Fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing methods

Abstract

To enable the high fire extinguishing performance to be secured by efficiently inputting charged water particles from the outside of a building where fire occurs.SOLUTION: A spray air stream releasing part 10 is provided on a ladder tip or the like of a fire engine with a ladder and releases charged fine spray air streams 12 containing charged water particles in the air stream to a fire extinguishing object or fire prevention object. Water for fire extinguishing is supplied from a fire-extinguishing agent supply part 16 of the fire engine with a ladder to the spray air stream releasing part 10, and the high voltage for generating the charged water particles is supplied from a high voltage power supply part 18 to the spray air stream releasing part 10. A release direction adjustment part adjusts the release direction of the charged fine spray air streams 12 by the spray air stream releasing part 10 in the vertical direction and longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing device and a fire extinguishing method that extinguish a fire by emitting a fine spray airflow containing charged water particles from the tip of the ladder of a ladder fire engine or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a fire breaks out in a building such as an apartment building or office building that is not equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system such as a sprinkler system, if the fire cannot be put out initially using a fire extinguisher or fire hydrant, a fire brigade is dispatched to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading.

[0003] At this time, if the fire and thick smoke are intense, there are no people believed to need rescue, and the fire compartment is secure, the fire brigade will not enter the fire compartment.If the fire compartment has an exterior wall opening such as a window, they will spray water to wet and cool areas that may be subject to fire spread or thermal destruction due to flames or heat radiation from the opening in order to prevent the fire from spreading.

[0004] However, when spraying firewater from a nozzle into a fire compartment from an exterior wall opening, the source of the fire is often not visible, and it may not be possible to aim properly. Also, for example, in the case of a fire in an apartment building, if there is a residential area or commercial facility on the floor below the fire compartment, spraying a large amount of water into the fire compartment will cause the water to flow to the floors below, causing significant water damage.

[0005] If water spraying is effective in extinguishing the fire, it is unavoidable, but we want to avoid the damage caused by water damage caused by spraying too much water indiscriminately. Therefore, spraying water into a fire compartment from an exterior wall opening is often not actively carried out if it is difficult to identify the source of the fire due to thick smoke and it is not possible to properly aim. As a result, fire response tactics often have to focus on spraying water to prevent the fire from spreading outside the fire compartment and to prevent thermal destruction of the fire doors, walls, and windows that form the fire compartment, while minimizing water spraying inside the fire compartment to extinguish the fire, and waiting for the fire to die down as it burns out.

[0006] When such firefighting tactics are adopted, not only does the damage to the burned materials increase, but the fire continues to burn for a long time and the combustion chamber becomes very hot, causing significant damage to the building structure, even in fire-resistant buildings known as Class 8 buildings, where firefighting equipment installation standards are applied to each building, such as apartment buildings, and there is also the problem of significant damage from thick smoke.

[0007] To solve this problem, fire brigades have traditionally used fine spray fire extinguishing devices that emit fine spray water particles, and charged fine spray fire extinguishing devices that emit charged fine spray water particles, in place of the rod-shaped water spray from the pipe guns (water nozzles) that are mainly used by fire brigades.These devices can efficiently extinguish fires with small amounts of water, and are expected to reduce water damage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-106405 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-183712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, while conventional fine spray fire extinguishing devices are often thought to be highly efficient at extinguishing fires despite using a small amount of water, causing minimal water damage, in reality, their fire extinguishing capabilities are low and they are often unable to extinguish fires. The reason for this is that fine spray water particles, with diameters of several tens to several hundred microns, lose speed due to air resistance immediately after being released, resulting in a short range and preventing them from reaching the fire source with sufficient impact speed. Furthermore, the presence of strong updrafts near the fire source causes the fine spray water particles to be blown away, and only a small number of fine spray water particles reach the fire source.

[0010] In addition, because the burning surface of a fire source is hot, under conditions such as the surface of embers, the gas near the boundary of the burning surface is in intense molecular motion due to the high temperature, and the finely sprayed water particles, which have already stalled, have low momentum and are unable to break through the region of intense molecular motion and are repelled. The space near the boundary of the burning surface where gas is in intense molecular motion is called a dust-free space, and to break through this dust-free space, a certain degree of particle size and velocity, or momentum, is required; water particles with a particle size of millimeters, as seen in sprinkler systems, are ideal. For these reasons, it is not expected that the finely sprayed water particles will sufficiently wet the hot surface when they hit it.

[0011] Also, there is a misconception that the fine spray water particles evaporate when heated in the space near the burning surface, with most of them turning into water vapor, and that this lowers the ambient temperature due to the heat of vaporization, and that the resulting decrease in oxygen concentration weakens the fire, but this is incorrect. In fact, the specific gravity of the water vapor generated is only about 60% that of air, so the water vapor rises due to buoyancy, accelerating the updraft near the fire source, and this convection can introduce fresh air into the fire source, fueling the fire instead. For this reason, although fine spray fire extinguishing devices may have the advantage of reducing water damage, they have the problem of being extremely poor in terms of their essential fire extinguishing and fire suppression performance.

[0012] Furthermore, in conventional charged fine spray fire extinguishing devices, the charged fine spray water particles sprayed from the head are able to penetrate the dust-free space near the boundary of the burning surface where gas molecules are moving violently due to electrostatic attraction, but as the fine spray water particles have the same polarity, they repel each other immediately after being released from the charged fine spray head, instantly spreading in all directions and failing to form a fine spray flow, meaning that the device cannot even reach the vicinity of the fire source, which is some distance away.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguishing device and a fire extinguishing method that can efficiently inject charged water particles toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention, thereby ensuring high fire extinguishing performance and fire suppression performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] (Fire extinguishing system 1) The present invention is a fire extinguisher characterized in that it emits a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in the airflow toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention.

[0015] (Fire extinguishing system 2) The present invention provides a fire extinguishing device, a spray airflow discharge unit that discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in an airflow toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit; a high-voltage power supply unit that supplies a high voltage for generating charged water particles to the spray airflow discharge unit; a discharge direction adjusting unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow from the spray airflow discharge unit; The present invention is characterized in that:

[0016] (Spray airflow discharge part) The spray airflow discharge section is a blower that generates an air flow; a charged fine spray head that sprays charged water particles into the airflow generated by the air blower and causes the charged water particles to be contained therein; Equipped with.

[0017] (Adjustment of applied voltage and polarity switching) The high-voltage power supply section is a voltage adjusting unit that adjusts the voltage applied to the charged fine spray head according to the fire extinguishing or fire prevention target; a polarity switching unit that switches the polarity of the voltage applied to the charged fine spray head according to the fire extinguishing target or the fire prevention target; Equipped with.

[0018] (Emission direction adjustment part) The emission direction adjustment unit is a vertical direction adjusting unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the vertical direction; a left-right direction adjustment unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the left-right direction; Equipped with The rotation axis of the vertical direction adjustment portion and the rotation axis of the horizontal direction adjustment portion are disposed at predetermined positions on the tip side of the center of gravity of the spray air current discharge portion.

