Liquid medicine injection apparatus

Abstract

To provide a liquid medicine injector capable of easily detecting the residual amount of a liquid medicine.SOLUTION: The medicinal solution injection device 1 includes the medicinal solution tank 12 that stores the medicinal solution, the volumetric pump 41 that injects the medicinal solution stored in the medicinal solution tank 12 into the injection destination, the water level detection device 18 that detects the predetermined water level L of the medicinal solution in the medicinal solution tank 12, and the control unit 58 that drives the volumetric pump 41, integrates the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 when the predetermined water level L is detected by the water level detection device 18, and issues information when the number of strokes is a predetermined number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chemical liquid injector that injects a chemical liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] A chemical injection device that injects a chemical solution into water is known. The chemical injection device uses a pump to inject a chemical solution stored in a chemical solution tank into a pipe or the like. Such a chemical solution is a vaporizable liquid such as sodium hypochlorite, and its concentration decreases over time. For this reason, it is necessary to replenish the chemical solution stored in the chemical solution tank with new chemical solution after it is used up. Therefore, a technology is needed to detect the remaining amount of chemical solution stored in the chemical solution tank in order to determine the timing of chemical solution replenishment.

[0003] For example, a liquid injector uses a water level detector that can detect the water level at multiple points to detect the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid tank. However, the water level detector can only detect the water level at a distance from the bottom of the liquid tank.

[0004] Therefore, a liquid medicine injector is also known that detects the remaining amount of liquid medicine by integrating the number of strokes of a volumetric pump and calculating the amount used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-073716 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The liquid injector in Patent Document 1 uses a technology to calculate the amount of liquid used from the number of pump strokes and estimate the remaining amount of liquid, so the liquid injector needs to know the amount of liquid when it is refilled. However, because the amount of liquid remaining when refilling varies each time, it is necessary for a person to know the amount of liquid after refilling each time, which is time-consuming.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid medicine injector that can easily detect the remaining amount of liquid medicine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a chemical liquid injection device includes a chemical liquid tank for storing a chemical liquid, a volumetric pump for injecting the chemical liquid stored in the chemical liquid tank into an injection destination, a water level detection device for detecting a predetermined water level of the chemical liquid in the chemical liquid tank, and a control unit for driving the volumetric pump and, when the water level detection device detects the predetermined water level, accumulating the number of strokes of the volumetric pump and issuing a signal when the number of strokes reaches a predetermined number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can provide a chemical liquid injector that can easily detect the remaining amount of chemical liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a water treatment device using a chemical liquid injector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the chemical liquid injector, partially in cross section. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical box of the liquid chemical injector. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the chemical liquid injector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A chemical liquid injector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a water treatment device 100 using the chemical liquid injector 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a water treatment device 100 using a chemical liquid injector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing the configuration of the chemical liquid injector 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical box 19 of the chemical liquid injector 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the chemical liquid injector 1. Note that in each drawing, the configuration is enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate for ease of explanation.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , water treatment device 100 includes chemical liquid injection device 1 and water supply device 2 that supplies water to chemical liquid injection device 1. Water treatment device 100 supplies raw water from water supply source 101, such as a well or a water supply, to a water supply destination via water supply device 2, and treats the raw water by injecting a chemical liquid into the raw water via chemical liquid injection device 1. The water supply destination may be a filtration device that removes iron and manganese from well water, a water tank that stores well water, a water tap for a shower, or other purpose. In this embodiment, water treatment device 100 includes filtration device 3, and is described using an example in which raw water supplied from a well, which is water supply source 101, is sterilized and treated with ferrous and manganese removal, etc., but water supply source 101 may also be a water pipe.

[0014] 1 and 2, chemical liquid injection device 1 includes a stand 11, a chemical liquid tank 12, a piping unit 13, a chemical liquid injector 14, a connecting pipe 15, a pressure sensor 16, a flow rate sensor 17, a water level detection device 18, and an electrical box 19. Chemical liquid injection device 1 is connected on the primary side to a water supply device 2 and on the secondary side to a filtration device 3. Chemical liquid injection device 1 injects a predetermined amount of, for example, sodium hypochlorite as an aerated liquid into water flowing through connecting pipe 15, thereby sterilizing the water supplied from water supply device 2 and precipitating iron and manganese contained in the water.

[0015] The base 11 supports the liquid chemical tank 12, the liquid chemical injector 14, the connecting pipe 15, and the electrical box 19. For example, the base 11 supports the liquid chemical tank 12 at a position higher than the liquid chemical injector 14. As a specific example, as shown in Fig. 2, the base 11 includes legs 11a to be placed on an installation surface, a first base 11b, a wall 11c, and a second base 11d. For example, the legs 11a, the first base 11b, the wall 11c, and the second base 11d are integrally formed.

