Structure with AE sensor

Abstract

To allow easy handling of a metallic plate and reduce the number of AE sensors.SOLUTION: A structure 10 has continuous footing 11, a wooden structural material 70, a first column 21 and a second column 22. A spacer 17 and column bases 23 are placed on the top surface 15 of an erection part 13 of the continuous footing 11. The wooden structural material 70 is placed on the spacer 17 and the column bases 23. Two metallic plates 30 are arranged in parallel in the extending direction 9 of the top surface 15, and fixed to the structural material 70 with metallic machine screws 75. The two metallic plates 30 are connected with each other with a metallic connection plate 60. An AE sensor 40 is attached to only one metallic plate 30 out of the two metallic plates 30. AE waves caused by biting of the structural material 70 by termites are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the machine screws 75, the connection plate 60 and the metallic plates 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure having an AE sensor that detects damage to structural materials caused by termites. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a foundation structure equipped with an acoustic emission sensor that detects acoustic emission waves (hereinafter also referred to as "AE waves") emitted by termites gnawing at wood. The AE sensor is attached to the side of the wood. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-102257 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at wood are weak, so the range over which they are transmitted by wood is not wide. Therefore, AE sensors are attached to the wood for each range over which the AE waves are transmitted, so that there are no areas where the AE waves are not detected. However, as the number of AE sensors attached increases, there is a problem that costs also increase.

[0005] In response to the above problem, the present inventors have devised a method of attaching a long metal plate to wood and attaching an AE sensor to the metal plate to detect the AE waves transmitted through the metal plate. Since the range over which the metal plate transmits the AE waves is wider than that of wood, it is expected that the number of AE sensors to be attached can be reduced. Since each metal plate is installed, for example, along a base, the longer a single metal plate is, the less the number of AE sensors required can be. On the other hand, if the metal plate is extended to the maximum length at which the AE sensor can detect the AE waves, it becomes difficult to transport and handle the metal plate. In addition, if the length of the metal plate does not correspond to the length of the wood, the so-called fit will be poor, and the metal plate will need to be processed on-site.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a means for facilitating the handling of metal plates while suppressing an increase in the number of AE sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The structure of the present invention comprises a foundation with a rise having a top surface extending along a horizontal direction, a wooden structural material extending along the extension direction of the top surface and located above the top surface, a first metal plate having a main surface abutting a side surface of the structural material and extending along the extension direction, a second metal plate having a main surface abutting the side surface of the structural material, being aligned with the first metal plate in the extension direction and extending in the extension direction, a first connecting plate made of metal abutting each of the first metal plate and the second metal plate, and an AE sensor attached to any one of the first metal plate, the second metal plate, or the first connecting plate.

[0008] The lengths of the first metal plate and the second metal plate are set to lengths that are easy to transport and handle, and lengths that fit well. The AE waves transmitted from the structural material to the first metal plate or the second metal plate are transmitted to the AE sensor via the first metal plate, the second metal plate, or the first connecting plate, or via these, and are detected by the AE sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach an AE sensor to each metal plate.

[0009] (2) The first connecting plate may be located farther from the structural material than the first metal plate and the second metal plate, and a main surface of the first connecting plate may abut against the main surfaces of the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

[0010] AE waves are easily transmitted from the structural material to the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

[0011] (3) The structure of the present invention may further include a first metal rod penetrating the first metal plate and into the structural material, a second metal rod penetrating the second metal plate and into the structural material, a third metal rod penetrating the first metal plate and the first connecting plate, and a fourth metal rod penetrating the second metal plate and the first connecting plate.

[0012] The AE wave is transmitted from the structural material to each metal plate through the first and second rods, and the first and second metal plates are securely brought into contact with the first connecting plate by the third and fourth rods.

[0013] (4) The first metal plate and the second metal plate may be arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the extending direction.

[0014] According to the above configuration, even if the mounting positions of the first metal plate or the second metal plate are misaligned in the extension direction, the first metal plate and the second metal plate will not interfere with each other and hinder the mounting of the other.

[0015] (5) The structure of the present invention may further include a third metal plate having a main surface abutting the side surface of the structural material, aligned with the second metal plate in the extension direction, and extending in the extension direction; and a second connecting plate made of metal abutting the second metal plate and the third metal plate, respectively, and the AE sensor may be attached to the second metal plate.

[0016] The AE waves transmitted to the three metal plates can be detected without attaching AE sensors to all three metal plates.

[0017] (6) The structural material of the present invention may further include a pillar material extending in the vertical direction and positioned between the first metal plate and the second metal plate aligned in the extension direction, and the first connecting plate may be positioned to the side of the pillar material.

