JP2002365371A - Pipe connection confirmation device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pipe connection confirmation device and a method for confirming the presence of a pipe connection or a connection system by transmitting a sound from either one of a pipe or a gas meter and detecting sound by the other. SOLUTION: This device comprises a sound transmitting means, such as a hammer 2 for transmitting the sound into the pipe 10 to be confirmed, a sound sensor 3 mounted on a pressure inspecting hole 14 provided in the vertical pipe of the gas meter to detect the sound propagated in the pipe connected to the gas meter, and an indicator 4 and headphone 4' as confirmation means for examining the presence of the connection of the pipe 10 with the gas meter 15 on the basis of the signal detected by the sound sensor 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a piping connection confirmation device and a piping connection confirmation device for identifying a piping and confirming a connection state of a piping when performing a gas piping work.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When removing existing pipes or constructing additional pipes, it is necessary to distinguish gas pipes buried on roads from buried pipes such as other water pipes and unused gas pipes. In addition, since gas pipes and other pipes installed in an apartment house, especially water pipes, are similar in appearance to gas pipes, it is often difficult to identify gas pipes. In addition, it is necessary to identify the customer to which the supply pipe is connected, and to check the connection status of the pipe. Therefore, conventionally, for example, as a method of detecting a pipe route, an electromagnetic induction type locator which detects an electromagnetic induction magnetic field generated at that time by passing an electric current through a pipe (in the case of a non-conductive pipe, a wire attached along the pipe). Also, radar-type locators are known. However, these are effective in that they can detect the path of the buried pipe without excavating them, but have problems in that they require skill in operation and that the equipment is expensive. One of the methods for identifying pipes is an ultrasonic method, a neutron method, or a heat conduction method as a gas pipe / water pipe discriminator, but it is used depending on the condition of the pipe to be inspected, for example, a surface condition. In some cases, it is not possible, and the apparatus is expensive.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first problem is that sound is transmitted from a pipe side and propagates through a test hole of a vertical pipe of a gas meter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pipe connection confirmation device and a method for detecting the presence or absence of pipe connection by detecting the sound of the pipe connection. A second object of the present invention is to transmit a sound from the gas meter side into the supply pipe, and separately detect sounds propagating inside the supply pipe take-out part (service cheese) and inside the main pipe on the extension of the supply pipe. Another object of the present invention is to provide a piping connection confirmation device and a method for confirming a piping connection system based on a signal difference.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a pipe connection checking device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound into a pipe to be checked and a gas meter stand are provided. A sound sensor that is attached to a pressure detection hole provided in the pipe and detects a sound propagating in the pipe connected to the gas meter, and a connection between the pipe to be checked and the gas meter based on a signal detected by the sound sensor. And a means for confirming whether or not there is any technical measure. Further, according to the invention of the pipe connection confirmation device of claim 2, a sound transmission means for transmitting a sound from the gas meter side into the supply pipe, and a sound transmission means inserted into a supply pipe takeout portion provided in a branch path between the main pipe and the supply pipe, A sound sensor for detecting sound in the supply pipe take-out section and in the main pipe communicating with the supply pipe, and comparing the signals in the supply pipe take-out section and the main pipe detected by the sound sensor,
There is provided a technical means for providing a checking means for checking a connection system between the supply pipe and the gas meter based on the difference.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sound transmitting means according to the first aspect of the present invention transmits a sound by hitting a pipe with a hitting tool, or transmits a sound by a sound transmitter.
Technical measures are taken such that the sound sensor comprises a microphone and includes an external display device for displaying a detected signal. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the sound sensor according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises two microphones arranged vertically and compares the strength or detection time of each detected signal, and determines the difference in strength or time difference. And an external display device for displaying the connection system determination result.

Further, according to the invention of the pipe connection confirming method of claim 5, a sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound into the pipe to be confirmed,
A sound sensor that is attached to a pressure measurement hole provided in a standing pipe of a gas meter and detects sound propagating in a pipe connected to the gas meter; and a pipe and a gas meter to be checked based on a signal detected by the sound sensor. And a means for confirming whether or not there is a connection with the device. Further, in the invention of the pipe connection confirmation method according to claim 6, a sound transmission means for transmitting a sound from the gas meter side into the supply pipe, and a sound transmission means inserted into a supply pipe take-out portion provided on a branch path between the main pipe and the supply pipe, A sound sensor for detecting sound in the supply pipe take-out section and in the main pipe communicating with the supply pipe, and comparing the signals in the supply pipe take-out section and the main pipe detected by the sound sensor,
There is provided a technical means for providing a checking means for checking a connection system between the supply pipe and the gas meter based on the difference.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a piping connection confirmation apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The pipe connection checking device 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, for excavating a road and burying an existing gas pipe 2 to supply city gas to a new customer.
When performing a gas piping work for connecting a supply pipe for a new customer to a main pipe or a supply pipe, a plurality of pipes 10 to be confirmed, which are confusing in appearance, are exposed from an excavation hole. Is used to identify

