Repellent system

Abstract

To provide a repelling system that can improve usability in a cold region.SOLUTION: A repelling system 1 comprises an injection mechanism 10 for injecting gas to an object to be repelled. The injection mechanism 10 comprises a discharge pipe 20 comprising an injection port, a supply part 30 for supplying the gas pressurized by a predetermined method to the discharge pipe 20, a relay pipe 50 provided between the supply part 30 and the discharge pipe 20, a switching valve 60 provided in the relay pipe 50, and a pressure reducing part 70 provided in a portion closer to the side of the supply part 30 than the switching valve 60 in the relay pipe 50, and capable of setting a pressure value of a downstream side portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 to a suppression pressure value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a repellent system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a repellent system for preventing bird damage to buildings has been proposed. Such a repellent system includes, for example, an injection mechanism for injecting gas against a target to be repelled. This injection mechanism includes a blowing pipe for transporting gas, at least one or more injection ports provided in the blowing pipe, a supply source for supplying gas to the blowing pipe via a pipe, a compressor for pressurizing the gas supplied from the supply source, and a valve provided in the pipe for switching whether to send the gas pressurized by the compressor to the blowing pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, when the state of the valve is switched to a state where gas is not sent to the blowing pipe, the pressure value of the upstream portion from the valve to the supply source side inside the pipe can be made higher than the pressure value of the downstream portion from the valve to the end portion on the blowing pipe side inside the pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a growing need to install repellent systems in cold regions. However, in the conventional repellent system described above, as mentioned earlier, when the valve is switched to a state where gas is not sent to the discharge pipe, the pressure value of the upstream part can be made higher than the pressure value of the downstream part. For example, if the temperature difference between the temperature of the upstream part and the outside air temperature becomes excessive due to the increased pressure value of the upstream part, condensation is likely to occur in the upstream part. This condensation can then freeze, potentially causing damage to the piping. Therefore, there was room for improvement from the perspective of enhancing usability in cold regions.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a repellent system that can improve usability in cold regions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the repellent system described in claim 1 is a repellent system for repelling a target to be avoided that is in a predetermined area to be removed from the predetermined area, comprising at least one injection means for injecting gas onto the target to be avoided, wherein the injection means comprises a discharge pipe having an injection port for injecting the gas, a supply means for supplying the gas pressurized in a predetermined manner to the discharge pipe, and a relay pipe provided between the supply means and the discharge pipe, the relay pipe for sending the gas supplied from the supply means to the discharge pipe, and the relay pipe The system includes a switching valve for switching whether or not to send the gas in the intermediate pipe to the discharge pipe, and a pressure reducing means provided in the intermediate pipe on the supply means side of the switching valve, which can set the pressure value of the downstream portion of the intermediate pipe, which is on the switching valve side of the pressure reducing means, to a suppression pressure value that is lower than the pressure value of the upstream portion of the intermediate pipe, which is on the supply means side of the pressure reducing means, higher than the pressure value inside the discharge pipe, and that can suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion.

[0007] The repellent system according to claim 2 is the repellent system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure reducing means is located near the end of the relay pipe on the supply means side.

[0008] The repellent system according to claim 3 is the repellent system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching valve is located at the end of the relay pipe on the discharge pipe side or in the vicinity thereof.

[0009] The repellent system according to claim 4 is the repellent system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a determination means for determining whether or not the timing for setting the pressure value of the downstream portion to the suppression pressure value and the non-suppression pressure value which is substantially the same as the pressure value of the upstream portion, wherein the pressure reduction means is configured such that the pressure value of the downstream portion can be set to the suppression pressure value and the non-suppression pressure value, and a pressure reduction control means for controlling the pressure reduction means so that the pressure value of the downstream portion is set to either the suppression pressure value or the non-suppression pressure value based on the determination result of the determination means.

[0010] The repellent system according to claim 5 is the repellent system according to claim 4, wherein the determination means acquires date and time information indicating a date and time relating to the predetermined area, temperature information indicating a temperature relating to the predetermined area, and / or weather information indicating the weather relating to the predetermined area in a predetermined manner, and determines whether or not the set timing has arrived based on the acquired date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information.

[0011] The repellent system according to claim 6 is the repellent system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a switching control means for controlling the switching of the open / closed state of the switching valve, wherein the switching control means performs a condensation suppression process by switching the open / closed state of the switching valve to an open state when a timing is reached in which condensation is likely to occur inside the relay pipe, thereby injecting the gas through the injection port. Until the end time arrives Do it regularly.

[0012] The repellent system according to claim 7 is the repellent system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the gas supplied from the supply means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the repellent system described in claim 1, the injection means comprises a discharge pipe having an injection port, a supply means for supplying pressurized gas to the discharge pipe in a predetermined manner, a relay pipe provided between the supply means and the discharge pipe, a switching valve provided in the relay pipe, and a pressure reducing means provided in the portion of the relay pipe closer to the supply means than the switching valve, which can set the pressure value of the downstream portion of the relay pipe to a suppression pressure value. Therefore, when the state of the switching valve is such that gas in the relay pipe is not being sent to the discharge pipe, the pressure reducing means can suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion of the relay pipe. As a result, it becomes easier to avoid damage to the relay pipe due to the freezing of water generated by the condensation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system in cold regions.

[0014] According to the repellent system described in claim 2, since the pressure reducing means is positioned near the supply end of the relay pipe, the occurrence of condensation inside the relay pipe can be suppressed and the freezing of the water produced by the condensation can be reduced compared to the case where the pressure reducing means is positioned far from the supply end of the relay pipe.

[0015] According to the repellent system described in claim 3, since the switching valve is positioned at or near the end of the intermediate pipe on the discharge pipe side, compared to the case where the switching valve is positioned at a point away from the end of the intermediate pipe on the discharge pipe side, a larger amount of gas with a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the discharge pipe can be accommodated in the intermediate pipe, making it easier to ensure the function of the repellent system (specifically, the gas injection function).

[0016] The repellent system according to claim 4 further includes a determination means for determining whether or not a set timing has arrived, and a pressure reduction control means for controlling a pressure reduction means so that the pressure value of the downstream portion is set to either a suppression pressure value or a non-suppression pressure value based on the determination result of the determination means. Therefore, the pressure value of the downstream portion of the relay pipe can be set to a pressure value appropriate to the situation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system.

[0017] According to the repellent system described in claim 5, the determination means acquires date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information in a predetermined manner, and determines whether or not the set timing has arrived based on the acquired date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information. This makes it possible to accurately determine the set timing and makes it easier to set the pressure value of the relay pipe to a pressure value appropriate to the situation.

[0018] According to the repellent system described in claim 6, the switching control means periodically performs a condensation suppression process by injecting gas through the injection port by switching the open / closed state of the switching valve to the open state when the timing for occurrence arrives. Therefore, the condensation suppression process can be performed periodically when the timing for occurrence arrives, and the occurrence of condensation can be effectively suppressed throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe.

[0019] According to the repellent system described in claim 7, since it includes a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the gas supplied from the supply means, the gas supplied from the supply means can be dehumidified, and the occurrence of condensation throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe can be effectively suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a building equipped with the repellent system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the control unit. [Figure 5]It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the control unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of the setting process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of the switching process according to Embodiment 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the repulsion system according to this invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, after explaining 〔I〕the basic concept of the embodiment, 〔II〕the specific content of the embodiment will be described, and finally, 〔III〕modification examples of the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0022] 〔I〕Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be explained. The embodiment generally relates to a repulsion system for repelling a repulsion target within a predetermined area to outside the predetermined area.

[0023] Here, the "predetermined area" means an area where damage may be caused by the repulsion target. This predetermined area includes, for example, the outer peripheral part of the rooftop of a building (as an example, a parapet part, a handrail part, a lightning conductor attached on the parapet part, etc. installed on the rooftop), the central part of the rooftop of a building, the outer peripheral part or the lower part of an eaves provided near the entrance of a building, the upper end part of a solar panel or an antenna, the outer peripheral part of a field, etc. In the embodiment, it will be described as the outer peripheral part of the rooftop of a building.

