Fire hose test equipment and test methods

Abstract

To provide a test device which can easily perform a breakage confirmation test of a fire hose.SOLUTION: A test device comprises a channel selector valve 2 and a cap 4. The channel selector valve 2 comprises: a valve box 20 which includes therein, an inflow path 21, a first outflow path 22 and a second outflow path 23; a valve body 100 which can close any one of the first outflow path 22 and the second outflow path 23; and a spring 80 which can make the valve body 100 close the second outflow path 23 with biasing force along a central shaft of the second outflow path 23. The cap 4 arranges the valve body 100 at a position of closing the first outflow path 22 by moving the valve body 100 in a direction of being apart from the second outflow path 23 against the biasing force of the spring 80 when being coupled to a secondary side of the second outflow path 23. The cap 4 has the coupling force that may withstand a pneumatic pressure injected to the fire hose in order to confirm whether the fire hose is broken, and fixes the valve body 100 at the position of closing the first outflow path 22 against the pneumatic pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire hose testing device and method for determining whether a fire hose is damaged by air pressure. [Background technology]

[0002] Fire hoses are installed indoors or outdoors on fire hydrants, connected water pipes, fire engines, and the like. Air pressure damage confirmation tests have been conducted to check whether fire hoses are damaged. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2010-261729 and 2014-14705 disclose fire hydrant hose testing devices. These fire hydrant hose testing devices include a maintenance device and first and second test jigs.

[0003] The maintenance device has a primary port which is a water inflow path, a secondary port which is a water outflow path, and a partition wall separating the primary and secondary ports. A first jig mounting port is provided in the upper wall of the primary port. A second jig mounting port is provided in the lower wall of the secondary port. A valve hole is provided in the partition wall. The first jig mounting port, second jig mounting port, and valve hole are all circular holes of the same diameter and are located on the same central axis. The primary port is connected to the secondary side of the fire hydrant valve. The secondary port is connected to a fitting for the fire hydrant hose. The first and second jig mounting ports are each closed with a lid.

[0004] The first test jig is equipped with a hose insertion joint, an air injection valve, a regulator, and a pressure gauge. The hose insertion joint is connected to the air injection valve and pressure gauge via a T-joint. A regulator is connected to the air injection valve. A fire hydrant hose with the nozzle removed is connected to the hose insertion joint. A compressor is connected to the regulator to inject air pressure into the fire hydrant hose.

[0005] The second test jig comprises a sleeve, an O-ring, an adapter, and an air vent valve. The sleeve is a cylindrical tube with a diameter that can be inserted into the first jig mounting port and valve hole or the second jig mounting port and valve hole of the maintenance device. An O-ring is attached to the tip of the sleeve. The adapter is connected to the rear end of the sleeve, forming an internal passage that communicates with the inside of the sleeve. The air vent valve is connected to the internal passage of the adapter via piping.

[0006] When conducting a damage confirmation test for a fire hydrant hose, the sleeve of the second test jig is inserted into the first jig mounting port of the maintenance device. This causes the valve hole of the maintenance device to be closed by the O-ring at the tip of the sleeve, and the secondary port of the maintenance device is connected to the inside of the sleeve of the second test jig. The primary port of the maintenance device is blocked from the secondary port. In this state, the air injection valve of the first test jig is opened, and air pressure is injected into the inside of the fire hydrant hose. After the injection of air pressure is complete, the air injection valve is closed, and the air pressure injected inside the fire hydrant hose is maintained. The air pressure maintained inside the fire hydrant hose is measured using the pressure gauge of the first test jig to confirm whether the fire hydrant hose is damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-261729 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-14705 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-25600 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] While the above-described conventional fire hydrant hose testing device has a simple maintenance device configuration, it has a problem in that the second test jig is complex. The second test jig is configured with a cylindrical sleeve protruding from one side of an adapter, and an air vent valve connected vertically to the other side of the adapter via piping. This second test jig extends long in one direction and is made entirely of metal components, making it quite heavy, making it difficult to handle when attaching or detaching it from the maintenance device. Furthermore, during normal times when fire hydrant hose damage confirmation tests are not being conducted, a storage space for the second test jig must be secured within the fire hydrant's storage box.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional fire hydrant hose testing devices have the problem of requiring time and effort to attach and detach the second test jig to and from the maintenance device. Specifically, when conducting a damage confirmation test for a fire hydrant hose, the following steps must be taken: remove the cover closing the first jig attachment port of the maintenance device, insert the sleeve of the second test jig into the first jig attachment port, and press-fit the adapter of the second test jig into the first jig attachment port or screw the male thread of the adapter into the female thread of the first jig attachment port.

