Flood estimation device

Abstract

To provide a flood estimation device that can accurately estimate the occurrence of flooding both above and below the floor indoors, without installing a water level sensor indoors, thereby allowing accurate grasp of the damage situation of the building.SOLUTION: A flood estimation device 10 comprises: an under-floor float switch 11A that is attached from the outside of a house H, detects flooding at a first position where a ventilation opening V1 of a foundation B of the house H is formed, and outputs a first detection signal; an above-floor float switch 11B that is attached from the outside of the house H, detects flooding at a second position higher than the first position, and outputs a second detection signal; and a flood estimation processor 20 that estimates and outputs the occurrence of at least one of above-floor flood and under-floor flood indoors in the house H based on at least one of the first detection signal and the second detection signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flood estimation device, and more particularly to a flood estimation device that is attached to a building. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the dangers posed by natural disasters, including earthquakes and abnormal weather. In particular, there has been a growing need for disaster prevention measures against widespread flood damage, from the upstream to downstream of rivers. In response to this, efforts are underway to develop flood monitoring systems that can quickly grasp the extent of damage in affected areas. Specifically, systems have been proposed that use sensors to digitize the situation during heavy rain or river flooding, and then centrally monitor the situation in remote locations to assess the extent of the damage.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a flood warning system that includes a water level sensor attached to the exterior wall of a house, an alarm device, and a system control means. Specifically, when flooding occurs due to heavy rain or river overflow, the water level sensor attached at a specified height of the house detects the occurrence of flooding and outputs a flood occurrence signal. The system control means also centrally monitors the flood occurrence signal, determines the flood level, and generates a warning signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-109558 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The flood occurrence warning system disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows efficient monitoring of the damage situation in disaster-stricken areas. Here, in order to accurately grasp the damage situation of a house, it is necessary to accurately detect flooding above the floor and under the floor inside the house. However, in the flood occurrence warning system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the water level sensor is attached to the exterior wall, and there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the occurrence of flooding above the floor and under the floor inside the house. In addition, it is possible to install the water level sensor inside the house, but in that case, there is a risk that the water level sensor will spoil the aesthetic appearance of the house, and there is a problem that installing the water level sensor under the floor inside the house will increase the construction burden.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a flood estimation device that can accurately estimate the occurrence of flooding below the floor and above the floor indoors without installing a water level sensor indoors, thereby enabling accurate understanding of the damage situation of a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the flooding estimation device of the present invention, which estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding due to water passing through a ventilation hole formed in the foundation of a building and outputs the results of the estimation, and which comprises a first float switch that is attached from the outside of the building and detects flooding at a first position lower than the floor panel of the building and outputs a first detection signal, a second float switch that is attached from the outside of the building and detects flooding at a second position higher than the first position and outputs a second detection signal, and a flooding estimation processor that estimates and outputs the occurrence of at least one of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding inside the building based on at least one of the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the extent of flooding above the floor and below the floor indoors can be accurately estimated based on the first detection signal output by the first float switch and the second detection signal output by the second float switch, making it possible to accurately grasp the damage situation of the house. Furthermore, since the first float switch and the second float switch are installed from the outside of the building, there is no risk of spoiling the aesthetic look of the interior, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the construction burden.

[0009] In addition, the flooding estimation processor may estimate that above-floor flooding has occurred based on acquiring the first detection signal and the second detection signal. According to the above configuration, it is possible to increase the accuracy of estimating the occurrence of above-floor flooding compared to a case in which the occurrence of above-floor flooding is estimated based solely on the second detection signal output by the second float switch.

[0010] In addition, the first position has a height equal to the lower end of the ventilation opening, and the flooding estimation processor estimates that flooding under the floor inside the building has occurred based on the acquisition of the first detection signal. According to the above configuration, the occurrence of under-floor flooding is estimated based on detection of flooding at a first position that is at the same height as the lower end of the ventilation opening, making it possible to estimate the occurrence of under-floor flooding at an early stage.

[0011] Further, the second position has a height equal to that of the underside of the floor panel, the flooding estimation device is provided with a water conduit having an inflow opening into which water that has reached the underside of the floor panel flows, the second float switch detects water that has passed through the water conduit and outputs the second detection signal, and the flooding estimation processor estimates that above-floor flooding has occurred in the building based on obtaining the second detection signal. According to the above configuration, the second float switch detects flooding on the underside of the floor panel, which occurs immediately before flooding above the floor occurs, making it possible to accurately estimate the occurrence of flooding above the floor.

[0012] In addition, the water passage may have the inlet opening, a connecting port connected to the second float switch, and a connecting pipe connecting the inlet opening and the connecting port and passing through the ventilation port. According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the water conduit is routed from the indoors to the outdoors through the ventilation opening, there is no need to perform penetration work to form the water conduit, which makes it possible to suppress an increase in the construction burden related to the formation of the water conduit.

