JP2003042817A - Flow rate measuring instrument for investigating common water and endoscope insert instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flow rate measuring instrument using an underground ball type hydrant and capable of investigating the flow rate, flow velocity, flow direction, rust lump, air bubbles, residual matter or the like in a tap water distribution pipe using common water. SOLUTION: The insertion rod 1 inserted in a water distribution pipe 73 in a watertight state from the hydrant 70, a holding means 2 for positioning the insertion rod 1 with respect to the hydrant 70, and the flow rate sensor 3 arranged to the leading end of the insertion rod 1, are provided. By this constitution, the flow rate, flow velocity and flow direction in the tap water distribution pipe can be investigated using common water.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device used for investigating water leakage, water quality, flow rate, flow velocity, flow direction, rust lumps, air bubbles, residuals, etc. in a water supply pipe without interruption. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many flow meters were fixed type at each water purification plant and distribution plant. A water quality monitor was installed near the water pipes at water purification plants. Further, when conducting the in-pipe inspection, the sluice valves 72 and 77 shown in FIG. 10 installed at appropriate intervals in the water distribution pipe were closed and water was cut off before the inspection.

[0003]

However, in the conventional method, it is difficult to control the water quality in the vicinity of the end of the pipe supplied to each household, and the water quality, flow rate, flow velocity and flow direction in the water supply distribution pipe, rust bumps, bubbles, It was not easy to conduct a mobile survey of remains. Furthermore, conducting water supply surveys inconveniences residents and stores, and also causes inconveniences such as red water coming out of the water supply after water supply interruption. Also, there was no such thing as in-pipe mapping.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main purpose is to conduct a total and movement investigation in a water distribution pipe by using underground fire hydrants installed at intervals of about 100 meters. It is to provide a device that can easily perform almost all pipes with uninterrupted water.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a flow rate measuring device for measuring the flow rate in a water distribution pipe from an underground fire hydrant connected to a water supply pipe without interruption. It is characterized by having the constituent requirements of (A) to (C). (A) An insertion rod that is inserted into the water pipe from the fire hydrant in a watertight state. (B) Holding means for positioning the insertion rod with respect to the fire hydrant. (C) A flow sensor installed at the tip of the insertion rod.

Further, preferably, in addition to the above constitution, the holding means is provided with the following constitutional requirements (A) to (D). (A) A lower frame whose lower end can be hooked on the flange of the fire hydrant. (B) An upper frame that is movably connected to the lower frame via a turnbuckle. (C) A guide portion which is held by the upper frame and has a lower end portion that can be attached to the mouthpiece of the fire hydrant and an upper end portion that allows the insertion rod to be pulled out upward in a watertight state via the packing. (D) A pressure jack held by the upper frame and installed on the upper end of the insertion rod via a spring.

Further, preferably, in addition to any of the above-mentioned constitutions, the data from the flow sensor is collected and recorded by a flow meter control unit installed in an upper part of the fire hydrant manhole. It is a vessel.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention relates to an endoscope inserter used when observing the condition inside a water pipe from an underground fire hydrant connected to a water supply pipe without interruption. It is characterized by having the following requirements (A) to (E). (A) An outer cylinder whose lower end is connected to the base of a fire hydrant and installed. (B) A camera guide arranged in the outer cylinder. (C) A feed rod that moves the camera guide up and down. (D) An endoscope that can move together with the camera guide. (E) A packing which is provided at the upper end of the outer cylinder and which allows the cable and the feed rod of the endoscope to be led out to the outside in a watertight state.

Preferably, in addition to the above structure, a guide rod is provided at a lower end portion of the camera guide so as to be vertically movable, and one end portion of a substantially V-shaped guide plate is provided on a side wall of the camera guide. In the endoscope insertion device, the guide plate is held, and the guide plate is pushed upward to rotate around the holding portion and have the other end thereof oriented in a substantially horizontal direction.

Further, preferably, in addition to any of the above-mentioned constitutions, the packing is a split seal which is installed so as to sandwich the feed rod or the cable of the endoscope from a side surface, and the feed rod and the inner portion. It is an endoscope inserter capable of advancing and retracting a cable of an endoscope and maintaining a watertight state.

Further, preferably, in addition to any one of the above-mentioned constitutions, the outer cylinder is provided with a water sampling port for feeding water to a water quality monitor, which is an endoscope insertion device.

[0012] Preferably, in addition to any one of the above-mentioned constitutions, the outer cylinder is provided with a handle which can be fastened to a handle provided on an upper end portion of the feed rod, and is an endoscope inserter. .

Further, preferably, in addition to any one of the above-mentioned constitutions, the outer cylinder is an endoscope insertion device in which a pressure gauge can be installed.