[0010] Furthermore, fire hydrants are required to undergo a water discharge test separate from the hydrant hose damage confirmation test. When conducting a water discharge test using a conventional fire hydrant hose testing device, a second test jig (water pressure test jig) with a different configuration must be prepared, in which multiple holes are drilled in the wall of the sleeve. This second test jig also has the same problems as above, and the water discharge test of a fire hydrant also requires labor and time to attach and detach the second test jig to the maintenance device.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fire hose testing device and testing method that allows the flow path switching valve to be switched to a test state simply by connecting a cap to the secondary side of the second outflow channel of the flow path switching valve, thereby making it possible to conduct a fire hose damage confirmation test extremely easily and quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] (1) In order to achieve the above object, the fire hose testing device of the present invention is a fire hose testing device for checking whether a fire hose is damaged by air pressure, and is equipped with a flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of a fluid that has flowed in from one inlet path to either a first outlet path or a second outlet path, and a cap that can be connected to the secondary side of the second outlet path, and the flow path switching valve is equipped with a valve box in which the inlet path, the first outlet path, and the second outlet path are provided, a valve element that can close either the first outlet path or the second outlet path, and a valve element that can close the second outlet path. and a spring capable of causing the valve body to close the second outflow passage by a biasing force along the central axis, wherein the cap, when coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow passage, moves the valve body in a direction away from the second outflow passage against the biasing force of the spring, thereby placing the valve body in a position to close the first outflow passage, and the cap has a coupling force capable of withstanding air pressure injected into the fire hose to check whether the fire hose is damaged, and fixes the valve body in a position to close the first outflow passage against the air pressure.

[0013] (2) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (1) above, the flow path switching valve further comprises a substantially cylindrical insert that connects to the second outlet passage, and a push ring attached to the outside of the insert, and a flange is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the push ring to move the push ring along the outer periphery of the insert, and a step is formed on the outer periphery of the tip of the insert that protrudes evenly in the diameter direction and is capable of restricting the movement of the push ring.

[0014] (3) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (2) above, the cap comprises a receiving fitting having a substantially cylindrical side wall into which the step of the insert is inserted and a substantially circular top wall that closes the tip opening of the insert, a clamping ring attached to the outside of the tip of the receiving fitting and having a tip with an inner diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the step of the insert, and a plurality of claws provided between the tip of the receiving fitting and the tip of the clamping ring that can move in the diameter direction of the tip of the receiving fitting.

[0015] (4) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (3) above, the cap is provided along the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting and has a substantially annular packing that fits tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the step portion of the insert fitting, and the packing blocks the flow of air inside and outside the second outflow passage.

[0016] (5) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (4) above, the packing is integrally formed with an approximately annular first wall portion located on the outside and an approximately annular second wall portion located on the inside, and has an approximately U-shaped cross section around the entire circumference, with the first wall portion contacting the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting and the second wall portion contacting the outer peripheral surface of the step portion of the insert fitting, and when the pressure in the second outflow passage increases, the second wall portion deforms inward and comes into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the step portion of the insert fitting.

[0017] (6) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (1) above, the cap is provided with a female or male thread that can be connected to the secondary side of the second outflow passage, and the valve body is fixed in a position that closes the first outflow passage by the connecting force of the female or male thread.

[0018] (7) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device described in any one of (1) to (6), an air pressure injection device for injecting air pressure into the fire hose is provided, the air pressure injection device including a compressor for compressing air, an air injection valve connected to the secondary side of the compressor, a pressure gauge connected to the secondary side of the air injection valve, and an air vent valve connected to the secondary side of the pressure gauge, the secondary side of the air vent valve being connected to the outlet of the fire hose.

