JP7782316B2 - Water immersion inspection device, water immersion inspection method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water immersion inspection device, an inspection method for the water immersion inspection device, and a program.

A variety of distribution equipment is installed in power distribution systems. For example, air switchgears (e.g., high-voltage air switchgears) are installed to connect or disconnect distribution lines in the air in order to switch the power supply route from the substation to each consumer or to shut down construction areas.

Air contactors house electrical components such as live parts inside a metal housing, but if rainwater or other liquids get inside the housing, there is a risk that the live parts may short-circuit.

For this reason, a device has been developed to check for water intrusion inside the housing of an air switchgear (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The device described in Patent Document 1 places the exposed surface of the heater and temperature sensor in contact with the bottom surface of the housing of the air contactor, and when the bottom surface of the housing is heated by the heater, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the bottom surface. Using the principle of thermal conductivity, the device determines whether or not water has entered the housing from the temperature detection results.

JP 2011-89807 A

However, in order to abut such a device against the bottom surface of the air contactor housing, an aerial work platform must be used.

For this reason, a device has been developed that can inspect air-surface switchgear for water intrusion by irradiating the switchgear with a laser from the ground to raise the temperature of the casing without contact, and then measuring the temperature of the casing without contact from the ground.

However, in this case, it is necessary to aim the laser irradiator at the bottom surface of the air switch before emitting the laser, and correctly aiming the laser irradiator toward the bottom surface of the air switch requires manual alignment of various devices. As a result, there is a risk that the laser emitted from the laser irradiator will be directed not at the bottom surface of the air switch, but at the power distribution equipment installed around the air switch (for example, the insulated wires that make up the distribution line, or the branch sleeve covers that provide insulating protection for the branch connections of the distribution line). For example, if a laser is continuously irradiated onto a distribution line for a certain period of time, the insulating coating of the distribution line will melt due to the heat from the laser. Also, if a laser is continuously irradiated onto a plastic branch sleeve cover for a certain period of time, the cover itself will melt due to the heat from the laser. In either case, there is a risk of an accident involving the power line.

The present invention was made in light of this background, and aims to provide a water ingress inspection device, an inspection method for the water ingress inspection device, and a program that prevent a laser from being emitted from a laser irradiator onto power distribution equipment installed around an air switch installed on a pole.

One means for solving the above problem is a water ingress inspection device that inspects whether the inside of an air-emerged circuit breaker installed on a pole is flooded, and includes: a laser output unit that irradiates the bottom surface of the housing of the air-emerged circuit breaker with a laser to inspect whether the inside of the air-emerged circuit breaker is flooded; a photographing unit that photographs a direction along the direction of the laser irradiation; a learning model storage unit that stores a learning model created using multiple images of the air-emerged circuit breaker photographed in the past to identify the power distribution equipment around the air-emerged circuit breaker that appears in the multiple images; an identification unit that inputs data representing an image including the air-emerged circuit breaker newly photographed by the photographing unit into the learning model and identifies the surrounding power distribution equipment; a control unit that controls the emission of the laser by the laser output unit based on the identification results of the identification unit so that the laser is not irradiated onto the surrounding power distribution equipment; a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the bottom surface when the laser is irradiated on the bottom surface; and an inspection unit that inspects whether the inside of the housing of the air-emerged circuit breaker is flooded based on the detection results of the temperature of the bottom surface.

Furthermore, the problems disclosed in this application and the solutions thereto will be made clear in the detailed description and drawings.

This invention makes it possible to prevent a laser from being emitted from a laser irradiator onto power distribution equipment installed around an air switch mounted on a pole.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a water ingress inspection device is used to inspect an air switch for water ingress. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a laser irradiator. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspection device. FIG. 1 illustrates a storage device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a learning model. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display of an infrared thermograph. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display of an infrared thermograph. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of temperature change when a laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface of the air contactor. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a water immersion inspection device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of an air contactor; 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow when generating a learning model. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the water immersion inspection device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the inspection results of a water immersion inspection.

At least the following points will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. Below, the present invention will be described in accordance with one embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

===Water Intrusion Inspection of Air Switches===
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how an air contactor 100 is inspected for water ingress using a water ingress inspection device 500 according to this embodiment.

The air switch 100 is an electric power device that connects or disconnects the distribution line 210 in the air in order to change the flow of electricity in the distribution line 210 or to establish blackout sections for construction work, and is installed at a high position on the utility pole 200 (for example, approximately 10 m above ground level). The air switch 100 is a high-voltage air switch that is installed, for example, so that it can connect or disconnect the location of the demarcation point on the distribution line 210 between the electric power company and the consumer.

The air contactor 100 also has a charging unit 110 for connecting or disconnecting the upstream (substation side) distribution line 210 and the downstream (customer side) distribution line 210. This charging unit 110 is housed in a sealed state inside a housing 120 that constitutes the air contactor 100 to prevent deterioration due to external factors (wind, rain, moisture, ultraviolet rays, etc.).

However, the gasket (not shown) used to ensure airtightness inside the housing 120 deteriorates over time due to various factors. If the gasket deteriorates beyond a certain level, the housing 120 can no longer be kept airtight, allowing rain, moisture, and the like to penetrate into the interior of the housing 120.

If water accumulates at the bottom of the housing 120, it could cause a short circuit in the live part 110 housed inside the housing 120. For this reason, regular inspections of the air contactor 100 are carried out.

The water ingress inspection device 500 is a device comprising an information processing device such as a computer used when inspecting the air contactor 100 for water ingress, and is configured by connecting the laser irradiator 300 and the inspection device 400 so that they can communicate with each other.

The laser irradiator 300 is installed so that the laser emitted from the emission port 330 is irradiated onto the outer bottom surface 130 of the housing 120, and this laser increases the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 without contact.

Figure 7 is a characteristics diagram showing the relationship between irradiation time (horizontal axis) and temperature of bottom surface 130 (vertical axis) when a laser is irradiated at 20 W onto bottom surface 130 of housing 120, both when the inside of housing 120 is not flooded and when a certain amount of water is flooded. In Figure 7, the solid line indicates the case when the inside of housing 120 is not flooded, and the dashed line indicates the case when the inside of housing 120 is flooded to a certain amount. Note that such characteristics diagrams will vary depending on the type of air contactor 100, outside temperature, laser irradiation distance, etc., so the characteristics diagram shown in Figure 7 is just one example.

In the example shown in Figure 7, when a 20W laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of a housing 120 that is not submerged in water, the temperature at the irradiated position on the bottom surface 130 begins to rise gradually, reaching 158°C after one minute. On the other hand, when a 20W laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of a housing 120 that is submerged in water to a certain extent, the temperature at the irradiated position on the bottom surface 130 gradually rises along a temperature curve that is lower than the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of a housing 120 that is not submerged in water, reaching 82°C after one minute.

Returning to Figure 1, the laser irradiator 300 is mounted on a leg 340. The leg 340 has a tripod 341, a first tripod base 342, and a second tripod base 343.