Further, preferably, in addition to any of the above-mentioned constitutions, the endoscope insertion device is characterized in that the cable of the endoscope is inserted into an outer cylinder through an ozone sterilizer.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a device for controlling the endoscope or recording an image sent from the endoscope, or the water quality monitor, which is equipped with the water quality monitor. The vehicle is characterized by being installed on a table that can be held substantially horizontally.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention relates to a fire hydrant socket attached to a base of a fire hydrant,
The outlet side of the fire hydrant socket is bifurcated, the flow meter or the endoscope inserter can be attached to one branch pipe, and the fire hose is connected to the other branch pipe. It is a fire hydrant socket characterized in that the other branch pipe can be opened and closed by a valve. As a result, even if an emergency fire extinguishing activity is required during the measurement, the fire extinguishing activity can be performed with the investigation device as it is.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following, more detailed description will be given based on an embodiment with reference to an apparatus for investigating a water supply pipe of the present invention, particularly a flow rate measuring device and an endoscope insertion device. In addition, in this embodiment, these devices are attached to the underground ball type fire hydrant 70. As shown in FIG. 10, this is provided vertically upward with respect to the water pipe 73 buried underground, and is usually installed in the fire hydrant box at intervals of about 100 meters. A saddle band 74 is arranged on the water distribution pipe 73, and water is supplied to each home from here. This underground ball-type fire hydrant is equipped with a repair valve 71.
The fire hydrant main body 75 is installed in the water distribution pipe 73 through the connection 1. A cap 13 connected to a fire hose is provided on the upper portion of the main body 75. A pipe path is provided in the main body 75 in the vertical direction, and a spherical ball 76 is arranged in the middle thereof. A through hole is formed in the ball 76 in the diameter direction. The ball 76 is rotatable by operating a handle arranged outside the fire hydrant body 75. Therefore, the valve can be opened by directing the through hole of the ball 76 coaxially with the pipe line extending from the water distribution pipe 73 to the cap 13 of the fire hydrant 70.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the flow rate measuring device of the present invention. The flow rate measuring device of the present embodiment is installed in the underground ball type fire hydrant 70 connected to the water supply water distribution pipe 73 as described above, and measures the flow rate from here.
The flow rate measuring device of the present embodiment has an insertion rod 1 inserted in a watertight state from a fire hydrant 70 into a water pipe 73, a holding means 2 for positioning the insertion rod 1 with respect to the fire hydrant 70, and a tip portion of the insertion rod 1. The flow rate sensor 3 installed in the above is provided as a main part.

The holding means 2 has a lower frame 4 whose lower end is hooked on the flange a of the fire hydrant 70 with the repair valve 71,
An upper frame 6 that is vertically movably connected to the lower frame 4 via a turnbuckle 5, and a lower end that is held in the center of an upper plate 6a of the upper frame 6 and can be attached to a cap 13 of a fire hydrant 70,
A guide portion 7 whose upper end can guide the insertion rod 1 upward in a watertight state via a packing 10, and a pressure which is held by the upper frame 6 and installed on the upper end of the insertion rod 1 via a coil spring 8. A jack 9 is provided.

By connecting the upper frame 6 and the lower frame 4 via the turnbuckle 5, vertical movement between both frame members can be performed smoothly and speedily. A packing box 11 is provided in the central portion of the upper surface of the upper plate 6a of the upper frame 6, and a substantially cylindrical packing 10 is arranged therein, and the insertion rod 1 penetrates the packing 10 in an airtight state. To be done. The insertion rod 1 can move up and down with respect to the packing 10. Further, the packing box 11 is integrated with the upper portion of the substantially cylindrical guide portion 7. Therefore, the fire hydrant 70
No water leaks out. A gate-shaped auxiliary upper frame 12 is erected and fixed on the upper surface of the upper plate 6a of the upper frame 6. The pressure jack 9 is provided on the upper surface of the auxiliary upper frame 12.
Is installed.

The insertion rod 1 is in the shape of an elongated round rod, and its tip is substantially hemispherical. A flow sensor 3 is installed on the peripheral side surface of the tip portion. The flow rate sensor 3 is arranged vertically from the tip of the insertion rod 1 so as to fit within the diameter of the water distribution pipe 73. In this embodiment, this flow sensor 3
The electromagnetic type is used. Although the number of sensors varies depending on the diameter of the water distribution pipe 73, when measuring a pipe line of 200 mm, five sensors are installed at equal intervals in the axial direction of the insertion rod 1. The flow rate can be measured with the average value.

The upper end portion of the insertion rod 1 is inserted into a substantially cylindrical spring seat 14 which opens only downward. Spring seat 14
The upper surface of is closed like a flat plate. A coil spring 8 is interposed between the upper end of the insertion rod 1 and the spring seat 14.

First, the fire hydrant 7 has such a structure.
The lower end of the lower frame 4 of the holding means 2 is hooked on the flange a of 0, and the lower end of the guide 7 is attached to the mouthpiece 13 of the fire hydrant 70. Since the lower end portion of the guide portion 7 has the same structure as the end portion of the fire extinguishing hose, the mouthpiece 1 of the fire hydrant 70 can be pushed with one touch.
3 can be attached in a watertight state. Then, by adjusting the turnbuckle 5, the upper frame 6 can be fixed to the lower frame 4 at a desired position. At this time, the tip portion of the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the guide portion 7. Next, the valve of the fire hydrant 70 is opened, and the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the water pipe 73 and the pressure jack 9
Push in. Even if the valve of the fire hydrant 70 is opened, water does not leak to the outside due to the packing 10 at the upper end of the guide portion 7. Further, when pushing the insertion rod 1, the coil spring 8 is tightened with the pressure jack 9, and when fully tightened, the nut 16 of the auxiliary upper frame 12 is securely fixed. Tighten with. By pushing in with the pressure jack 9, there is no risk that the insertion rod 1 will lose the water pressure and float up.

