Leakage detection device

Abstract

To provide a leakage detection device capable of easily detecting leakage of a detection object at a linear detection position.SOLUTION: A leakage detection device 100 detects liquid leaking from a linear joint surface formed between a first flange F1 and a second flange F2 by arranging a leakage detection unit 101 along a side surface S formed by the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. The leakage detection unit 101 of the leakage detection device 100 is arranged circumferentially along the side surface S of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2, an auxiliary fixing unit 103 is also arranged circumferentially along the side surface S of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2 where the leakage detection unit 101 is placed, and a band portion 105a of a fixing unit 105 is arranged around the auxiliary fixing unit 103 that is arranged circumferentially.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a leakage detection device, and particularly to a device that can be easily installed.

Background Art

[0002] A conventional leakage detection device will be described using the liquid leakage detection sensor 10 shown in FIG. 10. The liquid leakage detection sensor 10 shown in FIG. 10A includes a sensor head portion 13 into which a liquid-containing material (filter member) 12 is inserted from an opening 11 on the upper surface, and a sensor body 14 to which the sensor head portion 13 is connected by a cable L. At the center of the sensor head portion 13, a mounting bracket 15 for fixing the sensor head portion 13 to a pipe joint or the like is externally fitted.

[0003] The mounting bracket 15 includes a fixing ring 15a externally fitted to the body of the cylindrical case 16 of the sensor head portion 13, and a pair of wing plates 15b protruding laterally on both sides at the upper end of the fixing ring 15a. The fixing ring 15a is bent along the body of the case 16, and both ends thereof are bent and faced. By tightening a bolt 17 and a nut 18 passing through the facing both ends, the mounting bracket 15 is fixed to the case 16 and the case 16 is tightened so that the liquid-containing material 12 does not escape from the case 16. Further, holes 15c for winding a wire are respectively formed at the tips of both wing plates 15b. The mounting bracket 15 is made of an elastic material. Both ends of a wire wound around a pipe joint or the like are passed through the holes 15c of the wing plates 15b, and when the wire is tightened, the elastic force of the wing plates 15b presses the pipe joint and the liquid-containing material 12 into contact with each other.

[0004] Figure 10B is an explanatory diagram of the usage state of the same liquid leakage detection sensor 10. The sensor head portion 13 is pressed against the curved surface of the ring 41a sandwiched between the flanges 41 of the pipe 40 on the upper surface of the flat liquid-containing material 12. Both ends of the wire 42 wound around the flange 41 are tied to the holes 15c of the wing plate 15b, and the wire 42 is wound up by the winding screw 43 screwed into the screw hole provided in the protruding portion on the outer periphery of the ring 41a, and thus is fixed to the joint 41a. As described above, since the liquid-containing material 12 and the mounting bracket 15 have elasticity, the sensor head portion 13 is elastically crimped to the joint of the pipe 40, thereby improving the tightening force and preventing the liquid leakage detection sensor 10 from becoming loose. Further, since the liquid-containing material 12 is elastically deformed and adheres closely to the joint of the pipe 40, it also fits snugly to the leaking joint, and reliably detects liquid leakage.

[0005] Thus, the upper surface of the liquid-containing material 12 protruding from the opening 11 of the sensor head portion 13 is pressed against the curved surface so as to cover the ring 41a which is the joint of the pipe 40. Both ends of the wire 42 wound around the ring 41a are tied to the holes 15c of the wing plate 15b. The winding screw 43 provided on the ring 41a is tightened, the wire 42 is wound up, and it is fixed to the joint of the pipe 40. At this time, since the liquid-containing material 12 and the mounting bracket 15 have elasticity, the upper surface of the liquid-containing material 12 is elastically deformed according to the curved surface shape of the joint portion of the pipe 40, and the upper surface of the liquid-containing material 12 adheres closely to the joint of the pipe 40. In this way, since the opening 6 of the sensor head portion 13 is blocked by the liquid-containing material 12, dust and dirt other than liquid do not enter the case 16 and adhere to the internal detection electrode plate 20 and the ground electrode plate 21a. Further, an object other than liquid cannot approach the detection region near the detection electrode plate 20 and the ground electrode plate 21a. This prevents the detection accuracy of the liquid leakage detection sensor 10 from decreasing or false detection from occurring.

