Underfloor inspection aids and underfloor inspection aids

Abstract

This invention provides an underfloor inspection aid and underfloor inspection aid system that allows underfloor inspection work to be performed by inserting the tool from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening, thereby eliminating the need for the presence of the house's residents. [Solution] The underfloor inspection aid 10 is inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 and is used to assist in underfloor inspection work, which involves taking photographs of the underfloor area. The underfloor inspection aid 10 comprises a holding part 11 for holding a smartphone SP for taking photographs of the underfloor area, an elongated operating part 14 connected to the holding part 11 at one end in the longitudinal direction and operable at the other end, and a rotating support shaft 15 that abuts against the underfloor ventilation opening B1 and supports the operating part 14 so as to be rotatable in the azimuthal direction, and changes the shooting direction of the smartphone SP held by the holding part 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an underfloor inspection aid and an underfloor inspection assistance system, and particularly to an underfloor inspection aid and an underfloor inspection assistance system used for inserting from the outside to the inside of an underfloor ventilation port to inspect the underfloor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to check the condition of the foundation, base, piping, etc. under the floor of a house, an underfloor inspection is carried out. Specifically, an inspection worker dives under the floor of the house and visually inspects cracks occurring in the foundation, termite damage to the base, water leakage in the piping, etc. Since the underfloor inspection work has to be carried out while moving in a narrow underfloor space, visual inspection is often difficult, and it has generally been known that the work burden is large.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection device having a telescopic operating rod, a camera attached to the tip of the operating rod, and a monitor device detachably attached to the base end of the operating rod. An inspection worker performing an underfloor inspection can insert the inspection device from the living space of the house under the floor and photograph the inspection location with the camera while changing the position and direction of the tip.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the inspection device described in Patent Document 1, since it is not necessary for an inspection worker to move while inspecting a narrow underfloor space, it is possible to reduce the work burden related to the underfloor inspection work. However, since the inspection worker has to work in the living space of the house, the presence of the resident is required, and it was necessary to adjust the inspection work schedule in advance with the resident.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an underfloor inspection aid and an underfloor inspection aid system that can be inserted from the outside of the underfloor ventilation opening to perform underfloor inspection work, thereby eliminating the need for the presence of the residents of the house. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problems are solved by the underfloor inspection aid of the present invention, which is inserted from the outside to the inside of an underfloor ventilation opening to assist in underfloor inspection work for taking photographs of the underfloor, and comprises a holding part for holding a photographing device for taking photographs of the underfloor, an elongated operating part connected to the holding part at one end in the longitudinal direction and operable at the other end, and a rotating support shaft that abuts against the underfloor ventilation opening and supports the operating part so as to be rotatable in the azimuthal direction, and changes the photographing direction of the photographing device held by the holding part.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the underfloor inspection aid is inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening and supported in a state where the shooting direction of the camera device can be rotated in the azimuth direction toward the inspection point. Therefore, the inspection worker can insert the underfloor inspection aid from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening and perform the underfloor inspection work. In addition, since the inspection worker can perform the underfloor inspection work from outside the house, it becomes possible to eliminate the need for the residents of the house to be present during the underfloor inspection work.

[0009] Furthermore, the underfloor inspection aid may be equipped with a long elevation angle operating member connected to the distal end of the holding part, which rotates the holding part in the elevation direction and changes the shooting direction of the shooting device held by the holding part. With the above configuration, the shooting direction of the shooting device can be changed in the direction of elevation by operating the elevation angle control member, making it possible to photograph inspection points at various locations and perform underfloor inspection work.

[0010] Furthermore, the underfloor inspection aid includes a suspension string for holding the holding part while it is suspended from above, the operating part and the holding part are connected at one end via the suspension string, and the holding part holds the imaging device such that when suspended from above by the suspension string the imaging direction faces the longitudinal direction of the operating part. With the above configuration, the underfloor inspection aid can be easily inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening to photograph the longitudinal direction of the operating section, allowing the inspection worker to continue taking photographs while clearly recognizing the direction of the photograph.

[0011] Furthermore, the operating unit and the holding unit are connected via a hinge at one end that allows the holding unit to rotate in the elevation direction, and the holding unit holds the shooting device such that when suspended from above via the hinge, the shooting direction faces the longitudinal direction of the operating unit. With the above configuration, by inserting the underfloor inspection aid from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening, it is possible to easily photograph the longitudinal direction of the operating section, allowing inspection workers to continue taking photographs while clearly recognizing the direction of photography. In addition, it is possible to suppress the shaking of the photographing device relative to the operating section, thereby improving the quality of underfloor inspection work and shortening the work time.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating support shaft is extendable and retractable in the axial direction, and it is preferable that the operating part be supported so as to be rotatable in the azimuth direction with both axial ends in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the underfloor ventilation opening. With the above configuration, by bringing both ends in the axial direction into contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the underfloor ventilation opening, the operating part can be smoothly rotated in the azimuth direction, thereby improving the operability of the underfloor inspection aid.