The tripod 341 is installed at a predetermined location, such as on the ground or on a vehicle, when conducting a water ingress inspection of the air contactor 100.

The first tripod base 342 is attached to the tripod 341 so as to be rotatable around a first vertical rotation axis. The first tripod base 342 is driven by a drive device such as a first step motor (not shown) to rotate around the first rotation axis.

The second tripod 343 is attached to the first tripod 342 so as to be rotatable around a second horizontal rotation axis, and the laser irradiator 300 is mounted on it. The second tripod 343 is driven by a drive device such as a second step motor (not shown) to rotate around the second rotation axis.

Note that Figure 1 shows an example in which the angle between the first and second rotation axes is 90 degrees, and the first and second rotation axes are in a twisted position and do not intersect, but it is preferable if the first and second rotation axes are in a position where they intersect, as this makes it easier to calculate the direction of the laser light.

The laser irradiator 300 is also equipped with a camera 350, an acceleration sensor 351, and an inclination sensor 352.

The camera 350 is attached to the laser irradiator 300 so as to capture images of the outside world along the direction of the laser irradiator 300. For example, in this embodiment, the camera 350 is attached to the laser irradiator 300 so that its direction is parallel to the direction of the laser emitted from the laser irradiator 300.

This makes it possible for the laser irradiator 300 to irradiate a laser onto an object that appears in the center of the field of view of an image captured by the camera 350. In other words, by rotating the first tripod 342 and the second tripod 343 so that the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100 appears in the center of the image captured by the camera 350, and then outputting a laser from the laser irradiator 300, the laser can be irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120.

It is preferable that the camera 350 is configured integrally with the laser irradiator 300. In this manner, the orientation of the camera 350 does not deviate from the orientation of the laser irradiator 300, eliminating the need to align the optical axes of the camera 350 and the laser irradiator 300.

Camera 350 may be configured to capture still images or moving images. Furthermore, camera 350 may be configured to detect light of multiple wavelengths to capture multicolor images, or to detect light of a single wavelength to capture monochromatic images. Camera 350 may also be configured to detect visible light, or to detect light other than visible light, such as infrared or ultraviolet light.

Image data obtained by the camera 350 capturing images of the outside world is sent to the inspection device 400. The inspection device 400 then performs image analysis of the received image data using a learning model to identify the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100.

In addition, if the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 shifts during laser emission and the laser emission by the laser irradiator 300 is stopped by an instruction from the stop unit 510 (described below), the inspection device 400 receives image data captured by the camera 350 at this time and performs image analysis of the received image data using a learning model to newly identify the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100 and the position of the power distribution equipment 230 around the air switchgear 100. Here, if the laser is irradiated at a position identified as the power distribution equipment 230 around the air switchgear 100 when the laser emission operation of the laser irradiator 300 is resumed, the information obtained when the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100 was identified is used as information for directing the laser irradiator 300 toward the bottom surface of the air switchgear 100.

Once the inspection device 400 identifies the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100 from the captured image, it calculates the adjustment amount (difference) for adjusting the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 to this specific position; details of this will be described later. This adjustment amount is calculated both when adjusting the position of the laser irradiator 300 in the initial stage before emitting the laser, and when the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 shifts while emitting the laser and the position of the laser irradiator 300 is readjusted.

The acceleration sensor 351 detects the acceleration occurring in the laser irradiator 300. This makes it possible to detect if the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 is shifted, for example, when a worker collides with the laser irradiator 300. The acceleration sensor 351 can also detect the direction of gravity, so it can also be used to detect the orientation of the laser irradiator 300.

The tilt sensor 352 has an internal pendulum or float and detects the tilt angle of the laser illuminator 300 and vibrations generated by the laser illuminator 300. This makes it possible to detect if the orientation of the laser illuminator 300 has shifted, for example, due to a worker colliding with the laser illuminator 300. The tilt sensor 352 can also detect the direction of gravity, so it can also be used to detect the orientation of the laser illuminator 300.

The inspection device 400 controls the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 so that the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air contactor 100, and then causes the laser irradiator 300 to emit a laser. The inspection device 400 then non-contact measures the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120, which rises as the laser is irradiated, and inspects the air contactor 100 for water intrusion based on the measurement results of the temperature of the bottom surface 130.

As described above, the inspection device 400 analyzes the image captured by the camera 350 and identifies the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100 and the position of the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air circuit breaker 100 that is captured in the image. The inspection device 400 then calculates the difference between the original direction in which the laser should be irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100 and the current direction of the laser irradiator 300, and adjusts the direction of the laser irradiator 300 by appropriately rotating the first tripod 342 and the second tripod 343 based on this difference. Furthermore, after the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 shifts and laser emission stops, the inspection device 400 analyzes the image captured by the camera 350 at this time, and if there is a risk that the laser will be irradiated at a location identified as the power distribution equipment 230 if the operation of the laser irradiator 300 is resumed while the position is still shifted, the difference between the original orientation in which the laser should be irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100 and the current orientation is calculated, and the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 is adjusted based on this difference by appropriately rotating the first tripod 342 and second tripod 343.

The inspection device 400 also measures the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 non-contact by detecting infrared radiation energy emitted from the bottom surface 130 using the infrared thermograph 410.

The inspection device 400 then inspects the air contactor 100 for water ingress based on the temperature measurement results of the bottom surface 130 a predetermined time after the start of laser irradiation. For example, if the temperature of the bottom surface 130 60 seconds after the start of laser irradiation is below a predetermined judgment value, the inspection device 400 determines that water ingress has occurred in the air contactor 100.

This type of inspection device 400 makes it possible to adjust the direction of the laser irradiator 300 when pointing it at an air contactor 100 installed on a pole so that the laser from the laser irradiator 300 is reliably irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100. It also makes it possible to prevent the laser from the laser irradiator 300 from being mistakenly irradiated onto surrounding power distribution equipment 230. This reduces the workload on workers and enables more efficient water ingress inspection of air contactors 100 installed on poles.

In addition, the water ingress inspection device 500 according to this embodiment detects the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 in a non-contact manner when a laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130, and inspects whether the interior of the housing 120 is flooded.

Therefore, workers do not need to climb up to the high place where the air contactor 100 is installed to inspect whether the inside of the housing 120 is flooded, and inspection work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Details are explained below.

===Water immersion inspection device===
<Laser irradiator>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the laser irradiator 300 used in the water immersion inspection device 500 according to this embodiment.

In Figure 2, the laser irradiator 300 outputs a fiber laser having a near-infrared wavelength (e.g., 1064 nm) to irradiate the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100.

The laser irradiator 300 is configured to emit a fiber laser and includes an excitation section 310, a resonator section 320, and an emission port 330.