[0006] After that, when measurement is started and liquid leakage occurs from the joint of the pipe 40 and the liquid penetrates into the liquid-containing material 12, the capacitance difference (C1 - C2) between the capacitance C1 generated between the detection electrode plate 20 and the ground electrode plate 21a and the capacitance C2 generated between the ground electrode plate 21b and the shielding electrode cylinder 22 changes. When the amplitude of the oscillation generated in the oscillation circuit 31 exceeds the threshold value due to this change, the processing circuit 33 determines that there is liquid leakage, and the output circuit 34 outputs an output signal notifying of the liquid leakage. When the liquid-containing material 12 gets wet, damaged, soiled, etc., it can be easily removed from the case 16 and replaced by loosening the fastening of the mounting bracket 15 (for the above, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The above-described liquid leakage detection sensor 10 has the following points to be improved. In the above-described liquid leakage detection sensor 10, since a sensor head portion 13 having a cylindrical case 16 is used to detect liquid leakage, liquid leakage can be detected only at a predetermined single point. When detecting liquid leakage at the joint location of the circular flange, there is a point to be improved that liquid leakage can be detected only at a predetermined single point, even though there is a possibility of liquid leakage occurring at a linear joint location along the outer periphery of the flange.

[0009] Also, since the sensor head portion 13 is exposed to the outside, there is a point to be improved that there is a possibility of erroneously detecting a liquid different from the object to be detected for liquid leakage, such as rainwater.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-described liquid leakage detection sensor 10 There is a point to be improved in that, in order to bring the sensor head unit 13 into close contact with the detection position by tightening the winding screw 43, the installation of the wound wire 42 becomes complicated.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid leakage detection device that can easily detect leakage of a detection target at a linear detection position.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] Means for solving the problems in the present invention and the effects of the invention are shown below.

[0013] The leakage detection device according to the present invention has a flexible linear leakage detection unit arranged along a leakage detection position that is a position for detecting leakage of a detection target, a fixing unit arranged to cover the leakage detection unit and fix the leakage detection unit to the leakage detection position, and a control unit that provides leakage information indicating that leakage of the detection target has occurred to a predetermined communication device when the leakage detection unit detects leakage of the detection target.

[0014] Thereby, even at a linear leakage detection position, leakage of the detection target can be easily detected.

[0015] The leakage detection device according to the present invention further has an auxiliary fixing unit that has elasticity and is arranged between the leakage detection unit and the fixing unit.

[0016] Thereby, the leakage detection unit can be easily brought into close contact with the leakage detection position.

[0017] In the leakage detection device according to the present invention, the control unit is characterized in that it is arranged at a position different from the leakage detection position in the leakage detection unit.

[0018] Thereby, the leakage detection device can be freely installed.

[0019] In the leakage detection device according to the present invention, the leakage detection unit is characterized by being able to detect different detection targets.

[0020] Thereby, it is possible to distinguish and detect a leakage detection target from a target different from the leakage detection target such as rainwater. For this reason, even outdoors, the detection target can be accurately detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Examples

[0023] Regarding the leakage detection device according to the present invention, a leakage detection device 100 which is an example of an embodiment will be described. The leakage detection device 100 is a device that detects leakage of a detection target from between a first flange which is a first member and a second flange which is a second member.

[0024] Overview of the First Leakage Detection Device 100 The overview of the leakage detection device 100 is shown in FIG. 1. By joining the pipe FP1 with the first flange and the pipe FP2 with the second flange, an internal space IS is formed through which a predetermined liquid flows or is disposed as a detection target. Note that the internal space IS is formed by the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0025] By joining the first flange F1 of the pipe FP1 with the first flange and the second flange F2 of the pipe FP2 with the second flange, the pipe FP1 with the first flange and the pipe FP2 with the second flange are joined. Note that a gasket G is disposed between the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. The gasket G ensures the airtightness of the internal space IS formed by the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0026] The leakage detection device 100 detects liquid leaking from the linear joint surface between the first flange F1 and the second flange F2 by disposing the leakage detection unit 101 along the side surface S formed by the first flange F1 and the second flange F2.

