JP2018036101A - Water leakage detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect water leakage without using a flowmeter capable of accurately detecting a flow rate.SOLUTION: Regarding a water leakage detection system 46, temperature sensors 54 (54A to 54C) for detecting first hot water temperatures Ta (Ta1 to Ta3) are provided on hot water pipelines 42 (42A to 42C) at the side of a hot water supply device 28, temperature sensors 56 (56A to 56C) for detecting second hot water temperatures Tb (Tb1 to Tb3) are provided at the side of a faucet 40 and a flowmeter 58 is provided on the hot water supply pipeline 42 at the side of the hot water supply device 28. When determining that use of hot water is stopped as a flow rate of the hot water becomes out of a measurement range of the flowmeter 58, a controller 48 determines that water leakage has occurred at the object hot water supply pipeline 42 on the basis of a temperature difference between a first hot water temperature Ta of the object hot water supply pipeline 42 after the elapse of a time ts and a second hot water temperature Tb of the hot water supply pipeline 42 which is different from the object hot water supply pipeline 42. By this, water leakage in a hot water route of each faucet 40 can be detected without using a flowmeter of high accuracy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

    The present invention relates to a water leakage detection system.

  In general, a hot water supply facility for supplying hot water (hot water) is provided in a house or the like in addition to a water supply facility for supplying tap water. The water supply equipment is connected to a water supply pipe (water main) buried in the ground and connected to the water supply pipe with the other end wired in the house. Water supply equipment such as water bottles is connected. Thus, by opening the water tap, the main water for water supply comes out from the faucet of the faucet (water supply). In addition, the hot water supply equipment is connected to a hot water supply device such as a hot water faucet on the other end of the hot water supply pipe that is connected to the hot water heater at one end, and opens the faucet for hot water supply. As a result, hot water discharged from the water heater comes out of the faucet (hot water supply).

  In general, a hot water supply device such as a water tap and a water supply device are connected to a hot water supply pipe or a water supply pipe via a pipe joint. In a water supply facility or a hot water supply facility, leakage of water or hot water may occur due to deterioration of a seal ring provided in a pipe joint. In addition, when closing a faucet or the like to stop hot water supply or water supply, the faucet may not be closed because the faucet is not fully closed.

  In Patent Document 1, when hot water is not supplied from the hot water supply path (hot water supply pipe), the flow rate sensor provided in the water supply path (water supply pipe) detects a minute flow rate, and the number of hot water in the tank is increased. Detects that water is leaking from the heat exchanger for heating. Patent Document 1 receives condensed water from a latent heat recovery heat exchanger for recovering latent heat and latent heat recovery heat exchanger in an exhaust heat path of a heating means for heating water supplied from a water supply channel. A neutralization device is provided for neutralizing and draining water received by the heat exchanger tray for collecting latent heat. Thereby, in patent document 1, when the neutralizer and the tank have not increased in water, and the hot water supply from the hot water supply passage is not performed, the flow rate sensor provided in the water supply passage detects water supply slightly. Furthermore, it is detected that water leaks on the primary side of the bath heat exchanger.

Japanese Patent No. 4,602,062

  By the way, when the faucet is opened, a large amount of water (for example, a flow rate of 3 liters / minute or more) flows in the pipe. On the other hand, when water leakage or forgetting to close the faucet occurs, water or the like continues to flow through the pipe little by little. From this, it is conceivable to detect the occurrence of water leakage or forgetting to close the faucet from the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit by providing the pipe with a flow rate measuring unit such as a flow meter.

  However, in order to detect a water leak or forgetting to close the faucet, for example, it is necessary to use a highly accurate and expensive flow meter that can detect a slight flow rate of less than 1 liter / min.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts, and provides a water leakage detection system that can detect water leakage such as water leakage or forgetting to tighten a faucet without using a flow meter that can detect the flow rate with high accuracy. Objective.

  In the first mode for achieving the above object, one end is connected to a water heater and wired in a building, and the other end is connected to a hot water supply device using hot water discharged from the water heater. A first hot water temperature detecting means for detecting a hot water temperature on the hot water supply device side of the hot water supply pipe; and when the use of hot water is stopped in the hot water supply device and the use of hot water is stopped for a predetermined time. Determining means for determining that water leakage has occurred in the hot water supply path via the hot water supply pipe when the temperature difference between the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means and a reference temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature; and And a notifying means for notifying the occurrence of water leakage determined by.

  In a 1st aspect, a 1st hot water temperature detection means is provided in the hot water supply equipment side of the hot water supply pipe which connects a hot water supply device and a hot water supply equipment, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water supply pipe in the hot water supply equipment side is detected as a target hot water temperature. The determination means compares the target hot water temperature with the reference temperature, and if the temperature difference is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature that is larger than the temperature difference in the normal state, water leakage occurs in the hot water supply path through the target hot water supply pipe. It is determined that Moreover, a notification means alert | reports that the water leak has arisen, when it determines with the water leak having arisen. As the reference temperature, the temperature of hot water set in advance in the water heater (set temperature) may be applied. When a plurality of hot water supply pipes are provided, the temperature of hot water detected in other hot water supply pipes ( Hot water) may be applied. Further, the predetermined temperature may be determined based on the reference temperature and the hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature detecting means in a normal state where no water leakage occurs.

  Here, the water heater delivers hot water at a preset temperature (set temperature, for example, 40 ° C.). At this time, the water heater mixes hot water and water higher than the set temperature to discharge hot water at the set temperature, and the discharged hot water is supplied to a hot water supply device such as a faucet through the hot water supply pipe. Also, when the use of hot water in the hot water supply device is stopped, for example, by closing the faucet, the hot water from the water heater is stopped.

  When the hot water supply device stops using hot water and the hot water heater stops discharging hot water, the hot water remaining in the hot water supply pipe is dissipated little by little and is detected by the first hot water temperature detecting means. The temperature of hot water in the hot water supply pipe (hot water temperature) gradually decreases. For this reason, the target hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature detecting means gradually decreases with time even in a normal state where no water leakage occurs in the hot water supply path via the hot water supply pipe.

  However, if there is water leakage at the connection between the hot water supply equipment and the hot water supply pipe, or the faucet connected to the hot water supply pipe as a hot water supply equipment is not closed, it becomes a slight drop from the faucet. In a state where water leaks, such as when warm water is flowing out one by one (when closing is forgotten), warm water flows out little by little from the hot water supply pipe. In a water heater, if the flow rate is small, water flows out instead of hot water, so this water flows into the hot water supply pipe. Thereby, when water leakage occurs in the hot water supply path via the hot water supply pipe, the hot water in the hot water supply pipe is gradually replaced with water as time passes, and the target hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature detecting means is It is greatly reduced from the normal state where there is no water leakage. At this time, the degree of decrease in the target hot water temperature with respect to the elapsed time increases as the amount of hot water flowing out due to water leakage increases.

