CN113195954A - Piping system, piping information system, and pipe joint system - Google Patents

Piping system, piping information system, and pipe joint system Download PDF

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Publication number
CN113195954A
CN113195954A CN201980082209.8A CN201980082209A CN113195954A CN 113195954 A CN113195954 A CN 113195954A CN 201980082209 A CN201980082209 A CN 201980082209A CN 113195954 A CN113195954 A CN 113195954A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
axial direction
pipe joint
tubular body
position sensor
insertion space
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN201980082209.8A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
高桥薫
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Bridgestone Corp
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Bridgestone Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bridgestone Corp filed Critical Bridgestone Corp
Publication of CN113195954A publication Critical patent/CN113195954A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L21/00—Joints with sleeve or socket
    • F16L21/08—Joints with sleeve or socket with additional locking means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
    • F16L37/091—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of a ring provided with teeth or fingers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y10/00—Economic sectors
    • G16Y10/80—Homes; Buildings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y40/00—IoT characterised by the purpose of the information processing
    • G16Y40/10—Detection; Monitoring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y10/00—Economic sectors
    • G16Y10/35—Utilities, e.g. electricity, gas or water

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Joints With Sleeves (AREA)

Abstract

The piping system is provided with: a tubular body; a pipe joint formed with an insertion space for inserting the tubular body from one side in an axial direction; and a position sensor portion provided to the pipe joint, or to both the pipe joint and the tubular body, the position sensor portion being configured to be able to detect a position of the tubular body in an axial direction in the insertion space in one or more stages, or continuously.

Description

Piping system, piping information system, and pipe joint system
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a piping system, a piping information system, and a pipe joint system used for piping necessary for, for example, water supply, hot water supply, and the like.
The application is based on the priority claim of Japanese patent application No. 2018-234282, which is filed on the sun in 2018, 12 and 14, and the content of the application is incorporated in the whole.
Background
As a conventional pipe joint, there is a pipe joint configured to be connected to a tubular body by being inserted into the tubular body (for example, patent document 1). In such a pipe joint, the connection state with the tubular body is generally visually confirmed.
Documents of the prior art
Patent document
Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2012-2255
Disclosure of Invention
Problems to be solved by the invention
However, in the above-described pipe joint, for example, when the pipe joint is disposed at a position difficult to be visually observed, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform a confirmation operation. Therefore, a technique for confirming the connection state of the tubular body and the pipe joint by a method other than visual observation is desired.
The invention aims to provide a piping system, a piping information system and a pipe joint system, wherein the connection state of a tubular body and a pipe joint can be confirmed without visual observation.
Means for solving the problems
The piping system of the present invention includes: a tubular body; a pipe joint formed with an insertion space for inserting the tubular body from one side in an axial direction; and a position sensor portion provided to the pipe joint or to both the pipe joint and the tubular body, the position sensor portion being configured to be able to detect a position of the tubular body in an axial direction in the insertion space in one or more stages or continuously.
The piping information system of the present invention includes: the piping system described above; and a receiving device configured to be capable of receiving the position detection information from the position sensor unit.
A pipe joint system of the present invention includes: a pipe joint formed with an insertion space for inserting the tubular body from one side in an axial direction; and a position sensor portion provided to the pipe joint, the position sensor portion being configured to be able to detect a position of the tubular body in an axial direction in the insertion space in one or more stages or continuously.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a piping system, a piping information system, and a pipe joint system, in which a connection state between a tubular body and a pipe joint can be visually confirmed without visual observation.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a piping system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system according to a first embodiment of the present invention together with functional blocks.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing a part of the pipe joint system of fig. 1 in an enlarged manner.
Fig. 3 shows a state of connection of the tubular body of fig. 1 with the pipe joint in 3 stages, fig. 3 (a) shows a proper state, fig. 3 (b) shows a state requiring inspection, and fig. 3 (c) shows a state requiring immediate coping.
Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a piping system according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system according to a second embodiment of the present invention together with functional blocks.
Fig. 5 shows a state of connection of the tubular body and the pipe joint of fig. 4 in 3 stages, fig. 5 (a) is a proper state, fig. 5 (b) is a state requiring inspection, and fig. 5 (c) is a state requiring immediate coping.
Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a piping system according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system according to a third embodiment of the present invention together with functional blocks.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a piping system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of fig. 7 in an enlarged manner.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the piping system of fig. 7.
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a piping information system according to a first embodiment of the present invention that can include a piping system according to any embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a piping information system according to a second embodiment of the present invention that can include a piping system according to any embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
The piping system, the piping information system, and the pipe joint system according to the present invention can be preferably used for piping necessary for water supply, hot water supply, and the like.
Embodiments of a piping system, a piping information system, and a pipe joint system according to the present invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the common components in the drawings.
[ piping System and pipe Joint System ]
First, an embodiment of a piping system according to the present invention and an embodiment of a pipe joint system according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 6.
First embodiment
Fig. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining a pipe system 6 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system 8 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
The pipe joint system 8 of the present embodiment includes a pipe joint 1, a position sensor unit 3, and a water leakage sensor unit 4.
The piping system 6 of the present embodiment includes a pipe joint system 8 (further, includes the pipe joint 1, the position sensor unit 3, and the water leakage sensor unit 4), the tubular body 2, and the detected part 5.
Fig. 1 and 2 show a state before the pipe joint 1 is inserted into the tubular body 2. In fig. 1, the upper side with respect to the pipe axis O of the pipe joint 1 shows a cross section of the pipe joint 1 in the axial direction, and the lower side with respect to the pipe axis O shows a side surface of the pipe joint 1. Fig. 2 shows a part of fig. 1 in an enlarged manner.
In the present specification, the pipe axis O of the pipe joint 1 is a central axis of a pipeline divided inside the pipe joint 1. The axial direction of the pipe joint 1 is a direction parallel to the pipe axis O of the pipe joint 1. In the present specification, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe joint 1 is referred to as an "axial direction". In the present specification, the "inner peripheral side" of the pipe joint 1 refers to a side of the pipe joint 1 closer to the pipe axis O, and the "outer peripheral side" of the pipe joint 1 refers to a side of the pipe joint 1 farther from the pipe axis O.
In this example, an insertion connection port 30 is formed on one side in the axial direction of the pipe joint 1, and the insertion connection port 30 is configured to be connected to the tubular body 2 by being inserted into the tubular body 2 from one side in the axial direction. The tubular body 2 connectable to the insertion connection port 30 is preferably a resin pipe, for example, and particularly preferably a polybutene or crosslinked polyethylene pipe for supplying water and hot water.
For convenience of explanation, the inlet side (one side in the axial direction, the left side in fig. 1 and 2) of the pipe joint 1 inserted into the connection port 30 is referred to as "first side in the axial direction", and the rear side (the other side in the axial direction, the right side in fig. 1 and 2) inserted into the connection port 30 is referred to as "second side in the axial direction".
In the example of fig. 1 and 2, the pipe joint 1 is formed in a substantially I-shape (substantially in a straight line as a whole). However, the pipe joint 1 may be formed in any shape such as a substantially L-shape, a substantially T-shape, a substantially Y-shape, or a substantially cross-shape.
In the example shown in the drawings, the pipe joint 1 has only 1 insertion connection port 30, but the pipe joint 1 may have a plurality of insertion connection ports 30.
The pipe joint 1 of this embodiment includes a body member 17, an outer cylindrical member 15, a seal member 14, a cap 11, a locking claw 13, and a resin ring 12.
The main body member 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and defines a pipe line (flow path) for a fluid such as water or hot water by its inner peripheral surface. The body member 17 is made of, for example, metal (e.g., brass) or resin.
As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the body member 17 of this example has an axial direction first side portion 171 located on an axial direction first side, an axial direction second side portion 172 located on an axial direction second side, and an axial direction intermediate portion 176 located between the axial direction first side portion 171 and the axial direction second side portion 172.
The axial first side portion 171 of the body member 17 constitutes an inner cylindrical portion (hereinafter also referred to as "inner cylindrical portion 171"). The outer cylinder member 15 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the body member 17. More specifically, the axial direction second side portion 152 of the outer cylindrical member 15 is fitted in the outer peripheral surface of the main body member 17. Further, the extended portion 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15, which extends from the second side portion 152 in the axial direction toward the first side in the axial direction, is separated from the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the body member 17 on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylindrical portion 171, and constitutes an outer cylindrical portion (hereinafter also referred to as "outer cylindrical portion 151"). An annular insertion space 16 is defined between the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the main body member 17 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15. The insertion space 16 is configured such that a first side in the axial direction is open and a second side in the axial direction is closed, and the tubular body 2 is inserted from the first side in the axial direction to the second side in the axial direction.
In the present specification, a direction in which the tubular body 2 is inserted into the insertion space 16, i.e., a direction from the first side in the axial direction to the second side in the axial direction, is referred to as an "insertion direction ID", and a direction in which the tubular body 2 is pulled out from the insertion space 16, i.e., a direction from the second side in the axial direction to the first side in the axial direction, is referred to as an "pulling direction PD".