[0019] (Fire engine equipped with fire extinguishing equipment) The spray airflow discharge section is provided at the ladder tip of a ladder fire engine, at the aerial work platform of an aerial work fire engine, or at the boom tip of a boom-equipped fire engine.

[0020] (Fire extinguishing method 1) The present invention is a fire extinguishing method characterized in that a fire extinguishing device discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in the airflow toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention.

[0021] (Fire extinguishing method 2) The present invention provides a fire extinguishing method, comprising: The spray airflow discharge unit discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in the airflow toward the fire extinguishing target or the fire prevention target, The extinguishing agent supply section supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge section, A high voltage power supply unit supplies a high voltage to the spray airflow discharge unit to generate charged water particles; The discharge direction adjusting unit adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow from the spray airflow discharge unit. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] (Effectiveness of fire extinguishing devices) According to the fire extinguishing device of the present invention, in the event of a fire in a building such as a building, for example, a spray airflow discharge section provided at the end of the ladder of a ladder fire truck discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles, and the charged water is injected through an exterior wall opening such as a window into the fire compartment on the fire floor and surrounding compartments. When spraying water from a conventional nozzle, the fire source cannot be identified due to thick smoke, and there are cases where water cannot be sprayed due to the risk of water damage to lower floors. Also, with a fine spray fire extinguishing device that uses a smaller amount of water, the fine spray is carried away by the fire airflow, preventing it from reaching the vicinity of the fire source and preventing the expected fire extinguishing effect. However, the charged fine spray airflow is less likely to be carried away by the fire airflow, and can efficiently deliver charged water particles to the vicinity of the fire source. Furthermore, the charged water particles delivered to the vicinity of the fire source can, due to electrostatic force, bend around and surround even burning surfaces with complex shapes that are blind spots with conventional fine spray fire extinguishing, thereby effectively extinguishing the fire.

[0023] In addition, conventional fine spray fire extinguishing devices were unable to penetrate the dust-free space that exists at the boundary of a high-temperature burning surface due to their small momentum, but charged water particles penetrate the dust-free space using electrostatic force and adhere to the burning surface, providing high fire extinguishing performance.

[0024] In addition, while conventional fine spray fire extinguishing devices only capture smoke particles that happen to collide with water particles in the air, the charged water particles injected by the charged fine spray airflow collect and capture smoke particles in the air by electrostatic force, and therefore have high smoke suppression performance.

[0025] In addition, the injected charged water particles have high smoke suppression performance and, unlike rod-shaped water sprays, do not cause impact on the human body, making it possible for fire departments to enter the area and carry out rescue operations in parallel with the injection of the charged fine spray airflow.

[0026] (Effect of spray airflow discharge section) In addition, the spray airflow discharge section has a simple structure consisting of an air blowing section and a charged fine spray head, and by changing the diameter of the air blowing section and the number of charged fine spray heads, the size and strength of the discharged charged fine spray airflow can be optimally set according to the target of fire extinguishing or fire prevention.

[0027] (Effect of adjusting the applied voltage and switching the polarity) In addition, the voltage adjustment unit and polarity switching unit of the high-voltage power supply unit make it possible to freely adjust the charge polarity and charge amount of the water particles sprayed from the charged fine spray head, making it possible to inject a charged fine spray airflow containing water particles of a charge polarity and charge amount suitable for fire extinguishing and smoke suppression at the fire scene.Furthermore, if the fire extinguishing or fire prevention target is charged or is prone to becoming charged, higher fire extinguishing and smoke suppression performance can be expected by injecting a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles of the opposite polarity (or the opposite polarity) to the polarity of the charged water, and it is possible to prevent discharge accidents that may occur when the charge amount increases due to the charged fine spray water on a fire extinguishing or fire prevention target that is prone to becoming charged.

[0028] (Effect of the emission direction adjustment unit) The discharge direction adjustment unit can freely adjust the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the vertical and horizontal directions, allowing the operator to accurately discharge the charged fine spray airflow toward the fire extinguishing or fire prevention target. The rotation axis of the vertical adjustment unit and the rotation axis of the horizontal adjustment unit are located at predetermined positions distal to the center of gravity of the spray airflow discharge unit, so the discharge direction is stable even when subjected to a recoil force from the charged fine spray airflow discharged by the spray airflow discharge unit, allowing the operator to easily adjust the discharge direction at will. For example, if the spray airflow discharge unit is installed on the bucket at the end of a fire ladder truck, the high stability of the spray airflow discharge unit prevents the discharge of the charged fine spray airflow from being directed in an unexpected direction even when the basket is tilted, ensuring safe operation.

[0029] (The effect of fire engines equipped with fire extinguishing equipment) Furthermore, even in the case of a fire at a high altitude, for example, on the second floor or higher of a building, the spray airflow discharge section provided at the end of the ladder of a ladder fire engine, the high-altitude work platform of a high-altitude work fire engine, or the end of the boom of a boom-equipped fire engine can be placed close to an exterior wall opening such as a window to easily and efficiently inject a charged fine spray airflow into the building, ensuring high fire extinguishing and smoke suppression performance.

[0030] (Effectiveness of fire extinguishing methods) The fire extinguishing method of the present invention can provide the same effects as the above-mentioned fire extinguishing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a fire extinguisher of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of the spray airflow discharge portion of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a charged fine spray head provided in the spray airflow emitting section of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the high-voltage power supply unit in FIG. 1 together with a charged fine atomization head. [Figure 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a pulse voltage applied to the charged fine spray head by the high-voltage power supply unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a pulsating voltage applied to the charged fine spray head by the high-voltage power supply unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an AC voltage applied to the charged fine spray head by the high-voltage power supply unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a firefighting activity by a ladder fire engine equipped with a fire extinguishing apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A fire extinguishing apparatus and a fire extinguishing method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0033] [Basic concept of the embodiment] First, a basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a fire extinguishing device provided on a mobile object such as a fire engine. The fire extinguishing device includes the concepts of fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing tools.

[0034] The fire extinguishing device is, for example, composed of a spray airflow discharge section, a fire extinguishing agent supply section, a high voltage power supply section, and a discharge direction adjustment section.

[0035] The "spray airflow discharge section" discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in the airflow toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention, and as an example, is composed of an air blower and a charged water particle generating section equipped with multiple charged fine spray heads.

[0036] Here, the "blower" is a device that generates an air flow. The "charged fine spray head" is a device that sprays charged water particles into the air flow generated by the blower, causing the charged water particles to be contained therein. The term "containing" includes the concepts of mixing, blending, and intermixing.

[0037] In addition, "charged water particles" are droplets contained in the spray flow of the aqueous spray liquid released from the charged spray head, which are charged using an induction charging method in which the droplets are passed through a high electric field generated by a predetermined high voltage applied to the charged spray head from a high-voltage power supply.

