Water cannon

Abstract

The present invention provides a water cannon that can reliably spray water onto the roofs of cultural heritage structures and other structures, and that can prevent damage and soiling of the walls of cultural heritage structures and other structures due to water spraying when the water pressure is insufficient. [Solution] The water gun 1 according to the present invention comprises a nozzle body 3 having an opening 3a for discharging pressurized water W, a pressure receiving section provided on the flow path of the pressurized water W to receive the flow pressure of the pressurized water W, and a deflector 5 provided near the opening 3a to change the direction of discharge of the pressurized water W discharged from the opening 3a according to the flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section. Until the flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, diffuse discharge is performed with the discharge direction spreading outward, and when the flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches the predetermined pressure, a rod-shaped discharge is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water cannon used for fire prevention of cultural property buildings and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a water cannon has been used as a fire prevention facility for protecting cultural property buildings and the like from fire (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When a fire breaks out in the vicinity, water is sprayed from the water cannon toward the roof of the cultural property building or the like to evenly wet the entire roof, thereby preventing the spread of fire to the cultural property building or the like from flying fire dust and radiant heat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the problems of a water cannon for fire prevention of cultural property structures and the like, taking a pole-type water cannon as an example, it will be described below. FIG. 6 shows a cultural property structure 15 and a conventional water cannon 29 provided in the vicinity thereof. The water cannon 29 has a water cannon main body 19 installed at the upper end of a pole 17 erected on the ground, and a nozzle 31 provided on the water cannon main body 19. The nozzle 31 is set at a water spraying angle so that water is sprayed toward the roof 15a of the cultural property structure 15. The pole 17 also serves as a water supply pipe for supplying pressurized water W to the water cannon 29, and the water cannon 29 sprays water upon receiving the water supply from the pole 17.

[0005] As shown in Figure 6, in order to spray water onto the roof of cultural heritage structure 15, it is necessary to pressurize the water using a pump or the like. However, since the pump is activated and pressurization begins when a fire is detected, it takes a certain amount of time for the water discharge pressure to reach the predetermined pressure. Therefore, immediately after the pump is started, the discharge pressure is insufficient, and the intended discharge distance cannot be achieved. As shown in Figure 7, pressurized water W is discharged towards walls 15b and other surfaces that are not the intended target, potentially damaging or soiling the wall surface or any valuable decorations on it.

[0006] To address the problems described above, conventionally, as shown in Figure 8, the nozzle 31 of the water cannon 29 was kept facing upwards during normal times, and once the water pressure reached a specified value, the nozzle 31 was rotated as shown by the arrow in the figure to spray water towards the roof 15a of the cultural heritage structure 15. In this way, while the water discharge pressure is insufficient, the pressurized water W is released upward, thus preventing the pressurized water W from being discharged towards the wall 15b of the cultural property structure 15.

[0007] However, in the water cannon 29 shown in Figure 8, the nozzle 31 rotates to a predetermined water discharge angle only after the water discharge pressure reaches a specified value after the start of water discharge. Therefore, if debris clogs the rotating part, it may not rotate to the predetermined water discharge angle, and the intended water discharge may not be achieved.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a water cannon that can reliably spray water onto the roofs of cultural heritage structures, and that can prevent damage and soiling of the walls of cultural heritage structures, etc., caused by water being sprayed when the water pressure is insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The water gun according to the present invention comprises a nozzle body having an opening for releasing pressurized water, A pressure receiving unit provided on the flow path of the pressurized water to receive the flow pressure of the pressurized water, A deflector is provided near the opening and changes the direction of discharge of the pressurized water released from the opening in accordance with the flow pressure received by the pressure receiving part, Until the water flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, diffuse discharge is performed with the water discharge direction spreading outward. The invention is characterized in that when the water flow pressure received by the pressure-receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, a stream of water is discharged.