[0018] The AE sensors can detect AE waves on both sides of the pillar. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The structure according to the present invention can facilitate handling of the metal plate while suppressing an increase in the number of AE sensors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a foundation structure 10. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the foundation structure 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the structural material 70, the first column 21, the second column 22, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 60. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the terminal device 50. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a structural member 70, a metal plate 30, and a connecting plate 60 according to a modified example. [Figure 6]Figure 6(A) is a side view of a structure 10 relating to variant example 6, Figure 6(B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a structure relating to variant example 6, Figure 6(C) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a structure 10 relating to variant example 7, Figures 6(D) and (E) are horizontal cross-sectional views of a structure 10 relating to variant example 8, and Figure 6(F) is a side view of a structure 10 relating to variant example 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0022] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a structure 10 according to this embodiment. The structure 10 includes a continuous footing 11, a column base 23, a first column 21, a second column 22, and a third column 24, a structural material 70, a metal plate 30, a connecting plate 60, and an AE sensor 40. The structure 10 may include a mat footing instead of the continuous footing 11. The continuous footing 11 is an example of a foundation.

[0023] The continuous footing 11 includes a footing 12, a rising 13, and a plurality of anchor bolts 14 (FIG. 2). The footing 12 is buried in the ground. The rising 13 protrudes upward from the footing 12. That is, the rising 13 protrudes upward from the ground. A top surface 15 of the rising 13 extends along the horizontal direction. In the following description, the direction in which the top surface 15 extends is referred to as an extension direction 9.

[0024] The anchor bolt 14 has an embedded body (not shown) embedded in the slab 11, and a bolt protruding upward from the embedded body. The upper end of the bolt protrudes upward from the top surface 15 of the riser 13. The anchor bolt 14 and a nut 19 (FIG. 2) fastened to the anchor bolt 14 fix a column base 23 (described later).

[0025] For example, a worker lays crushed stone in a trench in the ground, pours mortar concrete into the trench, then installs a formwork along the trench and holds reinforcing bars and anchor bolts 14 in place in the formwork, and finally pours ready-mixed concrete into the formwork to form the slab 11.

[0026] The column base 23 is a member that fixes the first column 21. The column base 23 shown in Fig. 2 is made of metal and has a lower flange 26, an upper flange 27, a web 28, and an attachment piece (not shown). The lower flange 26 and the upper flange 27 are rectangular plates whose main surfaces run along the horizontal direction. The web 28 is a rectangular plate whose main surface runs along the vertical direction, and is connected to the lower flange 26 at its lower end and to the upper flange 27 at its upper end. The lower flange 26 has bolt holes (not shown) through which the anchor bolts 14 are inserted.

[0027] The worker inserts the anchor bolt 14 through the bolt hole in the lower flange 26 to place the column base 23 on the top surface 15 of the riser 13, and then fastens the nut 19 to the anchor bolt 14 to fix the column base 23 to the slab footing 11. The column bases 23 are fixed to the slab footing 11 in the number corresponding to the number of first columns 21.

[0028] The mounting piece of the column base 23 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper flange 27. The mounting piece is fitted into a fitting groove (not shown) provided at the lower end of the first column 21. The mounting piece also has a pin hole (not shown) through which the drift pin 18 is inserted.

[0029] The first pillar 21 is made of wood and has a rectangular pillar shape extending in the vertical direction. The first pillar 21 is manufactured by gluing together a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped boards, for example. The first pillar 21 has an insertion groove at its lower end into which the mounting piece of the pillar base 23 is inserted. The first pillar 21 also has a drift pin hole (not shown) at its lower end into which the drift pin 18 is inserted. The drift pin hole penetrates the lower end of the first pillar 21 in the horizontal direction.

[0030] The worker fits the mounting piece of the column base 23 into the fitting groove of the first column 21 and places the first column 21 on the upper flange 27 of the column base 23, and then inserts the drift pin 18 into the drift pin hole and the pin hole of the mounting piece of the column base 23 to fix the first column 21 to the column base 23. In other words, the first column 21 is fixed to the slab footing 11 via the column base 23.

[0031] A plurality of first pillars 21 are fixed to each of the pillar bases 23. A structural material 70 is fixed to the plurality of first pillars 21. More specifically, the structural material 70 is disposed between two of the first pillars 21. The structural material 70 is made of wood and has a rectangular column shape extending along the extension direction 9. The structural material 70 is manufactured by adhering a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped boards, for example.

[0032] One end face (the right end in FIG. 2) of the structural material 70 in the extension direction 9 abuts against a side face of one of the first pillars 21 (the right first pillar 21 in FIG. 2), and the other end face (the left end in FIG. 2) abuts against a side face of the other first pillar 21 (the left first pillar 21 in FIG. 2). The structural material 70 is fixed to the first pillar 21 by a mounting bracket 90.

[0033] The mounting bracket 90 is a bracket with an L-shaped cross section, and has a rectangular plate-like first piece 91 and second piece 92. The first piece 91 is a plate-like shape extending horizontally, and has a screw hole (not shown) through which the screw 16 is inserted. The lower surface of the first piece 91 abuts against the upper surface of the structural material 70. The second piece 92 is a plate-like shape extending vertically, and has a screw hole (not shown) through which the screw 16 is inserted. The main surface of the second piece 92 abuts against the side surface of the lower end of the first column 21.

[0034] The screw 16 inserted into the screw hole in the first piece 91 of the mounting bracket 90 is screwed into the structural material 70. The screw 16 inserted into the screw hole in the second piece 92 is screwed into the first pillar 21. The mounting bracket 90 is fixed to the structural material 70 and the first pillar 21 by the screws 16. That is, the structural material 70 is fixed to the first pillar 21 via the mounting bracket 90. Specifically, both ends of the structural material 70 in the extension direction 9 are fixed by the two first pillars 21.

