JP2003294648A - Inspecting apparatus of inside of pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspecting apparatus of the inside of a pipe of an inspecting apparatus in a system for inserting a sensor body into a pipe to be inspected while rotating the sensor body, and has improved wire passage capacity at the bending joint section of the inside of the pipe to be inspected by contriving the shape or the like of the sensor body. <P>SOLUTION: The inspecting apparatus 1 of the inside of the pipe comprises the sensor body 11, and a tubular or rod-like support 12 that is connected to the base edge of the sensor body 11 for inserting the sensor body 11 into the pipe to be inspected. The sensor body 11 comprises a detection means for grasping the condition inside the pipe to be inspected and a covering member for covering the detection means. The covering member has a plurality of projections 11a, 11b at the tip side of the sensor body 11, and at the same time a cross section in an axial direction at a site other than the projections is nearly in an elliptic shape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an in-pipe inspection device in which a sensor main body including an image pickup optical system, an eddy current flaw detection type sensor, etc. is configured to be freely inserted into and removed from a pipe such as a gas pipe or a water pipe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to inspect foreign substances in a pipe, detect a joint position, measure a pipe diameter, and the like, a method of inserting a sensor main body having a camera, lighting, etc. into the pipe and inspecting it has been known. It has been implemented. As a method of inserting such a sensor body into the pipe, for example, a method of driving a sensor body mounted on a vehicle by wheel drive has been used.

Further, as described in JP-A-5-126752, there is also known a device that uses two balloons and a telescopic mechanism to move the inside of a pipe by an operation similar to that of a scale insect.

In the above-described self-propelled method by driving the wheels, in order to obtain sufficient pulling force of the cable, it is necessary to increase the weight of the vehicle or the like in order to increase the friction between the wheels and the inner wall of the pipe, and the operability is poor. Not only that, but the sensor body also becomes relatively large, which makes it difficult to use for small-diameter pipes.

Further, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 126752
The device described in Japanese Patent Publication has a problem that the mechanism for performing the same operation as that of the scale insect is complicated, the moving speed of the sensor main body is slow, and the wire connecting ability at the bending joint portion is low.

Further, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 62-49761, a device in which a coil wire is connected to a sensor body and the coil wire is rotated and propelled by a screw-shaped propulsion mechanism (the propulsion speed of the coil wire is a screw when rotating). The feed pitch, which corresponds to the pitch between the coil wires, is described.

However, when the above-mentioned coil wire is used as a method for inserting the sensor body into the pipe, it is necessary to soften the coil wire (to reduce the elastic constant) in order to enhance the wire passing ability at the joint portion of the pipe. ,
There is a problem that it becomes more difficult to efficiently transmit the rotational force to the tip of the coil wire to which the sensor body is connected, as the coil wire becomes longer. On the other hand, if the coil wire is hardened (the elastic constant is increased) in order to efficiently transmit the rotational force, the flexibility is lowered, and thus the wire passing ability in the bending joint portion is lowered. It is difficult to determine the optimum elastic constant of the coil wire that can solve both of these contradictory problems, and it is currently necessary to properly use the elastic constant according to the situation of the piping. Further, since the propelling speed of the coil wire corresponds to the pitch between the coil wires, there is a problem that the inserting speed of the sensor body becomes slow.

On the other hand, the outer shape of a general sensor body is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, it is formed in an axially symmetrical shape (for example, an elliptic sphere). Here, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for explaining a schematic outer shape of a test capsule and a state in which the test capsule is propelled in the test tube in a general in-tube test device.
(A) is an explanatory view for explaining how the test capsule is propelled, (b) is a front view of the test capsule, and (c) is a side view of the test capsule. As shown in FIG.
Consider a case where the support 12 'connected to the base end of the sensor body 11' is inserted into the tube S to be inspected arranged in the horizontal plane while rotating it clockwise. In this case, at the step portion S1 of the bending joint that bends leftward, the sensor body 1
It is easy for the 1'to abut and to be in a struck state. It is considered that this is because when the support body 12 ′ is rotated clockwise, the support body 12 ′ tends to move along the right inner wall of the test tube S. Once in such a state, even if the support body 12 'continues to rotate, the sensor body 11' continues to rotate at the same place with the position where it comes into contact with the portion of the bending joint indicated by reference numeral S11 as a fulcrum. There is also a problem that it becomes difficult to pass the wire. Also, even when passing a bending joint that bends to the right,
The probability is low, but it can be caught in the same way. As described above, the general shape of the sensor body 11 'has a problem that the wire passing ability is low particularly in a bending joint bent in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the support body 12'.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is an inspection device of the type in which a sensor main body is inserted into a pipe to be inspected while rotating it. A first object of the present invention is to provide an in-pipe inspection device having an excellent wire passing ability in a bending joint portion in an inspected pipe by devising a shape of a sensor body. A second object is to provide an in-pipe inspection apparatus that is capable of efficiently transmitting a rotational force to the sensor main body, and is also excellent in flexibility and, as a result, is excellent in the line passing ability in the inspected pipe. Further, it is a third object to provide an in-pipe inspection device capable of increasing the insertion speed of the sensor body.

