JP3895012B2

JP3895012B2 - Water leak inspection device and inspection method

Info

Publication number: JP3895012B2
Application number: JP22017397A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 司白神; 博行渡辺
Original assignee: 株式会社ガスター
Priority date: 1997-07-31
Filing date: 1997-07-31
Publication date: 2007-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-31
Also published as: JPH1151801A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば給湯器等の器具内の水漏れを検査するための水漏れ検査装置と水漏れ検査方法の改良に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
内部に水等が通る管路を有する器具として、例えば給湯器等の器具においては、その製造工程において、内部の配管等からの水漏れの検査が行われている。
このような水漏れ検査は、従来、器具内の配管に通水し、給湯管を止水して、所定の水圧をかけ、器具のいづれの箇所からも水漏れしないかどうか目視により確認していた。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、このような水漏れ検査方法によれば、器具の構造上、例えば器具の裏側等に目視の際の死角ができやすく、目で見て水漏れを判断するのは困難であった。
また、僅かな水漏れは、特に視認されにくく、確認が不可能である。
さらに、その作業のさいには、例えば給湯器等では、水漏れを起こす可能性がある箇所を目視しなければならない関係上、器具のフロントカバーを外して、水漏れの可能性がある箇所を観察する必要があり、フロントカバーの取り外し，装着の作業が煩雑であった。
そして、このような目視確認作業には、熟練を必要とする等、種々の問題があった。
【０００４】
この発明は、上述の課題を解決するためになされたもので、熟練を必要とせずに、簡単な作業にて、正確に器具の水漏れを調べることができる水漏れ検査装置及び検査方法を提供することを目的としている。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的は、請求項１の発明によれば、検査対象器具内に設けられた配管内の圧力を検出する圧力検出手段からの検出値の入力手段と、前記配管の入り側に設けた配管入り側開閉手段と、前記配管の出側に設けた配管出側開閉手段と、前記配管の入り側に対して前記配管入り側開閉手段を介して接続され前記配管内に通水するための通水路と、この通水路を開閉するための通水路開閉手段と、前記各開閉手段を開状態として前記器具内の配管に、前記通水路から通水した後、少なくとも前記配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を閉じて、前記圧力検出手段の出力変化を測定する制御部とを備え、前記制御部が、前記通水路から通水される水の温度について、外気温度と一致させるか、外気温度より低く制御する構成とし、さらに、前記通水路の前記配管入り側開閉手段と前記通水路開閉手段との間に前記配管入り側に対する押し圧力の開放手段を設け、前記制御部が、前記通水路開閉手段を二回以上開いて通水した後、少なくとも前記配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を閉じて、前記圧力検出手段の出力変化を測定する構成であるとともに、さらに、前記通水路開閉手段を閉じた後、前記押し圧力の開放手段を開放して配管入り側へつながる通水路の圧力開放を行い、前記圧力検出手段の出力変化を測定する構成とした水漏れ検査装置により、達成される。
【０００６】
また、請求項２の発明は、請求項１の構成において、前記制御部が、前記通水路から通水される水の温度を外気温より低くし、その場合の温度差を１０度Ｃ以内とするように制御する構成であることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
また、請求項３の発明では前記配管入り側開閉手段は、ギヤモータにより駆動されるモータバルブである。
【００１０】
また、上記目的は請求項４の発明によれば、検査対象器具内の配管に対して、前記配管の入り側に設けた配管入り側開閉手段と、前記配管の出側に設けた配管出側開閉手段とを開いて通水路から水を送り、次いで、少なくとも前記配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を閉じて、前記配管内の圧力の変化を圧力検出手段により測定する水漏れ検査方法であって、前記通水路から通水される水の温度について、外気温度と一致させるか、外気温度より低くし、前記通水に際して、通水路の開閉手段を二回以上開いて、二回以上の通水を行い、前記通水路開閉手段を二回以上開いて通水した後、少なくとも前記配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を閉じ、さらに、通水路開閉手段を閉じた後、前記通水路の前記配管入り側開閉手段と前記通水路開閉手段との間に設けられた前記配管入り側に対する押し圧力の開放手段を開いて配管入り側へつながる通水路の圧力開放を行い、前記圧力検出手段の出力変化を測定する、器具の水漏れ検査方法より、達成される。
【００１１】
さらに、請求項５の発明によれば、器具内に通水される水の温度は外気温度より低く、その温度差は１０度Ｃ以内とする。
【００１４】
上記構成によれば、器具内の配管に対して、その入り側と出側にそれぞれ配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を設けて、配管に入り側には通水路を接続しているから、この通水路から配管内に水を通して、各開閉手段を閉じ、配管内の圧力を圧力検出手段により検出すれば、水漏れのある場合には、所定の水圧降下が観察され、水漏れと判断することができる。
したがって、制御部により、所定の操作が行われることで、容易に水漏れ検査を行うことができる。
【００１５】