The excitation section 310 is composed of multiple semiconductor lasers 311 for excitation, an excitation combiner 313 through which the lasers (with wavelengths of approximately 0.9 μm) output from the multiple semiconductor lasers 311 are propagated via optical fibers 312, and an optical fiber 314 through which the multiple lasers propagated to the excitation combiner 313 are output in a combined state as a single excitation light.

The resonator unit 320 amplifies the pumping light output from the optical fiber 314 of the pumping unit 310 and outputs it as a fiber laser. The resonator unit 320 includes a high-reflectivity mirror 321, an amplification fiber 322, and a low-reflectivity mirror 323 as means for amplifying and outputting the pumping light as a fiber laser. A fiber laser is a type of solid-state laser that uses an optical fiber as an amplification medium. The core of the amplification fiber 322 is doped with the rare earth element Yb (ytterbium) so that the refractive index at the center of the optical fiber is highest. The pumping light output from the pumping unit 310 is amplified by the high-reflectivity mirror 321, then excites the Yb doped in the core within the amplification fiber 322, is further amplified by the low-reflectivity mirror 323, and is output as an oscillating fiber laser.

Because the fiber laser propagates through the amplification fiber 322, it has the advantage of being highly efficient in energy conversion and capable of being designed with a long focal length. Therefore, in this embodiment, taking into account that the irradiation distance to the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100 is approximately 10 m, the fiber laser is irradiated from the laser irradiator 300 onto the bottom surface 130.

The laser irradiator 300 is mounted on the leg 340.

The leg 340 is a structure that can be adjusted so that the light outlet 330 faces the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120.

The laser irradiator 300 is supported by legs 340, and the inspection device 400 controls the first step motor and second step motor (not shown) described above to adjust the orientation of the first tripod 342 and second tripod 343, thereby directing the emission port 330 toward the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120.

This allows the fiber laser to be reliably irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 through the emission port 330. Note that the legs 340 are one example of a structure for supporting the laser irradiator 300, and other structures may be used as long as they are adjustable so that the emission port 330 faces the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120.

Furthermore, when installing the laser irradiator 300 on the road surface, there is a risk that an operator may accidentally come into contact with the laser irradiator 300, causing it to tip over or change direction. In this case, it is necessary to prevent the fiber laser from being irradiated onto the human body or the power distribution equipment 230 around the air switch 100. Therefore, the laser irradiator 300 may be further equipped with an acceleration sensor 351 and an inclination sensor 352, so that if these sensors detect movement of the laser irradiator 300 while the fiber laser is irradiating the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120, the fiber laser emission operation by the laser irradiator 300 is stopped.

<Inspection equipment>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection device 400 used in the water immersion inspection device 500 according to this embodiment.

The inspection device 400 includes an infrared thermograph 410, an input device 420, a CPU 430 (control unit), a storage device 440, a timer 450, and an output device 460.

The CPU 430 is responsible for overall control of the water leakage inspection device 500, and realizes the various functions of the water leakage inspection device 500 by executing or processing the water leakage inspection device control program 700, which is composed of code for performing various operations related to this embodiment stored in the memory device 440, and various data.

For example, the CPU 430 executes or processes the water immersion inspection device control program 700 and various data, and by cooperating with hardware devices such as the laser irradiator 300, camera 350, acceleration sensor 351, tilt sensor 352, infrared thermograph 410, input device 420, storage device 440, timer 450, output device 460, and legs 340, various functions are realized, such as the laser output unit 501, image capture unit 502, irradiation direction control unit 503, temperature measurement unit 504, inspection execution unit 505, learning model storage unit 506, bottom surface identification unit 507A, power distribution equipment identification unit 507B, irradiation direction calculation unit 508, direction adjustment unit 509, stopping unit 510, acceleration detection unit 511, tilt detection unit 512, and base unit 513, which will be described later.

The water leakage inspection device control program 700 is a general term for the programs that realize the functions of the water leakage inspection device 500, and includes, for example, application programs, an OS (Operating System), and various libraries that run on the water leakage inspection device 500.

The water leakage inspection device 500 reads the water leakage inspection device control program 700 from a recording medium (not shown), such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or USB (registered trademark) memory, and stores it in the storage device 440. Alternatively, the water leakage inspection device 500 downloads the water leakage inspection device control program 700 from another computer that is communicatively connected via a communications network (not shown), and stores it in the storage device 440.

The storage device 440 is a device that provides physical storage space for storing various programs, data, tables, etc., such as a semiconductor memory, hard disk drive, or SSD (Solid State Drive). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage device 440 stores the water immersion inspection device control program 700, as well as various data such as training data 610 and a training model 620.

The storage device 440 stores learning data 610 and a learning model 620. The water ingress inspection device 500 generates learning data 610 using multiple image data of the air circuit breaker 100 photographed in the past, and generates a learning model (AI model) 620 that can identify the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air circuit breaker 100 shown in the image (e.g., the distribution line 210 connected to the air circuit breaker 100, and the resin branch sleeve cover 220 that insulates and protects the branch connection of the distribution line 210), and the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air circuit breaker 100 shown in the image.

The learning data 610 is data (teaching data) used to train the learning model 620. The learning model 620 is a machine learning model created so that, when new image data including the air circuit breaker 100 is input, it can identify the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air circuit breaker 100 and the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air circuit breaker 100. By performing machine learning using a larger amount of learning data 610, it becomes possible to more accurately identify the surrounding power distribution equipment 230 and the bottom surface 130.

By inputting image data of the air circuit breaker 100 newly captured by the camera 350 into the learning model 620, the water ingress inspection device 500 can identify the power distribution equipment 230 around the air circuit breaker 100 and the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air circuit breaker 100 that are visible in the image.

The water flood inspection device 500 can then adjust the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 based on information indicating the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100 in this image so that the fiber laser from the laser irradiator 300 is reliably irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100. Furthermore, if the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 is shifted due to some external factor and emission of the fiber laser from the laser irradiator 300 is stopped, and image data captured by the camera 350 at this time is input into the learning model 620 for image analysis, the water flood inspection device 500 can adjust the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 so that the fiber laser is irradiated onto the position identified as the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100.

Figure 9 shows an example of an image captured by camera 350 when the leg 340 is roughly installed at a predetermined position on the ground or on a vehicle in the initial stage before the fiber laser is emitted, with the laser irradiator 300's emission port 330 facing the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100. The intersection of the x-axis and y-axis is the center of the image captured by camera 350. The inspection device 400 receives the image data captured by camera 350 and performs image analysis of this received image data using the learning model 620, thereby identifying the bottom surface 130 (indicated by an x mark) of the air contactor 100. Here, the inspection device 400 stores information on the position of the identified bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100 in the storage device 440. The water submersion inspection device 500 then calculates that the difference between the current orientation of the laser irradiator 300, shown at the center of the image, and the original orientation of the laser irradiator 300, which would irradiate the fiber laser onto the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100, is (-Δx, +Δy).