[0013] In addition, the second float switch has a floating body that floats up due to the buoyancy of water, a support that supports the floating body so that it can be displaced between a floated position and a non-floated position, and a floating detection means provided on the support that detects the floating body when it has been displaced to the floated position, and the floating body is preferably formed with a water receiving surface that receives the water flow that passes through the ventilation opening and flows from the outside to the inside of the building, and keeps the floating body in the non-floated position. According to the above configuration, the second float switch functions as a water flow sensor that detects the water flow entering the room from the outdoors by the water receiving surface formed on the float, and detects flooding after the inflow of water from the outdoors to the rooms stops. Therefore, by utilizing the characteristic that the water flow from the outdoors to the rooms stops when flooding occurs above the floor, it is possible to accurately estimate the occurrence of flooding above the floor.

[0014] In addition, the water receiving surface may be the upper surface of the float, and the second float switch may be mounted at an angle such that the water receiving surface is inclined from a vertical upward direction toward the outdoor side of the ventilation opening. According to the above configuration, by the simple method of installing the second float switch at an angle, the second float switch can function as a water flow sensor and a water level sensor, thereby making it possible to suppress cost increases while realizing the function of estimating water flooding above the floor indoors.

[0015] In addition, the flooding estimation device includes a building simulation housing installed outside the building, the building simulation housing including a simulated exterior wall that prevents water from flooding into the building simulation housing, a simulated ventilation opening installed at the same height as the ventilation opening, and a simulated floor panel that simulates the floor panel, the first float switch and the second float switch are installed within the building simulation housing, and the flooding estimation processor estimates that under-floor flooding has occurred based on obtaining the first detection signal, and estimates that above-floor flooding has occurred based on obtaining the second detection signal. According to the above configuration, by retrofitting the building simulation housing after the construction of the house H is completed, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the flood damage situation of the house H after construction is completed. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flood estimation device that can accurately estimate the occurrence of flooding above the floor and below the floor indoors without installing a water level sensor indoors, thereby enabling accurate understanding of the damage situation of a building. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a house in which a flood estimation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an under-floor float switch attached to the foundation of a home. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor float switch attached to the exterior wall of a house. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a flood estimation device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the process of estimating underfloor flooding by the flooding estimation device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the process of estimating above-floor flooding by the flood estimation device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flood estimation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8]1 is a diagram for explaining the estimation process of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding by the flooding estimation device. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is an oblique view of a house in which a flood estimation device according to a third embodiment is installed. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of installing the floor float switch according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the process of estimating above-floor flooding by the flood estimation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of installing the above-floor float switch according to the modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of installing an under-floor float switch and an above-floor float switch in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A flood estimation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0019] The flooding estimation device 10 of the present invention is attached to a building and used to monitor underfloor and above-floor flooding that occurs within the building when flooding occurs (heavy rain, river flooding, etc.). Furthermore, by using the flooding estimation device 10 of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic beauty of the interior of the building from being damaged and to prevent an increase in the burden of construction work.

[0020] In the following explanation, "muddy water" refers to the muddy water that surrounds buildings (houses, commercial facilities, factories, etc.) in affected areas when flooding (heavy rain, river flooding, etc.) occurs. Muddy water is not limited to cases where the water inundates the entire perimeter of a building, but also includes cases where the water partially accumulates around the building.

[0021] In the following explanation, "flooding above floor level" means that the water is flooding above the floor level of the house. In Japan, the law requires that the floor height of a house must be at least 45cm from the ground directly below to the top of the floor. Therefore, flooding above floor level means a state in which the water is flooded to a height of more than 45cm above the ground level.

[0022] In the following explanation, "flooding under the floor" means that the foundation of the house is flooded. As mentioned above, the height from the ground to the top of the floor must be 45cm or more, so flooding under the floor means that the height from the ground to the top of the floor is less than 45cm.

[0023] <<Outline of the Flooding Estimation Device 10>> Fig. 1 shows an example of installation of a flood estimation device 10 in a house H. The flood estimation device 10 is installed outdoors and mainly comprises a float switch 11 that detects the occurrence of flooding, and a flood estimation processor 20 (not shown) that estimates the occurrence of flooding indoors based on the detection signal output by the float switch 11.

[0024] The float switch 11 has an underfloor float switch 11A and an above-floor float switch 11B. The underfloor float switch 11A is installed near a ventilation opening V1 formed in the foundation B of the house H. The ventilation opening V1 must be installed at a lower part than the floor in order to ensure the moisture resistance of the house H, as stipulated by law (Article 22 of the Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act). Therefore, when flooding occurs, the periphery of the house H is flooded first, and then muddy water M flows in through the ventilation opening V1, causing underfloor flooding inside the house. The underfloor float switch 11A detects the occurrence of flooding at the timing when muddy water M surrounding the house H flows into the house through the ventilation opening V1, and outputs a first detection signal. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the timing when underfloor flooding will occur inside the house. The underfloor float switch 11A corresponds to a first float switch.