[0035] A spacer 17 is disposed between the structural material 70 and the top surface 15 of the rise 13 of the continuous footing 11. The spacer 17 is made of, for example, resin. The spacer 17 supports the structural material 70. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one spacer 17 is disposed between the center of the structural material 70 in the extension direction 9 and the top surface 15 of the rise 13 of the continuous footing 11. Note that multiple spacers 17 may be disposed for one structural material 70.

[0036] For example, a worker places a spacer 17 on the top surface 15 of the rise 13 of the slab foundation 11, then places a structural material 70 on the spacer 17, and then uses screws 16 to fix the mounting brackets 90 to the structural material 70 and the first column 21, respectively, thereby fixing the structural material 70 to the first column 21.

[0037] The second pillar 22 is made of wood and has a rectangular pillar shape extending in the vertical direction. The second pillar 22 is manufactured by bonding together a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped boards, similar to the first pillar 21. The second pillar 22 is a so-called half pillar.

[0038] The second pillar 22 is placed on and fixed to the structural material 70. After installing the second pillar 22 on the structural material 70, a worker fixes the second pillar 22 to the structural material 70 using nails or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second pillar 22 is located above the spacer 17.

[0039] The third pillar 24 is made of wood and has a rectangular pillar shape extending in the vertical direction. The third pillar 24 is manufactured by gluing together a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped boards, similar to the first pillar 21. The third pillar 24 is a so-called partition wall.

[0040] The third pillar 24 is placed on and fixed to the structural material 70. After installing the third pillar 24 on the structural material 70, a worker fixes the third pillar 24 to the structural material 70 using nails or the like.

[0041] The metal plate 30 is a member that transmits to the AE sensor 40 AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70, the first pillar 21, and the second pillar 22.

[0042] The metal plate 30 has a rectangular plate shape extending along the extension direction 9. The main surface of the metal plate 30 is aligned in the up-down direction and the extension direction 9. One of the two main surfaces of the metal plate 30 abuts against a side surface of the structural material 70, a side surface of the first pillar 21, and a side surface of the second pillar 22. The second pillar 22 is an example of a pillar material.

[0043] The metal plate 30 is made of a metal with a low specific gravity in order to increase the transmission efficiency of the AE wave. For example, the metal plate 30 is made of aluminum. However, the metal plate 30 may be made of other types of metal including alloys such as stainless steel. The metal plate 30 is manufactured, for example, by cutting an aluminum plate of a specified size to an appropriate size by pressing or the like.

[0044] The thickness of the metal plate 30 is set to 0.1 mm or more so that the metal plate 30 has a strength capable of transmitting the AE wave, and is set to 6 cm or less to improve the transmission efficiency. The thickness of the metal plate 30 is preferably set to 0.35 mm or more and 3.2 mm or less.

[0045] The width of the metal plate 30, which is the length of the metal plate 30 in the vertical direction, is approximately half the length of the structural material 70 in the vertical direction so that AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the second pillar 22 and the structural material 70 can be efficiently transmitted to the metal plate 30. To explain in detail, the metal plate 30, which has a width approximately half that of the structural material 70 in the vertical direction, is disposed on the side of the structural material 70 so that its upper end overlaps with the upper end of the structural material 70 and its lower end overlaps with the center of the structural material 70 in the vertical direction. In other words, the upper end of the metal plate 30 is close to the second pillar 22, and the lower end of the metal plate 30 is located in the center of the structural material 70 in the vertical direction.

[0046] The metal plate 30 is fixed to the structural material 70 by a plurality of metal screws 75. An operator inserts the screws 75 into through holes (not shown) provided in the metal plate 30, and then screws the screws 75 into the structural material 70 to fix the metal plate 30 to the structural material 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the screw head of each screw 75 presses the metal plate 30 against the first pillar 21 or the structural material 70, thereby fixing the metal plate 30 to the first pillar 21 or the structural material 70.

[0047] The screw 75 screwed into the structural material 70 fixes the metal plate 30 to the structural material 70, and transmits the AE waves propagating through the structural material 70 to the metal plate 30. That is, the screw 75 has the function of fixing the metal plate 30 to the structural material 70, and the function of transmitting the AE waves to the metal plate 30. Similarly, the screw 75 screwed into the first pillar 21 fixes the metal plate 30 to the first pillar 21, and transmits the AE waves propagating through the first pillar 21 to the metal plate 30.

[0048] 2, the screws 75 are arranged in a straight line along the extending direction 9. The pitch of the screws 75 in the extending direction 9 is, for example, not less than 100 mm and not more than 500 mm, and is preferably about 250 mm.

[0049] The length of the screw 75 is desirably set to a length that positions the tip of the screw 75 at the center in the thickness direction of the first column 21, the second column 22, and the structural material 70, in order to efficiently receive the AE waves propagating inside the structural material 70. However, the length of the screw 75 may be shorter than the above length, taking into consideration the ease of screwing the screw 75 into the first column 21, the second column 22, and the structural material 70.