[0016] Leg 11a is placed on the installation surface of chemical liquid injector 1. First base 11b is provided integrally on leg 11a. Connecting pipe 15 is placed on the upper surface of first base 11b so as to be able to be fixed thereto.

[0017] The wall portion 11c is provided, for example, at an upper portion of the first base 11b in the depth direction of the first base 11b. The wall portion 11c is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame or plate that extends upward from the first base 11b and is continuous with the second base 11d.

[0018] For example, liquid injector 14 is fixed to the center of wall 11c. Wall 11c is formed so that liquid injector 14 can be fixed thereto by a fastening member such as a bolt or a screw.

[0019] The second base 11d is provided on the upper edge of the wall portion 11c, and is formed so that the chemical liquid tank 12 can be fixed on the upper surface thereof.

[0020] First base 11b and second base 11d are connected by wall portion 11c, and the upper surface of second base 11d is located higher than the upper surface of first base 11b. The upper surface of second base 11d is also located higher than liquid medicine injector 14 provided on wall portion 11c.

[0021] The chemical tank 12 is made of a resin material and is configured to be able to store a predetermined amount of chemical liquid therein. The chemical tank 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the second base 11d. The chemical tank 12 has a piping unit 13 connected to a part of its bottom 12a. The chemical tank 12 has a supply port 12b at its top for supplying the chemical liquid to the inside, and a lid 12c for covering the supply port 12b.

[0022] Piping unit 13 fluidly connects chemical tank 12 and chemical injector 14. Piping unit 13 forms a flow path for the chemical from inside chemical tank 12 to chemical injector 14. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 2 , piping unit 13 includes connection piping 21, exhaust tube 22, connecting piping 23, and on-off valve 24.

[0023] One end of the connection pipe 21 is connected to the chemical tank 12, and the other end branches in two directions to be connected to the exhaust tube 22 and the connecting pipe 23. Specifically, the connection pipe 21 is a bent pipe formed by bending in an L shape. The connection pipe 21 has a threaded portion 31, a flange 32, and a nut 33 at one end connected to the chemical tank 12. The other end of the connection pipe 21 has an upper branch portion 34 and a lower branch portion 35 that branch in two directions, upward and downward. The connection pipe 21 also has an attachment portion 36 for the on-off valve 24 formed at the bent portion.

[0024] The threaded portion 31 is formed on one end of the connection pipe 21. The threaded portion 31 is a male screw formed on the outer surface of one end of the connection pipe 21. The threaded portion 31 is inserted into the chemical tank 12 through a hole formed in the bottom portion 12a of the chemical tank 12. The flange 32 abuts against the lower surface of the bottom portion 12a of the chemical tank 12 when the threaded portion 31 is inserted through the hole in the bottom portion 12a. The flange 32 is also formed so that a packing can be attached to the abutting surface of the flange 32 that abuts against the lower surface of the bottom portion 12a of the chemical tank 12.

[0025] The nut 33 is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 31. When the nut 33 is fastened to the threaded portion 31 inside the chemical tank 12, the flange 32 and the nut 33 are fixed to the bottom portion 12a of the chemical tank 12.

[0026] The exhaust tube 22 is a transparent tube or a tube through which the chemical solution can be seen, one end of which is connected to the upper branch portion 34. The other end of the exhaust tube 22 is open to the atmosphere. The exhaust tube 22 constitutes, for example, a water level indicator formed so that the level of the chemical solution inside the exhaust tube 22 can be seen visually.

[0027] As a specific example, the exhaust tube 22 is fixed to the chemical tank 12, extending upward from the upper branch portion 34 along the outer surface of the chemical tank 12. The exhaust tube 22 also has a floating ball 38 provided inside that floats in the chemical liquid, and a water level scale 39 that makes it possible to visually check the volume of the chemical liquid in the chemical tank 12 from the chemical liquid in the exhaust tube 22 or the floating ball 38 floating in the chemical liquid. For example, the water level scale 39 is formed of a waterproof seal or the like, and is a scale attached to the outer surface of the chemical tank 12, a scale printed on the exhaust tube 22, or a scale formed by printing or embossing on the chemical tank 12.

[0028] One end of the connecting pipe 23 is connected to the downward branch portion 35, and the other end is connected to the chemical solution injector 14. The connecting pipe 23 is flexible. For example, the connecting pipe 23 is made of a flexible resin tube or the like that is resistant to the chemical solution.

[0029] The on-off valve 24 is provided at a mounting portion 36 provided at a bent portion on the primary side of the upper branch portion 34 and the lower branch portion 35 of the connection pipe 21. The on-off valve 24 is formed so that the pipeline of the connection pipe 21 can be opened and closed manually.