[0010] (2) In addition, in the device described in (1) above, the pressure receiving part is provided so as to be movable within the nozzle body along the water flow path and is connected to the deflector via a connecting member, The direction of discharge of pressurized water is configured to change according to the distance in the nozzle axial direction between the deflector and the opening of the nozzle body. Until the water flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, the deflector is positioned close to the opening, causing diffused water discharge. The present invention is characterized in that when the water pressure received by the pressure-receiving part reaches a predetermined pressure, the pressure-receiving part moves in the direction of the water flow, and as the pressure-receiving part moves, the deflector moves away from the opening, thereby switching from diffuse water discharge to the rod-shaped water discharge.

[0011] (3) Furthermore, in the device described in (1) above, the deflector has an umbrella-shaped portion that can be elastically deformed between an open state and a constricted state, and the umbrella-shaped portion functions as the pressure receiving portion by being positioned so that the surface corresponding to the outer surface of the umbrella faces the opening, Until the flowing water pressure acting on the umbrella-shaped part reaches a predetermined pressure, the umbrella-shaped part remains open while the water is dispersed. The umbrella-shaped portion is characterized in that when the water pressure acting on it reaches a predetermined pressure, the umbrella-shaped portion deforms to narrow due to the water pressure, and the water discharge switches from diffused to rod-shaped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the present invention, diffused water discharge is performed until the flowing water pressure of the pressurized water reaches a predetermined pressure, and when the flowing water pressure reaches the predetermined pressure, it automatically switches to rod-shaped water discharge. Therefore, rod-shaped water discharge is not performed toward the wall surface of a cultural property structure or the like, and damage and contamination of the wall surface can be prevented. Also, the nozzle can be directed toward a cultural property structure or the like even during normal times, and since the nozzle angle is not moved during water discharge, the nozzle angle does not change due to a malfunction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state during diffused water discharge of a water gun according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state during rod-shaped water discharge of a water gun according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the water discharge pattern during diffused water discharge and the water discharge pattern during rod-shaped water discharge. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state during diffused water discharge of a water gun according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state during rod-shaped water discharge of a water gun according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the problems of a conventional water gun (Part 1). [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the problems of a conventional water gun (Part 2). [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the problems of a conventional water gun (Part 3).

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] [Embodiment 1] The water gun 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 3. The water cannon 1 of this embodiment is configured to automatically switch between diffuse water discharge, which spreads outward in accordance with the water discharge pressure, and rod-shaped water discharge, which discharges water in the direction of the nozzle axis. It has a water cannon body 19 installed at the upper end of a pole 17 erected on the ground, and a nozzle 2 provided on the water cannon body 19 (see Figure 3). Since the water cannon body 19 is the same as in conventional models, its description will be omitted, and the internal structure of the nozzle 2 will be described in detail below. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the nozzle 2 comprises a nozzle body 3, a deflector 5, a pressure receiving plate 7 as the pressure receiving part of the present invention, and a connecting rod 9 as a connecting member for connecting the pressure receiving plate 7 and the deflector 5.

[0015] <Nozzle body> The nozzle body 3 is a hollow cylindrical body having a flow path for pressurized water W inside, and has an opening 3a at its tip. When pressurized water W is supplied to the nozzle body 3 via the water cannon body 19, the pressurized water W is discharged from the opening 3a.

[0016] <Deflector> The deflector 5 is provided near the opening 3a and changes the direction of discharge of pressurized water W released from the opening 3a. As will be explained in more detail later, the deflector 5 changes its position relative to the opening 3a in response to the water pressure received by the pressure plate 7, and has the function of switching between diffuse water discharge, in which the water discharge direction spreads outward, and rod-shaped water discharge, in which the water discharge direction is closer to the nozzle axis direction.

[0017] <Pressure plate> The pressure receiving plate 7 is a plate-shaped member having a pressure receiving surface portion 7a that receives the flow pressure of the pressurized water W and a flow path hole 7b that serves as a flow path for the pressurized water W. The pressure receiving plate 7 is provided on the water flow path inside the nozzle body 3 so as to be perpendicular to the direction of water flow.