[0024] Also, the "repulsion target" is an object to be repelled from the predetermined area, and includes, for example, birds and beasts, pests, etc. In the embodiment, it will be described as harmful birds such as crows and magpies.

[0025] 〔II〕Specific Content of the Embodiment Next, the specific content of the embodiment will be described.

[0026] [Embodiment 1] First, let's describe the repellent system according to Embodiment 1. This Embodiment 1 is a system in which a gas, described later, is injected onto the object to be repelled based on the detection result of the detection unit, described later.

[0027] (Configuration - Installation location) First, the configuration of the installation location where the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1 is installed will be described.

[0028] In the following explanation, the X direction in Figure 1 will be referred to as the left-right direction of the building (-X direction is the left direction of the building, and +X direction is the right direction of the building), the Y direction in Figure 1 will be referred to as the front-back direction of the building (+Y direction is the front direction of the building, and -Y direction is the rear direction of the building), and the Z direction in Figure 1 will be referred to as the up-down direction of the building (+Z direction is the up direction of the building, and -Z direction is the down direction of the building).

[0029] The repellent system 1 is installed on the rooftop of building 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the discharge pipe 20 of the repellent system 1, described later, is provided on the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop of building 2. The aforementioned "outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop" corresponds to the "predetermined area" in the claims.

[0030] The reason why the discharge pipe 20, described later, is installed on the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop is as follows.

[0031] In other words, the harmful birds that are the target OAs in Figure 3 have a habit of perching in high places with good views on the building 2 to confirm the safety of the building 2 and its surroundings, and then gradually descending to the building 2 to engage in nesting activities. Based on this, it is thought that by installing the air outlet pipe 20 described later in the high places with good views where the target OAs are most likely to first fly, i.e., the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3, it is possible to effectively deter the target OAs within the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3, thereby preventing bird damage to the building 2.

[0032] Furthermore, regarding the specific structure of building 2, in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 1, the roof of building 2 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape, and multiple parapet sections 4 are provided on the outer perimeter 3 of the roof. These parapet sections 4 are long, rectangular (or metal) bodies formed so that their vertical cross-sectional shape is polygonal (for example, roughly square or roughly hexagonal), and are provided over substantially the entire outer perimeter 3 of the roof.

[0033] (Configuration-avoidance system) Next, the configuration of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0034] The repellent system 1 is a system for repelling target OAs that are within a predetermined area (specifically, the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3) to outside the predetermined area, and as shown in Figure 1, it is equipped with at least one spraying mechanism 10 (Figure 1 shows one spraying mechanism 10).

[0035] (Configuration - Repellent System - Injection Mechanism) The injection mechanism 10 is an injection means for injecting gas A shown in Figure 3 onto the object to be avoided OA, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it comprises a blow-out pipe 20, a supply unit 30, a compressor 40, a relay pipe 50, a switching valve 60, a pressure reducing unit 70, a detection unit 80, and a control unit 90.

[0036] Here, the specific type of "gas A" is arbitrary, but it is a concept that includes, for example, air, gases other than air (for example, special gases (e.g., gases containing scents that pest birds dislike)), etc. However, in Embodiment 1, it will be explained as air.

[0037] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Discharge pipe) Returning to Figure 1, the discharge pipe 20 is a pipe having an injection port 20a for injecting gas A. This discharge pipe 20 is constructed using, for example, a known long pipe (one example being a metal (e.g., steel) air pipe) in which the upstream end face of the discharge pipe 20 is an open end and the downstream end face of the discharge pipe 20 is a closed end.

[0038] Furthermore, multiple outlet pipes 20 are provided on the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, they are provided on the left, right, front, and rear portions of the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop (i.e., four pipes are provided).

[0039] In the following, if necessary, among the multiple discharge pipes 20, the discharge pipe 21 installed on the left side of the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3 will be referred to as the "left discharge pipe 21", the discharge pipe 22 installed on the right side of the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3 will be referred to as the "right discharge pipe 22", the discharge pipe 23 installed on the front side of the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3 will be referred to as the "front discharge pipe 23", and the discharge pipe 24 installed on the rear side of the outer perimeter of the rooftop 3 will be referred to as the "rear discharge pipe 24".

[0040] Furthermore, while the specific shape and size of the discharge pipe 20 are arbitrary, in Embodiment 1 they are set as follows.

[0041] In other words, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the discharge pipe 20 is set to be approximately annular. However, it is not limited to this, and may be set to a shape other than approximately annular (for example, approximately rectangular annular, approximately elliptical annular, etc.).

[0042] Furthermore, the inner diameter and length of the discharge pipe 20 are set to ensure that the gas A injected from the nozzle 20a reaches a desired velocity (e.g., a velocity of 8 m / sec or more) at a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 cm) from the nozzle 20a. For example, the inner diameter of the discharge pipe 20 may be set to approximately 10φ to 20φ, and the length of the discharge pipe 20 may be set to approximately 5 m to 10 m.

[0043] Furthermore, while the method of installing the discharge pipe 20 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 1, the discharge pipe 20 is positioned along substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the upper end of the parapet section 4, and is positioned to run along the upper end, and is fixed to the parapet section 4 with fasteners or the like.

[0044] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Discharge pipe - Injection nozzle) Multiple nozzles 20a are provided on the wall of each discharge pipe 20, specifically arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the discharge pipe 20, spaced apart from each other.

[0045] Furthermore, while the specific shape and size of the injection nozzle 20a are arbitrary, in Embodiment 1 they are set as follows.

[0046] In other words, the shape of the nozzle 20a is set to be approximately circular. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it can be set to be approximately polygonal (for example, approximately rectangular) or approximately elliptical.

[0047] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the nozzle 20a is set to a size that ensures the gas A ejected from the nozzle 20a reaches a desired speed (e.g., a speed of 8 m / sec or more) at a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 cm) from the nozzle 20a. For example, it may be set to approximately 1.0φ to 2.0φ.

[0048] Furthermore, while the method of installing the nozzle 20a is arbitrary, in Embodiment 1, the nozzle 20a is installed at a position where the gas A can be sprayed from the indoor side of the building 2 towards the outdoor side, so that the target OA can be effectively repelled to the outside of the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the nozzle 20a is installed at a position where the spray angle of the gas A is approximately 45 degrees (or a higher or lower angle than 45 degrees) with respect to the upper end of the parapet section 4.

[0049] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Supply unit) Returning to Figure 1, the supply unit 30 is a supply means that supplies gas A (in Embodiment 1, gas A pressurized by the compressor 40) pressurized in a predetermined manner to the discharge pipe 20. This supply unit 30 is constructed using, for example, a known air tank, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is located on the rooftop of the building 2, in a portion inside the discharge pipe 20.

[0050] Furthermore, although the specific operation of the supply unit 30 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 1, if the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b, described later, detected by a pressure sensor (not shown), is below a threshold, the supply of gas A to the discharge pipe 20 is continued, and if the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b, described later, is above the threshold, the supply of gas A to the discharge pipe 20 is stopped.

[0051] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Compressor) Returning to Figure 1, the compressor 40 is a pressurizing means that pressurizes the gas A supplied from the supply unit 30. This compressor 40 is constructed using, for example, a known compressor (for example, an air compressor), and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is installed on the roof of the building 2 in the vicinity of the supply unit 30 and is connected to the supply unit 30 via piping 41 (specifically, a metal (or resin) pipe 41 that is shorter than the length of the supply-side relay pipeline 55).