[0030] The chemical injector 14 includes a volumetric pump 41 that can pump a fixed amount of chemical liquid and inject it into the connecting pipe 15, which is the injection destination, and a chemical liquid injection section 42 that connects the volumetric pump 41 and the connecting pipe 15 and is configured to prevent backflow of the chemical liquid and well water injected into the connecting pipe 15.

[0031] The volumetric pump 41 is a chemical liquid injection pump that injects a chemical liquid. For example, a diaphragm pump is used as the volumetric pump 41. For example, the volumetric pump 41 includes a pump casing 41a, a diaphragm provided in the pump casing 41a, and a DC solenoid that is a motor that drives the diaphragm. The volumetric pump 41 includes a chemical liquid suction port 41b and a discharge port 41c provided in the pump casing 41a.

[0032] Suction port 41b is provided at the bottom of pump casing 41a. Suction port 41b is connected to connecting pipe 23. Discharge port 41c is provided at the top of pump casing 41a. Discharge port 41c is connected to chemical liquid injector 42. Discharge port 41c is formed, for example, by a branch pipe, one branch of which is connected to chemical liquid injector 42 and the other branch of which is provided with plug 41d.

[0033] Such volumetric pump 41 is fixed to wall 11c and disposed below the upper surface of bottom 12a of chemical tank 12. Volumetric pump 41 is disposed with a solenoid, which is a motor, located inside wall 11c. Volumetric pump 41 is fixed to wall 11c with a fastening member.

[0034] Chemical solution injector 42 includes connecting pipe 42a, a first check valve 42b provided on one end of connecting pipe 42a, a nozzle 42c provided on first check valve 42b and communicating with connecting pipe 15, and a second check valve 42d provided on nozzle 42c. Connecting pipe 42a is formed of, for example, a flexible resin tube, similar to connecting pipe 23.

[0035] The first check valve 42b regulates the flow of liquid from the nozzle 42c side to the volumetric pump 41. That is, the first check valve 42b prevents liquid from flowing back from the nozzle 42c side to the volumetric pump 41. The first check valve 42b has, for example, a ball and a spring. The first check valve 42b closes the conduit when the ball is urged toward the primary side by the spring, and when the chemical liquid is supplied from the volumetric pump 41, the pressure of the chemical liquid moves the ball against the spring, opening the conduit.

[0036] The nozzle 42c injects the chemical liquid supplied from the volumetric pump 41 through the first check valve 42b into the connecting pipe 15.

[0037] The second check valve 42d regulates the flow of liquid from the connecting pipe 15 to the nozzle 42c. That is, the second check valve 42d prevents the liquid flowing inside the connecting pipe 15 from flowing back into the nozzle 42c. The second check valve 42d is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable resin material in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a cross-shaped notch formed at the tip opposite the tip of the nozzle 42c. When the chemical liquid is supplied from the volumetric pump 41, the pressure of the chemical liquid causes the tip of the second check valve 42d to expand, widening the cross-shaped notch and opening, thereby supplying the chemical liquid to the connecting pipe 15.

[0038] Connecting pipe 15 is a pipe whose primary side is connected to water supply device 2 and whose secondary side is connected to filtration device 3. Connecting pipe 15 has, for example, an attachment part 15a at the end of the secondary side to which chemical solution injector 42 is connected. In addition, connecting pipe 15 is provided with pressure sensor 16 and flow rate sensor 17 on the primary side of attachment part 15a.

[0039] The pressure sensor 16 is connected to, for example, an electrical equipment box 19 via a signal line. The pressure sensor 16 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure of the fluid in the connecting pipe 15 to the electrical equipment box 19.

[0040] The flow rate sensor 17 is connected to, for example, the electrical box 19 via a signal line. The flow rate sensor 17 is an impeller-type flow rate sensor. The flow rate sensor 17 transmits a signal corresponding to the detected flow rate to the electrical box 19. As a specific example, the flow rate sensor 17 has, for example, a rotor that rotates due to the flow of fluid in the connecting pipe 15, a magnet, and a transmitter that detects the magnetic force of the magnet and outputs an electrical signal, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate based on the magnetic force detected as the rotor rotates.

[0041] The water level detection device 18 is a float switch and includes a fixed member 18a fixed to the ceiling of the chemical tank 12, an axial shaft 18b fixed to the fixed member 18a, a float 18c movably provided at the lower end of the shaft 18b, two regulating members 18d provided at the lower end of the shaft 18b, and a signal line 18e extending from inside the shaft 18b to the outside.

