Rainwater intrusion identification system

Abstract

This system provides a rainwater intrusion identification system that can efficiently and appropriately solve the complex water leakage problems that frequently occur in buildings. [Solution] A rainwater intrusion location identification system for identifying rainwater intrusion points in a building, comprising: a gas mixing unit that generates a mixed gas by mixing a detection gas with a main gas; a gas injection unit that injects the mixed gas generated by the gas mixing unit into the leak location inside the building; and an imaging unit that visualizes the detection gas, wherein the imaging unit images the building from the outside, and the rainwater intrusion location is identified based on the detection gas visualized in the image captured by the imaging unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rainwater intrusion location identification system for identifying rainwater intrusion locations in buildings.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in the urban population and the progress of technology, the high-rise and large-scale construction of buildings has been advancing in cities. On the other hand, large buildings constructed during the period of high economic growth have passed more than 50 years since construction, and the deterioration of structures and facilities has become remarkable. In particular, the cracking of concrete and the corrosion of steel bars are progressing, and the accompanying water leakage is a serious problem.

[0003] As a conventional technique, for example, in a device for detecting a water leakage location in a wall of a building, there are provided a cylinder filled with a detection gas lighter than air, a delivery hose having one end side connectable to the cylinder and through which the detection gas is delivered from the cylinder, a nozzle to which the other end side of the delivery hose is connected for injecting the detection gas, and a detector for detecting the detection gas. By detecting, with the detector on the outdoor side, the detection gas injected into the water leakage location from the indoor side using the nozzle, a water leakage location in the wall is identified (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, as another conventional technique, a gas recognizable visually is press-fitted into a specific location of an inspection target building, for example, a water leakage location in a building such as a housing complex, into an internal water leakage path, and the gas is diffused along the internal water leakage path, and the gas recognizable visually is released to the outside from an intrusion location such as rainwater, and a location where this gas is released is confirmed by visual inspection or photographing or the like (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, the conventional technologies described above have made it difficult to efficiently and appropriately solve the complex water leakage problems that frequently occur in large buildings such as high-rise condominiums.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a rainwater intrusion location identification system that can efficiently and appropriately solve the complex water leakage problems that frequently occur in buildings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The rainwater intrusion location identification system according to the present invention is a rainwater intrusion location identification system for identifying rainwater intrusion locations in a building, comprising: a gas mixing unit that generates a mixed gas by mixing a detection gas with a main gas; a gas injection unit that injects the mixed gas generated by the gas mixing unit into a leak location inside the building; and an imaging unit that visualizes the detection gas, wherein the imaging unit images the building from the outside, and identifies the rainwater intrusion location based on the detection gas visualized in the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0009] In the rainwater intrusion location identification system described above, the gas mixing unit has a mixing ratio adjustment unit that adjusts the mixing ratio of the detection gas to the main gas in the mixed gas, and the mixing ratio adjustment unit may be adjusted so that the mixing ratio of the detection gas in the mixed gas increases as the outside temperature increases.

[0010] In the rainwater intrusion location identification system described above, the main gas may be carbon dioxide and the detection gas may be ethanol.

[0011] In the rainwater intrusion location identification system described above, the gas injection unit may include a leak location surrounding unit that surrounds the leak location, a gas injection pipe for injecting the mixed gas into the leak location surrounding unit, and a sealing member that tightly seals the leak location surrounding unit to the leak location so that the mixed gas does not leak from the gap between the leak location surrounding unit and the leak location.

[0012] In the rainwater intrusion location identification system described above, the system may further include a gas ejector for discharging the mixed gas from the gas mixing section to the gas injection section, and the sealing member may be configured to tightly seal the leak location surrounding section to the leak location by the suction force generated when the mixed gas is discharged by the gas ejector.

[0013] The present invention relates to a method for detecting water leaks, which is a method for identifying water leaks in a building, characterized in that a mixed gas, obtained by mixing a main gas with a detection gas, is injected into the water leak inside the building, the building is imaged from the outside using an imaging unit that visualizes the detection gas, and the water leaks are identified based on the detection gas visualized in the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0014] In the above-described method for detecting water leaks, the mixing ratio of the detection gas to the main gas in the mixed gas may be adjusted so that the higher the ambient temperature, the higher the mixing ratio of the detection gas to the main gas in the mixed gas.