[0052] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Relay pipe) Returning to Figure 1, the relay pipe 50 is a pipe for sending gas A supplied from the supply unit 30 to the discharge pipe 20. This relay pipe 50 is constructed using, for example, known piping (for example, formed by combining multiple long resin (e.g., metal) pipeline members) and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is installed on the rooftop of the building 2 between the supply unit 30 and the discharge pipe 20.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, this relay pipe 50 includes a left relay pipe section 51, a right relay pipe section 52, a front relay pipe section 53, a rear relay pipe section 54, a supply side relay pipe section 55, a first connection side relay pipe section 56, a second connection side relay pipe section 57, a third connection side relay pipe section 58, and a fourth connection side relay pipe section 59.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the left intermediate conduit section 51 is a conduit member located near the left discharge pipe 21, and is installed inside the building 2 from the left discharge pipe 21, substantially along the longitudinal direction of the left discharge pipe 21. The right intermediate conduit section 52 is a conduit member located near the right discharge pipe 22, and is installed inside the building 2 from the right discharge pipe 22, substantially along the longitudinal direction of the right discharge pipe 22. The front intermediate conduit section 53 is a conduit member located near the front discharge pipe 23, and is installed inside the building 2 from the front discharge pipe 23, substantially along the longitudinal direction of the front discharge pipe 23. The rear intermediate conduit section 54 is a conduit member located near the rear discharge pipe 24, and is installed inside the building 2 from the rear discharge pipe 24, substantially along the longitudinal direction of the rear discharge pipe 24. Furthermore, the supply-side relay pipeline section 55 is a pipeline member located near the supply section 30 and is provided between the supply section 30 and the right-side relay pipeline section 52.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the first connecting-side relay conduit section 56 is a conduit member that connects the left-side discharge pipe 21 and the left-side relay conduit section 51, and is provided between the left-side discharge pipe 21 and the left-side relay conduit section 51. The second connecting-side relay conduit section 57 is a conduit member that connects the right-side discharge pipe 22 and the right-side relay conduit section 52, and is provided between the right-side discharge pipe 22 and the right-side relay conduit section 52. The third connecting-side relay conduit section 58 is a conduit member that connects the front-side discharge pipe 23 and the front-side relay conduit section 53, and is provided between the front-side discharge pipe 23 and the front-side relay conduit section 53. The fourth connecting-side relay conduit section 59 is a conduit member that connects the rear-side discharge pipe 24 and the rear-side relay conduit section 54, and is provided between the rear-side discharge pipe 24 and the rear-side relay conduit section 54.

[0056] Furthermore, while the specific shape and size of the relay pipe 50 are arbitrary, in Embodiment 1 they are set as follows.

[0057] In other words, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the relay pipe 50 is set to be approximately annular. However, it is not limited to this, and may be set to a shape other than approximately annular (for example, approximately rectangular annular, approximately elliptical annular, etc.).

[0058] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the relay pipe 50 is set to a length that ensures the gas A injected from the nozzle 20a reaches a desired velocity (e.g., a velocity of 8 m / sec or more) at a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 cm) from the nozzle 20a. For example, it may be set to approximately 10φ to 20φ.

[0059] Furthermore, the length of the relay pipe 50 is set to a length that ensures the gas A injected from the nozzle 20a reaches a desired speed (for example, a speed of 8 m / sec or more) at a predetermined distance (for example, 10 cm) from the nozzle 20a.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the lengths of the left-side relay pipeline section 51, the right-side relay pipeline section 52, the front-side relay pipeline section 53, and the rear-side relay pipeline section 54 are set to be shorter than the length of the discharge pipe 20. In addition, the length of the supply-side relay pipeline section 55 is set to be shorter than the length of the left-side relay pipeline section 51. Furthermore, the lengths of the first-side connecting relay pipeline section 56, the second-side connecting relay pipeline section 57, the third-side connecting relay pipeline section 58, and the fourth-side connecting relay pipeline section 59 are set to be shorter than the length of the supply-side relay pipeline section 55.

[0061] Furthermore, while the specific configuration of the relay pipe 50 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 1, it is configured so that adjacent pipe sections are connected to each other among the various pipe sections.

[0062] Specifically, the left-side relay conduit section 51 is connected to the front-side relay conduit section 53 and the rear-side relay conduit section 54. The right-side relay conduit section 52 is connected to the front-side relay conduit section 53 and the rear-side relay conduit section 54. The supply-side relay conduit section 55 is connected to the right-side relay conduit section 52. The first connecting-side relay conduit section 56 is connected to the left-side relay conduit section 51 and the left-side discharge pipe 21. The second connecting-side relay conduit section 57 is connected to the right-side relay conduit section 52 and the right-side discharge pipe 22. The third connecting-side relay conduit section 58 is connected to the front-side relay conduit section 53 and the front-side discharge pipe 23. The fourth connecting-side relay conduit section 59 is connected to the rear-side relay conduit section 54 and the rear-side discharge pipe 24.

[0063] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Switching valve) The switching valve 60 is a valve for switching whether or not to send gas A in the intermediate pipe 50 to the discharge pipe 20. This switching valve 60 is constructed using, for example, a known electric valve or solenoid valve, and multiple units are provided in the intermediate pipe 50.

[0064] Furthermore, while the method of installing the switching valves 60 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 1, multiple switching valves 60 are each placed at the end of the relay pipe 50 on the discharge pipe 20 side or in the vicinity thereof.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, they are positioned near the end of each of the first connecting-side relay conduit section 56, the second connecting-side relay conduit section 57, the third connecting-side relay conduit section 58, and the fourth connecting-side relay conduit section 59 on the discharge pipe 20 side.

[0066] However, this is not limited to this, and for example, they may be placed at the end of each of the first connecting-side relay conduit section 56, the second connecting-side relay conduit section 57, the third connecting-side relay conduit section 58, and the fourth connecting-side relay conduit section 59 on the discharge pipe 20 side.

[0067] With this installation, compared to the case where each switching valve 60 is placed in a part of the intermediate pipe 50 that is far from the end of the discharge pipe 20, a larger amount of gas A having a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the discharge pipe 20 can be accommodated in the intermediate pipe 50, making it easier to ensure the function of the repellent system 1 (specifically, the function of injecting gas A).

[0068] Furthermore, the specific operation of the switching valve 60 in Embodiment 1 is as follows.

[0069] In other words, when the switching valve 60 is in the open state, the gas A in the relay pipe 50 supplied from the supply unit 30 is sent to the discharge pipe 20, and the gas A is injected from the nozzle 20a. On the other hand, when the switching valve 60 is in the closed state, the gas A in the relay pipe 50 supplied from the supply unit 30 is not sent to the discharge pipe 20, and the gas A is not injected from the nozzle 20a.

[0070] In the following, if necessary, among the multiple switching valves 60, the switching valve 61 provided in the first connecting side relay conduit section 56 will be referred to as the "left switching valve 61", the switching valve 62 provided in the second connecting side relay conduit section 57 will be referred to as the "right switching valve 62", the switching valve 63 provided in the third connecting side relay conduit section 58 will be referred to as the "front switching valve 63", and the switching valve 64 provided in the fourth connecting side relay conduit section 59 will be referred to as the "rear switching valve 64".

[0071] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Pressure reduction unit) Returning to Figure 1, the pressure reducing unit 70 is a pressure reducing means that can set the pressure value of the portion 50a (hereinafter referred to as the "downstream portion 50a") inside the relay pipe 50 that is on the side of the switching valve 60 to the pressure reducing unit 70 to a suppression pressure value. This pressure reducing unit 70 is configured using, for example, a known pressure reducing valve (for example, a self-operated pressure reducing valve), and one is provided in the portion of the relay pipe 50 that is on the side of the switching valve 60 to the supply section 30, and specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is provided in the supply-side relay pipeline section 55.

[0072] Here, the "downstream portion 50a" of the relay pipe 50, in Embodiment 1, refers to the portion of the inside of the relay pipe 50 that corresponds to the left relay pipe section 51, the right relay pipe section 52, the front relay pipe section 53, the rear relay pipe section 54, the portion of the supply-side relay pipe section 55 from the pressure reducing section 70 to the end on the right relay pipe section 52 side, the portion of the first connecting-side relay pipe section 56 from the left switching valve 61 to the end on the left relay pipe section 51 side, the portion of the second connecting-side relay pipe section 57 from the right switching valve 62 to the end on the right relay pipe section 52 side, the portion of the third connecting-side relay pipe section 58 from the front switching valve 63 to the end on the front relay pipe section 53 side, and the portion of the fourth connecting-side relay pipe section 59 from the rear switching valve 64 to the end on the rear relay pipe section 54 side (in Figure 2, the downstream portion 50a is shown with hatching).