[0025] The above-floor float switch 11B is installed on the exterior wall W at about the same height as the floor of the house H, and detects flooding at the height of the indoor floor surface via the water guide pipe 18. When flooding occurs, flooding under the floor occurs first, and then the water level of the turbid water M that flows into the room via the ventilation opening V1 rises and exceeds the floor height, causing flooding above the floor. The above-floor float switch 11B detects the occurrence of flooding that has reached the underside of the indoor floor via the water guide pipe 18, and outputs a second detection signal. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the timing when flooding above the floor will occur indoors. The above-floor float switch 11B corresponds to the second float switch.

[0026] The flooding estimation processor 20 (see FIG. 4) is installed inside the house H and estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding inside the house H based on the first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A and the second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. The method of estimating under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding will be described in detail later.

[0027] The flooding estimation device 10 can also output the estimated results of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding via electrical communication lines to a disaster monitoring server (not shown) that remotely and centrally monitors the damage situation. The disaster monitoring server plays a role in centrally monitoring the flooding situation in the disaster-stricken area by collecting estimation results from flooding estimation devices 10 installed in buildings in neighboring areas. An acceleration sensor (not shown) may also be installed in house H along with the flooding estimation device 10, so that the disaster monitoring server can also monitor the earthquake damage situation.

[0028] <<Underfloor float switch 11A>> The under-floor float switch 11A will be described. 2 shows a perspective view of the underfloor float switch 11A attached to the foundation B of a house H. As shown in FIG. 2, the underfloor float switch 11A has a case body 12, a water inundation sensor 13 housed in the case body 12, a first filter 16A fixed to the bottom of the case body 12, and an output cable 17.

[0029] The case body 12 is a hollow body having a front surface 12a, left and right side surfaces 12b, and a top surface 12c, and houses the water intrusion sensor 13. The case body 12 is fixed to the foundation B of the house H via fixing brackets (not shown). A bottom opening 12e is formed in the bottom surface of the case body 12. The bottom opening 12e is located below the water intrusion sensor 13 and is covered by a filter 16. The filter 16 allows the intrusion of turbid water M while suppressing the inflow of soil particles contained in the turbid water M, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the water intrusion sensor 13 due to the soil particles.

[0030] The water inundation sensor 13 is a float-type water level sensor. The water inundation sensor 13 has a known configuration including a fixed shaft 14 and a floating body 15. When the floating body 15 floats due to buoyancy, the water inundation sensor 13 detects the occurrence of water inundation by a reed switch built into the fixed shaft 14 detecting the magnetic field of a magnet built into the floating body 15. The reed switch corresponds to the floating detection means.

[0031] The fixed shaft 14 is a long shaft body that extends vertically. The fixed shaft 14 is threaded at its upper end and is fixed to the case body 12 by screwing into a fastening member 14a. In other words, the fixed shaft 14 is fixed to a predetermined height of the house H via the case body 12. The fixed shaft 14 extends vertically through the center of the floating body 15. An upper stopper 14b is attached to the upper position of the fixed shaft 14, and a lower stopper 14c is attached to the lower position. The fixed shaft 14 penetrates the floating body 15 so that the floating body 15 is interposed between the upper stopper 14b and the lower stopper 14c. The upper stopper 14b regulates the upper limit position of the floating body 15 when the floating body 15 floats up, and also fixes the fixed shaft 14 to the case body 12 together with the fastening member 14a. On the other hand, the lower stopper 14c supports the floating body 15 from below when the floating body 15 descends. The fixed shaft 14 corresponds to a support body. The position where the floating body 15 floats up and abuts against the upper stopper 14b corresponds to the floating position, and the position where the floating body 15 descends and abuts against the lower stopper 14c corresponds to the non-floating position.

[0032] The float 15 is a floating member that rises by obtaining buoyancy due to water. The float 15 is a foamed resin molded body with a foam formed inside, but is not limited to this. The float 15 may be made of cork or wood. The float 15 may also be a hollow molded body filled with gas such as helium. A gap is formed between the fixed shaft 14, which is a shaft body, and the floating body 15, which has a circular ring shape. In other words, the shaft diameter of the fixed shaft 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the floating body 15. The size of the gap is 0.5 mm or less, but is not limited to this. The gap formed between the fixed shaft 14 and the floating body 15 allows the floating body 15 to float smoothly.

[0033] A magnet (not shown) is built into the floating body 15. The magnet is a permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field, and is a ferrite magnet, but is not limited to this. The magnet may also be a samarium-cobalt magnet.

[0034] A first filter 16A is attached to the bottom of the case body 12 so as to cover the bottom opening 12e. The first filter 16A is a planar body in which openings having a diameter of 1 μm are regularly arranged. In other words, the first filter 16A allows the turbid water M to enter the inside of the case body 12 from the bottom opening 12e, while suppressing the soil particles contained in the turbid water M from flowing into the inside of the case body 12. This allows the water intrusion sensor 13 to detect the occurrence of water intrusion, and also makes it possible to suppress the smooth floating of the float 15 from being hindered by soil particles accumulating in the gap formed between the fixed shaft 14 and the float 15.