In this case, the water immersion inspection device 500 adjusts the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 by -Δx in the azimuth direction and +Δy in the elevation direction (i.e., by displacing the first tripod 342 by -Δx around the first pivot axis and the second tripod 343 by +Δy around the second pivot axis), thereby controlling the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 so that the fiber laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100.

In the initial stage before the fiber laser is emitted, the inspection device 400 performs image analysis of the image data captured by the camera 350 using the learning model 620 to determine the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100, as well as the position of the power distribution equipment 230 around the air contactor 100. However, because the laser irradiator 300 is not irradiating the fiber laser, even if the latter is determined, there is no problem in adjusting the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 to face the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100.

Here, let us consider Figure 9 as another example of an image captured by the camera 350 when the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 shifts from the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100 due to an external factor while emitting the fiber laser, causing the fiber laser emission operation from the laser irradiator 300 to stop.

In this case, Figure 9 shows how the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100 and the position of the power distribution equipment 230 around the air circuit breaker 100 are identified by using the learning model 620 to analyze image data including the air circuit breaker 100 captured by the camera 350 while the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 is misaligned. The power distribution equipment 230 is not located at the center of the image in Figure 9, but let's assume, for example, that the power distribution equipment 230 is located at the center of the image in Figure 9. If this power distribution equipment 230 is, for example, a power distribution line 210, resuming fiber laser emission while the laser irradiator 300 is still in a misaligned position could melt the insulating coating of the power distribution line 210 due to heat irradiation, potentially causing damage to the internal power distribution line. Furthermore, if the power distribution equipment 230 is, for example, a resin branch sleeve cover 220 as shown by the broken line, and fiber laser emission is resumed while the laser irradiator 300 is still in an offset position, the resin cover that provides insulation and protection for the power distribution line 210 may melt due to the heat irradiation, causing problems with the power distribution line 210 inside.

Therefore, if the fiber laser emission operation from the laser irradiator 300 is resumed while the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 remains misaligned, the laser will be irradiated onto the power distribution equipment 230 identified using the learning model 620. In this case, before resuming the fiber laser emission operation, it is necessary to control the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 so that it faces the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100. This control method is the same as the method for controlling the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 in the initial stage before the fiber laser is emitted.

The water ingress inspection device 500 generates training data 610 by using image data of the air circuit breaker 100 obtained from a water ingress inspection conducted over a predetermined period in the past (such as one month, six months, or one year; hereafter referred to as the "time interval") as explanatory variables (features), and associating the position of the distribution equipment 230 installed around the air circuit breaker 100 and the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100 within each image data as objective variables (labels). Note that the work of associating image data with the positions of the distribution equipment 230 and bottom surface 130 does not need to be performed on a time interval basis, and can be performed each time a water ingress inspection is conducted.

The above-mentioned time intervals are set empirically, for example, based on the frequency of water intrusion inspections. Alternatively, learning models 620 may be generated for multiple time intervals, and these learning models 620 may be used to identify the power distribution equipment 230 around the air switchgear 100 and the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100. The above-mentioned time intervals are set, for example, based on past cases, to a length that improves the accuracy of identifying the bottom surface 130.

Alternatively, the water immersion testing device 500 may generate the learning data 610 from the results of a predetermined number of water immersion tests (e.g., 10,000 tests) rather than from the results of water immersion tests conducted within the above-mentioned time interval.

Alternatively, the water ingress inspection device 500 may select a predetermined number of pieces of data for each manufacturer of air contactor 100 (e.g., 1,000 pieces for each manufacturer) to generate the learning data 610. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the content of the learning data 610 used to train the learning model 620 from varying depending on the manufacturer of the air contactor 100.

In this embodiment, the learning model 620 is a DNN (Deep Neural Network), but it may also be implemented using other types of models, such as gradient boosting (GBDT (Gradient Boosting Decision Tree)).

Figure 5 shows an example of a learning model 620 (neural network structure). As shown in Figure 5, image data is input to the input layer 621 of the learning model 620. The intermediate layer 622 includes one or more hidden layers consisting of one or more nodes containing parameters adjusted by learning. Based on the image data provided to the input layer 621, the intermediate layer 622 determines the position of the bottom surface 130 and the position of the distribution equipment 230 in the image output from the output layer 623. Here, depending on the manufacturer and type of the air switchgear 100, the position at which the distribution line 210 is installed and the position at which the branch sleeve cover 220 is installed are determined within a certain range. Therefore, a learning model 620 can be created that identifies the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100 and the position of the distribution equipment 230 around the air switchgear 100 from image data including the air switchgear 100. The learning model 620 of this embodiment outputs the position of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100 to be inspected and the position of the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air switch 100 from the output layer 623. Note that in addition to the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100 to be inspected and the position of the power distribution equipment 230, the output layer 623 may also output other values (for example, the manufacturer, model, and specifications of the air switch 100).

The training data 610 is required when training the training model 620, but is not required at other times, and therefore does not need to be stored in the storage device 440 of the water intrusion inspection device 500. In this case, the training data 610 is stored in a computer (not shown), for example, and the training model 620 is trained on this computer. The water intrusion inspection device 500 then obtains the trained training model 620 from this computer via the above-mentioned recording medium or communication network, and stores it in the storage device 440.

Returning to Figure 3, the memory device 440 can be built into the water immersion testing device 500, or it can be externally attached.

The input device 420 is a device that allows the water ingress inspection device 500 to acquire data from the outside. For example, image data of the air contactor 100 captured by the camera 350, and measurement data from the acceleration sensor 351 and tilt sensor 352 are input via the input device 420. Furthermore, workers may input information such as the inspection date and time, weather, and the worker's name via the input device 420.

The input device 420 may be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or microphone, but may also include communication functions with other electronic devices such as the laser irradiator 300 or USB (registered trademark) memory, and even communication functions with other computers via a communication network such as the Internet or LAN.

The infrared thermograph 410 measures the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120, which rises as the fiber laser is irradiated. Specifically, the infrared thermograph 410 detects the infrared radiation energy that appears on the bottom surface 130 when the fiber laser is irradiated from the laser irradiator 300 onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120, converts it into an apparent temperature, and displays it on the display 411, for example, as a temperature distribution map of the entire bottom surface 130, with colors corresponding to the apparent temperatures.

At this time, information indicating the apparent temperature at the position on the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 where the fiber laser is irradiating is stored in the storage device 440 while being updated sequentially. The infrared thermograph 410 starts operating in response to a control command output from the inspection device 400, which acquires via the input device 420 an irradiation start signal that is generated when an operator operates an irradiation start button (not shown) provided on the laser irradiator 300, for example.

In addition, to precisely detect the temperature distribution on the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 and make it easier for the operator to grasp the temperature distribution on the bottom surface 130, a magnifying lens (e.g., a 4x lens) may be attached to the infrared thermograph 410, and the infrared radiation energy on the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 may be converted into apparent temperature, and the temperature distribution on the bottom surface 130 may be displayed on the display 411.

Figures 6A and 6B show the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 measured by the infrared thermograph 410 displayed on the display 411.