[0019] (8) In order to achieve the above object, the fire hose testing method of the present invention is a fire hose testing method using the fire hose testing device described in (7) above, and includes the steps of: connecting the cap to the secondary side of the second outlet passage of the flow path switching valve; injecting air pressure into the fire hose from an outlet of the fire hose whose inlet is connected to the secondary side of the first outlet passage of the flow path switching valve; maintaining the air pressure injected into the fire hose; and measuring the air pressure maintained inside the fire hose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the fire hose testing device and testing method of the present invention, the flow path switching valve can be switched to the test state simply by connecting a cap to the secondary side of the second outflow path of the flow path switching valve, making it possible to conduct damage confirmation tests on fire hoses extremely easily and quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] Fig. 1(a) is a front view of a fire hydrant to which a fire hose testing device and testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied, and Fig. 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the fire hydrant. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve that constitutes the fire hose testing device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the flow path switching valve. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a cap constituting the fire hose testing device of this embodiment, where FIG. 4(a) is a plan view, FIG. 4(b) is a front view, and FIG. 4(c) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the flow path switching valve when the fire hydrant is extinguished. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the flow path switching valve during a fire hose test. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a fire hose testing device and testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A fire hose testing device and a testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a flow path switching valve and a cap constituting the fire hose testing device are incorporated into a fire hydrant, and the testing device is used to conduct a breakage confirmation test on the fire hose attached to the fire hydrant.

[0023] 1. Fire hydrant In FIG. 1(a), a fire hydrant 1 according to this embodiment is installed, for example, in a road tunnel and is used for initial firefighting in a tunnel. The fire hydrant 1 includes a fire hydrant door 10A, a fire extinguisher door 10B, and a maintenance door 10C. Various valves 15, 16, 19, 2, a fire hose 17, a fire nozzle 18, a cap 4, and an opening / closing lever 15a, as shown in FIG. 1(b), are housed inside the fire hydrant door 10A. The fire hydrant door 10A can be manually opened by operating a handle 11a. The fire hydrant door 10A opens, for example, from top to bottom around the bottom edge of the door. The fire nozzle 18, connected to the fire hose 17, is detachably held on the back side of the fire hydrant door 10A. The opening / closing lever 15a is also installed on the back side of the fire hydrant door 10A. The various valves 15, 16, 19, and 2 inside the hydrant door 10A will be described later.

[0024] A fire extinguisher (not shown) is stored inside the fire extinguisher door 10B. The fire extinguisher door 10B can be opened manually by operating the handle 11b. The fire extinguisher door 10B opens, for example, from right to left around the left side of the door. A red indicator light 12 and a report button 13 are provided between the fire extinguisher door 10B and the maintenance door 10C. The red indicator light 12 is always lit, making it possible to identify the location of the fire hydrant 1 even from a distance. Pressing the report button 13 sends a transmission signal. This transmission signal is received by a receiver in a monitoring room (not shown) and processed as a signal to report a fire or accident.

[0025] Here, the various valves 15, 16, 19, and 2 shown in Figure 1(b) will be explained along with the flow of water supplied from a pump (not shown). A hydrant connection port 14 is located on the right side of the hydrant 1. Water supplied from the pump is supplied to the hydrant 1 via a pipe (not shown) connected to the hydrant connection port 14.

[0026] Within the fire hydrant 1, a fire hydrant valve 15, an automatic pressure regulating valve 16, an automatic drain valve 19, and a flow path switching valve 2 are connected to the hydrant connection port 14 in this order. The fire hydrant valve 15 is opened and closed by an operator operating the opening / closing lever 15a. When the opening / closing lever 15a is operated from the closed position to the open position, the fire hydrant valve 15 is released. In response to this operation of the opening / closing lever 15a, a limit switch (not shown) transmits a signal. This signal is received by a receiver in a monitoring room (not shown), which then transmits a command signal to start the pump. Based on this command signal, the pump starts and begins to supply water. This increases the pressure in the piping. The automatic pressure regulating valve 16 automatically adjusts the pressure in the secondary piping to within a specified range when the pressure in the primary piping fluctuates within a specified range. Water is supplied from the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 through the flow path switching valve 2 to a fire hose 17 and released from a fire nozzle 18. For example, when the pressure in the primary piping fluctuates within a range of 0.47 to 1.77 MPa, the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 automatically adjusts the pressure in the secondary piping so that the water discharge pressure of the firefighting nozzle 18 is 0.29 MPa or more and 0.35 MPa or less.

[0027] The automatic drain valve 19 is connected to the secondary piping of the automatic pressure regulating valve 16, and opens and closes automatically according to the water pressure in the piping. That is, when the hydrant 1 is on standby, the water pressure in the piping drops below a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 is open. On the other hand, when the hydrant 1 is being extinguished or inspected, the water pressure in the piping rises above a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 is closed. This automatic drain valve 19 automatically drains any water remaining in the piping after the hydrant 1 is used, keeping the piping dry.