The pipe connection confirming device 1 includes a hitting tool 2 as a sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound into a pipe 10 to be confirmed.
, A sound sensor 3, and a display meter 4 and headphones 4 'as confirmation means. The sound transmission means is the pipe 10
In the case of the present embodiment, a hitting tool 2 such as a hammer for hitting the pipe 10 to generate a hitting sound.
Consists of The pipe 10 to be checked is intermittently hit with the hitting tool 2 to emit a hitting sound into the pipe 10. It should be noted that a sound transmitter described later may be used instead of the hitting tool 2.

Next, the sound sensor 3 is a sensor for detecting a striking sound transmitted by a sound generating means such as the striking tool 2 or the like.
In the present embodiment, a striking sound in the pipe is detected using a microphone. In the present embodiment, the sound detected by the sound sensor 3 is converted into an electric signal, and the inspector visually and audibly checks the strength (presence / absence) of the sound input by the indicator 4 and the headphone 4 'as the confirmation means. The pipe connection is determined by confirming. Instead of the inspector manually determining the pipe connection using the indicator and the headphone, the confirmation means is provided with a determination means, and the “connection” between the pipe 10 and the gas meter 15 based on the detected sound is provided. Alternatively, it may be an external display device that determines “non-connection” and displays the result, or a recorder that records the detected sound.

A specific example will be described below with reference to FIG.
Here, the gas is branched from the main pipe 20a buried in the road by the service cheese 17 at the supply pipe take-out part, and the supply pipe 2
0b and the gas meter 15 via the supply pipe 20b.
To be supplied to a gas appliance (not shown) of a consumer. A pressure measurement hole 14 is provided in the middle of the gas meter standing pipe 12.

Therefore, when a plurality of pipes 10 that are confusing in appearance are exposed as a check target from an excavation hole obtained by excavating a road, the sound sensor 3 is attached to the inspection hole 14 of the gas meter 15. Here, the mounting structure of the sound sensor 3 to the test hole 14 is not particularly limited as long as the sound can be collected. For example, the sound sensor is integrated with a cap or a screw (not shown) closing the test hole 14. Alternatively, the sound may be detected by replacing the cap or the screw with the existing cap or screw in the test hole 14 and attaching it. The sound sensor 3 is connected to a display meter 4 and a headphone 4 'as checking means.

After being set in this manner, there are a plurality of pipes 10 exposed in the drilling holes, and a pipe 10 to be checked is selected from among them, and the pipe 10 is hit with
A striking sound is generated intermittently within zero. The sound detected by the sound sensor 3 can be visually and audibly checked by the inspector using the indicator 4 and the headphones 4 ′. However, when the pipe 10 is not connected to the gas meter 15, the hitting sound is not transmitted. Inspectors will not hear the impact sound.

On the other hand, when the pipe 10 to be checked is connected to the gas meter 15, the blow sound is transmitted, so that the inspector can check the blow sound. In the above embodiment, since the site is far away, the inspector performs the inspection while separating the excavation site and the gas meter side and communicating with each other with a transceiver or the like, but the inspection can be performed by only one inspector at the excavation site. As a confirmation means, a recorder for recording the sound detected by the sound sensor 3 may be used, or the sound detected by the sound sensor 3 may be wirelessly transmitted, and an inspector operating the hitting tool may monitor the sound on site. Headphones or small speakers that can be used may be used.

Next, a pipe connection checking device 1 according to a second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 cuts an old part of a gas pipe laid in an apartment house when the part is old, and newly installs the pipe. When performing gas construction to connect the gas pipe 30 to the existing gas pipe 22 indoors, the pipe shaft P of the apartment house includes:
There are multiple pipes 10 'that are confusing in appearance, such as water pipes,
In particular, if the building is old and cannot be identified on the plumbing drawings,
Further, it is used when it is difficult to identify the existing gas pipe 22, for example, when the concealing portion or the like is present and the piping route cannot be visually confirmed.