[0038] In addition, the "charged fine spray airflow" is an airflow generated by the blower section that contains charged water particles sprayed from a charged fine spray head, and is less likely to be swept away by the fire airflow, allowing the charged water particles to be delivered efficiently to the vicinity of the fire source.

[0039] The charged water particles delivered to the fire compartment by the charged fine spray airflow adhere to the burning surface by electrostatic force and extinguish the fire. The charged water particles also penetrate the dust-free space existing at the boundary of the high-temperature burning surface by electrostatic force and adhere to the burning surface, extinguishing the fire. Furthermore, the charged water particles delivered to the fire compartment extinguish the smoke by collecting and capturing smoke particles in the space by electrostatic force.

[0040] In addition, the spray airflow discharge section is, for example, provided at the tip of the ladder of a ladder fire engine, the high-altitude work platform of a high-altitude work fire engine, or the tip of the boom of a boom-equipped fire engine, and is positioned close to an exterior wall opening such as a window in a fire compartment to efficiently inject a charged fine spray airflow into the building, enabling fire and smoke extinguishing.

[0041] The "fire extinguishing agent supply unit" is a unit that supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit, and is a concept that includes, for example, a pressurized water supply device such as a fire pump.

[0042] The "high-voltage power supply unit" supplies a high voltage to the spray airflow discharge unit to generate charged water particles, and applies, for example, a DC voltage, a pulsating voltage, an AC voltage, or a pulse voltage to the charged fine spray head. The "high-voltage power supply unit" is, for example, composed of a voltage adjustment unit and a polarity switching unit. The "voltage adjustment unit" here adjusts the voltage applied to the charged fine spray head, enabling the injection of a charged fine spray airflow containing water particles with a charge appropriate for fire and smoke extinguishing at a fire scene.

[0043] The "polarity switching unit" switches the polarity of the voltage applied to the charged fine spray head, making it possible to inject a charged fine spray airflow containing water particles of a charging polarity suitable for fire extinguishing and smoke suppression at the fire scene.Furthermore, if the object to be extinguished or protected from fire is charged or is prone to becoming charged, a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles of the opposite polarity to the charging polarity can be injected, making it possible to achieve better fire extinguishing and smoke suppression.

[0044] The "emission direction adjustment unit" adjusts the direction of the charged fine spray airflow emitted by the spray airflow discharge unit, and is, for example, composed of a vertical adjustment unit and a horizontal adjustment unit. Here, the "vertical adjustment unit" adjusts the emission direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the vertical direction (vertical swirl direction), and the "horizontal adjustment unit" adjusts the emission direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the horizontal direction (horizontal swirl direction). Furthermore, the emission direction adjustment unit positions the rotation axis of the vertical adjustment unit and the rotation axis of the horizontal adjustment unit at a predetermined position distal to the center of gravity of the spray airflow discharge unit. This stabilizes the emission direction of the spray airflow discharge unit even when subjected to a recoil force from the emitted charged fine spray airflow, allowing the operator to easily adjust the emission direction at will.

[0045] Specific embodiments will be described below. In the specific embodiments shown below, a case will be described in which the "fire extinguishing target" is a "fire compartment of a building" and the "spray airflow discharge unit" is provided at the tip of the ladder of a ladder fire truck.

[0046] [Specific embodiment of the fire extinguishing device] The fire extinguisher of this embodiment is mounted on a fire truck such as a ladder fire engine, and discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire protection. The configuration and structure are arbitrary, but for example, as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a spray airflow discharge unit 10, an operation panel 14, a fire extinguishing agent supply unit 16, and a high-voltage power supply unit 18, and the operation panel 14 is provided with an operation display unit 20 and a control unit 21. The spray airflow discharge unit 10 is mounted on a stand 40 so as to be rotatable up and down and left and right, and is connected to a water supply pipe 22 from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 16, a high-voltage cable 24 from the high-voltage power supply unit 18, and a signal cable 26 from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14.

[0047] [Spray airflow discharge part] The spray airflow discharge unit 10 will be described in more detail. The spray airflow discharge unit 10 discharges the charged fine spray airflow 12 toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention. Its configuration and structure are arbitrary, but it may, for example, include an air blower 28 and a charged water particle generator 30. The air blower 28 generates a forward-directed airflow, and the charged water particle generator 30, located at the outlet of the air blower 28, sprays charged water particles into the airflow from the air blower 28, causing the charged water particles to be contained in the airflow, and the charged fine spray airflow 12 containing the charged water particles is discharged forward. The spray airflow discharge unit 10 is installed, for example, at the end of a ladder of a ladder fire truck, and injects the charged fine spray airflow 12 from the outside of a building or other structure where a fire has occurred into the fire compartment through an exterior wall opening such as a window to extinguish the fire.

[0048] Figure 2 shows the spray airflow discharge section 10 of Figure 1 in more detail, with Figure 2(A) showing a rear view from the rear, Figure 2(B) showing a side view, and Figure 2(C) showing a front view from the front.

[0049] [Ventilation section] The blower 28 will now be described in more detail. The blower 28 has an axial fan 34 driven by a fan motor 36, for example, disposed in a cavity that opens to the front and rear. The rotation of the axial fan 34 pressurizes the air drawn in from the rear opening and releases the airflow from the front opening. The volume of the airflow released from the blower 28 is arbitrary, but for example, a maximum volume of 400 m 3 The air volume can be changed as needed by changing the rotation speed of the axial flow fan 34 using the fan motor 36.

[0050] When spray airflow discharge unit 10 is installed at the tip of the ladder of a ladder fire engine, it can get within several meters of the fire compartment of the building, so the airflow rate of blower unit 28 is set so that the reach of charged fine spray airflow 12 forward is, for example, about 10 meters. In addition, a protective cover 38 made of a multiple ring, wire mesh, or the like is attached to intake port 28a on the rear side of blower unit 28.

[0051] [Charged water particle generation unit] The charged water particle generator 30 will be described in more detail. The charged water particle generator 30 is disposed in the opening on the front side of the blower 28. When viewed from the front as in Fig. 2(C), the charged water particle generator 30 has a plurality of charged fine spray heads 32, for example, ten charged fine spray heads 32, arranged in a circular ring shape inside a support ring 31. The spray axes of the plurality of charged fine spray heads 32 are arranged so as to intersect with the discharge axis 25 of the charged fine spray airflow 12, and when viewed from the side as in Fig. 2(B), the spray axes of the plurality of charged fine spray heads 32 are arranged so as to intersect at point P on the front of the discharge axis 25.

[0052] Here, the intersection angle θ between the spray axis of the charged fine spray head 32 and the discharge axis 25 of the charged fine spray airflow 12, which intersect at point P, is a predetermined angle at which the sprayed charged water particles are well contained in the airflow, taking into consideration the spray speed and spray spread angle of the charged water particles from the charged fine spray head 32, the wind speed of the airflow from the blower section 28, etc., and is, for example, a predetermined angle in the range of 45° to 90°, for example 60°.