The inner cylinder portion 171, the seal member 14, the outer cylinder portion 151, the cap 11, the locking claws 13, and the resin ring 12 constitute an insertion connection port 30 (fig. 2).
Each insertion connection port 30 forms an insertion space 16. If the pipe joint 1 has a plurality of insertion connection ports 30, one insertion space 16 is formed in each insertion connection port 30.
In this example, as shown in fig. 1, a threaded portion 172a formed of a tapered male screw or a parallel male screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second axial side portion 172 of the body member 17, and is configured to be threadably engaged with a pipe member (not shown) having a tapered female screw or a parallel female screw. However, the present invention is not limited to the example shown in the drawings, and the second side portion 172 in the axial direction may be configured such that a threaded portion 172a formed of a tapered female screw or a parallel female screw is formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof and can be screwed into a pipe member (not shown) having a tapered male screw or a parallel male screw. Alternatively, the insertion connection port 30 may be formed in the second axial side portion 172 of the body member 17 in the same manner as the first axial side portion 171 of the present example.
In this example, as shown in fig. 2, the axial intermediate portion 176 of the body member 17 includes a torque input portion 173, a small diameter portion 174, and a large diameter portion 175, which are provided in this order from the second side in the axial direction to the first side in the axial direction. The torque input portion 173 of the body member 17 is constituted by: the outer peripheral surface of the shaft has a substantially polygonal shape (in the example shown in the figure, a substantially hexagonal shape), so that torque from a tool such as a wrench (a screwwrench) can be reliably input. The small diameter portion 174 of the body member 17 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameters of the torque input portion 173 and the large diameter portion 175. The second side portion 152 of the outer cylindrical member 15 in the axial direction is fitted by press-fitting into the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 174 of the body member 17, and the second side portion 152 of the outer cylindrical member 15 in the axial direction is restricted from moving in the axial direction by the torque input portion 173 and the large diameter portion 175 of the body member 17. The large diameter portion 175 of the body member 17 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first side portion (inner cylindrical portion) 171 in the axial direction of the body member 17. An end surface of the large diameter portion 175 on the first side in the axial direction defines an end of the insertion space 16 on the second side in the axial direction.
Fig. 3 (a) shows a state in which the tubular body 2 is inserted into the pipe joint 1 of fig. 1 and 2. When the tubular body 2 is inserted into the insertion space 16, further movement of the tubular body 2 in the insertion direction ID is restricted due to the tubular body 2 contacting the large diameter portion 175.
Further, the body member 17 may not have the torque input portion 173 (fig. 2).
As shown in fig. 2, in this example, one or more annular grooves 171a each extending in the circumferential direction are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the main body member 17. In the example shown in the figure, 2 annular grooves 171a are provided at different positions from each other in the axial direction, but the number of annular grooves 171a may be only one, or may be 3 or more. In the example in the figure, the annular groove 171a is located at a position in the middle in the axial direction in the insertion space 16, and at a position overlapping with the outer cylindrical portion 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15 in the axial direction. An annular seal member 14 extending in the circumferential direction is housed in each annular groove 171 a. The sealing member 14 is formed of, for example, an O-ring. The outer cylindrical portion 151 faces the annular grooves 171a and the seal members 14 in the radial direction.
As shown in fig. 2, in a state where the tubular body 2 is not inserted into the insertion space 16, the outer diameter of the seal member 14 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the main body member 17. As shown in fig. 3 (a), when the tubular body 2 is inserted into the insertion space 16, the sealing member 14 is compressively deformed so as to be in close engagement with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 2, thereby liquid-tightly sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 171 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 2.
The outer cylindrical member 15 is a cylindrical annular member, and is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the main body member 17 and on the inner peripheral side of the cap 11. The outer cylindrical member 15 is made of, for example, resin. The outer cylindrical member 15 is preferably made of a transparent resin (e.g., transparent nylon), but may be made of an opaque resin.
As shown in fig. 2, the inner diameter of the axial second side portion 152 of the outer cylindrical member 15 is smaller than the inner diameter of the extended portion 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15, and is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 175 of the body member 17.
The extended portion (outer cylindrical portion) 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15 is located adjacent to the outer circumferential side of the insertion space 16, in other words, the extended portion 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15 defines an end of the outer circumferential side of the insertion space 16. A stopper protrusion 151c formed of a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the extending portion (outer cylindrical portion) 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15. In the example shown in the drawings, the stopper protrusion 151c of the outer cylindrical member 15 is located on the first side in the axial direction with respect to the large diameter portion 175 of the body member 17. In the example shown in the figure, the stopper projection 151c extends over the entire circumference, i.e., is formed in a ring shape. Further, a pair of fitting protrusions 151a and 151b each including a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the extending portion (outer cylindrical portion) 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15 on the first side in the axial direction from the stopper protrusion 151c at positions different from each other in the axial direction. In the example shown in the figure, the fitting projections 151a and 151b each extend over the entire circumference, i.e., are formed in a ring shape.
The cap 11 is made of, for example, resin, and is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is provided on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the main body member 17. As shown in fig. 2, the second axial side portion 112 of the cap 11 is press-fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the first axial side portion of the extended portion (outer cylindrical portion) 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15 with respect to the stopper protrusion 151 c.
Further movement of the cap 11 to the second side in the axial direction is restricted due to the end surface of the second side in the axial direction of the cap 11 contacting the stopper projection 151c of the outer cylindrical member 15.
A pair of fitting recesses 112a, 112b each formed of a groove extending in the circumferential direction are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the second side portion 112 in the axial direction of the cap 11 at positions different from each other in the axial direction. In the example shown in the figure, the fitting recesses 112a and 112b extend over the entire circumference, i.e., are formed in a ring shape. The fitting recesses 112a, 112b of the cap 11 are fitted with the fitting projections 151a, 151b of the outer cylindrical member 15, respectively.
The axial first side portion 111 of the cap 11 is located on the axial first side of the outer cylindrical member 15.
The locking pawl 13 is, for example, a metal ring-shaped member. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the locking claw 13 has a substantially V-shaped cross section in the axial direction of the pipe joint 1, and more specifically, has a substantially V-shaped lateral bent shape protruding to the first side in the axial direction. The locking claw 13 has a claw portion 131a at an end portion on the inner peripheral side thereof.
The locking claws 13 are arranged on the first side in the axial direction with respect to the outer cylindrical member 15 on the inner peripheral side of the first axial direction portion 111 of the cap 11 and on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the body member 17, and are positioned adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16. The outer peripheral end of the locking pawl 13 is disposed in the gap between the outer cylindrical member 15 and the cap 11.
Although not shown, slits opened in the outer peripheral edge of the locking pawl 13 and slits opened in the inner peripheral edge of the locking pawl 13 are alternately provided in the locking pawl 13 in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the locking claws 13 are configured to be elastically deformable in the diameter expansion direction. A plurality of pawl portions 131a are formed at the inner peripheral side end portions of the locking pawls 13 so as to be separated from each other in the circumferential direction by slits opened at the inner peripheral end edges of the locking pawls 13.
Each claw portion 131a faces the inner peripheral side and the second side in the axial direction (the back side of the insertion space 16).
As shown in fig. 2, in a state before the tubular body 2 is inserted into the insertion space 16, the inner diameter of the locking pawl 13 (the diameter at the distal end of the pawl portion 131 a) is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 151 of the outer cylindrical member 15, and the pawl portion 131a projects into the insertion space 16. Thus, as shown in fig. 3 (a), when the tubular body 2 is inserted into the insertion space 16, the locking claws 13 are configured such that the claw portions 131a sink into the outer peripheral surface of the inserted tubular body 2.
The locking pawl 13 may have any configuration as long as it has a substantially V-shaped cross section in the axial direction as described above. For example, the locking claws 13 may not have slits formed in the outer peripheral edges of the locking claws 13.
The resin ring 12 is made of, for example, resin, and is an annular member formed in an annular shape. The resin ring 12 is disposed on the first side in the axial direction with respect to the locking claws 13 on the inner peripheral side of the cap 11 and on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylindrical portion 100. The resin ring 12 is adjacent to the insertion space 16 on the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16, in other words, the end of the resin ring 12 on the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16 is defined. Of the annular members 12, 13, 15 (the resin ring 12, the locking claws 13, the outer cylindrical member 15) disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cap 11 and on the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16, the resin ring 12 is disposed closest to the first side in the axial direction.
In the present embodiment, as described later, the resin ring 12 has a function (releasing function) capable of releasing the trapping of the locking claws 13 in the tubular body 2.
In the pipe joint 1 configured as described above, as shown in fig. 3 (a), when the tubular body 2 is inserted into the insertion space 16, the claw portions 131a of the locking claws 13 slightly sink into the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2. At this time, the space between the inner circumferential surface of the tubular body 2 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the main body member 17 is liquid-tightly sealed by the sealing member 14. In this way, the tubular body 2 is connected to the insertion connection port 30 of the pipe joint 1 by one-way insertion (only by insertion).