[0027] Configuration of the Second Leakage Detection Device 100 The configuration of the leakage detection device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The liquid leakage detection device 100 includes a leakage detection unit 101, an auxiliary fixing unit 103, a fixing unit 105, and a control unit 107. Note that in FIG. 2, the leakage detection unit 101 and the control unit 107 are electrically connected, but the description thereof is omitted.

[0028] The leakage detection unit 101 detects the leakage of the object to be detected based on the change in electrical resistance due to water absorption in a predetermined area. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, the leakage detection unit 101 has a linear shape and flexibility to change its shape along a predetermined shape.

[0029] Also, the leakage detection unit 101 detects a liquid leak based on the change in electrical resistance due to absorbing the object to be detected. The leakage detection unit 101 has different changes in electrical resistance at the time of detection depending on the object to be detected. Thereby, the leakage detection unit 101 can detect a plurality of objects to be detected. For example, it is possible to discriminate between the change in electrical resistance based on the absorption of the object to be detected flowing through the internal space IS formed by the first flanged pipe FP1 and the second flanged pipe FP2, and the change in electrical resistance based on the absorption of rainwater. Thereby, since it is possible to discriminate between the leakage of the object to be detected and the intrusion of rainwater, false detection due to the intrusion of rainwater can be prevented.

[0030] The auxiliary fixing unit 103 fixes the position of the leakage detection unit 101 and additionally enhances or maintains the adhesion of the leakage detection unit 101 to the object to be detected. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, before use, the auxiliary fixing unit 103 has a flat plate shape with a rectangular cross-section, and during use, it has predetermined elasticity and flexibility to be arranged along the side surface of the flange. In FIG. 2, the auxiliary fixing unit 103 has a concave groove along the inner surface in an annular shape, but the groove is formed by its own elasticity when the auxiliary fixing unit 103 is arranged while pressing it against the leakage detection unit 101, and the inner surface is flat before arrangement.

[0031] The fixing unit 105 fixes the leakage detection unit 101 at a predetermined position while being in close contact with the object to be detected. The fixing unit 105 has a band portion 105a and a fastening portion 105b. The band portion 105a has an annular shape the size of a font. The fastening portion 105b connects the opposing ends of the band portion 105a so that the band portion 105a can fix the leakage detection unit 101 to the object to be attached via the auxiliary fixing unit 103.

[0032] Based on the detection of liquid leakage by the liquid leakage detection unit 101, the control unit 107 notifies a predetermined communication terminal of the occurrence of liquid leakage. The control unit 107 has an internal circuit unit 107a and a housing unit 107b. The hardware configuration of the internal circuit unit 107a will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The internal circuit unit 107a has a CPU 107a1, a memory 107a3, a communication circuit 107a5, and a power supply circuit 107a7. The CPU 107a1 performs processing based on the operating system (OS), liquid leakage detection program, and other applications recorded in the memory 107a3. When the CPU 107a1 acquires liquid leakage detection information from the liquid leakage detection unit 101 based on the liquid leakage detection program, it transmits liquid leakage occurrence information indicating the occurrence of liquid leakage to a predetermined communication terminal via the communication circuit 107a5.

[0033] The memory 107a3 provides a working area for the CPU 107a1. The memory 107a3 also records and holds the operating system (OS), liquid leakage detection program, and programs of other applications.

[0034] The communication circuit 107a5 connects to a predetermined network and performs information transmission and reception with a predetermined external communication device such as a mobile terminal R held by the user of the liquid leakage detection device 100. The power supply circuit 107a7 obtains power from the outside and supplies the necessary power to each component of the liquid leakage detection device 100.