さらに、前記制御部が、前記通水路開閉手段を二回開いて通水した後、少なくとも前記配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を閉じて、前記圧力検出手段の出力変化を測定することにより、器具内のエアーを抜いてから通水できるので、水漏れの状態が圧力変化に適切に表れ、より正確な検査が可能となる。
【００１６】
また、通水路から器具内に通水される水の温度が外気温と同じである場合には、器具内の水が熱膨張もしくは収縮することがなく、正確な水圧測定を行える。また、器具内の水の温度が外気温より低くい場合に、器具に水漏れがないにも係わらず水圧が降下するという事態を回避することができるので、水漏れ検査に誤りが生じない。
【００１７】
前記通水路開閉手段を二回開いて通水した後、少なくとも前記配管入り側開閉手段及び配管出側開閉手段を閉じ、さらに、通水路開閉手段を閉じた後、前記通水路の前記配管入り側開閉手段と通水路開閉手段との間に設けた分岐管の開閉手段を開いて配管入り側へつながる通水路の排水を行い、前記圧力検出手段の出力変化を測定するようにすれば、配管入り側に対して、通水路から押し圧力を与えることがないので、より正確な検査が可能となる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の好適な実施形態を添付図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。
尚、以下に述べる実施形態は、本発明の好適な具体例であるから、技術的に好ましい種々の限定が付されているが、本発明の範囲は、以下の説明において特に本発明を限定する旨の記載がない限り、これらの態様に限られるものではない。
【００１９】
図１は、第１の実施形態に係る水漏れ検査装置を示すブロック構成図である。図において、水漏れ検査装置１０は、例えば給湯器等の器具１１の水漏れを検査するためのものである。
給湯器１１内には、水を器具内に引き込んで、図示しない熱交換器に導いて加熱するための配管１２が設けられている。この配管１２の入り側には、入り側の開閉手段１３が設けられており、好ましくはこの配管入り側開閉手段１３は開閉スピードを可変できるように、弁体がギヤモータにより駆動されるモータバルブで構成される。また、配管１２の出側には、開閉手段１４が設けられ、この出側開閉手段１４としては、例えば電磁弁が用いられる。
【００２０】
さらに、上記配管入り側のモータバルブ１３を介して、上記配管１２の入り側には通水路１５が接続されている。また、配管出側の電磁弁１４を介して、配管１２の出側には、排水路１６が接続されている。
上記通水路１５には、この通水路を開閉するための開閉手段として例えば電磁弁１８が設けられ、電磁弁１８の上流側には、ガバナ１９が設けられている。
さらに、通水路１５の電磁弁１８とモータバルブ１３の間の管路は分岐されて分岐管２１が設けられており、この分岐管２１の開閉手段として、電磁弁１７が設けられている。
【００２１】
また、通水路１５の入り側開閉手段１３より上流で、分岐管２１より下流の管路１５ａをゴム製のホースで形成し、また、排水路１６を同様にゴム製のホースにて形成されている。これにより、検査の際に器具１１への着脱その他の点で操作性が向上する。
【００２２】
さらに、水漏れ検査装置１０には、検査を行うため手順を各動作部に指示するための制御部２３が設けられており、さらに、この制御部２３には、モニタ等の出力部２７、記憶手段としてのメモリ２５、キーボード等の入力手段２６、タイマ２４等が接続されている。
上記制御部２３や出力部２７、メモリ２５、入力手段２６、タイマ２４の全部または一部は、器具１１の外部のコンピュータ等を用いて構成されてもよい。あるいは制御部２３等は、器具に内蔵された運転制御のための制御基板の一部の機能により構成されてもよく、同一基板上にひとつの回路構成として形成されてもよいし、これらの機能をひとつまたは複数の回路で兼ねてもよい。
【００２３】
また、後述する制御部２３の指示内容は、所定のシーケンス回路で実現されてもよいし、全部または一部をソフトウエアによりおこなってもよい。そのソフトウエアは、検査専用のものでも、器具の運転制御プログラムの一部に組み込まれた状態でメモリ２５に格納されていてもよい。
【００２４】
さらに、制御部２３には、圧力検出手段としての圧力センサ２２が接続されている。この圧力センサ２２は、器具内の配管１２に接続されており、入力手段としての接続線２２ａにより、制御部２３に接続され、その出力値を制御部２３に送るようになっている。
この圧力センサ２３は、給湯器１１を自動運転するために、器具側に備えられているものを、上記入力手段２２ａを用いて、そのまま利用してもよい。あるいは、検査装置１０に専用の圧力センサを有していて、これを配管１２に接続し、入力手段２２ａを介して、出力値を受けるように構成してもよい。
圧力センサ２３は、入り側開閉手段１３より下流であれば、配管１２と連通するどこに設けてもよいが、上述の管路１５ａより下流に設けた方がよい。管路１５ａはゴム製のホースで形成した場合には、水圧により変形し、圧力センサ２３により正確な水圧を検出できなくなる場合があるからである。
【００２５】
次に、この水漏れ検査装置１０を用いて行う器具の水漏れ検査方法について説明する。
図２はこの検査方法の一例を示すタイムチャート、図３はそのフローチャート、図４は圧力センサの出力を記録したグラフである。
先ず図３において、水漏れ検査装置１０の入力手段を操作して、制御部２３に指示をだし、水漏れ検査を開始する。制御部２３は、モータバルブ１３、通水路の電磁弁１８を開いた状態で、分岐管の電磁弁１７を閉めた状態から、配管の出側の電磁弁１４を開くと、通水路１５のガバナ１９を介して、給湯器１１内の配管１２に水が導かれるこの通水は、タイマ２４を利用して、例えば約４秒間行われる（図２参照）。
【００２６】
この場合、通水される水は、外気温（検査環境の温度）と一致させるか、これより低い温度であり、例えばその差を１０度Ｃ程度とする。水温が外気温より高いと、給湯器１１の配管１２内にあるうちに水は熱を外気に奪われて、体積が収縮してしまい、これにより水圧降下してしまう。このため、後述する判断時に、水圧降下を観測しても、これが水漏れによるものか、それとも体積が収縮したためか判断できなくなり、検査を誤る場合がある。この点については後で詳しく述べる。
【００２７】