When the tip of the insertion rod 1 reaches the bottom of the water pipe 73, the measurement is started. Five flow rate sensors 3 are arranged at the tip of the insertion rod 1 in the present embodiment, and the measurement result can be taken out by a cable which passes through the inside of the insertion rod 1 and is guided upward. As a result, the water distribution pipe 73
It is possible to measure the flow rate and flow velocity in the interior.

As described above, since the flow rate at the location can be measured by using the flow rate measuring device, the leak of the water distribution pipe 73 or the like can be checked by utilizing this. Water pipe 73
In order to investigate the water leakage of the above, the flow rate at two points may be measured as shown in FIG. Whether or not there is water leakage can be determined by subtracting the flow rate on the downstream side and the usage of each household in between from the flow rate on the upstream side. Further, when it is desired to check the flow rate ratio where the water distribution pipe 73 is branched as shown in FIG. 3, the flow rate may be measured at each of the X point, the Y point and the Z point. And
By examining the amount of use of each household in the meantime, you can see what ratio is flowing into each pipe. For example, pipeline X-
It can be understood that the flow rate ratio between Y and the conduit X-Z is 7: 3. Then, based on the result, the water distribution pipe 73
It is also possible to change the desired flow rate by adjusting the valve. In other words, by being able to grasp and adjust the flow distribution, it is possible to effectively reduce problems such as water shortage in the area.

In the present embodiment, the data obtained from the flow meter is collected and recorded in the flow meter control unit 20 (FIG. 2). The flow meter control unit 20 may be installed on the road, or if the flow meter control unit 20 cannot be installed outside due to long-term measurement or road conditions, it may be installed in the upper part of the fire hydrant box. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the flow rate control unit 20 can be stored in the fire hydrant box by being hooked on the fire hydrant box so that the lid 21 of the fire hydrant box can be formed. Alternatively, a cable may be pulled into a vehicle, which will be described later, and may be collected in the vehicle stopped on the road.

Next, the endoscope inserter shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The endoscope inserter of this embodiment is provided with a water supply pipe 73
It is used to insert the endoscope 33 into the water distribution pipe 73 in order to observe the condition inside the water distribution pipe 73 without interruption from the underground ball type fire hydrant 70 connected to the. The endoscope inserter according to the present embodiment includes an outer cylinder 30 having a lower end connected to the base 13 of the fire hydrant 70, a camera guide 31 arranged in the outer cylinder 30, and the camera guide 31. A feed rod 32 that moves up and down, an endoscope 33 that can move together with the camera guide 31, and an upper end portion of the outer cylinder 30 are provided, and the cable 34 and the feed rod 32 of the endoscope can be led out to the outside in a watertight state. The packing 35 is provided as a main part. A guide rod 36 is provided at the lower end of the camera guide 31 so as to be vertically movable, and one end of a substantially V-shaped guide plate 37 is held on the side wall of the camera guide 31.

The outer cylinder 30 is composed of an upper cylinder 38 and a lower cylinder 39 which are vertically arranged in two stages. The upper cylinder 38 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having flanges at both upper and lower ends. The lower cylinder 39 has a flange c formed at the upper end, and the base 13 of the fire hydrant 70 at the lower end.
Is attached to the fire hydrant hose 7 because it has the same structure as the end of the fire hose.
It can be attached to the mouthpiece 13 of 0 in a watertight state. The outer cylinder 30 is configured by integrally connecting the lower flange b of the upper cylinder 38 and the upper flange c of the lower cylinder in a watertight state.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the upper portion of the outer cylinder 30 (38), with (A) being a sectional view and (B) being a plan view. As shown in this figure, on the upper flange of the upper cylinder,
The packing box 40 is installed in a watertight state. In addition,
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 41 is an O-ring. The packing box 40 has two through holes formed therein so that the feed rod 32 and the endoscope cable 34 can be led out upward.

FIG. 6 shows a camera guide 31 of the endoscope inserter.
It is a figure which shows the side, (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view seen from the front,
(B) is a vertical cross-sectional view seen from the side surface. As shown in this figure, the camera guide 31 arranged in the outer cylinder 30 is substantially cylindrical and is cut out by a half circumference at the lower end of the peripheral side surface (generally lower half in the illustrated example). Further, the lower end portion of the camera guide 31 has a plate-shaped auxiliary portion 53 directed inward in the radial direction.
Are extended and through holes are formed in the vertical direction.
A guide rod 36 is attached to this through hole, and the guide rod 36 is vertically movable. Moreover, since the upper and lower ends of the guide rod 36 are formed larger than the through holes, they do not fall out. A plate-shaped weight 50 is attached to the lower end of the guide rod 36, and the weight 50 normally causes the guide rod 36 to hang down. (Fig. 6 (B))

In the camera guide 31, a substantially rectangular hole f is formed on the peripheral side wall facing the cutout portion.
A substantially V-shaped guide plate 37 formed of a plate material is attached to the hole f. At that time, one piece 37a of the guide plate 37 is arranged in the hole f, and the other piece 37a.
The upper portion of the piece 37a is attached to the inner peripheral side surface of the camera guide 31 via the leaf spring 51 in a state where b is directed inward in the radial direction of the camera guide 31. When the guide rod 36 pushes the other piece 37b of the guide plate 37 upward, the plate spring 51 allows the other side of the guide plate 37 to rotate substantially horizontally.