[0053] [Charged fine spray head] Next, we will explain in more detail the charged fine spray head 32 provided in the charged water particle generator 30 in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows the charged fine spray head 32, with Fig. 3(A) showing a perspective view from the spray side and Fig. 3(B) showing a side view.

[0054] 3, charged fine spray head 32 sprays charged water particles into the airflow from blower 28 to contain them, and while its configuration and structure are arbitrary, one example is one that is made up of a body 54, spray nozzle 56, electrode holder 58, induction electrode 60, water-side electrode 62, and water supply connector 64. Body 54, spray nozzle 56, electrode holder 58, and water supply connector 64 are made of insulating materials.

[0055] A through hole is formed inside body 54 in the direction of spray axis 55, and conductive water-side electrode 62 is fitted from below with water supply connector 64 fitted above it, and an earth cable is connected from the outside to electrode connector 62a of water-side electrode 62. Pressurized water is supplied to water supply connector 64. A spray nozzle 56 is provided at the tip of water-side electrode 62, and it releases water droplets with an average diameter of, for example, 100 to 300 μm.

[0056] A ring-shaped induction electrode 60 is placed in the open space on the tip side of the injection nozzle 56 by an electrode holder 58. The induction electrode 60 may have any configuration or structure, but may be formed, for example, by insulating a conductive electrode core material. An external voltage application cable is connected to a cable connection portion 60a of the induction electrode 60.

[0057] A predetermined voltage (e.g., a DC voltage of 10 kV) adjusted from a predetermined adjustment range (e.g., 0.5 kV to 20 kV) within the voltage range capable of charging water particles is applied between induction electrode 60 and water-side electrode 62 from high-voltage power supply 18 shown in Fig. 1. This applied voltage creates a predetermined external electric field around the ring portion of induction electrode 60, which charges the water particles sprayed from spray nozzle 56 by induction charging, and a spray of charged water particles is released.

[0058] Here, the predetermined adjustment range (i.e., the predetermined adjustable range) may include a voltage range in which water particles cannot be charged, and it is sufficient if the voltage can be adjusted to a predetermined voltage that can charge water particles. The polarity (positive / negative) of the applied voltage is switched by a polarity switching unit. Note that the above voltage values ​​are examples and are not limited to these, and a pulse voltage, a pulsating voltage, or an AC voltage may also be applied.

[0059] For example, when a DC voltage is applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62, either positively or negatively charged water particles are generated depending on the polarity of induction electrode unit 60 when water-side electrode unit 62 is set to a reference potential (earth potential, 0 V). Here, the potential of induction electrode unit 60 is negative relative to water-side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0 V), and the applied voltage that positively charges water particles is referred to as a negative applied voltage. The potential of induction electrode unit 60 is positive relative to water-side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0 V), and the applied voltage that negatively charges water particles is referred to as a positive applied voltage. Furthermore, if the voltage applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62 is set in the range of, for example, 0.5 kV to 20 kV, spark discharge is prevented, and a spray of charged water particles is generated while ensuring safety.

[0060] The configuration and structure of the charged fine spray head 32 are arbitrary and are not limited to those shown in Figure 3, but may include any suitable structure or known structure that generates water particles and charges the generated water particles to generate charged water particles.

[0061] [Emission direction adjustment section] The following provides a more detailed description of the emission direction adjustment unit provided in the spray airflow discharge unit 10. The emission direction adjustment unit adjusts the emission direction of the charged fine spray airflow 12 from the spray airflow discharge unit 10, and while the configuration and structure thereof are arbitrary, as an example, a left-right direction adjustment unit 44 and a up-down direction adjustment unit 48 are provided, as shown in FIG.

[0062] The blower 28 of the spray airflow discharge unit 10 is supported by a pivotal support unit 42, which is supported on a base 40 by a left-right rotation shaft 46 for left-right (horizontal) rotation, and is supported by a vertical rotation shaft 50 for up-down rotation (vertical). A left-right direction adjustment unit 44 is disposed below the base 40. The left-right direction adjustment unit 44 is, for example, a motor drive unit, and the pivotal support unit 42 is supported by a drive shaft, and the spray airflow discharge unit 10, which is supported by the vertical rotation shaft 50 on the pivotal support unit 42, can be rotated left-right (horizontally) about the left-right rotation shaft 46, thereby adjusting the left-right release direction of the charged fine spray airflow 12.

[0063] A vertical direction adjustment unit 48 is provided on one side of the vertical rotation shaft 50 that rotatably supports the spray airflow discharge unit 10 on the rotary support unit 42. The vertical direction adjustment unit 48 is, for example, a motor drive unit that supports the blower unit 28 on the drive shaft and rotates the spray airflow discharge unit 10 in the vertical direction (vertical direction) around the vertical rotation shaft 50, making it possible to adjust the vertical direction in which the charged fine spray airflow 12 is discharged.

[0064] Here, the left-right rotation shaft 46 of the left-right direction adjustment unit 44 and the up-down rotation shaft 50 of the up-down direction adjustment unit 48 are located at predetermined positions forward (on the discharge side) of the center of gravity of the spray airflow discharge unit 10. Therefore, the discharge direction is stable even when subjected to a recoil force of the charged fine spray airflow 12 discharged by the spray airflow discharge unit 10, allowing the operator to easily adjust the discharge direction at their discretion. Furthermore, for example, if the spray airflow discharge unit 10 is installed in the bucket section at the end of the ladder of a ladder fire truck, the high stability of the spray airflow discharge unit 10 prevents the discharge of the charged fine spray airflow from being directed in an unexpected direction even when the basket section is tilted, ensuring safe operation.

[0065] [High voltage power supply] The high-voltage power supply unit 18 will be described in more detail below. The high-voltage power supply unit 18 supplies a high voltage for generating charged water particles to the spray airflow discharge unit 10 via a high-voltage cable 24, and while the configuration and function thereof are arbitrary, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the high-voltage power supply unit 18 includes a high-voltage variable circuit 66 that functions as a voltage adjustment unit and a polarity reversing circuit 68 that functions as a polarity switching unit.

[0066] 4 shows the circuit configuration of the charged water particle generator 30, which includes the high-voltage power supply 18 and multiple charged fine-spray heads 32. The charged fine-spray heads 32 include an induction electrode 60 and a water-side electrode 62. A voltage application cable 24a from the high-voltage power supply 18 is connected to the induction electrode 60 via a current-limiting resistor 72, and an earth cable 24b from the high-voltage power supply 18 is connected to the water-side electrode 62 via a current-limiting resistor 74. A high voltage is applied between the induction electrode 60 and the water-side electrode 62, thereby charging the water particles sprayed from the charged fine-spray heads 32. Highly insulated, high-voltage cables are used for the voltage application cable 24a and the earth cable 24b. However, if only DC voltage is applied, the positive cable should be a high-voltage cable and the negative cable can be a regular low-voltage cable.