[0028] 2. Flow path switching valve Next, the configuration of the flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2021-25600 and 2021-173296, which are patent applications filed by the present applicants. In addition to the two functions described in these publications, the flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment newly performs a third function. First, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as a water discharge test valve for conducting a water discharge test of the fire hydrant 1 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-25600). Second, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve for smoothly discharging residual water in the piping of the fire hydrant 1 and in the fire hose 17 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173296). Third, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as a damage confirmation test valve for confirming whether the fire hose has been damaged by air pressure.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow path switching valve 2 is mainly composed of a valve body 20, an insertion pipe 30, a fitting 40, a push ring 50, a movable member 60, a shaft 70, a spring 80, a stopper 90, and a valve body 100.

[0030] An inlet passage 21, a first outlet passage 22, and a second outlet passage 23 are provided inside the valve box 20. A circular communication port 24 is provided between the inlet passage 21 and the first outlet passage 22. The inlet passage 21 is connected to the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 shown in FIG. 1(b). The first outlet passage 22 is connected to a hose joint (not shown). A fire hose 17 shown in FIG. 1(b) is connected to this hose joint. Water that flows into the valve box 20 from the inlet passage 21 flows into either the first outlet passage 22 or the second outlet passage 23 as the valve body 100 moves.

[0031] The central axis of the second flow path 23 of the valve box 20 is preferably inclined at an angle of 10° to 30° with respect to the vertical axis. In this embodiment, the central axis of the second outlet path 23 is inclined at an angle of approximately 20° with respect to the vertical axis. The second outlet path 23 and the communication port 24 share a central axis, and the central axis of the communication port 24 is also inclined at an angle of approximately 20° with respect to the vertical axis. Note that the "vertical axis" referred to here refers to an imaginary axis that intersects with the central axis of at least one of the inlet path 21 and the first outlet path 22 at 90°.

[0032] The second outflow passage 23 of the valve box 20 is fitted with the above-mentioned insertion pipe 30, fitting 40, push ring 50, movable member 60, shaft 70, spring 80, stopper 90 and valve body 100.

[0033] The insert pipe 30 is a substantially cylindrical pipe having a small-diameter inlet 31 and a large-diameter outlet 32. The inlet 31 side of the insert pipe 30 is inserted into the second outlet passage 23 of the valve body 20. The inner diameter of the inlet 31 of the insert pipe 30 is equal to the opening diameter of the communication port 24 of the valve body 20. A stopper 90 is housed in the outlet 32 ​​of the insert pipe 30, and the inlet 41 of the insert 40 is inserted into it. An O-ring 33 seals the gap between the insert pipe 30 and the second outlet passage 23. An O-ring 34 seals the gap between the insert pipe 30 and the insert 40.

[0034] The slit 40 forms the slit of a plug-in type connecting fitting known as a "Machino type." A push ring 50 is attached to the outside of the slit. A flange 51 is provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the push ring 50 to allow the push ring 50 to move along the outer periphery of the slit 40. A step 43 is formed on the outer periphery of the outlet 42 of the slit 40, protruding evenly in the diametric direction and capable of restricting the movement of the push ring 50.

[0035] The stopper 90 is made of a circular plate member and is sandwiched between the outlet 32 ​​of the insertion pipe 30 and the inlet 41 of the pierce 40. A circular insertion hole 91 is formed in the center of the stopper 90. The insertion hole 91 has an opening diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the shaft 70, and the shaft 70 is movably inserted through it. The shaft 70 inserted through the insertion hole 91 of the stopper 90 coincides with the central axis of the second outlet passage 23 of the valve box 20. The stopper 90 also has three approximately fan-shaped water passage holes 92 evenly spaced apart. The water passage holes 92 are radially arranged around the insertion hole 91. Water that flows into the insertion pipe 30 from the inlet passage 21 of the valve box 20 passes through the water passage holes 92 and flows out toward the pierce 40. The configuration of the stopper 90 is not particularly limited as long as it allows water to pass through and can stop the movement of the spring 80. For example, the stopper 90 may have a configuration in which a plurality of circular water-passing holes 92 are formed radially around the insertion hole 91.

[0036] The movable member 60 is configured by integrally forming an annular main body 61, three support rods 62, a female screw portion 63, and three guide pieces 64. The annular main body 61 functions as a plunger. The support rods 62 are arranged radially at an angle of 120° on the annular main body 61 and support the female screw portion 63 at the center of the annular main body 61. Each support rod 62 forms three openings 65 for allowing water to pass through. The guide pieces 64 are arranged on the back surface of the annular main body 61 at positions corresponding to each of the three support rods 62, at equal intervals. The outer surface of each guide piece 64 is curved with the same radius of curvature as the inner surface of the insert 40.