[0018] <Connecting Rod> The connecting rod 9 is a rod-shaped member arranged on the same axis as the nozzle body 3, with a deflector 5 fixed to the end on the opening 3a side and a pressure receiving plate 7 fixed to the end on the base end side. The connecting rod 9 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of the nozzle axis by a support member 11 fixed inside the nozzle body 3. Specifically, an insertion hole 11a is formed in the central part of the support member 11, and the connecting rod 9 is inserted through the insertion hole 11a. The connecting rod 9 has an enlarged diameter portion 9a formed at a position on the opening 3a side of the support member 11, which is larger in diameter than the diameter of the insertion hole 11a. The enlarged diameter portion 9a contacts the support member 11, acting as a stopper to prevent the connecting rod 9 from moving backward from the contact position. Furthermore, the support member 11 has a flow channel hole 11b that serves as a flow channel for the pressurized water W.

[0019] Furthermore, the support member 11 is not limited to the above example, as long as it can support the connecting rod 9 so that it can move in the axial direction without obstructing the flow of pressurized water W. For example, a support member may be used that consists of an annular portion arranged coaxially with the flow path inside the nozzle body 3, and a plurality of rod-shaped portions arranged radially to connect the outer surface of the annular portion and the inner surface of the nozzle body 3, and a connecting rod 9 may be inserted through the annular portion to support the connecting rod 9.

[0020] A spring 13, such as a coil spring, is provided between the support member 11 and the pressure plate 7. The spring 13 has one end in contact with the support member 11 and the other end in contact with the pressure plate 7, with the connecting rod 9 inserted inside it. The spring 13 is provided to bias the pressure plate 7 in a direction against the water flow, and the pressure plate 7, biased by the spring 13, is restrained when the enlarged diameter portion 9a of the connecting rod 9 comes into contact with the support member 11. The biasing force of the spring 13 and the area of ​​the pressure-receiving surface 7a are set so that the spring 13 compresses when the water flow pressure inside the nozzle body 3 exceeds a predetermined pressure. Under normal conditions, as shown in Figure 1, the enlarged diameter portion 9a abuts against the support member 11, and the pressure receiving plate 7 is held in place. In this state, the deflector 5 is located in the center of the opening 3a.

[0021] The operation of the water cannon 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, during water discharge will be explained below. Here, the water cannon 1 is installed near the cultural heritage structure 15, as shown in Figure 3, and is installed by connecting the flange of the water cannon body 19 to a flange provided at the upper end of a pole 17 erected on the ground. Furthermore, the nozzle angle of the water cannon 1 is adjusted so that when water is discharged at a specified pressure, water is sprayed onto the roof 15a of the cultural heritage structure 15.

[0022] A fire breaks out near the cultural heritage structure 15, and a pump (not shown) is activated to supply pressurized water W to pole 17, which also serves as a water supply pipe. The pressurized water W supplied to pole 17 is then supplied to the nozzle body 3 of nozzle 2 via a flow path formed inside the water cannon body 19.

[0023] In the initial state, the inside of the nozzle body 3 is as shown in Figure 1, and the pressurized water W that flows into the nozzle body 3 passes through the flow path hole 7b of the pressure receiving plate 7 and the flow path hole 11b of the support member 11 towards the opening 3a. At this time, a portion of the pressurized water W flowing through the nozzle body 3 collides with the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the pressure-receiving plate 7, pressing down on the pressure-receiving plate 7. However, immediately after the pump is started, the water pressure is low and less than the biasing force of the spring 13, so the pressure-receiving plate 7 maintains its restrained position.