On the other hand, when the tubular body 2 is to be removed from the pipe joint 1, a jig (not shown) is inserted into the cap 11 in the axial direction from the first side in the axial direction toward the resin ring 12, and the resin ring 12 is pushed in to the second side in the axial direction. Then, the resin ring 12 presses the claw portion 13a of the locking claw 13 to release the depression of the claw portion 13a in the tubular body 2. When the tubular body 2 is pulled out to the first side in the axial direction in this state, the tubular body 2 can be removed from the pipe joint 1.
In the present embodiment, the position sensor portion 3 is provided in the pipe joint 1. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the position sensor portion 3 is formed in an annular shape (ring shape) and is embedded in the outer cylindrical member 15 of the pipe joint 1. For example, when the outer cylindrical member 15 is molded by injection molding or the like, the position sensor portion 3 is configured integrally with the outer cylindrical member 15 by being fitted into a mold for molding the outer cylindrical member 15. Alternatively, for example, after the outer cylindrical member 15 is molded, the position sensor portion 3 is accommodated in a recess formed in the outer cylindrical member 15 and fixed by bonding or the like, thereby being integrally configured with the outer cylindrical member 15. In the example shown in the figure, the inner peripheral surface of the position sensor portion 3 is exposed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical member 15 (fig. 2).
The position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16 can be detected in a plurality of (3 in this example) (and thus the amount of insertion of the tubular body 2 within the insertion space 16 can be detected).
Here, "configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in multiple stages" means that it is possible to detect whether or not a predetermined portion (for example, the end portion on the second side in the axial direction) of the tubular body 2 is located at each of multiple different positions (point positions or regions having a width in the axial direction) in the axial direction in the insertion space 16, in other words, which position in the axial direction of the multiple different positions in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 the predetermined portion of the tubular body 2 is located.
As shown by functional blocks in fig. 1, the position sensor unit 3 includes a position detection unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a storage unit 33.
In the present example, the position sensor unit 3 includes a plurality of (3 in the present example) position detection units 31(31a to 31c), and an annular support unit 34 (fig. 2) that supports the position detection units 31. The position sensor unit 3 is configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 (and further detect the amount of insertion of the tubular body 2 into the insertion space 16) in a plurality of (3 in this example) stages by the plurality of (3 in this example) position detection units 31(31a to 31 c).
These 3 position detection portions 31a to 31c are buried in the support portion 34, respectively, and are arranged in the axial direction. The support portion 34 is made of, for example, metal. In this example, each of the position detecting units 31a to 31c is configured to: when the detected part 5 provided in the tubular body 2 is located in the vicinity of the position detecting part itself (more specifically, on the inner peripheral side of the position detecting part itself in this example), the detected part 5 can be detected.
More specifically, in this example, each of the position detection units 31a to 31c is configured to be able to detect a metal. On the other hand, the detected part 5 provided in the tubular body 2 is made of a material containing metal. The detection target portion 5 may be formed of, for example, a metal tape attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2, or a paint or ink containing metal applied to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2. Preferably, the detected part 5 is provided in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the tubular body 2. The thickness of the detected part 5 is preferably 1mm or less, more preferably 0.5mm or less, and still more preferably substantially 0mm, for example. In each of the drawings, the thickness of the detection target portion 5 is exaggeratedly shown for the convenience of observation. In this example, the detected part 5 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2 at the end part on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 (fig. 1).
In the example of fig. 1 to 3, the first position detecting portion 31a located closest to the second side in the axial direction among the 3 position detecting portions 31 is located at a position in the axial direction that overlaps or is adjacent to the end on the second side (the back side) in the axial direction of the insertion space 16 (and thus the end on the first side in the axial direction of the large diameter portion 175). The first position detecting unit 31a is configured to: the first position detecting portion 31a can detect the detected part 5 in a state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 (and thus the detected part 5 provided therein) is located at the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the insertion space 16 ((a) of fig. 3). In this example, the state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located at the end portion on the second side (the back side) in the axial direction of the insertion space 16 means: the coupling state of the pipe joint 1 and the tubular body 2 is in an appropriate state. In other words, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the state in which the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is positioned at the end portion on the second side (the back side) in the axial direction of the insertion space 16 can be detected by the first position detecting portion 31a detecting the detected part 5, and the appropriate state can be detected ((a) of fig. 3).
The second position detecting portion 31b adjacent to the first position detecting portion 31a on the first side in the axial direction of the first position detecting portion 31a is located at a position adjacent to the sealing member 14 on the second side in the axial direction of the sealing member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction among the one or more (2 in the example in the figure) sealing members 14. The second position detecting unit 31b is configured to: the second position detecting portion 31b can detect the detected part 5 in a state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 (and thus the detected part 5 provided therein) is located adjacent to the sealing member 14 on the second side in the axial direction of the sealing member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction ((b) of fig. 3). In this example, the state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located adjacent to the seal member 14 on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction means that: the tubular body 2 starts to be disengaged from the insertion space 16 so that the end portion of the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is gradually approaching the seal member 14, and thus the state of connection of the pipe joint 1 to the tubular body 2 is in a state requiring inspection (inspection-required state). In other words, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the state in which the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is positioned adjacent to the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction can be detected by the second position detecting portion 31b as the detected part 5, and the inspection-required state can be detected (fig. 3 (b)).
The third position detection portion 31c located on the most axial direction first side (left side in fig. 3) of the 3 position detection portions 31 is located in an area in the axial direction from an end on the most axial direction second side (right side in fig. 3) of the seal member 14 to an end on the most axial direction first side of the seal member 14. The third position detector 31c is configured to: the third position detection unit 31c can detect the detected part 5 in a state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 (and thus the detected part 5 provided therein) is within an area in the axial direction from the end on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction to the end on the first side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the first side in the axial direction ((c) of fig. 3). In this example, the state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is in the region in the axial direction from the end on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction to the end on the first side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the first side in the axial direction means that: the detachment of the tubular body 2 from the insertion space 16 is rather serious, and there is a possibility that the end portion of the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 hangs over the seal member 14, and there is even a possibility of water leakage, so that the state of connection of the pipe joint 1 to the tubular body 2 is in a state requiring immediate countermeasures (a state requiring immediate countermeasures). In other words, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the detected part 5 is detected by the third position detecting part 31c, and the state in which the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located in the region in the axial direction from the end on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction to the end on the first side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the first side in the axial direction can be detected, and the state in which immediate response is required can be detected (fig. 3 (c)).
The communication unit 32 is constituted by a communication interface, for example. The position sensor unit 3 is configured to be capable of performing electrical communication (transmission, or both transmission and reception) with an outside (e.g., a predetermined device) through the communication unit 32. Here, "electrical communication" refers to, for example, wired communication and/or wireless communication. In this example, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to be able to electrically transmit position detection information to the outside through the communication unit 32. The position detection information includes a detection result of the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16, which is output from the position detection unit 31. The position sensor unit 3 may output a detection result as a detection result of the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 only from the position detection units 31 that detect the detected part 5 among the plurality of position detection units 31(31a to 31c), or may output a determination result of whether or not the detected part 5 is detected as a detection result of the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 from each of the position detection units 31. Further, it is preferable that the position detection information includes identification Information (ID) of the position sensor unit 3. The position detection information may include the date and time when the detected part 5 was detected.
The storage unit 33 is constituted by, for example, a ROM and/or a RAM. The storage unit 33 stores, for example, identification Information (ID) of the position sensor unit 3. The storage unit 33 may be configured to store (for example, temporarily) the detection result from the position detecting unit 31. In this case, for example, the position sensor unit 3 may be configured to accumulate the position detection information until the time of transmission to the outside is reached.
The position sensor unit 3 may not have the storage unit 33.
In the present embodiment, the water leakage sensor unit 4 is provided in the pipe joint 1. More specifically, in the example of fig. 2, the water leakage sensor unit 4 is embedded in the main body member 17 (more specifically, in the example of the figure, embedded in the torque input portion 173) and is disposed so as to be in contact with the outer cylindrical member 15.
The water leakage sensor unit 4 is configured to detect water leakage. Further, as the water leakage, for example, there may be a state where there is no liquid tightness between the tubular body 2 and the sealing member 14 and water passes therethrough, or a state where a crack is generated in the pipe joint 1 and water leaks therefrom.
As shown by functional blocks in fig. 1, the water leakage sensor unit 4 includes a water leakage detection unit 41, a communication unit 42, and a storage unit 43.
The water leakage detection unit 41 is configured to detect water leakage.