[0073] Furthermore, the portion 50b inside the relay pipe 50 that is on the supply section 30 side of the pressure reduction section 70 (hereinafter referred to as the "upstream portion 50b") corresponds in Embodiment 1 to the portion inside the relay pipe 50 that extends from the pressure reduction section 70 to the supply section 30 side end of the supply-side relay pipeline section 55.

[0074] Furthermore, the "suppression pressure value" refers to a pressure value that is lower than the pressure value in the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50, higher than the pressure value inside the discharge pipe 20, and capable of suppressing the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion 50a.

[0075] Furthermore, while the method for setting the suppression pressure value is arbitrary, it is preferable to set it to a pressure value approximately half the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b in order to suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 while maintaining the function of the repellent system 1 (specifically, the function of injecting gas A). For example, if the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b is approximately 0.8 MPa, the suppression pressure value may be set to approximately 0.5 MPa.

[0076] Furthermore, while the method of installing the pressure reducing unit 70 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 1, the pressure reducing unit 70 is positioned near the end of the relay pipe 50 on the supply unit 30 side.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the pressure reducing unit 70 is located near the end of the supply section 30 in the supply-side relay pipeline section 55.

[0078] This installation method makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation inside the relay pipe 50 and reduce the risk of the water produced by the condensation freezing, compared to when the pressure reducing unit 70 is placed in a part of the relay pipe 50 that is far from the supply unit 30 end.

[0079] However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the pressure reducing unit 70 may be located at the end of the supply-side relay pipeline section 55 on the discharge pipe 20 side or in its vicinity. Alternatively, the pressure reducing unit 70 may be located in the first connecting-side relay pipeline section 56, the second connecting-side relay pipeline section 57, the third connecting-side relay pipeline section 58, or the fourth connecting-side relay pipeline section 59.

[0080] With this pressure reducing unit 70, when the open / closed state of the multiple switching valves 60 is in the closed state (that is, the state of the switching valves 60 is such that gas A in the intermediate pipe 50 is not being sent to the discharge pipe 20), the pressure reducing unit 70 can set the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the intermediate pipe 50 to a suppression pressure value. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the temperature difference between the temperature of the downstream portion 50a and the ambient temperature becoming excessive, and thus it is possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion 50a.

[0081] (Configuration - Repellent system - Spray mechanism - Detection unit) The detection unit 80 is a detection means for detecting whether or not a target OA is present in a predetermined area, and as shown in Figure 3, it is provided on the rooftop of the building 2 near each outlet pipe 20 (i.e., multiple detection units 80 are provided). This detection unit 80 is configured using, for example, a known detection sensor (for example, a pyroelectric sensor), and specifically comprises a detection unit body 81, an amplifier unit, and a signal processing unit.

[0082] Of these components, the detection unit body 81 absorbs infrared thermal energy in the vicinity of the detection unit body 81, causing a temperature change, and outputs a signal induced in proportion to this temperature change to the amplifier unit. The amplifier unit amplifies the signal output from the detection unit body 81 and outputs it to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit determines whether or not the object to be avoided (OA) is present in a predetermined area based on the detection signal output from the amplifier unit, and outputs a signal indicating this determination result to the control unit 90.

[0083] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Control unit) Returning to Figure 1, the control unit 90 is a device that interconnects the various parts of the injection mechanism 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this control unit 90 is installed on the roof of the building 2 and is electrically connected to the supply unit 30, the compressor 40, the multiple switching valves 60, and the multiple detection units 80 via wiring 90a.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, this control unit 90 includes an operation unit 91, a communication unit 92, a power supply unit 93, a control unit 94, and a storage unit 95.

[0085] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Control unit - Operation unit) The operation unit 91 is an operating means that receives operation input to the control unit 90, and is configured using various known operating means such as switches and touchpads.

[0086] (Configuration - Repellent System - Injection Mechanism - Control Unit - Communication Unit) The communication unit 92 is a communication means for communicating between the supply unit 30, the compressor 40, the multiple switching valves 60, and the multiple detection units 80 and the control unit 90, and is configured using, for example, known communication means (one example, a communication means that communicates using a wired communication network).

[0087] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Control unit - Power supply unit) The power supply unit 93 is a power supply means that supplies power from a commercial power source (not shown) or a battery (e.g., a battery) to each part of the control unit 90, as well as to the supply unit 30, the compressor 40, the multiple switching valves 60, and / or the multiple detection units 80, etc.

[0088] (Configuration - Repellent System - Injection Mechanism - Control Unit - Control Unit) The control unit 94 is a control means that controls each part of the control unit 90. Specifically, it is a computer configured with a CPU, various programs interpreted and executed on the CPU (including basic control programs such as the OS and application programs launched on the OS to realize specific functions), and internal memory such as RAM for storing programs and various data.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 94 functionally includes a switching control unit 94a.

[0090] The switching control unit 94a is a switching control means for controlling the switching of the open / closed state of the switching valve 60.

[0091] Details of the processing performed by this control unit 94 will be described later.

[0092] (Configuration - Repellent system - Injection mechanism - Control unit - Memory unit) The memory unit 95 is a storage means for storing programs and various data necessary for the operation of the control unit 90, and is configured using a known rewritable recording medium, such as a non-volatile recording medium like flash memory.

[0093] With the above configuration of the repellent system 1, when each switching valve 60 is in the closed state (i.e., when the state of each switching valve 60 is such that gas A in the intermediate pipe 50 is not being sent to the discharge pipe 20), the pressure reduction unit 70 can suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion 50a of the intermediate pipe 50. Therefore, it becomes easier to avoid damage to the intermediate pipe 50 due to the freezing of water generated by the condensation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system 1 in cold regions.

[0094] (Regarding the operation of the configuration-avoidance system) Next, we will explain the operation of repellent system 1.

[0095] Here, the premise for the operation of the repellent system 1 is explained in Embodiment 1 assuming that each switching valve 60 is in the closed state.

[0096] For example, when the repellent system 1 is activated, the control unit 90's control unit 94 instructs the supply unit 30 to supply pressurized gas A from the compressor 40 until the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50, detected by the pressure sensor, reaches a threshold. Once the supply of gas A is complete, the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b is set to the threshold, but the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 is set to a suppression pressure value by the pressure reduction unit 70.

[0097] This allows the function of the repellent system 1 (specifically, the function of injecting gas A) to be maintained, and because the temperature difference between the temperature of the downstream portion 50a and the ambient temperature does not become excessive, condensation in the downstream portion 50a can be suppressed.

[0098] Next, when the control unit 90 receives a detection signal from at least one of the multiple detection units 80 indicating that a target OA has been detected, the switching control unit 94a of the control unit 90 switches the open / closed state of the switching valve 60 corresponding to the detection unit 80 that is the destination of the signal to the open state (that is, the state of the switching valve 60 is such that gas A in the relay pipe 50 is sent to the discharge pipe 20), thereby sending gas A in the relay pipe 50 to the discharge pipe 20 (specifically, the discharge pipe 20 in which the corresponding switching valve 60 is installed), and the gas A is ejected from the nozzle 20a of the discharge pipe 20.

[0099] This allows the gas A sprayed from the nozzle 20a onto the object to be repelled (OA), thereby stimulating the object to be repelled and causing it to move outside the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop.

[0100] Next, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the injection of gas A, the switching control unit 94a of the control unit 90 switches the open / closed state of the switching valve 60 to the closed state. Then, the control unit 94 of the control unit 90 causes the supply unit 30 to supply pressurized gas A from the compressor 40 until the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50 detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a threshold value. When the supply of gas A is completed, the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b is set back to the threshold value, and the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 is set back to the suppression pressure value.

[0101] As a result, even if the control unit 90 receives a detection signal again, the gas A in the relay pipe 50 is sent to the discharge pipe 20, making it possible to inject the gas A from the nozzle 20a of the discharge pipe 20.