[0015] In the above-described method for detecting water leaks, the main gas may be carbon dioxide and the detection gas may be ethanol. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the present invention provides a rainwater intrusion location identification system for identifying rainwater intrusion locations in a building, comprising: a gas mixing unit that generates a mixed gas by mixing a detection gas with a main gas; a gas injection unit that injects the mixed gas generated by the gas mixing unit into the leak location inside the building; and an imaging unit that visualizes the detection gas. The imaging unit images the building from the outside, and the rainwater intrusion location is identified based on the detection gas visualized in the image captured by the imaging unit. This makes it possible to efficiently and appropriately solve the complex leak problems that frequently occur in buildings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the procedure for detecting a water leak using a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows examples of water leakage patterns in buildings. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the structure along the flow path of the mixed gas in a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sealing member of the gas injection section (part 1) of the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the state in which the sealing member of the gas injection section (part 1) of the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention is assembled using a specific member. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the structure of the leak area surrounding the gas injection section (part 1) of the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the structure along the flow path of the mixed gas in a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a contact member of a gas injection part (part 2) of a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a contact member of a gas injection part (part 2) of a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention is assembled using specific members. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a gas injection part (part 3) of a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a gas injection part (part 4) of a rainwater intrusion location identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] [Summary of the Invention] The present invention aims to efficiently and appropriately solve the problem of complex water leakage frequently occurring in large buildings such as high-rise condominiums.

[0019] In this specification, a "water leakage location" refers to a location where water such as rainwater is actually confirmed inside a building, or a location where water such as rainwater is seeping out from a wall or ceiling, etc., and is a location where the problem of water leakage has become apparent. A "rainwater intrusion location" refers to a location that serves as an entrance for water such as rainwater to enter the building from the outside, and is a defective location such as around a roof, outer wall, window frame, piping, etc.

[0020] Water such as rainwater enters the building from the rainwater intrusion location and becomes apparent at the water leakage location inside the building. In many cases, since the movement path of water such as rainwater is complex, it is not easy to identify the rainwater intrusion location from the water leakage location.

[0021] With the rainwater intrusion location identification system of the present invention, it is possible to identify from where water such as rainwater is intruding outside the building, determine that a movement path of water such as rainwater connecting the water leakage location to the rainwater intrusion location is formed, and perform repairs on the building based on that determination. Thereby, the problem of complex water leakage frequently occurring in large buildings such as high-rise condominiums can be efficiently and appropriately solved.

[0022] [One embodiment] A rainwater intrusion location identification system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0023] (Rainwater intrusion identification system) Figure 1 shows the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 of this embodiment.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 consists of a gas mixing unit 10 that mixes a main gas and a detection gas, a gas injection unit 50 that injects the mixed gas from the gas mixing unit 10 into a leak location (not shown) inside the building 200, and an imaging camera 90 which is an imaging unit that visualizes the detection gas.

[0025] The gas mixing unit 10 is equipped with a high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12, which is a metal cylinder in which carbon dioxide (CO2 gas), the main gas, is compressed under high pressure and sealed, and an ethanol tank 14, which is a dedicated tank for storing a large amount of ethanol (C2H5OH), the detection gas, in liquid form.

[0026] The high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12 is equipped with a regulator (pressure reducing valve) 12a for adjusting the pressure when taking out and using the high-pressure gas from the high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12, and a measuring gauge (pressure gauge) 12b for measuring the gas pressure inside the high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12 and the output pressure of the gas adjusted by the regulator 12a.

[0027] The ethanol tank 14 is equipped with a metering pump (roller pump) 14a for precisely supplying a liquid such as ethanol.