[0010]

In order to solve the first problem, according to the present invention, as described in claim 1, the sensor main body and the base end of the sensor main body are connected to each other, and An in-pipe inspection device comprising a tubular or rod-shaped support for inserting the sensor body, wherein the sensor body includes detection means for grasping the condition inside the inspected pipe, and a cover covering the detection means. In the pipe, the cover member has a plurality of convex portions on the tip side of the sensor body, and the axial cross section of the portion other than the convex portions is substantially elliptical. An inspection device is provided.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor main body is provided with the cover member having the plurality of convex portions on the tip end side. Therefore, as will be described later, the sensor main body contacts the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected. By rotating with the contacting convex portion as a fulcrum, it becomes easy to pass a wire even in a bending joint portion bent in a direction opposite to the rotation direction. In addition, since the axial cross section of the portion other than the convex portion is formed into a substantially elliptical shape, when the sensor body rotates, it swings in the pipe radial direction of the pipe to be inspected, which causes the bending joint portion. It becomes easier to get over the step. In this way, having a plurality of convex portions on the tip side,
Combined with the fact that the cross section in the axial direction of the portion other than the convex portion is formed into a substantially elliptical shape, an in-pipe inspection device having an extremely excellent wire passing capability in the bending joint portion is provided.

In order to solve the first problem, according to the present invention, as described in claim 2, the sensor main body and the sensor main body connected to the base end of the sensor main body are provided in the pipe to be inspected. An in-tube inspection device comprising a tubular or rod-shaped support for insertion, further comprising an elastic member interposed between a base end of the sensor body and a tip of the support, wherein the sensor The main body includes detection means for grasping the condition inside the tube to be inspected, and a cover member that covers the detection means, and the cover member has a plurality of convex portions on the tip side of the sensor main body. The in-pipe inspection device is provided.

According to the invention of claim 2, as in the invention of claim 1, since the sensor main body is provided with the cover member having a plurality of convex portions on the tip side, the direction opposite to the rotation direction is provided. It becomes easy to pass the wire even in a bending joint portion that bends in a straight line. In addition, since the elastic body is provided between the base end of the sensor body and the tip of the support, the elastic deformation of the elastic member when the sensor body rotates causes the sensor body to be covered. The inspection tube is swung in the radial direction, which makes it easier to climb over the step of the bending joint. In this way, having a plurality of convex portions on the tip side,
In combination with the provision of the elastic member interposed between the base end of the sensor body and the tip end of the support, an in-pipe inspection device having an extremely excellent wire passing capability in the bending joint portion is provided.

Further, in order to solve the first problem,
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a pipe including a sensor body and a tubular or rod-shaped support body that is connected to a base end of the sensor body and is used to insert the sensor body into a pipe to be inspected. In the inspection device, the sensor main body includes a detection unit for grasping the condition inside the tube to be inspected, and a cover member that covers the detection unit, and the cover member is provided on the tip side of the sensor main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-tube inspection device, which has a convex portion and a protruding portion having a side surface partially protruding in the circumferential direction.

According to the invention of claim 3, as in the invention of claim 1, since the sensor main body is provided with a cover member having a plurality of convex portions on the tip side, the direction opposite to the rotation direction is provided. It becomes easy to pass the wire even in a bending joint portion that bends in a straight line. Further, since the cover member has the protruding portion in which a part of the side surface in the circumferential direction protrudes, the center of gravity of the sensor main body can be eccentric from the central axis, whereby the sensor main body rotates when the sensor main body rotates. The main body easily swings in the pipe radial direction of the pipe to be inspected, and thus easily oversteps the step of the bending joint portion. Further, when the protruding portion comes into contact with the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected, it is easy to get over the step by rotating the sensor body with the protruding portion as a fulcrum. In this way, the fact that it has a plurality of convex portions on the tip side and the fact that it has a protruding portion in which a part of the side surface in the circumferential direction protrudes contributes to the inside of the pipe having extremely excellent wire passing ability in the bending joint portion. An inspection device is provided.

