JP2023175185A - Test device and test method of fire hose - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fire hose testing device and a testing method for checking whether a fire hose is damaged by air pressure.

Fire hydrants, connected water pipes, fire engines, etc. installed indoors or outdoors are equipped with fire hoses. In order to confirm whether a fire hose is damaged or not, a damage confirmation test using air pressure has been conventionally performed. For example, JP 2010-261729A and JP 2014-14705A describe hose testing devices for fire hydrants. This fire hydrant hose testing device includes a maintenance device and first and second test jigs.

The maintenance device includes a primary port that is a water inflow path, a secondary port that is a water outflow path, and a partition wall that partitions the primary port and the secondary port. A first jig attachment port is provided on the upper wall of the primary port. A second jig attachment port is provided on the lower wall of the secondary port. A valve hole is provided in the partition wall. The first jig attachment port, the second jig attachment port, and the valve hole are all circular holes with the same diameter and are located on the same central axis. The primary port is connected to the secondary side of the fire hydrant valve. The secondary port is connected to a hydrant hose fitting. The first and second jig attachment ports are each covered by a lid.

The first test jig includes a hose insertion joint, an air injection valve, a regulator, and a pressure gauge. An air injection valve and a pressure gauge are respectively connected to the hose insertion joint via a T-joint. A regulator is connected to the air injection valve. A fire hydrant hose with the nozzle removed is connected to the hose insertion joint. A compressor for injecting air pressure into the fire hydrant hose is connected to the regulator.

The second test jig includes a sleeve, an O-ring, an adapter, and an air release valve. The sleeve is a cylindrical tube with a diameter that can be inserted into the first jig attachment port and valve hole or the second jig attachment port and valve hole of the maintenance device. An O-ring is attached to the tip of the sleeve. The adapter is connected to the rear end of the sleeve and defines an internal passageway communicating within the sleeve. The air bleed valve is connected to the internal passage of the adapter via piping.

When performing a damage confirmation test on a fire hydrant hose, insert the sleeve of the second test jig into the first jig attachment port of the maintenance device. As a result, the valve hole of the maintenance device is closed by the O-ring at the tip of the sleeve, and the secondary port of the maintenance device communicates with the inside of the sleeve of the second test jig. The primary port of the maintenance device is isolated from the secondary port. In this state, the air injection valve of the first test jig is opened, and air pressure is injected into the inside of the fire hydrant hose. After the air pressure injection is completed, the air injection valve is closed and the air pressure injected into the fire hydrant hose is maintained. The air pressure held inside the fire hydrant hose is measured by the pressure gauge of the first test jig, and it is confirmed whether the fire hydrant hose is damaged or not.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-261729 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-14705 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-25600 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-173296

The conventional fire hydrant hose testing device described above has a problem in that while the maintenance device has a simple structure, the second test jig has a complicated structure. The second test jig has a configuration in which a sleeve, which is a cylindrical tube, protrudes from one side of the adapter, and an air vent valve is vertically connected to the other side of the adapter via piping. Such a second test jig is elongated as a whole in one direction, and all of the component parts are made of metal and have a considerable weight, so it requires effort to handle when attaching and detaching it to a maintenance device. In addition, during normal times when a fire hydrant hose damage confirmation test is not performed, a storage area for the second test jig must be secured within the fire hydrant storage box.

Further, the conventional fire hydrant hose testing device has a problem in that it requires time and effort to attach and detach the second test jig to the maintenance device. Specifically, when conducting a damage confirmation test on a fire hydrant hose, there are two steps: removing the lid that closes the first jig attachment port of the maintenance device, and attaching the sleeve of the second test jig to the first jig. A step of inserting the second test jig into the mounting port, and a step of press-fitting the adapter of the second test jig into the first jig mounting port, or screwing the male thread on the adapter side into the female thread of the first jig mounting port. There must be.