[0037] The valve disc 100 is a substantially disc-shaped member that functions as a piston. The diameter of the valve disc 100 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30 and the opening diameter of the communication port 24 of the valve box 20. This allows the valve disc 100 to enter and exit the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30 and the communication port 24 of the valve box 20. A female thread portion 101 is provided at the center of the valve disc 100. Three guide pieces 102 are integrally formed along the periphery of the annular upper surface of the valve disc 100. The guide pieces 102 are arranged at equal intervals from one another. The outer peripheral surface of each guide piece 102 is curved with the same radius of curvature as the inner peripheral surface of the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30. An O-ring 103 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the valve disc 100 as a sealing member.

[0038] The movable member 60, the spring 80, and the valve body 100 are assembled to the shaft 70 inserted through the insertion hole 91 of the stopper 90, thereby forming a structure for operating the valve body 100.

[0039] That is, a spring 80 is attached to the outside of the portion of the shaft 70 above the stopper 90. With this spring 80 interposed, the female thread portion 63 of the movable member 60 is threadedly engaged with a first male thread portion 71 provided at one end of the shaft 70. The spring 80 is held in a compressed state between the movable member 60 and the stopper 90. As a result, the spring 80 constantly generates a biasing force in a direction that pushes up the movable member 60. When the biasing force of the spring 80 is applied to the movable member 60, more than half of the movable member 60 is exposed to the outside through the outlet 42 of the insert 40.

[0040] Meanwhile, the female thread portion 101 of the valve element 100 is threadedly engaged with a second male thread portion 72 provided at the other end of the shaft 70. The valve element 100 is constantly subjected to the biasing force of the spring 80 via the shaft 70, and is placed inside the inlet 31 of the insertable pipe 30. At this time, the O-ring 103 of the valve element 100 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inlet 31 of the insertable pipe 30. As a result, the inlet 31 of the insertable pipe 30 is closed by the valve element 100. In other words, when the movable member 60 is in a free state where it is not subjected to any force other than the biasing force of the spring 80, the second outflow path 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is closed by the valve element 100.

[0041] When the movable member 60 is pushed into the outlet 42 of the insert 40 by a force opposing the biasing force of the spring 80, the valve disc 100 moves downward together with the shaft 70. As a result, the valve disc 100 exits the inlet 31 of the insertion tube 30 and enters the communication port 24 of the valve box 20. At this time, the O-ring 103 of the valve disc 100 comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the communication port 24 of the valve box 20. As a result, the communication port 24 of the valve box 20 is closed by the valve disc 100. In other words, when the movable member 60 is pushed into the outlet 42 of the insert 40, the second outlet path 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is opened and the first outlet path 22 is closed. In this way, the outlet path of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outlet path 22 to the second outlet path 23.

[0042] 3. Cap Next, the configuration of the cap 4 that constitutes the testing device for the fire hose 17 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4(a) to 4(c). The cap 4 is connected to the step portion 43 of the insert 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, and closes the tip opening of the insert 40 (see Figure 6).

[0043] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the cap 4 is a metal lid that is approximately circular in plan view. As shown in Figure 4(c), the cap 4 corresponds to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 and forms a socket for the above-mentioned "Machino-type" plug-in coupling fitting. The cap 4 includes a fitting 401, a clamping ring 402, multiple claws 403, a claw seat 404, a packing 405, and a rubber band 406.

[0044] The metal catch 401 has a generally cylindrical side wall into which the step 43 of the metal insert 40 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted, and a generally circular top wall that closes the opening at the tip of the metal insert 401. The inner diameter of the tip of the metal catch 401 is generally equal to the diameter of the step 43 of the metal insert 40. The clamping ring 402 is attached to the outside of the tip of the metal catch 401 and has a tip with an inner diameter generally equal to the diameter of the step 43 of the metal insert 40. Each claw 403 rests on a claw seat 404 provided between the tip of the metal catch 401 and the tip of the clamping ring 402. Each claw 403 is movable in the diametrical direction of the tip of the metal catch 401. A rubber band 406 is attached to the outer periphery of the clamping ring 402.

