Submersible pump

Abstract

The present invention provides a submersible pump capable of appropriately realizing automatic alternating operation of two submersible pumps with the same configuration installed in a water tank. [Solution] The submersible pump 10 comprises a submersible pump body 110, a sensor 120, and a submersible pump control unit 130. The submersible pump control unit 130 includes a mode setting means 131 for setting either a first mode in which operation is started at a first timing, or a second mode in which operation is started at a second timing, and a next mode determination means 133 for determining the next operation start mode. The next mode determination means 133 determines to set the second mode if operation is started based on the first mode, determines to set either the first mode or the second mode based on time information if operation is started based on the second mode, and determines to set the first mode if drainage is performed without the submersible pump body 110 starting operation while the second mode is set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a submersible pump.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a submersible pump used for drainage applications such as septic tanks. The submersible pump sucks up water by driving a motor to perform drainage and the like, and automatically starts or stops the operation of the submersible pump according to the amount of water (water level) accumulated in the water tank.

[0003] Furthermore, a technique for alternately automatically operating using a plurality of submersible pumps has also been disclosed. For example, in Patent Document 1, two submersible pumps having the same configuration are installed in a water tank, and the start timing of one submersible pump is made different from the start timing of the other submersible pump to realize the automatic alternating operation of the two submersible pumps.

[0004] Specifically, the submersible pump disclosed in Patent Document 1 has two different start timings for starting the operation, and randomly sets either one of the start timings under predetermined conditions. As a result, the two submersible pumps having the same configuration installed in the water tank are set such that the start timing of one submersible pump is different from the start timing of the other submersible pump, so as to realize the alternating operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to achieve alternating operation with two submersible pumps of the same configuration installed in a water tank, one of two different startup timings is set randomly. In other words, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 relies on random control to achieve alternating operation.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a submersible pump that can appropriately realize automatic alternating operation of two submersible pumps with the same configuration when those two submersible pumps are installed in a water tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A submersible pump according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a submersible pump body, a sensor for detecting a water level above a predetermined level, and a submersible pump control unit for controlling the operation of the submersible pump body. The submersible pump control unit includes a mode setting means for setting either a first mode in which the operation of the submersible pump body is started at a first timing based on the detection of a water level above a predetermined level by the sensor, or a second mode in which the operation of the submersible pump body is started at a second timing later than the first timing, and a mode setting means for starting the operation of the submersible pump body based on the operation start mode set by the mode setting means, and stopping the submersible pump body after operating it for a predetermined period of time. The system includes an operating control means for controlling the operation, and a next mode determination means that determines to set the second mode as the next operation start mode when the operation of the submersible pump body is started based on the first mode, determines to set either the first mode or the second mode as the next operation start mode based on time information relating to the time held by the submersible pump when the operation of the submersible pump body is started based on the second mode, and determines to set the first mode as the next operation start mode when the second mode is set as the operation start mode by the mode setting means and drainage is performed without the operation of the submersible pump body being started after a predetermined water level is detected by the sensor.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the next mode determination means may determine the first mode and the second mode based on a distribution criterion that has a 1:1 probability using at least time information.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the time information may include the operating time from when the submersible pump body is started until it is stopped.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the time information may include numerical information relating to the numerical values ​​of each digit included in the operating time, and / or numerical values ​​calculated from those numerical values.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the numerical information may include even and odd numbers.

[0013] In the above embodiment, if the operation of the submersible pump body is started based on the second mode, the next mode determination means may determine to set either the first mode or the second mode as the next operation start mode, based on at least the operation history of the submersible pump.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the operating history may include the frequency with which the operation of the submersible pump body was started based on the detection of a predetermined water level or higher by the sensor, based on the first mode or the second mode.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the operating history may include the frequency of non-operational periods in which drainage treatment was performed without the submersible pump itself starting operation after the sensor detected a water level above a predetermined level.