Furthermore, fire hydrants are required to undergo a water discharge test in addition to the damage confirmation test for fire hydrant hoses. When performing a water discharge test on a fire hydrant using a conventional fire hydrant hose test device, prepare a second test jig (hydraulic test jig) with a different configuration in which multiple holes are drilled in the wall of the sleeve. There must be. This second test jig with a different configuration also has exactly the same problem as above, and even in fire hydrant water discharge tests, it requires effort and effort to attach and detach the second test jig to the maintenance equipment. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the flow path switching valve can be switched to a test state simply by connecting a cap to the secondary side of the second outflow path of the flow path switching valve. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fire hose testing device and a testing method that make it possible to perform a fire hose damage confirmation test extremely easily and quickly.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the fire hose testing device of the present invention is a fire hose testing device for checking whether or not the fire hose is damaged by air pressure. A flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of fluid flowing in from the inflow path to either the first outflow path or the second outflow path, and the flow path switching valve can be coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow path. The flow path switching valve includes a valve box in which the inflow path, the first outflow path, and the second outflow path are provided, and the first outflow path and the second outflow path. a valve body capable of closing either one of the above, and a spring capable of causing the valve body to close the second outflow passage by a biasing force along the central axis of the second outflow passage. The cap, when coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow path, moves the valve body in a direction away from the second outflow path against the biasing force of the spring. , the valve body is placed in a position to close the first outflow passage, and the cap is injected into the inside of the fire hose to check whether the fire hose is damaged. The valve body has a bonding force that can withstand air pressure, and fixes the valve body in a position where the first outflow path is closed against the air pressure.

(2) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (1) above, the flow path switching valve is attached to a substantially cylindrical fitting that communicates with the second outflow path, and an outer side of the fitting. A flange is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the push ring for moving the push ring along the outer circumferential surface of the insert, and a flange is provided on the outer periphery of the tip of the insert in the diametrical direction. A step portion is formed that protrudes evenly from the top and is capable of restricting movement of the push ring.

(3) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (2) above, the cap includes a substantially cylindrical side wall into which the stepped portion of the insert is inserted, and a substantially cylindrical side wall that closes the tip opening of the insert. A receiving fitting having a circular top wall; a tightening ring attached to the outside of the tip of the receiving fitting and having a tip having an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the stepped portion of the insert; and a tip of the receiving fitting. and a plurality of pawls that are provided between the distal end of the fastening ring and movable in the diametrical direction of the distal end of the receiving metal fitting.

(4) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (3) above, the cap is provided along the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving metal fitting, and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion of the insert fitting. A substantially annular packing is provided, and the packing blocks air flow inside and outside the second outflow path.

(5) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (4) above, the packing integrally includes a substantially annular first wall portion located on the outside and a substantially annular second wall portion located on the inside. The structure is molded and has a substantially U-shaped cross section over the entire circumference, the first wall portion contacts the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting, and the second wall portion contacts the stepped portion of the insert fitting. When the second wall portion comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface and the pressure within the second outflow path increases, the second wall portion deforms inward and comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stepped portion of the insert.

(6) Preferably, in the fire hose testing device of (1) above, the cap is provided with a female thread or a male thread that can be coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow path, and The coupling force of the male screw fixes the valve body in a position where the first outflow path is closed.

(7) Preferably, the fire hose testing device according to any one of (1) to (6) includes an air pressure injection device for injecting air pressure into the inside of the fire hose, and the air pressure injection The device includes a compressor for compressing air, an air injection valve connected to the secondary side of the compressor, a pressure gauge connected to the secondary side of the air injection valve, and a secondary side of the pressure gauge. an air bleed valve connected to the fire hose, the secondary side of the air bleed valve being connected to the outlet of the fire hose.

(8) In order to achieve the above object, the fire hose testing method of the present invention is a fire hose testing method using the fire hose testing device described in (7) above. a step of coupling the cap to the secondary side of the second outlet passage of the passage switching valve; The method includes a step of injecting air pressure into the fire hose, a step of maintaining the air pressure injected into the inside of the fire hose, and a step of measuring the air pressure held inside the fire hose.