Figure 6A shows an example of the temperature distribution on the bottom surface 130 when the housing 120 is not submerged in water and a 20 W fiber laser is irradiated from the laser irradiator 300 onto the bottom surface 130.

On the other hand, Figure 6B shows an example of the temperature distribution on the bottom surface 130 when the housing 120 is submerged in water and a 20 W fiber laser is irradiated from the laser irradiator 300 onto the bottom surface 130.

In the example of Figure 6A, the position of the cross is the position where the fiber laser is irradiated, and it shows that the temperature at this position rose to 158°C one minute after irradiation began. The "maximum 158" shown in the upper left corner of display 411 is the temperature at the position where the fiber laser is irradiated. From this, the operator can visually determine through display 411 that the housing 120 is not flooded.

In the example of Figure 6B, the position of the cross is the position where the fiber laser is irradiated, and it shows that the temperature at this position rose to 82°C one minute after irradiation began. The "maximum 82" shown in the upper left corner of display 411 is the temperature at the position where the fiber laser is irradiated. From this, the worker can visually determine through display 411 that the housing 120 has become flooded.

The outside temperature is shown in the upper center of the display 411. For example, in Figure 6A the outside temperature is 34.7°C, and in Figure 6B the outside temperature is 36.7°C.

Returning to Figure 3, the timer 450 starts timing from a reset state, triggered, for example, by the operation of the irradiation start button. Note that the timer 450 may be a software timer implemented by the CPU 430 executing the water immersion inspection device control program 700, or may be a timer configured using hardware.

<Functional configuration>
8 shows a functional block diagram of a water leakage inspection device 500 according to this embodiment. The water leakage inspection device 500 includes the following functions: a laser output unit 501, an image capture unit 502, an irradiation direction control unit 503, a temperature measurement unit 504, an inspection execution unit 505, a learning model storage unit 506, a bottom surface identification unit 507A, a power distribution equipment identification unit 507B, an irradiation direction calculation unit 508, a direction adjustment unit 509, a stop unit 510, an acceleration detection unit 511, an inclination detection unit 512, a pedestal unit 513, a first pedestal unit 514, a second pedestal unit 515, and a third pedestal unit 516. These functions are realized by the hardware shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 executing or processing a water leakage inspection device control program 700 according to this embodiment and various data.

The laser output unit 501 outputs a laser. In this embodiment, the laser output unit 501 is embodied as the laser irradiator 300, and outputs a fiber laser.

The image capturing unit 502 captures the outside world in the direction of the laser output unit 501. In this embodiment, the image capturing unit 502 is embodied as a camera 350. Note that the image capturing unit 502 may also be configured integrally with the laser output unit 501. In this manner, the orientation of the image capturing unit 502 does not deviate from the orientation of the laser output unit 501, thereby eliminating the need to align the optical axis to match the orientation of the image capturing unit 502 with the orientation of the laser output unit 501.

The irradiation direction control unit 503 analyzes the image captured by the photographing unit 502 in the initial stage before the laser output unit 501 outputs the laser, and controls the orientation of the laser output unit 501 so that the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100. Furthermore, when the orientation of the laser output unit 501 is shifted due to an external factor during laser emission and the laser output unit 501 stops emitting the laser, the irradiation direction control unit 503 analyzes the image captured by the photographing unit 502 at this time and determines that if the laser output unit 501 emits the laser while the laser output unit 501 remains shifted, there is a risk that the laser will be irradiated onto the identified power distribution equipment 230. If this occurs, the irradiation direction control unit 503 controls the orientation of the laser output unit 501 so that the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100.

The illumination direction control unit 503 is composed of a learning model storage unit 506, a bottom surface identification unit 507A, a power distribution equipment identification unit 507B, an illumination direction calculation unit 508, and a direction adjustment unit 509.

The learning model storage unit 506 stores a learning model 620 created using multiple image data of the air circuit breaker 100 photographed in the past to identify the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air circuit breaker 100 photographed in the image and the power distribution equipment 230 around the air circuit breaker 100 photographed in the image. In this embodiment, the learning model storage unit 506 is embodied as the storage device 440.

The bottom surface identification unit 507A inputs image data of the air contactor 100 newly captured by the imaging unit 502 into the learning model 620, thereby identifying the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air contactor 100 captured in the image.

The power distribution equipment identification unit 507B inputs image data of the air circuit breaker 100 newly captured by the imaging unit 502 into the learning model 620, thereby identifying the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air circuit breaker 100 captured in the image.

The irradiation direction calculation unit 508 uses information about the position of the bottom surface 130 identified in the image to calculate the difference between the current orientation of the laser output unit 501 and the orientation of the laser output unit 501 that would cause the laser to irradiate the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100. The difference calculated by the irradiation direction calculation unit 508 is shown as (-Δx, +Δy) in Figure 9.

More specifically, the irradiation direction calculation unit 508 calculates the difference based on the position of the bottom surface 130 in the image showing the air switch 100 and the magnification used when the image capturing unit 502 captured the air switch 100. For example, if the image capturing unit 502 can capture the outside world by changing the magnification, the angle of view will change depending on the magnification even if the size of the screen captured by the image capturing unit 502 is the same. Therefore, it is necessary to take the magnification into consideration when calculating the adjustment amount (difference) for the angle of the laser output unit 501. Conversely, if the irradiation direction calculation unit 508 calculates the adjustment amount (difference) for the angle based on the position of the bottom surface 130 in the image showing the air switch 100 and the magnification used when the image capturing unit 502 captured the air switch 100, the image capturing unit 502 will be able to capture the outside world by changing the magnification. However, if the magnification of the imaging unit 502 is constant, the angle of view will also be constant, so the irradiation direction calculation unit 508 can calculate the above difference if it knows the position of the bottom surface 130 within the screen.

Furthermore, if restarting the laser emission operation from the laser output unit 501 while the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 remains misaligned would result in the laser being irradiated onto the power distribution equipment 230 identified using the learning model 620, the irradiation direction calculation unit 508 needs to control the orientation of the laser output unit 501 so that it faces the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100 before restarting the laser emission operation. Using information on the position of the bottom surface 130 identified in the image, the irradiation direction calculation unit 508 calculates the difference between the current orientation of the laser output unit 501 and the orientation of the laser output unit 501 that would irradiate the laser onto the bottom surface 130 of the air switchgear 100.

The direction adjustment unit 509 adjusts the direction of the laser output unit 501 based on the difference calculated by the irradiation direction calculation unit 508. In this embodiment, the direction adjustment unit 509 adjusts the direction of the laser output unit 501 by controlling the first step motor and second step motor (not shown) described above.