[0050] The diameter of the screw 75 is set to 8 mm or less so as to efficiently transmit the AE waves propagating inside the structural material 70 to the metal plate 30, and is set to 2.5 mm or more to ensure strength. Preferably, the diameter of the screw 75 is set to 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0051] Moreover, one screw 75 is screwed into the metal plate 30 and the structural material 70 at a position directly below the third pillar 24 so that AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the third pillar 24 can be captured.

[0052] The metal plate 30 has a length shorter than the maximum length at which AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70 can be detected, and is easy to transport and handle, and has a length that fits comfortably. For example, the metal plate 30 is about half the length of the structural material 70.

[0053] Two metal plates 30 are attached to one structural member 70. The two metal plates 30 have approximately the same shape. However, the two metal plates 30 may have different lengths. It is desirable that the thickness and width of the two metal plates 30 be the same in order to reduce loss in the transmission of the AE wave.

[0054] The two metal plates 30 are connected by a connecting plate 60. The AE sensor 40 is attached to only one of the two metal plates 30. In other words, the two metal plates 30 are connected by the connecting plate 60 so that the metal plates 30 are easy to transport and handle, and the number of AE sensors 40 used is not increased by making the metal plates 30 a convenient length. The connecting plate 60 is an example of a first connecting plate.

[0055] More specifically, the metal plates 30 are located on both sides of the second column 22 in the extension direction 9. Of the two metal plates 30, the right end of the right metal plate 30 in FIG. 2 abuts against the side of the right first column 21, the left end of the right metal plate 30 abuts against the side of the second column 22, and the center of the right metal plate 30 abuts against the side of the structural material 70. The left end of the left metal plate 30 in FIG. 2 abuts against the side of the left first column 21, the right end of the left metal plate 30 abuts against the side of the second column 22, and the center of the left metal plate 30 abuts against the side of the structural material 70. The two metal plates 30 are arranged with a gap in the extension direction 9. By providing a gap, even if the mounting positions of the metal plates 30 are misaligned in the extension direction 9, the two metal plates 30 are prevented from interfering with each other. One of the two metal plates 30 is an example of a first metal plate, and the other metal plate 30 is an example of a second metal plate. The above-mentioned screw 75 that penetrates one of the metal plates 30 and is screwed into the structural material 70 is an example of a first bar material. The screw 75 that penetrates the other metal plate 30 and is screwed into the structural material 70 is an example of a second bar material.

[0056] The connecting plate 60 has a rectangular plate shape with its main surface aligned along the vertical direction and the extension direction 9. The connecting plate 60 is longer than the gap between the two metal plates 30 so as to connect the two metal plates 30. Specifically, the length of the connecting plate 60 in the extension direction 9 is approximately the same as the width of the second column 22. The length of the connecting plate 60 in the vertical direction is set to be equal to or longer than the length of the metal plates 30 in the vertical direction in order to reduce loss in the transmission of AE waves from one metal plate 30 to the other metal plate 30.

[0057] The thickness of the connection plate 60 is desirably the same as that of the metal plate 30 in order to reduce loss in the transmission of the AE wave.

[0058] In order to reduce loss in the transmission of the AE wave, the connecting plate 60 is desirably made of the same material as the metal plate 30. For example, the connecting plate 60 is made of aluminum, the same as the metal plate 30. However, the connecting plate 60 may be made of other metals, such as stainless steel or iron.

[0059] 3, the connecting plate 60 is disposed with its main surface in contact with the main surfaces of the two metal plates 30. In other words, the connecting plate 60 is located farther from the structural material 70 than the two metal plates 30.

[0060] The connecting plate 60 is fixed to the second column 22 by a plurality of metal screws 76. To explain in detail, the metal plate 30 has insertion holes (not shown) at its end in the extension direction 9, through which the screws 76 are inserted. On the other hand, the connecting plate 60 has insertion holes 61 through which the screws 76 are inserted, as shown in FIG.

[0061] The worker inserts the screw 76 into the through hole 61 of the connection plate 60 and the through hole (not shown) of the metal plate 30, and then screws the screw 76 into the second column 22. The head of the screw 76 presses the connection plate 60 and the metal plate 30 to the second column 22. That is, the screw 76 has a function of fixing the connection plate 60 and a function of fixing the metal plate 30. Furthermore, the screw 76 has a function of transmitting the AE wave transmitted to the second column 22 to the metal plate 30. The diameter and length of the screw 76 are the same as those of the screw 75. However, the diameter and length of the screw 76 may be different from those of the screw 75. The screw 76 penetrating the connection plate 60 and one of the metal plates 30 is an example of a third rod. The screw 76 penetrating the connection plate 60 and the other of the metal plates 30 is an example of a fourth rod.

[0062] The insertion hole 61 of the connecting plate 60 is an elongated hole extending in the extension direction 9. Since the insertion hole 61 is an elongated hole, even if the attachment position of the metal plate 30 is misaligned in the extension direction 9, the screw 76 can be inserted through the insertion hole 61 of the connecting plate 60 and a through hole (not shown) of the metal plate 30. Note that the insertion hole 61 of the connecting plate 60 may be circular, and the through hole (not shown) of the metal plate 30 may be an elongated hole.