Preferably, at least the outer surface of the cover member is made of silicone rubber.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least the outer surface of the cover member is formed of the adhesive silicone rubber. It is possible to provide an in-pipe inspection device with reduced slippage and more excellent line passing ability.

Preferably, as described in claim 5, the cover member has two convex portions on the tip side of the sensor body, and one convex portion is closer to the tip side than the other convex portion. It is configured to project into.

According to the invention of claim 5, the sensor main body has two convex portions on the tip side, and one convex portion is provided with the cover member projecting to the tip side more than the other convex portion. As will be described later, by rotating one of the convex portions of the sensor body, which comes into contact with the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected, as a fulcrum, an in-pipe inspection device with excellent line-passing ability is provided even in a bending joint portion that bends in the direction opposite to the rotation direction. Provided. Further, compared to the case where the two convex portions have the same height, a higher step can be overcome.

Preferably, in order to solve the second and third problems, according to the present invention, as described in claim 6, in the support, the convex portion extending in the longitudinal direction is a part in the width direction. A flexible pipe formed in such a manner that the strip-shaped rigid member formed in the above is spirally wound so that a part in the width direction overlaps, and the overlapping parts of the rigid member are slidable in the axial direction. The present invention provides an in-pipe inspection device characterized by the above.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the flexible tube has a strip-shaped rigid member (for example, SUS304, SUS) in which a convex portion extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in a part in the width direction.
It is formed by spirally winding a stainless material such as 316) so as to partially overlap each other in the width direction, so that a spiral convex portion is formed on the outer surface of the flexible tube. Therefore, when the flexible pipe is rotated while being in contact with the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected, the propulsive force in the axial direction acts on the contact portion, and the force for advancing the flexible pipe acts. That is, it is possible to easily convert the frictional force that hinders the propulsion in the conventional pushing method as described above into the propulsive force in the axial direction by the rotation. Also,
Since the flexible tube is formed by winding one rigid member such as metal, the cross-sectional structure is relatively strong, and the rotational force can be efficiently transmitted to the sensor body. In addition, since the overlapping portions of the rigid members are slidable in the axial direction with respect to each other, the flexibility is excellent, and the wire passing ability of the bending joints such as elbows and tees in the pipe to be inspected is excellent. Play. This also leads to an increase in the insertion speed of the sensor body.

Preferably, in order to more reliably solve the third problem, as described in claim 7, in order to insert the flexible pipe into the pipe to be inspected while rotating, the flexible pipe is rotated around the axial direction. It is configured so as to include a rotary extrusion device that rotates in an axial direction and extrudes in an axial direction.

Actually, when inserting the flexible pipe into the inspection pipe, it is often possible to insert the flexible pipe by forcibly pushing the flexible pipe into the inspection pipe. In other words, at the start of insertion, even if it does not rely on rotational propulsion, the forced pushing force in the axial direction of the flexible pipe is applied, so that
May be insertable. Further, even when the insertion distance becomes long, it is possible to improve the insertion speed by using the rotation propulsion and the forced pushing force in the flexible tube axial direction together.