When the laser output unit 501 irradiates the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air contactor 100 with a laser, the temperature measurement unit 504 measures the temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100, which rises in response to the laser irradiation. For example, the temperature measurement unit 504 measures a first temperature of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 at a first point in time when laser irradiation begins, and a second temperature of the bottom surface 130 at a second point in time after a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed since the first point in time. By measuring the first and second temperatures in this manner, the temperature rise value of the housing 120 over a predetermined time period can be calculated. In this embodiment, the temperature measurement unit 504 is embodied as an infrared thermograph 410.

The inspection execution unit 505 inspects the air contactor 100 for water infiltration based on the temperature measurement results of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air contactor 100. For example, the inspection execution unit 505 inspects the air contactor 100 for water infiltration by comparing the temperature value at the second time point with a predetermined judgment value. In this case, the inspection execution unit 505 determines that water infiltration has occurred in the air contactor 100 if the temperature of the bottom surface 130 60 seconds after the start of laser irradiation is equal to or lower than the predetermined judgment value, and determines that water infiltration has not occurred if the temperature exceeds the predetermined judgment value.

Alternatively, the inspection execution unit 505 inspects the air contactor 100 for water intrusion by comparing the temperature rise value between the first and second points in time with a predetermined judgment value. In this case, it becomes possible to inspect the air contactor 100 for water intrusion without being affected by differences in outside air temperature.

As described above, the water ingress inspection device 500 according to this embodiment inputs the image of the air circuit breaker 100 captured by the imaging unit 502 into the learning model 620, thereby identifying the position of the bottom surface 130 and adjusting the orientation of the laser output unit 501. Furthermore, the water ingress inspection device 500 inputs the image of the air circuit breaker 100 captured by the imaging unit 502 into the learning model 620, thereby identifying the position of the power distribution equipment 230 and controlling the operation of the laser output unit 501 so that the laser is not directed toward the power distribution equipment 230. This improves the efficiency of the work of adjusting the orientation of the laser output unit 501, and reduces the workload of workers when pointing the laser output unit 501 at an air circuit breaker 100 installed on a pole.

The stopping unit 510 stops the laser output from the laser output unit 501 if the laser irradiation position relative to the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100 is misaligned. This configuration prevents the laser from being irradiated in unintended locations, thereby increasing safety.

For example, the stopping unit 510 may detect that the laser irradiation position has shifted when the position of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air contactor 100 shown in the image, which is identified by inputting image data of the air contactor 100 captured by the capturing unit 502 while the laser output unit 501 is outputting a laser, into the learning model 620, changes by a predetermined value or more. Alternatively, the stopping unit 510 may detect that the laser irradiation position has shifted when the center of the image indicating the orientation of the laser output unit 501 (the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis shown in FIG. 9 ) falls outside the range of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air contactor 100.

The stopping unit 510 may also detect that the laser irradiation position has shifted based on the detection results of the acceleration detection unit 511, which detects the acceleration occurring in the laser output unit 501. In this case, for example, the stopping unit 510 detects a shift in the laser irradiation position by comparing the acceleration value detected by the acceleration detection unit 511 while the laser output unit 501 is outputting the laser with a first determination value. Note that in this embodiment, the acceleration detection unit 511 is embodied as the acceleration sensor 351.

The stopping unit 510 may also detect that the laser irradiation position has shifted based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit 512, which detects the tilt of the laser output unit 501. In this case, for example, the stopping unit 510 detects a shift in the laser irradiation position by comparing the amount of change in tilt detected by the tilt detection unit 512 while the laser output unit 501 is outputting the laser with a second determination value. In this embodiment, the tilt detection unit 512 is embodied as the tilt sensor 352.

The base 513 is a device for placing the laser output unit 501, and is installed in a predetermined position when inspecting the air contactor 100 for water intrusion. In this embodiment, the base 513 is embodied as the leg 340. The base 513 includes a first base 514, a second base 515, and a third base 516.

The first base portion 514 is installed in a predetermined position when inspecting the air contactor 100 for water intrusion. In this embodiment, the first base portion 514 is embodied as a tripod 341.

The second pedestal 515 is attached to the first pedestal 514 so as to be rotatable around a first vertical rotation axis. The third pedestal 516 is attached to the second pedestal 515 so as to be rotatable around a second horizontal rotation axis, and carries the laser output unit 501. In this embodiment, the second pedestal 515 is embodied as the first tripod 342, and the third pedestal 516 is embodied as the second tripod 343.

The direction adjustment unit 509 then adjusts the direction of the laser output unit 501 by adjusting the direction of the second base unit 515 and the direction of the third base unit 516.

This configuration makes it possible to accurately orient the laser output unit 501 toward the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100.

The water ingress inspection device 500 then displays the results of the water ingress inspection of the air contactor 100 on the output device 460 or display 411, for example, in a format as shown in Figure 12.

As described above, the water ingress inspection device 500 according to this embodiment inputs the image of the air circuit breaker 100 captured by the image capture unit 502 into the learning model 620, thereby identifying the position of the power distribution equipment 230 and the position of the bottom surface 130, and then adjusting the orientation of the laser output unit 501. This eliminates the need for an operator to adjust the orientation of the laser output unit 501, reducing the workload required when aiming the laser output unit 501 at an air circuit breaker 100 installed on a pole. This makes it possible to more accurately and efficiently inspect air circuit breakers 100 installed on a pole for water ingress.

==Processing flow==
Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 11, we will explain the process in which the water ingress inspection device 500 of this embodiment uses learning data 610 to learn the learning model 620, and the process flow when using this learning model 620 to adjust the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 and then perform a water ingress inspection of the air contactor 100.

Figure 10 is a flowchart explaining the processing performed by the water leakage inspection device 500 when it uses the learning data 610 to train the learning model 620. Note that the timing at which the water leakage inspection device 500 performs learning of the learning model 620 is not necessarily limited. However, the water leakage inspection device 500 may perform the learning process of the learning model 620 when, for example, the water leakage inspection device 500 acquires new image data, when it receives an instruction to perform learning from a person in charge via a user interface such as the input device 420, or at a predetermined time interval (once a month, once a year, etc.).

First, the water ingress inspection device 500 generates training data 610 that associates the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100 captured in each image with the position of the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air circuit breaker 100 captured in each image for multiple images of the air circuit breaker 100 taken by the camera 350 during past water ingress inspections conducted within a time period (S1000). The position of the bottom surface 130 and the position of the power distribution equipment 230 in each image are individually specified by the creator of the training data 610.

Next, the water immersion inspection device 500 performs a learning process for the learning model 620 using the learning data 610 (S1010).

The water ingress inspection device 500 may also verify the prediction accuracy of the trained learning model 620. In this case, the water ingress inspection device 500 pre-classifies the training data 610 into training data and verification data, trains the learning model 620 using the training data, and verifies the learning model 620 using the verification data.

Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining the processing flow when the water ingress inspection device 500 adjusts the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 using the learning model 620 and then performs a water ingress inspection of the air contactor 100.