[0035] The output cable 17 is connected to a flood estimation processor 20 (described later), and transmits a detection signal output by a reed switch built into the fixed shaft 14 to the flood estimation processor 20 .

[0036] <<Floor float switch 11B>> Next, the above-floor float switch 11B will be described. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the above-floor float switch 11B attached to an exterior wall W of a house H. As shown in Fig. 3, the above-floor float switch 11B has a case body 12, a water ingress sensor 13, a second filter 16B fixed to the bottom of the case body 12, an output cable 17, and a water guide pipe 18 connected to the case body 12 via the second filter 16B. Since the case body 12, the water ingress sensor 13, and the output cable 17 have the same configuration as the under-floor float switch 11A, detailed explanations will be omitted and only the water guide pipe 18 and the second filter 16B will be explained.

[0037] 5, the water conduit 18 has an inlet opening 18a formed inside the house H, a connecting port 18b formed outside the house H, and a bent pipe 18c interposed between the inlet opening 18a and the connecting port 18b. The water conduit 18 guides muddy water M whose water level has risen to the vicinity of the lower surface of the floor panel F to the above-floor float switch 11B. The water conduit 18 corresponds to a water conduit, and the bent pipe 18c corresponds to a connecting pipe.

[0038] The inflow opening 18a is located directly below the underside of the floor panel F. The inflow opening 18a becomes the inlet for muddy water M that flows into the house when flooding occurs. Meanwhile, the connecting port 18b connects to the bottom of the above-floor float switch 11B outdoors, and guides the muddy water M that flows in from the inflow opening 18a to the above-floor float switch 11B. By setting the flooding detection level of the above-floor float switch 11B at a position equal in height to the underside of the floor panel F of the house H, it becomes possible for the above-floor float switch 11B to determine flooding above the floor. Here, "equal in height" is not limited to a strictly matching height, but includes a range that can ensure the accuracy required to detect the occurrence of flooding above the floor.

[0039] Returning to Fig. 3, the second filter 16B is interposed between the connecting port 18b and the above-floor float switch 11B. The second filter 16B allows the turbid water M to enter the above-floor float switch 11B from the water guide pipe 18, while preventing soil particles contained in the turbid water M from flowing into the inside of the case body 12. 3, second filter 16B is disposed at a position covering connecting port 18b, but is not limited thereto. Second filter 16B may be disposed at a position covering inlet opening 18a.

[0040] <<Configuration of the flooding estimation device 10>> Next, the configuration of the flood estimation device 10 will be described. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the flooding estimation device 10. As shown in Figure 4, the flooding estimation device 10 mainly comprises an under-floor float switch 11A, an above-floor float switch 11B, and a flooding estimation processor 20. As described above, the under-floor float switch 11A and the above-floor float switch 11B are float-type sensors that detect displacement of the floating body 15 from a non-floating position to a floating position due to buoyancy and output a detection signal.

[0041] The inundation estimation processor 20 includes a inundation estimation unit 21 and a communication unit 22 . The flooding estimation unit 21 estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding based on a first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A and a second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. The flooding estimation unit 21 mainly comprises a signal acquisition section 21a and a flooding estimation section 21b.

[0042] The signal acquiring unit 21a acquires a first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A and a second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. The signal acquiring unit 21a may have an amplifier circuit, a filter circuit, and an ADC (analog-digital conversion circuit). The signal acquiring unit 21a outputs the acquired first detection signal and second detection signal to the flooding estimation unit 21b.

[0043] The flooding estimation unit 21b estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding inside the house H and outputs the result to the communication unit 22. The flooding estimation unit 21b estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding based on a first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A. In detail, the flooding estimation unit 21b can estimate that under-floor flooding has occurred when it acquires the first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A. Furthermore, the flooding estimation unit 21b may estimate the occurrence of under-floor flooding after a predetermined specified time has elapsed when it acquires the first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A. Furthermore, the flooding estimation unit 21b may estimate that under-floor flooding has occurred when it acquires the first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A. Furthermore, the flooding estimation unit 21b may estimate that under-floor flooding has occurred when it acquires the first detection signal continuously for a predetermined specified time or more.

[0044] The flooding estimation unit 21b estimates the occurrence of above-floor flooding based on the second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. In particular, the flooding estimation unit 21b can estimate that above-floor flooding has occurred when it acquires the second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. The flooding estimation unit 21b may estimate the occurrence of above-floor flooding after a predetermined period of time has elapsed when it acquires the second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. The flooding estimation unit 21b may estimate that above-floor flooding has occurred when it acquires above-floor detection signals continuously for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0045] Furthermore, the flooding estimation unit 21b may estimate the occurrence of above-floor flooding based on the first detection signal output by the under-floor float switch 11A and the second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B. This makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the estimation of above-floor flooding compared to the case where the occurrence of above-floor flooding is estimated based only on the second detection signal output by the above-floor float switch 11B.