[0042] Fixing member 18a is provided across the interior and exterior of the ceiling of chemical tank 12 and fixes shaft 18b to chemical tank 12. Shaft 18b is, for example, hollow and has a detector inside that detects float 18c in a predetermined position. For example, the detector is a reed switch that is activated by a magnet provided in float 18c and outputs an ON signal. Furthermore, when float 18c moves away from the position where it is activated by the magnet, the detector stops outputting the ON signal or outputs an OFF signal.

[0043] The float 18c is formed to have a specific gravity that allows it to float in the chemical solution. The float 18c is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and is inserted into the shaft 18b so as to be movable along the shaft 18b. The float 18c has a magnet that activates the detector.

[0044] The two restricting members 18d are fixed to the shaft 18b at a distance greater than the length of the float 18c in the moving direction. The two restricting members 18d come into contact with the float 18c, thereby determining the range of up and down movement of the float 18c. One end of the signal line 18e is connected to the detector, and the other end is connected to an output destination of the detection signal, for example, the electrical box 19.

[0045] In the water level detection device 18, the water level of the chemical liquid detected by the float 18c is set arbitrarily. For example, in this embodiment, the water level detected by the float 18c of the water level detection device 18 is located below half the height of the chemical liquid tank 12. For example, when the water level of the chemical liquid reaches a predetermined water level L, the float 18c reaches a predetermined height position, the detector is activated by a magnet, and the water level detection device 18 outputs a detection signal indicating that the water level of the chemical liquid has reached the predetermined water level L. Note that "outputting a detection signal" here means outputting or not outputting a signal that allows the electrical box 19 to determine that the water level is at the predetermined water level L. Specific examples include outputting an OFF signal as the predetermined signal at the predetermined water level L, or stopping an output ON signal. Therefore, the water level detection device 18 may be configured to output a signal with a voltage value different from that of the ON signal as the OFF signal at the predetermined water level L, or may output no signal, i.e., 0 V.

[0046] In the example of this embodiment, when the chemical solution exceeds a predetermined water level L, float 18c floats due to the chemical solution, but is held at its upper limit position by upper regulating member 18d, at which point a signal is output, and when the chemical solution level drops to the predetermined water level L, the signal output stops, and this halt in signal output is considered to be a detection signal. In the following description, when the chemical solution is at a water level higher than the predetermined water level L and a signal is being output, this will be referred to as float ON, and when the chemical solution reaches the predetermined water level L and the signal output stops, this will also be referred to as float OFF.

[0047] The electrical equipment box 19 controls the drive of the volumetric pump 41, for example, and controls the amount of liquid medicine injected from the volumetric pump 41 into the connecting pipe 15. The electrical equipment box 19 also calculates the amount of liquid medicine remaining in the liquid medicine tank 12.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical box 19 includes, for example, a communication unit 51, an input unit 52, an interface 53, a display unit 54, a storage unit 55, a drive unit 57, and a control unit 58.

[0049] The communication unit 51 is controlled by the control unit 58. The communication unit 51 is any communication interface capable of communicating with a communication terminal using a wired communication technology, a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC, a general-purpose wireless communication technology including a mobile phone line such as LTE (registered trademark), or a long-range wireless communication technology. Here, the communication terminal is a communication device provided externally, separate from the liquid injector 1.

[0050] For example, when the liquid medicine injector 1 is shipped or undergoes maintenance, the communication unit 51 communicates with an inspection communication terminal to receive data such as various parameters of the liquid medicine injector 1, such as functional parameters, internal parameters, and external parameters, various programs for controlling the drive of the volumetric pump 41 and calculating the remaining amount of liquid medicine, and change instructions for changing these data and programs, and transmits them to the memory unit 55 and the control unit 58.

[0051] The input unit 52 is an input interface for receiving user input. The input unit 52 is, for example, an operation panel including buttons. The input unit 52 is a device for receiving user input, such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse. When the chemical solution is supplied to the chemical solution tank 12, the input unit 52 can input the amount of the chemical solution in the chemical solution tank 12 as an initial value.

[0052] The pressure sensor 16 and the flow rate sensor 17 are connected to the interface 53. The interface 53 can also electrically connect to other devices. That is, the interface 53 is a terminal or circuit to which various devices are electrically connected.

[0053] The display unit 54 has, for example, a display device such as a segment display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display, or a lighting unit using LEDs, etc. In Fig. 2 of this embodiment, the display unit 54 is formed by an information panel having a three-digit segment display and a plurality of LEDs.

[0054] The storage unit 55 is a storage medium from which data can be read and written. The storage unit 55 includes so-called memory or storage. For example, the storage unit 55 includes non-volatile memory such as RAM or NAND flash memory. The storage unit 55 may also include an SSD equipped with flash memory. However, the storage unit 55 is not limited to these, and various storage media can be used.

[0055] The memory unit 55 stores data as various parameters such as function parameters, internal parameters, and external parameters used by the control unit 58, as well as various data and programs used to control the volumetric pump 41 and calculate the remaining amount of chemical solution.