Preferably, the water leakage detecting unit 41 is configured to detect water leakage by detecting vibration during water passage, for example. More specifically, the water leakage detecting unit 41 is preferably configured to: for example, vibration (specifically, for example, a wavelength or a frequency of vibration) during water passage is detected at any time or at regular intervals, and if it is determined that the vibration (specifically, for example, the wavelength or the frequency of vibration) during water passage is different from the vibration during water passage in a normal state in which water leakage does not occur, it is determined that water leakage has occurred (water leakage is detected). In this case, it is preferable to previously set a definition of the vibration (specifically, for example, the wavelength or frequency of the vibration) at the time of water passage in the normal state in which no water leakage occurs, and a determination criterion for determining that the vibration at the time of water passage is different from the vibration at the time of water passage in the normal state. Further, since vibration during water passage occurs substantially uniformly throughout the piping system 6, when the water leakage sensor unit 4 (water leakage detection unit 41) is configured to detect water leakage by vibration during water passage, the water leakage sensor unit 4 can detect water leakage equally regardless of the position on the piping system 6 at which the water leakage sensor unit 4 is disposed. Therefore, the water leakage sensor unit 4 can be disposed at any position on the piping system 6. For example, the water leakage sensor unit 4 may be provided on the outer surface of the pipe joint 1 or may be provided on the outer surface of the tubular body 2. However, it is more preferable to provide the pipe joint 1 inside as in the example of fig. 2. Further, in the case where the pipe joint 1 is assumed to have a plurality of insertion connection ports 30 and/or in the case where the piping system 6 is assumed to have a plurality of pipe joints 1, one water leakage sensor unit 4 may be provided for each insertion connection port 30, but the number of water leakage sensor units 4 smaller than the total number of insertion connection ports 30 constituting the piping system 6 may be provided, and for example, one water leakage sensor unit 4 may be provided for each pipe joint 1 or only one water leakage sensor unit 4 may be provided for the entire piping system 6.
The water leakage detecting unit 41 may be configured to detect water leakage by detecting water. In this case, the water leakage sensor unit 4 is preferably disposed inside the pipe joint 1 so as to face a path through which water leaking when water leakage occurs may pass (be exposed to the path). For example, in the example of fig. 2, since the water leaking when the water leakage occurs may pass through the path between the main body member 17 and the outer cylindrical member 15, the water leakage sensor unit 4 is preferably disposed inside the main body member 17 or the outer cylindrical member 15 so as to face the path (boundary surface) between the main body member 17 and the outer cylindrical member 15, and more specifically, is preferably disposed inside the main body member 17 so as to be in contact with the outer cylindrical member 15 as in the example of fig. 2, or inside the outer cylindrical member 15 so as to be in contact with the main body member 17.
The communication unit 42 is constituted by a communication interface, for example. The water leakage sensor unit 4 is configured to be capable of performing electrical communication (transmission, or both transmission and reception) with the outside (for example, a predetermined device) through the communication unit 42. In this example, the water leakage sensor unit 4 is configured to be able to electrically transmit water leakage detection information to the outside through the communication unit 42. The water leakage detection information includes a detection result of water leakage output from the water leakage detecting unit 41. The water leakage sensor unit 4 may output the result of determining whether or not water leakage has occurred from the water leakage detector 41 as the result of detecting water leakage, or may output the result of determining that water leakage has occurred from the water leakage detector 41 only when it is determined that water leakage has occurred as the result of detecting water leakage. Further, the water leakage detection information preferably includes identification Information (ID) of the water leakage sensor unit 4. In addition, the water leakage detection information may include the date and time when the water leakage was detected.
The storage unit 43 is constituted by ROM and/or RAM, for example. The storage unit 43 stores, for example, identification Information (ID) of the water leakage sensor unit 4. The storage unit 43 may be configured to store (for example, temporarily) the detection result from the water leakage detecting unit 41. In this case, for example, the water leakage sensor unit 4 may be configured to accumulate the water leakage detection information until the time of transmission to the outside is reached.
The water leakage sensor unit 4 may not have the storage unit 43.
In the present embodiment, the water leakage sensor unit 4 is configured independently of the position sensor unit 3, but the water leakage sensor unit 4 may be configured integrally with the position sensor unit 3. In this case, the communication unit 42 and the storage unit 43 of the water leakage sensor unit 4 may be configured (used) by the communication unit 32 and the storage unit 33 of the position sensor unit 3, respectively.
Here, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the position sensor portion 3 is configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16 (and thus the amount of insertion of the tubular body 2).
Thus, the user can confirm the connection state of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 without visual observation only by confirming the detection result from the position sensor portion 3. Therefore, even if the pipe joint 1 is disposed at a position difficult to see (for example, on a ceiling, on the back side of a wall, or the like), the connection state of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 can be confirmed. Therefore, the efficiency of the confirmation operation can be improved.
Further, the user can confirm the connection state of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 at any time not only when connecting the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 but also during the period of using the piping system 6 thereafter. Therefore, even if the tubular body 2 starts to be detached from the pipe joint 1 after the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 are once connected, the user can immediately grasp the situation and take necessary measures. Therefore, the reliability of the connection of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 can be improved.
Further, since the state of connection of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 is automatically detected by the position sensor portion 3, the state of connection of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 can be grasped with higher accuracy and more reliably than in the case where the state of connection of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 is assumed to be visually confirmed by a person. Therefore, the reliability of the connection of the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 can be improved.
In general, when the pipe joint (and hence the tubular body) has a large diameter (for example, when the nominal diameter of the pipe joint is about 30 to 50), the flow rate is large, and therefore if the connection state between the tubular body and the pipe joint is not appropriate, the loss may be large. Therefore, in the case of a large-diameter pipe joint, there is a great demand for reliably confirming whether or not the connection between the tubular body and the pipe joint is properly completed, and for immediately grasping the detachment of the tubular body during the use period after the completion of the connection. Therefore, the pipe line system 6 and the pipe joint system 8 according to the present embodiment are preferable because they can respond to these needs when used particularly when the pipe joint (and hence the tubular body) has a large diameter.
Second embodiment
Fig. 4 to 5 are diagrams for explaining a pipe system 6 according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system 8 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Next, the piping system 6 and the pipe joint system 8 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first embodiment.
In the first embodiment, the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 can be detected in a plurality of stages by detecting one detected portion 5 by the plurality of position detecting portions 31(31a to 31c), but in the second embodiment, the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 can be detected in a plurality of stages by detecting the plurality of detected portions 5(5a to 5c) by the one position detecting portion 31.
Further, the structure of the pipe joint 1 may be the same as that of the first embodiment.
The structure of the water leakage sensor unit 4 may be the same as that of the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the position sensor portion 3 is provided in the pipe joint 1, more specifically, in the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the resin ring 12. In the example shown in the figure, the position sensor portion 3 is embedded in the resin ring 12, and the inner circumferential surface of the position sensor portion 3 is exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the resin ring 12.
As in the first embodiment, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 (and further, the amount of insertion of the tubular body 2 into the insertion space 16) in a plurality of (3 in this example) stages.
In the present embodiment, the position sensor unit 3 has only one (not a plurality of) position detecting units 31. On the other hand, the tubular body 2 is provided with a plurality of (more specifically, 3 in this example) detected parts 5(5a to 5c), and these detected parts 5a to 5c are arranged in the axial direction.
The position detecting unit 31 is configured to: when the detected parts 5(5a to 5c) provided in the tubular body 2 are located in the vicinity of the position detecting part 31 itself (more specifically, on the inner peripheral side of the position detecting part 31 itself in this example), the detected parts 5(5a to 5c) can be detected and recognized.
More specifically, in this example, the position detection unit 31 is configured to be able to detect a color. On the other hand, the detected portions 5a to 5c provided in the tubular body 2 have different colors from each other. The detection target portions 5a to 5c can be formed of, for example, a tape attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2, or paint, ink, or the like applied to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2. In each of the drawings, the thickness of the detection target portion 5 is exaggeratedly shown for the convenience of observation. In this example, the detected parts 5a to 5c are arranged in the axial direction at positions offset to the first side in the axial direction with respect to the end part on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2. The position detector 31 is configured to: when the detected parts 5(5a to 5c) provided in the tubular body 2 are located in the vicinity of the position detecting part 31 itself (more specifically, on the inner peripheral side of the position detecting part 31 itself in this example), the color of the detected parts 5(5a to 5c) can be detected. For example, the storage unit 33 may store the colors of the detected parts 5a to 5c in advance, and the position detecting unit 31 may be configured to determine which of the detected parts 5a to 5c has been detected (i.e., to identify the detected part 5) by comparing the detected color with the colors of the detected parts 5a to 5c stored in advance in the storage unit 33.
In the example of fig. 5, the first detected part 5a located on the first side (left side in fig. 5) in the axial direction among the 3 detected parts 5a to 5c is configured to: in a state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction (the right side in fig. 5) of the tubular body 2 is located at the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the insertion space 16, the first detected part 5a is located on the inner peripheral side of the position detecting part 31, and is detected by the position detecting part 31 ((a) of fig. 5). In this example, the state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located at the end portion on the second side (the back side) in the axial direction of the insertion space 16 means: the coupling state of the pipe joint 1 and the tubular body 2 is in an appropriate state. In other words, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the position detector 31 can detect the state in which the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located at the end portion on the second side (the back side) in the axial direction of the insertion space 16, and can detect the appropriate state (fig. 5 (a)).