[0063] The AE sensor 40 is attached to only one of the two metal plates 30. In the example shown in FIG.

[0064] The AE sensor 40 includes a detection unit that is in contact with the metal plate 30, a detection circuit that converts the AE wave transmitted to the detection unit into a voltage and outputs the voltage, and a housing that houses the detection unit and the detection circuit. For example, a commercially available AE sensor is used as the AE sensor 40.

[0065] The worker brings the detection unit into contact with the metal plate 30 and attaches the AE sensor 40 to the metal plate 30 using adhesive, screws, or the like. Note that, as long as the detection unit is in contact with the metal plate 30, the AE sensor 40 may be attached to a member other than the metal plate 30, such as a structural member 70.

[0066] The AE sensor 40 is connected to a terminal device 50 shown in Fig. 4 by a signal line. The terminal device 50 is used, for example, by being attached to a wall of a house equipped with the structure 10. The terminal device 50 includes a CPU 51 which is a central processing unit, a memory 52, an input interface 54, a communication interface 55, an alarm device 56, and a communication bus 57. The CPU 51, the memory 52, the input interface 54, the communication interface 55, and the alarm device 56 are connected to the communication bus 57 and can communicate with each other via the communication bus 57.

[0067] The memory 52 stores the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the server 42, a customer ID, a control program 53, and the like. The control program 53 is executed by the CPU 51. The executed control program 53 receives an input of a signal from the AE sensor 40 via an input interface 54, and transmits information to the server 42 via a communication interface 55 and the Internet 41.

[0068] The notification device 56 is a device such as a display and a speaker that notifies the residents of the house by images and sounds.

[0069] The server 42 is a web server that the manufacturer who constructed the house or the service provider has the right to use, and publishes a URL on the Internet 41 .

[0070] Below, it will be explained how the AE sensor 40 detects AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70, the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, and the third pillar 24, and how the detection of the AE waves by the AE sensor 40 is transmitted to the server 42 by the terminal device 50 and is then reported by the alarm device 56.

[0071] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, the third pillar 24, and the structural material 70 are transmitted as elastic waves through the inside of the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, the third pillar 24, and the structural material 70. The AE waves transmitted through the inside of the structural material 70 are transmitted to the metal plate 30 through the screw 75. The AE waves transmitted to the metal plate 30 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the metal plate 30, or through the metal plate 30 and the connection plate 60. The AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves and outputs a detection signal indicating that the AE waves have been detected. The detection signal output by the AE sensor 40 is input to the CPU 51 through the signal line, the input interface 54, and the communication bus 57. When the control program 53 determines that the detection signal has been input, it transmits an HTTP request including information indicating that termites have been infested and a customer ID to a URL published by the server 42 through the communication interface 55. Furthermore, the control program 53 notifies the resident that the damage has occurred by using the alarm device 56. The terminal device 50 may have only one of the alarm device 56 and the communication interface 55. In other words, the information indicating the occurrence of termites may be simply transmitted to the server 42, or the alarm device 56 may simply notify the resident of the occurrence.

[0072] When information indicating that termites have been infested is input to the server 42, the service provider managing the server 42 notifies the customer identified by the customer ID that there is a possibility of termite infestation.

[0073] [Effects of the embodiment] In this embodiment, the metal plate 30 has a length that is easy to transport, handle, and fit, which makes it easy to construct the structure 10. Two metal plates 30 are connected by a connecting plate 60, and the AE sensor 40 is attached to only one of the metal plates 30. Therefore, the length of the metal plate 30 is easy to transport, handle, and fit, and an increase in the number of AE sensors 40 used in the structure 10 can be suppressed. In other words, the structure 10 can easily handle the metal plate 30 while suppressing an increase in the number of AE sensors 40 used.

[0074] Moreover, in this embodiment, the two metal plates 30 are connected by the connection plate 60 so as to sandwich the metal plate 30 between the connection plate 60 and the second pillar 22. According to tests, it was confirmed that with this configuration, the detection accuracy of the AE wave by the AE sensor 40 is improved compared to the case where the two metal plates 30 are connected by the connection plate 60 so as to sandwich the connection plate 60 between the metal plate 30 and the second pillar 22.

[0075] In this embodiment, the screws 76 fix the connecting plate 60 to the second pillar 22 and also fix the two metal plates 30 to the second pillar 22. That is, the fixing of the connecting plate 60 and the fixing of the two metal plates 30 can be performed simultaneously. As a result, the types and number of members required for constructing the structure 10 are reduced, and the labor of the worker is also reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two metal plates 30 and the connecting plate 60 are reliably abutted against each other by the screws 76. As a result, the loss of the AE wave transmission between the metal plates 30 and the connecting plate 60 is reduced, and the detection accuracy of the AE wave is improved.

[0077] In this embodiment, the two metal plates 30 are arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the extension direction 9. Therefore, even if the mounting positions of the metal plates 30 are misaligned in the extension direction 9, the two metal plates 30 do not interfere with each other. As a result, the worker can easily attach the metal plates 30 to the structural material 70.