[0016] In the above embodiment, when the second mode has been set as the operation start mode by the mode setting means multiple times after power is turned on to the submersible pump, if the situation does not occur in which drainage is performed without the submersible pump body starting operation after the sensor detects a water level above a predetermined level, the mode setting means may set the first mode as the operation start mode for starting the submersible pump body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, when two submersible pumps having the same configuration are installed in a water tank, it is possible to provide a submersible pump capable of appropriately realizing the automatic alternating operation of the two submersible pumps.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a submersible pump 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram showing each function of a submersible pump control unit 130 that controls the operation of a submersible pump main body 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining a state of operating a submersible pump main body 110 installed in a septic tank ST. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining a state of operating two submersible pump main bodies 110A and 110B in an initial setting state installed in a septic tank ST. [Figure 5] As an operation start mode, in a state where a first mode is set for the submersible pump 10A and a second mode is set for the submersible pump 10B, it is a diagram for explaining a state of operating two submersible pump main bodies 110A and 110B installed in a septic tank ST. [Figure 6] As an operation start mode, in a state where a second mode is set for the submersible pumps 10A and 10B, it is a diagram for explaining a state of operating two submersible pump main bodies 110A and 110B installed in a septic tank ST. [Figure 7A] It is a diagram showing the transition of the operation start mode after the first operation described using FIG. 4 when the operation start modes of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are set to the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 7B] It is a diagram showing the transition of the operation start mode after the first operation described using FIG. 4 when the operation start mode of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B is set to the first mode. [Figure 7C]This is a diagram showing the transition of the subsequent operation start modes when the operation start modes of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are set to the second mode after the first operation described using FIG. 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely specific examples for carrying out the present invention and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Also, for ease of understanding the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[0020] <One Embodiment> [Configuration of Submersible Pump] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a submersible pump 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the submersible pump 10 includes a submersible pump main body 110, a sensor 120, and a submersible pump control unit (not shown).

[0021] For example, the submersible pump 10 is installed in a septic tank. Based on the detection by the sensor 120 installed in the submersible pump main body 110 that the water level is above a predetermined level, the operation (start / stop of the operation, etc.) of the submersible pump main body 110 is controlled by the submersible pump control unit. In this way, the submersible pump 10 uses an automatic operation function to drain the water in the septic tank through the discharge pipe DP.

[0022] The submersible pump main body 110 has a suction port and a discharge port, and is configured to rotate an impeller by driving a motor by the submersible pump control unit and drain the water accumulated in the septic tank through the discharge pipe DP.

[0023] The sensor 120 may be directly attached to the submersible pump main body 110 or may be indirectly attached to the submersible pump main body 110 via an attachment or the like.

[0024] The sensor 120 is composed of, for example, electrodes, and by conducting electricity between these electrodes and the GND electrode (not shown) on the submersible pump body 110 side through the water (liquid) accumulated in the septic tank, a predetermined water level in the septic tank can be detected.

[0025] More specifically, the sensor 120 switches from the off state to the on state when the water level in the septic tank rises and reaches a predetermined level. On the other hand, the sensor 120 switches from the on state to the off state when the water level in the septic tank falls below the predetermined level (due to the operation of the submersible pump body 110 and the draining of water from the septic tank).

[0026] [Operation control of submersible pumps] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the submersible pump control unit 130 that controls the operation of the submersible pump body 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the submersible pump control unit 130 includes a mode setting means 131, an operation control means 132, and a next mode determination means 133.

[0027] The submersible pump control unit 130 may be, for example, a processor, and may be installed in the submersible pump body 110 or installed separately from the submersible pump body 110 via a cable. Based on the on and off states (and their switching) of the sensor 120, the submersible pump control unit 130 controls the motor drive to operate and stop the submersible pump body 110.

[0028] The mode setting means 131 sets either the first mode or the second mode as the operation start mode for starting the operation of the submersible pump body 110. For example, the submersible pump control unit 130 may store the first mode and the second mode in memory in advance as the operation start mode, and the mode setting means 131 may set either the first mode or the second mode.

[0029] Here, the first mode refers to the operation of the submersible pump body 110 starting at a first timing based on the detection of a predetermined water level or higher by the sensor 120. Specifically, the operation of the submersible pump body 110 starts when the sensor 120 changes from an off state to an on state and remains in that on state for 5 seconds (first timing).

[0030] The second mode is a system in which the submersible pump body 110 is started at a second timing (later than the first timing) based on the detection of a predetermined water level or higher by the sensor 120. Specifically, the submersible pump body 110 is started when the sensor 120 changes from an off state to an on state and remains in that on state for 10 seconds (the second timing).