[0046] The communication unit 22 is a communication circuit having a communication interface, and outputs the results of flooding estimation by the flooding estimation unit 21 to the outside. The communication interface is, but is not limited to, wired or wireless LAN communication. When flooding occurs, it is sufficient to be able to notify a local disaster monitoring server of the results of the estimation of below-floor flooding and above-floor flooding, and the communication interface may be LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication or LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication.

[0047] <Flood estimation process flow> Next, a description will be given of the flow of flooding determination by the flooding estimation device 10. First, the estimation of underfloor flooding will be described with reference to FIG. When flooding such as heavy rain or river overflow occurs, the periphery of the house H is covered with muddy water M. The water level of the muddy water M rises along the foundation B of the house H. If the water level of the muddy water M does not reach the height of the ventilation opening V1, the floor space outdoors is flooded, but the interior is not flooded. In other words, the flooding of the interior floor space occurs later than the flooding of the exterior floor space. To explain in more detail, the flooding of the interior floor space occurs when the water level of the muddy water M reaches the bottom end of the ventilation opening V1, and the muddy water M flows from the ventilation opening V1 into the inside of the foundation B, flooding the inside of the foundation B.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the underfloor float switch 11A is attached to the foundation B from the outside of the house H, and detects flooding at the position where the ventilation opening V1 is formed. More specifically, the underfloor float switch 11A detects that the height of the lower end of the ventilation opening V1 and the water surface of the turbid water M become equal, and the turbid water M flows from the ventilation opening V1 into the house (first position P1). In other words, when the water surface of the turbid water M reaches the height of the lower end of the ventilation opening V1, the float 15 of the underfloor float switch 11A is displaced to the floating position. At this time, the reed switch built into the fixed shaft 14 detects a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet built into the float 15, and outputs a first detection signal. The first detection signal is output to the flooding estimation processor 20.

[0049] The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates the occurrence of underfloor flooding based on the first detection signal. The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates that underfloor flooding will occur a predetermined time after the timing when the first detection signal is output. The flooding estimation processor 20 may also determine that underfloor flooding will occur at the timing when the first detection signal is output.

[0050] Next, the estimation of flooding above floor level will be described with reference to FIG. As the flood damage continues, the water level of the muddy water M rises above the foundation B of the house H, reaching the height of the foundation S and floor panels F of the house H. First, outdoors, the water level of the muddy water M rises above the height of the floor panels F of the house H. If the house H is highly watertight, the water level of the muddy water M inside the house will be lower than the water level outside. Next, indoors, the water level of the muddy water M rises above the floor joists J, and the muddy water M floods the floor panels F. At this time, the muddy water M inside the house flows into the water conduit 18 from the inlet opening 18a, and flows into the case body 12 of the above-floor float switch 11B via the connecting port 18b.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the above-floor float switch 11B is attached to an exterior wall W from the outside of a house H, and detects flooding at a position (second position P2) equal to the height of the lower surface of a floor panel F. More specifically, when the water level of turbid water M indoors reaches the height of the lower surface of the floor panel F, the turbid water M flows from the inlet opening 18a into the water guide pipe 18, and flows into the inside of the case body 12 of the above-floor float switch 11B via the connecting port 18b. This causes the float 15 to be displaced to a floating position, and the reed switch built into the fixed shaft 14 detects a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet built into the float 15, and outputs a second detection signal. The second detection signal is output to a flooding estimation processor 20.

[0052] The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates the occurrence of above-floor flooding based on the second detection signal. The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates that above-floor flooding will occur a predetermined time after the timing when the second detection signal is output. The flooding estimation processor 20 may also determine that above-floor flooding will occur at the timing when the second detection signal is output.

[0053] Conventionally, in order to detect flooding under or above the floor, water level sensors had to be installed indoors, which could mar the aesthetic look of the room, increase construction costs, and make maintenance work more difficult. In contrast, in this embodiment, indoor under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding are estimated based on detection signals from under-floor float switches 11A and above-floor float switches 11B that are attached to the foundation B and exterior wall W of the house H outdoors. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the occurrence of indoor under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding without impairing the aesthetic appearance of the house or increasing construction costs, thereby making it possible to accurately grasp the damage situation of the house.

[0054] <<Second embodiment>> The above describes a flood estimation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. However, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for making the present invention easier to understand, and does not limit the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a flooding estimation device 110 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the flooding estimation device 110 includes a house simulation housing 130 having a shape and structure that houses an under-floor float switch 11A and an above-floor float switch 11B and can simulate a flooded condition inside a house H when flood damage occurs. In other words, it can be estimated that when flood damage occurs, the water level of the turbid water M inside the house H and the water level of the turbid water M inside the house simulation housing 130 are approximately equal. The house simulation housing 130 corresponds to a building simulation housing.

[0055] The house simulation housing 130 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a simulated exterior wall 131, a simulated ventilation opening 132, and a simulated floor panel 133. The simulated exterior wall 131 constitutes a side wall of the house simulation housing 130 and prevents muddy water M from flowing into the house simulation housing 130.