A through hole g is provided at the center of the upper end of the camera guide 31.
Is formed, and the cable 34 of the endoscope 33 can be led out upward from the through hole g. A screw hole is formed at the upper end of the camera guide 31, and the tip of the feed rod 32 is screwed into the screw hole (52). The endoscope 33 housed in the camera guide 31 has a built-in balancer when checking the water pipe 73 having a large diameter, and is configured so that the top and bottom are correctly oriented, so that the top and bottom of the pipe can be reliably observed. it can.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a water sampling port 42 for feeding water to a water quality monitor and a handle 4 installed at the upper end of the feed rod 32 are provided on the outer peripheral side surface portion of the outer cylinder 30.
6 is provided with a handle 45 that can be fastened, a pressure gauge 43 for measuring water pressure, and an air vent 44.

Next, the use of the endoscope inserter shown in FIG. 4 of the above embodiment will be described. First, the lower end of the outer cylinder 30 is attached to the base 13 of the fire hydrant 70. Next, the valve of the fire hydrant 70 is opened. As a result, the inside of the outer cylinder 30 is filled with water. However, since the packing 35 is installed at the upper end portion of the outer cylinder 30, there is no fear of water leaking to the outside. By the way, the packing 35 is a split seal in which at least a part in the circumferential direction is cut out. Therefore, packing 3
5 is detachable so as to sandwich the feed rod 32 and the cable 34 from the side surface. Therefore, when replacing the packing 35, it is not necessary to pull out the cable 34 or the feed rod 32 of the endoscope from the end thereof. The packing 35 is housed in a packing box 40 having a smaller diameter than the packing box 40, so that the cable 34 of the endoscope and the feed rod 32 are firmly sandwiched in a watertight state.

Next, while pushing the feed rod 32 with the handle 46, the camera guide 31 is lowered to a position where it reaches the bottom of the water pipe 73. Even if the lower end portion of the guide rod 36 reaches the bottom of the water distribution pipe 73, the camera guide 31 can be further pushed down while pushing the guide rod 36 upward with respect to the auxiliary portion 53. Along with this, the guide plate 3
7 is pushed up by the guide rod 36 centering on the held one end until it becomes substantially horizontal. Then, when stopped, the handle 46 and the handle 45 are fastened with a string or a chain to fix the feed rod 32 so as not to be pushed up by water pressure. Then cable 3
While pushing 4 in, the endoscope 33 is advanced into the water pipe 73. At this time, the endoscope 33 can be reliably advanced along the guide plate 37 in the desired direction. If the guide plate 37 is not provided, the traveling direction of the endoscope 33 cannot be ensured, which hinders the work. However, in this embodiment, as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. Since the other piece 37b is oriented substantially horizontally, the endoscope 33 can be reliably advanced in the desired direction.

The endoscope 33 has a built-in camera body and a light for illumination. As shown in FIG. 7, the image from the camera is displayed on the main monitor in the vehicle through the cable 34 and is recorded by the recording device. In addition, the endoscope 33 can be remotely operated, so that it is possible to look at a problem area. Also, cable 3
Considering the extension distance of 4, almost all pipes can be surveyed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a usage state of the endoscope insertion device. As shown in this figure, the cable 3 of the endoscope 33 is
A cable length sensor 61 and a sub-monitor 62 are attached to the drum 60 around which 4 is wound. With the cable length sensor 61, it is possible to know the length of the inserted cable 34, and to know the position of the damaged portion or rust from the fire hydrant.
Further, the person pushing the cable 34 of the endoscope can temporarily stop the insertion at the damaged portion due to the presence of the sub-monitor 62 and intensively examine the portion.

Further, the cable 34 passes through the ozone sterilizer 63 before being pushed into the outer cylinder 30, so that even if it comes into contact with harmful substances falling on the road,
It is safe because no bacteria are brought into the water distribution pipe 73.

The water sampling port 42 of the outer cylinder 30 is connected to a water quality monitor with a hose or the like. As a result, the water coming out of the water sampling port 42 is sent to the water quality monitor. Then, pressure, dielectric constant, chromaticity, turbidity, etc. are checked. In addition, PH and residual chlorine can be measured.

As shown in FIG. 8, a device for controlling the endoscope 33 or recording an image sent from the endoscope 33 (camera control, DVD video) and a water quality monitor are installed in the vehicle in this embodiment. It will be installed. As a result, mobile site observation is possible and work efficiency is improved. Furthermore, by mounting other devices, mobile measurement is possible. Further, if the water quality monitor is not kept horizontal, its function cannot be sufficiently fulfilled, but in this embodiment, a table is mounted in the vehicle and the water quality monitor is installed on the table. This platform is equipped with a leveling mechanism. This is a two-stage adjustment system for front and rear and left and right, and adjustment is performed while looking at the level, so even if the vehicle is stopped on a slope, the water quality monitor can be kept horizontal for observation. That is,
By attaching the horizontal adjustment mechanism to the upper part of the lower vibration isolation rubber of the water quality monitor, it is possible to maintain the level and also to serve as vibration isolation during traveling.