[0045] The packing 405 is provided along the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving metal fitting 401 and fits tightly against the outer circumferential surface of the step 43 of the insert 40. This blocks the flow of air inside and outside the second outflow passage 23 of the flow path switching valve 2. Here, the packing 405 of this embodiment is configured by integrally molding a substantially annular first wall portion located on the outside and a substantially annular second wall portion located on the inside. Such packing 405 has a substantially U-shaped cross section along its entire circumference, with the first wall portion contacting the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving metal fitting 401 and the second wall portion contacting the outer circumferential surface of the step 43 of the insert 40. When the pressure in the second outflow passage 23 increases, the second wall portion deforms inward, fitting tightly against the outer circumferential surface of the step 43 of the insert 40.

[0046] Here, a protrusion 401a for attaching a chain (not shown) is integrally formed on the metal receiving member 401 of the cap 4 in this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the protrusion 401a is located at the center of the generally circular top wall of the metal receiving member 401, and a single annular groove 401b is formed therein. One end of a chain (not shown) is connected to this annular groove 401b. By connecting the other end of the chain to, for example, the valve box 20 of the flow path switching valve 2, the cap 4 can be hung from the valve box 20 of the flow path switching valve 2 by the chain when not in use. This eliminates the need to provide a storage space for the cap 4 within the storage box of the fire hydrant 1. Furthermore, the cap 4 hanging from the chain can be quickly used when testing the fire hose.

[0047] 4. Flow path switching valve status when fire hydrant is extinguished Figure 5 shows the state of the flow path switching valve 2 when the fire hydrant 1 is extinguishing a fire. As shown in Figure 5, when a fire breaks out, the flow path switching valve 2 opens the first outlet path 22 and closes the second outlet path 23. In this state, an operator operates the opening / closing lever 15a of the fire hydrant 1 from the closed position to the open position. As a result, water supplied from the pump passes through the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 and the flow path switching valve 2, is supplied to the fire hose 17, and is released from the fire nozzle 18.

[0048] 5 indicate the flow of water passing through the flow path switching valve 2. Water supplied from the pump flows from the inlet passage 21 of the flow path switching valve 2 into the valve box 20, passes through the communication port 24, and flows out to the first outlet passage 22. The valve body 100 closes the second outlet passage 23, which is used for inspection, and the inlet passage 21 and the first outlet passage 22 are connected via the communication port 24. Therefore, water supplied from the pump to the fire hydrant 1 flows from the inlet passage 21 of the valve box 20 to the first outlet passage 22, and is supplied to the fire hose 17.

[0049] 5. Flow path switching valve status during fire hose testing Fig. 6 shows the state of the flow path switching valve 2 during testing of the fire hose 17. As shown in Fig. 6, when conducting a damage confirmation test of the fire hose 17, the cap 4 described above is plug-connected to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. This switches the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 from the first outflow path 22 to the second outflow path 23.

[0050] That is, when the cap 4 is plug-fitted to the insert 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, the inner surface of the top wall of the receiving bracket 401 pushes the movable member 60 into the outlet 42 of the insert 40, and the valve element 100 moves downward together with the shaft 70. This opens the second outlet path 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 and closes the first outlet path 22. In this way, the outlet path of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outlet path 22 during fire extinguishing to the second outlet path 23 during testing.

[0051] At the same time as the switching operation of the flow path switching valve 2 is completed, each of the claws 403 of the cap 4 engages with the end face of the step portion 43 of the insert 40. This maintains a strong plug-in connection between the cap 4 and the insert 40.

[0052] Here, the white arrows in Figure 6 indicate the flow of air injected into the fire hose 17. The air injected into the fire hose 17 flows into the first outlet passage 22 of the flow path switching valve 2 via a hose joint (not shown) and is blocked by the valve element 100, which closes the first outlet passage 22. As a result, the interior of the fire hose 17 reaches a predetermined air pressure used in the breakage confirmation test. Meanwhile, the plug-in connection between the cap 4 and the fitting 40 has a connection strength that can withstand the predetermined air pressure used in the breakage confirmation test. This connection strength fixes the valve element 100 in a position that closes the first outlet passage 22 against the air pressure.

[0053] In the unlikely event that the O-ring 103 of the valve body 100 deteriorates and causes the air injected into the fire hose 17 to leak from the first outlet passage 22 to the second outlet passage 23, the pressure inside the second outlet passage 23 will rise. In response to this pressure rise, the second wall portion constituting the packing 405 of the cap 4 will deform inward and come into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the step portion 43 of the insert 40. This prevents air from leaking from the second outlet passage 23, making it possible to maintain a predetermined air pressure inside the fire hose 17.