通水後に、制御部２３は出側の電磁弁１４を閉じて、この状態を約１秒間続け、再び制御部２３は出側の電磁弁１４を約４秒間開いてもう一度通水する（ＳＴ１）。これにより、配管１２内には、二回の通水が行われる。ここで複数回の通水を行うのは、以下の理由による。
【００２８】
給湯器等に器具１１内に最初に水を通水する前には、配管１２内等にはエアーが残存している。これを十分排出せずに通水してエアーが残ると、後述するようにして配管１２の水圧を検出した場合に、水漏れがあっても、短時間に水圧が降下しない場合がある。したがって、検査を正確に行うためには、少なくとも二回の通水を行って、十分にエアーパージを行う必要がある。
【００２９】
次いで、二回通水後、制御部２３は、モータバルブ１３を閉じる。この場合、モータバルブ１３は開閉スピードを可変できるので、徐々に閉止するように制御する。これにより、通水管１５の下流（配管１２側）に閉止に伴う圧力が急激にかからないようにすることができる（ＳＴ２）。
ここで、例えば、通水路１５で送る水の元圧を例えば５kg/cm2とすると、モータバルブ１３を閉じたときの閉止圧力は８kg/cm2に上昇する。したがって、図４において通水後、バルブを閉めたときに圧力上昇が観測されているのはそのためである。
【００３０】
次に、制御部２３は、通水路１５の電磁弁１８を閉じて、分岐管２１の電磁弁１７を開く（ＳＴ３）。そうすると、図１において、配管入り側モータバルブ１３から通水路１５の電磁弁１８までの水が、分岐管２１を介して排水される。
これにより、配管１２の入り側に対して、通水路１５からの押し圧力をなくすことができ、正確な水圧検出を行うことができる。
【００３１】
次いで、制御部２３は、圧力センサ２３の出力値を読みだして、初期圧力としてメモリ２５に格納する（図２のＡ参照）。そして、タイマ２４によって時間計測しながら、例えば約１０秒後に制御部２３は、圧力センサ２２の出力値を再び読んで、メモリ２４に格納し、このＡの値とＢの値を比較して、水漏れ検査の判断を行い（ＳＴ４）、必要により、出力部２７のモニタやプリンタに例えば図４のような検査結果を出力する。
【００３２】
この場合、制御部２３による判断は以下のように行われる。
（１）ＡとＢの値がほぼ等しいか、Ｂの値がＡよりも大きい場合は水圧降下がないので、水漏れはないと判断する。
（２）Ａの値が大きく、Ｂの値が所定の予め定めた所定の閾値より小さい場合には、水漏れありと判断する。
（３）ＡもしくはＢの値が、通水路１５で送る水の元圧５kg/cm2よりも低い場合には、検査装置のいずれかのバルブ等の故障の疑いがあるので、エラーとしてその旨出力部２７等により表示する。
【００３３】
以上のようにして水漏れ検査装置１０において、給湯器１１等野器具の水漏れ検査が簡単かつ正確に行われる。
ここで、このような検査装置１０と検査方法による検査の精度について、本発明者等により以下のように確認されている。
【００３４】
図５乃至図８は、器具１１に水漏れがあった場合の水漏れの程度に応じて、水圧検出の結果がどのようにあらわれたかを簡単に示したグラフである。この場合、水漏れの程度と水圧降下との関係をみるだけであるから、最初の通水だけで、複数回の通水をおこなっていない。尚、これは給湯器１１の配管１２の図示しない水抜き栓を開いて、それぞれの水漏れ状態を再現したものである。
【００３５】
図５は給湯器１１の所定箇所から滲む程度のわずかな水漏れがある場合を示している。この場合には、ピーク水圧（上述のＡに相当）から１０秒間に十分水圧降下を確認できる。
図６は、給湯器１１の所定箇所から１秒間に１滴程度の水漏れがある場合、図７は、給湯器１１の所定箇所から１秒間に２滴程度の水漏れがある場合、図８は、給湯器１１の所定箇所から連続して糸を引くように観察される水漏れがある場合をそれぞれ示している。
いずれの場合にも、明らかな水圧降下を測定できていることから、上述の検査装置２０及び検査方法により、僅かな水漏れから、あるていど多い水漏れまで、確実に検出できることがわかる。
【００３６】
次に、図９乃至図１２は、水漏れ検査に際して、器具である給湯器１１をどのように配置したかにより、配管１２内のエアーパージ等の点で検出圧力にどのような変化を生じるかを調べたグラフである。各図の（ａ）は検出結果のグラフであり、（ｂ）は給湯器１１の配置状態を表している。
図９は、給湯器１１を立て置きした状態、図１０は、給湯器１１を横置きした状態、図１１は、給湯器１１を寝かせ置きした状態、図１２は、給湯器１１を逆さに置いた状態、をそれぞれ示している。
図示されているように、給湯器１１をどのように配置しても、検出される水圧と、その変化状態に大きな相違はない。これにより、給湯器１１は、水漏れ検査の方法において、操作しやすい姿勢で配置すればよいことがわかる。
【００３７】
次に、図１３乃至図１５は、上述の水漏れ検査において、通水される水の温度と外気温（検査環境の温度）との関係を示すものである。
これらの図は、圧力センサ２２の出力値と、通水される水の温度及び外気温を比較するために全ての値を同一グラフ上にプロットしているために、例えば図４のグラフと多少スケールが異なっている。また、図１３の場合、通水は一回行って圧力検出を行い、図１４，図１５では通水を二回行って圧力検出をおこなっている。
【００３８】
図１３は、通水する水の温度よりも、外気温の方が低い場合、図１４は、通水する水の温度と外気温が一致している場合、図１５は、通水する水の温度よりも、外気温の方が高い場合をそれぞれ示している。尚、いずれの場合にも、器具の水漏れはない状態で圧力検出をおこない検出値の変化の状態を観測した。
【００３９】
図１３では、通水された水の温度が高かったため、外気により冷やされて、水の体積が収縮し、これによって、水漏れがないにも係わらず、水圧が連続して降下を続けていることが観測されている。
図１４では、通水された水と外気温が一致しているために、水圧は初期変動後一定している。
図１５では、通水された水の水温が外気温より低いので、水温が次第に上昇し、水の体積が膨張し、これによって、水圧が次第に上昇していることが観測されている。
【００４０】
これにより、上述したように、この水漏れ検査装置１０に通水される水の温度は、外気温（検査環境の温度）と一致させるか、これより低い温度が好ましく、本発明者等の実験によれば、例えばその差を１０度Ｃ程度とするのが好ましい。尚、この温度差の程度は配管１２の管径等により一様ではないが、通常の給湯器を検査対象器具とする場合には、おおよその目安となる。
【００４１】
以上述べたように、本実施形態の水漏れ検査装置２０とその検査方法によれば、給湯器等の器具１１に水漏れのある場合には、所定の水圧降下が観察され、水漏れと判断することができる。