[0028] A gas ejector 16 is provided on the regulator 12a of the high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12. The gas ejector 16 is a device that uses gas pressure to suck up and move liquid in order to transport ethanol. In this embodiment, ethanol supplied from the ethanol tank 14 via the metering pump 14a is sucked up and mixed using the pressure of carbon dioxide gas from the high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12.

[0029] A flow sensor 18 is connected to the gas ejector 16. The flow sensor 18 detects the flow rate of the mixed gas, which consists of carbon dioxide (the main gas) and ethanol (the detection gas), ejected from the gas ejector 16.

[0030] The metering pump 14a installed in the ethanol tank 14 is equipped with a CPU 14b which is a control unit, and a touch panel 14c which is an operation unit and display unit.

[0031] The metering pump 14a, CPU 14b, and touch panel 14c are supplied with a DC voltage of, for example, 24V from the DC power supply 14d to operate them.

[0032] The touch panel 14c is used to set the ratio of the detection gas in the mixed gas and the overall flow rate of the mixed gas.

[0033] While monitoring the total flow rate of the mixed gas detected by the flow sensor 18, the CPU 14b controls the amount of ethanol supplied by the metering pump 14a, thereby adjusting the mixing ratio of ethanol, which is the detection gas, to carbon dioxide, which is the main gas in the mixed gas, and the total flow rate of the mixed gas.

[0034] Thus, the metering pump 14a, CPU 14b, and flow sensor 18 constitute a mixing ratio adjustment unit that adjusts the mixing ratio of ethanol, which is the detection gas, to carbon dioxide, which is the main gas in the mixed gas.

[0035] Through trial and error in detecting water leaks using a rainwater intrusion location identification system while adjusting the mixing ratio in the mixing ratio adjustment unit, it was found that the optimal mixing ratio of ethanol, the detection gas, to carbon dioxide, the main gas in the mixed gas, expressed in volume percent, is 19-42%.

[0036] The flow sensor 18 is further equipped with a gas ejector 20. The gas ejector 20 ejects a high-pressure mixed gas from the flow sensor 18. Because a high-pressure mixed gas is ejected, a suction force is generated at the bottom of the gas ejector 20 due to the vacuum.

[0037] The gas ejector 20 is provided with a gas injection unit 50 that injects the mixed gas, which has been mixed by the gas mixing unit 10, into a water leak point (not shown) inside the building 200.

[0038] The gas injection unit 50 is provided with a leak location enclosure (not shown) that surrounds the leak location (not shown) inside the building 200, and a gas injection pipe 52 for injecting a mixed gas into the leak location enclosure. The gas injection unit 50 is further provided with a sealing member 60 that tightly seals the leak location enclosure to the leak location to prevent the mixed gas from leaking through the gap between the leak location enclosure and the leak location. An air pipe 56 is connected to the sealing member 60 from the bottom of the gas ejector 20. The suction force generated by the vacuum of the gas ejector 20 is used to tightly seal the leak location enclosure to the leak location. The detailed structure of these gas injection units 50 will be described later.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 is further equipped with an imaging camera 90 that visualizes the detection gas. The imaging camera 90 captures an image of the exterior of the building 200 and detects the detection gas 200a leaking from the building 200.

[0040] For example, the Konica Minolta GMP02 handheld gas leak inspection system manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc. can be used as the imaging camera 90.

[0041] The imaging camera 90 can capture images of the detection gas even from a distance, eliminating the need to approach the location of the gas leak and allowing a wide area outside the building 200 to be inspected with a single image. Therefore, for example, the detection gas leak can be detected by imaging from the ground around the building 200, eliminating the need to erect scaffolding or perform other construction work on the building 200 to identify the location of rainwater intrusion.

[0042] If the imaging camera 90 detects detection gas 200a leaking from the building 200, it is determined that a water movement path has been formed connecting the leak point where the mixed gas was injected to the rainwater intrusion point, and repairs to the building are carried out based on this determination.

[0043] (Method for identifying rainwater intrusion points) The procedure for identifying rainwater intrusion points using the rainwater intrusion point identification system 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0044] (Step 1: Leak detection) First, residents and users of 200 buildings will discover water leaks. Once residents and users discover the leaks, the investigation into the leaks will begin.

