Reporting device

Abstract

To provide a notification device that can suppress confusion in notifications. [Solution] The notification device 20 for the manhole pump equipment 10 comprises a power outage switch 22 that closes its contacts when a power outage occurs in the manhole pump equipment 10, a first water level switch 23 connected in series with the power outage switch 22 that closes its contacts when the water level in the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches or exceeds the operating water level L2, and a notification unit 21 that can transmit notification information when both the contacts of the power outage switch 22 and the contacts of the first water level switch 23 are closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a reporting device for manhole pump facilities.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for managing manhole pump facilities are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication system in which each of a plurality of manhole pump facilities scattered within a predetermined area is provided with a wireless device capable of reporting information such as a failure of each facility. In the above wireless communication system, when an abnormality such as a power outage is detected by the control panel of a manhole pump facility, event occurrence information indicating the occurrence of the above abnormality is automatically reported to the administrator.

[0003] When the system described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is assumed that when a power outage occurs within a predetermined area, individual reports for each manhole pump facility within the predetermined area are made simultaneously. Therefore, the reports are complicated, and the burden on administrators and the like who receive the reports may increase.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide a reporting device capable of suppressing complication of reports. Furthermore, it is to provide a mechanism that can sequentially report from manhole pump facilities with higher priority.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0007] An alerting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an alerting device for a manhole pump facility, comprising: a power outage switch that closes its contacts when a power outage occurs in the manhole pump facility; a first water level switch connected in series with the power outage switch and closing its contacts when the water level in the manhole pump facility reaches or exceeds a first water level; and an alerting unit capable of transmitting alerting information when both the contacts of the power outage switch and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to sequentially report manhole pump facilities that require the highest priority for response while suppressing the confusion of reports. Furthermore, since the response to manhole pump facilities experiencing power outages is carried out and the water level drops, thereby restoring the report, it is possible to know whether or not a manhole pump facility has been addressed even without being on-site.

[0008] An alerting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a second water level switch that closes its contacts when the water level of the manhole pump equipment rises to a second water level or higher than the first water level, and the alerting unit is capable of transmitting the alerting information even when the contacts of the second water level switch are closed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to report that the water level of the manhole pump equipment has reached the second water level while suppressing confusion in reports during power outages.

[0009] An alerting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a manhole pump system comprising a first manhole pump and a second manhole pump, a first stop switch that closes its contacts when the operation of the first manhole pump stops, and a second stop switch connected in series with the first stop switch and closing its contacts when the operation of the second manhole pump stops, wherein the alerting unit is capable of transmitting the alerting information even when both the contacts of the first stop switch and the contacts of the second stop switch are closed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to report that both the first manhole pump and the second manhole pump have stopped operating while suppressing confusion in reports during a power outage.

[0010] An alerting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an alerting device for a manhole pump facility comprising a first manhole pump and a second manhole pump, comprising: a first stop switch that closes its contacts when the operation of the first manhole pump stops; a second stop switch connected in series with the first stop switch and that closes its contacts when the operation of the second manhole pump stops; and a first water level switch connected in series with the first stop switch and the second stop switch and having contacts that close when the water level of the manhole pump facility becomes equal to or greater than a first water level, and comprising an alerting unit capable of transmitting alerting information when the contacts of the first stop switch, the contacts of the second stop switch, and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to sequentially report manhole pump facilities, starting with those requiring the highest priority, while suppressing the confusion of reports.

[0011] An alerting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an alerting device for a manhole pump facility equipped with at least one manhole pump, comprising: a third stop switch that closes its contacts when the operation of all the manhole pumps in the manhole pump facility stops; a first water level switch connected in series with the third stop switch and having contacts that close when the water level in the manhole pump facility rises to or exceeds a first water level; and an alerting unit that can transmit alerting information when the contacts of the third stop switch and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to sequentially report manhole pump facilities, starting with those requiring the highest priority, while suppressing the confusion of reports.