したがって、制御部２３により、所定の操作が行われるので、検査を行う者に熟練を要することなく、入力手段２６からの簡単な指示だけで、容易に水漏れ検査を行うことができる。
【００４２】
さらに、制御部２３が、二回通水した後、圧力センサ２２の出力変化を測定することにより、器具内のエアーを十分抜いてから通水できるので、水漏れの状態が圧力変化に適切に表れ、より正確な検査が可能となる。
【００４３】
また、通水路１５から器具１１内に通水される水の温度が外気温と同じである場合には、器具内の水が熱膨張もしくは収縮することがなく、正確な水圧測定を行える。また、器具１１内の水の温度が外気温より低い場合に、器具に水漏れがないにも係わらず水圧が降下するという事態を回避することができるので、水漏れ検査に誤りが生じない。
【００４４】
また、通水した後、分岐管２１の電磁弁１７を開いて配管１２の入り側へつながる通水路１５ａの排水を行うようにすれば、配管１２の入り側に対して、通水路１５から押し圧力を与えることがないので、より正確な検査が可能となる。
【００４５】
なお、上述の実施形態では、本発明の検査対象器具を給湯器として説明したが、これに限らず、本発明は、器具内に通水する管路を備える全ての器具の水漏れ検査に適用することができる。
【００４６】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明によれば、熟練を必要とせずに、簡単な作業にて、正確に器具の水漏れを調べることができる水漏れ検査装置及び検査方法を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態に係る水漏れ検査装置の主な構成を示すブロック図。
【図２】図１の水漏れ検査装置による水漏れ検査の一例を示すタイムチャート。
【図３】図１の水漏れ検査装置による水漏れ検査の方法の一例を示すフローチャート。
【図４】図１の水漏れ検査装置による水漏れ検査の検出結果を示すグラフの一例を示す図。
【図５】検査対象器具が僅かに水漏れしている状態を示すグラフの図。
【図６】検査対象器具が僅かにもしくは少量水漏れしている状態を示すグラフの図。
【図７】検査対象器具が僅かにもしくは少量水漏れしている状態を示すグラフの図。
【図８】検査対象器具が僅かにもしくは少量水漏れしている状態を示すグラフの図。
【図９】検査対象器具を立て置きした状態で水圧検出した一例を示す図。
【図１０】検査対象器具を横置きした状態で水圧検出した一例を示す図。
【図１１】検査対象器具を寝かせて置いた状態で水圧検出した一例を示す図。
【図１２】検査対象器具を逆さに置いた状態で水圧検出した一例を示す図。
【図１３】通水する水の温度が外気温より高い場合に検出される水圧の関係を示すグラフ。
【図１４】通水する水の温度と外気温が一致している場合に検出される水圧の関係を示すグラフ。
【図１５】通水する水の温度が外気温より低い場合に検出される水圧の関係を示すグラフ。
【符号の説明】
１１検査対象器具（給湯器）
１２配管
１３配管入り側開閉手段（モータバルブ）
１４配管出側開閉手段（電磁弁）
１５通水路
１６排水路
１７分岐管開閉手段（電磁弁）
１８通水路の開閉手段（電磁弁）
１９ガバナ
２１分岐管
２２圧力検出手段
２３制御部
２４タイマ
２５メモリ
２６入力手段
２７出力手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in a water leak inspection apparatus and a water leak inspection method for inspecting water leaks in appliances such as a water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a device having a pipe line through which water or the like passes, for example, a device such as a water heater is inspected for water leakage from an internal pipe or the like in its manufacturing process.
Conventionally, such a water leak inspection is performed by visually checking whether water leaks from any part of the instrument by passing water through the pipe in the instrument, stopping the hot water supply pipe, applying a predetermined water pressure, and so on. It was.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to such a water leakage inspection method, it is easy to make a blind spot at the time of visual observation on the back side of the device due to the structure of the device, and it is difficult to judge the water leakage with the eyes.
A slight water leak is particularly difficult to see and cannot be confirmed.
Furthermore, when performing the work, for example, in a water heater, it is necessary to visually check the location where there is a possibility of water leakage. It was necessary to observe, and the work of removing and attaching the front cover was complicated.