[0045] There are various types of water leakage in building 200. Examples of water leakage types are shown in Figure 3.

[0046] In Figure 3(a), a stain is visible on the ceiling of the room. The stain indicates the location of the water leak.

[0047] In Figure 3(b), water is leaking from the ceiling vent. Due to the large amount of leakage, a plastic guide channel has been provided to direct the leaked water into a container such as a bucket. The leak is located on the wall or other parts of the ventilation path leading to the vent.

[0048] In Figure 3(c), water is leaking from a ventilation opening in the wall near the ceiling. Due to the large amount of leakage, a plastic guide channel has been provided to direct the leaked water into a container such as a bucket. The leak is located on the wall surface of the ventilation path leading to the ventilation opening.

[0049] In Figure 3(d), water is leaking from a ventilation opening in the wall near the ceiling. The amount of leakage is not large, so a water catcher has been installed in the wall. The leak is located in the wall or other parts of the ventilation path leading to the ventilation opening.

[0050] (Step 2: Identifying the leak location) Next, the leak investigator identifies the location of the leak based on the condition of the discovered leak.

[0051] (Step 3: Protect the leak and prepare for gas injection) Next, we will prepare the leak area for protection and the gas injection.

[0052] Indoor construction team A, responsible for the indoor work of the leak investigation, carries out the work to ensure that the mixed gas is reliably injected into the leak location. First, they remove any cracks or other debris from the leak location and the surrounding area and protect it. Next, they surround the leak location with a leak location enclosure and set up a gas injection pipe 52 for injecting the mixed gas into the leak location enclosure. Then, they use a sealing member 60 to tightly seal the leak location enclosure to the leak location, preventing the mixed gas from leaking through the gap between the leak location enclosure and the leak location, and prepare for gas injection.

[0053] (Step 4: Gas injection preparation complete, camera unit on standby) Next, once preparations for gas injection are complete, indoor construction team A instructs camera team B, which is responsible for detecting the gas used in the leak investigation, to wait outdoors around building 200.

[0054] Since the source of the gas leak within building 200 is unknown, it is desirable to prepare multiple investigators as Camera Team B and use multiple imaging cameras 90 to image the area around building 200.

[0055] (Step 5: Identification of rainwater intrusion points by Indoor Construction Team A and Camera Team B) Next, the indoor construction team A and the camera team B will identify the points of rainwater intrusion.

[0056] Indoor construction team A and camera team B will conduct leak inspections while maintaining constant communication using mobile phones, etc.

[0057] Indoor construction team A injects a mixed gas into the leak point and then notifies camera team B that the gas has been injected. Upon receiving notification from indoor construction team A that the gas has been injected, camera team B images building 200. Camera team B then inspects the area around building 200 thoroughly, such as by circling the building.

[0058] Each investigator in Camera Team B checks the images captured by their own camera 90. If the detection gas is visible in the captured images, they determine that the location of the gas leak is the point of rainwater intrusion and contact Indoor Construction Team A and other investigators in Camera Team B.

[0059] If multiple investigators from camera unit B confirm the existence of a rainwater intrusion point, that information will be used to identify the rainwater intrusion point.

[0060] There are various types of defects in leak paths and other components that can cause water leaks. Therefore, even if none of the investigators in camera unit B report the presence of detection gas, we will not immediately conclude that there is no leak, but will instead change the injection conditions of the mixed gas and conduct multiple inspections.

[0061] The injection conditions for the mixed gas include the injection time, injection volume, injection pressure, proportion of the detection gas in the mixed gas, type of detection gas, and ambient temperature at the time of injection. These injection conditions should be changed as appropriate, and multiple tests should be conducted.

[0062] (Mixed gas) Details of the mixed gas used in the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0063] (Type of gas used for detection) In this embodiment, carbon dioxide is used as the main gas of the mixed gas, and ethanol is used as the detection gas.

[0064] Carbon dioxide is used as the primary gas because it is an inexpensive and safe gas, and can be easily supplied from high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinders.