[0102] (Effects of Embodiment 1) As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the injection mechanism 10 includes a discharge pipe 20 having an injection port 20a, a supply unit 30 that supplies pressurized gas A to the discharge pipe 20 in a predetermined manner, a relay pipe 50 provided between the supply unit 30 and the discharge pipe 20, a switching valve 60 provided in the relay pipe 50, and a pressure reducing unit 70 provided in the portion of the relay pipe 50 closer to the supply unit 30 than the switching valve 60, and the pressure reducing unit 70 is capable of setting the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a, which is the portion of the relay pipe 50 closer to the switching valve 60 than the pressure reducing unit 70, to a suppression pressure value. Therefore, when the state of the switching valve 60 is such that gas A in the relay pipe 50 is not being sent to the discharge pipe 20, the pressure reducing unit 70 can suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50. Thus, it is easier to avoid damage to the relay pipe 50 due to the freezing of water generated by the condensation, and thus it is possible to improve the usability of the repellent system 1 in cold regions.

[0103] Furthermore, since the pressure reducing unit 70 is located near the end of the relay pipe 50 on the supply side, compared to the case where the pressure reducing unit 70 is located far from the supply side end of the relay pipe 50, the occurrence of condensation inside the relay pipe 50 can be suppressed, and the freezing of the water produced by such condensation can be reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, since the switching valve 60 is positioned at or near the end of the intermediate pipe 50 on the discharge pipe 20 side, compared to the case where the switching valve 60 is positioned at a point far from the end of the intermediate pipe 50 on the discharge pipe 20 side, a larger amount of gas A having a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the discharge pipe 20 can be accommodated within the intermediate pipe 50, making it easier to ensure the function of the repellent system 1 (specifically, the function of injecting gas A).

[0105] [Embodiment 2] Next, a repellent system according to Embodiment 2 will be described. This Embodiment 2 is a configuration that includes a pressure reduction control unit, which will be described later. However, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of this Embodiment 2 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, and for components that are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals and / or names used in this Embodiment 1 will be used as necessary, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0106] (Configuration - Installation location) First, the configuration of the installation location where the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 2 is installed will be described.

[0107] The installation location according to Embodiment 2 is configured to be substantially the same as the installation location according to Embodiment 1.

[0108] (Configuration-avoidance system) Next, the configuration of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0109] The repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 2 is configured substantially the same as the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1. However, the details of the configuration of the pressure reducing unit 70 and the control unit 90 are modified as shown below.

[0110] (Details of the configuration - repellent system - pressure reduction section) Next, we will describe the details of the configuration of the depressurization section 70.

[0111] In Embodiment 2, the pressure reducing unit 70 is configured using, for example, a known pressure reducing valve (one example being an electric pressure reducing valve), and is provided in the supply-side relay pipeline section 55, substantially the same as the pressure reducing unit 70 in Embodiment 1.

[0112] Furthermore, although the specific configuration of the pressure reduction unit 70 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 2, the pressure reduction unit 70 is configured such that the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 can be set to a suppressed pressure value and a non-suppressed pressure value.

[0113] Specifically, the pressure reducing unit 70 is equipped with a switching unit (not shown) that switches the pressure reducing function of the pressure reducing unit 70 on and off. By operating the switching unit based on a control signal from the pressure reducing control unit 94c described later, the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a can be switched between a suppressed pressure value and an unsuppressed pressure value.

[0114] Here, the "unsuppressed pressure value" is a pressure value that is approximately the same as the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50.

[0115] (Details of the configuration - repellent system - control unit configuration) Next, we will describe the details of the configuration of the control unit 90.

[0116] In Embodiment 2, the control unit 90 is configured substantially the same as the control unit 90 in Embodiment 1, is installed on the roof of the building 2, and is electrically connected to the supply unit 30, compressor 40, multiple switching valves 60, pressure reducing unit 70, and multiple detection units 80 via wiring 90a. However, the configuration of the control unit 94 is modified as shown below.

[0117] In other words, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 94 functionally comprises a switching control unit 94a, a determination unit 94b, and a pressure reduction control unit 94c.

[0118] Of these, the determination unit 94b is a determination means that determines whether or not the timing for setting the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 to the suppression pressure value (hereinafter referred to as the "setting timing") has arrived.

[0119] Furthermore, the pressure reduction control unit 94c is a pressure reduction control means for controlling the pressure reduction unit 70 so that the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a is set to either a suppressed pressure value or a non-suppressed pressure value, based on the determination result of the determination unit 94b.

[0120] (Setup process) Next, the setting process performed by the control unit 94 of the control unit 90 will be described.

[0121] The setting process is the process for setting the pressure value of the pressure reduction control unit 94c.

[0122] The timing of executing this setting process is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 2, it is activated after the power to the repellent system 1 is turned on and the control unit 90's control unit 94 supplies pressurized gas A from the supply unit 30 to the compressor 40 until the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50 detected by the pressure sensor reaches the non-suppression pressure value, and is described as being executed in parallel with the operation of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 2 (specifically, substantially the same operation as the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1).

[0123] Furthermore, regarding the assumptions for the setting process, in Embodiment 2, it is explained that the open / closed state of each switching valve 60 is the closed state, the attenuation function of the pressure reducing unit 70 is turned off, and the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 is the unsuppressed pressure value.

[0124] When the setting process is initiated, as shown in Figure 6, the determination unit 94b in SA1 acquires date and time information indicating the date and time for a predetermined area (specifically, the outer perimeter 3 of the rooftop of building 2), temperature information indicating the temperature for the predetermined area, and / or weather information indicating the weather for the predetermined area, in a predetermined manner.

[0125] The method for acquiring this date and time information is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 2, for example, it may be acquired by receiving the date and time information from an external device (for example, a management server that manages date and time information, a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, etc.)) or / or by receiving input of date and time information from an operator, etc. via the operation unit 91.

[0126] In SA2, the determination unit 94b determines whether or not the set timing has arrived.

[0127] The method for determining whether or not this setting timing has arrived is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 2, the determination is made based on date and time information obtained by SA1.

[0128] Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the date and time information obtained by SA1 corresponds to the first reference date and time (for example, the time period from 6 PM to 6 AM from December to March), whether the temperature information obtained by SA1 corresponds to the first reference temperature (for example, less than 3°C), and / or whether the weather information obtained by SA1 corresponds to the first reference weather (for example, snow, sleet). If the above first reference date and time, the above first reference temperature, or / or the above first reference weather is met, it is determined that the set timing has arrived. If the above first reference date and time, the above first reference temperature, and / or the above first reference weather are not met, it is determined that the set timing has not arrived.

[0129] This type of determination allows for accurate setting of the timing, making it easier to set the pressure value of the relay pipe 50 to a pressure value appropriate to the situation.

[0130] Then, if the determination unit 94b determines that the set timing has arrived (SA2, Yes), it proceeds to SA3. On the other hand, if the determination unit 94b determines that the set timing has not arrived (SA2, No), the pressure reduction control unit 94c proceeds to SA1 without changing the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 (that is, the pressure reduction control unit 94c maintains the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a at the unsuppressed pressure value), and the processing of SA1 and SA2 is repeated until it is determined in SA2 that the set timing has arrived.

[0131] In SA3, the pressure reduction control unit 94c controls the pressure reduction unit 70 so that the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 is set to the suppression pressure value.

[0132] The control method for the pressure reduction unit 70 is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 2, the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a is set to the suppression pressure value by switching the damping function of the pressure reduction unit 70 on using the switching unit of the pressure reduction unit 70.

[0133] These processes from SA1 to SA3 allow the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 to be set to a pressure value appropriate to the situation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system 1.

[0134] In SA4, the determination unit 94b acquires date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information, in substantially the same manner as the processing in SA1.

[0135] In SA5, the determination unit 94b determines whether or not the timing for setting the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 to the non-suppressed pressure value (hereinafter referred to as the "recovery timing") has arrived.

[0136] The method for determining whether or not this recovery timing has arrived is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 2, the determination is made based on date and time information obtained by SA4.

[0137] Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the date and time information obtained by SA4 corresponds to the second reference date and time (for example, a time period other than the time between 6 PM and 6 AM from December to March), whether the temperature information obtained by SA4 corresponds to the second reference temperature (for example, 3°C or higher), and / or whether the weather information obtained by SA4 corresponds to the second reference weather (for example, sunny, cloudy, rainy, etc.). If the above second reference date and time, second reference temperature, and / or second reference weather conditions are met, it is determined that the recovery timing has arrived. If the above second reference date and time, second reference temperature, and / or second reference weather conditions are not met, it is determined that the recovery timing has not arrived.