According to the fire hose testing device and testing method of the present invention, the flow path switching valve can be switched to the test state simply by coupling the cap to the secondary side of the second outflow path of the flow path switching valve. It becomes possible to perform damage confirmation tests on fire hoses extremely easily and quickly.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A fire hose test device and test method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a flow path switching valve and a cap that constitute a fire hose testing device are built into a fire hydrant, and the testing device is used to perform a damage confirmation test on a fire hose installed on a fire hydrant. .

1. Fire Hydrant In FIG. 1(a), a fire hydrant 1 according to the present embodiment is installed, for example, in a road tunnel, and is used for initial extinguishing of a fire occurring in the tunnel. The fire hydrant 1 includes a fire hydrant door 10A, a fire extinguisher door 10B, and a maintenance door 10C. Inside the fire hydrant door 10A, various valves 15, 16, 19, 2, fire hose 17, fire nozzle 18, cap 4, opening/closing lever 15a, etc. shown in FIG. 1(b) are stored. The fire hydrant door 10A can be opened manually by operating the handle 11a. The fire hydrant door 10A opens, for example, from top to bottom centering on the lower side of the door. A fire nozzle 18 connected to a fire hose 17 is detachably held on the back side of the fire hydrant door 10A. Moreover, the opening/closing lever 15a is installed on the back surface of the fire hydrant door 10A. The various valves 15, 16, 19, 2 inside the fire hydrant door 10A will be described later.

A fire extinguisher (not shown) is housed inside the fire extinguisher door 10B. The fire extinguisher door 10B can be opened manually by operating the handle 11b. The fire extinguisher door 10B opens, for example, from right to left centering on the left side of the door. A red indicator light 12 and a notification button 13 are provided between the fire extinguisher door 10B and the maintenance door 10C. The red indicator light 12 is always on, making it possible to identify the installation location of the fire hydrant 1 even from a distance. When the notification button 13 is pressed, a call signal is transmitted. This transmitted signal is received by a receiver in a monitoring room (not shown) and processed as a signal to report a fire or accident.

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

In the fire hydrant 1, a fire hydrant valve 15, an automatic pressure regulating valve 16, an automatic drain valve 19, and a flow path switching valve 2 are connected to the fire hydrant connection port 14 in this order. The fire hydrant valve 15 is opened and closed by an operator operating the opening/closing lever 15a. When the opening/closing lever 15a is operated from the closed position to the open position, the fire hydrant valve 15 is brought into the open state. In conjunction with the operation of the opening/closing lever 15a at this time, a transmission signal is transmitted from a limit switch (not shown). This transmission signal is received by a receiver in a monitoring room (not shown), and a command signal for starting the pump is transmitted from the receiver. Based on this command signal, the pump is activated and water supply begins. This increases the pressure inside the pipe. The automatic pressure regulating valve 16 automatically adjusts the pressure in the secondary piping to within a specified range when the pressure in the primary piping fluctuates within a specified range. Water is supplied from the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 to the fire hose 17 via the flow path switching valve 2, and is discharged from the fire nozzle 18. The automatic pressure regulating valve 16 is configured so that, for example, when the pressure in the primary piping fluctuates within the range of 0.47 to 1.77 MPa, the water discharge pressure of the firefighting nozzle 18 is 0.29 MPa or more and 0.35 MPa or less. automatically adjusts the pressure in the secondary piping.

The automatic drain valve 19 is connected to the secondary piping of the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 and automatically opens and closes depending on the water pressure in the piping. That is, when the fire hydrant 1 is on standby, the water pressure in the pipe becomes lower than a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the fire hydrant 1 is extinguished and inspected, the water pressure in the pipe becomes higher than a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 is closed. With such an automatic drain valve 19, residual water in the pipe is automatically drained after the fire hydrant 1 is used, and the pipe is kept dry.

2. Flow Path Switching Valve Next, the configuration of the flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-25600 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-173296 related to the patent application filed by the present applicants. . The flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment exhibits a third function in addition to the two functions described in these publications. First, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as a water discharge test valve for performing a water discharge test of the fire hydrant 1 (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-25600). Second, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmosphere release valve for smoothly discharging residual water in the piping of the fire hydrant 1 and the fire hose 17 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173296). Thirdly, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as a damage confirmation test valve for checking whether or not the fire hose is damaged by air pressure.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow path switching valve 2 mainly includes a valve box 20, an insertion tube 30, a fitting 40, a push ring 50, a movable member 60, a shaft 70, a spring 80, a stopper 90, and a valve. It is constituted by a body 100.