[0056] Memory unit 55 stores the operating data of volumetric pump 41, the volume of liquid chemical tank 12, the remaining amount of liquid chemical during a drought corresponding to the lowest water level (drought water level) at which air may be drawn into liquid chemical tank 12 when volumetric pump 41 is driven, the volume of liquid chemical when water level detection device 18 outputs a detection signal, and the amount of liquid chemical injected per stroke of volumetric pump 41. Here, "when water level detection device 18 outputs a detection signal" refers to when the liquid chemical is at a predetermined water level L, and "the volume of liquid chemical when water level detection device 18 outputs a detection signal" refers to the amount of liquid chemical when the liquid chemical is at the predetermined water level L (the amount of liquid chemical at the predetermined water level). Furthermore, "one stroke of volumetric pump 41" refers to, for example, one drive of volumetric pump 41, in other words, one reciprocation of the diaphragm of volumetric pump 41.

[0057] Here, for example, the amount of chemical liquid at a predetermined water level and the injection amount per stroke of volumetric pump 41 are input in advance via input unit 52 and stored in storage unit 55, for example, when chemical liquid injector 1 is shipped.

[0058] The memory unit 55 also accumulates and stores the number of strokes after the water level detection device 18 outputs a detection signal. The number of strokes refers to the number of times the volumetric pump 41 is driven. For example, the memory unit 55 may store correction data for the injection amount, which varies depending on the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41, in advance, or through maintenance or communication via the communication unit 51. If the volumetric pump 41 is a diaphragm pump, repeated strokes reduce the injection amount per stroke due to changes in the elastic modulus or elongation of the diaphragm. Therefore, to correct the injection amount, the control unit 58 may reduce the injection amount per stroke of the volumetric pump 41 from the initially set amount based on the total number of strokes, based on a decrease in the performance of the volumetric pump 41.

[0059] Furthermore, the memory unit 55 stores the injection amount of the medicinal liquid relative to the flow rate, which is set in advance so that the control unit 58 can control the injection amount of the medicinal liquid relative to the flow rate. As a specific example, the memory unit 55 stores, for example, the number of strokes per unit time or the injection amount corresponding to the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 17.

[0060] The driving unit 57 is electrically connected via a signal line to a DC solenoid, which is the motor of the volumetric pump 41, and to the control unit 58. The driving unit 57 controls the number of strokes per unit time of the DC solenoid by varying the output frequency.

[0061] The control unit 58 is a processor. The control unit 58 is, for example, a microcomputer. Note that the control unit 58 is not limited to a microcomputer, and may be a CPU, FPGA, DSP, DSC, or other general-purpose or dedicated processor. Furthermore, when a module including a processor is used in the communication unit 51 or the like, the control unit 58 may be the module.

[0062] The control unit 58 controls the drive of the volumetric pump 41 based on various data and programs stored in the memory unit 55. The control unit 58 controls the drive of the volumetric pump 41 based on, for example, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 17 and the number of strokes per unit time corresponding to the flow rate stored in the memory unit 55.

[0063] In addition, the control unit 58 accumulates the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 from the time when a detection signal is output from the water level detection device 18, and when the number of strokes reaches a predetermined number, it determines that there is a drought and issues a notification.

[0064] An example of the drought determination and notification by the control unit 58 will be described below using the flowchart in FIG. 4. First, when the power to the chemical liquid injection device 1 is turned on (step ST1), the control unit 58 drives the volumetric pump 41 to start chemical liquid injection. Then, the control unit 58 monitors the detection signal output from the water level detection device 18 (step ST2) and determines whether the chemical liquid is at a predetermined water level L. That is, the control unit 58 determines that the float has changed from ON to OFF based on the detection signal received from the water level detection device 18. If the float remains ON (NO in step ST2), the control unit 58 determines that the chemical liquid is at a water level higher than the predetermined water level L. If the control unit 58 detects that the float has changed from ON to OFF based on the received detection signal (YES in step ST2), the control unit 58 determines that the chemical liquid level is at the predetermined water level L. Furthermore, if the control unit 58 detects that the float has changed from ON to OFF, it issues a notification of reduced water level (step ST3). Specific examples of the issuance of water level reduction information by the control unit 58 include controlling the display unit 54 to display the information on the display unit 54, and controlling the communication unit 51 to output a water level reduction warning signal to the outside.