[0067] High-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62 in response to a control signal from control unit 21 of operation panel 14, thereby enabling charged fine spray airflow containing water particles with a charge suitable for fire extinguishing and smoke suppression at the fire scene to be injected from charged fine spray head 32. Furthermore, by reducing the absolute value of the applied voltage to reduce the charge on the water particles, it is possible to prevent discharge accidents that may occur when the charge on the charged water particles increases on fire extinguishing or fire prevention targets that are easily charged.

[0068] Polarity reversing circuit 68 switches the polarity of the voltage applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62 in response to a control signal from control unit 21 of operation panel 14, thereby switching the charge polarity of the water particles sprayed from charged fine spray head 32 to positive (plus) or negative (minus), making it possible to inject a charged fine spray airflow containing water particles of a charge polarity suitable for fire extinguishing and smoke suppression at the fire scene. For example, if the target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention is electrically charged or easily charged, higher fire extinguishing and smoke suppression performance can be expected by injecting a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles of the opposite polarity to the polarity of the charge.

[0069] Here, the types of voltage applied from the high-voltage power supply unit 18 between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 of the charged fine spray head 32 include, for example, DC voltage, pulse voltage, pulsating voltage, and AC voltage.

[0070] [When applying DC voltage] First, a case where a DC voltage is applied between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62 of the charged fine spray head 32 from the high-voltage power supply section 18 will be described in more detail.

[0071] High voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage output from high voltage variable circuit 66 to a predetermined DC voltage in response to a control signal from control unit 21 of operation panel 14. Here, "adjusting to a predetermined DC voltage" means adjusting to a DC voltage that can charge water particles, for example, adjusting to a DC voltage selected from the range of 0.5 kV to 20 kV (+0.5 kV to +20 kV or -0.5 kV to -20 kV), which is the voltage range that can charge water particles.

[0072] The polarity reversing circuit 68 determines whether or not to switch the polarity of the specified DC voltage adjusted and output by the high-voltage variable circuit 66 in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14, and adjusts the polarity of the DC voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62.

[0073] For example, if high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the predetermined DC voltage to +10 kV DC (positive DC), and polarity switching is not performed by polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of induction electrode unit 60 becomes +10 kV with water-side electrode unit 62 at the reference potential (earth potential, 0 V), and a DC voltage of +10 kV (positive DC voltage) that makes the potential of induction electrode unit 60 higher than the potential of water-side electrode unit 62 is applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62. As a result, the sprayed water particles become negatively charged.

[0074] On the other hand, when high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the predetermined DC voltage to +10 kV DC (positive DC), and polarity is switched by polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of induction electrode unit 60 becomes -10 kV with water-side electrode unit 62 at the reference potential (earth potential, 0 V), and a DC voltage of -10 kV (negative DC voltage) that makes the potential of induction electrode unit 60 lower than the potential of water-side electrode unit 62 is applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62. As a result, the sprayed water particles become positively charged.

[0075] Here, the output of the control signal for polarity switching from control unit 21 of operation panel 14 to polarity reversing circuit 68 includes both manual output, such as when operation display unit 20 of operation panel 14 is operated, and automatic output, such as according to a predetermined cycle pre-set in the fire extinguisher. In other words, in the case of manual output, the polarity of the DC voltage applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62 can be switched at any timing, and in the case of automatic output, such as according to a predetermined cycle, the polarity of the DC voltage applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62 can be switched at a preset timing.

[0076] Alternatively, instead of switching the polarity in the polarity reversing circuit 68, the polarity reversing circuit 68 may be controlled to adjust and output a DC voltage of the opposite polarity to the high voltage variable circuit 66. For example, if the high voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts and outputs a DC voltage of +10 kV (positive DC voltage), the high voltage variable circuit 66 is controlled to output a DC voltage of -10 kV (negative DC voltage).

[0077] [When applying a pulse voltage] Next, a case where a pulse voltage is applied from the high-voltage power supply 18 between the induction electrode 60 and the water-side electrode 62 of the charged fine spray head 32 will be described in more detail.

[0078] The high voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 66 to a predetermined pulse voltage in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14. Here, "adjusting to a predetermined pulse voltage" means adjusting the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage by adjusting, for example, the pulse period, pulse width (or duty ratio indicating the ratio of the pulse width to the pulse period), pulse amplitude, and pulse polarity. Note that parameters other than those mentioned above can also be used as appropriate as long as they are necessary to adjust the voltage waveform.

[0079] Also, "adjusting the pulse polarity" here means, for example, selecting a unipolar pulse that swings to one polarity side and a bipolar pulse that swings in both polarity directions, and unipolar pulses include positive unipolar pulses that swing to the positive (plus) side and negative unipolar pulses that swing to the negative (minus) side.

[0080] The voltage waveform of the pulse voltage adjusted by high-voltage variable circuit 66 is arbitrary, but for example, it is a voltage waveform adjusted as a positive unipolar pulse with a pulse period of T, pulse width of T1, and pulse amplitude of V1, as shown in Fig. 5(A). Here, pulse amplitude V1 may be any pulse amplitude as long as a voltage capable of charging water particles can be applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62, but for example, it is set to the same value as a voltage selected from the range of 0.5 kV to 20 kV, which is the voltage range capable of charging water particles.

[0081] Furthermore, the pulse period T is arbitrary. For example, the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage shown in FIG. 5(B) is adjusted to a pulse period of 2T, which is twice the pulse period T of the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage in FIG. 5(A).

[0082] Furthermore, the pulse width T1 can be any value as long as it does not exceed the period T. For example, the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage in FIG. 5(C) is obtained by adjusting the pulse width T2 (=3T / 4) to 75% of the pulse period T compared to the pulse width T1 which is 50% of the pulse period T of the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage in FIG. 5(A).

[0083] Alternatively, instead of adjusting the pulse width itself, the pulse width may be adjusted by adjusting the duty ratio, which indicates the ratio of the pulse width to the pulse period. The duty ratio in the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage in Figure 5(A) is 50%, and the duty ratio in the voltage waveform of the pulse voltage in Figure 5(C) is 75%, and the duty ratio can be adjusted to any ratio between 0% and 100%.

[0084] In addition, the pulse polarity may be adjusted as a positive unipolar pulse swinging to the positive side as shown in Fig. 5(A), a negative unipolar pulse swinging to the negative side as shown in Fig. 5(D), or a bipolar pulse swinging in both directions as shown in Fig. 5(E) and (F). When adjusting as a bipolar pulse as shown in Fig. 5(E), the pulse width of the positively swinging pulse is treated as T1, the pulse width of the negatively swinging pulse is treated as T-T1, and the ratio of the pulse width of the positively swinging pulse to the pulse period is treated as the duty ratio.