[0031] In this example, the first timing is defined as the sensor 120 remaining ON for 5 seconds, and the second timing as the sensor 120 remaining ON for 10 seconds. However, the settings are not limited to these, and other values ​​may be used as long as the second timing is later than the first timing. These settings may be appropriately adjusted and changed depending on the capacity of the septic tank, the water level detected by the sensor 120, the rate of water level rise, the drainage capacity of the submersible pump body 110, etc.

[0032] The operation control means 132 starts the operation of the submersible pump body 110 based on the operation start mode set by the mode setting means 131, and controls the submersible pump body 110 to stop after operating for a predetermined period of time. For example, the operation control means 132 controls the operation of the submersible pump body 110 to start in the first mode or the second mode based on the detection of a predetermined water level (or higher) by the sensor 120 (from off state to on state).

[0033] Furthermore, the operation control means 132 may control the submersible pump body 110 to stop 60 seconds after the sensor 120 detects a predetermined water level (below) (from the ON state to the OFF state). However, the timing for stopping the submersible pump body 110 is not limited to 60 seconds after the sensor 120 detects a predetermined water level (below) but may be set appropriately according to the capacity of the septic tank, the water level detected by the sensor 120, the rate of water level rise, the drainage capacity of the submersible pump body 110, etc., and the setting may be changeable. Moreover, the operation control means 132 may control the submersible pump body 110 to stop 80 seconds after the start of operation, or a separate sensor may be installed near the bottom of the submersible pump body 110, and the submersible pump body 110 may be controlled to stop in accordance with the water level detection (from the ON state to the OFF state) by the sensor.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submersible pump body 110 installed in the septic tank ST. As shown in Figure 3, the submersible pump 10 is installed in the septic tank ST, and the submersible pump body 110 operates according to the amount (water level) of water in the septic tank ST, thereby draining the water from the septic tank ST through the discharge pipe DP.

[0035] In Figure 3(A), the water volume in the septic tank ST is low, and the water level has not reached the sensor 120 (predetermined water level), so the sensor 120 is in the off state.

[0036] In Figure 3(B), as the amount of water in the septic tank ST increases and the water level rises, the sensor 120 switches from the off state to the on state, causing the sensor 120 to detect a predetermined water level. As a result, the operation control means 132 starts operating the submersible pump body 110 based on the first mode or second mode set by the mode setting means 131. Specifically, for example, after the predetermined water level is detected by the sensor 120 (after switching from the off state to the on state), the operation of the submersible pump body 110 starts at a first timing when the on state continues for 5 seconds, or at a second timing when it continues for 10 seconds.

[0037] In Figure 3(C), at either the first or second timing, the submersible pump body 110 is actually started to operate, causing the water from the septic tank ST to begin being drained through the discharge pipe DP.

[0038] In Figure 3(D), the water in the septic tank ST is drained through the discharge pipe DP, reducing the amount of water in the septic tank ST and causing the water level to drop. The submersible pump body 110 stops, for example, during the process of the water volume (water level) in the septic tank ST decreasing (dropping), after a predetermined water level is detected by the sensor 120 (after switching from the ON state to the OFF state) and after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 60 seconds).

[0039] [Next driving start mode] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the next mode determination means 133 determines whether to set the first mode or the second mode as the next operation start mode. The specific determination process will be explained below.

[0040] (1) The next mode determination means 133 determines that if the operation of the submersible pump body 110 is started based on the first mode, the second mode will be set as the next operation start mode.

[0041] (2) The next mode determination means 133 determines that if the operation of the submersible pump body 110 is started based on the second mode, it will set either the first mode or the second mode as the next operation start mode.

[0042] Specifically, the next mode determination means 133 determines whether it is the first mode or the second mode based on time information held by the submersible pump 10. Here, the submersible pump 10 has a timing function, and the time information held by the submersible pump 10 may include, for example, the time when the operation of the submersible pump body 110 was started, the time when it was stopped, and the operating time from start to stop.