[0054] The plug-in connection between the cap 4 and the metal insert 40 is released by moving the push ring 50 along the outer circumferential surface of the metal insert 40. That is, when the push ring 50 is moved upward, the tip of the push ring 50 abuts against the inclined surfaces of the claws 403. This causes the claws 403 to retract in the radial direction of the tip of the metal insert 40, releasing the engagement between the claws 403 and the step 43. By removing the cap 4 from the metal insert 40, the movable member 60 is pushed up by the biasing force of the spring 80. This switches the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 from the second outflow path 23 during testing to the first outflow path 22 during fire extinguishing (see FIG. 5).

[0055] 6. Fire hose damage confirmation test The damage confirmation test for the fire hose 17 is carried out using an air pressure injection device 5 as shown in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the air pressure injection device 5 mainly comprises a compressor 501, an air injection valve 502, a pressure gauge 503, and an air vent valve 504, which are connected by piping 505.

[0056] When conducting a damage confirmation test for the fire hose 17, the cap 4 is plug-connected to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. This switches the outlet path of the flow path switching valve 2 from the first outlet path 22 during fire extinguishing to the second outlet path 23 during testing (see FIG. 6). As described above, the inlet of the fire hose 17 is connected to the secondary side of the first outlet path 22 of the flow path switching valve 2 via a hose joint (not shown). The fire nozzle 18 is removed from the outlet of this fire hose 17, and the outlet of the piping 505 of the air pressure injection device 5 is connected to the outlet of the fire hose 17. This completes preparations for the damage confirmation test for the fire hose 17.

[0057] Next, air vent valve 504 of air pressure injection device 5 is closed, air injection valve 502 is opened, and compressor 501 is operated. As a result, air pressure is injected from compressor 501 into the inside of fire hose 17. While checking pressure gauge 503, compressor 501 continues to operate until the inside of fire hose 17 reaches a predetermined air pressure. When the inside of fire hose 17 reaches the predetermined air pressure, air injection valve 502 is closed and compressor 501 is stopped. If the inside of fire hose 17 exceeds the predetermined air pressure, air vent valve 504 is opened and closed to adjust the inside of fire hose 17 to the predetermined air pressure. Once the inside of fire hose 17 reaches the predetermined air pressure, it is left as is, and pressure gauge 503 is checked to see if the air pressure decreases. If the air pressure inside fire hose 17 does not decrease as a result, it means that fire hose 17 is not damaged. On the other hand, if the air pressure inside the fire hose 17 decreases, the fire hose 17 may be damaged.

[0058] 7. Action and Effects The fire hose testing device and testing method of the present embodiment described above makes it possible to switch the outflow channel of the flow path switching valve 2 from the first outflow channel 22 during fire extinguishing to the second outflow channel 23 during testing simply by inserting the compact cap 4 shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c) into the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. This eliminates the need for any effort in attaching or detaching the cap 4, making it possible to perform a damage confirmation test on the fire hose 17 extremely easily and quickly.

[0059] In addition, during normal times when no damage confirmation test is being conducted on the fire hose 17, the cap 4 can be simply hung by a chain from the valve box 20 of the flow path switching valve 2, etc., and there is no need to secure a storage space for the cap 4 within the storage box of the fire hydrant 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the cap 4 adds a third function to the two functions of the flow path switching valve 2 described in JP 2021-25600 A and JP 2021-173296 A. In other words, by providing the cap 4, the flow path switching valve 2 can selectively function as a water discharge test valve for the fire hydrant 1, as an atmospheric release valve for smoothly discharging residual water in the fire hose 17, and as a breakage confirmation test valve for the fire hose 17.

[0061] 8.Other The fire hose testing device and testing method of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the fire hose testing device and testing method of the present invention can be used not only for fire hydrants but also for various firefighting equipment such as connected water pipes equipped with fire hoses and fire trucks.