From the above viewpoint, according to the invention of claim 7, the flexible pipe is rotated around the axial direction, and
Since the rotary extrusion device for pushing in the axial direction is provided, the sensor main body can be inserted into the pipe to be inspected at a higher speed than in the case where only the rotary propulsion is performed, and the inspection time can be surely shortened.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic outer shape of a test capsule that is a sensor body in an in-pipe inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a state in which the test capsule propels the inside of a pipe to be inspected, (a). Is an explanatory view explaining how the inspection capsule is propelled, (b) is a front view of the inspection capsule, (c) is a side view of the inspection capsule, and (d) is (b).
AA 'sectional drawing of each is shown. In addition, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the in-pipe inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, (a)
Shows a perspective view, and (b) shows a partial vertical sectional view.
Further, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing how the in-pipe inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment propels the inside of the inspected pipe. Further, FIG. 4 is a partial schematic configuration diagram of a rotary extrusion device which constitutes a part of the in-pipe inspection device as described later, wherein (a) shows a front view and (b) shows a side view. As shown in FIG. 2, the in-pipe inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to an inspection capsule 11, which is a sensor body having an optical system as a detection means mounted thereon as described later, and a proximal end of the inspection capsule 11. , A flexible tube 12 for inserting the inspection capsule 11 into the tube to be inspected (indicated by S in FIGS. 1 and 3) by rotationally propelling it, and a rotation for inserting the flexible tube 12 into the tube to be inspected while rotating. An extrusion device 13 and a storage drum 14 for winding and storing the flexible tube 12 are provided. Furthermore, in the in-pipe inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment, the flexible pipe 1 is more smoothly inserted into the inspected pipe.
Storage drum 1 for flexible tube 12 to insert 2
A cleaning brush 15 is installed at the entrance to and exit from the entrance 4. Further, a measuring device 16 and a power source 17 described later are also installed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the test capsule 11 according to the present embodiment is provided with a cover member having a first convex portion 11a and a second convex portion 11b on the tip side, and the first convex portion 11 is provided.
The a is formed so as to project to the tip side from the second convex portion 11b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1D, the axial cross section in a portion other than the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b is formed into a substantially elliptical shape. Here, FIG.
When the flexible pipe 12 is pushed into the pipe S to be inspected arranged in the horizontal plane while rotating it to the right, the state in which the inspection capsule 11 gets over the step S1 of the bending joint bent leftward is schematically shown. It is the explanatory view shown typically. As shown in FIG. 9, when the flexible tube 12 is advanced while being rotated clockwise, the flexible tube 12 is likely to come into contact with the step S1 on the outer side of the bent portion (elbow portion) of the tube S to be inspected to the left. (This tendency is similar to the case of the general capsule shown in FIG. 13). Here, for example, consider a case where the first convex portion 11a abuts on the step S1 as shown in FIG. 9A. In this state, push in the flexible tube 12 while rotating it and rotate it by 180 °,
The state is as shown in FIG. From this state, if it is pushed in while rotating further, the first convex portion 11a
Is rotated about a point T1 which is in contact with the step S1 as a fulcrum (the inspection capsule 11 is moving in the arrow A direction, the fulcrum T1 is also sequentially moved in the A direction). ), When it is further rotated by 180 °, it is possible to get over the step S1 as shown in FIG. 9C. When shifting from the state shown in FIG. 9B to the state shown in FIG.
The first protrusion 1 is also supported by the protrusion 11b.
1a does not slide down from the step S1 (FIG. 9 (b))
In the state shown in (1), the first projection 11a is in contact with the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected at the point T2 and prevents the first convex portion 11a from sliding down from the step S1).

Further, at the stage shown in FIG. 9A, even if a portion other than the first convex portion 11a comes into contact with the step S1, the inspection capsule 11 has two convex portions having different heights (first convex portion). 11
Since it has a and the second convex portion 11b) and the two convex portions are relatively concave, the step S1 can be smoothly overcome by the same principle. Also,
Since the axial cross section of the portion other than the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b has a substantially elliptical shape, when the inspection capsule 11 rotates, it swings in the pipe radial direction of the pipe S to be inspected. As a result, there is an effect that it is easy to get over the step S1. As described above, according to the shape of the inspection capsule 11 (the shape of the cover member that constitutes the inspection capsule 11) according to the present embodiment, even a bending joint that bends in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the flexible tube 12 can pass smoothly. It is possible. A bending joint that bends in the same direction as the rotation direction tends to pass easily in the first place, but even if the inspection capsule 11 comes into contact with a step, it can pass smoothly according to the same principle as above. Is. In addition, the inspection capsule 11
The cover member can be formed of, for example, hard rubber, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium or the like. Especially, when the cover member is formed of silicone rubber, the silicone rubber has adhesiveness, so When the capsule 11 rotates, slippage between the capsule 11 and the step S1 is reduced, and the wire passing capability can be further enhanced.

As in the present embodiment, the first convex portion 11
In the case of the test capsule 11 including the cover member formed so that a projects toward the tip side of the second convex portion 11b, that is, when the heights of the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b are different from each other. As compared with the case where the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b, which will be described later, have the same height, an effect of being able to overcome a higher step can be expected.

For example, consider the case where the state shown in FIG. First convex portion 11a and second convex portion 11b
When the heights are different, as shown in FIG. 10A, the distance from the outer peripheral portion of the cover member to a portion slightly lower than the apex of the first convex portion 11a (shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). It is considered that if the step S1 has a height lower than the distance d) (that is, D <d), the step S1 can be overcome by the above-described principle. That is, the first convex portion 11
Since “a” rides on the upper surface S1a of the step S1, by further pushing the inspection capsule 11 while rotating it,
As shown in FIG. 10C, it is possible to get over the step S1 (FIG. 10C shows a state in which the inspection capsule 11 is rotated 180 ° from the state shown in FIG. 10A). Note that FIG. 10B is a front view of the test capsule 11 as seen from the distal end direction, and the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b.
Is schematically represented by contour lines.