Inside the valve box 20, an inflow path 21, a first outflow path 22, and a second outflow path 23 are provided. A circular communication port 24 is provided between the inflow path 21 and the first outflow path 22. The inflow path 21 is connected to the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 shown in FIG. 1(b). The first outflow path 22 is connected to a hose joint (not shown). A fire hose 17 shown in FIG. 1(b) is connected to this hose joint. Water flowing into the valve box 20 from the inflow path 21 flows into either the first outflow path 22 or the second outflow path 23 as the valve body 100 moves.

The central axis of the second flow path 23 of the valve box 20 preferably has an inclination of 10° to 30° with respect to the vertical axis. The central axis of the second outflow path 23 of this embodiment has an inclination of about 20 degrees with respect to the vertical axis. The second outflow path 23 and the communication port 24 share a central axis with each other, and the center axis of the communication port 24 also has an inclination of about 20 degrees with respect to the vertical axis. Note that the "vertical axis" herein refers to a virtual axis that intersects the central axis of at least one of the inflow path 21 and the first outflow path 22 at 90 degrees.

The above-mentioned insertion tube 30, insert fitting 40, push ring 50, movable member 60, shaft 70, spring 80, stopper 90, and valve body 100 are assembled into the second outflow path 23 of the valve box 20.

The insertion tube 30 is a substantially cylindrical tube having a small diameter inlet 31 and a large diameter outlet 32. The inlet 31 side of the insertion pipe 30 is inserted into the second outlet passage 23 of the valve box 20 . The inner diameter of the inlet port 31 of the insertion tube 30 is equal to the opening diameter of the communication port 24 of the valve box 20. A stopper 90 is housed in the outlet 32 of the insertion tube 30, and the inlet 41 of the insert fitting 40 is inserted. A space between the insertion tube 30 and the second outflow path 23 is sealed by an O-ring 33. On the other hand, the space between the insertion tube 30 and the fitting 40 is sealed by an O-ring 34.

The insert fitting 40 constitutes an insert of a plug-in coupling fitting called "Machino type". A push ring 50 is attached to the outside of the insert. A flange 51 is provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the push ring 50 for moving the push ring 50 along the outer circumferential surface of the insert fitting 40. A stepped portion 43 is formed on the outer periphery of the outlet 42 of the insert 40, which protrudes evenly in the diametrical direction and is capable of restricting movement of the push ring 50.

The stopper 90 is made of a circular plate member and is held between the outlet 32 of the insertion tube 30 and the inlet 41 of the insert 40. A circular insertion hole 91 is formed in the center of the stopper 90. The insertion hole 91 has an opening diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the shaft 70, and the shaft 70 is movably inserted therethrough. The shaft 70 inserted into the insertion hole 91 of the stopper 90 coincides with the central axis of the second outflow path 23 of the valve box 20 . Furthermore, three approximately fan-shaped water holes 92 are equally formed in the stopper 90. Each water passage hole 92 is arranged radially around the insertion hole 91 . Water flowing into the insertion tube 30 from the inflow path 21 of the valve box 20 passes through each water passage hole 92 and flows out to the side of the fitting 40. Note that the configuration of the stopper 90 is not particularly limited as long as it allows water to pass through and can stop the movement of the spring 80. For example, the stopper 90 may have a configuration in which a plurality of circular water holes 92 are formed radially around the insertion hole 91.

The movable member 60 has a structure in which an annular main body 61, three support rods 62, a female threaded portion 63, and three guide pieces 64 are integrally formed. The annular main body 61 functions as a pusher. Each support rod 62 is radially arranged at an angle of 120° on the annular body 61 and supports the female threaded portion 63 at the center of the annular body 61 . Each support rod 62 forms three openings 65 for the passage of water. Each guide piece 64 is arranged at equal intervals on the back surface of the annular main body 61 at a position corresponding to each of the three support rods 62 . The outer peripheral surface of each guide piece 64 is a curved surface with the same radius of curvature as the inner peripheral surface of the insert fitting 40.