[0012] The manhole pump equipment according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a float-type water level gauge that detects when the water level of the manhole pump equipment becomes equal to or greater than the first water level, and the first water level switch closes its contacts when the water level gauge detects the first water level. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it becomes possible to provide notifications based on the first water level without using external power. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the confusion of reports. Furthermore, reports from manhole facilities with higher priority can be reported sequentially. In addition, since it is possible to take action on the manhole pump facility that has received a report and report that the water level has dropped, it is possible to inform others whether or not action has been taken on the manhole pump facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A schematic block diagram showing a notification system equipped with a notification device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing how to make a notification using a notification device. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing the circuit of the notification device. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing the circuit of a notification device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the circuit of a notification device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 1, the manhole pump facility 10 provided with the notification device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The manhole pump facility 10 is a facility for sending the sewage in the manhole 11 to the sewage treatment plant. A plurality of manhole pump facilities 10 are installed within a predetermined area (for example, a municipality, etc.). The manhole pump facility 10 includes a manhole 11, a lid 12, an inflow pipe 13, an outflow pipe 14, a manhole pump 15, a water level gauge 16, and a control panel 17.

[0016] The manhole 11 is for managing the sewer buried underground. The manhole 11 is installed at a plurality of locations in the sewer. An opening through which workers can enter and exit from the ground is formed at the upper part of the manhole 11. A lid 12 that can be opened and closed is provided on the opening.

[0017] An inflow pipe 13 through which the sewage flowing into the manhole 11 circulates is connected to the manhole 11. The sewage from the inflow pipe 13 is temporarily stored in the manhole 11. The sewage in the manhole 11 is discharged by the manhole pump 15 described later. An outflow pipe 14 through which the sewage discharged (flowing out) from the manhole 11 circulates is connected to the manhole 11. The sewage flowing through the sewer sequentially circulates through a plurality of manholes 11, inflow pipes 13, and outflow pipes 14 and is guided to the sewage treatment plant.

[0018] The manhole pump 15 discharges the sewage in the manhole 11. The manhole pump 15 is connected to the outflow pipe 14. By operating the manhole pump 15 to discharge the sewage, the water level in the manhole 11 can be lowered. In this embodiment, two manhole pumps 15 are installed in one manhole 11. Hereinafter, the two manhole pumps 15 will be described as the "first pump 15A" and the "second pump 15B" as necessary. The manhole pump 15 operates by the power supplied from the outside via the power distribution line.

[0019] The water level gauge 16 detects the water level in the manhole 11. The water level gauge 16 is disposed within the manhole 11. The water level gauge 16 includes a first water level gauge 16a, a second water level gauge 16b, and a third water level gauge 16c.

[0020] The first water level gauge 16a detects the water level in the manhole 11 based on the pressure within the manhole 11. The first water level gauge 16a is disposed at the bottom of the manhole 11. As the first water level gauge 16a, for example, an immersion pressure type or a bubble type can be adopted. The first water level gauge 16a operates by electric power supplied from the outside.

[0021] The second water level gauge 16b detects that the water level in the manhole 11 has reached a predetermined water level (operation water level L2 described later). The second water level gauge 16b is a float type water level gauge that detects that the water level in the manhole 11 has reached the operation water level L2 based on the posture of a float floating on the water surface. The second water level gauge 16b is formed to enable detection of the operation water level L2 without using electric power supplied from the outside. The second water level gauge 16b according to the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a float type level switch that switches on and off of a switch according to the height of the water surface, or a level switch using a Hall sensor. More specifically, when the water level in the manhole 11 has not reached the operation water level L2, the internal switch of the second water level gauge 16b is in an off state, and when the water level in the manhole 11 has reached the operation water level L2, the posture is inverted up and down and the internal switch is in an on state. According to the second water level gauge 16b, for example, even when the supply of electric power from the outside stops due to a power failure, the water level can be detected.

[0022] The third water level gauge 16c detects when the water level in the manhole 11 reaches a predetermined water level (the abnormally high water level L3, described later) that is higher than the operating water level L2. The third water level gauge 16c is configured as a float-type level switch, similar to that of the second water level gauge 16b. When the water level in the manhole 11 has not reached the abnormally high water level L3, the internal switch is in the off state. When the water level in the manhole 11 reaches the abnormally high water level L3, its orientation is inverted and the internal switch is turned on.

[0023] The control panel 17 controls the operation of the manhole pump 15 and sets its operation. The control panel 17 is installed on the ground near the manhole 11. The control panel 17 is equipped with a control unit 18 and a notification device 20. In addition to the control unit 18 and notification device 20, the control panel 17 can be appropriately equipped with other devices such as an operation panel that allows setting the operation of the manhole pump 15.