On the other hand, the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 1
The inspection capsule 11 having the cover member 1b formed at the same height has the same structure as in FIG.
In the case of the state shown in (d), even if the inspection capsule 11 is rotated, either one of the convex portions 11a or 11b is always
Contact the front surface S1b of the step S1, and any convex portion 11a
Since neither 11 nor 11b rides on the upper surface S1a of the step S1 (FIG. 10 (e)), the inspection capsule 11 continues to rotate at the same position, and it is difficult to get over the step S1. However, the first convex portion 11a
Even if the second convex portion 11b and the second convex portion 11b have the same height, as described above, the axial cross-sections in the portions other than the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b are substantially elliptical, When the inspection capsule 11 rotates, the inspection pipe S swings in the tube radial direction (vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG. 10). Therefore, in actuality, the step S that is slightly lower than the step S while being pushed several times while rotating (swinging)
If it is 1, the first convex portion 11a or the second convex portion 11b gets over the step S1, and as a result, the inspection capsule 11 has the step S.
We can expect to overcome 1.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rotary extrusion device 13 includes a storage drum 14 for the flexible pipe 12.
And a flexible pipe pressing roller 131 as a pressing support means for pressing the flexible pipe 12 at a predetermined position and fixedly supporting the flexible pipe 12 in the circumferential direction, and a flexible pipe pressing roller 131 arranged at the inlet / outlet part of the flexible pipe 12 to / from the storage drum 14. A push-out means 132 for forcibly pushing out the flexible tube 12 in the axial direction, and a rotating means for integrally rotating the storage drum 14, the flexible tube pressing roller 131 and the push-out means 132 in order to rotate the flexible tube 12 around the axial direction. And a rotation driving unit 133. Here, the pushing means 132 includes a pushing roller 132a and a roller rotation driving motor 132b for rotating the pushing roller 132a. Further, the rotation driving means 133
Includes a motor 133a and a belt 133b.

Further, in the rotary extrusion device 13, in order to integrally rotate the storage drum 14, the flexible tube pressing roller 131 and the extrusion means 132, a holding frame 134 for connecting and holding them, and a holding frame 134. A base 135 supported by a ball bearing (not shown) or the like is provided so as to be rotatable around the axial direction.
In the present embodiment, the flexible tube pressing roller 131 is provided separately from the pushing roller 132a in order to stably support the flexible tube 12, but the function can be integrated into the pushing roller 132a. That is, even if the flexible tube pressing roller 131 is not provided, the flexible tube 12 is fixedly supported to some extent in the circumferential direction by the pushing roller 132a itself. That is, it is possible that the pushing roller 132a has both a function as a pushing means and a function as a pressing means.
However, it is considered that the flexible tube 12 can be pushed out more smoothly when the flexible tube pressing roller 131 is provided.

By forcibly pushing the flexible tube 12 into the tube to be inspected by the pushing means 132, it is possible to speed up the insertion speed of the inspection capsule 11 in a region having a small insertion resistance, for example, in the vicinity of the insertion port.
Further, by using the forced pushing force and the rotation propulsion force together, more efficient insertion becomes possible. further,
Even when the frictional force between the flexible pipe 12 and the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected is small and a sufficient rotational propulsion force cannot be obtained, the inspection capsule 11 can be advanced into the pipe to be inspected by the pushing force. . A handle 141 is installed on the storage drum 14, and when the flexible tube 12 is stored, the handle 141 is rotated to
Only the storage drum 14 rotates so that the flexible tube 12 can be wound and stored.

The storage drum 14 can also be formed in the form shown in FIG. Also in this case, similarly to the case shown in FIG. 2, by rotating the holding frame 134 that connects and holds the storage drum 14, the flexible tube pressing roller 131, and the pushing-out means 132, the storage drum 14, the flexible tube pressing roller 131, and The pushing means 132 can be rotated integrally. In addition, handle 1
In the case where 41 interferes with the rotation, a folding or detachable handle may be used.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view partially showing the flexible tube 12 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the flexible tube 12 has a convex portion 1 extending in the longitudinal direction.
21a is a long strip-shaped rigid member 121 (for example, stainless steel material such as SUS304, SUS316) 121 formed in a part in the width direction so that the parts in the width direction overlap in a range in which the protrusions 121a do not overlap with each other. Spirally wound,
The overlapping portions of the rigid member 121 are formed so as to be slidable in the axial direction. In this embodiment,
Convex portion 121a and portion 121b where the convex portion is not formed
It is spirally wound so as to overlap with (the concave portion in the present embodiment). Then, the convex portion 121a and the portion 121b where the convex portion is not formed overlap each other.
Are configured to be slidable relative to each other in the axial direction (longitudinal direction of the flexible tube). The width direction means a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped rigid member 121.