[0078] [Variation 1] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the AE sensor 40 is attached to the metal plate 30. However, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the AE sensor 40 may be attached to the connection plate 60. The AE sensor 40 is attached to, for example, the center of the connection plate 60 in the extension direction 9.

[0079] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, the third pillar 24, and the structural material 70 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 60. In other words, one AE sensor 40 can detect the AE waves transmitted to the two metal plates 30.

[0080] [Variation 2] 5(B), an example will be described in which three metal plates 30 are connected by two connection plates 60, and AE waves transmitted to the three metal plates 30 are detected by one AE sensor 40. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0081] Two second columns 22 are installed on one structural member 70. The two second columns 22 are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the extension direction 9.

[0082] Three metal plates 30 are attached to the structural material 70 lined up with gaps between them in the extension direction 9. The metal plates 30 are fixed to the structural material 70 with a plurality of screws 75, as in the above-described embodiment. The middle metal plate 30 is located between the two second columns 22 in the extension direction 9. The middle metal plate 30 is an example of a second metal plate. Of the two metal plates 30 located on either side of the middle metal plate 30, one metal plate 30 is an example of a first metal plate, and the other metal plate 30 is an example of a third metal plate.

[0083] The right end of the middle metal plate 30 and the left end of the right metal plate 30 abut against the side of the right first pillar 21. The left end of the middle metal plate 30 and the right end of the left metal plate 30 abut against the side of the left second pillar 22.

[0084] The right connecting plate 60 is located on the side of the right second pillar 22 and connects the middle metal plate 30 to the right metal plate 30. The left connecting plate 60 is located on the side of the left second pillar 22 and connects the middle metal plate 30 to the left metal plate 30. The connecting plates 60 are fixed to the second pillar 22 by screws 76 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment. One of the two connecting plates 60 is an example of a first connecting plate, and the other connecting plate 60 is an example of a second connecting plate.

[0085] The AE sensor 40 is attached to the middle metal plate 30. In the illustrated example, the AE sensor 40 is attached to the center of the middle metal plate 30 in the extension direction 9.

[0086] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70, the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, and the third pillar 24 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 60. In other words, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70, the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, and the third pillar 24.

[0087] For example, depending on the specifications (design) of the structure 10, the fit can be further improved by using both a set in which two metal plates 30 are connected by one connecting plate 60 and a set in which three metal plates 30 are connected by two connecting plates 60.

[0088] [Variation 3] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the connecting plate 60 is fixed to the second column 22. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 5(C), an example will be described in which the connecting plate 60 is fixed to a structural material 70. Note that the configurations other than those described below are the same as the configurations described in the embodiment.

[0089] The two metal plates 30 are fixed to one structural member 70, arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the extending direction 9. Screws 76 are screwed into the structural member 70, and fix the connecting plate 60 and the ends of the metal plates 30 to the structural member 70. The connecting plate 60 connects the two metal plates 30. The AE sensor 40 is attached to one of the two metal plates 30.

[0090] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70, the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, and the third pillar 24 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 60. In other words, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70, the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, and the third pillar 24.

[0091] [Variation 4] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which two metal plates 30 are attached to one structural material 70. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 5(D), an example will be described in which a metal plate 30 is attached to each of two structural materials 70. Note that the configuration other than the configuration described below is the same as the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0092] In this modification, structural materials 70 are located on both sides of the first pillar 21. In addition, a second pillar 22 and a third pillar 24 are located on both sides of the first pillar 21 in the extension direction 9, spaced apart from the first pillar 21. The first pillar 21 is an example of a pillar material.

[0093] The metal plate 30 has a length slightly longer than the distance between the first pillar 21 and the second pillar 22 in the extension direction 9. The metal plate 30 is attached to each of the two structural members 70 with a plurality of screws 75 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. The left end of the right metal plate 30 abuts against the side surface of the first pillar 21. The right end of the right metal plate 30 abuts against the side surface of the right second pillar 22. The right end of the left metal plate 30 abuts against the side surface of the first pillar 21. The left end of the left metal plate 30 abuts against the side surface of the left second pillar 22. The two metal plates 30 are arranged side by side with a gap in between in the extension direction 9.

[0094] The connection plate 60 is fixed to the first column 21 with a screw 76, and connects the two metal plates 30. The AE sensor 40 is attached to only one of the metal plates 30, as in the embodiment.

[0095] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the right structural material 70, the left structural material 70, the first pillar 21, the second pillar 22, or the third pillar 24 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 60. In other words, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the left and right structural materials 70, the first pillar 21, or the second pillar 22.

[0096] [Variation 5] In this modification, as shown in Fig. 5(E), an example will be described in which the metal plate 30 is fixed to the upper surface of the structural material 70. In this modification, the upper surface of the structural material 70 is an example of a side surface of the structural material 70. Note that the configurations other than those described below are the same as the configurations described in the embodiment.

[0097] The metal plates 30 are located on both sides of the second pillar 22 in the extending direction 9, and are fixed to the structural material 70 by screws 75, respectively.

[0098] In this modification, a connecting plate 62 is used instead of the connecting plate 60. The connecting plate 62 includes two rectangular first pieces 63 extending horizontally and a rectangular second piece 64 extending vertically and in the extending direction 9. The two first pieces 63 are spaced apart from each other in the extending direction 9. Specifically, the two first pieces 63 are located on both sides of the second pillar 22 in the extending direction 9.