Such visual confirmation work has various problems such as requiring skill.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and provides a water leak inspection apparatus and an inspection method capable of accurately examining water leaks of instruments with simple operations without requiring skill. The purpose is to do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the invention of claim 1, the object is to provide a detection value input means from the pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the pipe provided in the inspection object instrument, and a pipe provided on the inlet side of the pipe. Side opening / closing means, pipe outlet side opening / closing means provided on the outlet side of the pipe, and a water flow path for passing water into the pipe connected to the inlet side of the pipe via the pipe inlet side opening / closing means And a water passage opening / closing means for opening and closing the water passage, and each of the opening / closing means is opened, and after passing water from the water passage into the pipe in the appliance, at least the pipe entry side opening / closing means and the pipe outlet A control unit that closes the side opening / closing means and measures an output change of the pressure detection means, and the control unit matches the temperature of the water passed through the water passage with the outside air temperature or the outside air temperature. is configured to be controlled lower, further, the A means for releasing a pressing force with respect to the pipe entry side is provided between the pipe entry side opening / closing means and the water passage opening / closing means of the water channel, and the control unit opens the water passage opening / closing means twice or more to pass water. Thereafter, at least the pipe entrance side opening / closing means and the pipe exit side opening / closing means are closed to measure an output change of the pressure detection means, and further, after closing the water passage opening / closing means, This is achieved by a water leak inspection apparatus configured to release the pressure of the water passage connected to the pipe entrance side by opening the opening means and measuring the output change of the pressure detection means .
[0006]
Further, the invention of claim 2 is the configuration of claim 1, wherein the control unit makes the temperature of water passed through the water passage lower than the outside air temperature, and the temperature difference in that case is within 10 degrees C. It is the structure controlled so that it may do.
[0007]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pipe opening side opening / closing means is a motor valve driven by a gear motor.
[0010]
According to the invention of claim 4 , the above-mentioned object is the piping entrance side opening / closing means provided on the entrance side of the piping and the piping exit side provided on the exit side of the piping with respect to the piping in the inspection object instrument. A water leakage inspection method that opens and closes the opening and closing means and feeds water from the water passage, and then closes at least the pipe entry side opening and closing means and the pipe outlet side opening and closing means, and measures the pressure change in the pipe by the pressure detection means. The temperature of water passed through the water passage is matched with the outside air temperature or lower than the outside air temperature, and the water passage opening / closing means is opened twice or more at the time of water passage, two or more times. After opening the water passage opening and closing means twice or more and passing water, at least closing the pipe entrance side opening means and the pipe outlet side opening means, and further closing the water passage opening and closing means, Opening and closing means on the pipe entrance side of the water passage Perform Pressure Relief water passage leading to the pipe entry side open opening means pushing pressure on the pipe entry side which is provided between the water passage opening and closing means, for measuring the change in the output of the pressure detecting means, the instrument This is achieved by the water leak inspection method.
[0011]
Further, according to the invention of claim 5, the temperature of water passed through the appliance is lower than the outside air temperature, and the temperature difference is within 10 degrees C.
[0014]
According to the said structure, with respect to the piping in an instrument, the piping entrance side opening / closing means and the piping exit side opening / closing means are provided in the entrance side and the exit side, respectively, and the water flow path is connected to the entrance side of the piping. From this water passage, water is passed into the pipe, each open / close means is closed, and if the pressure in the pipe is detected by the pressure detection means, if there is a water leak, a predetermined water pressure drop is observed, Judgment can be made.
Therefore, a water leak test can be easily performed by performing a predetermined operation by the control unit.
[0015]
Further, after the control section opens the water passage opening / closing means twice to pass water, and closes at least the pipe entry side opening / closing means and the pipe outlet side opening / closing means, and measures an output change of the pressure detection means. Thus, since water can be passed after the air in the apparatus is removed, the state of water leakage appears appropriately in the pressure change, and more accurate inspection is possible.
[0016]
Moreover, when the temperature of the water passed through the water passage from the water passage to the outside air temperature is the same as the outside air temperature, the water in the device does not thermally expand or contract and accurate water pressure measurement can be performed. Further, when the temperature of the water in the appliance is lower than the outside air temperature, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the water pressure drops even though the appliance has no water leakage, so that an error does not occur in the water leakage inspection.
[0017]
After the water passage opening / closing means is opened twice and water is passed, at least the pipe entry side opening / closing means and the pipe outlet side opening / closing means are closed, and further, after the water passage opening / closing means is closed, the pipe entry side of the water passage If the opening / closing means of the branch pipe provided between the opening / closing means and the water passage opening / closing means is opened to drain the water passage connected to the pipe entry side and the change in the output of the pressure detection means is measured, Since no pressing pressure is applied to the side from the water passage, more accurate inspection is possible.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments described below are preferable specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention particularly limits the present invention in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a water leakage inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the figure, a water leakage inspection apparatus 10 is for inspecting water leakage of an instrument 11 such as a water heater.
In the water heater 11, a pipe 12 is provided for drawing water into the appliance and leading it to a heat exchanger (not shown) for heating. An inlet side opening / closing means 13 is provided on the inlet side of the pipe 12. Preferably, the inlet side opening / closing means 13 is a motor valve whose valve body is driven by a gear motor so that the opening / closing speed can be varied. Composed. Further, an opening / closing means 14 is provided on the outlet side of the pipe 12, and for example, an electromagnetic valve is used as the outlet-side opening / closing means 14.