The flexible tube 12 according to this embodiment is
Since the flexible tube 12 is rotated while being in contact with the inner wall of the pipe S to be inspected, as shown in FIG. 7, since the flexible pipe 12 has the structure as described above, the contact portion (indicated by A and B in FIG. 7) rotates the shaft. A directional driving force acts, and a force for advancing the flexible tube 12 acts. That is, it is possible to easily convert the frictional force, which hinders the propulsion in the conventional simple pushing method, into the propulsive force in the axial direction by the rotation.
Moreover, since the flexible tube 12 is formed by winding a rigid member, the cross-sectional structure is relatively strong, and the rotational force can be efficiently transmitted to the inspection capsule 11. Further, since the adjacent convex portion 121a and concave portion 121b are fitted to each other so as to be slidable in the axial direction, the flexibility is excellent, and the wire passing ability of the joint portion in the pipe to be inspected is excellent. . The flexible tube 12
The rigidity (flexibility) of the flexible tube 12 changes depending on the diameter of the flexible tube 12, the material and thickness of the rigid member 121, the uneven pitch, etc.
By performing processing such as welding and connecting a plurality of different rigid members 121 in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to appropriately change the parameters such as the thickness depending on the portion of the flexible tube 12. Therefore, for example, the tip side of the flexible tube 12 (the side connected to the inspection capsule 11) is made highly flexible so that it can be easily bent by reducing the thickness of the rigid member 121, and the base side is If the rigidity of the rigid member 121 is increased to make it slightly hard to bend but to easily transmit the rotational force, a high wire passing capability can be obtained even in a long distance.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining signal transmission in the inspection capsule 11 and the flexible tube 12,
(A) shows the overall structure of the test capsule 11 and the flexible tube 12, and (b) shows a schematic internal structure near the test capsule 11. As mentioned above, the flexible tube 1
Since 2 rotates, power is supplied to the flexible pipe 12 and signals are taken out from the rotary transmitter attached to the proximal end of the flexible pipe 12 (a device that transmits signals and power to various devices that rotate). And is formed from a slip ring or the like) 122. Further, the measuring device 16 and the power supply 17 are connected to the rotary transmitter 122. The measuring device 16 is a device for displaying, recording, or signal-processing an output signal described later, and includes a monitor, a video recorder, a signal processing device, and the like. The test capsule 11 is supplied with necessary power from the power supply 17 through the rotary transmitter 122 and the wiring 123 in the flexible tube 12. On the other hand, the output signal detected by the inspection capsule 11 (for example, an observation image inside the tube to be inspected) is transmitted to the measuring instrument 16 and displayed on a monitor or the like included in the measuring instrument 16.

The inside of the inspection capsule 11 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, an illumination 111 that illuminates the inside of the inspection pipe, an optical lens 112 that constitutes an imaging means for capturing an image of the inside of the inspection pipe illuminated by the illumination 111, and an image sensor 113 such as a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor.
And an electronic circuit 114 that amplifies the output of the image sensor 113. The output signal amplified by the electronic circuit 114 is transmitted by the wiring 123 in the flexible tube 12 via the connector 124. In the case of the inspection capsule 11 having the shape as shown in this embodiment, the optical lens 1
12 and the image sensor 113 such as a CCD image sensor,
It is preferable to mount the cover member at a place other than the place corresponding to the convex portion of the cover member. The illumination 111 can be mounted in a place corresponding to the convex portion.