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

A configuration for operating the valve body 100 is formed by assembling the movable member 60, the spring 80, and the valve body 100 to the shaft 70 inserted through the insertion hole 91 of the stopper 90.

That is, the spring 80 is attached to the outside of the portion of the shaft 70 above the stopper 90. With this spring 80 interposed, the female threaded portion 63 of the movable member 60 is screwed into the first male threaded portion 71 provided at one end of the shaft 70. The spring 80 is held in a compressed state between the movable member 60 and the stopper 90. Thereby, the spring 80 always generates a biasing force in the direction of pushing up the movable member 60. The movable member 60 receives the biasing force of the spring 80, and more than half of the movable member 60 is exposed to the outside from the outlet 42 of the fitting 40.

On the other hand, the female threaded portion 101 of the valve body 100 is screwed into a second male threaded portion 72 provided at the other end of the shaft 70. The valve body 100 is always subjected to the biasing force of the spring 80 via the shaft 70 and enters the inlet port 31 of the insertion tube 30. At this time, the O-ring 103 of the valve body 100 comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inlet 31 of the insertion tube 30. Thereby, the inflow port 31 of the insertion tube 30 is closed by the valve body 100. That is, in the free state of the movable member 60 which is not receiving any force other than the biasing force of the spring 80, the second outflow path 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is closed by the valve body 100.

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

3. Cap Next, the structure of the cap 4 that constitutes the testing apparatus for the fire hose 17 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c). The cap 4 is coupled to the stepped portion 43 of the insert 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, and closes the opening at the tip of the insert 40 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cap 4 is a metal lid that is approximately circular in plan view. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the cap 4 corresponds to the insertion fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, and constitutes a receptacle for the above-mentioned "Machino style" insertion type coupling fitting. The cap 4 includes a receiving metal fitting 401, a tightening ring 402, a plurality of claws 403, a claw seat 404, a packing 405, and a rubber band 406.

The receiving fitting 401 has a substantially cylindrical side wall into which the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted, and a substantially circular top wall that closes the tip opening of the insert fitting 401. The inner diameter of the tip of the receiving fitting 401 is approximately equal to the diameter of the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40. The tightening ring 402 is attached to the outside of the distal end of the receiving fitting 401 and has a distal end having an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40 . Each pawl 403 is placed on a pawl seat 404 provided between the tip of the receiving metal fitting 401 and the tip of the tightening ring 402. Each claw 403 can move in the diametrical direction of the tip of the receiving metal fitting 401. A rubber band 406 is attached to the outer periphery of the tightening ring 402.

The packing 405 is provided along the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting 401 and is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40 . As a result, the flow of air between the inside and outside of the second outflow path 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is blocked. Here, the packing 405 of this embodiment has a configuration in which a substantially annular first wall portion located on the outside and a substantially annular second wall portion located on the inside are integrally molded. Such a packing 405 has a substantially U-shaped cross section over the entire circumference, the first wall portion contacts the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting 401, and the second wall portion contacts the step portion 43 of the insert fitting 40. When it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface and the pressure within the second outflow path 23 increases, the second wall portion deforms inward and comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40 .

Here, the receiving fitting 401 of the cap 4 of this embodiment is integrally provided with a protrusion 401a for attaching a chain (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the protrusion 401a is located at the center of the substantially circular top wall of the receiving metal fitting 401, and one annular groove 401b is formed therein. One end of a chain (not shown) is coupled to this annular groove 401b. By connecting the other end of this chain to the valve box 20 of the flow path switching valve 2, for example, the cap 4 can be suspended from the valve box 20 of the flow path switching valve 2 with the chain when not in use. can. This eliminates the need to provide a storage location for the cap 4 within the storage box of the fire hydrant 1. Further, when testing a fire hose, the cap 4 suspended from the chain can be quickly used.