[0020]
Further, a water passage 15 is connected to the inlet side of the pipe 12 via the motor valve 13 on the inlet side of the pipe. A drainage channel 16 is connected to the outlet side of the pipe 12 via a solenoid valve 14 on the outlet side of the pipe.
In the water passage 15, for example, an electromagnetic valve 18 is provided as an opening / closing means for opening and closing the water passage, and a governor 19 is provided on the upstream side of the electromagnetic valve 18.
Further, the pipe between the electromagnetic valve 18 and the motor valve 13 in the water passage 15 is branched to provide a branch pipe 21, and an electromagnetic valve 17 is provided as an opening / closing means for the branch pipe 21.
[0021]
Further, a pipe line 15a upstream of the inlet side opening / closing means 13 of the water passage 15 and downstream of the branch pipe 21 is formed by a rubber hose, and the drainage path 16 is similarly formed by a rubber hose. Yes. Thereby, the operativity improves by attachment and detachment to the instrument 11 at the time of inspection.
[0022]
Further, the water leak inspection apparatus 10 is provided with a control unit 23 for instructing each operation unit to perform a procedure for performing an inspection. The control unit 23 further includes an output unit 27 such as a monitor, a storage unit, and the like. A memory 25 as a means, an input means 26 such as a keyboard, a timer 24 and the like are connected.
All or part of the control unit 23, the output unit 27, the memory 25, the input unit 26, and the timer 24 may be configured using a computer or the like outside the instrument 11. Or the control part 23 grade | etc., May be comprised by the one part function of the control board for the operation control incorporated in the instrument, may be formed as one circuit structure on the same board | substrate, and these functions May be combined with one or a plurality of circuits.
[0023]
Further, the instruction content of the control unit 23 to be described later may be realized by a predetermined sequence circuit, or may be performed entirely or partially by software. The software may be dedicated to the inspection or may be stored in the memory 25 in a state of being incorporated in a part of the operation control program of the instrument.
[0024]
Further, the control unit 23 is connected to a pressure sensor 22 as pressure detection means. The pressure sensor 22 is connected to the pipe 12 in the instrument, and is connected to the control unit 23 by a connection line 22a as an input means, and the output value is sent to the control unit 23.
This pressure sensor 23 may be used as it is by using the input means 22a, which is provided on the appliance side in order to automatically operate the water heater 11. Alternatively, the inspection device 10 may have a dedicated pressure sensor, which may be connected to the pipe 12 and receive the output value via the input means 22a.
The pressure sensor 23 may be provided anywhere in communication with the pipe 12 as long as it is downstream from the entry side opening / closing means 13, but is preferably provided downstream from the pipe line 15 a described above. This is because when the pipe line 15a is formed of a rubber hose, the pipe line 15a may be deformed by water pressure, and the pressure sensor 23 may not be able to detect an accurate water pressure.
[0025]
Next, a water leak inspection method for an instrument performed using the water leak inspection apparatus 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an example of this inspection method, FIG. 3 is a flowchart thereof, and FIG. 4 is a graph in which the output of the pressure sensor is recorded.
First, in FIG. 3, the input means of the water leak inspection apparatus 10 is operated, an instruction is given to the control unit 23, and the water leak inspection is started. When the solenoid valve 14 on the outlet side of the pipe is opened from the state in which the solenoid valve 17 of the branch pipe is closed while the motor valve 13 and the solenoid valve 18 of the water passage are opened, the control unit 23 opens the governor of the water passage 15. This water flow through which the water is guided to the pipe 12 in the water heater 11 through 19 is performed for about 4 seconds using the timer 24 (see FIG. 2).
[0026]
In this case, the water to be passed is matched with the outside air temperature (the temperature of the inspection environment) or a temperature lower than this, for example, the difference is about 10 degrees C. If the water temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, the water is deprived of heat by the outside air while it is in the pipe 12 of the water heater 11, and the volume contracts, thereby reducing the water pressure. For this reason, even if a water pressure drop is observed at the time of determination described later, it cannot be determined whether this is due to water leakage or because the volume has shrunk, and the inspection may be erroneous. This point will be described in detail later.
[0027]
After the water flow, the control unit 23 closes the outlet side electromagnetic valve 14 and continues this state for about 1 second, and the control unit 23 opens the outlet side electromagnetic valve 14 for about 4 seconds and again passes water (ST1). . As a result, water is passed through the pipe 12 twice. The reason why water is passed a plurality of times is as follows.
[0028]
Before water is first passed through the appliance 11 into a water heater or the like, air remains in the pipe 12 or the like. If water is passed through without sufficiently discharging the water, the water pressure may not drop in a short time even if there is a water leak when the water pressure in the pipe 12 is detected as described later. Therefore, in order to perform the inspection accurately, it is necessary to perform water purge at least twice and perform sufficient air purge.
[0029]
Next, the controller 23 closes the motor valve 13 after passing water twice. In this case, since the opening / closing speed of the motor valve 13 can be varied, the motor valve 13 is controlled to close gradually. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pressure accompanying the closing from being suddenly applied downstream (on the pipe 12 side) of the water conduit 15 (ST2).
Here, for example, if the original pressure of water sent through the water passage 15 is 5 kg / cm 2, the closing pressure when the motor valve 13 is closed rises to 8 kg / cm 2. Therefore, an increase in pressure is observed when the valve is closed after passing water in FIG.
[0030]
Next, the control part 23 closes the electromagnetic valve 18 of the water flow path 15, and opens the electromagnetic valve 17 of the branch pipe 21 (ST3). Then, in FIG. 1, the water from the pipe containing motor valve 13 to the electromagnetic valve 18 of the water passage 15 is drained through the branch pipe 21.