The second detected part 5b adjacent to the first detected part 5a on the second side in the axial direction of the first detected part 5a is configured to: in a state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located at a position adjacent to the sealing member 14 on the second side in the axial direction of the sealing member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction, the second detected part 5b is located on the inner peripheral side of the position detecting part 31 and is detected by the position detecting part 31 ((b) of fig. 5). In this example, the state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located adjacent to the seal member 14 on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction means that: the tubular body 2 starts to be disengaged from the insertion space 16, and the end portion of the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is gradually approaching the seal member 14, so that the state of connection of the pipe joint 1 to the tubular body 2 is in a state requiring inspection (inspection-required state). In other words, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the position detector 31 can detect the second detected part 5b, and detect that the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is in a state of being adjacent to the sealing member 14 on the second side in the axial direction of the sealing member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction, and further detect that the inspection is necessary (fig. 5 (b)).
The third detected part 5c located on the second side in the axial direction among the 3 position detecting parts 31 is configured to: in a state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is located in the region in the axial direction from the end on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction to the end on the first side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the first side in the axial direction, the third detected part 5c is located on the inner peripheral side of the position detecting part 31, and is detected by the position detecting part 31 ((c) of fig. 5). In this example, the state where the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is in the region in the axial direction from the end on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction to the end on the first side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the first side in the axial direction means that: the detachment of the tubular body 2 from the insertion space 16 is rather serious, and there is a possibility that the end portion of the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 hangs over the seal member 14, and there is even a possibility of water leakage, so that the state of connection of the pipe joint 1 to the tubular body 2 is in a state requiring immediate countermeasures (a state requiring immediate countermeasures). In other words, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to: the position detection unit 31 can detect the third detected part 5c, and detect that the end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the tubular body 2 is in the region in the axial direction from the end on the second side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction to the end on the first side in the axial direction of the seal member 14 closest to the first side in the axial direction, and further detect that the immediate countermeasure is required (fig. 5 (c)).
The communication section 32 and the storage section 33 of the position sensor section 3 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.
The second embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.
In addition, since the number of the position detection units 31 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.
Third embodiment
Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a piping system 6 according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system 8 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Next, the piping system 6 and the pipe joint system 8 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first and second embodiments.
In the first and second embodiments, the resin ring 12 of the pipe joint 1 has a function (releasing function) capable of releasing the trapping of the locking claws 13 in the tubular body 2, but in the third embodiment, the resin ring 12 of the pipe joint 1 does not have the releasing function.
The structure of the portion other than the resin ring 12 may be the same as the first and second embodiments. Fig. 6 shows an example in which only the structure of the resin ring 12 in the first embodiment (fig. 1) is changed to a structure having no release function.
In the example of fig. 6, the resin ring 12 has a locking portion 121, and the locking portion 121 is located on the first side (left side in fig. 6) in the axial direction with respect to the cap 11 and faces the cap 11 in the axial direction. With such a configuration, even if the resin ring 12 is pushed toward the second side in the axial direction by a jig or the like, the locking portion 121 comes into contact with the cap 11, and the relative movement of the resin ring 12 to the second side in the axial direction with respect to the cap 11 is restricted. Thereby, the resin ring 12 is prevented from pressing the claw portion 13a of the locking claw 13.
Further, the resin ring 12 does not have a releasing function by a structure different from this example.
According to the pipe joint 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the tubular body 2 cannot be removed by a jig or the like.
In general, when a pipe joint (and thus a tubular body) has a large diameter (for example, when the pipe joint has a nominal diameter of about 30 to 50), the tubular body is not removed from the pipe joint after the tubular body is once connected to the pipe joint. Therefore, the pipe line system 6 and the pipe joint system 8 according to the third embodiment are preferable particularly when the pipe joint (and hence the tubular body) has a large diameter.
On the other hand, in the case where the pipe joint (and hence the tubular body) has a relatively small diameter (for example, in the case where the nominal diameter of the pipe joint is less than 30), it is highly required to remove the tubular body from the pipe joint after the tubular body is once connected to the pipe joint. Therefore, the first and second embodiments using the resin ring 12 with the release function are preferable particularly when used in a case where the pipe joint (and hence the tubular body) has a relatively small diameter.
Fourth embodiment
Fig. 7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining a pipe system 6 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a pipe joint system 8 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Next, the piping system 6 and the pipe joint system 8 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly focusing on differences from the above-described embodiments.
In the fourth embodiment, the pipe joint 1 has the outer cylindrical member 15 as an annular member adjacent to the insertion space 16 on the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16. The outer cylindrical member 15 has a transparent window 151e, and the window 151e is configured to allow the inside of the insertion space 16 to be visually recognized from the outside. The outer cylindrical member 15 may be configured such that the entire window 151e is made of a transparent material, or the transparent window 151e may be configured such that only a part including the window 151e is made of a transparent material. Preferably, the window 151e is configured to allow at least the end portion on the second side in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 to be visually checked from the outside, more preferably, at least a part of the second side in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 to be visually checked from the outside, and still more preferably, at least a part of the insertion space 16 from the end portion on the second side in the axial direction to the seal member 14 closest to the second side in the axial direction. In the example of fig. 7, the window 151e is a portion of the outer cylindrical member 15 located in an axial region from an end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the cap 11 to an end portion on the second side in the axial direction of the insertion space 16 (specifically, an end portion on the first side in the axial direction of the large diameter portion 175 of the body member 17).
The outer peripheral surface of the window 151e has a first smooth surface 151d extending parallel to the axial direction. The first smooth surface portion 151d extends in the circumferential direction.
The position sensor unit 3 is disposed on the first smooth surface 151d (fig. 7 to 8). In the present embodiment, the position sensor unit 3 is preferably an optical sensor, but may be a sensor of another type.
According to the present embodiment, since the position sensor portion 3 is disposed on the first smooth surface portion 151d, the inclination and the positional deviation of the position sensor portion 3 can be suppressed, and the position sensor portion 3 can be stably attached to the pipe joint 1. Therefore, the position sensor portion 3 can stably detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16.
Further, according to the present embodiment, since the position sensor portion 3 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the window portion 151e, the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 can be detected without problem via the window portion 151 e.
Further, it is preferable that the length L3 (fig. 8) in the axial direction of the first smooth surface portion 151d is the same as the length L1 (fig. 8) in the axial direction of the position sensor portion 3, or longer than the length L1 in the axial direction of the position sensor portion 3. This enables the position sensor unit 3 to be mounted more stably, and thus enables more stable detection. The length L3 (fig. 8) of the first smooth surface portion 151d in the axial direction is preferably 2mm to 4mm, for example. The length L1 (fig. 8) of the position sensor portion 3 in the axial direction is preferably 1mm to 3mm, for example. Further, the length L2 (fig. 9) of the position sensor portion 3 in the circumferential direction in a plan view of the position sensor portion 3 is preferably 1.5mm to 3.5 mm.
The thickness T (fig. 8) in the radial direction from the first smooth surface portion 151d to the inner peripheral surface of the window portion 151e of the outer cylindrical member 15 may be any, and is, for example, 3mm to 6 mm.
In the fourth embodiment, the piping system 6 preferably further includes an attachment base member 91 (fig. 7 to 9) attached to the outer peripheral side of the window 151e of the pipe joint 1. The attachment base member 91 has a second smooth surface portion 91d extending parallel to the axial direction of the pipe joint 1 on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The position sensor portion 3 is embedded inside the mounting base member 91. Preferably, the position sensor portion 3 is embedded in the mounting base member 91 so as to extend along the second smooth surface portion 91d of the mounting base member 91 (specifically, so as to be parallel to the second smooth surface portion 91 d). Preferably, the second smooth surface portion 91d of the attachment base member 91 abuts against the first smooth surface portion 151d of the window portion 151e of the pipe joint 1.
By bringing the second smooth surface portion 91d of the attachment base member 91 into contact with the first smooth surface portion 151d of the window portion 151e of the pipe joint 1, when the attachment base member 91 is attached to the pipe joint 1, the attachment base member 91 can be easily positioned with respect to the pipe joint 1, and the inclination of the attachment base member 91 with respect to the pipe joint 1 can be suppressed. Further, by embedding the position sensor portion 3 in the mounting base member 91 so as to extend along the second smooth surface portion 91d of the mounting base member 91 (specifically, so as to be parallel to the second smooth surface portion 91d), it is possible to position the position sensor portion 3 with respect to the pipe joint 1 and to suppress the inclination of the position sensor portion 3 with respect to the pipe joint 1.