[0085] The polarity reversing circuit 68 determines whether or not to switch the polarity of the specified pulse voltage adjusted and output by the high-voltage variable circuit 66 in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14, and adjusts the polarity of the pulse voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62.

[0086] As an example of a unipolar pulse, if the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the pulse voltage to the voltage waveform of Figure 5(A) and the polarity is not switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 becomes +V1 with the water side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the water particles sprayed during the period (between t0 and t1) when a positive voltage (+V1) that makes the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 higher than the potential of the water side electrode unit 62 is applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 are negatively charged, and the water particles sprayed during the period (between t1 and t2) when the voltage between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 is 0V are not charged, and these two periods (between t0 and t2) are repeated as one cycle.

[0087] On the other hand, when the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage to a pulse voltage with the voltage waveform of Figure 5(A) and the polarity is switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 becomes -V1 with the water side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the water particles sprayed during the period (between t0 and t1) when a negative voltage (-V1) that makes the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 lower than the potential of the water side electrode unit 62 is applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 are positively charged, and the water particles sprayed during the period (between t1 and t2) when the voltage between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 is 0V are not charged, and these two periods (between t0 and t2) are repeated as one cycle.

[0088] As an example of a bipolar pulse, when the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the pulse voltage to the voltage waveform of Figure 5(E) and the polarity is not switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode 60 becomes +V1 with the water-side electrode 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and a positive voltage (+V1) that makes the potential of the induction electrode 60 higher than the potential of the water-side electrode 62 is applied between the induction electrode 60 and the water-side electrode 62 during the period (t0-t1) when this voltage is applied. The water particles sprayed are negatively charged, and the potential of induction electrode unit 60 becomes -V1 with water-side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V). During the period (t1-t2) when a negative voltage (-V1) that makes the potential of induction electrode unit 60 lower than the potential of water-side electrode unit 62 is applied between induction electrode unit 60 and water-side electrode unit 62, the water particles sprayed are positively charged, and these two periods (t0-t2) constitute one cycle, which is repeated. Furthermore, when the polarity is switched by polarity reversal circuit 68, the period in which the water particles are negatively charged and the period in which the water particles are positively charged are interchanged.

[0089] When the pulse voltage is a bipolar pulse and the duty ratio is adjusted to 50% with the voltage waveform of Figure 5(E) or to the voltage waveform of Figure 5(F), the voltage waveform whose polarity has been switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68 is merely a voltage waveform that is delayed by half a period or one period from the voltage waveform before the polarity was switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68. Therefore, when the waveforms before and after switching by the polarity reversal circuit 68 become equivalent by shifting the phase in this way, it is not necessary to switch the polarity by the polarity reversal circuit 68.

[0090] As in the case of applying a DC voltage, the output of a control signal for switching polarity from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14 to the polarity reversing circuit 68 includes both an output by manual operation, for example, when the operation display unit 20 of the operation panel 14 is operated, and an automatic output, for example, when a predetermined period set in advance in the fire extinguishing device is followed.In this case, the polarity may not be switched by the polarity reversing circuit 68, but the polarity may be adjusted so that the polarity reversing circuit 68 outputs a pulse voltage of the opposite polarity to the high-voltage variable circuit 66.

[0091] [When applying pulsating voltage] Next, a case where a pulsating voltage is applied between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62 of the charged fine spray head 32 from the high-voltage power supply section 18 will be described in more detail.

[0092] The high voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 66 to a predetermined pulsating voltage in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14. "Adjusting to a predetermined pulsating voltage" here means adjusting the voltage waveform of the pulsating voltage, for example, by adjusting the pulsating waveform, pulsating period, and pulsating amplitude. Note that parameters other than those mentioned above can also be used as appropriate as long as they are necessary to adjust the voltage waveform.

[0093] Furthermore, "adjusting the pulsating waveform" as used herein means that it is sufficient to adjust the waveform so that the magnitude of the voltage changes periodically without changing the polarity of the output voltage, and includes selecting from predetermined waveform types such as a full-wave rectified wave, a half-wave rectified wave, a square wave, and a triangular wave.

[0094] The voltage waveform of the pulsating voltage adjusted by the high-voltage variable circuit 66 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it is a voltage waveform adjusted as a positive full-wave rectified wave with a pulsating period of T3 and a pulsating amplitude of V2. Here, pulsating amplitude V2 may be any pulsating amplitude V1 as long as a voltage capable of charging water particles can be applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water-side electrode unit 62 for a predetermined period within one period. For example, it may be set to the same value as a voltage selected from the range of 0.5 kV to 20 kV, which is the voltage range capable of charging water particles. This causes the voltage to vary within the range of 0 to +V2 (or -V2 to 0 if the polarity is switched), so that a voltage capable of charging water particles is applied for a predetermined period within one period. The pulsating period T3 is also arbitrary.

[0095] The polarity reversing circuit 68 determines whether or not to switch the polarity of the specified pulsating voltage adjusted and output by the high-voltage variable circuit 66 in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14, and adjusts the polarity of the pulsating voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62.

[0096] For example, if the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage to the pulsating voltage waveform of Figure 6 and the polarity is not switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 will change within the range of 0 to +V2, with the water side electrode unit 62 being at the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the positive voltage (0 to +V2) applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 will also change, changing the amount of negative charge on the sprayed water particles.

[0097] On the other hand, when the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage to the pulsating voltage waveform of Figure 6 and the polarity is switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 changes within the range of -V2 to 0, with the water side electrode unit 62 being at the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the negative voltage (-V2 to 0) applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 also changes, changing the amount of positive charge on the sprayed water particles.

[0098] As in the case of applying a DC voltage, the output of a control signal for switching polarity from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14 to the polarity reversing circuit 68 includes both an output by manual operation, for example, when the operation display unit 20 of the operation panel 14 is operated, and an automatic output, for example, when a predetermined period set in advance in the fire extinguishing device is followed.In this case, the polarity may not be switched by the polarity reversing circuit 68, but the polarity may be adjusted so that the polarity reversing circuit 68 outputs a pulsating voltage of the opposite polarity to the high-voltage variable circuit 66.

[0099] [When applying AC voltage] Next, a case where an AC voltage is applied between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62 of the charged fine spray head 32 from the high-voltage power supply section 18 will be described in more detail.

[0100] The high voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage output from the high voltage variable circuit 66 to a predetermined AC voltage in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14. Here, "adjusting to a predetermined AC voltage" means adjusting the voltage waveform of the AC voltage, for example, by adjusting the AC waveform, AC period, or AC amplitude. Note that parameters other than those mentioned above can also be used as appropriate as long as they are necessary to adjust the voltage waveform.

[0101] Furthermore, "adjusting the AC waveform" as used herein means that the polarity of the output voltage and the magnitude of the voltage can be adjusted to a waveform that changes periodically, and includes selecting from predetermined waveform types such as sine wave AC, square wave AC, and triangular wave AC.