By rotating the flexible pipe 12 of the in-pipe inspection device 1 described above, the inspection capsule 11 is rotated.
It is possible to observe the condition inside the inspected tube by sequentially advancing in the inspected tube. For example, when the in-pipe inspection device 1 of this embodiment is used for a pipe having an inner diameter of 25 mm,
The flexible tube 12 has a diameter of about 10 mm, the maximum diameter of the test capsule 11 can be about 20 mm, and the joint portion existing in the pipe can easily pass through.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a schematic configuration in the vicinity of the inspection capsule in the in-pipe inspection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the in-pipe inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is also connected to the inspection capsule 11 on which the imaging optical system is mounted and the proximal end of the inspection capsule 11, and rotates the inspection capsule 11 in the inspected tube. And a flexible tube 12 for propelling and inserting. In addition, the flexible pipe 12 is equipped with a rotary extrusion device (not shown) for inserting the flexible pipe 12 into the pipe to be inspected, and a storage drum (not shown) for winding and storing the flexible pipe 12. It is similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the in-pipe inspection device according to the present embodiment is different from the inspection capsule 1
The elastic member 2 is provided between the proximal end of the flexible tube 12 and the proximal end of the flexible tube 12.

The elastic member 2 may be formed of various materials in various forms, such as a tubular shape, a rod shape, or a coil shape, as long as elastic deformation occurs. Since the in-pipe inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes such elastic member 2, when the inspection capsule 11 rotates, the elastic member 2 elastically deforms so that the inspection capsule 11 moves in the radial direction of the pipe to be inspected. Since it swings, there is an advantage that it is easy to get over the step of the bending joint portion.

The cover member of the test capsule 11 has the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b as in the first embodiment. Further, the cover member of the inspection capsule 11 can be formed of various materials as in the first embodiment, but particularly when formed of silicone rubber, the silicone rubber has adhesiveness. It is preferable in that the slip between the inspection capsule 11 and the step is reduced when the inspection capsule 11 is rotated, and the line passing capability can be further enhanced. Further, as in the first embodiment, the axial cross section of the portion other than the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b is substantially elliptical in order to further promote the swing when the test capsule 11 rotates. Although it is preferable to have a shape, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the elastic member 2 oscillates due to the elastic deformation, other sectional shapes such as a circular shape are also possible.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a schematic configuration in the vicinity of the inspection capsule in the in-pipe inspection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the in-pipe inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is also connected to the inspection capsule 11 on which the imaging optical system is mounted and the proximal end of the inspection capsule 11, and rotates the inspection capsule 11 in the inspected tube. And a flexible tube 12 for propelling and inserting. In addition, the flexible pipe 12 is equipped with a rotary extrusion device (not shown) for inserting the flexible pipe 12 into the pipe to be inspected, and a storage drum (not shown) for winding and storing the flexible pipe 12. It is similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the in-pipe inspection device according to the present embodiment is different from the inspection capsule 1
The cover member 1 is provided with a protruding portion 3 having a part of the side surface in the circumferential direction protruding.

The protrusion 3 can be integrally formed with other parts of the cover member, or can be detachably formed according to the use such as the type of the tube to be inspected. Since the in-tube inspection device according to the present embodiment includes such a protruding portion 3, the center of gravity of the test capsule 11 can be eccentric from the central axis, which allows the test capsule 11 to rotate when it rotates. Easily swings in the radial direction of the pipe to be inspected, and thus easily gets over the step of the bending joint portion. Further, when the protrusion 3 comes into contact with the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected, there is an advantage that the step can be easily overcome by rotating the inspection capsule 11 with the protrusion 3 as a fulcrum.

Incidentally, the point that the cover member of the test capsule 11 has the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the cover member of the inspection capsule 11 can be formed of various materials as in the first embodiment, but particularly when formed of silicone rubber, the silicone rubber has adhesiveness. It is preferable in that the slip between the inspection capsule 11 and the step is reduced when the inspection capsule 11 is rotated, and the line passing capability can be further enhanced. In addition, the axial cross section in the portion other than the first convex portion 11a and the second convex portion 11b is substantially elliptical in order to further promote the swing when the test capsule 11 rotates, as in the first embodiment. Although it is preferable to have a shape, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the protrusion 3 causes rocking, it is possible to have another cross-sectional shape such as a circular shape.
Furthermore, in order to further promote rocking when the test capsule 11 rotates, in addition to the configuration of the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the base end of the test capsule 11 and the distal end of the flexible tube 12 are further separated. It is also possible to insert an elastic member between them.

In the first to third embodiments described above,
The description has been given by taking the form in which the imaging optical system is mounted in the inspection capsule 11 and the condition inside the pipe to be inspected is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the inside of the pipe to be inspected such as an eddy current flaw detection sensor Various sensors can be mounted as long as the situation can be measured.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the flexible tube 12 having a specific shape is applied as the support connected to the base end of the test capsule 11, but the present invention is described. Is not limited to this, and various tubular or rod-shaped supports can be applied as long as the test capsule 11 can be inserted into the test tube.