[0065] When the control unit 58 detects that the float is OFF, it starts accumulating the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 (step ST4) and calculates the accumulated amount of the chemical solution injected by the volumetric pump 41 from the accumulated number of strokes (step ST5). Here, the accumulated amount of injection is calculated, for example, from the number of strokes and the amount of injection per stroke of the volumetric pump 41. As a specific example, the control unit 58 subtracts the accumulated amount of injection from the volume of the chemical solution (amount of chemical solution) at a predetermined water level L to calculate the remaining amount of the chemical solution (step ST6). Next, the control unit 58 determines whether the accumulated number of strokes is a predetermined number of strokes (step ST7).

[0066] If the accumulated number of strokes does not reach the preset number of strokes (predetermined number) (NO in step ST7), the control unit 58 returns to step ST4 and continues accumulating the number of strokes.

[0067] If the accumulated number of strokes is equal to the predetermined number of strokes (YES in step ST7), the control unit 58 determines that the remaining amount of liquid medicine is low and issues a drought notification (step ST8). Here, the predetermined number of strokes is, for example, the number of strokes at which the remaining amount of liquid medicine is low based on the amount of liquid medicine at a predetermined water level L, or the remaining amount of liquid medicine that determines a drought, and is set in advance and stored in the memory unit 55. Here, the drought may be determined based on the accumulated amount of liquid medicine injected or the calculated remaining amount of liquid medicine, or the number of strokes calculated from the amount of liquid medicine at the predetermined water level L. Alternatively, the control unit 58 may determine a drought based on whether the number of strokes, the remaining amount of liquid medicine to be determined, the accumulated amount of liquid medicine injected, or the calculated remaining amount of liquid medicine first exceeds a predetermined value that has been set or calculated. Furthermore, the control unit 58 may calculate the cumulative amount of chemical solution injected by the volumetric pump 41 from the cumulative number of strokes (step ST5), subtract the cumulative amount of injection from the volume of chemical solution (amount of chemical solution) at a predetermined water level L, and calculate the remaining amount of chemical solution (step ST6), omitting this calculation, and instead determine whether the cumulative number of strokes is equal to a predetermined number of strokes (step ST7). Specific examples of issuing a drought information include the control unit 58 controlling the display unit 54 to display the information on the display unit 54 and controlling the communication unit 51 to output a drought warning signal to the outside. Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 58 determines that there is a drought of chemical solution, it stops the volumetric pump 41.

[0068] For example, when the chemical solution is replenished into the chemical solution tank 12 based on a drought warning, the float changes from OFF to ON. Therefore, the control unit 58 resumes driving the volumetric pump 41 and returns to step ST2. When the chemical solution is replenished and the float is no longer ON or OFF, the control unit 58 stops accumulating the number of strokes and resets the number of strokes accumulated before the replenishment, which was stored in the memory unit 55, to zero. Therefore, when the chemical solution decreases again and the float changes to OFF, the number of strokes can be accumulated again from zero.

[0069] The control unit 58 has a calendar function and a timing function, and calculates and acquires information such as the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41, the cumulative injection amount, water reduction information, and drought information, and stores the information in the memory unit 55 by linking it to information such as the date and time.

[0070] Next, we will explain the water supply device 2. As shown in Figure 1, the water supply device 2 is installed, for example, in a well serving as the water supply source 101, and is configured to be able to pump well water. The water supply device 2 includes, for example, a water supply pump 111, a suction pipe 112 connected to the water supply pump 111 and disposed in the water supply source 101, a discharge pipe 113 connected to the water supply pump 111 and the connecting pipe 15, a detection sensor 114 provided in the discharge pipe 113, a pressure tank 115 provided in the discharge pipe 113, and a control panel 119.

[0071] The water supply pump 111 includes, for example, a pump and a motor. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the water supply pump 111 is an on-land pump, but the water supply pump 111 may also be a submersible pump installed in well water. Furthermore, if the water supply source 101 is a water pipe, the water supply pump 111 may not be provided, and water may be supplied by tap water pressure.

[0072] The suction pipe 112 has, for example, a check valve 112 a that prevents water from flowing back from the water supply pump 111 to the water supply source 101 .

[0073] The detection sensor 114 includes, for example, a flow rate sensor 114a and a pressure sensor 114b.

[0074] The flow rate sensor 114a is, for example, a float switch. The flow rate sensor 114a is connected to the control panel 119 via a signal line and outputs a signal of the detected flow rate to the control panel 119. The flow rate sensor 114a, for example, detects only ON and OFF at a fixed flow rate. The flow rate sensor 114a is configured to be able to detect, for example, that the flow rate in the discharge pipe 113 is the stop flow rate of the water supply pump 111 and output a signal to the control panel 119.

[0075] Pressure sensor 114b is configured to be able to detect the pressure inside discharge pipe 113. Pressure sensor 114b is connected to control panel 119 via a signal line and outputs a signal of the detected pressure to control panel 119. Pressure sensor 114b is configured to be able to at least detect that the pressure inside discharge pipe 113 is the starting pressure of water supply pump 111 and output a signal to control panel 119.