[0013] Furthermore, the pivot support shaft is preferably attached to the operating part so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the operating part. With the above configuration, the operating unit can be operated in the front-to-back direction of the underfloor ventilation opening while the rotating support shaft is in contact with the underfloor ventilation opening, thereby making it possible to bring the imaging device closer to the inspection point and photograph the inspection point.

[0014] Furthermore, the operating part has flexibility such that one end can bend downward due to the load of the holding part, and the holding part may have a displacement suppressing member at its distal end that suppresses displacement relative to the floor when it comes into contact with the floor. With the above configuration, one end of the elongated operating section is displaced downward, allowing for easy imaging in the longitudinal direction of the operating section. Furthermore, since the holding section has a displacement prevention member at its distal end, the inspection worker can operate the operating section while being aware that the distal end of the holding section is in contact with the underfloor, and the inspection worker can clearly recognize the imaging direction while taking pictures, thereby improving the operability of the underfloor inspection aid.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by comprising the above-mentioned underfloor inspection aid and a monitoring device installed on the outside of the underfloor ventilation opening, wherein the monitoring device has a communicator that communicates with the imaging device and can receive image data acquired by the imaging device, and a display that displays the image data received by the communicator.

[0016] With the above configuration, the camera can be held in the holder, and the inspection points under the floor can be photographed while checking the image data displayed on the monitor device's display. This allows the underfloor inspection aid to be inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening to perform the underfloor inspection work, eliminating the need for the residents of the house to be present during the underfloor inspection work. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the underfloor inspection aid and underfloor inspection aid system of the present invention, underfloor inspection work can be performed by inserting the aid from the outside of the underfloor ventilation opening, making it possible to eliminate the need for the presence of the house's residents. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the underfloor ventilation opening seen from under the bed. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the underfloor inspection assistance system. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the underfloor inspection tool with the smartphone removed. [Figure 4] It is a side sectional view obtained by enlarging part A of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool inserted into the underfloor ventilation opening. [[ID=!7]] [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the front direction. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the right direction. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the left direction. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the upward direction. [Figure 10] It is a front view of the underfloor inspection tool according to the first modification example. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the front direction. [Figure 12] It is a front view of the underfloor inspection tool according to the second modification example. [Figure 13] [[ID=!9]]It is a perspective view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the front direction. [Figure 14] It is a side view of the underfloor inspection tool while photographing in the front direction.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the underfloor inspection tool 10 and the underfloor inspection assistance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the equivalents of the present invention are included therein.

[0020] In the following description, "front-to-back direction" refers to the front-to-back direction as seen from the perspective of the underfloor inspection worker operating the underfloor inspection aid 10, and coincides with the direction in which the underfloor inspection aid 10 is inserted into or withdrawn from the underfloor ventilation opening B1. "Up-down direction" refers to the direction that coincides with the vertical direction. "Left-to-right direction" refers to the left-to-right direction as seen from the perspective of the inspection worker operating the underfloor inspection aid 10, and is perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. Furthermore, in the following explanation, "azimuth direction" refers to the direction of rotation in the horizontal plane, with the reference direction being the direction directly in front of the inspection worker when facing the underfloor ventilation opening B1. Also, "elevation direction" refers to the direction of rotation in the vertical plane, with the reference direction being the direction directly in front of the inspection worker when facing the underfloor ventilation opening B1.

[0021] <Underfloor structure FS> First, we will explain the underfloor structure of the house to be inspected (hereinafter referred to as the underfloor structure FS) with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the underfloor structure FS mainly consists of a foundation B, a sill plate F1 supported by the foundation B, a main beam F2 spanning across the sill plate F1, and joists F3 placed on top of the main beam F2. The main beam F2 is supported by posts F4 on the upper surface B2 of the foundation B, which is called a slab foundation. Although not shown in Figure 1, pipes and electrical wiring are installed under the floor.

[0022] To check the condition of the underfloor structure FS, which is constructed as described above, periodic underfloor inspections are conducted. Specifically, inspection workers enter the underfloor space and visually check for cracks in the foundation B, termite damage to the base plate F1, mold growth, water leaks in the pipes, etc. As a result, the inspection workers have to move around in the narrow underfloor space while performing the inspection work, which places a heavy burden on them.