Thereby, the pushing pressure from the water flow path 15 can be eliminated with respect to the entrance side of the piping 12, and accurate water pressure detection can be performed.
[0031]
Subsequently, the control part 23 reads the output value of the pressure sensor 23, and stores it in the memory 25 as an initial pressure (refer A of FIG. 2). Then, while measuring time by the timer 24, for example, after about 10 seconds, the control unit 23 reads the output value of the pressure sensor 22 again, stores it in the memory 24, compares the value of A with the value of B, Judgment of water leakage inspection is made (ST4), and if necessary, the inspection result as shown in FIG. 4 is output to the monitor or printer of the output unit 27, for example.
[0032]
In this case, the determination by the control unit 23 is performed as follows.
(1) If the values of A and B are substantially equal or the value of B is larger than A, it is determined that there is no water leakage because there is no water pressure drop.
(2) If the value of A is large and the value of B is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that there is water leakage.
(3) If the value of A or B is lower than the original pressure of 5kg / cm2 of the water sent through the water passage 15, there is a suspicion that one of the valves of the inspection device has failed, so an error message is output. Displayed by the unit 27 and the like.
[0033]
As described above, in the water leakage inspection apparatus 10, the water leakage inspection of the field appliances such as the water heater 11 is performed easily and accurately.
Here, the accuracy of the inspection by the inspection apparatus 10 and the inspection method is confirmed by the present inventors as follows.
[0034]
FIGS. 5 to 8 are graphs simply showing how the result of water pressure detection appears according to the degree of water leakage when there is water leakage in the instrument 11. In this case, since only the relationship between the degree of water leakage and the drop in water pressure is seen, only the first water flow is performed, and a plurality of water flows are not performed. In addition, this reproduces each water leak state by opening a drain plug (not shown) of the pipe 12 of the water heater 11.
[0035]
FIG. 5 shows a case where there is a slight water leak that oozes from a predetermined location of the water heater 11. In this case, a sufficient water pressure drop can be confirmed in 10 seconds from the peak water pressure (corresponding to A described above).
FIG. 6 shows a case where there is about 1 drop of water per second from a predetermined location of the water heater 11, and FIG. 7 shows a case where there is about 2 drops of water leaks from a predetermined location of the water heater 11 per second. These respectively show the cases where there is water leakage observed so as to pull the yarn continuously from a predetermined location of the water heater 11.
In any case, since an obvious water pressure drop can be measured, it can be seen that the above-described inspection apparatus 20 and inspection method can reliably detect from a slight water leak to an increasing number of water leaks.
[0036]
Next, FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 show how the detected pressure changes in terms of air purge or the like in the pipe 12 depending on how the water heater 11 as an instrument is arranged in the water leak inspection. It is the graph which investigated. (A) of each figure is a graph of a detection result, (b) represents the arrangement | positioning state of the water heater 11. FIG.
9 shows a state in which the water heater 11 is set up vertically, FIG. 10 shows a state in which the water heater 11 is placed horizontally, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the water heater 11 is laid down, and FIG. 12 shows a state in which the water heater 11 is placed upside down. Each state.
As shown in the figure, no matter how the water heaters 11 are arranged, there is no significant difference between the detected water pressure and its change state. Thereby, it turns out that the water heater 11 should just be arrange | positioned with the attitude | position which is easy to operate in the method of a water leak test | inspection.
[0037]
Next, FIGS. 13 to 15 show the relationship between the temperature of water to be passed and the outside air temperature (temperature of the inspection environment) in the above-described water leak inspection.
Since these figures plot all the values on the same graph in order to compare the output value of the pressure sensor 22 with the temperature of the water to be passed and the outside air temperature, for example, it is somewhat different from the graph of FIG. The scale is different. Moreover, in the case of FIG. 13, water flow is performed once and pressure detection is performed, and in FIGS. 14 and 15, water flow is performed twice and pressure detection is performed.
[0038]
FIG. 13 shows the case where the outside air temperature is lower than the temperature of the water passing through, FIG. 14 shows the case where the temperature of the water passing through matches the outside air temperature, and FIG. The cases where the outside air temperature is higher than the temperature are shown. In either case, pressure was detected in a state where there was no water leakage of the instrument, and the state of change in the detected value was observed.
[0039]
In FIG. 13, since the temperature of the water passed was high, it was cooled by the outside air, and the volume of the water contracted. Thereby, the water pressure continued to drop despite no water leakage. It has been observed.
In FIG. 14, the water pressure is constant after the initial fluctuation because the passed water and the outside air temperature match.
In FIG. 15, since the water temperature of the passed water is lower than the outside air temperature, it is observed that the water temperature gradually increases and the volume of the water expands, whereby the water pressure gradually increases.
[0040]
Accordingly, as described above, the temperature of the water passed through the water leakage inspection apparatus 10 is preferably matched with the outside air temperature (the temperature of the inspection environment) or lower than this, and the present inventors have conducted experiments. For example, the difference is preferably about 10 degrees C. Note that the degree of this temperature difference is not uniform depending on the diameter of the pipe 12 or the like, but it is an approximate guide when a normal water heater is used as an inspection target instrument.
[0041]
As described above, according to the water leak inspection apparatus 20 and the inspection method of the present embodiment, when there is a water leak in the appliance 11 such as a water heater, a predetermined water pressure drop is observed and the water leak is determined. can do.
Therefore, since a predetermined operation is performed by the control unit 23, a water leak inspection can be easily performed by only a simple instruction from the input means 26 without requiring skill for the person performing the inspection.