[0024] The pressurized water W directed toward the opening 3a is released through the gap between the outer edge of the deflector 5 and the inner circumference of the opening 3a. When the pressure receiving plate 7 is in the stationary position, the deflector 5 is in the center of the opening 3a, and the outer edge of the deflector 5 and the inner circumference of the opening 3a are close together, so the gap between them is narrow. Therefore, the pressurized water W released from this gap spreads outward as shown by the solid line in Figure 3, resulting in diffuse discharge. The pressurized water W sprayed from the water cannon 1 is in a mist state and therefore does not reach the wall 15b of the cultural heritage structure 15. Even if it were to reach it due to the wind, it would not damage the wall surface or any decorations on the wall.

[0025] Subsequently, when the flow pressure of the pressurized water W reaches a predetermined pressure (prescribed discharge pressure), the flow pressure received by the pressure receiving plate 7 exceeds the biasing force of the spring 13, causing the spring 13 to compress and the pressure receiving plate 7 to move in the direction of the water flow, as shown in Figure 2. As the pressure plate 7 moves, the connecting rod 9 slides, its tip protruding from the opening 3a, and the deflector 5 moves forward from the opening 3a.

[0026] As the deflector 5 moves forward, the gap between the outer edge of the deflector 5 and the inner circumference of the opening 3a widens, causing the water discharge direction to become closer to the nozzle axis direction. As a result, the water discharge from the water gun 1 switches to a rod-shaped discharge pattern, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. When the system switches to a stream of water, a predetermined amount of pressurized water W reaches the roof 15a of the cultural property structure 15, wetting the roof 15a and protecting it from sparks and other debris flying in from nearby fires.

[0027] After water is discharged, stopping the pump reduces the water pressure, causing the pressure plate 7 to be pushed back to its resting position by the biasing force of the spring 13. Consequently, the deflector 5 also returns to its initial position, switching back to diffused water discharge, after which the water discharge stops.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, diffused water discharge is performed until the water pressure received by the pressure receiving plate 7 reaches a predetermined pressure, and once the water pressure received by the pressure receiving plate 7 reaches the predetermined pressure, it switches to a rod-shaped water discharge. Therefore, a rod-shaped water discharge is not performed towards the wall 15b of the cultural property structure 15. Accordingly, damage to the wall surface of the cultural property structure 15 and any decorations applied to the wall surface can be prevented.

[0029] Furthermore, the switching between diffused water discharge and streamed water discharge, and vice versa, is performed automatically according to the flow pressure of the pressurized water W, so there is no need for manual or electric operation. Therefore, it is particularly suitable when the water cannon 1 is installed at a high place, such as the pole-type water cannon 1 shown in Figure 3, making manual switching operation and installation of electrical equipment difficult. Furthermore, it is low-cost because it does not require a power source.

[0030] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described embodiment 1, an example was given in which a pressure receiving plate 7 was provided as the pressure receiving part. However, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the deflector itself functions as the pressure receiving part. The water cannon 21 of this embodiment, like that of Embodiment 1, is configured to switch between diffused water discharge and rod-shaped water discharge depending on the water discharge pressure, and has a water cannon body 19 and a nozzle 2 (see Figure 3). The difference from Embodiment 1 lies in the internal structure of the nozzle 2, which will be explained in detail below using Figures 4 and 5. Note that components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the water cannon 21 of this embodiment is equipped with a deflector 23 that also functions as a pressure receiving unit according to the present invention.

[0031] Inside the nozzle body 3, a support member 25 and a rod-shaped member 27 are provided to hold the deflector 23 in the center of the opening 3a. The support member 25 is positioned perpendicular to the flow path within the nozzle body 3, and its outer circumference is fixed to the inner wall of the nozzle body 3. One end of a rod-shaped member 27 is fixed to the central part of the support member 25, thereby supporting the rod-shaped member 27 so that it is positioned coaxially with the nozzle body 3. Furthermore, the support member 25 has a flow channel hole 25a that serves as a flow channel for the pressurized water W.

[0032] A deflector 23 is attached to the other end of the rod-shaped member 27, which extends to the vicinity of the opening 3a. In this manner, the rod-shaped member 27 is supported by the support member 25 on the same axis as the nozzle body 3, and the deflector 23 is attached to its tip, thereby holding the deflector 23 in the center of the opening 3a.