The position sensor portion 3 is preferably exposed on the second smooth surface portion 91d of the attachment base member 91, but may not be exposed on the second smooth surface portion 91d of the attachment base member 91.
Preferably, the length L4 (fig. 8) of the second smooth surface part 91d in the axial direction is the same as the length L3 (fig. 8) of the first smooth surface part 151d in the axial direction, or is longer than the length L3 of the first smooth surface part 151d in the axial direction.
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in the example of fig. 7 and 8, it is preferable that the mount base member 91 is in contact with the end surface of the second side in the axial direction of the stopper protrusion 151c of the outer cylindrical member 15. Thus, when the attachment base member 91 is attached to the pipe joint 1, the attachment base member 91 (and hence the position sensor portion 3) can be easily positioned in the axial direction with respect to the pipe joint 1.
The mounting base member 91 is preferably made of metal, for example, but may be made of other materials.
In the fourth embodiment, the first smooth surface portion 151d of the pipe joint 1 preferably extends in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference of the pipe joint 1.
On the other hand, the mount base member 91 (and hence the second smooth surface portion 91d) extends in the circumferential direction over at least a part of the pipe joint 1 in the circumferential direction. That is, the mounting base member 91 (and hence the second smooth surface portion 91d) may be configured to have an annular cross section in the axial direction by extending in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference of the pipe joint 1, or may be configured to have a C-shaped cross section in the axial direction by extending in the circumferential direction over only a part of the circumference of the pipe joint 1. Preferably, the second smooth surface portion 91d of the attachment base member 91 abuts against the first smooth surface portion over the entire length of the attachment base member 91 in the circumferential direction.
With this configuration, the mounting base member 91 (and hence the position sensor portion 3) can be stably positioned with respect to the pipe joint 1.
In addition, when the cross section of the attachment base member 91 in the axial direction is formed in a C-shape, the attachment base member 91 can be attached only by fitting the attachment base member 91 into the pipe joint 1, and therefore, the attachment is easy.
In the fourth embodiment, the piping system 6 preferably further includes a wireless tag 94 provided in the pipe joint 1. The wireless tag 94 is configured to acquire position detection information including a detection result of the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16, which is output from the position sensor portion 3. The wireless tag 94 is configured to be able to receive the position detection information from the wireless tag 94 by wireless communication using a receiving device 71 (e.g., a receiving device 71 (fig. 11) described later).
The wireless tag 94 is configured as, for example, an RFID tag or an IC tag.
The receiving device 71 is, for example, an RFID tag reader or an IC tag reader.
With such a configuration, the user having the receiving device 71 can acquire the detection information from the position sensor unit 3 through the receiving device 71. This enables remote connection confirmation even when the pipe joint 1 is constructed in a closed environment such as a ceiling back surface. Here, the completion of construction can be confirmed not only by the constructor but also by a third party. In addition, the following advantages are provided: by searching for where the pipe joint 1 is installed by the direction of the response of the receiver 71, it is possible to grasp the position of the pipe joint 1 in a recessed portion such as a ceiling back surface.
In this case, it is preferable that the piping system 6 further includes a processing unit 93, and the processing unit 93 processes the position detection information output from the position sensor unit 3 and stores the processed information in the wireless tag 94. The communication among the position sensor unit 3, the processing unit 93, and the wireless tag 94 may be wired communication or wireless communication.
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in fig. 7 to 9, the wireless tag 94 is preferably embedded in the mounting base member 91. In this case, the antenna 95 of the wireless tag 94 preferably extends circumferentially inside the mounting base member 91. The antenna 95 may extend only partially in the circumferential direction of the pipe joint 1, or may extend over the entire circumference of the pipe joint 1.
With this configuration, the distance between the user holding the receiving device 71 and the pipe joint 1 can be made long, and thus the convenience of the user can be improved.
Further, a portion (for example, the IC chip 96) of the wireless tag 94 other than the antenna 95 may be disposed in any portion inside the mounting base member 91. For example, the mounting base member 91 may have a protruding portion 92 (fig. 9) protruding toward the outer peripheral side, and a portion (for example, an IC chip 96) of the wireless tag 94 other than the antenna 95 may be disposed inside the protruding portion 92.
In this case, it is preferable that the processing unit 93 be embedded in the mounting base member 91. The treatment portion 93 may be disposed in any portion inside the mounting base member 91, and may be disposed inside the protruding portion 92 of the mounting base member 91 as in the example of fig. 7.
The length D of the field of view in the axial direction of the position sensor section 3 in the insertion space 16 can be adjusted (fig. 7) by adjusting the angle of view θ (fig. 7) of the cross section of the position sensor section 3 in the axial direction, whereby the degree of insufficient insertion can be detected. The angle of view θ is preferably 60 ° to 125 °, for example. The field length D is preferably 5mm to 18mm, for example.
In the fourth embodiment, the mounting base member 91 and the elements (the position sensor portion 3, the wireless tag 94, the processing portion 93, and the like in the example in the figure) embedded in the mounting base member 91 constitute the mounting unit 9. The attachment unit 9 is provided in the pipe joint system 8 in the piping system 6.
Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the position sensor portion 3 is configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in 3 stages, but in each example described in the present specification, the position sensor portion 3 may be configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in arbitrary plural (for example, 2 or 4 or more) stages. In such a case, for example, the connection state of the tubular body and the pipe joint can be grasped in more detail than the case where the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16 is detected in one stage.
However, in each of the examples described in the present specification, the position sensor portion 3 may be configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in one stage.
Here, "configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in one stage" means: it is configured to be able to detect whether or not a predetermined portion (for example, an end portion on the second side in the axial direction) of the tubular body 2 is located at a predetermined one position (a point position or a region having a width in the axial direction) in the axial direction in the insertion space 16.
In the case where the position sensor portion 3 is configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in one or more stages, the position (point position or region having a width in the axial direction) of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction, which is detected by the position sensor portion 3, is not limited to the example of fig. 1 to 5, and may be set arbitrarily.
In each of the examples described in the present specification, the position sensor portion 3 may be configured to be able to continuously detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16.
Here, "configured to be able to continuously detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16" means: the configuration is such that it can be detected whether or not a predetermined portion (for example, an end portion on the second side in the axial direction) of the tubular body 2 is located at each of the respective dot-like positions (dot positions) in the axial direction in the insertion space 16. In this case, it is possible to more accurately detect the position of the predetermined portion of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16.
The position sensor unit 3 (and further the position detecting unit 31) may be configured to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 in one or more stages or continuously by any method different from the above examples.
For example, in the first embodiment (fig. 1), the position sensor unit 3 may be configured such that: the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction is detected not by detecting the metal but by detecting the color of the detected portion 5 or the tubular body 2 as in the second embodiment (fig. 4).
In each of the examples described in the present specification, a portion having irregularities (height difference) such as a flaw formed in advance on the outer surface of the tubular body 2 may be used as the detection target portion 5, and the position sensor portion 3 may be configured to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction by detecting the irregularities (height difference) of the detection target portion 5.
Alternatively, the position sensor unit 3 may be configured to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction by detecting the amount of change in reflection or transmission when the tubular body 2 or the detection target unit 5 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves, near infrared rays, or the like.
Alternatively, the position sensor portion 3 may be configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction by laser light.
Alternatively, the position sensor unit 3 may be configured to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction by a physical switch configured to: when the tubular body 2 or the detected part 5 reaches a predetermined position in the axial direction in the insertion space 16, the physical switch is switched by engaging with the tubular body 2 or the detected part 5.
Alternatively, conductors may be provided in predetermined portions of the tubular body 2 and the insertion space 16, respectively, and the position sensor portion 3 may be configured to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction by a configuration in which current is passed when the conductor (constituting the detected portion 5) on the tubular body 2 comes into contact with the conductor in the insertion space 16.
In the first to fourth embodiments (fig. 1 to 9) described above, the position sensor portion 3 is configured to be able to detect the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction within the insertion space 16 by detecting the detection target portion 5 provided to the tubular body 2. Thus, compared to the case where the position sensor portion 3 is configured to detect the tubular body 2 itself, the connection state between the tubular body and the pipe joint can be detected more reliably, and the structure of the position sensor portion 3 can be simplified.
However, the detection target 5 may not be provided on the tubular body 2, and for example, the position sensor unit 3 may be configured to detect a normal tubular body 2 in which the detection target 5 is not provided. In this case, there is an advantage that the step of providing the detection target portion 5 on the tubular body 2 can be eliminated.
In the case where the position sensor portion 3 is provided in the annular members 12, 13, 15 (more specifically, the outer cylindrical member 15 in the first and third embodiments, and the resin ring 12 in the second embodiment) of the pipe joint 1 adjacent to the insertion space 16 on the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16 as in the first to third embodiments (fig. 1 to 6), the position sensor portion 3 is disposed at a position adjacent to the insertion space 16, and therefore, the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16 can be detected more reliably, as compared to the case where the position sensor portion 3 is provided in a member (the cap 11 in the example in the drawing) located on the outer peripheral side of the annular members 12, 13, 15. Further, compared to a case where the position sensor portion 3 is provided on a member located on the inner peripheral side with respect to the insertion space 16 (in the example shown in the figure, the inner cylindrical portion 171 of the main body member 17), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the position sensor portion 3 is damaged by contact with water, water pressure, or the like.