[0065] Ethanol is used as the detection gas because it can be detected by the Konica Minolta GMP02 handheld gas leak inspection system (imaging camera 90), and it poses minimal risk to human health.

[0066] The GMP02 handheld gas leak detection system manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc. can detect the following gases:

[0067] Methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, ethylene, isoprene, 1-pentene, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, propylene, methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and other ethers, esters, etc.

[0068] (Concentration of detection gas) In this embodiment, carbon dioxide is used as the main gas of the mixed gas, and ethanol is used as the detection gas.

[0069] The optimal ratio of ethanol, the detection gas, to carbon dioxide, the main gas in a mixed gas, was found to be 19-42% by volume, based on trial and error with a rainwater intrusion detection system.

[0070] If the ethanol concentration is lower than the lower limit of 10%, it becomes difficult to detect with the GMP02 handheld gas leak detection system, which is the imaging camera 90.

[0071] If the ethanol concentration exceeds the upper limit of 75%, the concentration of carbon dioxide, which is the main gas, decreases, the overall pressure of the mixed gas decreases, and it becomes difficult to inject a sufficient amount of the mixed gas from the leak point.

[0072] The appropriate mixing ratio of ethanol (the detection gas) to carbon dioxide (the main gas) in a gas mixture, and thus the appropriate concentration of ethanol relative to carbon dioxide in a gas mixture, varies with temperature. As the temperature increases, it is desirable to increase the ethanol mixing ratio, i.e., the ethanol concentration. This is because ethanol, the detection gas, becomes more volatile at higher temperatures.

[0073] The optimal ratio of ethanol (the detection gas) to carbon dioxide (the main gas) in a mixed gas is 20-30% in winter when the outside temperature is below 10°C, based on trial and error with a rainwater intrusion detection system.

[0074] Furthermore, it was found that 25-40% humidity is suitable during the summer season when the outside temperature is 30℃ or higher.

[0075] Furthermore, it was found that 21-38% humidity is suitable for spring and autumn when the outside temperature is between 10°C and 30°C.

[0076] (Gas injection section (part 1)) The structure (part 1) of the gas injection section 50 in the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

[0077] Figure 4(a) shows the structure along the flow path of the mixed gas. It shows the structure of the gas ejector 16 to the gas ejector 20 and the gas injection section 50 of the gas mixing section 10. The flow sensor 18 is not shown.

[0078] In the gas ejector 16, carbon dioxide from the high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12 and ethanol from the ethanol tank 14 are mixed to produce a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and ethanol. The produced mixed gas is sent to the gas ejector 20 via a flow sensor (not shown). The gas injection pipe 52 of the gas injection unit 50 is connected to the end of the gas ejector 20.

[0079] As shown in Figure 4(b), when a high-pressure mixed gas is drawn in from the inlet 20a of the gas ejector 20 and ejected from the outlet 20b, the suction chamber 20c becomes a vacuum. In this embodiment, the air piping 56 of the gas injection unit 50 is connected to the intake port 20d at the bottom of the suction chamber 20c, and the suction force generated by the vacuum of the gas ejector 20 is utilized in the gas injection unit 50.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4(a), the gas injection section 50 is provided with a leak area surrounding section 70 to surround the leak where cracks or other defects have appeared. A gas injection pipe 52 is connected to the upper part of the leak area surrounding section 70, and a mixed gas is injected into the leak area surrounding section 70.

[0081] Furthermore, a sealing member 60 is provided to fix the leak area surrounding portion 70 to the leak area and to ensure that the injected mixed gas does not leak from the gap between the leak area surrounding portion 70 and the leak area.

[0082] (Gas injection section (part 1): sealing member) The contact member 60, as shown on the right side of Figure 4(a), consists of vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b, an arm 60c, and a spring 60d.

[0083] The structure of the sealing member 60 of the gas injection section (part 1) will be explained using Figures 5 and 6.

[0084] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sealing member 60 of the gas injection section (part 1). Figure 5(a) is a front view of the sealing member 60, and Figure 5(b) is a bottom view of the sealing member 60 viewed from below.