[0099] The right end of the second piece 64 is connected to the right first piece 63, and the left end is connected to the left first piece 63. In other words, the second piece 64 has the function of connecting the left and right first pieces 63 while avoiding the second pillar 22 and the structural material 70. The connecting plate 62 is manufactured, for example, by cutting an aluminum plate and then bending it by pressing.

[0100] The two first pieces 63 each have an insertion hole 61 through which a screw 76 is inserted. The insertion hole 61 is an elongated hole extending in the extension direction 9 as in the embodiment (FIG. 2). The lower surface, which is the main surface, of the first piece 63 abuts against the upper surface of the metal plate 30, and the insertion hole 61 is disposed at a position overlapping an insertion hole (not shown) of the metal plate 30.

[0101] The worker inserts a screw 76 into the insertion hole 61 of the first piece 63 and into a through hole (not shown) of the metal plate 30, and then screws the screw 76 into the structural material 70 to fix the connecting plate 62 and the metal plate 30 to the structural material 70. In other words, the two metal plates 30 are connected by the connecting plate 62. The second piece 64 of the connecting plate 62 may be fixed to the second pillar 22 by a screw that penetrates the second piece 64 and screws into the second pillar 22.

[0102] The AE sensor 40 is attached to only one of the two metal plates 30 .

[0103] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 62. That is, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70.

[0104] The metal plate 30 can be attached to the top surface of the structural member 70 by using a connecting plate 62 having a first piece 63 and a second piece 64 .

[0105] In this modified example, an example has been described in which the upper surface of the structural material 70 is an example of a side surface to which the metal plate 30 is attached, but the lower surface of the structural material 70 may also be an example of a side surface to which the metal plate 30 is attached.

[0106] [Variation 6] 6(A) and (B), an example will be described in which two metal plates 30 arranged in a staggered manner above and below are connected by a connecting plate 65. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0107] The structure 10 according to this modification includes a continuous footing 11 (FIG. 1), a first structural member 71 and a second structural member 72, two metal plates 30, a connecting plate 65, and an AE sensor 40. The first structural member 71 and the second structural member 72 are made of wood, and are disposed above the top surface 15 of the continuous footing 11 (FIG. 1). The first structural member 71 or the second structural member 72 is a base wood or the like.

[0108] The first structural member 71 and the second structural member 72 are aligned in the width direction 8. A side surface 73 of the first structural member 71 and a side surface 74 of the second structural member 72 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

[0109] One of the two metal plates 30 is disposed with its principal surface in contact with a side surface 73 of the first structural material 71, and extends along the extension direction 9. The other metal plate 30 is disposed with its principal surface in contact with a side surface 74 of the second structural material 72, and extends along the extension direction 9. Each metal plate 30 is attached to the structural materials 71, 72 with a plurality of screws 75, respectively.

[0110] The two metal plates 30 are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction 7 and the width direction 8. That is, the two metal plates 30 are arranged at different levels above and below.

[0111] The connecting plate 65 has a first piece 66 that abuts against the main surface of one metal plate 30, a second piece 67 that abuts against the main surface of the other metal plate 30, and a connecting piece 68 that connects the first piece 66 and the second piece 67, and has a Z-shaped cross section. The connecting plate 65 is manufactured by bending, for example, an aluminum plate or a steel plate.

[0112] The AE sensor 40 is attached to the first piece 66, the second piece 67, or the connection piece 68 of the connection plate 65. In the example shown in FIG.

[0113] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the first structural material 71 and the second structural material 72 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 65. That is, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the first structural material 71 and the second structural material 72.

[0114] By using a connecting plate 65 having a first piece 66 and a second piece 67, two metal plates 30 attached to two structural members 71, 72 arranged side by side in the width direction 8 can be connected and AE waves can be detected with a single AE sensor.

[0115] [Variation 7] In this modification, as shown in Fig. 6(C), an example will be described in which two metal plates 30 are connected by a connection plate 80. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0116] The structure 10 according to this modification includes a liner footing 11 (FIG. 1), a first structural member 71 and a second structural member 72, two metal plates 30, a connecting plate 80, and an AE sensor 40. The configurations of the first structural member 71 and the second structural member 72 are the same as those of the first structural member 71 and the second structural member 72 in the sixth modification.

[0117] One of the two metal plates 30 is disposed with its principal surface in contact with a side surface 73 of the first structural material 71, and extends along the extension direction 9. The other metal plate 30 is disposed with its principal surface in contact with an upper surface of the second structural material 72, and extends along the extension direction 9. Each metal plate 30 is attached to the structural materials 71, 72 with a plurality of screws 75, respectively.

[0118] The connecting plate 80 has a first piece 81 that abuts against a main surface of one of the metal plates 30, and a second piece 82 that abuts against a main surface of the other metal plate 30. The first piece 81 and the second piece 82 are integrally continuous, and the cross section of the connecting plate 80 has an L-shape. The connecting plate 80 is manufactured, for example, by bending an aluminum plate or a steel plate.