4. State of the flow path switching valve when the fire hydrant is extinguished FIG. 5 shows the state of the flow path switching valve 2 when the fire hydrant 1 is extinguished. As shown in FIG. 5, when a fire occurs, the flow path switching valve 2 opens the first outflow path 22 and closes the second outflow path 23. In this state, the operator operates the opening/closing lever 15a of the fire hydrant 1 from the closed position to the open position. Thereby, water supplied from the pump passes through the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 and the flow path switching valve 2, is supplied to the fire hose 17, and is discharged from the fire nozzle 18.

Here, two gray arrows in FIG. 5 indicate the flow of water passing through the flow path switching valve 2. Water supplied from the pump flows into the valve box 20 from the inflow path 21 of the flow path switching valve 2, passes through the communication port 24, and flows out to the first outflow path 22. The valve body 100 closes the second outflow path 23 for inspection, and the inflow path 21 and the first outflow path 22 are brought into communication through the communication port 24. Therefore, water supplied from the pump to the fire hydrant 1 flows from the inflow path 21 of the valve box 20 to the first outflow path 22 and is supplied to the fire hose 17.

5. Condition of flow path switching valve during fire hose test FIG. 6 shows the state of flow path switching valve 2 during fire hose 17 test. As shown in FIG. 6, when performing a damage confirmation test on the fire hose 17, the cap 4 described above is plugged into the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. Thereby, the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outflow path 22 to the second outflow path 23.

That is, when the cap 4 is plugged into the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, the movable member 60 is pushed into the outlet 42 of the fitting 40 by the inner surface of the top wall of the receiving fitting 401, and the shaft The valve body 100 moves downward together with 70. As a result, the second outflow path 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is opened, and the first outflow path 22 is closed. In this way, the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outflow path 22 during extinguishing to the second outflow path 23 during the test.

At the same time as the switching operation of the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 is completed, each claw 403 of the cap 4 engages with the end surface of the stepped portion 43 of the insert 40. Thereby, the plug-in connection between the cap 4 and the insert fitting 40 is maintained firmly.

Here, the white arrows in FIG. 6 indicate the flow of air injected into the fire hose 17. The air injected into the fire hose 17 flows to the first outflow path 22 of the flow path switching valve 2 via a hose joint (not shown), and is blocked by the valve body 100 that closes the first outflow path 22. . As a result, the inside of the fire hose 17 reaches a predetermined air pressure that is used in the damage confirmation test. On the other hand, the plug-in connection between the cap 4 and the fitting 40 has a connection force that can withstand a predetermined air pressure used in the damage confirmation test. Due to this bonding force, the valve body 100 is fixed in a position where the first outflow path 22 is closed, against air pressure.

In addition, in the event that the air injected into the fire hose 17 leaks from the first outflow path 22 to the second outflow path 23 due to deterioration of the O-ring 103 of the valve body 100, the second outflow path 23 The pressure inside increases. In response to this pressure increase, the second wall portion constituting the packing 405 of the cap 4 deforms inward and comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stepped portion 43 of the insert 40 . This prevents air leakage from the second outflow path 23, making it possible to maintain the interior of the fire hose 17 at a predetermined air pressure.

The plug-in connection between the cap 4 and the insert 40 is released by moving the push ring 50 along the outer peripheral surface of the insert 40. That is, when the push ring 50 is moved upward, the tip of the push ring 50 comes into contact with the inclined surface of each pawl 403. As a result, each claw 403 retreats in the diametrical direction of the tip of the insert 40, and the engagement between each claw 403 and the stepped portion 43 is released. By removing the cap 4 from the fitting 40, the movable member 60 is pushed up by the biasing force of the spring 80. Thereby, the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the second outflow path 23 at the time of the test to the first outflow path 22 at the time of extinguishing (see FIG. 5).

6. Fire Hose Damage Confirmation Test The fire hose 17 breakage confirmation test is performed using an air pressure injection device 5 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the air pressure injection device 5 mainly has a configuration in which a compressor 501, an air injection valve 502, a pressure gauge 503, and an air vent valve 504 are connected through a pipe 505.