  Thereby, the determination means can determine whether or not water leakage has occurred based on whether or not the temperature change of the target hot water temperature is greater than when no water leakage has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to detect and notify water leakage occurring in the hot water supply path via the hot water supply pipe without using a high-precision flow meter capable of detecting water leakage.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the hot water supply pipe is provided on the hot water supply equipment side of each of the plurality of hot water supply pipes provided with the first hot water temperature detecting means on the hot water supply equipment side. And a second hot water temperature detecting means for detecting a hot water temperature on the hot water heater side, wherein the determination means is different from the one hot water supply pipe with respect to one hot water supply pipe among the plurality of hot water supply pipes. Using the hot water temperature detected by the second hot water temperature detecting means of the hot water supply pipe as the reference temperature, the leakage of the hot water supply path through the one hot water supply pipe is determined.

  In the second aspect, a plurality of hot water supply pipes are connected to the water heater, and each hot water supply pipe is connected to a hot water supply device. Each of the plurality of hot water supply pipes is provided with first hot water temperature detection means on the hot water supply device side and second hot water temperature detection means on the water heater side. If there is water leakage in the hot water supply pipe, the hot water temperature on the hot water supply side of the hot water supply pipe will decrease, but there will be a temperature difference between the hot water temperatures on the hot water supply side between the hot water supply pipes where no water leakage has occurred. It can be regarded as almost the same.

  From here, the determination means uses the hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature detection means of the hot water supply pipe (one hot water supply pipe) as a target for water leakage determination as a target hot water temperature, and is different from the hot water supply pipe as a target for water leakage determination. Water leakage determination is performed using the hot water temperature detected by the second hot water temperature detecting means of the hot water supply pipe (a hot water supply pipe different from one hot water supply pipe) as a reference temperature. Thus, when a water leak occurring in a hot water supply path via a hot water supply pipe is detected without using a high-precision flow meter capable of detecting the water leak, a reference temperature for performing a water leak determination is stored in advance. Without water leakage detection.

  According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the determination unit includes a flow meter capable of detecting whether or not the hot water supply device uses hot water from the flow rate of hot water discharged from the hot water heater. Determines from the flow rate detected by the flow meter whether or not the use of hot water is stopped in the hot water supply device.

  In the 3rd mode, it is judged using a flow meter whether use of warm water is stopped in hot-water supply equipment. At this time, the flow meter may have a measurement accuracy enough to determine whether or not the hot water supply device uses hot water. Therefore, it is possible to detect water leakage occurring in the hot water supply path via the hot water supply pipe without using a high-precision flow meter capable of detecting water leakage.

  Note that the hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature detecting means may differ depending on the environmental temperature. From here, in the 1st to 3rd mode, it is provided with the environmental temperature detection means which detects the environmental temperature of the hot water supply equipment and the water supply pipe, and the determination means preferably corrects the predetermined temperature based on the environmental temperature, Thereby, the water leak which arose in the hot water supply path | route can be detected more accurately.

  A 4th aspect is connected to the other end side of the water supply piping connected to the underground water supply source at one end and routed in the building, and uses water at the other end. First water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature on the water supply equipment side of the equipment side pipe connected to the water supply equipment, environmental temperature detection means for detecting the environmental temperature of the water supply equipment and the equipment side pipe, and the environmental temperature A water temperature and a reference temperature detected by the first water temperature detecting means when the water supply device is out of a predetermined temperature range, the use of water is stopped in the water supply device, and the water use stop state continues for a predetermined time. Determining means for determining that water leakage has occurred in the water supply path via the equipment-side piping, and notifying means for notifying the occurrence of water leakage determined by the determining means And.

  In the fourth aspect, the water supply source is connected to one end side of the water supply pipe, the equipment side pipe is connected to the other end side, and the water supply equipment is connected to the equipment side pipe. Water is supplied to a water supply device such as a faucet through the side pipe. A first water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature in the equipment side pipe is provided on the water supply equipment side of the equipment side pipe. The determination unit compares the target water temperature detected by the first water temperature detection unit with the reference temperature, and determines whether or not water leakage has occurred in the water supply path via the equipment-side pipe. At this time, the water temperature when the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply source or the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply source changes according to the outside air temperature or the like can be applied as the reference temperature. Moreover, the predetermined temperature range should just be set according to this reference temperature.

  Generally, water supply sources such as water mains are buried in the ground, and the water temperature of the water supply source is not easily affected by changes in the environmental temperature, but there are seasonal changes but within a short time (for example, about 1 hour) If so, it can be assumed that no temperature change occurs. However, the equipment side piping is routed under the floor of the building, on the wall surface, inside the wall, etc., and when the water supply to the water supply equipment is stopped, the environmental temperature is several degrees C with respect to the water temperature of the water supply source. If the distance is greater than (for example, 2 ° C.), the temperature of the water remaining in the equipment-side piping changes due to the influence of the environmental temperature. For example, when the environmental temperature is higher than the water temperature of the water supply source, the water temperature in the equipment side pipe is high, and when the environmental temperature is lower than the water temperature of the water supply source, the water temperature in the equipment side pipe is low.

  Here, if water leakage occurs on the water supply device side of the equipment side piping, the water remaining in the equipment side piping will gradually flow out, and accordingly, water from the water supply source will gradually enter the equipment side piping. Flows in. For this reason, in the state where the water supply to the water supply device is stopped, the change in the water temperature of the water remaining in the device-side piping is suppressed.

  From here, in a state where the environmental temperature is outside the predetermined temperature range and the water temperature of the equipment-side piping changes, the use of water in the water supply equipment is stopped and the water use stop state continues for a predetermined time. When it is, the first temperature detection means detects the target temperature. The determination means is a case where the temperature difference between the target water temperature and the reference temperature is within a predetermined temperature in an environment where the water temperature detected by the first water temperature detection means changes, and it is determined that the change is small or has not changed. It is determined that water leakage has occurred in the water supply path through the equipment side piping. Therefore, it is possible to detect water leakage that has occurred in the water supply path without using a highly accurate flow meter that can detect water leakage.

  A fifth aspect includes a second water temperature detection means for detecting a water temperature on the water supply source side of the water supply pipe in the fourth aspect, and the determination means determines the water temperature detected by the second water temperature detection means. As the reference temperature, water leakage in the water supply path through the equipment side piping is determined.

  In the fifth aspect, the second water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature supplied from the water supply source is provided on the water supply source side of the water supply pipe, and the water temperature detected by the second water temperature detecting means is used as the reference temperature. Thereby, it is possible to easily detect water leakage occurring in the water supply path without storing the reference temperature and the change in the reference temperature. A plurality of equipment side pipes may be branched in the water supply pipe. In this case, the first water temperature detection means is provided in each of the plurality of equipment side pipes, and the reference temperature detected by the second water temperature detection means and the water temperature detected by the first water temperature detection means for each equipment side pipe are used. Thus, it is only necessary to detect water leakage for each equipment-side pipe.