[0023] Therefore, the underfloor inspection assistance system 1 is used to perform inspections by inserting the underfloor inspection assistance tool 10 from the outside (outside) to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 provided in the foundation B, and acquiring image data from the inside. In Figure 1, one underfloor ventilation opening B1 is shown, but multiple underfloor ventilation openings B1 may be arranged at predetermined intervals from each other. The underfloor inspection assistance tool 10 and the underfloor inspection assistance system 1 will be described below.

[0024] <Underfloor Inspection Assistance System 1> Figure 2 shows the overall configuration of the underfloor inspection assistance system 1. As shown in Figure 2, the underfloor inspection assistance system 1 mainly consists of an underfloor inspection assistance tool 10 and a monitoring device 20. The underfloor inspection assistance tool 10 is inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 and is used to assist in underfloor inspection work, which involves taking photographs of the underfloor area. The underfloor inspection assistance tool 10 is also operated by the inspection worker to acquire underfloor image data. The underfloor inspection assistance tool 10 can hold a smartphone SP, and the image data acquired by the smartphone SP can be transmitted to the monitoring device 20 via a wireless communication line or a wired communication line.

[0025] The monitoring device 20 can receive image data transmitted by the smartphone SP and display it on the display unit 21. The monitoring device 20 is a tablet terminal, but is not limited to this. The monitoring device 20 only needs to be able to receive and display image data transmitted by the smartphone SP, and may be a notebook terminal.

[0026] With the underfloor inspection support system 1 configured as described above, inspection workers can check the underfloor conditions in real time without having to enter the narrow space under the floor. Furthermore, since the underfloor inspection work is performed outdoors, the residents of the house do not need to be present during the inspection.

[0027] <Underfloor inspection aid 10> Figure 3 is a front view of the underfloor inspection aid 10. Specifically, Figure 3 is a front view of the underfloor inspection aid 10 with the smartphone SP removed. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the underfloor inspection aid 10 mainly consists of a holding part 11, a suspension cord 12, an elevation angle adjustment cord 13, and an operating part 14.

[0028] The holding part 11 can hold the smartphone SP in a fitted state. Specifically, the holding part 11 has a holding part body 111 for holding the smartphone SP, a hanging string hole 112 formed in the holding part body 111 through which the hanging string 12 is inserted, and an elevation angle control string fixing part 113 to which the elevation angle control string 13 is fixed.

[0029] The holding unit body 111 is a silicone case that covers the display surface and sides of the smartphone SP facing the camera unit SP2. The holding unit body 111 has a shape and dimensions that allow it to be inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 formed in the foundation B while the smartphone SP is being held. In addition, the holding unit body 111 can protect the smartphone SP from accidental impacts from the outside during underfloor inspection work.

[0030] The main body 111 of the holding part has hanging string holes 112 formed at its four corners. Therefore, a hanging string 12 can be inserted through the hanging string holes 112 to suspend and hold the smartphone SP. However, the holding part body 111 may also have a ring body with a diameter through which the hanging string 12 can be inserted. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the hanging string holes 112 are not limited to those shown in Figures 2 and 3. It is sufficient that the smartphone SP can be held stably in a suspended state.

[0031] The elevation angle control cord fixing section 113 has a distal end fixing section 1131 located at the distal end of the holding section body 111 and a proximal end fixing section 1132 located at the proximal end, and fixes the distal end control cord 131 and the proximal end control cord 132 to the holding section body 111, respectively. By operating the elevation angle control cord 13, the inspection worker can change the posture of the holding section 11 in the elevation direction, thereby changing the shooting direction of the smartphone SP inserted under the floor in the elevation direction.

[0032] The elevation angle control cord fixing part 113 is a through-hole through which the elevation angle control cord 13 can be inserted. The elevation angle control cord 13 has a knot at its tip that is larger than the through-hole. This prevents the elevation angle control cord 13 from being pulled out of the through-hole and allows the elevation angle control cord 13 to be fixed to the holding part body 111. However, it is not limited to this, and of course the elevation angle control cord fixing part 113 may also be adhesively fixed to the elevation angle control cord 13 to the holding part body 111.