[0085] Figure 6 shows the adhesive member 60 assembled using the components. Figure 6(a) is a front view of the adhesive member 60, and Figure 6(b) is a top view of the adhesive member 60 viewed from above.

[0086] The adhesive member 60 uses vacuum suction pads 60a, 60b, arms 60c, and springs 60d to suction the leak area surrounding portion 70 to the leak area. By utilizing vacuum force, the leak area surrounding portion 70 is firmly fixed to the leak area, and mixed gas is prevented from leaking from the gap between the leak area surrounding portion 70 and the leak area.

[0087] The vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b are placed in close contact with the walls and ceiling surrounding the water leak. Since the air pipes 56 connected to the suction chamber 20c are connected to the vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b, a low-pressure state is created between the vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b and the walls and ceiling. As a result, the vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b are firmly attached by the force of atmospheric pressure.

[0088] The arm 60c positions the vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b toward the walls and ceiling surrounding the water leak, and holds the gas injection pipe 52 in its center.

[0089] The spring 60d is provided in the gas injection pipe 52 between the arm 60c and the leak area surrounding section 70. The free length of the spring 60d in its non-elastic state is made longer than the legs 60ca and 60cb of the arm 60c that connect the vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b. As a result, when the vacuum suction pads 60a and 60b are in close contact with the wall or ceiling, the elastic force of the spring 60d causes the leak area surrounding section 70 to adhere tightly to the leak.

[0090] (Gas injection point (part 1): Area surrounding the water leak) The leak area surrounding section 70, as shown on the right side of Figure 4(a), is designed to surround a leak area where cracks or other defects have appeared, and to inject a mixed gas into the leak area.

[0091] The structure of the leak area enclosure 70 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7(a) is a plan view of the leak area enclosure 70, Figure 7(a) is a front view of the leak area enclosure 70, and Figure 7(a) is a right side view of the leak area enclosure 70.

[0092] The main body 70a of the leak area enclosure 70 is a rectangular box shape, an open-type box with the bottom open on one of its six sides. An opening 70b for inserting the gas injection pipe 52 is formed in the center of the top surface of the main body 70a. A square-shaped corner ring 70c made of an elastic material such as rubber is attached to the end of the bottom surface of the main body 70a.

[0093] The leak point is covered by the leak point surrounding section 70, and the sealing member 60 is used to tightly seal the leak point surrounding section 70 to the leak point. When the mixed gas is injected from the gas injection pipe 52, the mixed gas becomes high pressure inside the leak point surrounding section 70 because it is sealed by the corner ring 70c. This allows the mixed gas to be injected into the leak point.

[0094] (Gas injection section (part 2)) The structure of the gas injection section 50 in the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 of this embodiment (part 2) will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0095] Figure 8 shows the structure along the flow path of the mixed gas. It shows the structure of the gas ejector 16 to the gas ejector 20 and the gas injection section 50 of the gas mixing section 10. The flow sensor 18 is not shown.

[0096] In the gas ejector 16, carbon dioxide from the high-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12 and ethanol from the ethanol tank 14 are mixed to produce a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and ethanol. The produced mixed gas is sent to the gas ejector 20 via a flow sensor (not shown). The gas injection pipe 52 of the gas injection unit 50 is connected to the end of the gas ejector 20.

[0097] In this structure (part 2), the suction force generated by the vacuum of the gas ejector 20 is not used in the gas injection section 50, so a lid 20e is attached to the intake port 20d at the bottom of the suction chamber 20c of the gas ejector 20.

[0098] As shown in Figure 8, the gas injection section 50 is provided with a leak area surrounding section 70 to surround a leak where cracks or other defects have appeared. A gas injection pipe 52 is connected to the upper part of the leak area surrounding section 70, and a mixed gas is injected into the leak area surrounding section 70.

[0099] Furthermore, a sealing member 62 is provided to fix the leak area surrounding portion 70 to the leak area and to ensure that the injected mixed gas does not leak from the gap between the leak area surrounding portion 70 and the leak area.