[0119] The AE sensor 40 is attached to the first piece 81 or the second piece 82 of the connection plate 80. In the example shown in FIG.

[0120] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the first structural material 71 and the second structural material 72 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connecting plate 80. That is, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the first structural material 71 and the second structural material 72.

[0121] By using a connecting plate 80 having a first piece 81 and a second piece 82, two metal plates 30 attached to two structural members 71, 72 arranged side by side in the width direction 8 can be connected and AE waves can be detected with a single AE sensor.

[0122] [Variation 8] In this modification, as shown in Fig. 6(D) or 6(E), a connection plate 85 is described that connects two metal plates 30 attached to two structural members 70 arranged so as to intersect (orthogonally) with each other. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 6(D), the metal plates 30 are disposed with their main surfaces abutting against the inner side surfaces of the structural members 70. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6(E), the metal plates 30 are disposed with their main surfaces abutting against the outer side surfaces of the structural members 70. Each metal plate 30 is attached to each of the structural members 71, 72 with a plurality of screws 75 (Fig. 2).

[0124] The connecting plate 85 includes a first piece 86 that contacts a main surface of one of the two metal plates 30, and a second piece 87 that contacts a main surface of the other metal plate 30. The first piece 86 and the second piece 87 are integrally continuous, and the cross section of the connecting plate 85 is L-shaped. The connecting plate 85 is manufactured, for example, by bending an aluminum plate or a steel plate.

[0125] The AE sensor 40 is attached to the first piece 86 or the second piece 87 of the connection plate 85. In the example shown in Figures 6(D) and (E), the AE sensor 40 is attached to the second piece 87.

[0126] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connection plate 85. That is, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70.

[0127] By using a connecting plate 85 having a first piece 86 and a second piece 87, two metal plates 30 attached to two structural materials 70 arranged perpendicularly can be connected, and AE waves can be detected with a single AE sensor.

[0128] [Variation 9] In this modification, as shown in FIG. 6(F), an example will be described in which a connecting plate 95 is attached obliquely to two structures 70. One of the two structures 70 is located above the other. That is, the two structures 70 are arranged in a staggered manner. A metal plate 30 is attached to the side of each structural member 70 by a screw 74. The connecting plate 95 has a pair of insertion holes 61 similar to the connecting plate 60 (FIG. 2) described in the embodiment. The connecting plate 95 is attached to the end of one structural member 70 and the end of the other structural member 70 by a screw 76. That is, the connecting plate 95 is arranged obliquely with respect to the extending direction 9 in which the structural member 70 extends, and connects the ends of the two metal plates 30 to each other. The other configurations are the same as those described in the embodiment.

[0129] The AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70 are transmitted to the AE sensor 40 through the screws 75, 76, the metal plate 30, and the connection plate 85. That is, the AE sensor 40 detects the AE waves generated by termites gnawing at the structural material 70.

[0130] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the screws 75 and 76 have been described as an example of the rod material. However, metal nails, pins, etc. may be used instead of the screws 75 and 76. Furthermore, a prickly protrusion formed by processing the surface of the metal plate 30 may be used instead of the screw 75.

[0131] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the two metal plates 30 are disposed spaced apart from each other in the extending direction 9. However, the two metal plates 30 may be in contact with each other at their end faces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10...Structure 11. Strip foundation 13. Start up 15 Top 21... Pillar 1 22... Pillar 2 30...metal plate 40...AE sensor 60, 62, 65, 80, 85, 95... Connection plate 70, 71, 72...structural materials 75....Screw 76....Screw

Claims

1. A foundation having a riser with a top surface extending along a horizontal direction; A wooden structural member extending along the extension direction of the top surface and positioned above the top surface; a first metal plate having a main surface in contact with a side surface of the structural material and extending along the extension direction; a second metal plate having a main surface in contact with the side surface of the structural material, aligned with the first metal plate in the extension direction, and extending in the extension direction; a first connection plate made of metal that is in contact with the first metal plate and the second metal plate, respectively; and an AE sensor attached to any one of the first metal plate, the second metal plate, or the first connecting plate.

2. the first connection plate is located farther from the structural material than the first metal plate and the second metal plate are, 2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein a main surface of the first connecting plate abuts against main surfaces of the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

3. a first metal bar penetrating the first metal plate and into the structural material; a second metal bar penetrating the second metal plate and into the structural material; a third metal bar penetrating the first metal plate and the first connecting plate; The structure according to claim 2 , further comprising: a fourth metal bar passing through the second metal plate and the first connecting plate.

4. The structure according to claim 1 , wherein the first metal plate and the second metal plate are arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the extending direction.

5. a third metal plate having a main surface in contact with the side surface of the structural material, aligned with the second metal plate in the extension direction, and extending in the extension direction; a second connection plate made of metal that is in contact with the second metal plate and the third metal plate, The structure according to claim 1 , wherein the AE sensor is attached to the second metal plate.

6. The insulating member further includes a pillar member extending in a vertical direction and positioned laterally between the first metal plate and the second metal plate aligned in the extension direction, An end portion of the first metal plate and an end portion of the second metal plate are in contact with a side surface of the pillar material, The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connecting plate is positioned on a side of the pillar material.

Images