However, the position sensor portion 3 may be provided at any position inside the pipe joint 1. In this case, the position sensor portion 3 may be embedded in an arbitrary member constituting the pipe joint 1, or may be fixed to a surface of an arbitrary member constituting the pipe joint 1 by bonding or the like. Further, there are the following cases: in the case where the position sensor portion 3 is provided on the resin ring 12 as in the second embodiment (fig. 4), if the resin ring 12 is formed longer than the resin ring 12 shown in fig. 4, the position sensor portion 3 is easy to detect, which is preferable.
The position sensor portion 3 may be provided on both the pipe joint 1 and the tubular body 2.
In the first to fourth embodiments (fig. 1 to 9), since the water leakage sensor unit 4 is provided, water leakage detection is also possible.
However, the water leakage sensor unit 4 may not be provided.
In the first to fourth embodiments (fig. 1 to 9), the position sensor unit 3 and the water leakage sensor unit 4 are configured to be able to transmit the respective detection information (position detection information and water leakage detection information) to the outside electrically (that is, by wired communication and/or wireless communication). This allows the user to easily acquire the detection information from the position sensor unit 3 and the water leakage sensor unit 4. In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to be able to transmit the position detection information to the outside through wireless communication via the wireless tag 94.
In particular, it is preferable that each of the position sensor unit 3 and the water leakage sensor unit 4 is configured to transmit the detection information thereof to the outside immediately (in real time) after detecting the position of the tubular body 2 in the axial direction in the insertion space 16. This enables the user to acquire the detection information from the position sensor unit 3 and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4 in real time. Therefore, the user can quickly respond when the piping system 6 starts to malfunction (detachment of the tubular body 2, water leakage).
Further, it is preferable that each of the position sensor unit 3 and the water leakage sensor unit 4 is configured to be able to transmit the detection information (position detection information and water leakage detection information) thereof to the outside by wireless communication. This eliminates the need to provide a communication cable or the like, as compared with the case of transmission by wired communication, and therefore, the communication infrastructure can be simplified. In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the position sensor unit 3 is configured to be able to transmit the position detection information to the outside through wireless communication via the wireless tag 94.
As will be described later with reference to fig. 11, the piping system 6 is preferably configured to: when the predetermined receiving device 71 is located within a predetermined distance from the position sensor unit 3 and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4, the detection information (position detection information, water leakage detection information) from the position sensor unit 3 and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4 can be received by the predetermined receiving device 71. Thus, the communication infrastructure can be simplified or omitted as compared with a case where it is assumed that the probe information is always (at any time or periodically) received by the receiving device 71 (for example, the example of fig. 10 described later). Here, the "predetermined receiving device 71" is, for example, a device configured to be able to establish communication with the position sensor unit 3 and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4.
In the first to fourth embodiments (fig. 1 to 9) described above, the insertion connection port 30 of the pipe joint 1 has an inner surface water stop structure configured to stop water between the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 by the sealing member 14 coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the tubular body 2.
However, in each of the above examples, the insertion connection port 30 of the pipe joint 1 may have an outer surface water stop structure configured to stop water between the tubular body 2 and the pipe joint 1 by the sealing member 14 coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 2. In this case, the sealing member 14 is disposed adjacent to the insertion space 16 on the outer peripheral side of the insertion space 16. In this case, the inner tube portion 171 may not be provided, and the insertion space 16 may be defined by, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube portion 151.
[ piping information System ]
Next, an embodiment of the piping information system according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 10 to 11. An embodiment of the piping information system according to the present invention may include the piping system according to any of the embodiments of the present invention described above (and further include the pipe joint system according to any of the embodiments of the present invention).
First embodiment
Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the piping information system 7 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The piping information system 7 of the present embodiment includes the piping system 6, the remote server 73, the monitoring terminal 74, and the local server 72 as the receiving device 71 in any of the above examples.
In the present embodiment, the piping system 6 includes one or more position sensor units 3 and one or more water leakage sensor units 4. Each of the position sensor units 3 and each of the water leakage sensor units 4 is configured to be able to transmit respective detection information (position detection information and water leakage detection information) to outside (by wireless communication and/or wired communication). The position sensor unit 3 may be configured to be able to transmit the position detection information to the outside through wireless communication via the wireless tag 94 as in the fourth embodiment (fig. 7 to 9) of the piping system 6. Preferably, the position detection information from each position sensor unit 3 includes identification Information (ID) of each position sensor unit 3 in addition to the detection result. It is preferable that the water leakage detection information from each water leakage sensor unit 4 includes identification Information (ID) of each water leakage sensor unit 4 in addition to the detection result.
The local server 72 is installed in a building in which the piping system 6 is disposed, and includes, for example, a communication unit 721, a processing unit 722, and a storage unit 723.
The communication unit 721 is constituted by a communication interface, for example. The local server 72 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the position sensor units 3 and each of the water leakage sensor units 4 in the pipe system 6 and the remote server 73 via the communication unit 721. More specifically, the local server 72 is configured to be able to receive, via the communication unit 721, the detection information from each of the position sensor units 3 and each of the water leakage sensor units 4 in the piping system 6. It is preferable to receive the detection information from each position sensor unit 3 and each water leakage sensor unit 4 at any time (at the time of detection), but it may be performed at a predetermined time (for example, periodically). The local server 72 is configured to be able to transmit the detection information from each of the position sensor units 3 and the water leakage sensor units 4 to the remote server 73 via the communication unit 721. For example, sending probe information from the local server 72 to the remote server 73 at a prescribed time (e.g., periodically).
The processing unit 722 is constituted by a CPU, for example. The processing unit 722 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 723 to control the entire local server 72.
The storage unit 723 is constituted by a ROM and/or a RAM, for example. The storage unit 723 has a Database (DB)724, and the Database (DB)724 stores a program to be executed by the processing unit 722, parameters to be used by the processing unit 722, and the like, and stores detection information from each of the position sensor units 3 and each of the water leakage sensor units 4. The local server 72 is configured to accumulate the probe information received from each of the position sensor units 3 and the water leakage sensor units 4 in the database 724 before the time of transmission to the remote server 73, and to transmit the probe information accumulated in the database 724 to the remote server 73 when the transmission time is reached, for example.
The remote server 73 is installed at a position distant from the building where the piping system 6 is disposed, and includes, for example, a communication unit 731, a processing unit 732, and a storage unit 733. The remote server 73 is operated by an IT enterprise, for example.
The communication unit 731 is constituted by a communication interface, for example. The remote server 73 is configured to be able to communicate with the local server 72 and the monitoring terminal 74 via the communication unit 731. More specifically, the remote server 73 is configured to be able to receive probe information from the local server 72 via the communication unit 731. The remote server 73 is configured to be able to transmit a result (analysis result) obtained by performing a predetermined analysis based on the probe information from the local server 72 to the monitoring terminal 74 via the communication unit 731. For example, the analysis result may be transmitted from the remote server 73 to the monitoring terminal 74 at a predetermined timing (for example, periodically), or the analysis result may be transmitted from the remote server 73 to the monitoring terminal 74 only when the analysis result indicating that a failure (detachment and/or water leakage of the tubular body 2) has occurred is obtained.
The processing unit 732 is constituted by, for example, a CPU. The processing unit 732 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 733 to control the entire remote server 73.
The storage unit 733 is constituted by, for example, a ROM and/or a RAM. The storage unit 733 has a Database (DB)734, and the Database (DB)734 stores a program to be executed by the processing unit 732, parameters used by the processing unit 732, and the like, and accumulates probe information received from the local server 72. The remote server 73 is configured to perform a predetermined analysis based on the probe information stored in the database 734, for example. And/or the remote server 73 is configured to: for example, probe information received from the local server 72 is stored in the database 734 before the time of transmission to the monitoring terminal 74, and when the transmission time is reached, the probe information stored in the database 734 is transmitted to the monitoring terminal 74 together with the analysis result.
The monitor terminal 74 is constituted by a computer, for example. The monitoring terminal 74 is installed in a monitoring center or the like operated by a manufacturer or a maintenance provider of the piping system 6, for example. The monitoring terminal 74 is configured to be able to notify, for example, when it is determined that a failure (detachment and/or water leakage of the tubular body 2) has occurred in the piping system 6 based on the analysis result received from the remote server 73. For example, the notification may be performed by displaying on a display unit (not shown) or generating a sound by a sound generation unit (not shown).
Since the piping information system 7 of the first embodiment is configured as described above, a manufacturer or a maintenance provider can take a prompt response when receiving a notification from the monitoring terminal 74, for example, request a predetermined construction shop to perform a construction of the piping system 6.