[0024] The control unit 18 controls the operation of the manhole pump 15. The control unit 18 has a computing device (e.g., relay circuit, PLC, CPU, etc.) and a storage device (e.g., memory card, HDD, SSD, etc.). The control unit 18 operates using power supplied from an external source, such as a commercial power supply, or from an internal power supply installed inside the control panel 17. The control unit 18 is connected to the manhole pump 15 and the water level gauge 16 via appropriate communication lines. The control unit 18 can acquire water level information detected by the water level gauge 16 (hereinafter referred to as "water level information"). The control unit 18 can also acquire information indicating that the operation of the manhole pump 15 (first pump 15A and second pump 15B) has stopped (hereinafter referred to as "pump failure information") and information indicating that the supply of external power has stopped due to a power outage (hereinafter referred to as "power outage information").

[0025] The control unit 18 can control the operation of the manhole pump 15 based on water level information. The operation of the manhole pump 15 will be described below with reference to Figure 1. The control unit 18 is set to stop water level L1, operating water level L2, and abnormally high water level L3, which are the water levels that serve as the reference for the operation of the manhole pump 15.

[0026] The stop water level L1 is the water level at which the operation of the manhole pump 15 is stopped. The operating water level L2 is a water level higher than the stop water level L1 and is the water level at which the operation of the manhole pump 15 is started. Here, the manhole pump equipment 10 is equipped with two manhole pumps 15 (first pump 15A and second pump 15B). For this reason, the control unit 18 is set to a water level at which the operation of one manhole pump 15 is started (single-pump operating water level) and a water level higher than the single-pump operating water level at which the operation of both manhole pumps 15 is started (double-pump operating water level). In the following explanation, the operating water level L2 will be referred to as the single-pump operating water level. The abnormally high water level L3 is a water level higher than the operating water level L2 and is the water level at which it is determined that the water level in the manhole 11 has become abnormally high. In the following explanation, the abnormally high water level L3 will be referred to as the double-pump operating water level.

[0027] The following describes an example of the operation of the manhole pump 15. This operating method is generally called the single-unit alternating emergency parallel operation method. When the control unit 18 acquires water level information for the operating water level L2 (water level information indicating that the water level in the manhole 11 has reached the operating water level L2), it starts operating one of the manhole pumps 15 (one of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B). Subsequently, when the control unit 18 acquires water level information for the stop water level L1 (water level information indicating that the water level in the manhole 11 has reached the stop water level L1), it stops operating the manhole pump 15.

[0028] Furthermore, when the control unit 18 next acquires information on the abnormally high water level L3, it starts operating the other manhole pump 15 (the other of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B), and then when it acquires information on the stop water level L1, it stops operating the manhole pump 15. The control unit 18 can repeatedly execute the above control to operate the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B alternately.

[0029] Furthermore, when the control unit 18 acquires water level information indicating that the water level in the manhole 11 has reached the two-unit operating level, it can control the operation of both the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B simultaneously. Also, when the control unit 18 acquires pump failure information for one of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B, it can control the operation of only the other manhole pump 15.

[0030] The notification device 20 is capable of transmitting information (notification information) indicating an abnormality in the manhole pump equipment 10 to an external device (the central monitoring device 30, described later) in response to information (such as power outage information) acquired by the control unit 18. The notification device 20 includes a circuit (see Figure 3) for transmitting notification information in response to information acquired by the control unit 18. Details of the circuit of the notification device 20 will be described later.

[0031] An example of notification using the notification device 20 will be described below with reference to Figure 2. In this embodiment, the notification device 20 transmits notification information to the central monitoring device 30 when the control unit 18 acquires any of the information indicating an abnormality in the manhole pump equipment 10 (power outage information, abnormal high water level L3 information, pump failure information (pump failure information for the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B)). The notification information includes the information indicating an abnormality acquired by the control unit 18 (power outage information, abnormal high water level L3 information, pump failure information).

[0032] The central monitoring device 30 monitors the operating status of multiple manhole pump facilities 10. For example, a cloud server can be used as the central monitoring device 30. The central monitoring device 30 can send emails created based on notification information from the notification device 20 to the voice notification device 40 and the terminal 50 (described later). The emails contain the content of the notification information from the notification device 20.