[0100] (Gas injection section (part 2): sealing member) The contact member 62, as shown on the right side of Figure 8, consists of vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b, an arm 62c, and a spring 62d.

[0101] The structure of the adhesive member 62 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10.

[0102] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sealing member 62 of the gas injection section (part 2). Figure 9(a) is a front view of the sealing member 62, and Figure 9(b) is a bottom view of the sealing member 62 viewed from below.

[0103] Figure 10 shows the assembled state of the sealing member 62 of the gas injection section (part 2) using the components. Figure 10(a) is a front view of the sealing member 62, and Figure 10(b) is a bottom view of the sealing member 62 as seen from the side.

[0104] The adhesive member 62 uses vacuum suction pads 62a, 62b, arm 62c, and spring 62d to suction the leak area surrounding portion 70 to the leak area.

[0105] In this structure (version 2), the suction force generated by the vacuum of the gas ejector 20 is not utilized.

[0106] The vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b of this structure (part 2) are electric vacuum lifters that perform suction electrically. By utilizing the force of vacuum, the leak area surrounding section 70 is firmly fixed to the leak area, and mixed gas is prevented from leaking from the gap between the leak area surrounding section 70 and the leak area.

[0107] The vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b are placed in close contact with the walls and ceilings surrounding the water leak. A low-pressure environment is created between the vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b and the walls and ceilings, so the vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b are firmly attached by the force of atmospheric pressure.

[0108] The arm 62c positions the vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b toward the walls and ceiling surrounding the water leak, and holds the gas injection pipe 52 in its center.

[0109] The spring 62d is provided in the gas injection pipe 52 between the arm 62c and the leak area surrounding section 70. The free length of the spring 62d in its non-elastic state is made longer than the legs 62ca and 62cb of the arm 62c that connect the vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b. As a result, when the vacuum suction pads 62a and 62b are in close contact with the wall or ceiling, the elastic force of the spring 62d causes the leak area surrounding section 70 to adhere tightly to the leak.

[0110] (Gas injection section (part 3)) The structure of the gas injection section 50 in the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 of this embodiment (part 3) will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0111] The structure of the gas injection unit 50 (part 3) is suitable for injecting gas into a water leak on a wall near the ceiling where stains are visible, as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0112] As shown in Figure 11, the sealing member 64 fixes the leak area surrounding part (not shown) behind the sealing member 64 to the leak area on the wall surface near the ceiling of the room, preventing the injected mixed gas from leaking through the gap between the leak area surrounding part and the leak area.

[0113] The vacuum suction pads 64a and 64b adhere tightly to the surrounding wall surface of the water leak. Since the air pipes 56 connected to the suction chamber 20c are connected to the vacuum suction pads 64a and 64b, a low-pressure state is created between the vacuum suction pads 64a and 64b and the wall or ceiling. As a result, the vacuum suction pads 64a and 64b are firmly adhered by the force of atmospheric pressure.

[0114] The arm 64c positions the vacuum suction pads 64a and 64b toward the walls and ceiling surrounding the water leak, and holds the gas injection pipe 52 in its center. Retaining bars 64ca and 64cb are provided on the left and right branches of the arm 64c.

[0115] A downwardly extendable retaining bar 64d is attached to the center of the arm 64c of the contact member 64. The leak investigation investigator holds the retaining bar 64d and adjusts the position of the gas injection unit 50, positioning the gas injection unit 50 at the leak location on the wall near the ceiling.

[0116] (Gas injection section (part 4)) The structure of the gas injection section 50 in the rainwater intrusion location identification system 100 of this embodiment (part 4) will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0117] The structure of the gas injection unit 50 (part 4) is suitable for injecting gas into leaks in walls that are lower than the height of the leak investigator.

[0118] In this structure (part 4), the investigator uses the sealing member 66 to press the leak area surrounding section 70 against the leak area to ensure a tight seal. The investigator's force fixes the leak area surrounding section 70 to the leak area on the wall, preventing the injected mixed gas from leaking through the gap between the leak area surrounding section 70 and the leak area.