  A 6th aspect is equipped with the flowmeter which can detect whether water is used in the said water supply apparatus from the flow volume of the water supplied from the said water supply source in the 4th or 5th aspect, The said determination means Determines from the flow rate detected by the flow meter whether or not use of water is stopped in the water supply device.

  In the sixth aspect, a flow meter is used to detect whether or not water supply to the water supply device is stopped. At this time, the flow meter may have a measurement accuracy enough to determine whether or not water is being used in the water supply device, such as whether or not the faucet is opened. Thereby, since a flow meter with a narrow detection range can be used, it is possible to detect water leakage occurring in the water supply path via the equipment-side piping without using a highly accurate flow meter capable of detecting water leakage.

  According to a seventh aspect, in the fourth aspect, when the environmental temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, the notification means notifies that the water supply path leakage determination could not be performed.

  In the seventh aspect, when the determination unit does not determine whether or not water leakage has occurred in the water supply path, the notification unit notifies that the water leakage determination has failed. The determination unit detects water leakage when the environmental temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range. When the determination unit detects water leakage, the notification unit notifies the water leakage. This is done, and it can be recognized that no water leakage has occurred by not notifying that water leakage has been detected.

  Here, the determination means does not determine whether or not water leakage has occurred when the environmental temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. For this reason, the occurrence of water leakage is not notified, so that it may be mistaken that there is no water leakage. On the other hand, when the water leakage determination is not performed, the notification means notifies that the water leakage determination has not been performed, so that the occurrence of water leakage is not notified, so that it is mistaken that no water leakage has occurred. Can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the first aspect, without using a high-precision flow meter capable of detecting water leakage, water leakage occurring in a hot water supply path for supplying hot water from a water heater to a hot water supply device via a hot water supply pipe is detected. Can be notified.

  According to the 2nd aspect, it has the effect that the water leak which arose in the hot water supply path | route can be detected, without memorize | storing reference | standard temperature. According to the 3rd aspect, it has the effect that the water leak which arose in the hot water supply path | route can be detected, without using a highly accurate and expensive flowmeter.

  According to the fourth aspect, without using a high-precision flow meter capable of detecting water leakage, detecting and notifying of water leakage that has occurred in the water supply path for supplying water from the water supply pipe to the water supply equipment via the equipment side pipe. Has the effect of being able to.

  According to the fifth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to detect water leakage occurring in the water supply path without memorizing the reference temperature. According to the sixth aspect, a highly accurate and expensive flow meter It has the effect that the water leak which arose in the water supply path | route can be detected, without using.

  According to the 7th aspect, since it is not alert | reported that the water leak was detected, it has the effect that it can prevent misidentifying that there is no water leak.

It is a piping system diagram which shows the water supply equipment and hot water supply equipment which concern on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a water leak detection system. It is a flowchart which shows the water leak detection process with respect to a hot water supply equipment. (A) is a diagram which shows the outline of the change of the temperature of warm water with respect to time passage in hot water supply piping, (B) is a diagram which shows the outline of the change of the water temperature with respect to passage of time in branch piping. It is a flowchart which shows the water leak detection process with respect to water supply equipment.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a water supply facility 12 and a hot water supply facility 14 provided in a house 10 as a building according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the house 10 is a single-family house, and a water meter box 16 is provided in the site of the house 10. Further, a main pipe (water supply main pipe) 18 is buried as a water supply source at a depth of 0.6 m or more outside the site of the house 10. The water meter box 16 is embedded in the periphery of the site of the house 10 on the main pipe 18 side, and the inside can be inspected from the ground. In addition, a water stop cock 20 and a water meter (water meter) 22 are accommodated in the water meter box 16. One end of a lead-in pipe 18 </ b> A is connected to the main pipe 18, and the other end of the lead-in pipe 18 </ b> A is connected to a water meter 22 through a water stop cock 20.

  The water supply facility 12 is provided with a water supply pipe 24. The water supply pipe 24 is buried in the ground and one end is connected to the water meter 22. The other end of the water supply pipe 24 is pulled out from the ground in the vicinity of the house 10, and each of the plurality of branch pipes 26 </ b> A to 26 </ b> A is routed inside the house 10 (for example, under the floor of the house 10, inside the wall or inside the wall). 26E (generally referred to as branch pipe 26). The branch pipe 26 is a device-side pipe, and a water supply device is connected to the end opposite to each water supply pipe 24. Each of the water supply pipe 24 and the branch pipe 26 is protected by being wrapped with a heat insulating material or the like.

  As the water supply device, general devices using water such as a faucet, a flush toilet, a water heater, and a dishwasher are applied. In the present embodiment, as a water supply device, a water heater 28, a faucet 32 of a sink (sink) 30, a faucet 32 (if distinguished, referred to as a faucet 32A), and a faucet 32 in a bathroom provided with a bathtub 34 (if distinguished, water A faucet 32 (referred to as a faucet 32C when distinguished) and a flush toilet 38 are applied. Branch pipes 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, and 26E are connected to each of the water heater 28, the faucets 32A, 32B, and 32C, and the flush toilet 38. Thereby, in the water supply facility 12, a water supply path is formed by the water supply pipe 24 and the branch pipes 26A to 26E, and the water (tap water) of the main pipe 18 is supplied with the water heater 28, the faucets 32A, 32B, 32C, and the flushing type. Water is supplied to the toilet 38.

  On the other hand, the hot water supply facility 14 includes a hot water heater 28, and the hot water heater 28 discharges hot water at a predetermined temperature (for example, a preset hot water temperature such as 40 ° C.). The hot water supply equipment 14 includes hot water faucets 40 for the sink 30 (referred to as the faucet 40A when distinguished) and hot water faucets 40 for the hot water in the bathroom (when distinguished, referred to as the faucet 40B). ), A faucet 40 for supplying hot water of the wash basin 36 (referred to as a faucet 40C when distinguished). In this embodiment, the faucet 32 (32A to 32C) and the hot water faucet 40 (40A to 40C) are separated, but a mixing faucet with a single faucet (curan) is used. Also good. The faucet 32B and the faucet 40B may be a mixing faucet equipped with a shower head. Moreover, as long as the hot water supply device is a device using hot water (for example, a dishwasher using hot water), any device can be applied.

  The hot water supply facility 14 is provided with a plurality of hot water supply pipes 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> C (generally referred to as hot water supply pipes 42), and one end of each of the hot water supply pipes 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> C is connected to the outlet of the hot water heater 28. . Further, faucets 40A to 40C are connected to the hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C on the side opposite to the water heater 28, respectively. Thereby, as for the hot water supply equipment 14, the separate hot water supply path | route is formed for every faucet 40A-40C.