[0033] The voice notification device 40 converts the contents of the above-mentioned email into voice information. For example, a cloud server can be used as the voice notification device 40. The voice notification device 40 can transmit voice information notifications (voice notifications) to the terminal 50. In this embodiment, for example, the manager of the manhole pump equipment 10 in a predetermined area, or the worker who responds to an abnormality that occurs in the manhole pump equipment 10, etc., will have the terminal 50.

[0034] The voice notification device 40 according to this embodiment can make notifications by telephone (telephone notification) by making voice notifications using a telephone line. When a telephone notification is made by the voice notification device 40, the terminal 50 notifies the administrator, etc. by emitting a ringtone. The administrator, etc. can listen to the voice information by making a call to the terminal 50. By listening to the voice information, the administrator, etc. can learn the content of the notification information (an abnormality that occurred in the manhole pump equipment 10). The administrator, etc. can also check the content of the notification information by looking at the email received by the terminal 50.

[0035] The above describes an example of notification using the notification device 20. However, the notification using the notification device 20 is not limited to the example described above. For example, it is possible to not use the voice notification device 40 for voice notifications, and instead only send email notifications via the central monitoring device 30. It is also possible to send notifications directly from the notification device 20 to the terminal 50.

[0036] Here, it is assumed that the power outage will occur over a certain area. For example, if a power outage occurs throughout an entire area, a power outage notification will be sent to all manhole pump equipment 10 located in that area. In this case, it is assumed that many notifications will be sent to the terminal 50 simultaneously. In this case, the notifications may become confused, potentially placing a heavy burden on the administrators who manage the terminal 50. Also, because notifications are sent simultaneously, notifications for manhole pump equipment 10 that require priority response due to the power outage, such as manhole pump equipment 10 with a relatively high water level in the manhole 11, may be buried, potentially delaying the response to those manhole pump equipment 10. Furthermore, if power outage notifications for manhole pump equipment 10 are sent simultaneously, the communication lines used for the notification system may become congested.

[0037] Therefore, in the manhole pump equipment 10 according to this embodiment, a notification device 20 is provided to avoid simultaneous notification of power outages.

[0038] The details of the notification device 20 will be described below using Figures 2 and 3. The notification device 20 includes a notification unit 21, which is the part that transmits notification information. The notification unit 21 is powered by the power of the notification device 20's internal power supply (not shown). As shown in Figure 3, the notification device 20 includes a circuit formed by various switches (a power outage switch 22 and a first water level switch 23, which will be described later) that open and close based on information acquired by the control unit 18, and the notification unit 21.

[0039] Figure 3 shows the circuit for notifying of a power outage. Although not shown in Figure 3, the notification device 20 also has circuits for notifying of other abnormalities (such as abnormally high water levels or pump failures) in addition to power outages. The switches in the circuit shown in Figure 3 include a power outage switch 22 and a first water level switch 23. Each of these switches constitutes a circuit in which the contacts open and close depending on the current flowing through the coil, or an internal switch is turned on or off by inverting the orientation.

[0040] The power outage switch 22 is a switch that closes when a power outage occurs in the manhole pump equipment 10. The power outage switch 22 has a break contact that closes when no current is flowing through the coil. When no power outage occurs, current flows through the coil of the power outage switch 22, and the power outage switch 22 is in an open state (off state). On the other hand, when a power outage occurs, no current flows through the coil of the power outage switch 22, and the power outage switch 22 is in a closed state (on state). In the notification device 20 according to this embodiment, the power outage switch 22 is configured to turn on when the control unit 18 acquires power outage information.

[0041] The first water level switch 23 is a switch that closes when the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches the operating water level L2. The first water level switch 23 has a make contact that closes when an internal switch is activated and the contact closes as the water level rises and the float's position inverts. The first water level switch 23 is connected in series with the power outage switch 22 in the power outage notification circuit. If the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 has not reached the operating water level L2, the internal switch of the first water level switch 23 does not activate, and the first water level switch 23 remains in the open state (off state). On the other hand, when the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches the operating water level L2, the internal switch of the first water level switch 23 activates, and the first water level switch 23 remains in the closed state (on state). In the notification device 20 according to this embodiment, the first water level switch 23 is configured to turn ON when the second water level gauge 16b detects the operating water level L2 and the control unit 18 acquires the water level information of the operating water level L2.