When performing a damage confirmation test on the fire hose 17, the cap 4 is plugged into the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. Thereby, the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outflow path 22 during extinguishing to the second outflow path 23 during the test (see FIG. 6). As described above, the inlet of the fire hose 17 is connected to the secondary side of the first outflow path 22 of the flow path switching valve 2 via a hose joint (not shown). The fire nozzle 18 is removed from the outlet of the fire hose 17, and the outlet of the piping 505 of the air pressure injection device 5 is connected to the outlet of the fire hose 17. With the above steps, the preparation for the damage confirmation test of the fire hose 17 is completed.

Next, the air vent valve 504 of the air pressure injection device 5 is closed, the air injection valve 502 is opened, and the compressor 501 is operated. As a result, air pressure is injected from the compressor 501 into the fire hose 17 . While checking the pressure gauge 503, the operation of the compressor 501 is continued until the inside of the fire hose 17 reaches a predetermined air pressure. When the inside of the fire hose 17 reaches a predetermined air pressure, the air injection valve 502 is closed and the compressor 501 is stopped. When the air pressure inside the fire hose 17 exceeds a predetermined air pressure, the air pressure inside the fire hose 17 is adjusted to a predetermined air pressure by opening and closing the air vent valve 504. Once the air pressure inside the fire hose 17 reaches a predetermined level, leave it as it is and check with the pressure gauge 503 whether or not the air pressure has decreased. As a result, if the air pressure inside the fire hose 17 does not decrease, it means that the fire hose 17 is not damaged. On the other hand, if the air pressure inside the fire hose 17 decreases, there is a possibility that the fire hose 17 is damaged.

7. Effects The fire hose test device and test method of the present embodiment described above are such that the compact cap 4 shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) is inserted into the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. By simply connecting them, it is possible to switch the outflow path of the flow path switching valve 2 from the first outflow path 22 during extinguishing to the second outflow path 23 during testing. Thereby, no effort is required to attach or detach the cap 4, and a damage confirmation test for the fire hose 17 can be performed extremely easily and quickly.

In addition, during normal times when the fire hose 17 is not tested for damage, the cap 4 may be suspended from the valve box 20 of the flow path switching valve 2 with a chain, and the cap 4 may be suspended in the storage box of the fire hydrant 1. There is no need to secure a storage location in step 4.

Furthermore, the cap 4 adds a new third function to the two functions of the flow path switching valve 2 described in JP-A-2021-25600 and JP-A-2021-173296. That is, by providing the cap 4, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as a water discharge test valve for the fire hydrant 1, as an atmosphere release valve for smoothly discharging the remaining water in the fire hose 17, and as a fire prevention valve. The function as a damage confirmation test valve for the hose 17 can be selectively performed.

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

Furthermore, the method of coupling the cap 4 and the fitting 40 is not limited to the engagement between each claw 403 and the stepped portion 43 in the embodiment described above. The method of coupling the cap 4 and the fitting 40 is not particularly limited as long as it has a coupling force that can withstand the air pressure injected into the fire hose 17. For example, a coupling method may be used in which a female thread provided on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical cap 4 is screwed into a male thread provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insert fitting 40.

1 Fire hydrant 10A Fire hydrant door 10B Fire extinguisher door 10C Maintenance door
11a, 11b Handle 12 Red indicator light 13 Report button 14 Fire hydrant connection port 15 Fire hydrant valve 15a Open/close lever 16 Automatic pressure regulating valve 17 Fire hose 18 Fire nozzle 19 Automatic drain valve 2 Flow path switching valve 20 Valve box 21 Inflow path 22 No. 1 outflow path 23 2nd outflow path 24 communication port 30 insertion tube 31 inflow port 32 outflow port 33, 34 O-ring (sealing member)
40 Fitting 41 Inlet 42 Outlet 43 Step 50 Push ring 51 Flange 60 Movable member 61 Annular body 62 Support rod 63 Female thread 64 Guide piece 65 Opening 70 Shaft 71 First male thread 72 Second male thread 80 Spring 90 Stopper 91 Insertion hole 92 Water hole 100 Valve element 101 Female thread 102 Guide piece 103 O-ring 4 Cap 401 Receiver 401a Projection 401b Ring groove 402 Clamping ring 403 Pawl 404 Pawl seat 405 Packing 5 Air pressure injection device 501 Compressor 502 air injection Valve 503 Pressure gauge 504 Air vent valve 505 Piping