[0056] The simulated ventilation opening 132 is formed at the same height as the ventilation opening V1 of the house H. The simulated exterior wall 131 and the simulated ventilation opening 132 can simulate the flow of muddy water M flowing from the outdoors into the indoors. The underfloor float switch 11A attached inside the house simulation housing 130 outputs a first detection signal at approximately the same timing as the occurrence of underfloor flooding indoors of the house H. This makes it possible to estimate the occurrence of underfloor flooding indoors without attaching an underfloor float switch 11A indoors.

[0057] A simulated floor panel 133 simulating the floor panel F of the house H is provided inside the house simulation housing 130. The simulated floor panel 133, like the floor panel F, prevents the turbid water M from rising beyond the panel. The simulated exterior wall 131 and the floor panel F can simulate a situation in which the water level of the turbid water M rises indoors. The above-floor float switch 11B attached inside the house simulation housing 130 outputs a second detection signal at approximately the same timing as when flooding above the floor occurs indoors of the house H. This makes it possible to estimate the occurrence of flooding above the floor indoors without attaching the above-floor float switch 11B indoors.

[0058] A filter 16 is housed inside the house simulation housing 130. As in the above-described embodiment, the filter 16 can prevent soil particles contained in the turbid water M from impeding smooth floating of the floating body 15.

[0059] Next, the flow of the inundation estimation process performed by the inundation estimation device 110 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When flood damage occurs, the periphery of the house H is covered with muddy water M. As the flood damage continues, the water level of the muddy water M rises along the simulated exterior wall 131 of the house simulation housing 130. When the water level of the muddy water M reaches the lower end of the ventilation opening V1 of the house H and the lower end of the simulated ventilation opening 132 at the same time, the muddy water M flows into the interior of the house H and the interior of the house simulation housing 130. Since the house simulation housing 130 has a shape and structure that simulates a flooding condition inside the house H, the water level of the muddy water M inside the house H and the water level of the muddy water M inside the house simulation housing 130 are located at approximately the same height.

[0060] The underfloor float switch 11A detects flooding at a position (first position P1) below the lower end of the simulated ventilation opening 132. Therefore, when the water level of the turbid water M rises to the first position P1 inside the house simulation housing 130, the float 15 of the underfloor float switch 11A is displaced to the floating position and a first detection signal is output. The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates that underfloor flooding has occurred inside the house H at the timing when the first detection signal is output.

[0061] As the flooding continues and the water level of the muddy water M rises, the water level of the muddy water M exceeds the upper surface of the indoor floor panel F of the house H. At the same time, the muddy water M rises above the simulated floor panel 133 inside the house simulation housing 130, and the water level of the muddy water M inside the house H and the water level of the muddy water M inside the house simulation housing 130 are positioned at approximately the same height.

[0062] The above-floor float switch 11B detects flooding at the position (second position P2) of the upper surface of the floor panel F. Therefore, when the water level of the turbid water M rises to the second position P2 inside the house simulation housing 130, the float 15 of the above-floor float switch 11B is displaced to the floating position and a second detection signal is output. The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates that above-floor flooding has occurred inside the house H at the timing when the second detection signal is output.

[0063] As described above, the flooding estimation device 110 according to the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can estimate the occurrence of underfloor and above-floor flooding inside the house H, thereby making it possible to accurately grasp the damage situation of the house H. Furthermore, the flooding estimation device 110 can be retrofitted after the construction of the house H is completed, making it possible to accurately grasp the damage situation of the house H after construction is completed.

[0064] <<Third embodiment>> Fig. 9 shows an example of installation of a flood estimation device 210 according to the third embodiment. A ventilation slit V2 is formed between the foundation B and base S of the house H. The ventilation slit V2 is provided in place of the ventilation opening V1 for the purpose of ensuring moisture resistance of the house H. The ventilation slit V2 has a through hole that penetrates the house H in the horizontal direction.

[0065] The flood estimation device 210 has as its main components a float switch 11 that detects the occurrence of flooding, and a flood estimation processor 20 (not shown) that specifies the occurrence of indoor flooding based on the detection signal of the float switch 11.

[0066] The float switch 11 includes an under-floor float switch 11A and an above-floor float switch 11B (see FIG. 10). As in the above-mentioned embodiment, the under-floor float switch 11A is installed near the ventilation slit V2 and is used to estimate the occurrence of under-floor flooding. On the other hand, the floor float switch 11B is attached from the outside of the house H so as to be located inside the through hole formed by the ventilation slit V2 while being fixed to a fixing bracket 201, as shown in Fig. 10. More specifically, the floor float switch 11B is attached at an angle such that its upper surface is inclined from the vertical upward direction toward the outdoor side of the house H. The estimation of flooding above the floor using the floor float switch 11B will be described in detail below.