First, a worker identifies a position on the road surface where a fiber laser can be irradiated onto the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100, which is installed at a high position on the utility pole 200, and installs the leg 340 and laser irradiator 300 at that position. At this time, the worker roughly adjusts the position of the leg 340 and the orientation of the first tripod 342 and second tripod 343 so that the emission port 330 of the laser irradiator 300 faces the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120. The worker also installs the inspection device 400 in a position where the infrared radiation energy of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 when irradiated with the fiber laser can be converted into an apparent temperature.

Once the installation of the leg 340, laser irradiator 300, and inspection device 400 is complete, the water ingress inspection device 500 uses the camera 350 to photograph the air contactor 100 (S2000). The water ingress inspection device 500 then transfers the image data captured by the camera 350 to the inspection device 400.

The inspection device 400 inputs image data of the air switch 100 newly captured by the camera 350 into the learning model 620, thereby identifying the position of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air switch 100 that appears in the image (S2010). At this point, the inspection device 400 also identifies the position of the power distribution equipment 230 installed around the air switch 100, but this does not interfere with the process of directing the laser irradiator 300 toward the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100.

If the state is not after the laser irradiator 300 has stopped emitting the laser due to a shift in the direction of the laser irradiator 300 while emitting the laser (S2020: NO), the inspection device 400 calculates the difference between the current direction of the laser irradiator 300 and the direction of the laser irradiator 300 that would irradiate the laser onto the bottom surface 130 of the air switch 100, based on the specific position of the bottom surface 130 in the image (S2030), and adjusts the direction of the laser irradiator 300 based on this difference so that the laser irradiator 300 faces the bottom surface 130 (S2040).

Then, when the water immersion inspection device 500 detects that an irradiation start signal has been generated as a result of the operator operating the irradiation start button of the laser irradiator 300 (S2050: YES), it causes the laser irradiator 300 to irradiate a fiber laser toward the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 (S2060).

The water leakage inspection device 500 then controls the infrared thermograph 410 to convert the infrared radiation energy appearing on the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 into apparent temperature every fixed time (for example, 1 second), and displays this as a temperature distribution map of the entire bottom surface 130 on the display 411, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The water leakage inspection device 500 also stores, in the storage device 440, information indicating the apparent temperature at the position where the fiber laser is irradiated on the bottom surface 130 of the air contactor 100, while updating it sequentially.

The water immersion inspection device 500 also stores in the storage device 440 the temperature (first temperature) of the bottom surface 130 at the first point in time when the irradiation start signal is detected.

The water immersion testing device 500 determines whether the timer 450 has measured one minute (S2070).

When the timing of the timer 450 reaches the second time point, which is one minute after the first time point (S2070: YES), the water immersion inspection device 500 stops the emission of the fiber laser from the laser irradiator 300 (S2080) and stores the temperature of the bottom surface 130 at the second time point (second temperature) in the memory device 440.

The water ingress detection device 500 then compares the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature with a predetermined determination value to determine whether the air contactor 100 is submerged in water.

The water ingress inspection device 500 then generates a screen displaying the inspection results as shown in Figure 12 and outputs them to the display 411 or output device 460 as the inspection results (S2090). Note that Figure 12 displays the inspection date and time and the identification number of the switch being inspected, and this information was entered into the inspection device 400 before the water ingress inspection began.

On the other hand, if the timer 450's timing has not yet reached the second time point, which is one minute after the first time point (S2070: NO), the water immersion inspection device 500 determines whether the direction in which the laser irradiator 300 emits the fiber laser has shifted from its intended irradiation position due to some external factor (S2100). If the direction in which the laser irradiator 300 emits the fiber laser has shifted (S2100: YES), the water immersion inspection device 500 stops timing by the timer 450 and stops the laser irradiator 300 from emitting the fiber laser (S2110), and returns to processing at S2000.

The flood inspection device 500 again photographs the air circuit breaker 100 using the camera 350 (S2000) and transfers the image data captured by the camera 350 to the inspection device 400. The inspection device 400 then inputs the image data of the air circuit breaker 100 newly captured by the camera 350 into the learning model 620, thereby again identifying the position of the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 of the air circuit breaker 100 captured in the image and the position of the power distribution equipment 230 around the air circuit breaker 100 (S2010). Note that this timing occurs after the fiber laser emission operation by the laser irradiator 300 has stopped in S2110 (S2020: YES), so the water immersion inspection device 500 determines, based on the position of the power distribution equipment 230 identified in S2010, whether there is a risk that the power distribution equipment 230 will be irradiated with the fiber laser if the laser irradiator 300 continues to emit the fiber laser while remaining in the misaligned position (S2120).

If there is a risk that the power distribution equipment 230 will be irradiated if the fiber laser is emitted while the laser irradiator 300 is in a misaligned position (S2120: YES), the output device 460 is used to warn the worker so that the laser irradiator 300 does not erroneously emit the fiber laser and accidents to the power distribution equipment 230 can be reliably prevented (S2130). For example, if the output device 460 has an audio output function, it outputs a voice warning message such as "The laser irradiator is facing the power distribution equipment" or a buzzer. If the output device 460 has a display, it outputs a visual warning message such as "The laser irradiator is facing the power distribution equipment." Alternatively, if the output device 460 has a warning lamp, it lights or flashes the warning lamp.

The water ingress inspection device 500 then recalculates the difference between the current orientation (displaced position) of the laser irradiator 300 and the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 that would irradiate the fiber laser onto the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100, based on the specific position of the bottom surface 130 in the image (S2030). Based on this difference, the orientation of the laser irradiator 300 is again adjusted so that the laser irradiator 300 faces the bottom surface 130 (S2040). The process then proceeds to the next step, S2050. In this way, when restarting the fiber laser emission operation by the laser irradiator 300, if the fiber laser is emitted while the laser irradiator 300 remains in the displaced position, and there is a risk that the fiber laser will be irradiated onto the power distribution equipment 230 identified on the screen, a warning is issued to the operator and the laser irradiator 300 is automatically reoriented toward the bottom surface 130 of the air circuit breaker 100. This reliably prevents damage to the power distribution equipment 230 by the fiber laser.

On the other hand, even if the laser irradiator 300 emits a fiber laser while remaining in a misaligned position, if there is no risk of it being irradiated onto the power distribution equipment 230 (S2120: NO), the process may proceed to S2030 without performing the warning process of S2130.

The above describes the water ingress inspection device 500, the inspection method for the water ingress inspection device 500, and the water ingress inspection device control program 700 according to this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the position of the bottom surface 130 of the air ingress inspection device 100 is identified by inputting an image of the air ingress inspection device 100 taken by the camera 350 into the learning model 620, and then the direction of the laser irradiator 300 is adjusted without the fiber laser being directed toward the power distribution equipment 230. This eliminates the need for workers to adjust the direction of the laser irradiator 300, reducing the workload when pointing the laser irradiator 300 at an air ingress inspection device 100 installed on a pole. This makes it possible to perform water ingress inspections of air ingress inspection devices 100 installed on poles more accurately and efficiently.