[0048]

As described above, according to the in-pipe inspection apparatus of the present invention, the sensor body is provided with the cover member having the plurality of protrusions on the tip side, so that the sensor body has the inner wall of the pipe to be inspected. By rotating with the convex portion that abuts against the fulcrum as a fulcrum, there is an effect that the bending joint portion that bends in the direction opposite to the rotation direction can easily pass the wire.

Further, since the axial cross section of the portion other than the convex portion is formed into a substantially elliptical shape, or because the elastic member is provided between the base end of the sensor body and the tip of the support body. Alternatively, since the cover member has a protruding portion in which a part of the side surface in the circumferential direction protrudes, when the sensor body rotates, the cover member swings in the pipe radial direction of the pipe to be inspected. It has an excellent effect that it is easy to get over the step.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic outer shape of a test capsule and a state in which the test capsule propels a test tube in a pipe testing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an in-pipe inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view schematically showing how the in-pipe inspection device according to the present invention propels in the inspected pipe.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic configuration diagram of a rotary extrusion device forming a part of the in-pipe inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example in which a storage drum of another form is applied to the in-pipe inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view partially showing a flexible tube according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the principle of rotational propulsion of the flexible pipe according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating signal transmission in the test capsule and the flexible tube according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view for explaining how the test capsule according to the present invention gets over the step portion of the bending joint.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a comparison between the case where the test capsule according to the present invention crosses over the step portion of the bending joint and the case where it does not cross over.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a schematic configuration in the vicinity of an inspection capsule in an in-pipe inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a schematic configuration in the vicinity of an inspection capsule in an in-tube inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for explaining a general outline of a general inspection capsule and a state of propelling the inside of a pipe to be inspected in a conventional in-pipe inspection device.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ... In-pipe inspection device 11 ... Inspection capsule 12 ... Flexible pipe 13 ... Rotational extrusion device

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Keishi Kawaguchi             4-1-2 Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture               Within Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshimichi Kitaoka             4-1-2 Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture               Within Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koji Ashida             4-53 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture             Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (72) Inventor Ikuji Hoshino             4-53 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture             Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (72) Inventor Seiji Hiraoka             4-53 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture             Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. F-term (reference) 2G051 AA82 AB02 CA03 CA11 CD02                       CD10 EA14

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An in-pipe inspection device comprising: a sensor main body; and a tubular or rod-shaped support body which is connected to a base end of the sensor main body and into which the sensor main body is inserted into an inspection pipe. The main body includes detection means for grasping the condition inside the tube to be inspected, and a cover member that covers the detection means, and the cover member has a plurality of convex portions on the tip side of the sensor main body and the convex portion. The in-pipe inspection device is characterized in that a cross section in the axial direction in a portion other than the portion is formed into a substantially elliptical shape. 2. An in-pipe inspection apparatus comprising: a sensor body; and a tubular or rod-shaped support body, which is connected to a base end of the sensor body, for inserting the sensor body into an inspected tube. The sensor body further includes an elastic member interposed between the base end of the main body and the tip of the support body, and the sensor main body has a detection unit for grasping the condition inside the tube to be inspected, and a cover for covering the detection unit. And a cover member, wherein the cover member has a plurality of protrusions on the tip side of the sensor body. 3. An in-pipe inspection device comprising: a sensor main body; and a tubular or rod-shaped support body that is connected to a base end of the sensor main body and into which the sensor main body is inserted into an inspection pipe. The main body is provided with a detection means for grasping the condition inside the tube to be inspected, and a cover member for covering the detection means, and the cover member has a plurality of convex portions on the tip side of the sensor main body, An in-pipe inspection device having a protruding portion that is partially protruded in the circumferential direction. 4. The in-tube inspection device according to claim 1, wherein at least an outer surface of the cover member is formed of silicone rubber. 5. The cover member has two protrusions on the tip side of the sensor body, and one of the protrusions protrudes further toward the tip side than the other protrusion. Item 5. The in-pipe inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6. The rigidity of the support is obtained by spirally winding a band-shaped rigid member in which a convex portion extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in a part in the width direction so as to overlap a part in the width direction. The in-pipe inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the overlapping portions of the members are flexible pipes formed so as to be slidable in the axial direction. 7. A rotary extrusion device for rotating the flexible pipe in the axial direction and for pushing the flexible pipe in the axial direction so as to insert the flexible pipe into the pipe to be inspected while rotating the flexible pipe. The in-pipe inspection device according to any one of 1 to 6.