[0033] The suspension cord 12 is a single cord that connects the holding part 11 and the operating part 14 at both ends in the left-right direction. More specifically, the suspension cord 12 is inserted through the left and right suspension cord holes 112 formed in the holding part 11, and both ends are fixed to the cord fixing parts 143 of the operating part 14. By connecting the holding part 11 and the operating part 14 at both ends in the left-right direction with the suspension cord 12, the holding part 11 can be positioned so that the shooting direction of the smartphone SP is directed in the longitudinal direction of the operating part 14 while suspended from the operating part 14. The suspension cord 12 is a cord made of polypropylene, but is not limited to this. The suspension cord 12 may also be a metal wire.

[0034] The elevation angle control cord 13 is an operating means operated by an inspection worker to change the shooting direction of the smartphone SP held in the holding unit 11 to the elevation direction. The elevation angle control cord 13 has a distal end control cord 131 and a proximal end control cord 132, and connects the central part in the left-right direction of the holding unit 11 and the operating unit 14. One end of the distal end control cord 131 is fixed to the distal end fixing part 1131 of the holding unit 11, and the other end is fixed to the cord body fixing part 143 of the operating unit 14. On the other hand, one end of the proximal end control cord 132 is fixed to the proximal end fixing part 1132 of the holding unit 11, and the other end is fixed to the cord body fixing part 143. The elevation angle control cord 13 corresponds to an elevation angle control member.

[0035] The operating unit 14 is an operating means used to change the shooting direction of the smartphone SP to the azimuth direction. The operating unit 14 has an elongated shape, and one end in the longitudinal direction (distal end) is connected to the holding unit 11 via a suspension string 12, while the other end (proximal end) is gripped in a manner that can be operated by an inspection worker. The operating unit 14 is a plate-like body made of synthetic resin, but is not limited to this. The operating unit 14 only needs to have the strength necessary for underfloor inspection work, and may be made of paper or metal. The operating unit 14 mainly consists of a suspension string connecting part 141, a gripping part 142, and a string fixing part 143.

[0036] The suspension cord connecting section 141 is located at the distal end of the operating section 14 and has a pair of suspension cord insertion holes 1411 spaced approximately equal in width to the smartphone SP. The suspension cord insertion holes 1411 are insertion holes through which the suspension cord 12 can be inserted. The gripping portion 142 is located at the proximal end of the operating portion 14 and has an elongated shape. This allows inspection workers to easily grasp the gripping portion 142. The cord fixing part 143 secures the suspension cord 12 and the elevation angle adjustment cord 13 to the operation unit 14. The cord fixing part 143 is an adhesive tape wrapped around the operation unit 14, but is not limited to this.

[0037] The rotating support shaft 15 contacts the underfloor ventilation opening B1 when the underfloor inspection aid 10 is inserted into the underfloor ventilation opening B1, and supports the operating section 14 so that it can rotate in the azimuth direction. Figure 4 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view of part A in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the pivot support shaft 15 has a pair of nuts 151 that clamp the operating part 14, and a pair of bolts 152 that screw into each nut 151. By rotating the bolts 152 relative to the nuts 151, the inspection worker can change the length of the extended portion of the bolts 152 relative to the nuts 151. This allows the pivot support shaft 15 to extend and retract in the axial direction, contacting the upper surface B11 and lower surface B12 of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 to stably support the underfloor inspection aid 10.

[0038] The operating section 14 may have a nut holding section (not shown) that can engage with the nut 151 to hold the nut 151. Alternatively, the pivot support shaft 15 may be composed of a long nut (not shown) and a pair of bolts 152 that screw into the long nut at both ends. In this case, the operating part 14 has a hexagonal hole through which the long nut can pass. As a result, the long nut is connected to and fixed to the operating part 14 with the nut passing through the hexagonal hole. Even in this case, by rotating the bolts 152, the pivot support shaft 15 can extend and retract in the axial direction, and can contact the upper surface B11 and lower surface B12 of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 to support the underfloor inspection aid 10.

[0039] The smartphone SP has an imaging unit SP2 that acquires image data. The smartphone SP corresponds to the imaging device of the present invention. The SP2 imaging unit has lighting and a camera, and when inserted inside the underfloor space, it can brightly illuminate the underfloor space and acquire image data of the underfloor space. The SP2 imaging unit can acquire still images, but is not limited to this. The SP2 imaging unit may also acquire moving images. Furthermore, the SP2 imaging unit has an automatic focus adjustment function. Therefore, the SP2 imaging unit can optimally control the focus position for the foundation B, base F1, main beam F2, joist F3, support F4, piping, etc., located in the front direction, and acquire image data.