  If the number of outlets (not shown) of the hot water heater 28 is smaller than the number of hot water supply pipes 42, a header system in which a header is provided at the outlet of the hot water heater 28 and the hot water supply pipes 42 are connected may be applied. good. In the present embodiment, a header 44 is provided in the vicinity of the hot water supply port, and three hot water supply pipes 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> C are connected to the header 44. In addition, each of the hot water supply pipes 42 is wound with a heat insulating material or a heat insulating material, and warm water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 42 is kept warm.

  As the water heater 28, a gas water heater provided with a burner for heating water by burning gas as heating means is applied. The gas water heater (hot water heater 28) may be a hot water storage type in which hot water is stored in a hot water storage tank, or an instantaneous type that does not include a hot water storage tank. The water heater 28 is not limited to a gas water heater, and may be an electric water heater provided with an electric heater as a heating means, or an oil water heater in which oil is used as a heating fuel supplied to a burner. The solar water heater which heats water with solar heat and produces | generates warm water or hot water may be sufficient. Further, the water heater 28 may be a latent heat recovery type water heater used for “Eco-Jaws (registered trademark)” and “Eco Feel (registered trademark)”. ) ". In addition, the water heater 28 is provided in a household fuel cell cogeneration system such as “ENEFARM (registered trademark)” and a household cogeneration system that generates electricity with a gas engine such as “Ecowill (registered trademark)”. It may be a water heater that uses water for hot water supply.

  In the hot water supply facility 14, when the hot water faucet 40 is opened, water is supplied from the branch pipe 26 to the hot water heater 28, and hot water is discharged from the hot water heater 28, and hot water flows down from the faucet of the faucet 40. Further, in the hot water supply facility 14, the faucet 40 is closed, so that the outflow of hot water from the faucet is stopped and the hot water discharge from the hot water heater 28 is stopped.

  Since the hot water heater 28 discharges hot water having a set hot water temperature while mixing water with hot water (hot water) higher than the set hot water temperature, the temperature of the hot water is low when the amount of hot water to be discharged is small. Becomes unstable. From here, the water heater 28 is provided with a flow meter for detecting the flow rate of hot water to be discharged, and has a general configuration in which a minimum operating flow rate is set. When the flow rate of hot water detected by the flow meter is less than the minimum operation flow rate, the water heater 28 stops operation (hot water), and the temperature of the hot water discharged is prevented from becoming unstable. When the minimum operating flow rate is not reached, the water supplied from the branch pipe 26A flows out from the water heater 28. In addition, as a water heater, it may replace with a flowmeter and may detect a pressure.

  Incidentally, the house 10 is provided with a water leakage detection system 46. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the water leakage detection system 46 in a system diagram.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water leakage detection system 46 has a function as a water leakage detection unit 46 </ b> A that detects water leakage to the hot water supply facility 14 and a function as a water leakage detection unit 46 </ b> B that detects water leakage to the water supply facility 12. Yes. In the following description, the leak detection system 46 provided with the leak detection units 46A and 46B will be described as an example. However, the leak detection system (or leak detection device) having the leak detection unit 46A and the leak detection having the leak detection unit 46B are described. The system (or water leakage detection device) may be separate. Further, the house 10 may be provided with either a water leakage detection system having a water leakage detection unit 46A or a water leakage detection system having a water leakage detection unit 46B.

  The leak detection system 46 is provided with a controller 48 as a determination means. The controller 48 includes a nonvolatile storage medium (nonvolatile memory) such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and EPROM, and an input / output port, and includes a microcomputer (not shown) connected by a bus. The ROM and the non-volatile memory store an operation program, a program that causes the water leakage detection system 46 to function as the water leakage detection unit 46A, and a program that causes the water leakage detection system 46 to function as the water leakage detection unit 46B. Various data is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Thereby, when the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM and the nonvolatile memory, the controller 48 functions as a determination unit of the water leakage detection units 46A and 46B.

  The controller 48 is provided with a notification unit 50 as notification means. When at least one of the water leakage detection unit 46A and the water leakage detection unit 46B detects water leakage, the notification unit 50 notifies the resident of the detection result. The notification unit 50 may display and notify the detection result on a display (not shown), or may notify by an alarm or the like.

  In addition, the notification unit 50 may be connected to a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) 52 provided in the house 10. The HEMS 52 manages and controls energy in the house 10. A portable terminal such as a resident's smartphone and a tablet terminal can be connected to the HEMS 52. The alerting | reporting part 50 may be provided with the function which transmits and alert | reports a detection result to the resident's portable terminal preset via HEMS52.

  The water leakage detection unit 46A includes a plurality of temperature sensors 54A to 54C (referred to collectively as temperature sensors 54) as second hot water temperature detection means and a plurality of temperature sensors 56A to 56C (first temperature detection means). When referred to generically, a temperature sensor 56 is provided. The temperature sensors 54 and 56 are provided for each hot water supply pipe 42.

  The temperature sensors 56A to 56C are provided in the vicinity of the water taps 40A to 40C of the hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C. The temperature sensors 56A to 56C detect the hot water temperatures in the hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C in the vicinity of the faucets 40A to 40C as first hot water temperatures Ta1, Ta2, and Ta3 (collectively referred to as the first hot water temperature Ta). Further, the temperature sensors 54A to 54C are provided in the vicinity of the header 44 on the hot water supply 28 side of each of the hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C. The temperature sensors 54A to 54C are the second hot water temperatures Tb1 to Tb3 (the second hot water temperature Tb in the case of generic names) using the temperature of hot water in the hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C on the hot water heater 28 side (near the header 44) as a reference temperature. Is detected).

  The water leak detection unit 46A is provided with a flow meter 58 as hot water supply stop detection means. The flow meter 58 is provided on the side of the water heater 28 of the header 44 and measures (detects) the flow rate of hot water discharged from the water heater 28. The flow meter 58 may be any detection accuracy and detection range that can determine whether any of the faucets 40A to 40C is in an open hot water supply. For example, when the water heater 28 is provided with a flow meter, the flow meter of the water heater 28 may be used as the flow meter 58.

  The temperature sensors 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C, 56 </ b> A to 56 </ b> C and the flow meter 58 are connected to the controller 48. The controller 48 determines that the hot water supply to the faucets 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> C is stopped when the flow rate of the hot water is reduced and the flow rate cannot be detected by the flow meter 58. When controller 48 determines that hot water supply to faucets 40A to 40C has been stopped, first hot water temperatures Ta1 to Ta3 when a predetermined time (for example, a preset time of 20 minutes or more) has elapsed. And each of 2nd hot water temperature Tb1-Tb3 is read. Further, for each hot water supply pipe 42, the controller 48 obtains a temperature difference between the second hot water temperature Tb in the hot water supply pipe 42 and the first hot water temperature Ta in the other hot water supply pipe 42, and the temperature difference ΔTa is preset as a predetermined temperature. It is determined that a water leak and forgetting to tighten the faucet 40 occur from whether or not the threshold temperature ΔTah is exceeded (leak detection).