[0067] When flood damage occurs, the periphery of the house H is covered with muddy water M. As the flood damage continues, the water surface of the muddy water M rises along the foundation B of the house H and reaches the height of the ventilation slit V2. As shown in FIG. 10, the muddy water M flows into the house through the ventilation slit V2, causing flooding under the floor. The above-floor float switch 11B is attached so as to be located inside the through hole formed by the ventilation slit V2, and is located near the inflow path A of the muddy water M. Therefore, the water pressure of the muddy water M acts on the upper surface 15a of the floating body 15, and the floating body 15 remains in the non-floating position (the position where it abuts against the lower stopper 14c). The upper surface 15a corresponds to a water receiving surface.

[0068] As the flood damage continues, the water level of the turbid water M will rise further. The inflow of the turbid water M from the outside to the inside of the house H will continue while the water level of the turbid water M is rising. As shown in FIG. 11, when the underfloor space of the house H is filled with the turbid water M, the floor panel F suppresses the rise in the water level of the turbid water M. This weakens the water pressure of the inflowing turbid water M, and the float 15 is displaced to the floating position (the position where it abuts against the upper stopper 14b). In other words, the above-floor float switch 11B detects flooding at a position equal in height to the bottom surface of the floor panel F. The reed switch built into the fixed shaft 14 detects a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet built into the float 15, and outputs a second detection signal. The second detection signal is output to the flooding estimation processor 20 via the output cable 17.

[0069] The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates that above-floor flooding will occur a predetermined time after the second detection signal is acquired. The flooding estimation processor 20 may also estimate that above-floor flooding will occur at the time the second detection signal is output.

[0070] As described above, by mounting the above-floor float switch 11B at an incline with respect to the vertical upward direction so that its upper surface faces the outside of the ventilation slit V2, it is possible for the above-floor float switch 11B to function as a flow detection means for the turbid water M. This allows the function as a flow detection means and the function as a water level detection means to be combined to output a second detection signal, and by outputting the second detection signal when the underfloor space of the house H is filled, it is possible to estimate with high accuracy the flooding above the floor.

[0071] <<Modifications>> In the above embodiment, the above-floor float switch 11B is described as being attached so as to be located inside the through hole formed by the ventilation slit V2, but this is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the above-floor float switch 11B can function as a flow detection means for the turbid water M, and the above-floor float switch 11B can be attached near the ventilation slit V2 so that the upper surface 15a of the float 15 can receive the water pressure of the turbid water M flowing in.

[0072] Fig. 12 shows an example of the installation of a floor float switch 11B according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 12, a house H has a ventilation slit V3 formed between a foundation B and a base S. The ventilation slit V3 has a through hole that penetrates the house H in the vertical direction.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 12, the floor float switch 11B is attached from the outside of the house H so as to be located below the through hole formed by the ventilation slit V3 while being fixed to a fixing bracket 301. More specifically, the floor float switch 11B is attached at an angle such that its upper surface is inclined from the vertical upward direction toward the outdoor side of the house H. The following describes the estimation of flooding above the floor using the floor float switch 11B.

[0074] When flooding occurs, the periphery of the house H is covered with turbid water M. As the flooding continues, the water level of the turbid water M rises due to the foundation B of the house H and reaches the height of the ventilation slit V3. As shown in FIG. 12, the turbid water M flows into the house through the ventilation slit V3, causing flooding under the floor. The above-floor float switch 11B is attached so as to be located below the ventilation slit V3, and is located near the inflow path A of the turbid water M. As a result, the water pressure of the turbid water M acts on the upper surface 15a of the floating body 15, and the floating body 15 remains in the non-floating position (the position where it abuts against the lower stopper 14c).

[0075] As the flood damage continues, the water level of the turbid water M will rise further. The inflow of the turbid water M from the outside to the inside of the house H will continue while the water level of the turbid water M is rising. When the underfloor space of the house H is filled with the turbid water M, the floor panel F suppresses the rise in the water level of the turbid water M. This weakens the water pressure of the inflowing turbid water M, and the float 15 is displaced to the floating position (the position where it abuts against the upper stopper 14b). In other words, the above-floor float switch 11B detects flooding at a position equal in height to the bottom surface of the floor panel F. The reed switch built into the fixed shaft 14 detects a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet built into the float 15, and outputs a second detection signal. The second detection signal is output to the flooding estimation processor 20.