[0138] This type of determination allows for accurate assessment of the recovery timing and makes it easier to set the pressure value of the relay pipe 50 to a pressure value appropriate to the situation.

[0139] Then, if the determination unit 94b determines that the recovery timing has arrived (SA5, Yes), it proceeds to SA6. On the other hand, if the determination unit 94b determines that the recovery timing has not arrived (SA5, No), the pressure reduction control unit 94c proceeds to SA4 without changing the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 (that is, the pressure reduction control unit 94c maintains the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a at the suppression pressure value), and the processing of SA4 and SA5 is repeated until it is determined in SA5 that the recovery timing has arrived.

[0140] In SA6, the pressure reduction control unit 94c controls the pressure reduction unit 70 so that the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 is set to the unsuppressed pressure value. After that, the control unit 94 moves on to SA1 and repeats the process from SA1 to SA6 in the same manner.

[0141] Furthermore, although the control method for the pressure reduction unit 70 is arbitrary, in Embodiment 2, the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a is set to the unsuppressed pressure value by switching the damping function of the pressure reduction unit 70 off using the switching unit of the pressure reduction unit 70.

[0142] Through the setting process described above, the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 can be set to a suppressed pressure value or a non-suppressed pressure value depending on the situation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system 1.

[0143] (Effects of Embodiment 2) As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the system further includes a determination unit 94b for determining whether or not a set timing has arrived, and a pressure reduction control unit 94c for controlling the pressure reduction unit 70 so that the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a is set to either a suppression pressure value or a non-suppression pressure value based on the determination result of the determination unit 94b. Therefore, the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 can be set to a pressure value appropriate to the situation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system 1.

[0144] Furthermore, the determination unit 94b acquires date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information in a predetermined manner, and determines whether or not the set timing has arrived based on the acquired date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information. This allows for accurate determination of the set timing and makes it easier to set the pressure value of the relay pipe 50 to a pressure value appropriate to the situation.

[0145] [Embodiment 3] Next, a repellent system according to Embodiment 3 will be described. In this Embodiment 3, the switching control unit performs the condensation suppression process described later. However, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of this Embodiment 3 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, and for components substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals or / and names used in this Embodiment 1 will be used as necessary, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0146] (Configuration - Installation location) First, the configuration of the installation location where the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 3 is installed will be described.

[0147] The installation location according to Embodiment 3 is configured to be substantially the same as the installation location according to Embodiment 1.

[0148] (Configuration-avoidance system) Next, the configuration of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0149] The repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 3 is configured substantially the same as the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0150] (Switching process) Next, the switching process performed by the control unit 94 of the control unit 90 will be described.

[0151] The switching process is a process for switching the open / closed state of the switching valve 60, regardless of the detection result of the detection unit 80.

[0152] The timing of this switching process is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 3, it is activated after the power to the repellent system 1 is turned on and the control unit 90's control unit 94 supplies pressurized gas A from the supply unit 30 to the compressor 40 until the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50 detected by the pressure sensor reaches the non-suppression pressure value, and is described as being executed in parallel with the operation of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 3 (specifically, substantially the same operation as the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1).

[0153] Furthermore, regarding the premise of the switching process, in Embodiment 3, it is explained that the open / closed state of each switching valve 60 is the closed state, and the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 is the unsuppressed pressure value.

[0154] When the switching process is initiated, as shown in Figure 7, the switching control unit 94a in SB1 acquires date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information in substantially the same manner as the processing in SA1.

[0155] In SB2, the switching control unit 94a determines whether or not a timing has arrived in which condensation is likely to occur inside the relay pipe 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "occurrence timing").

[0156] The method for determining whether or not this occurrence timing has arrived is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 3, the determination is made based on date and time information obtained by SB1.

[0157] Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the date and time information obtained by SB1 corresponds to the third reference date and time (for example, the time period from 6 PM to 6 AM from December to March), whether the temperature information obtained by SB1 corresponds to the third reference temperature (for example, less than 3°C), and / or whether the weather information obtained by SB1 corresponds to the third reference weather (for example, snow, sleet). If the above third reference date and time, the above third reference temperature, or / or the above third reference weather is met, it is determined that the timing for occurrence has arrived. If the above third reference date and time, the above third reference temperature, and / or the above third reference weather are not met, it is determined that the timing for occurrence has not arrived.

[0158] This type of determination allows for accurate timing of occurrence, enabling the condensation suppression process described later to be executed at the appropriate time.

[0159] Then, if the switching control unit 94a determines that the timing for occurrence has arrived (SB2, Yes), it proceeds to SB3. On the other hand, if the switching control unit 94a determines that the timing for occurrence has not arrived (SB2, No), it proceeds to SB1 without switching the open / closed state of each switching valve 60 (that is, maintaining the open / closed state of each switching valve 60 in the closed state), and repeats the processing of SB1 and SB2 until it determines in SB2 that the timing for occurrence has arrived.

[0160] In SB3, the switching control unit 94a periodically performs a process (hereinafter referred to as "condensation suppression process") in which gas A is injected through the nozzles 20a of each discharge pipe 20 by switching the open / closed state of each switching valve 60 to the open state.

[0161] Specifically, the switching control unit 94a periodically performs the condensation suppression treatment by continuously or intermittently switching the open or closed state of each switching valve 60 to the open state at predetermined intervals (for example, every hour) until the termination timing described later arrives.

[0162] In SB4, the switching control unit 94a acquires date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information, in substantially the same manner as the processing in SB1.

[0163] In SB5, the switching control unit 94a determines whether or not the timing for ending the condensation suppression process of SB3 (hereinafter referred to as the "end timing") has arrived.

[0164] The method for determining whether or not this termination timing has arrived is arbitrary, but in Embodiment 3, the determination is made based on date and time information obtained by SB4.

[0165] Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the date and time information obtained by SB4 corresponds to the fourth reference date and time (for example, a time period other than the time between 6 PM and 6 AM from December to March), whether the temperature information obtained by SB4 corresponds to the fourth reference temperature (for example, 3°C or higher), and / or whether the weather information obtained by SB4 corresponds to the fourth reference weather (for example, sunny, cloudy, rainy, etc.). If the above fourth reference date and time, the above fourth reference temperature, or / or the above fourth reference weather is met, it is determined that the end time has arrived. If the above fourth reference date and time, the above fourth reference temperature, and / or the above fourth reference weather are not met, it is determined that the end time has not arrived.

[0166] This type of determination allows for accurate determination of the termination timing, enabling the condensation suppression process to be stopped at the appropriate time.

[0167] Then, if the switching control unit 94a determines that the termination timing has arrived (SB5, Yes), it proceeds to SB6. On the other hand, if the switching control unit 94a determines that the termination timing has not arrived (SB5, No), it proceeds to SB4 while continuing to execute the condensation suppression process, and repeats the processes of SB4 and SB5 until it determines in SB5 that the termination timing has arrived.

[0168] In SB6, the switching control unit 94a stops the condensation suppression process of SB3. Then, the control unit 94 moves to SB1 and repeats the process from SB1 to SB6 in the same manner.

[0169] Specifically, the switching control unit 94a stops the condensation suppression process of SB3 by maintaining the open / closed state of each switching valve 60 in the closed state.

[0170] Through the switching process described above, condensation suppression can be performed periodically when the timing for condensation occurrence arrives, effectively suppressing condensation throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe 50.

[0171] (Effects of Embodiment 3) As described above, according to Embodiment 3, the switching control unit 94a periodically performs a condensation suppression process by switching the open / closed state of the switching valve 60 to the open state when the timing for condensation occurrence arrives, thereby injecting gas A through the injection port 20a. Therefore, the condensation suppression process can be performed periodically when the timing for condensation occurrence arrives, and the occurrence of condensation can be effectively suppressed throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe 50.