[0102] The AC voltage adjusted by the high-voltage variable circuit 66 can be any voltage, but for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it can be an AC period T4, an AC amplitude V3, and a voltage waveform adjusted as a sinusoidal AC. Here, AC amplitude V3 can be any AC amplitude V3 as long as a voltage capable of charging water particles can be applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water-side electrode unit 62 for a predetermined period within one period. For example, AC amplitude V3 can be set to a value equal to a voltage selected from the range of 0.5 kV to 20 kV, which is the voltage range capable of charging water particles. This causes the voltage to vary within the range of -V3 to +V3, so that a voltage capable of charging water particles is applied for the predetermined period within one period. Furthermore, AC period T4 can be any AC amplitude.

[0103] The polarity reversing circuit 68 determines whether or not to switch the polarity of the specified AC voltage adjusted and output by the high-voltage variable circuit 66 in response to a control signal from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14, and adjusts the polarity of the AC voltage applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62.

[0104] For example, if the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the AC voltage to the voltage waveform of Figure 7 and the polarity is not switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 changes in the range of 0 to +V3 with the water side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the amount of negative charge on the sprayed water particles changes during the period (between t3 and t4) when the positive voltage (0 to +V3) applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 changes, and the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 changes in the range of -V3 to 0 with the water side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the amount of positive charge on the sprayed water particles changes during the period (between t4 and t5) when the negative voltage (-V3 to 0) applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 changes.

[0105] On the other hand, when the high-voltage variable circuit 66 adjusts the voltage to the pulsating voltage waveform of Figure 7 and the polarity is switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68, the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 changes in the range of -V3 to 0, with the water side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the positive charge of the sprayed water particles changes during the period (between t3 and t4) when the negative voltage (-V3 to 0) applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 changes; the potential of the induction electrode unit 60 changes in the range of 0 to +V3, with the water side electrode unit 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), and the negative charge of the sprayed water particles changes during the period (between t4 and t5) when the positive voltage (0 to +V3) applied between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water side electrode unit 62 changes in response to the change in the potential of the induction electrode unit 60.

[0106] The voltage waveform whose polarity has been switched by the polarity reversal circuit 68 is merely a voltage waveform delayed by half a cycle from the voltage waveform before the polarity was switched by the polarity reversal circuit, and since the waveforms before and after switching by the polarity reversal circuit 68 become equivalent waveforms by shifting the phase, it is also possible not to switch the polarity by the polarity reversal circuit 68.

[0107] As in the case of applying a DC voltage, the output of a control signal for switching polarity from the control unit 21 of the operation panel 14 to the polarity reversing circuit 68 includes both an output by manual operation, for example, when the operation display unit 20 of the operation panel 14 is operated, and an automatic output, for example, when a predetermined period set in advance in the fire extinguishing device is followed.In this case, the polarity may not be switched by the polarity reversing circuit 68, but the polarity may be adjusted so that the polarity reversing circuit 68 outputs an AC voltage of the opposite polarity to the high-voltage variable circuit 66.

[0108] Although the above description has been given with respect to cases where the applied voltage is a DC voltage, a pulse voltage, a pulsating voltage, or an AC voltage, the type of voltage to be applied is not limited to these.

[0109] Furthermore, when applying a pulse voltage, pulsating voltage, or AC voltage, this can be achieved by amplifying a voltage waveform (approximately ±several volts) generated by a function generator using a high-voltage amplifier capable of amplifying to the order of kV.

[0110] [Fire Extinguishing Agent Supply Section] The extinguishing agent supply unit 16 shown in Fig. 1 will be described in more detail. The extinguishing agent supply unit 16 supplies fire-extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit 10, and may have any configuration or structure. As an example, since the fire extinguishing apparatus of this embodiment is mounted on a ladder fire truck, the extinguishing agent supply unit 16 is configured as a pressurized water supply device or pressurized water supply facility including a fire pump provided on the fire truck. In this case, water sources include a water tank mounted on the fire truck and a fire hydrant connected to a hose. The extinguishing agent supply unit 16 is operated by operating the water discharge start or water discharge stop buttons on the control panel 14 to start and stop the supply of fire-extinguishing water.

[0111] Furthermore, the water supply pipe 22 from the extinguishing agent supply unit 16 branches off at the connection portion with the spray airflow discharge unit 10 and is connected to a plurality of charged fine spray heads 32 provided in the charged water particle generation unit 30. Furthermore, in the ladder portion of the ladder fire engine, the water supply pipe 22 is provided with a known expandable piping structure that expands and contracts according to the length of the ladder.

[0112] [Operation panel] The control panel 14 shown in Fig. 1 will be described in more detail. The control panel 14 is used by an operator to operate the fire extinguisher of this embodiment, and the operation contents are arbitrary, but examples include starting and stopping the spray airflow discharge unit 10, adjusting the discharge direction of the charged fine spray flow 12 from the spray airflow discharge unit 10, selecting the type of voltage to be applied by the high-voltage power supply unit 18, adjusting the voltage, and switching the polarity.

[0113] The operation panel 14 is provided with an operation display unit 20 and a control unit 21. The operation display unit 20 is provided with various operation buttons, operation levers, displays, indicator lights, etc. required for remote operation of the spray airflow discharge unit 10. The control unit 21 outputs control signals based on operations by an operator via the operation display unit 20, etc., to control the spray airflow discharge unit 10. Its functions and configuration are arbitrary, but it may be formed, for example, from a computer circuit equipped with a CPU, memory, various input / output ports, etc., and predetermined control functions are realized by the execution of a program by the CPU.

[0114] [Ladder fire truck equipped with fire extinguishing equipment] Fire extinguishing using a ladder fire truck equipped with the fire extinguishing apparatus of this embodiment will be described in more detail. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of fire extinguishing work at a fire scene using a ladder fire truck equipped with the fire extinguishing apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, a ladder fire truck 76 is equipped with the fire extinguishing apparatus of this embodiment. As an example, a basket 80 at the tip of a retractable ladder 78 is provided with the spray airflow discharge unit 10 shown in Fig. 1, and a control panel 14, extinguishing agent water supply unit 16, and high-voltage power supply unit 18 are provided on the ladder fire truck 76 side.

