Water supply device

Abstract

We propose a water supply system that can be used in various ways, such as different water supply methods or with different numbers of pumps. [Solution] A water supply device is provided that supplies water to a target object using at least one pump, comprising: a base control board; and a first expansion control board configured to communicate with the base control board and having an input port for inputting a first sensor signal, wherein the base control board is configured to control the at least one pump based on the first sensor signal received from the first expansion control board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply device.

Background Art

[0002] A water supply device is widely used as a device for supplying water (tap water) to a water supply target such as an office building or an apartment. The water supply device generally includes a pump for pumping water, a motor for driving the pump, and a controller for controlling the operation of the pump. The controller generally automatically operates the pump based on states such as the discharge side pressure and flow rate. As a specific example, in a water supply device provided with a variable speed control unit (for example, an inverter) for variably controlling the rotational speed of the motor, the control unit transmits a control command to the variable speed control unit so that the discharge pressure of the pump becomes a predetermined target pressure, and automatically operates the pump. Further, regardless of whether or not a variable speed control unit is provided, in the water supply device, the controller controls the operation and stop of the pump based on the pressure, flow rate, etc. on the discharge side.

[0003] As a water supply method of the water supply device, there are known a water tank method in which water in the main water pipe is once stored in a water tank and the water in the water tank is pressurized by a pump to the water supply target, and a direct connection water supply method in which water is supplied to the water supply target by using the main pipe pressure of the main water pipe and increasing the pressure by a pump. Further, when the water supply device includes a plurality of pumps, control of the number of operating pumps according to the water supply amount and control of rotating the pumps to be started are performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, water supply systems are used in various ways depending on the water supply target or installation location, such as using a water tank system or a direct water supply system, and varying numbers of pumps. The sensor signals input to the water supply system's controller differ depending on the usage mode. For example, if there are many pumps or if multiple water tanks are provided and the water levels of each are detected, the number of signals input to the controller increases. Therefore, in conventional water supply systems, the usage mode may be limited by the number of input ports provided on the controller. It is conceivable to provide a large number of input ports on the controller in advance to accommodate various usage modes, but designing with special usage modes in mind would lead to increased complexity of the controller's configuration or higher costs.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to propose a water supply system that can be used in various ways, such as water supply methods or the number of pumps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water supply device is provided that supplies water to a target object using at least one pump, comprising: a base control board; and a first expansion control board configured to communicate with the base control board and having an input port for inputting a first sensor signal, wherein the base control board is configured to control the at least one pump based on the first sensor signal received from the first expansion control board. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a water supply system according to one embodiment of a pump system. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the controller in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the attachment of an expansion control board to a base control board in one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the attachment of an expansion control board to a base control board in another embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of processing performed by the base control board of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of a check process for an extended control board performed by the base control board of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water supply system according to one embodiment of a pump system. This water supply system is mainly used to supply tap water, which is an example of a transported liquid, to buildings (targets for water supply) such as condominiums, office buildings, commercial facilities, or schools. In Figure 1, the water supply system 100 is used in a direct water supply system, and the suction port of the water supply system 100 is connected to the water pipe (main water pipe) 104 via the introduction pipe 105. However, the water supply system 100 may also be used in a water tank system where the suction port is connected to a water tank. A water supply pipe 107 is connected to the discharge port of the water supply system 100, and this water supply pipe 107 is in communication with the water taps (e.g., faucets) 110 of each building. The water supply system 100 increases the pressure of the water from the water pipe 104 and supplies water to each water tap 110 of the building.

[0011] The water supply device 100 includes a pump 12, a motor 13 as a drive unit for driving the pump 12, an inverter 20 as a frequency converter for variable speed driving of the motor 13, and a controller 40.

[0012] A backflow prevention device 25 is provided on the suction side (primary side) of the pump 12. The backflow prevention device 25 is installed in the inlet pipe 105 connected to the suction port of the water supply device 100, and prevents backflow of water from the water supply device 100 to the water pipe 104. A pressure sensor 21 is provided upstream of the backflow prevention device 25. The pressure sensor 21 is a pressure measuring instrument for measuring the suction side pressure of the pump 12.

[0013] The discharge side (secondary side) of the pump 12 is equipped with a check valve 22, a flow switch 24, a pressure sensor 26, and a pressure tank 28. In the example shown in Figure 1, two sets of pumps 12, motors 13, check valves 22, and flow switches 24 are provided, and these are installed in parallel. Alternatively, one or more sets of pumps 12, motors 13, check valves 22, and flow switches 24 may be provided. By providing multiple pumps 12, if some pumps 12 become inoperable, the water supply can be continued using the other operational pumps 12 to avoid water outages as much as possible.

[0014] A check valve 22 is installed in the discharge pipe connected to the discharge port of the pump 12 to prevent backflow of water when the pump 12 stops. A flow switch 24 is installed downstream (secondary side) of the check valve 22. The flow switch 24 is a flow sensor that detects when the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge pipe drops to a predetermined value, i.e., an insufficient water flow (small water flow). Further downstream of the flow switch 24 in the discharge pipe, a pressure sensor 26 and a pressure tank 28 are installed. The pressure sensor 26 detects the discharge side pressure of the pump 12 (hereinafter referred to as the discharge side pressure and The pressure sensor 26 shows the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor. The pressure tank 28 is a pressure holder for maintaining the discharge pressure while the pump 12 is stopped.

[0015] The inverter 20 controls the current flowing to the motor 13 based on control commands from the controller 40. For example, the inverter 20 calculates a command frequency based on the target rotational speed of the pump 12 (e.g., PID control) and generates a PWM signal to minimize the difference between this command frequency and the actual frequency of the motor 13. The inverter 20 is connected to the commercial power supply 90 via a ground fault circuit interrupter 91. The inverter 20 and the controller 40 may be integrated, and the water supply device 100 does not necessarily have to include the inverter 20.