Up to now, the equipment was directly connected to the fire hydrant, but it is preferable to use the fire hydrant socket so as not to hinder the fire fighting activity. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of this socket. This socket is made of a laterally T-shaped pipe material, and a mounting portion A for attaching the fire hydrant 70 to the cap 13 is formed at the lower end portion. The lower end A of the socket is a fire hydrant 70
It is attached to the base 13 of the. Exit side B, C
Is a fork and connects each device to one C. If it is necessary to carry out fire fighting during the work, connect a fire hose to the outlet of the other B so that the fire fighting will not be hindered. That is, A can be attached to the mouthpiece of the fire hydrant, and B is provided with the mouthpiece so that the fire hose can be attached. Also,
The C is arranged vertically with respect to the A, and the C is also provided with a base so that the above-mentioned equipment can be mounted. Further, a valve 90 is installed in B so that the conduit to B can be opened and closed. In addition, FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a fire hydrant socket. This socket is substantially Y-shaped and can be used in the same manner as the fire hydrant socket. In other words, the socket has a shape in which a branch pipe is provided upward in a substantially L shape from the middle of the pipe along the vertical direction. The lower end portion A of the pipe extending in the vertical direction is used as a mounting portion for the base of the fire hydrant 70 (town type base), and the upper end portion C is used as a mounting portion for the device of the present invention.
Further, the upper end portion B of the branch pipe is a mounting portion to the fire extinguishing hose via the opening / closing valve 90. In addition, each end B, C,
It is said to be the formula for the town.

According to the equipment of the above-mentioned embodiment, due to uninterrupted water,
It is possible to investigate water quality, flow rate, and endoscope. Also,
The underground station-type fire hydrant used for survey survey points is JWWA, which was used in April 1980 and has been used since 1980. However, this fire hydrant is located everywhere in the city centering on the water pipe. , You can get information where you need it. Furthermore, although the mapping of pipes is actively progressing, the device of the above embodiment can also take in information together with the mapping inside the pipe, and the replacement of pipes, red water or obstacle countermeasures can be quickly and surely viewed. . In addition, by using an endoscope inserter, it is possible to observe between pipes of about 70 meters, and between the fire hydrants is about 100 to 1
Although it is 20 meters long, it is possible to observe almost the entire length by observing from both fire hydrants. Since the in-pipe mapping is recorded / recorded, it is possible to observe the secular change or the like when the observation or measurement is performed next time, and it is possible to carefully consider the countermeasure.

Observation of the inner coating state, residuals, rust at the joint, accumulation of foreign substances, etc., bubbles contained in water stream, turbidity, so-called rust lumps, scales, bubbles etc. It is easy to set up a budget for construction work, etc., because it is clear what measures will be taken to prevent water leaks and to visually check components such as fine particles that settle on the bottom of the pipe.

Further, as described above, since the flow rate measuring device can measure the water at multiple points (fire hydrant) of the pipe without interruption, it is possible to obtain information that cannot be known until now. For example, it is possible to obtain information such as a flow distribution according to time, a flow direction, a flow velocity, etc. As a result, it becomes easy to adjust the valve to obtain the planned flow amount. With regard to water leakage investigation, by installing a flow rate measuring device between two points on the same piping line as shown in Fig. 2, it is possible to perform uninterrupted water measurement for 2-3 days without interruption. As a result, by calculating the amount of water used between these two points, the amount of water lost can be determined with considerable accuracy.

Further, the leakage confirmation can be narrowed down by considering the time zone and other factors. At this point, it is possible to find out how many meters from the fire hydrant there is a water leak point by performing detailed observation and measurement with the endoscope 33. In particular, since the camera illumination used in this embodiment uses a xenon lamp, it is easy to capture a bright image clearly. Furthermore, since the camera for water distribution pipes with a diameter of 150φ or more has a low tension endless rotation (with an automatic horizontal function), it is possible to specify even a partial portion of the pipe.

The flow rate measuring device and the endoscope insertion device of the present invention are not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in an endoscope inserter, when investigating a large water pipe, the size of the endoscope can be changed and the number of lights built into the endoscope can be increased. Further, the installation location of the pressure gauge can be changed as appropriate, and for example, it may be installed at the water intake port of the water quality monitor.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the fire hydrant is installed almost vertically to the water distribution pipe. However, as will be described below, the fire hydrant portion is substantially L-shaped.
It can also be applied to the case of being bent in a letter shape.

The Kitakyushu city-type fire hydrant 80 is known as a fire hydrant having a substantially L-shaped bend.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a state in which the endoscope insertion device of the present embodiment is installed in the Kitakyushu City fire hydrant 80, and FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a state in which the feed rod 32 is pushed in from the state of FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the state in which the endoscope 33 is fed into the water pipe 73 from the state of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the Kitakyushu city-type fire hydrant 80 is formed by integrating a horizontal pipe portion 81 and a vertical pipe portion 82 via an arc-shaped bent portion 83 formed below the vertical pipe portion 82. A tip portion of the horizontal pipe portion 81 is connected to a side surface of the water distribution pipe 73, and a mouthpiece (town type mouthpiece) 89 is provided on an upper portion of the vertical pipe portion 82, and a fire hose or the like is detachably provided.

In the case of such a fire hydrant 80, in the endoscope insertion device as described above, the feed rod 32 is not deformed, so that the endoscope 33 cannot be fed into the water pipe 73. Therefore, even in such a fire hydrant 80, the whole or a part of the feed rod 32 can be deformed so that the endoscope 33 can be fed into the water distribution pipe 73.