[0115] For example, if a fire breaks out on the third floor of building 82, ladder fire engine 76 that arrives at the fire scene will extend ladder 78 so that spray airflow discharge unit 10 attached to basket 80 approaches an exterior wall opening such as a window of the building. Next, by operating operation panel 14 to start discharge, fire-extinguishing water is supplied from extinguishing agent water supply unit 16 to spray airflow discharge unit 10, and high voltage is applied from high-voltage power supply unit 18 to spray airflow discharge unit 10. Furthermore, air blower 28 is started by a control signal from operation panel 14. As a result, charged fine spray airflow 12 containing charged water particles sprayed from charged fine spray head 32 in the airflow from air blower 28 is blown into the fire compartment. 84 It will be released towards

[0116] At this time, the operator remotely operates the control panel 14 to adjust the direction of the charged fine spray airflow 12 up and down and / or left and right, and injects the charged fine spray airflow 12 toward the fire compartment 84. Furthermore, based on the status of fire extinguishing or smoke suppression as a result of injection of the charged fine spray airflow 12, the operator adjusts the applied voltage by the high-voltage power supply unit 18 and switches the voltage polarity, and injects the charged fine spray airflow 12 containing water particles with an amount of charge and charge polarity suitable for fire extinguishing or smoke suppression at the fire site into the fire compartment 84 to perform fire extinguishing or fire prevention.

[0117] [Modifications of the present invention] (fire engine) While the above embodiment illustrates a case in which the fire extinguishing device is mounted on a ladder fire truck, the device may be mounted on any suitable fire truck as long as the spray airflow discharge unit 10 can be brought close to a fire compartment located high up in a building from the outside. For example, the spray airflow discharge unit 10 may be mounted on an aerial work platform in a fire truck used for high-altitude work, or on the tip of a boom-equipped fire truck. Furthermore, the spray airflow discharge unit 10 may be mounted on a tracked vehicle, which may be remotely operated to move to a fire compartment that is inaccessible to humans and inject the charged fine spray airflow.

[0118] (High voltage supply unit) In the above embodiment, when a voltage is applied from the high-voltage power supply unit 18 between the induction electrode unit 60 and the water-side electrode unit 62, it is possible to adjust the voltage and switch the polarity, but this is not limited to this and is optional; for example, the applied voltage and / or polarity may be fixed.

[0119] (others) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages thereof, and is not limited by the numerical values ​​shown in the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10: Spray airflow discharge part 12: Electrostatic fine spray airflow 14:Operation panel 16: Fire extinguishing agent supply section 18: High voltage power supply 20: Operation display section 21: Control unit 22: Water pipe 24: High voltage cable 26: Signal cable 28: Ventilation section 30: Charged water particle generator 31: Support ring 32: Electrostatic fine spray head 34: Axial fan 36: Fan motor 38: Protective cover 40: Stand 42: Rotating support part 44:Left and right adjustment section 46: Left and right rotation axis 48: Vertical adjustment section 50: Vertical rotation axis 54: Body 56: Injection nozzle part 58: Electrode holding part 60: Induction electrode part 62: Water side electrode part 64: Water supply connection 66: High voltage variable circuit 68: Reversing circuit 72, 74: Current limiting resistors 76: Ladder fire engine 78: Ladder 80: Basket 82: Building 84: Fire compartment

Claims

1. a spray airflow discharge unit that discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in an airflow toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit; a high-voltage power supply unit that supplies a high voltage for generating charged water particles to the spray airflow discharge unit; a discharge direction adjusting unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow by the spray airflow discharge unit; is established, The discharge direction adjustment unit is a fire extinguishing device characterized in that a rotating shaft that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow is located on the tip side of the center of gravity of the spray airflow discharge unit, and is positioned at a predetermined position where the discharge direction is stable even when subjected to the recoil force of the charged fine spray airflow being discharged.

2. a spray airflow discharge unit that discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in an airflow toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit; a high-voltage power supply unit that supplies a high voltage for generating charged water particles to the spray airflow discharge unit; a discharge direction adjusting unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow by the spray airflow discharge unit; an operation panel that controls the emission direction adjustment unit to remotely control the emission direction of the charged fine spray airflow; is established, The emission direction adjustment unit is a vertical direction adjusting unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the vertical direction; a left-right direction adjusting unit that adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow in the left-right direction; Equipped with A fire extinguishing device characterized in that the rotation axis of the up-down direction adjustment unit and the rotation axis of the left-right direction adjustment unit are located toward the tip side of the center of gravity of the spray airflow discharge unit, and are positioned at a predetermined position where the discharge direction is stable even when subjected to the recoil force of the charged fine spray airflow being discharged.

3. The fire extinguishing device according to claim 1 or 2, The spray airflow discharge section is a blower unit that generates the air flow; a charged fine spray head that sprays the charged water particles into the airflow generated by the air blower and causes the charged water particles to be contained therein; A fire extinguishing device comprising:

4. 4. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 3, The high-voltage power supply unit a voltage adjusting unit that adjusts the voltage applied to the charged fine spray head in accordance with the fire extinguishing target or the fire prevention target; a polarity switching unit that switches the polarity of a voltage applied to the charged fine spray head in accordance with the fire extinguishing target or the fire prevention target; A fire extinguishing device comprising:

5. 3. The fire extinguishing device according to claim 2, The spray airflow discharge portion is provided at the ladder tip of a ladder fire engine, at the aerial work platform of an aerial work fire engine, or at the boom tip of a boom-equipped fire engine, The fire extinguishing apparatus is characterized in that the control panel is provided on the side of any one of the fire engines.

6. The spray airflow discharge unit discharges a charged fine spray airflow containing charged water particles in the airflow toward the fire extinguishing target or the fire prevention target, A fire extinguishing agent supply unit supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit, a high voltage power supply unit supplies a high voltage to the spray airflow discharge unit to generate charged water particles; an emission direction adjusting unit adjusting the emission direction of the charged fine spray airflow emitted by the spray airflow emitting unit; A fire extinguishing method characterized in that the release direction adjustment unit has a rotating shaft that adjusts the release direction of the charged fine spray airflow, which is located at a predetermined position toward the tip side of the center of gravity of the spray airflow release unit, so that the release direction is stable even when subjected to the recoil force of the charged fine spray airflow being released.

7. a spray airflow discharge part at the ladder tip of a ladder fire engine, at the high-place work platform of a high-place work fire engine, or at the boom tip of a boom-equipped fire engine; a vertical direction adjusting unit that adjusts the direction of emission of the charged fine spray airflow in the vertical direction, and a horizontal direction adjusting unit that adjusts the direction of emission of the charged fine spray airflow in the horizontal direction; A control panel on one of the fire engines; is established, the discharge direction adjusting unit has a rotation axis for adjusting the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow, the rotation axis being located on the tip side of the center of gravity of the spray airflow discharging unit, and is located at a predetermined position where the discharge direction is stable even when subjected to a recoil force of the discharged charged fine spray airflow; The spray airflow discharge unit discharges the charged fine spray airflow containing the charged water particles toward a target for fire extinguishing or fire prevention, A fire extinguishing agent supply unit supplies fire extinguishing water to the spray airflow discharge unit, a high voltage power supply unit supplies a high voltage to the spray airflow discharge unit to generate charged water particles; the discharge direction adjusting unit adjusts the discharge direction of the charged fine spray airflow discharged by the spray airflow discharge unit; A fire extinguishing method, characterized in that the discharge direction adjustment unit is controlled by the operation panel to remotely operate the discharge direction adjustment unit.

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