[0043] The next mode determination means 133 may then use this time information to determine the next operating start mode based on a distribution criterion that results in a 1:1 probability between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the first and second modes may be determined based on whether the smallest digit (e.g., the seconds digit), or, if there are decimal places, the tenths digit or the hundredths digit, is even or odd among the digits included in the operating time. Note that the distribution criterion that results in a 1:1 probability is not limited to even or odd numbers, but could also be, for example, "0-4" or "5-9".

[0044] Alternatively, the first or second mode may be determined by performing arithmetic operations on each digit of the operating time, or by including a constant (for example, the serial number of the submersible pump 10) in the calculation, and then determining the distribution criteria based on the calculation result.

[0045] (3) The next mode determination means 133 determines that if the second mode is set as the operation start mode by the mode setting means 131, and after the sensor 120 detects a water level above a predetermined level, the submersible pump body 110 does not start operating and drainage is performed, then the first mode will be set as the next operation start mode.

[0046] Specifically, as will be described later, if two submersible pumps 10 are installed in one septic tank, each of the two submersible pumps 10 detects a predetermined water level using a sensor 120. Then, in some cases, the operation of the submersible pump body 110 of one of the two submersible pumps 10 starts, but the operation of the submersible pump body 110 of the other submersible pump 10 does not start, and wastewater treatment is performed. In the case of the other submersible pump 10, the next mode determination means 133 determines that the second mode is set as the operation start mode by the mode setting means 131, and that wastewater treatment was performed without the operation of the submersible pump body 110 starting, and therefore determines that the first mode should be set as the next operation start mode.

[0047] Furthermore, while the detection of water levels by the sensor 120 is determined by the contact and separation of water at the electrodes, the determination of contact and separation may also be made by, for example, determining whether the contact and separation states at the electrodes continue for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second). This can reduce false detections.

[0048] [Examples] The following describes an example in which two submersible pumps 10A and 10B, each with the same configuration, are installed in the septic tank ST and operated in an automatic alternating manner.

[0049] (Initial setting: Mode 2 / Mode 2) Figure 4 illustrates the operation of two submersible pump units 110A and 110B installed in the septic tank ST in their initial settings. As shown in Figure 4, two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are installed in the septic tank ST, and the submersible pump units 110A and 110B operate according to the water volume (water level) of the septic tank ST, draining the water from the septic tank ST through the discharge pipe DP.

[0050] In Figure 4(A), two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are installed in the septic tank ST in their initial settings. The water volume in the septic tank ST is low, and the water level has not reached the respective sensors 120A and 120B (predetermined water level), so sensors 120A and 120B are in the off state. Here, the operating start mode of the submersible pump bodies 110A and 110B of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B is set to the second mode as the initial setting.

[0051] In Figure 4(B), the water volume in the septic tank ST increases, causing the water level to rise. As a result, sensors 120A and 120B on the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B switch from the off state to the on state, causing sensors 120A and 120B to detect a predetermined water level.

[0052] As a result, the submersible pump units 110A and 110B start operating based on the second mode. Specifically, for example, the operation of the submersible pump units 110A and 110B starts at the second timing, which occurs when sensors 120A and 120B switch from the off state to the on state and remain on for 10 seconds.

[0053] In Figure 4(C), at the second timing, the submersible pumps 110A and 110B actually begin operating, causing the water from the septic tank ST to start being discharged through the discharge pipes DPA and DPB.

[0054] In Figure 4(D), the water in the septic tank ST is drained through the discharge pipes DPA and DPB, reducing the amount of water in the septic tank ST and causing the water level to drop. The submersible pump units 110A and 110B stop after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 60 seconds) after a predetermined water level is detected by sensors 120A and 120B (after switching from the ON state to the OFF state) during the process of the water volume (water level) in the septic tank ST decreasing (dropping).

[0055] Here, since the two submersible pump units 110A and 110B started operation based on the second mode, either the first or second mode will be set as the next operation start mode for each. The first or second mode is determined based on the time information held by each submersible pump 10A and 10B. However, the start time, stop time, and operating time from start to stop for submersible pumps 10A and 10B do not necessarily match perfectly due to individual variations in the submersible pump units and sensors, as well as fluctuations in the water surface. For example, the smallest digit and decimal places of the numerical values ​​included in the operating time may differ. In other words, there is a high possibility that a different mode will be set as the next operation start mode for submersible pumps 10A and 10B.