[0035] The housing unit 107b will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The housing unit 107b has a storage unit 107b1, a mounting unit 107b3, and a mounting hole 107b5. The storage unit 107b1 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The storage unit 107b1 houses the internal circuit unit 107a in its internal space. The mounting unit 107b3 is disposed on a predetermined surface of the storage unit 107b1. The mounting unit 107b3 is located between the control unit mounting target, which is the target for mounting the control unit 107, and the storage unit 107b1 and functions as a so-called leg. The mounting hole 107b5 is a through hole formed in the mounting unit 107b3. A linear member, for example, a binding band, is passed through the mounting hole 107b5 to fix the control unit 107 to the control unit mounting target.

[0036] Thus, since the leakage detection information can be provided using wireless communication, the transmission loss can be reduced and the sensitivity of the leakage detection device 100 can be increased. In addition, the leakage detection device 100 can be freely and easily installed.

[0037] Method of Using the Third Leakage Detection Device 100 The method of using the leakage detection device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. When detecting leakage at a position where the first flanged pipe FP1 and the second flanged pipe FP2 as shown in FIG. 5A are butt-jointed via the gasket G with their respective first flanges F1 and second flanges F2, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user annularly arranges the leakage detection unit 101 of the leakage detection device 100 along the side surfaces S of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. When arranging the leakage detection unit 101, by arranging it along the gasket G (see FIG. 5A) disposed between the first flange F1 and the second flange F2, leakage can be detected quickly.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6A, the user annularly arranges the auxiliary fixing unit 103 along the side surfaces S (see FIG. 5B) of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2 (see FIG. 5B) where the leakage detection unit 101 is arranged. That is, the auxiliary fixing unit 103 is arranged so as to cover the leakage detection unit 101.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6B, the user arranges the band portion 105a of the fixing unit 105 around the annularly arranged auxiliary fixing unit 103.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7A, the user connects the opposing ends of the band portion 105a annularly arranged around the auxiliary fixing unit 103 using the fastening portion 105b. The user adjusts the degree of fastening of the band portion 105a by the fastening portion 105b so that the band portion 105a can fix the leakage detection unit 101 to the attachment target via the auxiliary fixing unit 103 and high adhesion can be obtained between the leakage detection unit 101 and the auxiliary fixing unit 103.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7B, the user attaches the control unit 107 to a predetermined control unit attachment target, here, the second pipe P2 of the second flanged pipe FP2. When attaching the control unit 107, for example, a binding band is passed through the attachment hole 107b3 of the housing portion 107b to tighten the housing portion 107b and the second pipe P2 integrally, thereby fixing both of them.

[0042] In this way, the leakage detection device 100 can be easily installed at a location where leakage of the detection target is to be detected.

[0043] [Other Embodiments] (1) Auxiliary fixing portion 103: In the aforementioned Example 1, the auxiliary fixing portion 103 was used to fix the liquid leakage detection portion 101 along the side surface S of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. However, as long as the liquid leakage detection portion 101 can be fixed along the side surface S of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2, it is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, it may be fixed only by the fixing portion 105 without using the auxiliary fixing portion 103.

[0044] Also, in the aforementioned Example 1, the auxiliary fixing portion 103 was a plate-like member having a rectangular cross-section before use. However, as long as the leakage detection portion 101 can be fixed at a predetermined position, it is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, like the auxiliary fixing portion 203 shown in FIG. 8A, the cross-section may have a concave shape on the side where the leakage detection portion 101 is arranged. Thereby, the adhesion between the leakage detection portion 101 and the auxiliary fixing portion 203 can be enhanced. Also, like the auxiliary fixing portion 303 shown in FIG. 8B, the cross-section may be convex toward the side where the leakage detection portion 101 is arranged. Thereby, the adhesion between the leakage detection portion 101 and the auxiliary fixing portion 303 can be enhanced.

[0045] Furthermore, in the aforementioned Example 1, the auxiliary fixing portion 103 was a plate-shaped member with a rectangular cross-section before use. However, as long as it can fix the leakage detection portion 101 at a predetermined position and obtain a predetermined adhesion with the leakage detection portion 101, it is not limited to the exemplified one. For example, before use, it may have an annular shape. In this case, a part of the annular shape may be cut, and during use, the auxiliary fixing portion 103 may be installed at a predetermined position by opening the cutting position.

[0046] (2) Fixing portion 105: In the aforementioned Example 1, the fixing portion 105 was composed of a band portion 105a and a fastening portion 105b. However, as long as it can fix the liquid leakage detection portion 101 at a predetermined location, it is not limited to the exemplified one. For example, the fastening portion 105b may be fixed by a predetermined adhesive tape or the like. Also, the fixing portion may be formed by an annular band portion and a band portion that tightens the outer periphery of the annular band portion.

[0047] Furthermore, like the fixing portion 205 shown in Fig. 9A, it may be formed to have a flange outer peripheral surface arrangement portion 205a corresponding to the fixing portion 105 in Example 1, and a drop prevention portion 205b that fixes the flange outer peripheral surface arrangement portion 205a at a predetermined position and prevents it from dropping off from the predetermined position. The drop prevention portion 205b is fastened together with the bolt that integrally fixes the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. The drop prevention portion 205b is attached to the flange outer peripheral surface arrangement portion 205a. Note that the drop prevention portion 205b may be attached to the flange outer peripheral surface arrangement portion 205a by being formed integrally with the flange outer peripheral surface arrangement portion 205a, or by attaching it to the flange outer peripheral surface arrangement portion 205a using a bolt, an adhesive, or the like.

[0048] Also, like the fixing part 305 shown in FIG. 9B, a flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a corresponding to the fixing part 105 in the first embodiment, and a detachment prevention part 305b for fixing the flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a at a predetermined position and preventing detachment from the predetermined position may be formed. The detachment prevention part 305b is arranged along the bolt fastening surface SB of the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. The detachment prevention part 305b is attached to the flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a. In the fixing part 305, the flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a and the detachment prevention part 305b integrally cover the first flange F1 and the second flange F2. Note that the detachment prevention part 305b may be attached to the flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a by being formed integrally with the flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a or by attaching it to the flange outer peripheral surface arranging part 305a using bolts, adhesives, or the like.

[0049] (3) Configuration of the auxiliary fixing part 103 and the fixing part 105: In the above-described first embodiment, the auxiliary fixing part 103 and the fixing part 105 are formed separately, but they may be formed integrally. For example, the auxiliary fixing part 103 may be attached along the inner peripheral surface of the band part 105a of the fixing part 105 to form them integrally.

[0050] (4) Leakage detection part 101: In the above-described first embodiment, the leakage detection part 101 is configured to detect a plurality of detection targets. If it is not necessary to detect a plurality of detection targets, such as for indoor use, it may be configured to detect only one detection target.

[0051] (5) Notification of leakage detection: In the above-described first embodiment, when the control part 107 detects a leakage, it is transmitted to the communication device R such as the user's mobile terminal. However, it may be sent to an information storage device such as a predetermined server, and then sent from the information storage device to the communication device R of the user or the like. Also, the leakage detection information may be stored and saved in a predetermined information storage device, and the leakage detection information may be used to estimate the time or possibility of future leakage occurrence.

[0052] (6) Location of the leakage detection unit 101: In the aforementioned Example 1, the leakage detection unit 101 was arranged on the side surface S formed by the first flange F1 of the first pipe with flange FP1 and the second flange F2 of the second pipe with flange FP2. However, as long as it is a location where leakage from a predetermined area to be detected is desired, it is not limited to the exemplified location. For example, it may be arranged on the wall surface of a water tank that stores a predetermined liquid or on a horizontal surface such as a floor surface where leakage is a concern.