[0040] The smartphone SP is equipped with a wireless communication unit that transmits acquired image data. This makes it possible to display image data acquired inside the underfloor space on a monitoring device 20 located outside the underfloor space, allowing for real-time inspection of the underfloor conditions. Details of the monitoring device 20 will be described later. However, the smartphone SP may also be equipped with a communication unit that can transmit image data to the monitoring device 20 via a wired cable, although this is not limited to the smartphone SP.

[0041] <Monitoring device 20> Next, the monitoring device 20 will be described. The monitoring device 20 can receive and display image data acquired by the smartphone SP held in the underfloor inspection aid 10. The monitoring device 20 mainly consists of a wireless communication unit (not shown) capable of receiving image data, a display unit 21 (see Figure 1) that displays the image data received by the wireless communication unit, and a control device (not shown) that controls the entire monitoring device 20.

[0042] The wireless communication unit is a wireless communication unit compatible with the Bluetooth® communication standard, but is not limited to that. The wireless communication device only needs to be able to receive image data acquired by the smartphone SP by communicating with the smartphone SP, and may be a communication unit compatible with a wired communication standard.

[0043] The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal display device, but is not limited to that. The display unit 21 only needs to be able to display the image data received by the wireless communication unit with sufficient visibility, and the display unit 21 may be an organic EL display device. The display unit 21 corresponds to a display device.

[0044] The control device is a known control circuit having a processor, volatile memory, and non-volatile memory. The processor controls the wireless communication unit and display unit 21 by loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory and executing it, thereby enabling the display of image data on the display unit 21.

[0045] <Underfloor inspection method using underfloor inspection assistance system 1> Next, we will explain the method for inspecting the underfloor area using the underfloor inspection assistance system 1. Figure 5 shows how the underfloor inspection aid 10 is inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. As shown in Figure 5, the holding part 11 that holds the smartphone SP is first inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. At this time, the camera part SP2 of the smartphone SP is facing upwards.

[0046] Next, the operating unit 14 is operated, and the underfloor inspection aid 10 is inserted until the pivot support shaft 15 can contact the underfloor ventilation opening B1. The inspection worker adjusts the length of the pivot support shaft 15 by rotating the bolt 152 of the pivot support shaft 15, and brings both ends of the pivot support shaft 15 into contact with the upper surface B11 and lower surface B12 of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. As a result, the underfloor inspection aid 10 is supported by the underfloor ventilation opening B1 via the pivot support shaft 15, making it possible to operate the underfloor inspection aid 10 in a stable posture.

[0047] Figure 6 shows a view of the area in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. As shown in Figure 6, the camera unit SP2 of the smartphone SP, held by the holding unit 11, is suspended from above by the left and right suspension strings 12 and faces in the longitudinal direction of the operating unit 14 (in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1). Therefore, the smartphone SP can control the camera unit SP2 to acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. In addition, the inspection worker can continue to photograph the underfloor area while clearly recognizing the shooting direction of the camera unit SP2.

[0048] Next, the gripping part 142 is operated so that the underfloor inspection aid 10 rotates in the azimuth direction around the pivot support shaft 15. This changes the posture of the holding part 11, allowing the shooting direction of the smartphone SP to be changed to the azimuth direction. Figure 7 shows the view to the right of the underfloor ventilation opening B1, and Figure 8 shows the view to the left. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the smartphone SP can control the camera unit SP2 to acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS to the right and left of the underfloor ventilation opening B1.

[0049] Next, the distal end operating cord 131 is operated to be retracted. This changes the posture of the holding unit 11, allowing the shooting direction of the smartphone SP to be changed to an upward angle. Figure 9 shows a view of the area above the underfloor ventilation opening B1. As shown in Figure 9, the smartphone SP, held by the holding unit 11, is pulled up by the distal end operating cord 131 and unfolded almost horizontally. Therefore, the smartphone SP can control the shooting unit SP2 to acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS above the underfloor ventilation opening B1.

[0050] Finally, the inspection worker operates the control unit 14 while viewing the image data of the underfloor structure FS displayed on the display unit 21 of the monitoring device 20, and pulls out the underfloor inspection aid 10 from the underfloor ventilation opening B1. The inspection worker may continue the underfloor inspection by inserting the underfloor inspection aid 10 into another underfloor ventilation opening B1 and acquiring image data again from a different position.

[0051] <First Torture> The above-described embodiment of the underfloor inspection assisting device 10 and underfloor inspection assisting system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In the embodiment described above, a suspension string 12 is interposed between the holding part 11 and the operating part 14, and the holding part 11 is suspended by the suspension string 12. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. A hinge 16A may be interposed between the holding part 11 and the operating part 14, and the holding part 11 may be rotatably connected to the operating part 14 via the hinge 16A.