[0076] The flooding estimation processor 20 estimates that above-floor flooding will occur a predetermined time after the second detection signal is acquired. The flooding estimation processor 20 may also determine that above-floor flooding has occurred at the time the second detection signal is output. As described above, the mounting method of the above-floor float switch 11B according to the modified example also makes it possible to estimate the occurrence of above-floor flooding, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0077] <<Fourth embodiment>> In the above-described embodiment, both the under-floor float switch 11A and the above-floor float switch 11B are installed outdoors to estimate under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding indoors, but it is also possible to estimate only one of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding. Fig. 13 shows an example of installation of an under-floor float switch 11A and an above-floor float switch 11B according to the fourth embodiment. The under-floor float switch 11A is attached near the ventilation opening V1 and detects flooding at the height of the lower end of the ventilation opening V1 and outputs a first detection signal. The flooding estimation processor 20 acquires the first detection signal and estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding indoors. The method of estimating under-floor flooding is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiments, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0078] On the other hand, the above-floor float switch 11B is embedded in a floor hole F1 provided inside the house H so as to penetrate through a floor panel F. When flooding occurs, muddy water M that reaches the floor panel F flows into the inside of the case body 12 through the bottom opening 12e of the above-floor float switch 11B. The above-floor float switch 11B detects flooding at a height approximately equal to the upper surface of the floor panel F, and outputs a second detection signal. The flooding estimation processor 20 acquires the second detection signal and determines the occurrence of above-floor flooding. In the fourth embodiment, the above-floor float switch 11B can directly detect above-floor flooding that occurs on the upper surface of a floor panel F inside a house H. Therefore, the flooding estimation processor 20 does not need to estimate above-floor flooding, and only needs to estimate under-floor flooding.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the underfloor float switch 11A is described as detecting flooding at the position of the lower end of the ventilation opening V1, but this is not limited to the above. The underfloor float switch 11A may detect flooding at a position higher than the lower end of the ventilation opening V1 and lower than the center of the ventilation opening V1 in the height direction. This makes it possible to more reliably detect the occurrence of underfloor flooding inside the house H. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10, 110, 210 Flood estimation device 11 Float switch 11A Underfloor Float Switch 11B Floor float switch 12 Case body 12a front 12b Side 12c top 12e bottom opening 13 Water ingress sensor 14 Fixed shaft (support member) 14a Fastening member 14b Upper stopper 14c Lower stopper 15 Floating Body 15a Top side 16 Filters 16A First Filter 16B Second filter 17 Output cable 18 Water Pipe 18a Inflow opening 18b Connection port 18c bent pipe 20 Flooding estimation processor 21 Flood Estimation Unit 21a Signal acquisition section 21b Flood estimation section 22 Communication unit 130 Residential simulation enclosure (building simulation enclosure) 131 Simulated exterior wall 132 Mock ventilation opening 133 Simulation floor panel 201 Fixture 301 Fixture H Housing B. Basics S base J Joist F Floor Panel F1 floor hole V1 ventilation hole V2, V3 ventilation slits W Exterior wall M Muddy water

Claims

1. A flooding estimation device that estimates the occurrence of underfloor flooding and above-floor flooding due to water passing through a ventilation hole formed in the foundation of a building and outputs the result of the estimation, A first float switch is attached to the outside of the building, detects flooding at a first position lower than a floor panel of the building, and outputs a first detection signal; a second float switch that is attached to the outside of the building, detects flooding at a second position that is higher than the first position, and outputs a second detection signal; A flood estimation device characterized by comprising a flood estimation processor that estimates and outputs the occurrence of at least one of under-floor flooding and above-floor flooding indoors of the building based on at least one of the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

2. The flooding estimation device according to claim 1 , wherein the flooding estimation processor estimates the occurrence of above-floor flooding based on acquisition of the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

3. the first position has a height equal to a lower end of the ventilation opening; The flooding estimation device according to claim 1 , wherein the flooding estimation processor estimates the occurrence of under-floor flooding based on acquisition of the first detection signal.

4. the second position has a height equal to the lower surface of the floor panel; The flooding estimation device includes a water conduit having an inflow opening into which water that has reached the underside of the floor panel flows, The second float switch detects water passing through the water conduit and outputs the second detection signal. The flood estimation device according to claim 1 , wherein the flood estimation processor estimates that flooding above the floor in the building has occurred based on the acquisition of the second detection signal.

5. The flooding estimation device described in claim 4, characterized in that the water conduit has the inflow opening, a connecting port connected to the second float switch, and a connecting pipe connecting the inflow opening and the connecting port and passing through the ventilation opening.

6. The second float switch is A floating body that rises by the buoyancy of water; A support that supports the floating body so that the floating body can be displaced between a floating position and a non-floating position; a floating detection means provided on the support and configured to detect the floating body displaced to the floating position, The flooding estimation device described in claim 1, characterized in that the floating body is formed with a water receiving surface that receives the water flow passing through the ventilation opening and flowing from the outdoors to the indoors of the building, thereby keeping the floating body in the non-floating position.

7. The water receiving surface is an upper surface of the floating body, The flooding estimation device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second float switch is mounted at an angle such that the water receiving surface is inclined from a vertical upward direction toward the outdoor side of the ventilation opening.

8. The flooding estimation device includes a building simulation housing provided outdoors of the building, The building simulation enclosure includes: A simulated exterior wall that suppresses water infiltration into the building simulated housing; A simulated ventilation opening provided at the same height as the ventilation opening; A simulated floor panel that simulates the floor panel, The first float switch and the second float switch are mounted within the building simulation enclosure, The flooding estimation device described in claim 1, characterized in that the flooding estimation processor estimates that under-floor flooding has occurred based on the acquisition of the first detection signal, and estimates that above-floor flooding has occurred based on the acquisition of the second detection signal.

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