[0062] Furthermore, the method of connecting the cap 4 and the insert 40 is not limited to the engagement between the claws 403 and the step 43 in the above-described embodiment. The method of connecting the cap 4 and the insert 40 is not particularly limited as long as it has a connecting force that can withstand the air pressure injected into the fire hose 17. For example, a connecting method in which a female thread provided on the inner surface of the approximately cylindrical cap 4 is threaded onto a male thread provided on the outer surface of the insert 40 may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Fire hydrant 10A Fire hydrant door 10B Fire extinguisher door 10C Maintenance door 11a, 11b handle 12 Red indicator light 13 Report button 14 Fire hydrant connection port 15 Fire hydrant valve 15a Opening / Closing Lever 16 Automatic pressure regulating valve 17 Fire Hose 18 Firefighting nozzle 19 Automatic drain valve 2 Flow path switching valve 20 Valve box 21 Inflow channel 22 1st outflow channel 23 2nd outflow channel 24 Contact point 30 Insertion tube 31 Inlet 32 Outlet 33, 34 O-ring (sealing material) 40 Insert 41 Inlet 42 Outlet 43 Step part 50 Push Ring 51 flange 60 Movable parts 61 Circular Body 62 Support rod 63 Female thread 64 Guide piece 65 Opening 70 shaft 71 First male thread 72 Second male thread 80 Spring 90 Stopper 91 Insertion hole 92 Water vent 100 Valve body 101 Female thread 102 Guide piece 103 O-ring 4 Cap 401 Bracket 401a protrusion 401b Ring groove 402 Clamping Ring 403 Nails 404 Claw seat 405 Gasket 5. Air pressure injection device 501 Compressor 502 Air injection valve 503 Pressure Gauge 504 Air vent valve 505 Piping

Claims

1. A fire hose testing device for checking whether a fire hose is damaged by air pressure, a flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of fluid flowing in from one inlet path to either a first outlet path or a second outlet path, and a cap capable of being coupled to a secondary side of the second outlet path, The flow path switching valve is a valve body having the inlet passage, the first outlet passage, and the second outlet passage provided therein; a valve body capable of closing either the first outflow path or the second outflow path; a spring that can cause the valve body to close the second outflow passage by applying a biasing force along the central axis of the second outflow passage, When the cap is coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow passage, the cap moves the valve body in a direction away from the second outflow passage against the biasing force of the spring, thereby placing the valve body in a position to close the first outflow passage; and The cap has a fastening force capable of withstanding air pressure injected into the fire hose to check whether the fire hose is damaged, and fixes the valve body in a position where the first outlet passage is closed against the air pressure. A fire hose testing device characterized by:

2. The flow path switching valve further includes a substantially cylindrical metal insert communicating with the second outflow path, and a push ring attached to the outside of the metal insert, A flange is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the press ring to move the press ring along the outer periphery of the insert, 2. The fire hose testing device according to claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the tip of the insert is formed with a stepped portion that protrudes uniformly in the diameter direction and is capable of restricting the movement of the push ring.

3. The cap is a receiving metal fitting having a substantially cylindrical side wall into which the step portion of the metal insert is inserted and a substantially circular top wall that closes a tip opening of the metal insert; a clamp ring attached to the outside of the tip of the receiving metal fitting and having a tip end with an inner diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the stepped portion of the insert metal fitting; a plurality of claws provided between the tip of the receiving metal fitting and the tip of the fastening ring, the claws being movable in a diameter direction of the tip of the receiving metal fitting; 3. The fire hose testing device of claim 2, comprising:

4. 4. The fire hose testing device according to claim 3, wherein the cap is provided along the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting and includes a substantially annular packing that fits tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion of the insert fitting, and the packing blocks the flow of air inside and outside the second outflow passage.

5. 5. The fire hose testing device according to claim 4, wherein the packing is formed by integrally molding a substantially annular first wall portion located on the outside and a substantially annular second wall portion located on the inside, and has a substantially U-shaped cross section around the entire circumference, the first wall portion contacting the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting, the second wall portion contacting the outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion of the insert fitting, and when pressure in the second outflow passage increases, the second wall portion deforms inward, thereby tightly adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion of the insert fitting.

6. 2. The fire hose testing device according to claim 1, wherein the cap is provided with a female or male thread that can be coupled to the secondary side of the second outlet passage, and the valve body is fixed in a position that closes the first outlet passage by the coupling force of the female or male thread.

7. an air pressure injection device for injecting air pressure into the fire hose; The air pressure injection device is a compressor for compressing the air; an air injection valve connected to the secondary side of the compressor; a pressure gauge connected to the secondary side of the air injection valve; an air vent valve connected to the secondary side of the pressure gauge; 7. A fire hose testing device according to claim 1, wherein the secondary side of the air vent valve is connected to the outlet of the fire hose.

8. A fire hose testing method using the fire hose testing device according to claim 7, comprising: a step of connecting the cap to the secondary side of the second outlet passage of the flow path switching valve; Injecting air pressure into the fire hose from an outlet of the fire hose, the inlet of which is connected to the secondary side of the first outflow path of the flow path switching valve; maintaining the air pressure injected into the fire hose; measuring the air pressure maintained within the fire hose; Test methods for fire hoses, including:

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