[0056] Furthermore, in the submersible pumps 10A and 10B, the setting of the judgment criteria based on time information may be adjusted so that there is a higher probability that a different mode will be set as the next operation start mode. For example, instead of assigning the first and second modes based on whether the decimal part of the operating time is even or odd, assigning the first and second modes based on whether the decimal part of the operating time is "0-4" or "5-9", or assigning the first and second modes based on whether the decimal part of the operating time is "0,1,5,7,8" or "2,3,4,6,9", may be done if it is more likely that a different mode will be set as the next operation start mode. These judgment criteria may be changed based on actual results, or they may be changed using AI or the like.

[0057] Since each unit has a 1:1 probability of being set to either Mode 1 or Mode 2 for the next operation start, the possible combinations of the next operation start modes for the two submersible pump units 110A and 110B are: both in "Mode 1", both in "Mode 2", and one in "Mode 1" and the other in "Mode 2".

[0058] (Second attempt: Mode 1 / Mode 2) Figure 5 illustrates the operation of two submersible pump units 110A and 110B installed in the septic tank ST, with the first mode set for submersible pump 10A and the second mode set for submersible pump 10B as the operating start mode.

[0059] In Figure 5(A), a submersible pump 10A set to mode 1 and a submersible pump 10B set to mode 2 are installed in the septic tank ST. The water volume in the septic tank ST is low, and the water level has not reached the respective sensors 120A and 120B (predetermined water level), so sensors 120A and 120B are in the OFF state.

[0060] In Figure 5(B), as the water volume in the septic tank ST increases and the water level rises, sensors 120A and 120B on the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B switch from the off state to the on state, causing sensors 120A and 120B to detect a predetermined water level.

[0061] As a result, the submersible pump body 110A starts operating based on the first mode. Specifically, for example, the submersible pump body 110A starts operating at the first timing when the sensor 120A changes from the off state to the on state and remains on for 5 seconds.

[0062] In Figure 5(C), at the first timing, the submersible pump body 110A actually starts operating, causing the water from the septic tank ST to be drained through the discharge pipe DPA. As a result, the sensor 120B on the submersible pump 10B does not remain in the ON state for 10 seconds after it switches from the OFF state to the ON state, and the submersible pump body 110B does not start operating, while the wastewater treatment is performed.

[0063] In Figure 5(D), the water in the septic tank ST is drained through the discharge pipe DPA, reducing the amount of water in the septic tank ST and causing the water level to drop. The submersible pump body 110A stops, for example, during the process of the water volume (water level) in the septic tank ST decreasing (dropping), after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 60 seconds) after the sensor 120A detects a predetermined water level (after switching from the ON state to the OFF state).

[0064] In this case, since the submersible pump unit 110A started operation based on the first mode, the second mode will be set as the next operation start mode. On the other hand, since the submersible pump unit 110B was drained without starting operation while the second mode was set, the first mode will be set as the next operation start mode.

[0065] In this explanation, we use the example of a case where submersible pump 10A is set to mode 1 and submersible pump 10B is set to mode 2. However, it goes without saying that if submersible pump 10A is set to mode 2 and submersible pump 10B is set to mode 1, the operation of submersible pump bodies 110A and 110B will be reversed.

[0066] (Second attempt: Mode 1 / Mode 1) Figure 6 illustrates the operation of the two submersible pump units 110A and 110B installed in the septic tank ST, with the first mode set as the starting mode for submersible pumps 10A and 10B.

[0067] In Figure 6(A), two submersible pumps 10A and 10B, both set to Mode 1, are installed in the septic tank ST. However, the water volume in the septic tank ST is low, and the water level has not reached the respective sensors 120A and 120B (predetermined water level). Therefore, sensors 120A and 120B are in the OFF state.

[0068] In Figure 6(B), the water volume in the septic tank ST increases, causing the water level to rise. As a result, sensors 120A and 120B on the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B switch from the off state to the on state, causing sensors 120A and 120B to detect a predetermined water level.

[0069] As a result, the submersible pump units 110A and 110B each start operating based on the first mode. Specifically, for example, the operation of the submersible pump units 110A and 110B starts at the first timing, which occurs when sensors 120A and 120B switch from the off state to the on state and remain on for 5 seconds.