[0119] The gas injection pipe 52 is held by the holding portion 66a of the contact member 66. A spring 66b is provided between the holding portion 66a and the leak area surrounding portion 70. A pressing member 66c is attached to the holding portion 66a.

[0120] The investigator applies force to the holding part 66a using the pressing member 66c to press the leak area surrounding part 70 against the leak. The spring 66b between the holding part 66a and the leak area surrounding part 70 allows the leak area surrounding part 70 to be stably pressed against the leak with a constant force.

[0121] [Modified Embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the notations, expressions, and forms described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not limited thereto. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 10...Gas mixing section 12… High-pressure carbon dioxide cylinder 12a... Regulator (pressure reducing valve) 12b... Measuring gauge (pressure gauge) 14…Ethanol tank 14a... Metering pump (roller pump) 16... Gas ejector 18…Flow sensor 14b…CPU 14c…Touch panel 14d…DC power supply 20... Gas ejector 20a…Entrance 20b…exit 20c…Suction chamber 20d... Intake 50...Gas injection section 52...Gas injection tube 56...Air piping 60...Adhesive material 60a, 60b... Vacuum suction pads 60c...arm 60d...spring 62...Adhesive member 62a, 62b... Vacuum suction pads 62c...arm 62ca, 62cb...legs 62d... Spring 64...Adhesive member 64a, 64b... Vacuum suction pads 64c...arm 64ca, 64cb... retaining bar 64d... Retaining bar 66...Adhesive member 66a...Holding part 66b... Spring 66c... Pressing member 70... Area surrounding the water leak 70a...Main unit 70b…Aperture 70c... Square ring 90… Imaging camera 100... Rainwater intrusion identification system 200…Buildings 200a...Detection gas

Claims

1. A rainwater intrusion location identification system for identifying points of rainwater intrusion into a building, A gas mixing unit that generates a mixed gas by mixing the main gas with a detection gas, A gas injection unit injects the mixed gas generated by the gas mixing unit into a leak point inside the building, An imaging unit for visualizing the aforementioned detection gas and It has, The imaging unit captures images of the building from the outside, and identifies the rainwater intrusion points based on the detection gas visualized in the captured images taken by the imaging unit. A system for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

2. In the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to claim 1, The gas mixing unit has a mixing ratio adjustment unit that adjusts the mixing ratio of the detection gas to the main gas in the mixed gas, The mixing ratio adjustment unit adjusts the mixing ratio of the detection gas in the mixed gas so that it increases as the ambient temperature rises. A system for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

3. In the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to claim 1 or 2, The main gas is carbon dioxide, The detection gas is ethanol. A system for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

4. In the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to claim 1, The aforementioned gas injection section is A leak location surrounding section that encloses the aforementioned leak location, A gas injection pipe for injecting the mixed gas into the area surrounding the water leak, To prevent the mixed gas from leaking from the gap between the surrounding portion of the leak location and the leak location, a sealing member is provided to tightly seal the surrounding portion of the leak location to the leak location. has A system for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

5. In the rainwater intrusion location identification system according to claim 4, The system further includes a gas ejector for discharging the mixed gas from the gas mixing section to the gas injection section. The aforementioned sealing member causes the portion surrounding the leak point to adhere tightly to the leak point by the suction force generated when the gas ejector discharges the mixed gas. A system for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

6. A method for identifying points of rainwater intrusion into a building, A mixed gas, consisting of a main gas and a detection gas, is injected into the leak point inside the building. The building is imaged from the outside using an imaging unit that visualizes the detection gas. Based on the detection gas visualized in the image captured by the imaging unit, the location of rainwater intrusion is identified. A method for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

7. In the method for identifying rainwater intrusion points according to claim 6, The mixing ratio of the detection gas to the main gas in the mixed gas increases as the ambient temperature rises. A method for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

8. In the method for identifying rainwater intrusion points according to claim 6 or 7, The main gas is carbon dioxide, The detection gas is ethanol. A method for identifying rainwater intrusion points, characterized by the following features.

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