Here, the piping connection confirmation device 1 has the same configuration as the above embodiment. Therefore, the sound sensor 3 is attached to the test hole 14 of the standing pipe 12 of the gas meter 15 of the customer, and the pipe 10 'to be checked is hit with the hitting tool 2 to emit a blow sound into the pipe 10'. And the piping 1 to be checked
If 0 ′ is a gas pipe, the sound sensor 3 can detect an intermittent sound, so that it can be distinguished from another pipe 10 ′ such as a water pipe, and a new gas pipe 30 can be connected. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

The piping connection confirmation device 1 of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 includes a supply pipe 20b connected to the same main pipe 20a.
This is for confirming the connection system of the supply pipe 20b when there are a plurality of pipes. For example, when a plurality of supply pipes 20b connected to the same main pipe 20a emerge from an excavation hole at the time of reconnection work or original rearranging work (removal of unused supply pipes), the use of the supply pipes 20b is performed. It is used for discriminating between a pipe and an unused pipe, and for specifying a consumer connected to the supply pipe 20b.

The pipe connection confirmation device 1 comprises a sound transmitter 2 as a sound transmitter for transmitting a sound into the supply pipe 20b via a gas meter 15 of a customer, a sound sensor 3, and a display meter as a confirmation unit. 4 is provided. The sound transmitter 2 has a structure in which a bell is hit with a hitting rod driven by a small electric motor, and is attached to the gas meter 15 to emit sound inside the supply pipe 20b. Instead of the sound transmitter 2, the housing of the gas meter 15 or the downstream pipe in contact with the housing of the gas meter 15 may be lightly tapped with the hitting tool such as the hammer of the above-described embodiment to transmit the sound into the supply pipe 20b.

Next, the sound sensor 3 has a configuration in which two microphones are vertically connected at predetermined intervals, and voices input by the respective microphones are separately output. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the microphone serving as the lower second sensor 3b is a service cheese 17 serving as a supply pipe outlet.
Is inserted into the main pipe 20a and penetrates into the main tube 20a.
The interval is set to stop within.

In the case of the illustrated example, the sound sensor 3 is provided integrally with a stopper for closing the service cheese 17, and is connected to a display meter 4 as an example of checking means. When attaching the sound sensor 3 to the service cheese 17, the connection system can be confirmed without shutting off the gas by performing the gas-free ejection method (no blowback).

The display unit 4 compares the respective intensities of the sounds detected by the first sensor 3a and the second sensor 3b from the detection results of the sound sensor 3, and determines the connection system determination result based on the difference in intensity. It is displayed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when a plurality of supply pipes 20b are exposed from the borehole, a sound sensor comprising a double microphone is connected to the service cheese 17 to which the supply pipe 20b to be checked is connected. 3 and the sound transmitter 2 is attached to the gas meter 15 of the customer to be checked. The sound transmitted from the sound transmitter 2 propagates through the supply pipe 20b, reaches the service cheese 17, is detected by the first sensor 3a inside the service cheese 17, and further propagates to the main branch pipe 20a, and It is detected by the second sensor 3b installed inside the branch pipe 20a.

Here, since the sound propagating in the pipe has a property of being reflected and attenuated at a branch portion such as the service cheese 17 and a portion where the pipe diameter changes, if this property is utilized, the supply pipe 20b may be extended. Service cheese 17 connected to
There is a difference in the detected sound intensity between the inside of the main pipe 20a and the inside of the main pipe 20a.

For example, as for the sound transmitted from the customer 1, a loud sound is detected by the first sensor 3a inside the service cheese 17, and a sound smaller than the first sensor 3a is detected by the second sensor 3b installed inside the main branch pipe 20a. Detect (intensity: first sensor> second sensor). Conversely, the sound transmitted from the consumer 4 is
The sound propagates through the supply pipe 20b 'connected to the customer 4 and propagates through the main pipe 20a, but the sound intensity detected by the sound sensor 3 is higher than that of the first sensor 3a.
b is larger (intensity: first sensor <second sensor). Accordingly, the direction of sound propagation can be determined by comparing the loudness of the sound detected by the first sensor 3a and the loudness detected by the second sensor 3b, and the connection system between the gas meter 15 and the service cheese 17 is determined and confirmed. it can.

FIG. 6A shows an experimental example using a simulated pipe. In the realization place, there is noise from the governor and the like. Therefore, the test was performed with the speaker S attached to the main pipe piece 20a side of the simulated pipe and pseudo noise inserted into the pipe. The double microphone of the sound sensor 3 was installed at the service cheese (point A) connected to the supply pipe 20b of the gas meter 15 of the first customer.

As can be seen from the experimental result chart shown in FIG. 6B, when sound is transmitted from the gas meter 15 of the customer 1 into the supply pipe 20b, the intensity of the sound detected by the double microphone is , The sound of the first sensor 3a> the sound of the second sensor 3b. Further, when sound is transmitted from the gas meter 15 of the customer 2 into the supply pipe 20b ', the intensity of the sound detected by the first sensor 3a is not higher than that of the second sensor 3b. From this, it can be determined that the gas meter 15 of the first customer and the service cheese 17 at the point A are connected by the same supply pipe 20b.