[0172] [Embodiment 4] Next, a repellent system according to Embodiment 4 will be described. This Embodiment 4 is a configuration that includes a dehumidifying unit, which will be described later. However, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of this Embodiment 4 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, and for components that are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals or / and names used in this Embodiment 1 will be used as necessary, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0173] (Configuration - Installation location) First, the configuration of the installation location where the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 4 is installed will be described.

[0174] The installation location according to Embodiment 4 is configured to be substantially the same as the installation location according to Embodiment 1.

[0175] (Configuration-avoidance system) Next, the configuration of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0176] The repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 4 is equipped with one injection mechanism 10, which comprises a discharge pipe 20, a supply unit 30, a compressor 40, a relay pipe 50, a switching valve 60, a pressure reducing unit 70, a dehumidifying unit (not shown), a detection unit 80, and a control unit 90.

[0177] Of these, the dehumidification unit is a dehumidification means that dehumidifies the gas A supplied from the supply unit 30. This dehumidification unit is configured using, for example, a known dehumidification means (for example, an air dryer), is installed on the rooftop of the building 2 in the vicinity of the supply unit 30, is connected to the supply unit 30 via piping (not shown), and is also electrically connected to the control unit 90 via wiring 90a.

[0178] This dehumidification unit can dehumidify the gas A supplied from the supply unit 30, effectively suppressing condensation throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe 50.

[0179] (Regarding the operation of the configuration-avoidance system) Next, the operation of the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0180] Here, the premise for the operation of the repellent system 1 is explained in Embodiment 4 assuming that each switching valve 60 is in the closed state.

[0181] The repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 4 provides substantially the same effects as the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 1, in addition to the following effects.

[0182] In other words, when the repellent system 1 is activated, the control unit 90's control unit 94 causes the supply unit 30 to supply pressurized gas A from the compressor 40 until the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50 detected by the pressure sensor reaches a threshold, and the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the supplied gas A.

[0183] Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed since gas A was injected from at least one of the nozzles 20a of the multiple discharge pipes 20, the switching control unit 94a of the control unit 90 switches the open / closed state of the switching valve 60 to the closed state, and the control unit 94 of the control unit 90 causes the supply unit 30 to supply pressurized gas A from the compressor 40 until the pressure value of the upstream portion 50b of the relay pipe 50 detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a threshold, and the dehumidification unit dehumidifies the supplied gas A.

[0184] These actions allow for the dehumidification of gas A supplied from the supply unit 30, effectively suppressing condensation throughout the interior of the relay pipe 50.

[0185] (Effects of Embodiment 4) As described above, according to Embodiment 4, since the device is equipped with a dehumidifying unit that dehumidifies the gas A supplied from the supply unit 30, the gas A supplied from the supply unit 30 can be dehumidified, and the occurrence of condensation throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe 50 can be effectively suppressed.

[0186] [III] Modifications of the Embodiment While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of ​​each invention described in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0187] (Regarding the problems to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may solve problems not described above, produce effects not described above, solve only some of the problems described above, or produce only some of the effects described above.

[0188] (Regarding decentralization and integration) Furthermore, the electrical components described above are functional concepts and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the diagram. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each part are not limited to those shown in the diagram, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. For example, the control unit 90 may be distributed among multiple devices configured to communicate with each other, with a control unit 94 provided in some of these multiple devices and a storage unit 95 provided in other parts of these multiple devices.

[0189] (Regarding shape, numerical values, structure, and time series) With regard to the components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings, their shapes, numerical values, or the interrelationships of the structure or time series of multiple components can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0190] (Regarding combinations of each embodiment) The features described in Embodiments 2 to 4 above can be combined with each other. For example, the switching process according to Embodiment 3 and / or the dehumidification unit according to Embodiment 4 may be combined with the repellent system 1 according to Embodiment 2.

[0191] (Regarding the avoidance system) In the embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the repellent system 1 is described as having only one injection mechanism 10, but it is not limited to this, and may, for example, have multiple injection mechanisms 10.

[0192] (Regarding the injection mechanism) In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the injection mechanism 10 is said to include a plurality of discharge pipes 20 and a plurality of switching valves 60, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may include one discharge pipe 20 and one switching valve 60 for switching whether or not to send the gas A in the intermediate pipe 50 to the discharge pipe 20. In this case, the intermediate pipe 50 may be configured to send the gas A supplied from the supply unit 30 only to the discharge pipe 20. Also, the one switching valve 60 may be located in the center of the intermediate pipe 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0193] Furthermore, although the above embodiments 1 to 4 described that the supply unit 30, compressor 40, relay pipe 50, and control unit 90 are located on the roof of building 2, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the supply unit 30, compressor 40, a part of the relay pipe 50 (for example, the supply-side relay pipeline section 55), and / or the control unit 90 may be located at a location other than the roof of building 2 (for example, on the wall of building 2, inside building 2, etc.).

[0194] Furthermore, although the injection mechanism 10 is described as being equipped with a compressor 40 in embodiments 1 to 4 above, it is not limited to this. For example, if the supply unit 30 has the function of pressurizing gas A, the compressor 40 may be omitted.

[0195] Furthermore, although the above embodiments 1 to 4 described the injection mechanism 10 as having only one pressure reducing section 70, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may have multiple pressure reducing sections 70. In this case, the multiple pressure reducing sections 70 may be arranged in the relay pipe 50 at intervals from each other, and the pressure values ​​of the downstream portions 50a located downstream of each pressure reducing section 70 inside the relay pipe 50 may be configured to be set to mutually different suppression pressure values. This makes it easier to set the pressure value inside the relay pipe 50 to a pressure value appropriate to the installation environment, thereby making it easier to suppress condensation inside the relay pipe 50.

[0196] (Regarding the nozzle) In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, multiple nozzles 20a are provided in each outlet pipe 20. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, each outlet pipe 20 may be provided with only one nozzle 20a.

[0197] (Regarding the switching valve) In embodiments 1, 2, or 4 described above, the switching valve 60 was described as an electric valve or a solenoid valve, but it is not limited to these, and may be a manual valve, for example.

[0198] (Regarding the setup process) In the above embodiment 2, it was explained that in SA2, the determination unit 94b determines whether or not the set timing has arrived based on the date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information acquired in SA1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 94b may determine whether or not the set timing has arrived based on whether or not a predetermined operation has been received via the operation unit 91, or whether or not setting instruction information instructing to set the pressure value of the downstream portion 50a of the relay pipe 50 to the suppression pressure value has been received from an external device. In this case, if the predetermined operation has been received, or if the setting instruction information has been received from an external device, it may be determined that the set timing has arrived (the processing of SA5 is substantially the same).

[0199] (Regarding the switching process) In the above embodiment 3, it was explained that in SB2, the switching control unit 94a determines whether or not the timing for occurrence has arrived based on the date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information acquired in SB1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the switching control unit 94a may determine whether or not the timing for occurrence has arrived based on whether or not a predetermined operation has been received via the operation unit 91, or whether or not switching instruction information instructing to switch the open / closed state of the switching valve 60 to the open state has been received from an external device. In this case, if the predetermined operation has been received, or if the switching instruction information has been received from an external device, it may be determined that the timing for occurrence has arrived (the processing of SB5 is substantially the same).

[0200] (Note) The repellent system described in Appendix 1 is a repellent system for repelling a target to be avoided within a predetermined area to be removed from the predetermined area, comprising at least one injection means for injecting gas onto the target to be avoided, wherein the injection means comprises a blowpipe having an injection port for injecting the gas, a supply means for supplying the pressurized gas to the blowpipe in a predetermined manner, a relay pipe provided between the supply means and the blowpipe, the relay pipe for sending the gas supplied from the supply means to the blowpipe, and a switching valve provided in the relay pipe, The system includes a switching valve for switching whether or not to send the gas in the intermediate pipe to the discharge pipe, and a pressure reducing means provided in the intermediate pipe on the supply means side of the switching valve, which can set the pressure value in the downstream portion of the intermediate pipe, which is on the switching valve side of the pressure reducing means, to a suppression pressure value that is lower than the pressure value in the upstream portion of the intermediate pipe, which is on the supply means side of the pressure reducing means, higher than the pressure value inside the discharge pipe, and that can suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion.