[0076] The control panel 119 drives and controls the motor of the water supply pump 111. The control panel 119 starts the water supply pump 111 when the pressure in the discharge pipe 113 reaches the starting pressure, and stops the water supply pump 111 when the flow rate in the discharge pipe 113 reaches the stopping flow rate.

[0077] The control panel 119 includes, for example, a communication unit, an input unit, an interface, a display unit, a storage unit, a drive unit, and a control unit. Note that the communication unit, input unit, interface, display unit, storage unit, drive unit, and control unit have the same configuration as the communication unit 51, input unit 52, interface 53, display unit 54, storage unit 55, drive unit 57, and control unit 58 of the electrical box 19 described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The memory unit stores the starting pressure and stopping flow rate of the water supply pump 111. The memory unit also stores data as various parameters such as functional parameters, internal parameters, and external parameters used by the control unit, as well as various data and programs used to control the water supply pump 111. The control unit controls the water supply pump 111 based on the various data and programs stored in the memory unit. The control unit starts the water supply pump 111 when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 114b exceeds the starting pressure stored in the memory unit, and stops the water supply pump 111 when the flow rate sensor 114a detects the stopping flow rate.

[0079] The filtration device 3 removes, for example, iron and manganese contained in treated water obtained by injecting a chemical solution into raw water from the water supply source 101 using the chemical solution injector 1, and also removes solid matter such as sand present during treatment. The filtration device 3 includes a tank body 211, a filtration material 212, a suction pipe 213, and a water collection pipe 214. The filtration device 3 may also be configured to be appropriately equipped with a pump device, an on-off valve, a water tank, piping, etc. to enable backwashing, cleaning, etc.

[0080] The tank body 211 accommodates the filtering material 212. The tank body 211 accommodating the filtering material 212 forms a space above the filtering material 212 in which the suction pipe 213 is disposed. In addition, the tank body 211 has a water collection pipe 214 connected to its lower end.

[0081] The filter material 212 removes, for example, iron from raw water into which a chemical solution has been injected, manganese from raw water into which a chemical solution has been injected, and solids contained in the raw water.

[0082] The suction pipe 213 is connected to the connecting pipe 15. One end of the water collection pipe 214 is provided inside the tank body 211, and the other end is connected to a water supply destination. Here, the water supply destination is, for example, a water tank or a water faucet. A filter, for example, is provided at the end of the water collection pipe 214 inside the tank body 211.

[0083] With the chemical liquid injection device 1 and water treatment device 100 configured in this manner, after the chemical liquid is added (supplied) to the chemical liquid tank 12, when the chemical liquid reaches a predetermined water level L, the remaining amount of chemical liquid can be determined and the water level of the drought can be detected by subtracting the cumulative injection amount calculated by multiplying the known injection amount per stroke by the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 from the amount of chemical liquid at the predetermined water level L.

[0084] Furthermore, the water level detector 18, which detects the predetermined water level L, is a relatively inexpensive float switch that outputs an ON / OFF signal at a fixed water level. Therefore, the liquid injection device 1 can accurately estimate the remaining amount of liquid with a simple configuration and can be manufactured inexpensively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drought is determined based on the number of strokes without using multiple float switches capable of multi-point output, thereby ensuring sufficient space inside the liquid tank 12. The liquid used in the liquid injection device 1 is sold individually packaged in a predetermined amount, such as 20 L, and the amount of liquid in the liquid tank 12 varies due to the need to refill the entire tank. However, since the remaining amount can be calculated based on the signal output by the position of the float 18c, there is no need to manually check and set the amount of liquid in the liquid tank 12 each time the liquid is refilled. Therefore, the liquid injection device 1 facilitates the refilling of the liquid.

[0085] Furthermore, the water level detection device 18 detects the float 18c of the water level detection device 18, and the predetermined water level L, which serves as a warning signal for determining the remaining amount of chemical solution, can be set to any height depending on the length of the shaft 18b disposed within the chemical solution tank 12 and the position of the restricting member 18d. This allows the chemical solution injection device 1 to meet the needs of the site where chemical solution is being injected. Specifically, as in this embodiment, by positioning the water level detected by the float 18c of the water level detection device 18 below half the height of the chemical solution tank 12 or even closer to the remaining amount (water level) at which a drought alarm is issued, shortening the water level L and reducing the number of strokes corresponding to the water level L, the accumulated injection error is reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of the remaining amount prediction. On the other hand, if the position of the float 18c is raised, accuracy decreases, but more time is gained until a drought alarm is issued, allowing more time to prepare replenishment chemical solution. Therefore, since the position of float 18c and the cumulative number of strokes until the water level dries up can be set arbitrarily, chemical liquid injection device 1 can be adapted to chemical liquid injection sites where the amount of use and replenishment frequency vary.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 58 does not use the float 18c to detect the drought water level, but instead uses the number of strokes to determine whether the chemical solution is low, allowing for maximum use of the chemical solution. Specifically, if the float 18c is positioned near the bottom 12a of the chemical solution tank 12 and a low water level or drought information is issued when the float is OFF, the chemical solution corresponding to the height to which the float 18c is submerged will remain unused. In contrast, when determining a drought based on the number of strokes, the float 18c is not used, so the chemical solution can be used to the maximum extent without any unused amount corresponding to the height to which the float 18c is submerged.