[0033] The deflector 23 is made of a flexible material such as rubber, and its tip has an umbrella-shaped portion 23a that can be elastically deformed between an open state and a constricted state. The umbrella-shaped portion 23a functions as a guide surface that changes the direction of travel of the pressurized water W, with the portion corresponding to the outer surface of the umbrella acting as a guide surface. The direction of this guide changes so that it spreads outward as the umbrella opens.

[0034] The umbrella-shaped portion 23a is normally open, and when water discharge begins and the portion corresponding to the outer surface of the umbrella is subjected to the flow pressure of the pressurized water W, it elastically deforms so that the umbrella narrows in proportion to the magnitude of the flow pressure. Specifically, the surface area and elasticity of the outer surface of the umbrella are adjusted so that it closes when the water pressure acting on the part corresponding to the outer surface exceeds a predetermined pressure (a specified water discharge pressure). Therefore, it remains open until the water pressure reaches the predetermined pressure, and then elastically deforms to close when the water pressure exceeds that level.

[0035] The operation of the water cannon 21 of this embodiment, configured as described above, during water discharge will be explained below. Note that the water cannon 21 is installed as shown in Figure 3, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0036] A fire breaks out near the cultural heritage structure 15, and a pump (not shown) is activated to supply pressurized water W to the pole 17. The pressurized water W is supplied to the nozzle body 3 of the nozzle 2 via a flow path formed inside the water cannon body 19.

[0037] In the initial state, the inside of the nozzle body 3 is as shown in Figure 4, and the pressurized water W that flows into the nozzle body 3 passes through the flow path hole 25a of the support member 25 towards the opening 3a. The pressurized water W directed towards the opening 3a collides with the outer surface of the umbrella-shaped portion 23a of the deflector 23, and the umbrella-shaped portion 23a is subjected to the water pressure. However, since the water pressure is low immediately after the pump is started, it maintains its open state without elastic deformation.

[0038] The pressurized water W that reaches the opening 3a is directed outward by the open umbrella-shaped portion 23a, and is discharged from the gap between the outer edge of the umbrella-shaped portion 23a and the inner circumference of the opening 3a. As a result, the water cannon 21 discharges water in a diffused pattern as shown by the solid line in Figure 3.

[0039] Subsequently, when the flow pressure of the pressurized water W reaches a predetermined pressure (specified discharge pressure), that is, when the flow pressure acting on the umbrella-shaped portion 23a reaches a predetermined pressure, the umbrella-shaped portion 23a deforms to narrow due to the flow pressure, as shown in Figure 5. As the umbrella-shaped portion 23a narrows, the gap between the outer edge of the umbrella-shaped portion 23a and the inner circumference of the opening 3a widens, and the direction in which the umbrella-shaped portion 23a guides changes to be closer to the nozzle axis direction. As a result, the water discharge pattern of the water cannon 21 switches to a rod-shaped discharge as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3.

[0040] After water is discharged, stopping the pump reduces the water pressure, causing the umbrella-shaped section 23a to return to its open state due to its elastic force. This switches back to diffused water discharge, after which the water discharge stops.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, diffused water discharge is performed until the water pressure on the umbrella-shaped part 23a reaches a predetermined pressure, and once the water pressure on the umbrella-shaped part 23a reaches the predetermined pressure, it switches to a rod-shaped water discharge. Therefore, similar to Embodiment 1, a rod-shaped water discharge is not performed towards the wall 15b of the cultural property structure 15, and damage to the wall surface and decorations applied to the wall surface can be prevented.

[0042] Furthermore, the switching from diffused water discharge to stream-type water discharge, and from stream-type water discharge to diffused water discharge, is performed automatically according to the water flow pressure inside the nozzle body 3, just as in Embodiment 1, and its effects are as described above.