[0052] Figure 10 is a front view of the underfloor inspection aid 10A according to the first modified example. As shown in Figure 10, the underfloor inspection aid 10A includes a holding part 11A, an elevation angle control cord 13A, an operating part 14A, a pivot support shaft 15, and a hinge 16A. The holding part 11A and the operating part 14A are connected via the hinge 16A.

[0053] The holding part 11A has a holding part body 111A and three clamping pieces 114A, and can hold a smartphone SP. More specifically, the holding part 11A holds the smartphone SP by clamping the housing SP1 of the smartphone SP with the three clamping pieces 114A.

[0054] The holding part body 111A is a rectangular plate-like body with dimensions larger than the size of the smartphone SP. This prevents the smartphone SP from being damaged by contact with the foundation B or underfloor piping, etc. The holding part body 111A is a metal plate, but is not limited to that. It is sufficient to have strength to prevent damage to the smartphone SP, and the holding part body 111A may be a synthetic resin plate.

[0055] The clamping piece 114A is an angle material having an L-shaped cross-section, and can clamp the housing SP1 of the smartphone SP, which is placed on the holding body 111A, together with the holding body 111A. In other words, the clamping piece 114A forms a clamping space between itself and the holding body 111A that is approximately equal to the thickness of the smartphone SP. By holding the smartphone SP with the holding body 111A and the clamping piece 114A, the thickness of the holding body 11 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the vertical dimension of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 is small, it becomes possible to insert the smartphone SP under the floor. In Figure 10, the holding body 111A is provided with three clamping pieces 114A, but the number and arrangement of the clamping pieces 114A are not limited to those shown in Figure 10.

[0056] The elevation angle control cord 13A comprises a distal end control cord 131 and a control cord support rotating body 133A, and connects the central part in the left-right direction of the holding part 11A and the control part 14A. One end of the distal end control cord 131 is fixed to the clamping piece 114A located at the distal end of the holding part 11, and the other end is fixed to the cord body fixing part 143. The operating cord support rotating body 133A is located near the connection between the holding part 11A and the operating part 14A, and supports the distal end operating cord 131, which will be described later, so as to move it away from the axis of the hinge 16A. By operating the distal end operating cord 131, the inspection worker can change the shooting direction of the smartphone SP held in the holding part 11 to the elevation direction.

[0057] The operating section 14A has an elongated shape, and is connected to the holding section 11A via a hinge 16A at one end in the longitudinal direction (distal end), while the other end (proximal end) is grasped by an inspection worker. The operating section 14A includes a hinge connecting section 141A, a gripping section 142, and a string fixing section 143.

[0058] The hinge connection portion 141A is located at the distal end of the operating portion 14A, and the hinge 16A, which will be described later, is attached to it. The gripping portion 142, the string fixing portion 143, and the rotating support shaft 15 are the same as in the embodiment described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0059] The hinge 16A connects the main body 111 and the operating section 14 so that they can rotate relative to each other. The hinge 16A can change the orientation of the holding section 11 in order to change the shooting direction of the smartphone SP inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 in the direction of elevation.

[0060] Figure 11 shows the operation of the underfloor inspection aid 10A according to the first modified example to photograph the area in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. As shown in Figure 11, the camera unit SP2 of the smartphone SP held by the holding unit 11A is suspended from above via the hinge 16A and faces the longitudinal direction of the operating unit 14A (in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1). Therefore, the smartphone SP can control the camera unit SP2 to acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. Also, similar to the embodiment described above, the inspection worker can change the shooting direction of the smartphone SP in the azimuth and elevation directions by operating the operating unit 14A to acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS.

[0061] Similar to the embodiment described above, the inspection worker can insert the underfloor inspection aid 10A from the outside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 to perform underfloor inspection work, eliminating the need for the residents of the house to be present during the underfloor inspection work. Furthermore, compared to the embodiment described above, this method suppresses instability in the shooting direction caused by the swinging of the smartphone SP suspended via the suspension string 12, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of underfloor inspection work.

[0062] <Second variation> In the embodiments described above, the operating section 14 was described as being made of a plate-like body, but it is not limited to this. The operating section 14 may be composed of the holding section 11 and a connecting block unit 145B that bends under the load of the smartphone SP. Also, the holding section 11 and the operating section 14 may be directly connected without the use of a suspension string 12 or a hinge 16A.