[0070] In Figure 6(C), at the first timing, the submersible pumps 110A and 110B actually start operating, causing the water from the septic tank ST to begin being discharged through the discharge pipes DPA and DPB.

[0071] In Figure 6(D), the water in the septic tank ST is drained through the discharge pipes DPA and DPB, causing the water volume in the septic tank ST to decrease and the water level to drop. The submersible pump units 110A and 110B stop after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 60 seconds) after a predetermined water level is detected by sensors 120A and 120B (after switching from the ON state to the OFF state) during the process of the water volume (water level) in the septic tank ST decreasing (dropping).

[0072] In this case, since the two submersible pump units 110A and 110B started operation based on the first mode, the second mode will be set as the next operation start mode for each of them. In other words, it will be the same as the initial state of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B, which were set to the second mode as the operation start mode, as explained using Figure 4.

[0073] [summary] Figure 7A shows the transitions between subsequent operating modes when the operating modes of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are set to the first mode and the second mode, respectively, after the first operation as explained using Figure 4.

[0074] The two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are initially set to the second mode when starting operation. The submersible pumps 110A and 110B start operating in this second mode, and then one (submersible pump 10A) is set to the first mode, while the other (submersible pump 10B) is set to the second mode.

[0075] Then, in the second test, submersible pump 10A starts operating based on the first mode, while submersible pump 10B, which is set to the second mode, is not operating. Subsequently, one (submersible pump 10A) is set to the second mode, and the other (submersible pump 10B) is set to the first mode.

[0076] Similarly, by setting one pump to mode 1 and the other to mode 2, automatic alternating operation of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B is achieved.

[0077] Figure 7B shows the transitions in subsequent operating modes when the operating modes of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are set to the first mode after the first operation as explained using Figure 4.

[0078] The two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are initially set to Mode 2, and the submersible pump units 110A and 110B start operating in Mode 2. After that, both (submersible pumps 10A and 10B) are set to Mode 1.

[0079] Then, for the second time, both (submersible pumps 10A and 10B) start operating based on the first mode. After that, both (submersible pumps 10A and 10B) are set to the second mode, returning to the initial setting state.

[0080] Figure 7C shows the transition of subsequent operating modes when the operating modes of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are set to the second mode after the first operation as explained using Figure 4.

[0081] The two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are initially set to the second mode when starting operation. The submersible pump units 110A and 110B start operating in this second mode, and then both (submersible pumps 10A and 10B) are set to the second mode again, returning to the initial setting.

[0082] Thus, in the transition of the operation start mode described in Figures 7B and 7C, even if the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B return to their initial settings, as explained in Figure 7A, if one is set to the first mode and the other to the second mode, then automatic alternating operation can be achieved with the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B thereafter.

[0083] As described above, according to the submersible pump 10 (submersible pumps 10A, 10B) of one embodiment of the present invention, the next mode determination means 133 appropriately sets the first mode or the second mode as the next operation start mode based on various conditions. As a result, when two submersible pumps 10A and 10B with the same configuration are installed in the septic tank ST, automatic alternating operation of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B can be appropriately realized.

[0084] In this embodiment, the initial setting for the operation start mode of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B was the second mode, but this is not limited to this. Both may be set to the first mode, or it may be unclear which mode is set. As explained using Figures 7A to 7C, regardless of the combination of operation start modes of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B, automatic alternating operation of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B can be appropriately achieved.

[0085] [Differentiation] In this embodiment, when the submersible pump body 110 is started based on the second mode, it is determined that either the first mode or the second mode will be set as the next operation start mode based on the time information held by the submersible pump 10, but it is not limited to this. For example, in addition to or instead of the said time information, it may be determined that either the first mode or the second mode will be set based on the operation history of the submersible pump 10.

[0086] Specifically, the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B can each store the number of times the submersible pump bodies 110A and 110B have been operated in memory, and the one with the fewer operating times (operating frequency) may be set as the first mode for the next operation start. As a result, the submersible pump 10A (10B) set as the first mode for the next operation start will be operated with priority.

[0087] Furthermore, the operation history may include the frequency (number of times) in which drainage treatment was performed without the submersible pump units 110A and 110B starting operation after the sensors 120A and 120B detected a water level above a predetermined level, and this may be stored in memory.