In the above embodiment, the determination is made based on the difference in the intensity of the sound received by the dual microphones. However, the connection system is determined based on the difference in the arrival time of the sound (signal) received by each microphone. You may. That is, in FIG.
Sound from the first sensor 3a rather than the second sensor 3b
Is detected early, and the sound transmitted from the customer 2 is the first sensor 3
Since detection is performed earlier by the second sensor 3b than a, the propagation path (direction) of the sound can be determined by comparing before and after the detection, and the connection system can be determined and confirmed.

In each of the above embodiments, an example in which a sound transmitter or a hitting tool is used as the sound transmitting means has been described. However, in the present invention, any vibration that can be identified and transmitted to the pipe may be used. The sound may not be an audible sound, and may be generated mechanically or manually. The sound sensor is not limited to a microphone, but may be any sensor that can receive the vibration. Further, the checking means may be any means as long as it outputs data for the inspector to determine the presence or absence of connection based on the signal received by the sound sensor, and is not limited to the above embodiment. Others
In short, it goes without saying that various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028]

According to the present invention, the presence or absence of connection between the gas meter and the pipe can be confirmed by using sound. Further, the connection system to which the gas meter of the customer is connected to the pipe can also be confirmed by using sound and detecting at two places in the service cheese and the main branch. As a result, in the present invention, the pipe connection can be confirmed by a simple and inexpensive method, which is extremely useful.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a pipe connection confirmation method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a pipe connection confirmation method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a piping connection confirmation method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a piping connection confirmation device and method according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement of sound sensors in the service cheese of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of an experimental example in which the simulated pipe of the third embodiment is shown in a diagram, and FIG. 6B is a chart diagram of detection results of experimental sounds by the first and second sensors.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Piping connection confirmation apparatus 2 ... Hitting tool and sound transmitter as an example of sound transmission means 3 ... Sound sensor 3a ... 1st sensor 3b ... 2nd sensor 4 ... Indicator 4 'Headphones 10, 10' ... Piping 12 ... Standing pipe 13 ... Meter cock 14 ... Measuring hole 15 ... Gas meter 17 ... Service cheese 20 ... Existing gas pipe 20a ..Main branch pipes 20b, 20b '.. Supply pipes 22: existing gas pipes indoors 30: new gas pipes

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takayuki Nagatsuka 2-8-8 Ichikawaminami, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba F-term in Keiyo Gas Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2G047 AA01 AB01 BC02 BC03 CA01 CA03 GG28 GG30

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound into a pipe to be checked, and a sound for detecting a sound propagating through a pipe connected to the gas meter by being attached to a pressure detection hole provided in a standing pipe of a gas meter. A pipe connection confirming device, comprising: a sensor; and a confirming means for examining whether or not a pipe to be confirmed is connected to a gas meter based on a signal detected by the sound sensor. 2. A sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound from the gas meter side into the supply pipe, and inserted into a supply pipe take-out part provided in a branch path between the main pipe and the supply pipe to communicate with the supply pipe take-out part. A sound sensor for detecting sound in the main pipe and a signal in the supply pipe take-out section and a signal in the main pipe detected by the sound sensor, and a connection system between the supply pipe and the gas meter based on a difference therebetween. A pipe connection confirmation device, comprising: a confirmation means for examining a pipe connection. 3. A sound transmission means, wherein a sound is transmitted by hitting a pipe with a percussion device, or a sound is transmitted by a sound transmitter, and a sound sensor is formed of a microphone, and an external device for displaying a detected signal. The piping connection confirmation device according to claim 1, further comprising a display device. 4. An external sound sensor comprising two microphones arranged vertically, comparing the strength or detection time of each detected signal, and displaying a determination result of a connection system based on the strength difference or time difference. The piping connection check device according to claim 2, further comprising a display device. 5. A sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound into a pipe to be checked, and a sound which is attached to a measuring hole provided in a standing pipe of a gas meter and detects a sound propagating in a pipe connected to the gas meter. A pipe connection checking method, comprising: a sensor; and checking means for checking whether or not a pipe to be checked is connected to a gas meter based on a signal detected by the sound sensor. 6. A sound transmitting means for transmitting a sound from the gas meter side into the supply pipe, and inserted into a supply pipe take-out part provided in a branch path between the main pipe and the supply pipe to communicate with the supply pipe take-out part. A sound sensor for detecting sound in the main pipe and a signal in the supply pipe take-out section and a signal in the main pipe detected by the sound sensor, and a connection system between the supply pipe and the gas meter based on a difference therebetween. And a checking means for checking the piping connection.