[0063] Figure 12 is a front view of the underfloor inspection aid 10B according to the second modified example. As shown in Figure 12, the underfloor inspection aid 10B mainly consists of a holding part 11B, an operating part 14B, and a rotating support shaft 15. Furthermore, the holding part 11B and the operating part 14B, which will be described later, are directly connected to each other without the interposition of a suspension string 12 or a hinge 16A.

[0064] The holding part 11B has a holding part body 111A, three clamping pieces 114A, and anti-slip rubber 115B, and can hold a smartphone SP. The holding part 11B of the underfloor inspection aid 10B according to the second modified example is the same as the holding part 11A according to the first modified example, except that anti-slip rubber 115B is provided at the distal end. The anti-slip rubber 115B improves the frictional force between the holding part 11B and the upper surface B2 of the underfloor when the distal end of the holding part 11B contacts the underfloor, thereby suppressing displacement of the holding part 11B relative to the upper surface B2 of the underfloor during underfloor inspection work (see Figure 14). By providing the anti-slip rubber 115B at the distal end of the holding part 11B, the inspection worker can recognize the state in which the holding part 11B is in contact with the underfloor through the fingertips gripping the operating part 14. Therefore, the inspection worker can appropriately manipulate the posture of the holding part 11B and direct the camera unit SP2 of the smartphone SP in the appropriate direction. In addition, the anti-slip rubber 115B can suppress unintentional changes in the shooting direction of the smartphone SP while photographing the underfloor structure FS. The anti-slip rubber 115B is made of synthetic rubber, but is not limited thereto. Instead of synthetic rubber, a urethane resin or silicone member may be attached to the distal end of the holding portion 11B. The anti-slip rubber 115B corresponds to the displacement suppression member of the present invention.

[0065] The operating section 14B mainly consists of a connecting block unit 145B and a rigid gripping section 146B. The connecting block unit 145B is a connecting operating means that becomes elongated when multiple connecting block bodies 145Ba are connected. Furthermore, the connecting block bodies 145Ba can be separated from each other. Therefore, the longitudinal dimensions of the operating section 14B can be easily changed by connecting or separating the connecting block bodies 145Ba. Furthermore, each connecting block 145Ba has a rotating shaft 145Bb that allows the connection angle to be changed when connected to each other (see Figure 14). As a result, when connected to each other, the connecting block unit 145B gently curves downward due to the load of the smartphone SP and the holding part 11B, allowing the shooting direction of the smartphone SP to be directed forward, to the right, and to the left.

[0066] The rigid gripping section 146B is a rail body slidably attached to the connecting block unit 145B. The rigid gripping section 146B prevents the connecting block unit 145B from bending excessively due to the load of the smartphone SP and the holding section 11. Therefore, inspection workers can adjust the degree of bending of the connecting block unit 145B by sliding the rigid gripping section 146B relative to the connecting block unit 145B. This makes it possible to change the orientation of the holding section 11B and change the shooting direction in the elevation direction of the smartphone SP. The rigid gripping portion 146B only needs to have a shape that allows it to slidably engage with the connecting block unit 145B. For example, the rigid gripping portion 146B is a hollow cylindrical body, but is not limited to this. The rigid gripping portion 146B may also be a plate-like body having rail grooves.

[0067] The pivot support shaft 15 has the same configuration as in the embodiment described above. The pivot support shaft 15 is attached to the operating section 14B so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the operating section 14B together with the rigid gripping section 146B. Therefore, the inspection worker can operate the operating section 14B forward or backward while the pivot support shaft 15B is in contact with the upper surface B11 and lower surface B12 of the underfloor ventilation opening B1, thereby bringing the camera unit SP2 of the smartphone SP closer to or further away from the object being inspected under the floor. However, the pivot support shaft 15 may be attached to the connecting block unit 145B and be slidable relative to the connecting block unit 145B independently of the rigid gripping section 146B.