In the first embodiment, the piping information system 7 may be provided with only one of the local server 72 and the remote server 73 as the receiving device 71.
In the present embodiment, the piping system 6 does not need to include the water leakage sensor unit 4.
Second embodiment
Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the piping information system 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The piping information system 7 of the present embodiment includes the receiving device 71 and the piping system 6 of any of the above examples.
In the present embodiment, the piping system 6 includes one or more position sensor units 3 and one or more water leakage sensor units 4. Each of the position sensor units 3 and each of the water leakage sensor units 4 is configured to be able to transmit respective detection information (position detection information and water leakage detection information) to outside (by wireless communication and/or wired communication). The position sensor unit 3 may be configured to be capable of transmitting the position detection information to the outside through wireless communication via the wireless tag 94, as in the fourth embodiment (fig. 7 to 9) of the piping system 6. Preferably, the position detection information from each position sensor unit 3 includes identification Information (ID) of each position sensor unit 3 in addition to the detection result. It is preferable that the water leakage detection information from each water leakage sensor unit 4 includes identification Information (ID) of each water leakage sensor unit 4 in addition to the detection result.
The piping information system 7 is configured to: when the predetermined receiving device 71 is located within a predetermined distance from the position sensor unit 3 (or the wireless tag 94) and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4, the detection information (position detection information, water leakage detection information) from the position sensor unit 3 and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4 can be received by the predetermined receiving device 71. More specifically, the receiver 71 is configured to transmit a radio wave in a spherical area having a predetermined radius (e.g., several meters to several tens of meters) around itself, and the receiver 71 is configured to receive detection information from the position sensor unit 3 and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4 in a state where the position sensor unit 3 (or the wireless tag 94) and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4 is located in the radio wave transmission area.
Preferably, the receiving device 71 is configured to be portable and portable as shown in the example shown in fig. 11.
The position sensor unit 3 (or the wireless tag 94) and the water leakage sensor unit 4 are preferably configured to transmit the detection information to the receiving device 71 only during a period in which communication with the receiving device 71 is possible, for example, but may be configured to always (at any time or periodically) transmit the detection information to the outside.
Since the piping information system 7 according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, for example, a user (inspector or the like) having the receiving device 71 can collect probe information by the receiving device 71 only by walking near the piping system 6, and perform an inspection based on the collected information. Since the piping system 6 is often disposed in a place where the detection information cannot be seen, such as the upper side of the ceiling C (fig. 11) or the back side of a wall, the piping information system 7 according to the present embodiment has an advantage that the detection information can be collected without any problem even in such a case.
Further, since the reception device 71 receives the detection information only when the reception device 71 approaches the position sensor unit 3 (or the wireless tag 94) and/or the water leakage sensor unit 4, the communication infrastructure can be simplified or omitted, and the cost can be reduced, as compared with the case where the detection information is always received by the reception device 71 as in the first embodiment (fig. 10).
In the second embodiment, the piping information system 7 may further include a device (such as a server) configured to receive the probe information from the receiving device 71.
In the present embodiment, the piping system 6 does not need to include the water leakage sensor unit 4.
Industrial applicability
The piping system, the piping information system, and the pipe joint system according to the present invention can be preferably used for piping necessary for water supply, hot water supply, and the like.
Description of the reference numerals
1: a pipe joint; 11: a cap; 111: an axial direction first side portion of the cap; 112: an axial second side portion of the cap; 112a, 112 b: a fitting recess; 12: a resin ring (annular member); 121: a locking part; 13: a locking pawl (annular member); 131 a: a claw portion; 14: a sealing member; 15: an outer cylinder member (annular member); 151: an extension portion (outer cylindrical portion) of the outer cylindrical member; 151a, 151 b: a fitting protrusion; 151 c: a stopper protrusion; 151 d: a first smooth face; 151 e: a window portion; 152: an axial direction second side portion of the outer cylindrical member; 16: an insertion space; 17: a body member; 171: an axial first side portion (inner tube portion) of the main body member; 171 a: an annular groove; 172: an axial direction second side portion of the body member; 172 a: a threaded portion; 173: a torque input portion of the body member; 174: a small diameter portion of the body member; 175: a large diameter portion of the body member; 176: an axial direction intermediate portion of the body member; 30: inserting into a connecting port; 2: a tubular body; 3: a position sensor section; 31. 31a to 31 c: a position detection unit; 32: a communication unit; 33: a storage unit; 34: a support portion; 4: a water leakage sensor part; 41: a water leakage detection unit; 42: a communication unit; 43: a storage unit; 5: a detected part; 6: a piping system; 7: a piping information system; 71: a receiving device; 72: a local server; 721: a communication unit; 722: a processing unit; 723: a storage unit; 724: a database; 73: a remote server; 731: a communication unit; 732: a processing unit; 733: a storage unit; 734: a database; 74: a monitoring terminal; 8: a pipe joint system; 9: a mounting unit; 91: mounting a base member; 91: a second smooth face; 92: a protrusion; 93: a processing unit; 94: a wireless tag; 95: an antenna; 96: an IC chip; ID: the direction of insertion; PD: the pull-out direction; o: a tube axis of the tube joint; c: and (4) a ceiling.

Claims (15)

1. A piping system is provided with:
a tubular body;
a pipe joint formed with an insertion space for inserting the tubular body from one side in an axial direction; and
and a position sensor portion provided to the pipe joint or to both the pipe joint and the tubular body, the position sensor portion being configured to be able to detect a position of the tubular body in an axial direction in the insertion space in one or more stages or continuously.
2. The piping system according to claim 1,
the piping system further includes a detected portion provided in the tubular body,
the position sensor unit is configured to: the position of the tubular body in the axial direction within the insertion space can be detected in one or more stages or continuously by detecting the detected portion.
3. The piping system according to claim 1 or 2,
the position sensor portion is configured to be able to detect a position of the tubular body in an axial direction in the insertion space in a plurality of stages.
4. The piping system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the pipe joint has a ring-shaped member adjacent to the insertion space on an outer peripheral side of the insertion space,
the position sensor portion is provided to the annular member.
5. The piping system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the piping system further comprises a water leakage sensor unit provided at the pipe joint and configured to detect water leakage,
the water leakage sensor unit is formed independently of or integrally with the position sensor unit.
6. The piping system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the position sensor unit is configured to be capable of electrically transmitting position detection information including a detection result of a position of the tubular body in the axial direction in the insertion space to the outside.
7. The piping system according to claim 6,
the position sensor unit is configured to be capable of transmitting the position detection information to the outside through wireless communication.
8. The piping system according to claim 7, configured to:
when a predetermined receiving device is located at a position within a predetermined distance from the position sensor unit, the position detection information from the position sensor unit can be received by the predetermined receiving device.
9. The piping system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the pipe joint has a ring-shaped member adjacent to the insertion space on an outer peripheral side of the insertion space,
the annular member has a transparent window portion configured to allow the inside of the insertion space to be visually recognized from the outside,
the outer peripheral surface of the window portion has a first smooth surface portion extending in parallel with the axial direction,
the position sensor portion is disposed on the first smooth surface.
10. The piping system according to claim 9,
the piping system further includes an installation base member installed on an outer peripheral side of the window portion of the pipe joint,
the mounting base member has a second smooth surface portion extending in parallel with the axial direction of the pipe joint on an inner peripheral surface thereof,
the position sensor portion is embedded in the mounting base member so as to extend along the second smooth surface portion of the mounting base member,
the second smooth surface portion of the mount base member abuts against the first smooth surface portion of the window portion of the pipe joint.
11. The piping system according to claim 10,
the piping system further includes a wireless tag provided to the pipe joint,
the wireless tag is configured to acquire position detection information including a detection result of a position of the tubular body in the axial direction in the insertion space, which is output from the position sensor portion, and to be able to receive the position detection information from the wireless tag by wireless communication using a receiving device.
12. The piping system according to claim 11,
the wireless tag is buried in the inside of the mounting base member,
the antenna of the wireless tag extends circumferentially inside the mounting base member.
13. The piping system according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
the first smooth surface portion of the pipe joint extends circumferentially over the entire circumference of the pipe joint,
the second smooth surface portion of the mount base member extends in the circumferential direction over at least a part of the pipe joint in the circumferential direction and abuts against the first smooth surface portion.
14. A piping information system is provided with:
the piping system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and 11 to 13; and
and a receiving device configured to be capable of receiving the position detection information from the position sensor unit.
15. A pipe joint system is provided with:
a pipe joint formed with an insertion space for inserting the tubular body from one side in an axial direction; and
and a position sensor portion provided to the pipe joint, the position sensor portion being configured to be able to detect a position of the tubular body in an axial direction in the insertion space in one or more stages or continuously.
CN201980082209.8A 2018-12-14 2019-12-02 Piping system, piping information system, and pipe joint system Pending CN113195954A (en)

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