[0042] In the notification device 20, the circuit shown in Figure 3 closes when the power outage switch 22 is ON and the first water level switch 23 is ON. In this case, the notification unit 21 is activated by the power of the internal power supply and notification information is transmitted. As a result, notification is sent to the terminal 50 via the central monitoring device 30 and the voice notification device 40. On the other hand, if at least one of the power outage switch 22 and the first water level switch 23 is OFF, the circuit shown in Figure 3 is not closed, and therefore the notification unit 21 does not operate.

[0043] The notification device 20 described above can suppress the confusion of notifications during power outages. Specifically, the notification device 20 does not immediately notify all manhole pump equipment 10 when a power outage occurs, but only notifies manhole pump equipment 10 whose water level has reached the operating water level L2 at the time of the power outage. With this configuration, notifications originating from manhole pump equipment 10 with relatively low water levels can be omitted, reducing the number of notifications. This suppresses the confusion of notifications during power outages and prevents delays in responding to manhole pump equipment 10 with relatively high water levels where it is desirable to prioritize responding to power outages.

[0044] In the notification device 20 according to this embodiment, if the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches the operating water level L2 during a power outage, a notification is issued at the time the operating water level L2 is detected. However, if the power is restored after the power outage occurs but before the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches the operating water level L2, the notification device 20 will not issue a notification. In this way, the notification device 20 can reduce unnecessary notifications and alleviate the burden on administrators and others who receive notifications.

[0045] Furthermore, the notification device 20 according to this embodiment enables the suppression of notification confusion with a simple configuration. That is, from the viewpoint of suppressing notification confusion, it is conceivable to provide a timer or the like in the circuit of the notification device 20 in order to create a time difference in notifications. In the notification device 20 according to this embodiment, a notification device 20 that suppresses notification confusion during a power outage can be realized without providing any new components such as the above-mentioned timer.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first water level switch 23 is set to the ON state when the second water level gauge 16b, which constitutes a float-type level switch, detects the operating water level L2. This makes it possible to detect the operating water level L2 without using power supplied from an external source. With the above configuration, unlike when using a water level gauge that operates using electricity (for example, the first water level gauge 16a), there is no need to provide a backup power supply in the control panel 17 to operate the water level gauge in the event of a power outage.

[0047] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0048] The following describes alternative embodiments (second and third embodiments) of the present invention. In the following descriptions of the alternative embodiments, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and common components will be omitted from the explanation as appropriate.

[0049] First, the notification device 20A according to the second embodiment will be described using Figure 4. The notification device 20A differs from the notification device 20 shown in the first embodiment in that it is equipped with circuits for notifying not only of power outages, but also of abnormally high water levels L3 and malfunctions of the manhole pumps 15 (first pump 15A and second pump 15B). Figure 4 shows the circuits provided by the notification device 20A.

[0050] The circuit of the notification device 20A includes a section in which the power outage switch 22 and the first water level switch 23 are connected in series. The section in which the power outage switch 22 and the first water level switch 23 are connected is the same as the circuit shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The notification device 20A circuit is also equipped with an abnormal high water level switch 24 for notifying of an abnormally high water level L3. The abnormal high water level switch 24 is a switch that closes when the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches an abnormally high water level L3. The abnormal high water level switch 24 has a make contact that closes when the float is upside down and the internal switch is activated. In the notification device 20A circuit, the part equipped with the abnormal high water level switch 24 is provided in parallel with the part equipped with the power outage switch 22 and the first water level switch 23.

[0052] If the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 has not reached the abnormally high water level L3, the internal switch of the abnormally high water level switch 24 does not activate, and the abnormally high water level switch 24 remains in the open state (off state). On the other hand, if the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches the abnormally high water level L3, the internal switch of the abnormally high water level switch 24 activates, and the abnormally high water level switch 24 remains in the closed state (on state). In the notification device 20 according to this embodiment, the abnormally high water level switch 24 turns ON when the third water level gauge 16c detects the abnormally high water level L3 and the control unit 18 acquires the water level information of the abnormally high water level L3.

[0053] The notification device 20A's circuit also includes a first pump failure switch 25 and a second pump failure switch 26, which are switches for notifying of failures in the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B. The first pump failure switch 25 and the second pump failure switch 26 are connected in series with each other.

[0054] The first pump failure switch 25 is a switch that closes when the first pump 15A fails. The first pump failure switch 25 has a make contact. When the first pump 15A is not faulty, no current flows through the coil of the first pump failure switch 25, and the first pump failure switch 25 is in an open state (off state). On the other hand, when the first pump 15A fails, current flows through the coil of the first pump failure switch 25, and the first pump failure switch 25 is in a closed state (on state). In this embodiment, the notification device 20 is configured such that the first pump failure switch 25 is turned ON when the control unit 18 acquires pump failure information for the first pump 15A.

[0055] The second pump failure switch 26 is a switch that closes when the second pump 15B fails. The second pump failure switch 26 has a make contact similar to the first pump failure switch 25, and switches between an off state and an on state depending on whether the second pump 15B is faulty or not. In the notification device 20 according to this embodiment, the second pump failure switch 26 is configured to turn on when the control unit 18 acquires pump failure information for the second pump 15B.

[0056] The first pump fault switch 25 and the second pump fault switch 26 are connected in series with each other. In addition, in the circuit of the notification device 20A, the part that includes the first pump fault switch 25 and the second pump fault switch 26 is provided in parallel with the part that includes the power outage switch 22 and the first water level switch 23, and the part that includes the abnormal high water level switch 24.

[0057] The notification device 20A described above can send notifications in the event of a power outage, detection of an abnormally high water level L3, and a malfunction of the manhole pump 15. Specifically, the notification device 20A closes its circuit and activates the notification unit 21 when the power outage switch 22 is ON and the first water level switch 23 is ON. The notification device 20A also closes its circuit and activates the notification unit 21 when the abnormally high water level switch 24 is ON. Furthermore, the notification device 20A closes its circuit and activates the notification unit 21 when the first pump malfunction switch 25 is ON and the second pump malfunction switch 26 is ON.

[0058] As described above, the notification device 20A can suppress confusion in notifications during power outages, similar to the notification device 20 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the notification device 20A can use a single notification unit 21 to notify not only of power outages, but also of abnormally high water levels L3 and malfunctions of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B.

[0059] Next, the notification device 20B according to the third embodiment will be described using Figure 5. The notification device 20B is equipped with a circuit for notifying of a power outage using pump failure information. Here, if a power outage occurs in the manhole pump equipment 10, the supply of power from the outside is stopped, and the operation of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B stops. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 18 obtains failure information for both the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B because the operation of both pumps has stopped, it estimates that a power outage has occurred and notifies of the power outage based on the above estimation result.

[0060] Figure 5 shows the circuitry of the notification device 20A. In the circuitry of the notification device 20B, the first water level switch 23, the first pump fault switch 25, and the second pump fault switch 26 are connected in series. The configuration of the first water level switch 23 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration described in each of the embodiments above.

[0061] Furthermore, the first pump failure switch 25 and the second pump failure switch 26 in this embodiment are switches that close when each pump fails, similar to the switches in the second embodiment, but the contact configuration differs from that of the second embodiment. Specifically, the first pump failure switch 25 and the second pump failure switch 26 in this embodiment have break contacts that open (off) when the pumps are running (not malfunctioning) and current flows through the coil, while closing (on) when the pumps are not running due to a power outage.

[0062] As described above, the notification device 20B closes its circuit and activates the notification unit 21 when the first water level switch 23, the first pump failure switch 25, and the second pump failure switch 26 are all turned ON.

[0063] The notification device 20B described above can suppress confusion in notifications during power outages, similar to the notification device 20 in the first embodiment. Specifically, it can acquire fault information for the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B, and when a power outage is estimated to occur, it can send notifications only to manhole pump equipment 10 where the water level has reached the operating water level L2 at the time of the power outage. This can suppress confusion in notifications during power outages.

[0064] As described above, the notification devices 20 to 20B according to this embodiment are The notification devices 20-20B of the manhole pump equipment 10, The manhole pump equipment 10 includes a power outage switch 22 that closes its contacts in the event of a power outage, A first water level switch 23 is connected in series with the power outage switch 22 and closes its contacts when the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches or exceeds the operating water level L2 (first water level), A notification unit 21 capable of transmitting notification information when both the contacts of the power outage switch 22 and the contacts of the first water level switch 23 are closed, It is equipped with these features. This configuration helps to suppress confusion in notifications. Specifically, with the above configuration, when a power outage occurs, instead of immediately notifying all manhole pump equipment 10, notifications can be sent only to manhole pump equipment 10 whose water level has reached the operating water level L2 at the time of the power outage. This suppresses confusion in notifications during a power outage and also prevents delays in responding to manhole pump equipment 10 whose water levels are relatively high and for which it is desirable to prioritize responding to the power outage.

[0065] Furthermore, the notification device 20A is, The manhole pump equipment 10 is further equipped with an abnormal high water level switch 24 (second water level switch) that closes its contacts when the water level rises above the operating water level L2 to an abnormal high water level L3 (second water level), The aforementioned notification unit 21 is, The notification information can be transmitted even when the contacts of the abnormal high water level switch 24 are closed. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to report that the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 has reached an abnormally high water level L3 while suppressing confusion in reports during power outages.

[0066] Furthermore, the manhole pump equipment 10 is equipped with a first pump 15A (first manhole pump) and a second pump 15B (second manhole pump), A first pump fault switch 25 (first stop switch) closes its contacts when the operation of the first pump 15A stops, A second pump fault switch 26 (second stop switch) is connected in series with the first pump fault switch 25 and closes its contacts when the operation of the second pump 15B stops, Furthermore, The aforementioned notification unit 21 is, The notification information can be transmitted even when both the contacts of the first pump failure switch 25 and the contacts of the second pump failure switch 26 are closed. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to report that both the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B have stopped operating while suppressing confusion in notifications during power outages.

[0067] Furthermore, the notification device 20B is, A notification device 20B for a manhole pump system 10 equipped with a first pump 15A and a second pump 15B, A first pump fault switch 25 closes its contacts when the operation of the first pump 15A stops, A second pump fault switch 26 is connected in series with the first pump fault switch 25 and closes its contacts when the operation of the second pump 15B stops, A first water level switch 23 is connected in series with the first pump fault switch 25 and the second pump fault switch 26, and has a contact that closes when the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches or exceeds the operating water level L2, Equipped with, A notification unit 21 capable of transmitting notification information when the contacts of the first pump fault switch 25, the second pump fault switch 26, and the first water level switch 23 are closed, It is equipped with these features. This configuration helps to suppress confusion in notifications. Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is possible to estimate the occurrence of a power outage based on the cessation of operation of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B, and then send a notification of the power outage.

[0068] Furthermore, the notification device 20B is, A notification device 20B for a manhole pump facility 10 equipped with at least one manhole pump 15, A third stop switch (first pump failure switch 25, second pump failure switch 26) closes its contacts when the operation of all the manhole pumps 15 in the manhole pump equipment 10 stops, A first water level switch 23 is connected in series with the third stop switch (first pump fault switch 25, second pump fault switch 26) and has a contact that closes when the water level of the manhole pump equipment 10 reaches or exceeds the first water level, A notification unit 21 capable of transmitting notification information when the contacts of the third stop switch (first pump fault switch 25, second pump fault switch 26) and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed, It is equipped with these features. This configuration helps to suppress confusion in notifications. Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is possible to estimate the occurrence of a power outage based on the cessation of operation of all the manhole pumps 15 provided in the manhole pump equipment 10, and then send a notification of the power outage.

[0069] Furthermore, the manhole pump equipment 10 is The manhole pump equipment 10 is equipped with a float-type second water level gauge 16b (water level gauge) that detects when the water level reaches or exceeds the operating water level L2. The first water level switch 23 is, The contact closes when the second water level gauge 16b detects the operating water level L2. By configuring it in this way, it becomes possible to send notifications based on the operating water level L2 without using external power (for example, power from a commercial power source).