[0201] The repellent system described in Appendix 2 is the repellent system described in Appendix 1, wherein the pressure reducing means is located near the end of the relay pipe on the supply means side.

[0202] The repellent system in Appendix 3 is the repellent system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the switching valve is located at or near the end of the relay pipe on the discharge pipe side.

[0203] The avoidance system of Appendix 4 further comprises the avoidance system of Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the pressure reduction means is configured such that the pressure value of the downstream portion can be set to the suppression pressure value and the non-suppression pressure value which is substantially the same as the pressure value of the upstream portion, a determination means for determining whether or not the setting timing for setting the pressure value of the downstream portion to the suppression pressure value has arrived, and a pressure reduction control means for controlling the pressure reduction means so that the pressure value of the downstream portion is set to either the suppression pressure value or the non-suppression pressure value based on the determination result of the determination means.

[0204] The avoidance system in Appendix 5, in the avoidance system described in Appendix 4, includes a determination means that acquires date and time information indicating the date and time of the predetermined area, temperature information indicating the temperature of the predetermined area, and / or weather information indicating the weather of the predetermined area, in a predetermined manner, and determines whether or not the set timing has arrived based on the acquired date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information.

[0205] The repellent system of Appendix 6 is the repellent system of Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a switching control means for controlling the switching of the open / closed state of the switching valve, wherein the switching control means periodically performs a condensation suppression treatment by switching the open / closed state of the switching valve to the open state when a timing has arrived in which condensation is likely to occur inside the relay pipe, thereby injecting the gas through the injection port.

[0206] The repellent system of Appendix 7 is the repellent system of Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the gas supplied from the supply means.

[0207] (Effect of the note) According to the repellent system described in Appendix 1, the injection means comprises a discharge pipe having an injection port, a supply means for supplying pressurized gas to the discharge pipe in a predetermined manner, a relay pipe provided between the supply means and the discharge pipe, a switching valve provided in the relay pipe, and a pressure reducing means provided in the portion of the relay pipe closer to the supply means than the switching valve, which can set the pressure value of the downstream portion of the relay pipe to a suppression pressure value. Therefore, when the state of the switching valve is such that gas in the relay pipe is not being sent to the discharge pipe, the pressure reducing means can suppress the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion of the relay pipe. Thus, it becomes easier to avoid damage to the relay pipe due to the freezing of water generated by the condensation, thereby improving the usability of the repellent system in cold regions.

[0208] According to the repellent system described in Appendix 2, since the pressure reducing means is positioned near the supply end of the relay pipe, the occurrence of condensation inside the relay pipe can be suppressed compared to when the pressure reducing means is positioned far from the supply end of the relay pipe, and the freezing of the water produced by the condensation can be reduced.

[0209] According to the repellent system described in Appendix 3, since the switching valve is positioned at or near the end of the intermediate pipe on the discharge pipe side, compared to the case where the switching valve is positioned at a point far from the end of the intermediate pipe on the discharge pipe side, a larger amount of gas with a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the discharge pipe can be accommodated in the intermediate pipe, making it easier to ensure the function of the repellent system (specifically, the gas injection function).

[0210] The avoidance system described in Appendix 4 further includes a determination means for determining whether or not a set timing has arrived, and a pressure reduction control means for controlling a pressure reduction means so that the pressure value of the downstream portion is set to either a suppression pressure value or a non-suppression pressure value based on the determination result of the determination means. Therefore, the pressure value of the downstream portion of the relay pipe can be set to a pressure value appropriate to the situation, thereby improving the usability of the avoidance system.

[0211] According to the avoidance system described in Appendix 5, the determination means acquires date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information in a predetermined manner, and determines whether or not the set timing has arrived based on the acquired date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information. This makes it possible to accurately determine the set timing and makes it easier to set the pressure value of the relay pipe to a pressure value appropriate to the situation.

[0212] According to the repellent system described in Appendix 6, the switching control means periodically performs a condensation suppression treatment by switching the open / closed state of the switching valve to the open state when the timing for occurrence arrives, thereby injecting gas through the injection port. This allows the condensation suppression treatment to be performed periodically when the timing for occurrence arrives, effectively suppressing the occurrence of condensation throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe.

[0213] According to the repellent system described in Appendix 7, since it is equipped with a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the gas supplied from the supply means, the gas supplied from the supply means can be dehumidified, and the occurrence of condensation throughout the entire interior of the relay pipe can be effectively suppressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0214] 1. Repellent System 2 buildings 3. Outer perimeter of the rooftop 4 Parapet section 10 Injection mechanism 20 Blowout pipe 20a nozzle 21 Left side outlet pipe 22 Right side outlet pipe 23 Front air outlet pipe 24 Rear outlet pipe 30 Supply section 40 Compressors 41 Piping 50 relay tubes 50a downstream part 50b Upstream part 51 Left-side relay conduit section 52 Right side relay pipe section 53 Front relay pipe section 54 Rear relay conduit section 55 Supply-side relay conduit section 56 First connection side relay conduit section 57 Second Connection Side Relay Conduit Section 58 Third Connection Side Relay Conduit Section 59. Fourth connection side relay conduit section 60 Switching valve 61 Left-side switching valve 62 Right-side switching valve 63 Front switching valve 64 Rear switching valve 70 Pressure reduction section 80 Detection unit 81 Detection Unit Body 90 Control Unit 90a wiring 91 Operation section 92 Communications Department 93 Power supply section 94 Control Unit 94a Switching control unit 94b Judgment part 94c Pressure Reducing Control Unit 95 Memory section A gas OA (Office Automation) Avoidance Targets

Claims

1. A repellent system for evicting an object to be avoided that is within a predetermined area to outside the predetermined area, The system comprises at least one injection means for injecting gas onto the object to be avoided, The aforementioned injection means is A blowpipe having an injection port for injecting the aforementioned gas, A supply means for supplying the gas pressurized in a predetermined manner to the blow-out pipe, A relay pipe provided between the supply means and the discharge pipe, the relay pipe for sending the gas supplied from the supply means to the discharge pipe, A switching valve provided in the relay pipe, which switches whether or not to send the gas in the relay pipe to the discharge pipe, The reducing means is provided in the portion of the relay pipe closer to the supply means than the switching valve, and is capable of setting the pressure value in the downstream portion of the relay pipe, which is the portion closer to the switching valve than the reducing means, to a suppression pressure value that is lower than the pressure value in the upstream portion of the relay pipe, which is the portion closer to the supply means than the reducing means, higher than the pressure value inside the discharge pipe, and capable of suppressing the occurrence of condensation in the downstream portion. Repellent system.

2. The pressure reducing means is positioned near the end of the relay pipe on the supply means side. The repellent system according to claim 1.

3. The switching valve is positioned at the end of the relay pipe on the discharge pipe side or in a portion near thereto. The repellent system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The pressure reduction means is configured such that the pressure value of the downstream portion can be set to the suppressed pressure value and the unsuppressed pressure value which is substantially the same as the pressure value of the upstream portion. A determination means for determining whether or not the setting timing for setting the pressure value of the downstream portion to the suppression pressure value has arrived, The system further comprises a pressure reduction control means for controlling the pressure reduction means so that the pressure value of the downstream portion is set to either the suppressed pressure value or the unsuppressed pressure value, based on the determination result of the determination means. The repellent system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The determination means is, Date and time information indicating the date and time related to the predetermined area, temperature information indicating the temperature related to the predetermined area, and / or weather information indicating the weather related to the predetermined area are acquired by a predetermined method. Based on the acquired date and time information, temperature information, and / or weather information, it is determined whether or not the set timing has arrived. The repellent system according to claim 4.

6. The system includes a switching control means for controlling the switching of the open / closed state of the switching valve, The switching control means periodically performs a condensation suppression process, injecting the gas through the injection port by switching the open / closed state of the switching valve to the open state when a timing is reached in which condensation is likely to occur inside the relay pipe, until the termination timing is reached. The repellent system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The system includes a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the gas supplied from the supply means, The repellent system according to claim 1 or 2.

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