In this embodiment, the inspection as to whether the interior of the housing 120 is flooded or not is performed by irradiating one location on the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 with a fiber laser, but this is not limited to this. For example, the accuracy of the inspection as to whether the housing 120 is flooded or not may be improved by sequentially irradiating a plurality of different locations on the bottom surface 130 of the housing 120 with a fiber laser and performing the inspection operation of FIG. 11 for each of the plurality of irradiation locations of the fiber laser.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fiber laser is used to inspect whether or not the housing 120 has been submerged in water, but this is not limited to this. Solid-state lasers other than fiber lasers may also be used as long as they are capable of inspecting whether or not the housing 120 has been submerged in water, as in this embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, the water ingress inspection device 500 is installed on the ground and the air contactor 100 is inspected for water ingress, but the inspection may also be performed from the air. For example, a propeller may be attached to the leg 340, and the laser irradiator 300 may be levitated in the air and the air contactor 100 may be irradiated with a laser to inspect for water ingress.

The above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention.

100 Air switch 110 Charging unit 120 Housing 130 Bottom surface 200 Utility pole 210 Power distribution line 220 Branch sleeve cover 230 Power distribution equipment 300 Laser irradiator 310 Excitation unit 311 Semiconductor laser 312 Optical fiber 313 Excitation combiner 314 Optical fiber 320 Resonator unit 321 High reflectivity mirror 322 Amplification fiber 323 Low reflectivity mirror 330 Exit port 340 Leg 341 Tripod 342 First tripod stand 343 Second tripod stand 350 Camera 351 Acceleration sensor 352 Tilt sensor 400 Inspection device 410 Infrared thermograph 411 Display 420 Input device 430 CPU
440 Storage device 450 Timer 460 Output device 500 Water immersion inspection device 501 Laser output unit 502 Photography unit 503 Irradiation direction control unit 504 Temperature measurement unit 505 Inspection execution unit 506 Learning model storage unit 507A Bottom surface identification unit 507B Power distribution equipment identification unit 508 Irradiation direction calculation unit 509 Direction adjustment unit 510 Stop unit 511 Acceleration detection unit 512 Tilt detection unit 513 Pedestal unit 514 First pedestal unit 515 Second pedestal unit 516 Third pedestal unit 610 Learning data 620 Learning model 621 Input layer 622 Intermediate layer 623 Output layer 700 Water immersion inspection device control program

Claims (10)

A water ingress inspection device that inspects whether the inside of an air switchgear installed on a pole is flooded,
a laser output unit that irradiates a bottom surface of a housing of the air switch with a laser for inspecting whether or not the inside of the air switch is flooded;
an imaging unit that captures an image in a direction along the laser irradiation direction;
a learning model storage unit that stores a learning model created by using a plurality of images of the air switch taken in the past so as to identify power distribution equipment around the air switch that is captured in the plurality of images; and
an identification unit that inputs data indicating an image including the air contactor newly photographed by the photographing unit into the learning model and identifies the surrounding power distribution equipment;
a control unit that controls emission of the laser by the laser output unit based on the identification result of the identification unit so that the laser is not irradiated onto the surrounding power distribution equipment; and
a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the bottom surface when the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface;
an inspection unit that inspects whether or not the inside of the housing of the air contactor is flooded based on the result of detecting the temperature of the bottom surface;
A water immersion inspection device comprising: The water immersion inspection device according to claim 1,
the control unit includes a stop unit that stops the laser output unit from emitting the laser when the installation position of the laser output unit is shifted;
a direction adjustment unit that adjusts the orientation of the laser output unit so that the laser is not irradiated onto the power distribution facility when the laser is irradiated onto the power distribution facility if the laser output unit is in a misaligned position;
The water immersion inspection device further comprises: The water immersion inspection device according to claim 2,
the learning model is created by using a plurality of images of the air switch taken in the past to identify the power distribution equipment around the air switch and the bottom surface of the air switch that are shown in the plurality of images,
the identification unit, when data indicating an image including the air contactor newly photographed by the photographing unit is input to the learning model, identifies the surrounding power distribution equipment and the bottom surface;
The direction adjustment unit adjusts the orientation of the laser output unit based on the identification result of the identification unit after the laser output unit stops emitting the laser so that the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface. The water immersion inspection device according to claim 2 or 3,
a base on which the laser output unit is mounted,
The base portion is
a first base portion that is installed at a predetermined position when inspecting the air contactor for flooding;
a second base portion attached to the first base portion so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis in a vertical direction;
a third base portion that is mounted on the second base portion so as to be rotatable about a second horizontal rotation axis, and on which the laser output unit is mounted;
The direction adjustment unit adjusts the direction of the laser output unit by adjusting the direction of the second base unit and the direction of the third base unit, respectively. The water immersion inspection device according to claim 4,
a first step motor that rotates the second base portion around the first rotation axis;
a second step motor that rotates the third base portion around the second rotation axis;
A water immersion inspection device comprising: The water immersion inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The water immersion inspection device, wherein the imaging unit is provided integrally with the laser output unit. The water immersion inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The laser is a fiber laser.
Water immersion testing equipment. The water immersion inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The power distribution facility includes at least one of a power distribution line connected to the air switch and a branch sleeve cover that provides insulation protection for the power distribution line. An inspection method for a water ingress inspection device that inspects whether or not the inside of an air switchgear installed on a pole is flooded, comprising:
irradiating a bottom surface of a housing of the air contactor with a laser for inspecting whether or not the inside of the air contactor is flooded with water;
Photographing a direction along the laser irradiation direction,
storing a learning model in a storage device, the learning model being created to identify power distribution equipment around the air switch captured in a plurality of images of the air switch captured in the past;
inputting data representing a newly captured image including the air contactor into the learning model, and identifying the surrounding power distribution equipment;
Based on the identification result, controlling emission of the laser so that the laser is not irradiated onto the surrounding power distribution equipment;
Detecting the temperature of the bottom surface when the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface;
and inspecting whether or not the inside of the housing of the air contactor is flooded based on the result of detecting the temperature of the bottom surface. A program for causing a computer to check whether the inside of an air switch installed on a pole is flooded,
a step of irradiating a bottom surface of a housing of the air contactor with a laser for inspecting whether or not the inside of the air contactor is flooded with water;
taking an image in a direction along the laser irradiation direction;
a step of storing in a storage device a learning model created by using a plurality of images of the air switch taken in the past so as to identify power distribution equipment around the air switch shown in the plurality of images;
a step of inputting data representing a newly captured image including the air contactor into the learning model and identifying the surrounding power distribution equipment;
a step of controlling emission of the laser based on the identification result so that the laser is not irradiated onto the surrounding power distribution equipment;
detecting the temperature of the bottom surface when the laser is irradiated onto the bottom surface;
a step of inspecting whether or not the inside of the housing of the air contactor is flooded based on the result of detecting the temperature of the bottom surface;
A program for causing the computer to execute the above.