Claims (8)

A fire hose testing device for checking whether a fire hose is damaged by air pressure,
A flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of fluid flowing in from one inflow path to either the first outflow path or the second outflow path; and a flow path switching valve that is coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow path. with a possible cap;
The flow path switching valve is
a valve box in which the inflow path, the first outflow path, and the second outflow path are provided;
a valve body capable of closing either the first outflow path or the second outflow path;
a spring capable of causing the valve body to close the second outflow path by a biasing force along the central axis of the second outflow path;
When the cap is coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow path, the cap moves the valve body in a direction away from the second outflow path against the biasing force of the spring. The valve body is placed in a position that closes the first outflow path, and the cap is connected to the air pressure injected into the fire hose in order to check whether the fire hose is damaged. A test device for a fire hose, characterized in that the valve body is fixed in a position that has a durable bonding force and closes the first outflow path against the air pressure. The flow path switching valve further includes a substantially cylindrical insert that communicates with the second outflow path, and a push ring attached to the outside of the insert,
A flange for moving the push ring along the outer circumferential surface of the insert is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the push ring,
2. The fire hose testing device according to claim 1, wherein a stepped portion is formed on the outer periphery of the tip of the insert, the step portion protruding evenly in the diametrical direction and capable of restricting movement of the pushing ring. The cap is
a receiving metal fitting having a substantially cylindrical side wall into which the stepped portion of the metal fitting is inserted, and a substantially circular top wall that closes a tip opening of the metal fitting;
a tightening ring that is attached to the outside of the tip of the receiving fitting and has a tip that has an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the stepped portion of the insert;
a plurality of pawls provided between the tip of the receiving metal fitting and the tip of the tightening ring and capable of moving in the diametrical direction of the tip of the receiving metal fitting;
The fire hose testing device according to claim 2, comprising: The cap includes a substantially annular packing that is provided along the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion of the insert, and the packing allows the inside and outside of the second outflow path to be closed. 4. The fire hose testing device according to claim 3, which blocks air circulation. The packing has a configuration in which a substantially annular first wall portion located on the outside and a substantially annular second wall portion located on the inside are integrally molded, and has a substantially U-shaped cross section over the entire circumference. When the first wall portion contacts the inner surface of the side wall of the receiving fitting, the second wall portion contacts the outer circumferential surface of the stepped portion of the insert fitting, and the pressure in the second outflow path increases. 5. The fire hose testing device according to claim 4, wherein the second wall portion deforms inward so as to come into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stepped portion of the fitting. The cap is provided with a female thread or a male thread that can be coupled to the secondary side of the second outflow path, and the valve is placed in a position where the first outflow path is closed by the coupling force of the female thread or the male thread. 2. The fire hose test device according to claim 1, wherein the fire hose test device is fixed. comprising an air pressure injection device for injecting air pressure into the inside of the fire hose,
The pneumatic injection device includes:
a compressor for compressing air;
an air injection valve connected to the secondary side of the compressor;
a pressure gauge connected to the secondary side of the air injection valve;
an air vent valve connected to the secondary side of the pressure gauge,
The fire hose testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a secondary side of the air vent valve is connected to an outlet of the fire hose. A fire hose testing method using the fire hose testing device according to claim 7,
coupling the cap to the secondary side of the second outflow path of the flow path switching valve;
injecting air pressure into the interior from the outlet of the fire hose whose inlet is connected to the secondary side of the first outflow path of the flow path switching valve;
maintaining the air pressure injected into the fire hose;
measuring the air pressure held inside the fire hose;
Test methods for fire hoses, including: