JP7494559B2 - Flooding detection device and flooding detection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flood detection device and a flood detection system using the same.

Conventionally, devices to detect flooding on roads have generally been installed in underpasses. This has made it difficult to detect flooding at desired points and comprehensively grasp the flooding situation over an entire area. Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal device that can detect water levels at any point on a road.

The terminal device of Patent Document 1 includes a sensor that detects the water level, a positioning unit that detects the installation position, a communication unit that transmits the position information of the position detected by the positioning unit and the detection data detected by the sensor at a predetermined timing, and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit. The position information and real-time detection data are then transmitted from the communication unit to a hazard map creation means that creates a hazard map. Here, the terminal device is attached to a road accessory installed on the road or ground (see the same document, the fifth embodiment). The road accessory is a support pole consisting of a rod-shaped columnar body, and the terminal device has an inner surface shaped to match the outer surface of the columnar body. The terminal device includes a main body part whose inside is a storage space, and a cover part that is fitted into the main body part. A solar power generation means that charges a secondary battery for power supply is provided on the outer surface of the cover part, and the communication unit and its antenna part, the positioning unit and its positioning antenna, the sensor, and the control unit are built into the storage space.

JP 2018-77602 A

However, with a terminal device of the above configuration, the external shape of the existing road accessory pole must match the internal shape of the terminal device. This means that it is difficult to attach the same type of terminal device to many different types of existing poles, and there is a problem in that the device lacks compatibility and ease of installation on a variety of poles.

The present invention aims to provide a flood detection device that is highly compatible with existing poles and easy to install, and a flood detection system that uses the same.

The flooding detection device of the present invention is attached to a hollow pole and includes a water surface sensor that is attached to a lid that opens and closes part of the outer surface of the pole and generates a detection signal depending on the contact state with the water surface, and a processing and communication unit that is attached to the outer surface of the pole and includes a processing circuit that generates detection data indicating the presence or absence of flooding from the detection signal and a communication module that transmits the detection data.

According to the above configuration, the water level sensor is attached to the cover of an existing pole or in its vicinity, and the presence or absence of flooding detected by the water level sensor is transmitted by the processing and communication unit. In this way, the flooding detection device is attached using the cover of an existing pole, realizing a flooding detection device that is highly compatible with and easy to install on an existing pole.

The flooding detection device of the present invention is attached to a hollow pole and includes a cover that opens and closes a portion of the outer surface of the pole and is fitted with a water surface sensor that generates a detection signal according to the state of contact with the water surface, and a processing and communication unit that is attached to the outer surface of the pole and includes a processing circuit that generates detection data indicating the presence or absence of flooding from the detection signal and a communication module that transmits the detection data.

According to the above configuration, a lid equipped with a water level sensor is attached to an existing pole, and the presence or absence of flooding detected by the water level sensor is transmitted by the processing and communication unit. In this way, the flooding detection device is attached by replacing the lid of the existing pole with a lid of this configuration, thereby realizing a flooding detection device that is highly compatible with and easy to install on existing poles.

In one embodiment, the water level sensor is attached to the inner surface of the lid. This allows the water level sensor to be installed without any additional processing on any part of the pole other than the lid, ensuring ease of installation of the flooding detection device. In addition, because the water level sensor is placed inside the pole, disturbances to the water level sensor are minimized, weather resistance is ensured, and protection is improved.

In one embodiment, the water level sensor is attached to the outer surface of the lid. This allows the water level sensor to be installed without any additional processing on any part of the pole other than the lid, ensuring ease of installation of the flooding detection device. In addition, flooding of the road on which the pole is installed can be detected more directly, improving the real-time nature of flooding detection.

In one embodiment, the pole is a pole for lighting that has an automatic flasher, the automatic flasher is attached to the outer surface of the pole at a position higher than the position of the lid, and the processing and communication unit is disposed near the automatic flasher. This allows the power wiring for the automatic flasher and the signal line of the flood detection device to be routed in a common manner, making it possible to install the processing and communication unit without making any additional modifications to any part of the pole other than the lid, ensuring ease of construction of the flood detection device.

In one embodiment, the processing and communication unit is attached to the outer surface of the lid. This allows the processing and communication unit to be installed without any additional processing being done on any part of the pole other than the lid, ensuring ease of installation of the flood detection device.

The flooding detection system of the present invention comprises any of the flooding detection devices described above, a communication unit that receives detection data via a communication network, a location identification unit that identifies the geographic location of the flooding detection device from the detection data, and a server that includes a map creation unit that creates a flooding map based on the geographic location. In this way, a flooding map is created based on detection data from a flooding detection device that is highly compatible with and installable on existing poles, thereby realizing an easily deployable flooding detection system.

In one aspect, the flood detection device is configured to receive power from a commercial power source, and when the communication unit does not receive detection data, the flood map creation unit is configured to determine that flooding has occurred at the geographic location corresponding to the detection data. This allows the information quality of the flood map to be maintained even if a power outage and flooding occurs in the area due to a typhoon, heavy rain, etc.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a flood detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flood detection device according to a ninth embodiment.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a flood detection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flood detection system 1 includes flood detection devices 2-1 to 2-n, a server 6, and a display terminal 7. In this disclosure, each of the flood detection devices 2-1 to 2-n has the same configuration, and the flood detection devices 2-1 to 2-n are collectively referred to as a flood detection device 2, or any one of them is represented. Each flood detection device 2 is attached to an existing pole 3. In this embodiment, the pole 3 is a pole for lighting such as a road light or street light. In summary, in the flood detection system 1, the flood detection devices 2-1 to 2-n each transmit detection data detecting the presence or absence of flooding at a point to a server 6, and the server 6 creates a flood map based on the collected detection data and displays it on a display terminal 7. Each flood detection device 2 and the server 6, and the server 6 and the display terminal 7 are wirelessly connected via a communication network NW. The server 6 is, for example, a cloud server, and the display terminal 7 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The server 6 may be a physical server, and the display terminal 7 may be an appropriate display device directly connected to the server 6 by wire.

Each flood detection device 2 includes a water level sensor 4 and a processing and communication unit 5. As will be described in detail later, the water level sensor 4 operates via input and output of signals with the processing and communication unit 5. The processing and communication unit 5 is powered by the same commercial power source that is supplied to the power source for the lighting fixtures inside the pole 3. However, in some embodiments described later, the processing and communication unit 5 may be powered by a battery.

The water surface sensor 4 generates a signal (voltage or current) according to the contact state with the water surface. For example, the water surface sensor 4 is an electrode type sensor or a float type sensor. The electrode type sensor detects the presence of the water surface according to the resistance value between the two electrodes. The resistance between the two electrodes becomes high/low depending on whether the two electrodes are in contact with the same water surface or not. The increase/decrease in the resistance between the two electrodes is detected by the processing/communication unit 5, and it is detected that there is no flooding/that there is flooding, respectively. The float type sensor detects the presence of the water surface according to the position of the float. Specifically, when the position of the float rises due to the rise of the water surface (i.e., due to buoyancy), the contact on the float side comes into contact with the contact on the main body side, and the internal circuit is shorted. The opening/closing of this contact is detected by the processing/communication unit 5, and it is detected that there is no flooding/that there is flooding, respectively. In this disclosure, the signal (voltage or current) supplied from the water surface sensor 4 to the processing/communication unit 5 is referred to as a detection signal.

The communication unit 5 includes a processing circuit 51, a communication module 52, a transmitting antenna 53, a positioning module 54, a receiving antenna 55, and a battery 56. The processing and communication unit 5 operates by being powered by a commercial power source or by the battery 56, depending on the installation conditions.

The processing circuit 51 supplies a constant current or constant voltage to the water surface sensor 4 and acquires the voltage or current (i.e., the detection signal) generated by the water surface sensor 4. As a result, the processing circuit 51 determines whether or not a water surface is present, i.e., whether or not flooding has occurred, depending on the resistance value or the opening and closing of the contacts of the water surface sensor 4, as described above. The processing circuit 51 also encodes the detection signal into detection data in a format suitable for a specified communication. The detection data includes, for example, at least one of the device ID and geolocation information of the flooding detection device 2, as well as a detection result indicating whether or not flooding has occurred. The geolocation information is, for example, latitude and longitude information of the flooding detection device 2.

The communication module 52 operates to transmit the detection data from the transmission antenna 53 to the server 6 via the communication network NW. The communication module 52 periodically transmits the detection data. From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, the processing circuit 51 may also supply the above-mentioned constant current or constant voltage to the water surface sensor 4 in synchronization with the period for transmitting the detection data. The communication module 52 is, for example, a communication module for LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Therefore, a range with a radius of about 50 km from a base station of the communication network NW can be one coverage area.

The positioning module 54 identifies the current location from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signal received from the receiving antenna 55, and outputs the current location information to the processing circuit 51. GNSS includes GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc. The geographical location information included in the detection data is based on the above-mentioned current location information. In the processing/communication unit 5, the transmitting antenna 53 and the receiving antenna 55 may be configured by the same antenna. The geographical location information may also be location information that is determined when the flood detection device 2 is installed and stored in advance in the processing circuit 51. In this case, the positioning module 54 and the receiving antenna 55 may be omitted.

When the processing/communication unit 5 uses commercial power as its normal power source, the battery 56 supplies power to the processing circuit 51, the communication module 52, and the positioning module 54 when the commercial power source is cut off. As a result, even if a power outage or flooding occurs in the area of the pole 3 due to a typhoon, heavy rain, lightning, etc., detection data indicating the occurrence of flooding is reliably transmitted to the server 6, and accurate information is collected by the server 6. Also, when commercial power is not drawn into the pole 3, the battery 56 is used as the normal power source for the processing/communication unit 5.

Also, if commercial power is drawn into the pole 3, the battery 56 does not need to be provided. In this case, and if the processing/communication unit 5 does not operate and no longer transmits detection data due to a commercial power outage, the server 6 may assume that flooding has occurred at the point corresponding to the flood detection device 2 that is not transmitting detection data. This is based on the fact that the inability of the flood detection device 2 to transmit is highly likely due to flooding and power outages caused by a typhoon, heavy rain, etc.

The server 6 includes a communication unit 61, a position identification unit 62, a map creation unit 63, and a storage device 64. The communication unit 61 is capable of wireless communication with the communication network NW and receives detection data from each flood detection device 2. The position identification unit 62 identifies the geographical position of each flood detection device 2 (pole 3) from each detection data. The position identification unit 62 can identify the geographical position based on current position information included in the detection data. Alternatively, the storage device 64 may store a correspondence between the device ID and the geographical position in advance, and the position identification unit 62 may identify the geographical position based on the device ID included in the detection data and its correspondence. The map creation unit 63 creates a flood map based on the geographical position identified by the position identification unit 62. The flood map indicates the presence or absence or the state of flooding at each geographical position, and is, for example, in a form similar to a hazard map. The communication unit 61 transmits the flood map created by the map creation unit 63 to the display terminal 7 via the communication network NW or directly. The display terminal 7 displays the flood map on its screen.

First Example
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the flood detection device 2 according to the first embodiment. Note that each diagram in this disclosure is a schematic diagram for explanation and is not drawn to scale. The pole 3 is an existing hollow pole, and has a pole body 31, a cover 32, a lighting device power supply 33, and an automatic flasher 34. In other words, the pole body 31, the cover 32, the lighting device power supply 33, and the automatic flasher 34 are pre-installed on the existing pole 3. The pole body 31 is erected on the ground G, and a lighting device (not shown) is attached to its upper end. The pole body 31 is made of a substantially cylindrical steel pipe having an inner wall 31a and an outer surface 31b, and has an internal space. In addition, the pole body 31 has a through hole 31c for installing the automatic flasher 34 and an opening 31d corresponding to the cover 32 on its side.

The lighting fixture power supply 33 is attached to the inner wall 31a of the pole body 31 and receives power from the commercial power supply via the AC wiring L1, the automatic on/off switch 34, and the AC wiring L2. The AC wiring L1 is, for example, drawn from the ground G side end of the pole body 31. The lighting fixture power supply 33 converts the AC voltage of the commercial power supply into a predetermined output current (for example, DC current if the lighting fixture is an LED) suitable for the lighting fixture, and supplies the output current to the lighting fixture (not shown) via the output wiring L3. The automatic on/off switch 34 is attached to the outer surface 31b of the pole body 31. The automatic on/off switch 34 receives power from the commercial power supply via the AC wiring L1, and opens and closes the contact between the AC wiring L1 and the AC wiring L2 depending on the environmental illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor. That is, the automatic on/off switch 34 shorts the AC wiring L1 and the AC wiring L2 when the environmental illuminance is low (at night), and opens the AC wiring L1 and the AC wiring L2 when the environmental illuminance is high (daytime). The AC wiring L1 and L2 are connected to the automatic on/off switch 34 via the through hole 31c.

The lid 32 is a cover or the like that is removably attached to correspond to the opening 31d of the pole body 31, and has an inner surface 32a and an outer surface 32b. Generally, taking into consideration the purpose of the pole and ease of use, the lid 32 is attached at a predetermined position about 50 cm to 150 cm above the ground G, and the lighting fixture power supply 33 is attached near the lid 32. Also, from the viewpoint of appropriate measurement of environmental illuminance, the automatic flasher 34 is attached at a position, for example, 2 m or more above the ground G. Therefore, the lid 32 is positioned lower than the automatic flasher 34.

The water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32. That is, the water level sensor 4 detects the water level when the internal space of the pole body 31 is flooded. The water level sensor 4 may be attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32 by a screw, a magnet, etc., or may be attached via a holder attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32. The sensor element of the water level sensor 4 (the electrode in the case of an electrode-type sensor, or the float in the case of a float-type sensor) is disposed, for example, at the lower end 4a of the water level sensor 4. The position of the lower end 4a can be set by the installation position of the water level sensor 4 and the shape of the housing according to the water level to be detected.

In this way, by installing the water level sensor 4 inside the pole body 31, disturbances to the water level sensor 4 (such as false detection due to water splashing) can be minimized. Furthermore, this internal installation configuration can ensure the weather resistance of the water level sensor 4. Furthermore, this internal installation configuration can prevent damage, deterioration, or loss of the water level sensor 4 due to water currents or floating objects during floods, improving the protection of the water level sensor 4. During installation work, the worker removes the lid 32 from the pole body 31, attaches the water level sensor 4 to the lid 32 (and connects the wiring as described below), and attaches the lid 32 to the pole body 31. In this way, the water level sensor 4 can be easily installed.

The processing and communication unit 5 is attached to the outer surface 31b of the pole body 31 to ensure communication function. In addition, in order to minimize the possibility of the processing and communication unit 5 being submerged or to avoid interference with the external environment (contact with passersby, etc.), it is preferable that the processing and communication unit 5 is disposed relatively high. On the other hand, the processing and communication unit 5 is preferably attached below the automatic flasher 34 so as not to interfere with the illuminance detection by the automatic flasher 34 or to facilitate construction. Therefore, the processing and communication unit 5 is attached to the outer surface 31b of the pole body 31 near directly below the automatic flasher 34. The processing and communication unit 5 may be attached to the outer surface 31b of the pole body 31 by a screw, a magnet, etc., or may be attached via a holder attached to the outer surface 31b of the pole body 31, or may be tied to the pole body 31 by a fastening device (such as a belt).

The processing and communication unit 5 operates by receiving commercial power from the AC wiring L4 branched from the AC wiring L1. The processing and communication unit 5 (processing circuit 51) also acquires a detection signal from the water level sensor 4 via the signal line L5. The AC wiring L4 and the signal line L5 are connected to the processing and communication unit 5 from the internal space of the pole body 31 through the through hole 31c already provided in the pole body 31. In this way, even when installing the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 on an existing pole 3, there is no need to provide new through holes in the pole body 31 for the AC wiring L4 and the signal line L5, and the flooding detection device 2 can be easily installed.

Second Example
In the above first embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32, but in this embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32. The configuration of the processing and communication unit 5 and its surroundings is similar to that of the first embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted or shortened.

The water level sensor 4 in this embodiment is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32. The water level sensor 4 detects the water level when the road on which the pole body 31 is installed is flooded. The water level sensor 4 may be attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32 with a screw, a magnet, etc., or may be attached via a holder attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32, or may be bound to the pole body 31 with a fastening device (such as a belt). The sensor element of the water level sensor 4 is disposed, for example, at the lower end 4a of the water level sensor 4. The position of the lower end 4a can be set by the installation position of the water level sensor 4 and the shape of the housing according to the water level to be detected.

The detection signal of the water level sensor 4 is supplied to the processing and communication unit 5 (processing circuit 51) via the signal line L5. The signal line L5 is connected to the processing and communication unit 5 from the internal space of the pole body 31 through the through hole 31c already provided in the pole body 31. The signal line L5 is also connected to the water level sensor 4 through the through hole 32c machined in the lid 32. In this way, the only through hole that needs to be newly machined is the through hole 32c for the signal line L5 to the lid 32.

In this way, by installing the water level sensor 4 outside the pole body 31, flooding of the road is detected regardless of the waterproof structure of the pole body 31 (i.e., regardless of the degree or speed of flooding). Therefore, in this embodiment, flooding of the road on which the pole 3 is installed can be detected more directly than in the first embodiment, and real-time flood detection is improved. During installation, the worker processes the through hole 32c in the cover 32, passes the signal line L5 through the through hole 32c to connect it to the water level sensor 4, and attaches the water level sensor 4 to the outer surface 32b of the cover 32. In this way, the water level sensor 4 can be easily installed in this embodiment as well. Furthermore, even when installing the water level sensor 4 and the processing/communication unit 5 on an existing pole 3, there is no need to newly provide through holes for the AC wiring L4 and the signal line L5 in the pole body 31, and easy installation of the flood detection device 2 is realized.

<Third Example>
In the above first and second embodiments, a configuration was shown in which the water level sensor 4 was attached to the existing lid 32, but in this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which a lid 35 is adopted that is integrated in advance with the water level sensor 4. In other words, when the flooding detection device 2 is installed, the lid 35 of this embodiment is replaced with the existing lid 32.

Figure 4(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the flooding detection device 2 according to the third embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic front view of the lid 35 of the flooding detection device 2. The same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those in the first or second embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted or shortened.

The water level sensor 4 in this embodiment constitutes a part of the lid 35. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the water level sensor 4 (sensor element) can be disposed at the lower end of the lid 35. As shown in Figure 4(a), the signal line L5 is connected to the water level sensor 4 via an appropriate connection terminal on the inner surface 35a side of the lid 35. Note that in Figure 4(b), the water level sensor 4 is disposed in the center of the lid 35 in the left-right direction, but it may be disposed near the left end or right end.

As an alternative, the water level sensor 4 may be disposed on the inner surface 35a of the lid 35 (but within the range of the opening 31d of the pole body 31). In this case, as in the first embodiment, the effects of minimizing disturbances to the water level sensor 4, ensuring weather resistance, and improving protection can be obtained. The water level sensor 4 may also be disposed on the outer surface 35b of the lid 35. In this case, as in the second embodiment, the effects of improving real-time flood detection can be obtained. Alternatively, a through hole (not shown) may be provided in the lid 35 to allow communication between the inside and outside of the lid 35, and the sensor element of the water level sensor 4 may be disposed in the through hole.

In this manner, the configuration in which the lid 35 with the water level sensor 4 pre-integrated therein is replaced with the existing lid 32 facilitates the installation of the flooding detection device 2 on the pole 3 at the site. In addition, the lid 35 and the water level sensor 4 may be formed to be substantially flush with each other so that they do not protrude into or out of the pole body 31. In this case, the water level sensor 4 does not interfere with other elements (such as the internal lighting fixture power supply 33 or external equipment), resulting in a flooding detection device 2 that is easier to install in terms of the installation environment.

<Fourth Example>
In the above first to third embodiments, a configuration was shown in which an automatic on/off switch 34 is provided on an existing pole 3, but in this embodiment, a first configuration is shown in which an automatic on/off switch 34 is not provided on an existing pole 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the fourth embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted or abbreviated. As shown in Figure 5, in the existing pole 3, the above-mentioned lighting fixture power supply 33, which receives power from a commercial power source via an AC wiring L1, is installed on the inner wall 31a, but the automatic on/off switch 34 is not installed.

The water level sensor 4 in this embodiment is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32, and detects the water level when the internal space of the pole body 31 is flooded. The water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The sensor element of the water level sensor 4 is disposed, for example, at the lower end 4a of the water level sensor 4. The position of the lower end 4a can be set by the installation position of the water level sensor 4 and the shape of the housing according to the water level to be detected.

The processing and communication unit 5 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32. The processing and communication unit 5 may be attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32 with screws, magnets, etc., or may be attached via a holder attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32. The processing and communication unit 5 operates by receiving power from a commercial power source through the AC wiring L6. The AC wiring L6 may be, for example, drawn in from the ground G side end of the pole body 31, or may branch off from the AC wiring L1.

The AC wiring L6 is connected to the processing and communication unit 5 via the through hole 32c of the lid 32. The signal line L5 is connected from the water level sensor 4 to the processing and communication unit 5 via the through hole 32c of the lid 32. In this way, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 can be installed on the existing pole 3 simply by making appropriate modifications to the lid 32 (no new modifications are required to the pole body 31), making it easy to install the flooding detection device 2. In addition, the internal installation configuration of the water level sensor 4 provides the effects of minimizing disturbances to the water level sensor 4, ensuring weather resistance, and improving protection, as in the first embodiment.

Fifth Example
In the above first to third embodiments, a configuration was shown in which the automatic on/off switch 34 was provided on the existing pole 3, but in this embodiment, a second configuration is shown in which the automatic on/off switch 34 is not provided on the existing pole 3. In the above fourth embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32, but in this embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the fifth embodiment. The same components as those in the second or fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted or shortened.

The water level sensor 4 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32, and detects the water level when the road on which the pole body 31 is installed is flooded. The water level sensor 4 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32 as in the second embodiment. That is, the sensor element of the water level sensor 4 is disposed, for example, at the lower end 4a of the water level sensor 4. The position of the lower end 4a can be set by the installation position of the water level sensor 4 and the shape of the housing according to the water level to be detected. The processing and communication unit 5 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32 as in the fourth embodiment, and operates by receiving power from a commercial power source via the AC wiring L6.

The AC wiring L6 is connected to the processing and communication unit 5 via the through hole 32c of the lid 32. The signal line L5 is connected between the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 outside the lid 32. In this way, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 can be installed on the existing pole 3 simply by making appropriate modifications to the lid 32 (no additional modifications are required to the pole body 31), making it possible to easily install the flooding detection device 2. In addition, the external installation configuration of the water level sensor 4 provides the effect of improving the real-time nature of flooding detection, as in the second embodiment.

Sixth Example
In the above first to third embodiments, configurations were shown in which the automatic flasher 34 was provided on the existing pole 3, but this embodiment shows a third configuration in which the automatic flasher 34 is not provided on the existing pole 3. Also, in the above fourth and fifth embodiments, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 are attached to the existing cover 32, but in this embodiment, a cover 35 is used that is integrated in advance with the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5. That is, when the flooding detection device 2 is installed, the cover 35 of this embodiment is replaced with the existing cover 32.

Figure 7(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the sixth embodiment, and Figure 7(b) is a schematic front view of the lid 35 of the flood detection device 2. The same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those in the third to fifth embodiments, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted or shortened.

In this embodiment, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 form part of the lid 35. As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the water level sensor 4 (sensor element) is disposed at the lower end of the lid 35, and the processing and communication unit 5 is disposed on the upper outer surface side of the lid 35. The AC wiring L6 is connected to the processing and communication unit 5 via a through hole 35c provided in the lid 35. The signal line L5 (not shown) is connected between the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 inside the lid 35 or on the outer surface 35b of the lid 35.

As with the alternative example of the third embodiment, the water level sensor 4 may be disposed on the inner surface 35a of the lid 35 (but within the range of the opening 31d of the pole body 31) or on the outer surface 35b of the lid 35. Alternatively, a through hole (not shown) may be provided in the lid 35 to allow communication between the inside and outside of the lid 35, and the sensor element of the water level sensor 4 may be disposed in the through hole.

In this way, the configuration in which the lid 35 with the water level sensor 4 and processing/communication unit 5 pre-integrated therein is replaced with the existing lid 32 facilitates the installation of the flooding detection device 2 on the pole 3 at the site. In addition, the water level sensor 4 and processing/communication unit 5 may be formed substantially flush with the lid 35 so that they do not protrude into or out of the pole body 31. In this case, the water level sensor 4 and processing/communication unit 5 do not interfere with other elements (such as the internal lighting fixture power supply 33 or external equipment), resulting in a flooding detection device 2 that is easier to install in terms of the installation environment.

Seventh Example
The above first to sixth embodiments have been described with respect to configurations in which commercial power is drawn into the pole 3, but this embodiment will show a first configuration in which commercial power is not drawn into the pole 3. Examples of cases in which commercial power is not drawn into the pole 3 include a case in which the pole 3 is an illumination lamp that receives power from a battery, a solar panel (photovoltaic power generation), a propeller (wind power generation), or the like via a power converter, and a case in which the pole 3 is a pole with a lid that is not for illumination but is used for other purposes.

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the seventh embodiment. The same components as those in the fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted or abbreviated. The flood detection device 2 of this embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, except that the AC line L6 is not connected. However, in this embodiment, the battery 56 (see Figure 1) operates as a regular power source, not as a backup power source.

The water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 are attached to the inner surface 32a and outer surface 32b of the lid 32, respectively, as in the fourth embodiment. The signal line L5 is connected between the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 via the through hole 32c of the lid 32. In this way, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 can be installed on an existing pole 3 simply by making appropriate modifications to the lid 32 (no new modifications to the pole body 31 are required, and no wiring processing is required), making it even easier to install the flooding detection device 2. In addition, the same effects as those obtained in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

Eighth Example
In the above first to sixth embodiments, a configuration was shown in which a commercial power source was drawn into the pole 3, but in this embodiment, a second configuration is shown in which a commercial power source is not drawn into the pole 3. In the above seventh embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32, but in this embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the outer surface 32b of the lid 32.

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the eighth embodiment. The same components as those in the fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted or abbreviated. The flood detection device 2 of this embodiment is similar to that of the fifth embodiment, except that the AC line L6 is not connected. However, even in this embodiment, the battery 56 (see Figure 1) operates as a regular power source, not as a backup power source.

The water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 are attached to the inner surface 32a and outer surface 32b of the lid 32, respectively, as in the fifth embodiment. The signal line L5 is connected between the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 on the outer surface 32b of the lid 32. In this way, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 can be installed on an existing pole 3 simply by making appropriate modifications to the lid 32 (no new modifications are required to the pole body 31, and no wiring is required), making it possible to easily install the flooding detection device 2. In addition, the same effects as those obtained in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

Ninth Example
The first to sixth embodiments described above have shown configurations in which commercial power is drawn into the pole 3, but this embodiment shows a third configuration in which commercial power is not drawn into the pole 3. Also, in the seventh and eighth embodiments described above, the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 are attached to the existing cover 32, but this embodiment employs a cover 35 that is integrated in advance with the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5. That is, when the flooding detection device 2 is installed, the cover 35 of this embodiment is replaced with the existing cover 32.

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a flood detection device 2 according to the ninth embodiment. The schematic front view of the cover 35 of the flood detection device 2 is similar to that of Figure 7 (b) of the sixth embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those of the sixth embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted or shortened. The flood detection device 2 of this embodiment is similar to that of the sixth embodiment, except that the AC line L6 is not connected. However, even in this embodiment, the battery 56 (see Figure 1) operates as a regular power source, not as a backup power source.

The water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 form part of the lid 35, as in the sixth embodiment. A signal line L5 (not shown) is connected between the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 inside the lid 35 or on the outer surface 35b. In this way, the lid 35, in which the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5 are already integrated, can be replaced with the existing lid 32 without wiring, making on-site construction of the pole 3 even easier. In addition, the same effects as those obtained in the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

<Overview of the embodiment>
The flooding detection device 2 according to the above-mentioned embodiments (first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth examples) comprises a water level sensor 4 that is attached to the lid 32 that opens and closes a part of the outer surface of the hollow pole 3 (opening 31d) and generates a detection signal depending on the contact state with the water surface, and a processing and communication unit 5 that is attached to the outer surface of the pole 3 (pole body 31 or lid 32) and includes a processing circuit 51 that generates detection data indicating whether or not flooding has occurred from the detection signal, and a communication module 52 that transmits the detection data.

That is, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the cover 32 of the existing pole 3, and the presence or absence of flooding detected by the water level sensor 4 is transmitted by the processing and communication unit 5. In this way, the flooding detection device 2 is attached using the cover 32 of the existing pole 3, so that the flooding detection device 2 is highly compatible with and installable on the existing pole 3.

Alternatively, the flooding detection device 2 according to the above-mentioned embodiments (third, sixth and ninth examples) comprises a lid 35 that opens and closes a part (opening 31d) of the outer surface of the hollow pole 3 and is fitted with a water surface sensor 4 that generates a detection signal according to the contact state with the water surface, and a processing and communication unit 5 that is attached to the outer surface of the pole 3 (pole body 31 or lid 35) and includes a processing circuit 51 that generates detection data indicating whether flooding has occurred from the detection signal and a communication module 52 that transmits the detection data.

That is, the cover 35 with the water level sensor 4 attached is attached to the existing pole 3, and the presence or absence of flooding detected by the water level sensor 4 is transmitted by the processing and communication unit 5. In this way, the flooding detection device 2 is attached by replacing the cover 32 of the existing pole 3 with the cover 35 of the present invention, thereby realizing a flooding detection device 2 that is highly compatible with and installable on the existing pole 3.

In one aspect (first and fourth embodiments (and possibly third, sixth and ninth embodiments)), the water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a (35a) of the cover 32 (35). This allows the water level sensor 4 to be installed without additional processing on the pole 3 (pole body 31) other than the cover 32 (35), ensuring ease of installation of the flooding detection device 2. In addition, the water level sensor 4 is disposed inside the pole 3, minimizing external disturbances to the water level sensor 4, ensuring weather resistance and improving protection.

In one aspect (second and fifth embodiments (and possibly third, sixth and ninth embodiments)), the water level sensor 4 is attached to the outer surface 32b (35b) of the cover 32 (35). This allows the water level sensor 4 to be installed without additional processing on the pole 3 (pole body 31) other than the cover 32 (35), ensuring ease of installation of the flooding detection device 2. In addition, flooding of the road on which the pole 3 is installed can be detected more directly, improving the real-time nature of flooding detection.

In one aspect (first, second and third embodiments), the pole 3 is a pole for lighting having an automatic on/off switch 34, the automatic on/off switch 34 is attached to the outer surface of the pole 3 at a position higher than the position of the lid 32 or 35, and the processing/communication unit 5 is disposed near the automatic on/off switch 34. This allows the AC wiring L1 and L2 of the automatic on/off switch 34 and the signal line L5 of the flood detection device 2 to be routed in a common manner, making it possible to install the processing/communication unit 5 without making any additional modifications to the pole 3 (pole body 31) other than the lid 32 or 35, ensuring ease of construction of the flood detection device 2.

In one aspect (Examples 4 to 9), the processing and communication unit 5 is attached to the outer surface 32b or 35b of the lid 32 or 35. This makes it possible to install the processing and communication unit 5 without making any additional modifications to the pole 3 (pole body 31) other than the lid 32 or 35, ensuring ease of installation of the flood detection device 2.

The flooding detection system 1 according to the embodiment includes any one of the flooding detection devices 2 described above, a server 6 including a communication unit 61 that receives detection data via a communication network NW, a location identification unit 62 that identifies the geographic location of the flooding detection device 2 from the detection data, and a map creation unit 63 that creates a flooding map based on the geographic location. In this way, the flooding map is created based on detection data from the flooding detection device 2 that is highly compatible with and easy to install on the existing poles 3, thereby realizing a flooding detection system 1 that is easy to deploy.

The flood detection device 2 is also configured to receive power from a commercial power source, and when the communication unit 61 does not receive detection data, the flood map creation unit is configured to determine that flooding has occurred at the geographic location corresponding to the detection data. This allows the information quality of the flood map to be maintained even if a power outage and flooding occurs in the area due to a typhoon, heavy rain, etc.

<Modification>
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways, for example, as described below.

In the above embodiment, the pole 3 is a pole for a lighting fixture, but the pole 3 is not limited to a pole for a lighting fixture as long as it is a hollow pole with a cover 32 in an appropriate position. For example, the pole 3 may be a pole for a display light, a pole for communication equipment, etc.

In the first, fourth and seventh examples of the above embodiment, the water level sensor 4 is attached to the inner surface 32a of the lid 32. However, the water level sensor 4 may be attached to a location near the lid 32, such as the inner wall 31a of the pole body 31 or the case of the lighting fixture power supply 33, as long as the location is accessible through the opening 31d. In other words, the water level sensor 4 only needs to be attached to correspond to the lid 32.

In the above embodiment, the lid 32 is a cover or the like that is removably attached to the opening 31d of the pole body 31. On the other hand, in the second, fifth or eighth embodiment, the lid 32 may be a door that is configured to be openable and closable relative to the pole body 31 by means of a hinge or the like. In this case, during the installation work of the water level sensor 4 or the installation work of the water level sensor 4 and the processing and communication unit 5, the lid 32 only needs to be opened and closed relative to the pole body 31, and does not need to be removed.

In the above embodiment, one lid 32 is provided for the pole 3, but multiple lids 32 may be provided for the pole 3. This makes it possible to detect the water surface at multiple water levels, and the degree of flooding is detected by the flooding detection device 2, resulting in increased information quality of the flooding map created by the server 6. In this case, the configurations of the above examples can be applied to each lid 32. For example, one water level sensor 4 (first, fourth, and seventh examples) may be provided for each lid 32. In this case, one processing and communication unit 5 is installed for multiple water level sensors 4. Also, one set of water level sensor 4 and processing and communication unit 5 (second, fifth, and eighth examples) may be provided for each lid 32. Alternatively, each lid 32 may be replaced with a lid 35 (third, sixth, and ninth examples). Alternatively, a different example may be applied to each lid 32.

1 Flooding detection system 2, 2-1 to 2-n Flooding detection device 3 Pole 4 Water level sensor 5 Processing and communication unit 6 Server 7 Display terminal 31 Pole body 32, 35 Lid 33 Lighting fixture power supply 34 Automatic flasher 51 Processing circuit 52 Communication module 53 Transmitting antenna 54 Positioning module 55 Receiving antenna 56 Battery 61 Communication unit 62 Position identification unit 63 Map creation unit 64 Memory unit

Claims (8)

A flood detection device attached to a hollow pole,
a water surface sensor that is attached to the pole in correspondence with a cover that opens and closes a portion of the outer surface of the pole and generates a detection signal in response to a contact state with the water surface;
A flooding detection device is attached to the outer surface of the pole and comprises a processing/communication unit including a processing circuit that generates detection data indicating whether or not flooding has occurred from the detection signal, and a communication module that transmits the detection data. A flood detection device attached to a hollow pole,
A water surface sensor is attached to generate a detection signal according to a contact state with the water surface, and a cover is provided to open and close a part of the outer surface of the pole.
A flooding detection device is attached to the outer surface of the pole and comprises a processing/communication unit including a processing circuit that generates detection data indicating whether or not flooding has occurred from the detection signal, and a communication module that transmits the detection data. The flooding detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water level sensor is attached to the inner surface of the lid. The flooding detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water level sensor is attached to the outer surface of the lid. The pole is a pole for a lighting fixture having an automatic flasher, and the automatic flasher is attached to an outer surface of the pole at a position higher than the position of the cover,
The flood detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing and communication unit is disposed in the vicinity of the automatic flasher. The flood detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing and communication unit is attached to an outer surface of the lid. A flood detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A flooding detection system comprising a server including a communication unit that receives the detection data via a communication network, a location identification unit that identifies the geographic location of the flooding detection device from the detection data, and a map creation unit that creates a flooding map based on the geographic location. The flood detection device is configured to receive power from a commercial power source,
The flooding detection system according to claim 7 , wherein, when the communication unit does not receive the detection data, the map creation unit is configured to determine that flooding has occurred at a geographic location corresponding to the detection data.

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