[0043] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in Embodiments 1 and 2. Other embodiments are also included in the present invention, as long as they are equipped with a pressure receiving section and a deflector, and are configured to automatically switch between diffused water discharge and rod-shaped water discharge according to the flowing water pressure received by the pressure receiving section.

[0044] Another embodiment that enables automatic switching between diffused water discharge and stream-type water discharge is, for example, a double-cylinder structure consisting of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, in which the force of the water flow is used to move the outer cylinder in the direction of water discharge. Specifically, a pressure-receiving section is provided on the outer cylinder, and in the initial state, the deflector is positioned in the center of the opening of the outer cylinder. Furthermore, a path is provided to introduce a portion of the pressurized water into the pressure-receiving section of the outer cylinder. When the water pressure received by the pressure-receiving section exceeds a predetermined level, the outer cylinder moves forward due to that water pressure, causing it to protrude in front of the deflector.

[0045] With this configuration, when the pressure received by the pressure-receiving section falls below the specified pressure, the deflector is positioned in the center of the opening of the outer cylinder, allowing water to be diffused and discharged from the narrow gap between the outer edge of the deflector and the inner circumference of the opening, similar to the example in Figure 1. Then, when the pressure received by the pressure-receiving section reaches the specified pressure, the pressure of the flowing pressurized water causes the outer cylinder to move forward of the deflector, and as a result, the pressurized water is discharged in a direction along the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the discharge switches to a rod-shaped discharge. Thus, the system can be configured such that the outer cylinder protrudes in front of the deflector due to the water pressure, and in this case as well, it is possible to automatically switch between diffused water discharge and rod-shaped water discharge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Water cannon (Embodiment 1) 2 nozzles 3. Nozzle body 3a opening 5 Deflectors 7 Pressure plate 7a Pressure receiving surface 7b Flow channel hole 9 connecting rods 9a Expanded diameter part 11 Support member 11a Through hole 11b Flow channel hole 13 Springs 15 Cultural property structures 15a Roof 15b Wall 17 Paul 19. Water cannon body 21 Water cannon (Embodiment 2) 23 Deflector 23a Umbrella 25 Support member 25a Flow channel hole 27 Rod-shaped member 29. Water cannon (conventional example) 31 Nozzles (Conventional Example) W Pressurized water

Claims

1. A nozzle body having an opening for releasing pressurized water, A pressure receiving unit provided on the flow path of the pressurized water to receive the flow pressure of the pressurized water, A deflector is provided near the opening and changes the direction of discharge of the pressurized water released from the opening in accordance with the water flow pressure received by the pressure receiving part, Until the water flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, diffuse discharge is performed with the water discharge direction spreading outward. A water cannon characterized in that when the water pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, a stream of water is discharged.

2. The pressure receiving section is provided so as to be movable along the water flow path within the nozzle body and is connected to the deflector via a connecting member. The direction of discharge of pressurized water is configured to change according to the distance in the nozzle axial direction between the deflector and the opening of the nozzle body. Until the water flow pressure received by the pressure receiving section reaches a predetermined pressure, the deflector is positioned close to the opening, causing diffused water discharge. The water gun according to claim 1, characterized in that when the water pressure received by the pressure receiving part reaches a predetermined pressure, the pressure receiving part moves in the direction of the water flow, and as the pressure receiving part moves, the deflector moves away from the opening, thereby switching from diffused water discharge to the rod-shaped water discharge.

3. The deflector has an umbrella-shaped portion that can elastically deform between an open state and a constricted state, and the umbrella-shaped portion functions as the pressure-receiving portion by having a surface corresponding to the outer surface of the umbrella face the opening. Until the flowing water pressure acting on the umbrella-shaped part reaches a predetermined pressure, the umbrella-shaped part remains open while the water is dispersed. The water gun according to claim 1, characterized in that when the water pressure acting on the umbrella-shaped part reaches a predetermined pressure, the umbrella-shaped part deforms to narrow due to the water pressure, and the water discharge switches from diffused water discharge to rod-shaped water discharge.

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