2. Operation of the charging gun device) Next, the operation of the charging gun device will be described. Note that the operations of the release valve 26 and the first high voltage power supply unit 20 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] First, while the charged liquid particles are being sprayed from the spray head unit 10, as an operation under the first control for fixing the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles, if the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles is fixed to negative, for example, the polarity of the charge generated in the insulator unit 40 is negative, the same as the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles, so that the control unit 18 controls the charging gun device 42 to operate the negative charging gun 4230 and charge the insulator unit 40 negatively.

[0119] Next, while the charged liquid particles are being sprayed from the spray head unit 10, as an operation under the second control for switching the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles, for example, when switching the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles sprayed from the spray head unit 10 from the initially set negative to positive, the control unit 18 controls the charging gun device 42 to switch from operation of the negative charging gun 4230 to operation of the positive charging gun 4220.

[0120] Here, when switching from the operation of negative charging gun 4230 to the operation of positive charging gun 4220, since insulator section 40 is negatively charged, switch 4240 is operated to connect insulator section 40 to earth and remove the negative charge generated in insulator section 40, and then switch 4240 is operated again to disconnect insulator section 40 from earth, and then positive charging gun 4220 is operated to charge insulator section 40 positively.

[0121] Next, as an operation after detecting recovery, the control unit 18 stops the operation of the positive charging gun 4220 or the negative charging gun 4230 that is in operation in the charging gun device 42, in conjunction with the closing operation of the on-off valve 26 and the cessation of voltage application by the first high-voltage power supply unit 20, and operates the switch 4240 to connect the insulator unit 40 to earth to remove the charge, and then operates the switch 4240 again to disconnect the insulator unit 40 from earth.

[0122] As another control, the control unit 18 closes the on-off valve 26 and stops the voltage output from the first high-voltage power supply unit 20, but in order to suppress and prevent the stagnant smoke (smoke particles) from adhering to the protected object 12, the insulator unit 40 may be configured to generate an electric charge of the same polarity as the electric charge carried by the smoke (smoke particles).

[0123] (f3. Control operation by the control unit) Next, an example of a control operation by the control unit will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 8 which shows the control operation by the control unit in the second embodiment.

[0124] During normal monitoring, the control unit 18 judges whether or not a fire detection signal is received, which is transmitted when the fire detection unit 16 detects a fire. When the control unit 18 receives a fire detection signal, it operates the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 to apply a voltage corresponding to the charge polarity of the charged liquid particles to be sprayed to the spray head unit 10, operates either the positive charging gun 4220 or the negative charging gun 4230 of the charging gun device 42 to generate a charge in the insulator unit 40 that has the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles to be sprayed, and further opens the opening / closing valve 26 to supply fire extinguishing liquid from the water source 24 to the spray head unit 10 (steps S21 to S24). If the control unit 18 does not receive a fire detection signal, the process returns to before step S21.

[0125] Next, the control unit 18 detects and determines whether the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles has been switched, and if it detects a switch in charging polarity, it operates the switch 4240 to connect or disconnect the insulator unit 40 to the earth, and then switches the voltage polarity of the voltage applied by the first high-voltage power supply unit 20 and the charging gun to be operated by the charging gun device 42 (steps S25 to S28). Note that if the control unit 18 does not detect a switch in charging polarity, the process proceeds to step S29 without performing the processes of steps S26 to S28.

[0126] Moreover, since the processes in steps S25 to S28 are operations based on the second control described above, if the first control is selected as the control of the control unit 18, these processes are not performed, and the process proceeds to step S29 after step S24.

[0127] Next, the control unit 18 performs a detection and determination of recovery, and if recovery is detected, closes the on-off valve 26 and stops the voltage application by the first high voltage power supply unit 20 to stop the spraying of the charged liquid particles (steps S29 to S31). Note that if the control unit 18 does not detect recovery, the process returns to before step S25.

[0128] Next, the control unit 18 detects and determines the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), and when it detects the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), and the insulator unit 40 generates a charge with a polarity opposite to the detected charge polarity, it operates the switch 4240 to connect and disconnect the insulator unit 40 to and from the earth, and then switches the charging gun to be operated by the charging gun device 42 (steps S32 to S35). Note that when the insulator unit 40 generates a charge with the same polarity as the detected charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles), the control unit 18 maintains that state.

[0129] Then, if the charge polarity of the smoke (smoke particles) is not detected, that is, if it can be assumed that no smoke is accumulating or that almost no smoke is accumulating, the operation of the charging gun device 42 that is in operation is stopped, and the switch 4240 is operated to disconnect the insulating portion 40 from the earth, and the process returns to before step S21 (steps S32, S36 to S37).

[0130] In addition, if the control unit 18 selects a control in which, when recovery is detected, the operation of the operating charging gun of the charging gun device 42 is stopped in accordance with the closing operation of the on-off valve 26 and the stopping of voltage application by the first high-voltage power supply unit 20, and the switch 4240 is operated to connect and disconnect the insulator unit 40 to and from earth, then the processing proceeds to step S36 after step S31 without performing the processing of steps S32 to S35.

[0131] [g. Modifications of the present invention] Modifications of the fire extinguishing system according to the present invention will now be described. In addition to the above-described embodiment, the fire extinguishing system according to the present invention includes the following modifications.

[0132] (Static electricity generating part) In the fire extinguishing equipment of the second embodiment described above, a charging gun device is provided as a static electricity generating unit, but the static electricity generating unit is not limited to a charging gun device and may be provided with a generator capable of generating static electricity, such as a Van de Graaff generator, a Wimshurst generator, a die rod generator, an EHD generator, an EGD generator, or a normal capacitor.

[0133] (Measures against smoke damage) In the fire extinguishing equipment of the above embodiment, an electric charge is generated in the conductor portion 14 or the insulator portion 40 after restoration to suppress or prevent smoke (smoke particles) from adhering to the protected object 12, but a conductor portion or insulator portion for suppressing or preventing contamination damage caused by the smoke (smoke particles) may be provided separately from the conductor portion 14 or insulator portion 40 for suppressing or preventing water damage caused by charged liquid particles.

[0134] In addition, as a method of suppressing / preventing smoke (smoke particles) from adhering to the object to be protected 12, another conductor or insulator may be provided at a position away from the object to be protected 12, and a charge of the opposite polarity to the charge carried by the smoke may be generated in the other conductor or insulator, and the smoke (smoke particles) may be attracted to the other conductor or insulator by electrostatic force, thereby keeping the smoke (smoke particles) away from the object to be protected 12 and suppressing / preventing the smoke (smoke particles) from adhering to the object to be protected 12.

[0135] (others) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages of the present invention, and is not limited to the numerical values ​​shown in the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1: Firefighting target area 10: Spray head 1010: Body 1020: Spray nozzle part 1030: Electrode holding part 1040: Induction electrode part 1042: Cable connection part 1050: Water side electrode part 1052: Cable connection part 1060: Pipe connection 1070:Scatter axis 12: Protected objects 14: Conductor 16: Fire detection section 18: Control unit 20: First high voltage power supply section 2010: High voltage variable circuit 2020: Reversing circuit 2030: Current limiting resistor 22: Second high voltage power supply section 2210: High voltage variable circuit 2220: Reversing circuit 2230: Current limiting resistor 24: Water source 26:Shutdown valve 28:Operation unit 30: Water supply pipe 32: High voltage cable 3210: Voltage application cable 3220: Earth cable 34: Signal line 40: Insulation section 42: Charging gun device 4210: Charging gun controller 4220: Charging gun for plus 4230: Negative charge gun 4240: Switch

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire that has occurred in a fire extinguishing area, a spraying unit that sprays charged liquid particles that are charged to a predetermined polarity when a fire occurs in the fire extinguishing target area; an electric field generating unit that generates an electric charge having the same polarity as the electric charge carried by the charged liquid particles when a fire breaks out in the area to be extinguished, and generates an electric field by the electric charge that prevents the charged liquid particles from being dispersed onto a protected object in the area to be extinguished; A fire extinguishing system comprising:

2. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, The fire extinguishing system is characterized in that the spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles having a fixed charge polarity, either positive or negative.

3. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, the spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles in a manner that allows charging polarity to be switched at a predetermined timing; The fire extinguishing equipment is characterized in that the electric field generating unit switches the generated electric field by switching the polarity of the charge generated in response to the charging polarity of the charged liquid particles, which is switched at the predetermined timing.

4. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, When the area to be extinguished is restored, the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles and the electric field generating unit stops generating the electric field.

5. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, When the area to be extinguished is restored, the spraying unit stops spraying the charged liquid particles, and the electric field generating unit generates an electric charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the smoke particles, and generates an electric field using the electric charge to prevent the smoke particles from adhering to the object to be protected.

6. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, The electric field generating unit is a conductor portion that is disposed in correspondence with a region in which the electric field is generated and is covered with an insulator; a power supply unit that applies a predetermined voltage to the conductor portion to charge the conductor portion so as to generate charges of a predetermined polarity in the conductor portion; A fire extinguishing system comprising:

7. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, The electric field generating unit is an insulating portion disposed in correspondence with a region in which the electric field is generated; a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity to charge the insulating unit so as to generate a charge of a predetermined polarity in the insulating unit; A fire extinguishing system comprising:

8. A method for extinguishing a fire that has occurred in a fire extinguishing target area, comprising: In the event of a fire occurring in the fire extinguishing area, A spraying unit sprays charged liquid particles that have been charged to a predetermined polarity; A fire extinguishing method characterized in that the electric field generating unit generates an electric charge of the same polarity as the charge carried by the charged liquid particles, and the electric field is generated using the electric charge to prevent the charged liquid particles from being sprayed onto a protected object in the fire extinguishing area.

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