Below the feed rod 32 of this embodiment, a plurality of relatively short pipes 85 are connected. Each pipe 85 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a thin-walled inner connecting piece 86 whose outer peripheral surface side is cut upward is integrally formed at a position opposed to the upper end portion in the diametrical direction. Further, a thin outer connecting piece 87 whose inner peripheral surface is cut downward is integrally formed at a position diametrically opposed to the lower end of the pipe 85. The inner connecting piece 86 and the outer connecting piece 87 are , Are arranged coaxially. The adjacent pipes 85, 85 are connected to each other in a state where the outer connecting piece 87 at the lower end of the upper pipe 85 sandwiches the inner connecting piece 86 at the upper end of the lower pipe 85. At that time, the two diametrically opposed portions of the peripheral side wall are swingably connected by pin members 88, 88, respectively. The pin member 88 is linearly arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 85. Thus, the feed rod 32 that can be bent only in one direction is configured.

A camera guide 31 similar to that of the above embodiment is connected to the tip of the feed rod 32 having such a structure.
An endoscope 33 is housed in the camera guide 31. The upper end portion 32A of the feed rod 32 is in the shape of an elongated round bar similar to the above-mentioned embodiment. Then, these members are inserted into the outer cylinder 30, and the round bar 32A and the cable 34 are led out from the packing 35 at the upper end of the outer cylinder 30.

Next, using the endoscope inserter of this embodiment,
A method of inserting the endoscope 33 from the Kitakyushu City-type fire hydrant 80 into the water pipe 73 and investigating the condition of the pipeline will be described. First, with the valve (lift valve) 84 of the fire hydrant 80 closed, the lower portion of the outer cylinder 30 is connected to the mouthpiece 89 above the vertical pipe portion 82. Next, the valve 84 of the fire hydrant 80 is opened. This allows
Although the water from the water distribution pipe 73 enters the vertical pipe portion 82 and the outer cylinder 30, the water does not leak to the outside due to the packing 35 provided on the upper portion of the outer cylinder 30. In that state, the round bar 32A above the feed bar 32 is pushed downward. As a result, the endoscope 33 is connected to the fire hydrant 8 via the camera guide 31.
It is inserted into the vertical pipe portion 82 of the fire hydrant 80 from the base 89 of 0, and advances in the fire hydrant 80.

When passing through the bent portion 83 of the vertical pipe portion 82, the connecting portions of the plurality of pipes 85 below the feed rod 32 are bent along the bent portion 83,
The camera guide 31 bends from the vertical pipe portion 82 to the horizontal pipe portion 81 and further advances toward the water distribution pipe 73 side. In this way, if the lower end of the camera guide 31 comes into contact with the peripheral side surface of the water distribution pipe 73, the guide rod 36 pushes up the guide plate 37, and the feed rod 36 cannot be pushed any further, as in the case of the above-described embodiment. It will stop in the state. Therefore,
Next, the cable 34 may be extended so as to be inserted into the fire hydrant 80. As a result, the endoscope 3
3 is reliably sent from the camera guide 31 into the water pipe 73 along the guide plate 37.

By the way, the cable 34 of the endoscope may be passed through the pipe 85 which constitutes the lower portion of the feed rod 36, or may be taken out of the pipe 85 and along the feed rod 32. The length of the camera guide 31 is such that it can pass through the bent portion 83 below the vertical pipe portion 82, but may be longer than the diameter of the water distribution pipe 73 as long as it is within the length dimension. Further, the camera guide 31 may have a deformable structure similarly to the lower part of the feed rod 32.

When the endoscope 33 is fed into the water pipe 73,
The direction in which the guide plate 37 faces is unknown from the outside. Therefore, a mark indicating which direction the tip of the guide plate 37 is facing is provided with the handle 4 at the upper end of the feed rod 32.
6 is preferably provided.

For example, in the case of the rod-shaped handle 46, the handle 46 is installed on the feed rod 32 so that the axial direction of the handle 46 and the moving direction of the guide plate 37 are aligned, and the handle 4
By marking either end of 6, it is possible to know the direction of the guide plate 37 by the direction of the handle 46.
Similarly, in the case of the circular handle 46, the guide plate 3
If you place a mark at the position corresponding to the direction of 7,
Even if the handle 46 is rotated, the position of the guide plate 37 can be known.

As a result, when the endoscope 33 has to be inserted while being screwed in as well as pushing in the handle 46, the presence of the mark enables the direction in which the guide plate 37 is facing to be surely seen. The mirror 33 can be fed into the water pipe 73. Furthermore, mainly on fire hydrants,
Even when investigating in the opposite direction after investigating in one direction of the water pipe, even if the camera guide 31 is not pulled out from the fire hydrant, by rotating the handle 46, the feed rod 32 also rotates in conjunction with the camera guide 31. Since 31 as well as the guide plate 37 also rotates, it becomes possible to proceed with the work smoothly.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the packing box 40 has a flange d provided on the upper end of the outer cylinder 30.
Is provided with a mounting flange e via a packing 47, and the packing box 40 is provided with a bolt 48 on the mounting flange e.
Fixed by.

Further, at least one of the joint portion 52 of the feed rod 32 and the camera guide 31 or the joint portion 54 of the feed rod 32 and the handle 46 is detachably connected by screwing or the like, and is connected to the endoscope body 33. The tip portion of the cable 34 is also configured to be attachable / detachable by the connecting portion 55.