[0042]
Furthermore, after the controller 23 has passed water twice, the output change of the pressure sensor 22 is measured, so that water can be passed after the air in the instrument has been sufficiently removed. Appears more accurately.
[0043]
Moreover, when the temperature of the water passed through the water passage 15 into the appliance 11 is the same as the outside air temperature, the water in the appliance does not thermally expand or contract, and accurate water pressure measurement can be performed. Moreover, when the temperature of the water in the instrument 11 is lower than the outside air temperature, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the water pressure drops despite the fact that the instrument has no water leak, so that an error does not occur in the water leak test.
[0044]
Further, if the solenoid valve 17 of the branch pipe 21 is opened after the water is passed to drain the water passage 15a connected to the inlet side of the pipe 12, the water passage 15a is pushed against the inlet side of the pipe 12. Since no pressure is applied, more accurate inspection is possible.
[0045]
In the above-described embodiment, the inspection object instrument of the present invention has been described as a water heater. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applicable to water leak inspections of all instruments having a conduit that allows water to flow into the instrument. can do.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water leak inspection apparatus and an inspection method that can accurately check for water leaks of instruments by simple operations without requiring skill.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a water leak inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an example of water leakage inspection by the water leakage inspection apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a water leak inspection method by the water leak inspection apparatus of FIG. 1;
4 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing a detection result of a water leak inspection by the water leak inspection apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a graph showing a state in which the inspection object instrument slightly leaks water.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a state in which a device to be inspected has a slight or small amount of water leaking.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing a state in which a device to be inspected has a slight or small amount of water leaking.
FIG. 8 is a graph showing a state in which a device to be inspected leaks a little or a small amount of water.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which water pressure is detected in a state where an inspection target instrument is set upright.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which water pressure is detected in a state where an inspection target instrument is placed horizontally.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which water pressure is detected in a state where an inspection object instrument is laid down.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which water pressure is detected in a state where an inspection target instrument is placed upside down.
FIG. 13 is a graph showing a relationship between water pressures detected when the temperature of water passing through is higher than the outside air temperature.
FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between water pressure detected when the temperature of water passing through and the outside air temperature match.
FIG. 15 is a graph showing a relationship between water pressures detected when the temperature of water passing through is lower than the outside air temperature.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Equipment to be inspected (water heater)
12 Piping 13 Piping entry side opening / closing means (motor valve)
14 Piping outlet opening / closing means (solenoid valve)
15 Water channel 16 Drain channel 17 Branch pipe opening / closing means (solenoid valve)
18 Opening and closing means of water passage (solenoid valve)
19 governor 21 branch pipe 22 pressure detection means 23 control unit 24 timer 25 memory 26 input means 27 output means

Claims

A detection value input means from a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the pipe provided in the inspection object instrument;
A pipe entry side opening / closing means provided on the entry side of the pipe;
A pipe outlet side opening / closing means provided on the outlet side of the pipe;
A water passage for passing water into the pipe which is connected to the inlet side of the pipe via the pipe entrance side opening and closing means;
Water passage opening and closing means for opening and closing the water passage;
After each of the opening / closing means is in an open state, water is passed through the pipe in the appliance from the water passage, and at least the pipe entry side opening / closing means and the pipe outlet side opening / closing means are closed to measure the output change of the pressure detection means. And a control unit that
The control unit is
About the temperature of the water passed through the water passage, it is configured to match the outside air temperature or to be controlled lower than the outside air temperature,
further,
A means for releasing a pressing force with respect to the pipe entering side is provided between the pipe entering side opening / closing means of the water passage and the water passage opening / closing means,
The control unit is configured to measure the output change of the pressure detecting means by opening the water passage opening / closing means twice or more and then closing water and closing at least the pipe entry side opening / closing means and the pipe outlet side opening / closing means. As well as
Furthermore, after closing the water passage opening and closing means, release the pushing pressure release means to release the pressure of the water passage leading to the pipe entry side,
A water leak inspection apparatus characterized in that the output change of the pressure detection means is measured .

The control unit is configured to control the temperature of water passed through the water passage to be lower than the outside air temperature, and the temperature difference in that case to be within 10 degrees C. The water leakage inspection device described in 1.

The water leakage inspection apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pipe entry side opening / closing means is a motor valve driven by a gear motor.

With respect to the pipe in the inspection object instrument, the pipe entrance side opening / closing means provided on the entrance side of the pipe and the pipe exit side opening / closing means provided on the exit side of the pipe are opened to send water from the water passage,
Then, at least the pipe entrance side opening / closing means and the pipe exit side opening / closing means are closed, and a water leak inspection method for measuring a change in pressure in the pipe by the pressure detection means,
About the temperature of the water passed through the water passage, it is matched with the outside air temperature or lower than the outside air temperature,
When passing the water, open the water passage opening and closing means twice or more, perform water flow twice or more,
After opening the water passage opening and closing means twice or more and passing water, close at least the pipe entry side opening and closing means and the pipe outlet side opening and closing means,
Further, after closing the water passage opening / closing means, the pressure opening release means for the pipe entry side provided between the water passage opening / closing means and the water passage opening / closing means of the water passage is opened to open the pipe entry side. Pressure release of the waterway leading to
A method for inspecting a water leak of an instrument, comprising measuring an output change of the pressure detecting means .

The water leakage inspection method for an appliance according to claim 4, wherein the temperature of water passed through the water passage is lower than the outside air temperature, and the temperature difference is within 10 degrees C.