  The temperature change in the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 42 affects the installation environment of the hot water supply pipe 42. Since the hot water supply pipe 42 is routed outside the house 10, on the wall surface, inside the wall, and under the floor, the temperature of the installation environment of the hot water supply pipe 42 can be regarded as the outside air temperature. From here, the water leakage detection system 46 is provided with an outside air temperature sensor 60 as environmental temperature detecting means, and the outside air temperature sensor 60 is connected to the controller 48. The controller 48 can correct the threshold temperature ΔTah based on the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60.

  On the other hand, the water leakage detection unit 46B is provided with a temperature sensor 62 as second water temperature detection means and a plurality of temperature sensors 64A to 64E (referred to collectively as temperature sensors 64) as first water temperature detection means. The temperature sensors 64A to 64E are provided on the water supply device side of each of the branch pipes 26A to 26E, and the first water temperatures Tc1 to Tc5 (when generically referred to) are the water temperatures in the branch pipes 26A to 26E on the water supply device side. , Referred to as a first water temperature Tc). The temperature sensor 62 is provided on the water meter 22 side of the water supply pipe 24, and detects the water temperature in the water supply pipe 24 near the water meter 22 buried in the ground as the second water temperature Td as a reference temperature. To do.

  Further, the water leak detection unit 46B is provided with a flow meter 66 as water supply stop detection means. The flow meter 66 is provided at the end of the water supply pipe 24 on the water meter 22 side, and detects the flow rate of water supplied to each of the water supply devices through the water supply pipe 24. As this flow meter 66, it is possible to determine whether any of the faucets 32A to 32C is open, or to supply water to the water heater 28 or the flush toilet 38, that is, to any of a plurality of water supply devices. The detection accuracy and the detection range that can detect the flow rate that can determine whether the water supply is performed are used.

  Each of the temperature sensors 62 and 64 (64A to 64E) and the flow meter 66 is connected to the controller 48. Further, the water supply pipe 24 and the branch pipe 26 are routed outside the house 10, on the wall surface, inside the wall, and under the floor, and the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60 is used as the water supply pipe 24 and the branch pipe 26. It is regarded as the temperature of the installation environment. From here, the water leak detection part 46B uses the outside temperature sensor 60 as an environmental temperature detection means.

  The controller 48 is in a state where the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60 is out of the preset temperature range (the outside air temperature TA exceeds the preset temperature range or is below the temperature range). When it is determined by the flow meter 66 that the water supply device is not supplied with water, the first water temperature Tc (Tc1 to Tc5) when a predetermined time (for example, a preset time of 20 minutes or more) has elapsed. And the second water temperature Td are read. Further, the controller 48 compares each of the first water temperatures Tc1 to Tc5 with the second water temperature Td, and determines whether or not the temperature difference of the branch pipes 26A to 26E is less than a preset threshold temperature ΔTch. The presence or absence of each water leak and the presence or absence of forgetting to tighten the faucet 32 are detected (leak detection).

  As the temperature sensors 54 (54A to 54C), 56 (56A to 56C), 62, 64 (64A to 64E) and the outside air temperature sensor 60, thermocouple sensors can be used. The temperature sensors 54 (54A to 54C), 56 (56A to 56C), 62, 64 (64A to 64E) and the outside air temperature sensor 60 are resistance temperature sensors using a thermistor or a resistance temperature detector. May be.

Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, detection of water leakage by the water leakage detection system 46 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the water leak detection process when the controller 48 functions as the water leak detection unit 46A of the water leak detection system 46. In the hot water supply facility 14, when any of the hot water faucets 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> C is opened, the hot water is discharged from the water heater 28 and flows out from the faucet of the opened faucet 40. Further, in the hot water supply facility 14, when each of the faucets 40A to 40C is closed, hot water from the faucet stops and hot water from the hot water heater 28 is stopped.

  The flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed at predetermined time intervals, and confirms whether or not the use of hot water in the hot water supply device is stopped based on the flow rate of hot water detected by the flow meter 58. Here, when all of the faucets 40A to 40C are closed and the use of hot water in all the hot water supply devices is stopped, the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the flow meter 58 is reduced and the flow meter 58 is out of the detection range. . As a result, an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the flow proceeds to step 102, and water leakage detection is started. In the present embodiment, the flow rate that can be detected by the flow meter 58 is set to 1 liter / minute or more, and when the flow rate of hot water is less than 1 liter / minute, an affirmative determination is made in step 100.

  In water leakage detection, a timer (not shown) is reset / started in step 102, and the elapsed time (elapsed time t) after the use of hot water is stopped is measured. Thereafter, when the elapsed time t reaches a predetermined time ts (for example, ts = 20 minutes) (t ≧ ts) and the timing for performing water leakage determination is determined, an affirmative determination is made in step 102 and the process proceeds to step 104. In addition, before reaching the timing for determining water leakage (before the elapsed time t reaches time ts), it is detected that one of the faucets 40A to 40C is opened and the use of hot water is started by the flow meter 58. If this is done, the current leak detection is terminated (stopped). Moreover, the time ts should just apply the time set so that the temperature change of the hot water in the hot water supply piping 42 can be detected correctly.

  In step 104, the first hot water temperatures Ta1 to Ta3 detected by the temperature sensors 56A to 56C are read, and the second hot water temperatures Tb1 to Tb3 detected by the temperature sensors 54A to 54C are read. In the next step 106, each of the first hot water temperatures Ta (Ta1 to Ta3) is set as a target hot water temperature in turn, and any one of the second hot water temperatures Tb (Tb1 to Tb3) is set as a reference temperature, and hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C are used. Water leakage is determined for each hot water supply route via At this time, when water leakage determination is performed in the hot water supply path formed by the hot water supply pipe 42A, the first hot water temperature Ta1 detected by the temperature sensor 56A provided in the hot water supply pipe 42A is set as the target hot water temperature. The second hot water temperature Tb as the reference temperature is provided in the second hot water temperature Tb2 detected by the temperature sensor 54B provided in the hot water supply pipe 42B, which is a hot water supply pipe other than the hot water supply pipe 42A, and in the hot water supply pipe 42C. At least one of the second hot water temperatures Tb detected by the temperature sensor 54C is applied (both may be used in order).

  Here, FIG. 4A shows an outline of a change in hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe 42 on the faucet 40 side with respect to time. Immediately after the faucet 40 is closed and hot water supply from the water heater 28 is stopped (elapsed time t = 0 minutes), the hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe 42 is set to the set temperature Ts of the water heater 28 (for example, Ts = 40). ° C). The hot water supply pipe 42 is wound with a heat insulating material or the like, but when the state in which the hot water supply is stopped has elapsed, the hot water temperature gradually decreases with time.

  FIG. 4A shows the hot water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 56 in a state where there is no water leakage such as water leakage or forgetting to tighten the water tap 40 in the hot water supply path to the water tap 40 via the hot water supply pipe 42. As shown by the solid line, it is moderate. Further, in the state where no water leakage occurs in the hot water supply path to the faucet 40 via the hot water supply pipe 42, the hot water temperature Tb on the water heater 28 side detected by the temperature sensor 54 (see the dotted line in FIG. 4A) is There is little change compared to the hot water temperature on the faucet 40 side.

  On the other hand, when water leaks in the hot water supply path, hot water flows out from the hot water supply pipe 42 or the faucet 40 due to water leakage, so that water flows into the hot water supply pipe 42 from the water heater 28. For this reason, in the hot water supply pipe 42 in which water leakage has occurred in the hot water supply path, the hot water remaining inside is gradually replaced with water flowing from the hot water heater 28. Thereby, the hot water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 56 of the hot water supply path in which water leakage has occurred is lower than when no water leakage has occurred, and as the amount of water leakage increases, the decrease in hot water temperature increases.

  In general, a pipe joint is used to connect the hot water supply pipe 42 and the faucet 40. The pipe joint is provided with a seal ring. When the seal ring is deteriorated, water leaks from the hot water through the pipe joint. In this case, the change in the hot water temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 56 is slightly larger than when no water leak occurs (see the broken line in FIG. 4A).

  Further, when forgetting to tighten completely when the faucet 40 is closed, hot water flows out from the faucet of the faucet 40 as drops. In the case of forgetting to tighten the faucet 40, the amount of hot water leaking out from the hot water supply pipe 42 is larger than the amount of hot water oozing out at the time of water leakage, so the change in the hot water temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 56 is shown in FIG. As shown by a broken line shorter than the broken line at the time of water leakage in A), it becomes even larger when water leaks in the pipe joint. In addition, in the hot water supply pipe 42 of the piping system in which water leakage occurs, the second hot water temperature Tb on the water heater 28 side is lowered together with the first hot water temperature Ta on the faucet 40 side.

  From here, in the water leak detection unit 46A, a temperature slightly higher than the temperature difference between the second hot water temperature Tb and the first hot water temperature Ta when the predetermined time ts has passed without water leaking is set as a threshold value. The temperature is set as ΔTah. When the temperature difference ΔTa between the first hot water temperature Ta as the target hot water temperature and the second hot water temperature Tb as the reference temperature exceeds the temperature ΔTah (ΔTa> ΔTah), the controller 48 sets the target hot water supply pipe 42. It is determined that water leaks in the hot water supply path.

  Further, the controller 48 performs water leakage detection for each of the hot water supply pipes 42A to 42C. Thereafter, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, if it is determined that water leakage has occurred in any of the hot water supply paths of the hot water supply pipes 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> C, an affirmative determination is made in step 110 and the process proceeds to step 112. In this step 112, the resident is informed that water leakage has occurred in any of the hot water supply paths that supply hot water to the faucets 40A to 40C.

  Thereby, in the water leak detection system 46 (water leak detection part 46A), it arises in the hot water supply path | route which supplies hot water from the water heater 28 to the water tap 40 via the hot water supply pipe 42, without using the highly accurate flow meter which can detect water leak. It is possible to accurately detect and notify the leaked water.

  Moreover, since the flowmeter 58 used for the water leak detection part 46A should just detect whether the faucet 40 is opened in order to use warm water, the flow rate provided in order to detect water leak A flow meter having a narrower measurement accuracy and measurement range than the meter can be used. For this reason, the water leakage detection system 46 can accurately detect water leakage using the low-cost flow meter 58.

  In the state where hot water supply is stopped, the temperature change in the hot water supply pipe 42 changes according to the environmental temperature (for example, the outside air temperature TA) in which the hot water supply pipe 42 is routed, and the outside air temperature TA also changes in the season. Will change accordingly. Even if the set temperature Ts of the water heater 28 is the same, the first hot water temperature Ta and the second hot water temperature Tb in the hot water supply pipe 42 change according to the outside air temperature TA. Change in temperature is less than when the value is low.

  From here, the controller 48 functioning as the determination means of the water leakage detection unit 46A has a threshold when the outside air temperature TA is lower than when the outside air temperature TA is high according to the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60. The temperature ΔTah as a value is corrected so as to increase (the numerical value increases). Thereby, the water leak which arose in the hot water supply path | route can be detected more correctly.

  The first hot water temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 56 is not only the time ts and the outside air temperature TA, but also the length of the hot water supply pipe 42 (the length of the hot water supply path, that is, the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water supply pipe 42). ). From here, for each hot water supply pipe 42, the first hot water temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 56 and the second hot water temperature Tb detected by the temperature sensor 54 are measured in advance for the time ts, and the time of detection timing is measured. You may memorize | store as a map of the temperature change with respect to ts and the external temperature TA, and the map of temperature (DELTA) Tah used as a threshold value. Thereby, according to the installation environment of the house 10 and the installation situation of the hot water supply equipment 14, the accurate water leak detection about the hot water supply equipment 14 is attained.

  In addition, although the 2nd hot water temperature Tb in the hot water supply piping 42 different from the hot water supply piping 42 which is the object of water leak detection was applied as reference temperature compared with object hot water temperature (1st hot water temperature Ta), reference temperature is to this. It is not limited. The set temperature Ts of the hot water heater 28 may be applied as the reference temperature, and any temperature may be used as long as the temperature is higher than the first hot water temperature Ta (no less than the first hot water temperature Ta) in a state where no water leakage occurs. Temperature can be applied. At this time, the threshold temperature ΔTah is set so that the first hot water temperature Ta when water leakage occurs is determined based on the reference temperature and the first hot water temperature Ta when water leakage does not occur. It ’s fine.

  Next, leakage detection of the water supply facility 12 by the leakage detection unit 46B of the leakage detection system 46 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4B shows an outline of a change in the first water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 provided in the branch pipe 26. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the water leakage detection process when the controller 48 functions as the water leakage detection unit 46B of the water leakage detection system 46.

  In the water supply facility 12, when any of the faucets 32 </ b> A to 32 </ b> C is opened, when the water heater 28 discharges hot water, or when the flush toilet 38 is used, water supply equipment is used. If there is, the water of the main pipe 18 is supplied to the water supply equipment in use. In the water supply facility 12, when the use of water in the water supply device is stopped, the supply of water from the main pipe 18 is stopped.

  The flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed at predetermined time intervals, and confirms whether or not the use of water in the water supply device is stopped from the flow rate of water measured by the flow meter 66 in step 120. Here, when all of the faucets 32A to 32C are closed and the use of the water heater 28 and the flush toilet 38 is stopped, the flow rate of the water flowing through the flow meter 66 decreases, and the detection range of the flow meter 66 deviates. . Thereby, an affirmative determination is made in step 120, and the process proceeds to step 121. In the present embodiment, the flow rate that can be detected by the flow meter 66 is set to 1 liter / minute or more, and when the flow rate of water measured by the flow meter 66 is less than 1 liter / minute, the water in each water supply device It is determined that use has been stopped.