[0070] The operating water level L2 according to this embodiment is one form of implementing the first water level according to the present invention. Furthermore, the abnormally high water level L3 according to this embodiment is one form of implementing the second water level according to the present invention. Furthermore, the first pump 15A according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the first manhole pump according to the present invention. Furthermore, the second pump 15B according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the second manhole pump according to the present invention. Furthermore, the first pump failure switch 25 according to this embodiment is one form of the first stop switch according to the present invention. Furthermore, the second pump fault switch 26 according to this embodiment is one form of the second stop switch according to the present invention. Furthermore, the first pump fault switch 25 and the second pump fault switch 26 according to this embodiment are one form of the third stop switch according to the present invention. Furthermore, the second water level gauge 16b according to this embodiment is one form of the water level gauge according to the present invention.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0072] For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example was shown in which a float-type level switch is used as the second water level gauge 16b for detecting the operating water level L2, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, if a backup power supply is provided in case of a power outage, it is also possible to use an immersion pressure type or bubble type water level gauge (first water level gauge 16a) that operates using externally supplied power as the second water level gauge 16b.

[0073] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example was shown in which the first water level (the water level that triggers the opening and closing of the contacts of the first water level switch 23), which is an example of the water level detected by the second water level gauge 16b, was set to the operating water level L2. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to set a water level higher than the operating water level L2 and lower than the abnormally high water level L3 as the first water level. Moreover, the first water level is not limited to the examples described above, and any value can be set according to the amount of sewage flowing into the manhole pump equipment 10, etc.

[0074] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a single-unit alternating emergency parallel operation method is adopted as the operating method for the manhole pump 15, but the system is not limited to this configuration. Various operating methods can be adopted for the manhole pump 15, such as a single-unit operation method, a single-unit alternating operation method, or a parallel alternating operation method. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which there are two manhole pumps 15, but the system is not limited to the above example. There may be one manhole pump 15, or there may be three or more. The circuits of the notification devices 20A and 20B are provided with a number of pump fault switches corresponding to the number of manhole pumps 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Manhole pump equipment 20 Notification device 21 Reporting Department 22 Power outage switch 23. First water level switch

Claims

1. A notification device for manhole pump equipment, A power outage switch that closes the contacts in the event of a power outage in the aforementioned manhole pump equipment, A first water level switch is connected in series with the aforementioned power outage switch and closes its contacts when the water level of the manhole pump equipment rises above the first water level, A notification unit capable of transmitting notification information when both the contacts of the power outage switch and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed, A notification device equipped with the following features.

2. The manhole pump equipment is further equipped with a second water level switch that closes its contacts when the water level rises to a second water level or higher than the first water level. The aforementioned reporting unit, The notification information can also be transmitted when the contacts of the second water level switch are closed. The notification device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned manhole pumping equipment includes a first manhole pump and a second manhole pump, A first stop switch that closes its contacts when the operation of the first manhole pump stops, A second stop switch is connected in series with the first stop switch and closes its contacts when the operation of the second manhole pump stops, Furthermore, The aforementioned reporting unit, The notification information can be transmitted even when both the contacts of the first stop switch and the contacts of the second stop switch are closed. The notification device according to claim 1.

4. A notification device for a manhole pump system equipped with a first manhole pump and a second manhole pump, A first stop switch that closes its contacts when the operation of the first manhole pump stops, A second stop switch is connected in series with the first stop switch and closes its contacts when the operation of the second manhole pump stops, A first water level switch is connected in series with the first stop switch and the second stop switch, and has a contact that closes when the water level of the manhole pump equipment reaches or exceeds the first water level. Equipped with, A notification unit capable of transmitting notification information when the contacts of the first stop switch, the contacts of the second stop switch, and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed, A notification device equipped with the following features.

5. A notification device for a manhole pump system equipped with at least one manhole pump, A third stop switch that closes its contacts when the operation of all manhole pumps in the aforementioned manhole pump system stops, A first water level switch is connected in series with the third stop switch and has a contact that closes when the water level of the manhole pump equipment reaches or exceeds the first water level, A notification unit capable of transmitting notification information when the contacts of the third stop switch and the contacts of the first water level switch are closed, A notification device equipped with the following features.

6. The aforementioned manhole pump equipment is The manhole pump equipment is equipped with a float-type water level gauge that detects when the water level of the manhole pump equipment reaches or exceeds the first water level, The first water level switch is, The contact closes when the water level gauge detects the first water level. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images