[0087] Furthermore, the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 from the predetermined water level L until it is determined that there is drought can be set arbitrarily, so that the effective capacity of the chemical tank 12 can be used to the maximum extent.

[0088] Furthermore, the liquid injection device 1 controls the communication unit 51 by the control unit 58 to transmit to the outside the signal from the water level detection device 18, the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41, the remaining amount of liquid medicine, drought information, etc., thereby storing various information in an external server and issuing information to the outside. Therefore, the liquid injection device 1 can also manage the inventory of liquid medicine by presenting various information, including the remaining amount of liquid medicine, to the user of the liquid injection device 1.

[0089] As described above, according to the chemical liquid injection device 1 and water treatment device 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, the remaining amount of chemical liquid can be easily detected from the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 after the water level detection device 18 detects a predetermined water level L.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, in the above example, the control unit 58 issues a drought warning. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 58 may determine that a drought is imminent and issue a drought warning when the chemical solution is at a water level higher than the drought warning level. That is, the control unit 58 can appropriately set the detected water level as long as it detects any water level, such as a decrease in the chemical solution or a drought, based on the number of strokes of the volumetric pump 41 after the chemical solution reaches a predetermined water level L. The control unit 58 may also calculate the remaining amount of chemical solution, the number of strokes remaining before a drought occurs, or the time remaining, and output the information to the outside, such as by displaying it on the display unit 54. The electrical box 19 may also have a warning unit that issues audible warnings, and the determined information may be output by sound.

[0091] In the above example, a diaphragm pump was described as an example of the volumetric pump 41, but the volumetric pump 41 is not limited to this, and may be a plunger pump or another pump.

[0092] Furthermore, as an example of the water level detection device 18 to be used in the chemical tank 12, a float switch using a float 18c has been described, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be an electrode-type liquid level switch using an electrode rod, or it may also be a device that is suitable for use in the chemical tank 12.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...chemical liquid injection device, 2...water supply device, 3...filtration device, 100...water treatment device, 11...frame, 11a...legs, 11b...first base, 11c...wall portion, 11d...second base, 12...chemical liquid tank, 12a...bottom portion, 12b...supply port, 12c...lid body, 13...piping unit, 14...chemical liquid injector, 15...connecting pipe, 15a...mounting portion, 16...pressure sensor, 17...flow rate sensor, 18...water level detection device, 18a...fixing member, 18b...shaft, 18c...float, 18d...regulating member, 18e...signal line, 19...electrical box, 21...connecting pipe, 22...exhaust tube, 23...connecting pipe, 24...opening / closing valve, 31...screw portion, 32...flange, 33...nut, 34...upper branch portion, 35...lower branch portion, 36... Mounting part, 38...floating ball, 39...water level scale, 41...volumetric pump, 41a...pump casing, 41b...suction port, 41c...discharge port, 41d...plug, 42...chemical injection part, 42a...connecting piping, 42b...first check valve, 42c...nozzle, 42d...second check valve, 51...communication part, 52...input part, 53...interface, 54...display part, 55...memory part, 57...drive part, 58...control part, 101...water supply source, 111...water supply pump, 112...suction pipe, 112a...check valve, 113...discharge pipe, 114...detection sensor, 114a...flow rate sensor, 114b...pressure sensor, 115...pressure tank, 119...control panel, 211...tank body, 212...filter material, 213...suction pipe, 214...water collection pipe.

Claims

1. a chemical tank for storing a chemical; a volumetric pump that injects the chemical solution stored in the chemical solution tank into an injection destination; a water level detection device for detecting a predetermined water level of the chemical liquid in the chemical liquid tank; a control unit that drives the volumetric pump and, when the water level detection device detects the predetermined water level, counts the number of strokes of the volumetric pump and issues a notification when the number of strokes reaches a predetermined number; A chemical liquid injection device comprising:

2. 2. The chemical liquid injector according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the amount of chemical liquid at the predetermined water level and the amount of chemical liquid injected per stroke of the volumetric pump.

3. The chemical liquid injector according to claim 1 , wherein the information is information about a lack of water in the chemical liquid tank.

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