[0053] (7) Location of the control unit 107: In the aforementioned Example 1, the control unit 107 was arranged in the second pipe P2 of the second pipe with flange FP2. However, as long as it is a location where the control unit 107 can be stably arranged, it is not limited to the exemplified location. For example, it may be fixed and arranged on a pillar, beam, or wall surface of the structure where the first pipe with flange FP1 and the second pipe with flange FP2 are installed.

[0054] (8) Fixing of the control unit 107: In the aforementioned Example 1, the control unit 107 was attached to the second pipe P2 of the second pipe with flange FP2 using a predetermined attachment member through the attachment hole 107b5 formed in the attachment part 107b3 of the housing part 107b. However, as long as the control unit 107 can be stably fixed, it is not limited to the exemplified means. For example, an adhesive tape may be arranged on the back surface of the attachment part 107b3 or the back surface of the storage part 107b1, or predetermined hanging holes may be formed in the storage part 107b1, and the control unit 107 may be fixed by hanging it at a predetermined position using the hanging holes.

[0055] (9) Detection target: In the aforementioned Example 1, a predetermined liquid was shown as the detection target, but it may also be a gas such as a gas.

[0056] (10) Selection of Detection Target: In the above-described Example 1, the conductivity of the detection target may be used to determine whether it is the target to be detected. For example, a conductivity detection unit for detecting conductivity may be arranged at the position where the leaked detection target is detected, and in the internal circuit unit 107a, it may be determined whether it is the planned detection target corresponding to the detected conductivity. Thereby, even if rain falling when the leakage detection unit 101 is installed outdoors or water due to dew condensation caused by a temperature difference is detected by the leakage detection unit 101, it is possible to determine whether it is the detection target from the conductivity (resistance value) different from the detection target or the difference between the two. That is, false detection by something that is not the detection target can be prevented.

[0057] Also, in that case, when something that is not the detection target is detected, caution information may be output, and when the detection target is detected, leakage detection information may be output, respectively. Further, instead of determining whether it is the detection target in the internal circuit unit 107a, the data of the detected conductivity (resistance value) may be transmitted to a predetermined cloud-type determination device and determined by the determination device.

Industrial Applicability

[0058] The leakage detection device according to the present invention can be used, for example, in places where it is necessary to confirm the occurrence of leakage of the detection target, such as near the plumbing of buildings and ordinary houses, the attic where there is a possibility of rain leakage, warehouses and factories at risk of flooding, near the gas piping of buildings and ordinary houses, rooms where there is a possibility of gas leakage, warehouses and factories at risk of gas leakage, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0059] 100 Leakage detection device 101 Leakage detection unit 103 Auxiliary fixing part 105 Fixing part 105a Band part 105b Fastening part 107 Control part 107a Internal circuit part 107a1 CPU 107a3 Memory 107a5 Communication circuit 107a7 Power supply circuit 107b Housing part 107b1 Storage part 107b3 Mounting part 107b5 Mounting hole 205 Fixing part 205a Flange outer peripheral surface arrangement part 205b Anti-detachment part 205b 305 Fixing part 305a Flange outer peripheral surface arrangement part 305b Anti-detachment part 205b FP1 First flanged pipe F1 First flange P1 First pipe FP2 Second flanged pipe F2 Second flange P2 Second pipe IS Internal space S Side surface

Claims

1. A leak detection device having flexibility and including a linear leak detection portion disposed along a leak detection position which is a position for detecting a leak of a detection target. A fixing portion disposed so as to cover the leak detection portion and fixing the leak detection portion at a position for detecting a leak. A control portion which, when the leak detection portion detects a leak of the detection target, provides leak information indicating that a leak of the detection target has occurred to a predetermined communication device. A leak detection device having the above components.

2. The leak detection device according to Claim 1, further including An auxiliary fixing portion having elasticity and disposed between the leak detection portion and the fixing portion. A leak detection device having the above components.

3. In the leak detection device according to Claim 1, The control portion is Disposed at a position different from the leak detection position in the leak detection portion. A leak detection device characterized by the above.

4. In the leak detection device according to Claim 1, The leak detection portion is Capable of detecting different detection targets. A leak detection device characterized by the above.

Images