  In step 121, the controller 48 confirms whether or not the environment is capable of detecting water leakage. In this step 121, the outside air temperature TA is detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60, and the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 62 is read as the water temperature of the main pipe 18 water. Thereafter, the controller 48 determines that the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60 is within a predetermined range based on the second water temperature Td detected by the temperature sensor 62 (the outside air temperature TA is a temperature TA1 (for example, , TA1 = Td + 2 °) or lower and the temperature TA2 (for example, TA2 = Td−2 ° C) or higher, refer to FIG. 4 (B)). To do).

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60 is outside a predetermined range based on the second water temperature Td detected by the temperature sensor 62 (the outside air temperature TA is a temperature TA1 (for example, TA1 = Td + 2 °) or lower than the temperature TA2 (for example, TA2 = Td−2 ° C) (see FIG. 4B), an affirmative determination is made in step 121, and water leakage detection is started.

  In the water leakage detection, a timer (not shown) is reset / started in step 122, and the elapsed time (elapsed time t) after the use of water is stopped is measured. Thereafter, when the elapsed time t reaches a predetermined time ts (for example, ts = 20 minutes) (t ≧ ts) and the timing for performing the water leakage determination, an affirmative determination is made in step 124 and the process proceeds to step 126. In addition, before reaching the timing for performing water leakage determination (before the elapsed time t reaches time ts), one of the water taps 32A to 32C is opened, or one of the water heater 28 and the flush toilet 38 is used. Then, when it is detected that the use of water is started from the flow rate measured by the flow meter 66, the current water leak detection is terminated (stopped). The time ts is set to be able to accurately detect a temperature change, and may be the same as or different from the time ts set to the water leakage detection unit 46A.

  In step 126, the first water temperatures Tc1 to Tc5 detected by the temperature sensors 64A to 64E are read, and the second water temperature Td detected by the temperature sensor 62 is read. In the next step 128, the second water temperature Td is set as a reference temperature, and each of the first hot water temperatures Ta (Ta1 to Ta3) is set as a target water temperature, and water leakage determination is performed for each of the water supply paths via the branch pipes 26A to 26E.

  Here, FIG. 4B shows an outline of the change in the temperature of the water on the water supply device side of the branch pipe 26 (first water temperature Tc) with respect to time. Immediately after the water supply to the water supply device is stopped (elapsed time t = 0 minutes), the water temperature in the branch pipe 26 becomes the water temperature T0 in the main pipe 18 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4B). ing. If the outside air temperature TA is out of the predetermined temperature range, the branch pipe 26 is insulated if there is no water leak or water leakage such as forgetting to tighten the faucet 32 in the water supply path to the water supply device via the branch pipe 26. Although the material or the like is wound, the first water temperature Tc gradually changes according to the outside air temperature TA. That is, when the outside air temperature TA is higher than the temperature TA1 (TA> TA1), the first water temperature Tc gradually increases with time, and when the outside air temperature TA is lower than the temperature TA2 (TA <TA2). The first water temperature Tc gradually decreases with time (see the solid line in FIG. 4B).

  On the other hand, when water leaks in the water supply path, water flows out from the branch pipe 26 or the faucet 32 due to water leak, so that the water in the main pipe 18 flows into the branch pipe 26 through the water supply pipe 24. For this reason, in the branch pipe 26 in which water leakage has occurred in the water supply path, the water remaining inside is gradually replaced with water newly supplied from the main pipe 18. Thereby, the change of the 1st water temperature Tc detected by the temperature sensor 64 of the water supply path | route which the water leaked becomes smaller than the case where no water leak has arisen (refer the broken line of FIG. 4 (B)).

  In the water leak detection unit 46A, a temperature that is slightly smaller than the temperature difference between the second water temperature Td and the first water temperature Tc when the predetermined time ts has passed without water leaking is set as the threshold temperature ΔTch. ing. When the temperature difference ΔTc between the first water temperature Tc of the target water temperature and the second water temperature Td as the reference temperature is less than the temperature ΔTch (ΔTc <ΔTch), that is, the temperature difference ΔTc is (Td + ΔTch)> When ΔTc> (Td−ΔTch), it is determined that water leakage has occurred in the target water supply system.

  Moreover, the controller 48 performs water leak detection in each of the branch pipes 26A to 26E. Thereafter, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, if it is determined that water leakage has occurred in any of the branch pipes 26 </ b> A to 26 </ b> E, an affirmative determination is made in step 130 and the process proceeds to step 132. Notify the resident that it has occurred.

  Thereby, in the water leak detection system 46 (water leak detection part 46B), without using the high-precision flowmeter which can detect water leak, the water leak which arose in the water supply path via branch piping 26A-26E is detected correctly. Can be notified. Moreover, since the flow meter 66 used for the water leak detection part 46B should just be able to detect whether water is used in any of water supply apparatuses, the flow rate provided in order to detect the flow rate of water leak A flow meter having a narrower measurement accuracy and measurement range than the meter can be used. For this reason, the water leakage detection system 46 can accurately detect water leakage that has occurred in the water supply path of the water supply facility 12 using the low-cost flow meter 66.

  In addition, the water temperature of the main pipe 18 may vary depending on the outdoor temperature (average temperature for each season) and the environment in which the house 10 is installed (area where the water is installed). The detected second water temperature Td is used. For this reason, the correction | amendment of the reference temperature according to a season and the installation environment of the house 10 becomes unnecessary.

  The change in the water temperature of the branch pipe 26 affects the outside air temperature TA. From here, the controller 48 corrects the temperature range ΔTch of the outside air temperature TA (temperature TA1, TA2) and the threshold value ΔTch when performing water leakage detection according to the outside air temperature TA detected by the outside air temperature sensor 60. To do. At this time, when the outside air temperature TA is higher than the water temperature T0, the controller 48 corrects the temperature range (temperatures TA1, TA2) of the outside air temperature TA and the threshold temperature ΔTch as the outside air temperature TA increases. . Further, when the outside air temperature TA is lower than the water temperature T0, the controller 48 corrects the temperature range (temperatures TA1, TA2) of the outside air temperature TA and the threshold temperature ΔTch as the outside air temperature TA becomes lower. Thereby, the water leak which arose in the water supply path | route can be detected more correctly.

  Further, the first water temperature Tc detected by the temperature sensor 64 is not only the detection timing time ts and the outside air temperature TA, but also the length of the water supply pipe 24 and the branch pipe 26 (path length of the water supply path), embedded in the water supply path. This affects the length of the part and the length of the exposed part. From here, for each branch pipe 26 (water supply path), the first water temperature Tc detected by the temperature sensor 64 for the time ts is measured in advance, a map of temperature changes with respect to the time ts and the outside air temperature TA, threshold values, and the like. May be stored as a map of the temperature ΔTch. Thereby, according to the installation environment of the house 10, and the installation condition of the water supply equipment 12, the accurate water leak detection about the water supply equipment 12 is attained.