With such a structure, the feed rod 32 and the cable 34 of the endoscope can be removed from the packing box 40 and separated from the outer cylinder 30. Therefore, it is possible to carry only the cable 34 wound around the drum. That is, the endoscope 33, the feed rod 32, the camera guide 31, and the outer cylinder 30 can be transported separately from the cable 34,
If it is assembled at the work site at the time of use, it will not be bulky and can be easily transported, improving work efficiency.

Although the packing box 40 has been shown installed on the upper end of the upper cylinder 38, it may be installed on the upper end of the lower cylinder 39 via a flange or the like, or the fire hydrant 70. , 80 may be directly installed. In this case, the lower end of the packing box 40 is connected to the bases 1 of the fire hydrants 70 and 80 in the same manner as the lower end of the lower cylinder 39.
It has a structure that can be attached to 3,89. With such a structure, when it is difficult to attach the outer cylinder 30 to the fire hydrant 70, 80, the packing box 40 can be directly installed on the mouthpiece 13, 89 of the fire hydrant 70, 80 for work. It is possible.

When the endoscope 33 that cannot be housed in the camera guide 31 is used, the feed rod 32 and the camera guide 31 can be attached and detached. Use the device without In this case, by pushing the cable 34 of the endoscope from the packing box 40, the endoscope 33 of the large camera head can be directly fed to the water pipe 73.

Although the camera guide 31 has a structure in which the guide rod 36 pushes up the guide plate 37, the guide plate 37 may be integrally formed with the camera guide 31. However, the fire hydrants 70, 80 and the outer cylinder 3
The guide plate 37 is stored so as not to get in the way when it passes through 0, and the structure of the above-described embodiment in which the guide plate 37 is expanded after reaching the water distribution pipe 73 is more advantageous for guiding the endoscope 33. Can be said. Further, in the present embodiment, the method of using the present device for the water supply water distribution pipe has been described, but in addition to this, the present device may be used for a gas pipe or another pipe.

[0064]

As described above in detail, according to the flow rate measuring device and the endoscope insertion device of the present invention, the state inside the water distribution pipe can be easily examined. As a result, it is possible to perform pipeline mapping in which information such as flow rate, flow direction, water quality, and damaged parts in the water distribution pipe can be obtained. Further, since accurate water leak information can be obtained, it is easy to set a budget for measures against this.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an installed state in an embodiment of a flow rate measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where the flowmeter of the present invention is installed in a usage state.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a measurement example of a flow rate ratio at a branch portion of a water distribution pipe.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a usage state in one embodiment of the endoscope insertion device of the present invention.

5A and 5B show the upper part of the outer cylinder of the endoscope inserter according to the present invention, FIG. 5A being a sectional view and FIG. 5B being a plan view.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing a lower end portion of the endoscope inserter according to the present invention, in which FIG. 6A is a vertical sectional view seen from the front and FIG. 6B is a vertical sectional view seen from the side.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a usage state of the endoscope insertion device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the vehicle in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a fire hydrant socket according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a water supply pipe and an underground fire hydrant connected thereto.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a state where the endoscope inserter according to the present invention is installed in a Kitakyushu-type fire hydrant.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a use state of the endoscope inserter of the present invention with a Kitakyushu-type fire hydrant.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a state in which the endoscope is fed into the water pipe from the state of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing another example of a fire hydrant socket according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 insertion rod 2 holding means 3 Flow rate sensor 4 lower frame 5 turnbuckles 6 Upper frame 7 guidance section 8 springs 9 pressure jack 10 packing 20 Flow meter control unit 30 outer cylinder 31 Camera Guide 32 feed rod 33 endoscope 34 Endoscope cable 35 packing 36 Guide rod 37 Guide plate 40 packing box 42 Water sampling port 43 Pressure gauge 45 handle 46 handle 47 packing 63 Ozone sterilizer 80 Kitakyushu City Fire Hydrant 81 Horizontal pipe section 82 Vertical pipe section 83 Bent 84 valves (lift valve) 85 pipes 86 Inner connecting piece 87 Outer connecting piece 88 pin member