[0068] Figure 13 shows the operation of the underfloor inspection aid 10B according to the second modified example to photograph the area in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1. As shown in Figure 13, the camera unit SP2 of the smartphone SP, which is held by the holding unit 11B connected to the distal end of the gently deformed operating unit 14B, is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the operating unit 14B (in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1). Therefore, the smartphone SP can acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS in front of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 by controlling the camera unit SP2. Also, similar to the embodiment described above, the inspection worker can acquire image data of the underfloor structure FS by changing the shooting direction of the smartphone SP in the azimuth and elevation directions by operating the operating unit 14B.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the distal end of the holding part 11B is protected from displacement relative to the upper surface B2 beneath the floor by the anti-slip rubber 115B. Therefore, inspection workers can take pictures with the camera unit SP2 of the smartphone SP while holding the holding part 11B in the appropriate position. Furthermore, compared to the case where the holding part 11 and the operating part 14 are connected by a suspension string 12 or hinge 16A, the swinging of the holding part 11 can be suppressed. As a result, the shooting direction is stabilized, making it possible to improve the quality of underfloor inspection work and the work efficiency.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, the operating section 14B was described as being composed of a connecting block unit 145B in which a plurality of connecting block bodies 145Ba are connected, but it is not limited to this. The operating section 14B only needs to have flexibility to bend downward under the load of the smartphone SP and the holding section 11B, and rigidity to change the posture of the holding section 11B, and may be made of metal wire material.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained in which an elevation angle operating cord 13 (distal end operating cord 131) for rotating the holding part 11 in the elevation direction is connected to the distal end of the holding part 11, the invention is not limited to this. A band made of fibers or a metal wire may be connected to the distal end of the holding part 11.

[0072] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains that a smartphone SP is used for underfloor inspection work, it is not limited to this. Any device that has dimensions and shape that can be inserted from the outside to the inside of the underfloor ventilation opening B1 and can acquire the necessary image data for underfloor inspection work may be used, such as a small action camera or wearable camera. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Underfloor Inspection Assistance System 10, 10A, 10B Underfloor Inspection Aids 11, 11A, 11B holding part 111, 111A Holding body 112 Hanging cord holes 113 Elevation angle control string fixing part 1131 Distal end fixing part 1132 Proximal end fixing part 114A Clamping piece 115B Anti-slip rubber (displacement prevention member) 12 Hanging string 13. Elevation angle control cord (elevation angle control component) 131 Distal end operating cord 132 Proximal end operating cord 133A Operating cord support rotating body 14, 14A, 14B Operation section 141 Hanging cord connection part 1411 Hanging cord insertion hole 141A Hinge connection 142 Gripping part 143 String fixing part 145B Connecting Block Unit 145Ba Connected Block Body 145Bb Rotation axis 146B Rigid grip 15, 15B Rotating support shaft 151 Nut 152 volts 16A Hinge FS Underfloor structure B. Basics B1 Underfloor ventilation opening B11 Top B12 Bottom side B2 top surface F1 base F2 Ohbiki F3 joist F4 bunch SP Smartphone (camera) SP1 cabinet SP2 Photography Department

Claims

1. An underfloor inspection aid is used to assist in underfloor inspection work, which involves inserting the underfloor ventilation opening from the outside to the inside and taking photographs of the underfloor area. A holding unit for holding the camera device for photographing the area under the floor, Having an elongated shape, it is connected to the holding part at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the other end is an operable operating part, An underfloor inspection aid comprising: a pivot support shaft that abuts against the underfloor ventilation opening and supports the operating section so as to be rotatable in the azimuth direction, and changes the shooting direction of the shooting device held in the holding section.

2. The underfloor inspection aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the underfloor inspection aid comprises a long elevation angle operating member connected to the distal end of the holding part, which rotates the holding part in the elevation angle direction and changes the shooting direction of the shooting device held by the holding part.

3. The aforementioned underfloor inspection aid is equipped with a suspension string that holds the holding part suspended from above, The operating part and the holding part are connected at one end via the suspension string. The underfloor inspection aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding part holds the imaging device such that the imaging direction faces the longitudinal direction of the operating part when it is suspended from above by the suspension string.

4. The operating part and the holding part are connected via a hinge that allows the holding part to rotate in the elevation direction at one end. The underfloor inspection aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding part holds the imaging device such that the imaging direction faces the longitudinal direction of the operating part when it is suspended from above via the hinge.

5. The aforementioned pivot support shaft is, It is expandable and contractible in the axial direction, The underfloor inspection aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating part is supported so as to be rotatable in the azimuth direction while both ends in the axial direction are in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the underfloor ventilation opening.

6. The underfloor inspection aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot support shaft is attached to the operating part so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the operating part.

7. The operating part has flexibility such that one end can bend downward due to the load of the holding part. The underfloor inspection aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding portion has a displacement suppressing member at its distal end that suppresses displacement relative to the underfloor when it comes into contact with the underfloor.

8. An underfloor inspection aid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The system includes a monitoring device installed on the outside of the underfloor ventilation opening, The monitoring device is A communication device that communicates with the aforementioned imaging device and is capable of receiving image data acquired by the aforementioned imaging device, An underfloor inspection assistance system characterized by having a display device that displays the image data received by the communication device.

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