  In addition, as the reference temperature to be compared with the target water temperature (first water temperature Tc), the second water temperature td on the water meter 22 side of the water supply pipe 24 buried in the ground is applied, but the reference temperature is limited to this. is not. As the reference temperature, the temperature of water in the main pipe 18 that is a water supply source may be applied. In this case, the temperature of the water of the water supply source varies depending on the season, the setting environment of the house 10 (such as the area where the house 10 is installed), and the like, and is affected by the outside temperature TA. From here, when the reference temperature is set in advance as the water temperature of the main pipe 18, the temperature of the water of the main pipe 18 in the house 10 is measured in each season, for example, as a map of the reference temperature with respect to the outside air temperature. It may be stored in advance. Further, the temperature ΔTch as a threshold is set so that the first water temperature Tc at which water leakage occurs can be determined based on the reference temperature acquired from the map and the first water temperature Tc when water leakage has not occurred. It only has to be done.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 121, the process proceeds to step 134. It should be noted that the use of water was started in the middle of executing the water leak detection, but the water was used before the elapsed time t reached the predetermined time ts (before an affirmative determination was made in step 124). Even when the leak detection is stopped because it is detected, the routine may move to step 134.

  In this step 134, the resident is notified that the water leakage determination (water leakage detection) for the water supply path of the water supply facility 12 has not been performed. It is determined whether or not water leakage has occurred. If water leakage has not occurred (no water leakage has been detected), the leakage detection result is not notified in step 132. For this reason, even if the water leakage determination is not performed, step 132 is not executed, so that the resident may recognize (misidentify) that there is no water leakage. Here, if the water leak determination is not performed, the resident will misunderstand that there is no water leak by notifying the resident that the water leak determination has not been performed (leak detection has been stopped). Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment described above, the water leakage detection system 46 is provided separately from the water heater 28 and the HEMS 52. However, the water leakage detection system 46 may be provided with the controller 48 in the water heater 28, whereby the controller 48 and the temperature sensors 54 (54 A to 54 C), 56 (56 A to 56 C), 62 and 64 (64 A to 64 E). Since the signal wiring with each of the outside air temperature sensor 60 and the flow meters 58 and 66 can be routed along the piping of the water supply equipment 12 and the hot water supply equipment 14, the signal wiring can be easily routed. In addition, the water leakage detection system 46 may have the function of the controller 48 in the HEMS 52, thereby allowing water leakage management as well as energy management of the house 10. Furthermore, the water leakage detection system 46 may be provided in a server on the network to which each temperature sensor is connected via the HEMS 52 or the network communication means, and the function of the controller 48 may be provided as the notification means. And smartphones and tablet devices connected to the network.

  In addition, in this Embodiment, when the water leak determination (detection) was not performed in the water supply equipment 12, it was made to notify a resident that the water leak determination was not performed. However, not only when the water leakage determination is not performed in the water supply facility 12, but also when the water supply facility 12 does not determine that water leakage has occurred as a result of the water leakage detection, the resident is notified. May be. In addition, the resident may be notified even when it is not determined that water leakage has occurred as a result of performing water leakage determination in the hot water supply facility 14. In addition, these notifications are less urgent than when water leakage has occurred, so instead of displaying on the display etc. or in addition to displaying on the display etc., a preset resident You may make it notify to an e-mail etc. to the portable terminal of this.

  Furthermore, in this Embodiment demonstrated above, it demonstrated to the example the water supply equipment and hot water supply equipment which were provided in the detached house 10. However, water leak detection for hot water supply equipment can also be applied to water leak detection for hot water supply equipment provided in apartment houses.

10 Housing (building)
12 Water supply equipment 14 Hot water supply equipment 18 Main (water supply source)
24 Water supply piping 26 (26A-26E) Branch piping (equipment side piping)
28 Water heaters (water heaters, water supply equipment)
32 (32A-32C) faucet (water supply equipment)
38 Flush toilet (water supply equipment)
40 (40A-40C) faucet (hot water supply equipment)
42 (42A-42C) Hot water supply piping 46 Water leakage detection system 46A, 46B Water leakage detection part 48 Controller (determination means)
50 Notifying part (notifying means)
54 (54A-54C) Temperature sensor (second hot water temperature detecting means)
56 (56A to 56C) Temperature sensor (first hot water temperature detecting means)
58, 66 Flow meter 62 Temperature sensor (second water temperature detection means)
64 (64A to 64E) Temperature sensor (first water temperature detection means)

Claims (7)

One end is connected to a hot water heater and wired in the building, and the other end of the hot water pipe connected to a hot water supply device using hot water discharged from the hot water heater is detected on the hot water supply apparatus side. First hot water temperature detecting means;
When the use of hot water in the hot water supply device is stopped and the use of hot water is stopped for a predetermined time, a temperature difference between the hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature detecting means and a reference temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. A determination means for determining that water leakage has occurred in the hot water supply path via the hot water supply pipe,
Informing means for informing the occurrence of water leakage determined by the determining means;
Water leakage detection system equipped with. Each of the plurality of hot water supply pipes provided with the first hot water temperature detection means on each of the hot water supply equipment side is provided on the hot water supply equipment side to detect the hot water temperature on the hot water supply side of the hot water supply pipe. 2 further includes a hot water temperature detection means,
The determination means uses, as the reference temperature, a hot water temperature detected by the second hot water temperature detection means of the hot water supply pipe different from the one hot water supply pipe for one hot water supply pipe among the plurality of hot water supply pipes. The water leakage detection system according to claim 1, wherein leakage of a hot water supply path through the one hot water supply pipe is determined. A flow meter capable of detecting whether the hot water supply device uses hot water from the flow rate of hot water discharged from the water heater;
The water leakage detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not use of hot water is stopped in the hot water supply device from a flow rate detected by the flow meter. Connected to the other end of the water supply pipe connected to the underground water supply source at one end and routed inside the building, and connected to the water supply equipment using water at the other end First water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature on the water supply device side of the device side piping;
An environmental temperature detecting means for detecting an environmental temperature of the water supply device and the equipment side piping;
Detected by the first water temperature detection means when the environmental temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range, the use of water is stopped in the water supply device, and the use stop state of water continues for a predetermined time. A judging means for judging that water leakage has occurred in the water supply path via the equipment side piping when the temperature difference between the water temperature and the reference temperature is within a predetermined temperature;
Informing means for informing the occurrence of water leakage determined by the determining means;
Water leakage detection system equipped with. A second water temperature detecting means for detecting a water temperature on the water supply source side of the water supply pipe;
5. The water leakage detection system according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines water leakage in the water supply path through the equipment-side piping, using the water temperature detected by the second water temperature detection unit as the reference temperature. A flow meter capable of detecting whether water is being used in the water supply device from the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply source;
The water leakage detection system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not use of water is stopped in the water supply device from a flow rate detected by the flow meter.   The water leakage detection system according to claim 4, wherein when the environmental temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, the notification means notifies that a water leakage determination of the water supply path has not been performed.

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