[0088] Thus, when the submersible pump body 110 is started based on the second mode, the system determines whether to set either the first mode or the second mode as the next start-up mode based on the operating history (operating frequency (number of times), non-operating frequency (number of times)), thereby prioritizing the mode with the lower operating frequency (number of times). As a result, the operation of the two submersible pumps 10A and 10B can be balanced, and the failure and deterioration rate of the submersible pumps 10A and 10B can be reduced.

[0089] In this embodiment, the example of installing two submersible pumps 10A and 10B in the septic tank ST was used for explanation, but the submersible pump 10 according to the present invention can also be used as a single unit.

[0090] For example, after power is supplied to the submersible pump 10, the initial setting is the second mode as the start-up mode. Subsequently, based on the detection of a predetermined water level or higher by the sensor 120, the submersible pump body 110 starts operating, and the second mode is set as the start-up mode again. If two submersible pumps 10A and 10B are installed in two septic tanks ST, the submersible pump 10A (10B) that is set to the second mode as the start-up mode will experience periods of inactivity due to the operation of the other submersible pump 10B (10A).

[0091] However, if the submersible pump 10, which is set to the second mode as the operation start mode, does not experience any periods of non-operation and operates continuously, it may be determined that only one submersible pump 10 is installed in the septic tank ST. In this case, the mode setting means 131 may set the first mode as the operation start mode for starting the submersible pump body 110.

[0092] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements, arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10, 10A, 10B... Submersible pump, 110, 110A, 110B... Submersible pump body, 120, 120A, 120B... Sensor, 130... Submersible pump control unit, 131... Mode setting means, 132... Operation control means, 133... Next mode determination means, DP, DPA, DPB... Discharge pipe, ST... Septic tank

Claims

1. Submersible pump body and A sensor that detects a water level above a predetermined level, The system includes a submersible pump control unit that controls the operation of the submersible pump body, The aforementioned submersible pump control unit is Mode setting means for setting either a first mode in which the operation of the submersible pump body is started at a first timing based on the detection of a predetermined water level or higher by the sensor, or a second mode in which the operation of the submersible pump body is started at a second timing later than the first timing, An operation control means that starts the operation of the submersible pump body based on the operation start mode set by the mode setting means, and controls the submersible pump body to stop after operating for a predetermined period of time, The next mode determination means includes: if the operation of the submersible pump body is started based on the first mode, it is determined that the second mode will be set as the next operation start mode; if the operation of the submersible pump body is started based on the second mode, it is determined that the next operation start mode will be set to either the first mode or the second mode, based at least on time information relating to the time held by the submersible pump; and if, while the second mode is set as the operation start mode by the mode setting means, drainage is performed without the operation of the submersible pump body being started after the sensor detects a predetermined water level or higher, it is determined that the first mode will be set as the next operation start mode. Submersible pump.

2. The next mode determination means determines the first mode and the second mode based on a distribution criterion that has a 1:1 probability using at least the time information. The submersible pump according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned time information includes the operating time from when the submersible pump body is started until it is stopped. The submersible pump according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned time information includes numerical information relating to the numerical values ​​of each digit included in the operating time, and / or numerical values ​​calculated from those numerical values. The submersible pump according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned numerical information includes even and odd numbers. The submersible pump according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned next mode determination means is: If the operation of the submersible pump body is started based on the second mode, it is determined that the next operation start mode will be either the first mode or the second mode, based on at least the operation history of the submersible pump. The submersible pump according to claim 1.

7. The operation history includes the frequency at which the operation of the submersible pump body was started based on the detection of a predetermined water level or higher by the sensor, based on the first mode or the second mode. The submersible pump according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned operating history includes the frequency of non-operational periods in which drainage was performed without the submersible pump itself starting operation after the sensor detected a water level above the predetermined level. The submersible pump according to claim 6 or 7.

9. In a state where the second mode has been set as the operation start mode by the mode setting means multiple times after power is turned on to the submersible pump, If, after the sensor detects a water level above the predetermined level, the situation does not occur in which drainage is performed without the submersible pump body starting operation, the mode setting means sets the first mode by fixing it as the operation start mode for starting the submersible pump body. The submersible pump according to claim 1.

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