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A flow meter for measuring the flow rate in a water distribution pipe from an underground fire hydrant connected to a water supply pipe with uninterrupted water, the insertion rod being inserted into the water pipe from the fire hydrant in a watertight state, and this insertion rod. A flow rate measuring device comprising: a holding means for positioning the plug with respect to the fire hydrant, and a flow rate sensor installed at the tip of the insertion rod. 2. The holding means includes a lower frame whose lower end is hooked to a flange of a fire hydrant, an upper frame which is vertically movable with the lower frame via a turnbuckle, and a lower end which is held by the upper frame. A guide part that can be attached to the mouthpiece of the fire hydrant, and an upper end part that guides the insertion rod upward in a watertight state via packing, and is held by the upper frame, and a spring is inserted at the upper end part of the insertion rod. The pressure measuring instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure jack installed therein. 3. The data from the flow sensor is collected and recorded by a flow meter control unit installed in the upper part of the fire hydrant manhole.
Alternatively, the flow rate measuring device according to claim 2. 4. An endoscope inserter used when observing the inside of a water pipe from a fire hydrant connected to the water pipe with uninterrupted water, the lower end of which is attached to the mouthpiece of the fire hydrant. An outer cylinder, a feed rod to be inserted into the outer cylinder, a camera guide attached to the tip of the feed rod to guide the traveling direction of the endoscope, and provided on the upper end of the outer cylinder. An endoscope inserter comprising: a cable and a packing that guides the feed rod in a watertight state. 5. An endoscope inserter used when observing the inside of a water distribution pipe with uninterrupted water from an underground fire hydrant connected to a water supply pipe, the lower end of which is attached to the mouthpiece of the fire hydrant. An outer cylinder to be installed, a camera guide arranged inside the outer cylinder, a feed rod for moving the camera guide up and down, an endoscope movable together with the camera guide, and an upper cylinder provided at the upper end of the outer cylinder. An endoscope inserter, comprising: a packing that allows the cable and the feed rod of the endoscope to be led out to the outside in a watertight state. 6. The feed rod or a part thereof can be deformable so that the camera guide can be pushed out along a curved pipe line of a fire hydrant. Endoscope inserter. 7. The feed rod or a part thereof comprises a plurality of pipes connected in the vertical direction, and adjacent pipes have a lower end of an upper pipe and an upper end of a lower pipe. 7. The endoscope insertion according to claim 6, wherein the pin members are rotatably connected by diametrically inserted pin members, and each pin member is arranged along the axial direction of the feed rod. vessel. 8. The feed rod or a part thereof comprises a plurality of pipes connected in the vertical direction, and adjacent pipes have a lower end portion of an upper pipe and an upper end portion of a lower pipe. , Each of which is swingably connected by two pin members at diametrically opposite sides of the peripheral side wall, and the pin members are arranged along the axial direction of the pipe connected in the vertical direction, and inside the pipe. The endoscope inserter according to claim 6, wherein a cable of the endoscope is passed through. 9. A guide rod is provided at a lower end portion of the camera guide so as to be vertically movable, and one end portion of a substantially V-shaped guide plate is held on a side wall of the camera guide, and the guide rod is upwardly moved. The guide plate is pushed into
The endoscope inserter according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the other end is turned substantially horizontally by rotating around the holding part. 10. The packing is a split seal that is installed so as to sandwich the cable of the feed rod or the endoscope from the side surface, and is capable of advancing and retracting the cable of the feed rod and the endoscope and being watertight. The endoscope inserter according to any one of claims 4 to 9, which is held in a state. 11. A detachable structure is provided between the feed rod and the camera guide, or between the feed rod and a handle for operating the feed rod, and between the endoscope and its cable. The endoscope insertion device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, which is characterized. 12. The endoscope inserter according to claim 11, wherein a packing box accommodating the packing is detachably installed on an upper end portion of the outer cylinder or a cap of a fire hydrant. 13. The endoscope inserter according to claim 4, wherein the outer cylinder is provided with a water sampling port for feeding water to a water quality monitor. 14. The endoscope insertion according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the outer cylinder is provided with a handle that can be fastened to a handle provided on an upper end portion of the feed rod. vessel. 15. The endoscope inserter according to claim 4, wherein a pressure gauge can be installed in the outer cylinder. 16. The endoscope inserter according to claim 4, wherein the cable of the endoscope is inserted into an outer cylinder via an ozone sterilizer. 17. The traveling direction of the endoscope can be changed by rotating a handle installed on the upper end portion of the feed rod, according to any one of claims 4 to 16. Endoscope inserter. 18. The endoscope insertion device according to claim 17, wherein a mark indicating the direction of the tip portion of the guide plate is attached to the handle so that the traveling direction of the endoscope can be confirmed. vessel. 19. A device for controlling the endoscope according to any one of claims 4 to 18 or recording an image sent from the endoscope, or claim 13 to claim 1.
8. A vehicle characterized in that the water quality monitor according to any one of items 8 to 8 is installed, and the water quality monitor is installed on a table that can be held substantially horizontally in the front, rear, left and right. 20. A fire hydrant socket for emergency fire fighting activity, which is attached to a mouthpiece of a fire hydrant, wherein the outlet side of the fire hydrant socket is bifurcated, and one of the branch pipes is provided with one of claims 1 to 3. The flow rate measuring device according to any one of claims 4 to 18.
The endoscope inserter described in any of the above can be attached, a fire hose can be attached to the other branch pipe, and the other branch pipe can be opened and closed by a valve. Characteristic fire hydrant socket. 21. When observing the situation inside the water pipe from the fire hydrant connected to the water pipe with uninterrupted water, the cable of the endoscope detachably attached to the fire hydrant and put in the water pipe is moved in a watertight state and moved back and forth. A packing box characterized by containing packing that can be led out to the outside. 22. A camera guide for guiding a traveling direction of an endoscope used when observing a situation inside a pipe, wherein the endoscope is turned into a main pipe by tilting a lower end portion of the camera guide. A camera guide characterized by being sent out. 23. A camera guide for guiding a traveling direction of an endoscope inserted from a branch pipe toward the main pipe to observe the inside of the pipe with the endoscope from the branch pipe toward the main pipe. A guide plate that is movable to a position where the endoscope is sent from the branch pipe toward the main pipe by being pushed from the branch pipe to the peripheral side surface of the main pipe. ,
A camera guide, wherein the camera guide is arranged along the branch pipe, and in the pushed state, the tip end portion is movable so as to expand toward the main pipe side.