[0016] The water supply device 100 is equipped with a controller 40 that controls the water supply operation. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the controller 40 in this embodiment. The controller 40 in this embodiment is configured by having multiple expansion control boards communicate-connected to a base control board 402. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the controller 40 consists of a base control board 402 and four expansion control boards 410 to 440.

[0017] The base control board 402 is the main control board for the controller 40 and manages multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 that are connected to it via communication. The base control board 402 may be configured as a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, etc., that implements predetermined functions using software, or it may be configured as a hardware circuit that performs dedicated calculation processing. In this embodiment, the base control board 402 is connected via communication to the four expansion control boards 410 to 440 and the inverter 20, and exchanges signals with each of the expansion control boards 410 to 440 and the inverter 20. As an example, the base control board 402 and the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 and the inverter 20 are connected to each other via serial communication connections such as RS422, RS232C, and RS485. However, the base control board 402 and the expansion control boards 410-440 may be connected via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, NFC (Near Field Communication), or serial communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0018] Each of the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 is a board selected according to the usage mode of the water supply device 100 and mounted on the controller 40. Each of the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 is connected to the base control board 402 and exchanges signals with the base control board 402. In this embodiment, each of the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, etc., and can determine whether its own status is normal or not and transmit this to the base control board 402. Each of the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 may be configured as a microcomputer that realizes predetermined functions using software, or as a hardware circuit that performs dedicated calculation processing.

[0019] The expansion control board (operation panel expansion control board) 410 is provided to control the operation panel in the water supply device 100. The operation panel expansion control board 410 performs display control of the operation panel based on the communication signal from the base control board 402. Further, data input by the operator through the operation panel and the like are stored in the operation panel expansion control board 410. The operation panel expansion control board 410 executes processing for communication with the base control board 402 and processing for display on the operation panel based on the programs and various data stored in its own memory. From the operation panel expansion control board 410 to the base control board 402, its own status signal and various set values set through the operation panel are sent. As an example, the user can set the stop pressure, start pressure, discharge side pressure PA at maximum flow rate the discharge side pressure PB during cut-off operation, and information used for other controls through the operation panel. Also, data for display on the operation panel are sequentially sent from the base control board 402 to the operation panel expansion control board 410. As an example, on the operation panel, the current operation status (operation state) of the pump 12, the operation or stop of the pump 12, the operation frequency (rotation speed), current, suction side pressure, discharge side pressure, and water supply pressure, abnormal information of the water supply device 100, etc. may be displayed.

[0020] The operation panel expansion control board 410 may be selected according to the operation panel mounted on the water supply device 100. For example, when the operation panel mounted on the water supply device 100 includes various lamps and 7-segment LEDs, an operation panel expansion control board 410 suitable for the operation panel may be selected and mounted on the controller 40. Also, when the operation panel mounted on the water supply device 100 includes a liquid crystal, an operation panel expansion control board 410 suitable for the operation panel may be selected and mounted on the controller 40.

[0021] The extended control board (primary-side extended control board) 420 is provided to acquire the sensor signal on the suction side (primary side) of the pump 12 in the water supply device 100. The primary-side extended control board 420 is provided with an input port 422 to which the sensor signal on the primary side is input. From the primary-side extended control board 420 to the base control board 402, its own status signal, the sensor signal input through the input port 422, etc. are sent. The primary-side extended control board 420 may change the sensor connected to the input port 422 according to the water supply method of the water supply device 100, or select the extended control board mounted on the controller 40 according to the water supply method. For example, when the water supply device 100 is used in the direct connection water supply method, the pressure sensor 21 for detecting the suction side pressure may be connected to the input port 422 of the primary-side extended control board 420. Also, when the water supply device 100 is used in the water tank method, the input port 422 of the primary-side extended control board 420 may be connected to a water level gauge for measuring the water level of the water tank. In addition, when the water supply device 100 is provided with a plurality of water tanks and each water tank is provided with a water level gauge, etc., a primary-side extended control board 420 capable of inputting the detection signals from the water level gauges of the plurality of water tanks may be selected, or two or more primary-side extended control boards 420 may be mounted on the controller 40.

[0022] The expansion control board (secondary expansion control board) 430 is provided to acquire sensor signals from the discharge side (secondary side) of the pump 12 in the water supply system 100. The secondary expansion control board 430 is provided with an input port 432 to which secondary side sensor signals are input. In this embodiment, a pressure sensor 26 and a flow switch 24 are connected to the input port 432. The secondary expansion control board 430 sends its own status signal and sensor signals input through the input port 432 to the base control board 402. The secondary expansion control board 430 should be selected according to the number of pumps 12 installed in the water supply system 100. For example, if the number of pumps 12 installed in the water supply system 100 is one or two, a secondary expansion control board 430 capable of inputting sensor signals corresponding to two pumps may be installed on the controller 40. Furthermore, if the number of pumps 12 installed in the water supply device 100 is two or more, it is preferable to select a secondary expansion control board 430 that can input sensor signals corresponding to that number of pumps, or to install two or more secondary expansion control boards 430 on the controller 40.

[0023] The expansion control board (external output expansion control board) 440 is provided to perform the function of transmitting the status of the water supply device 100 to the outside. The external output expansion control board 440 performs external output based on communication signals from the base control board 402. The external output expansion control board 440 performs processing for communication with the base control board 402 and external output based on programs and various data stored in its own memory. The expansion control board 40 to be mounted on the controller 40 should be selected according to the external output function to be mounted on the water supply device 100. For example, if the water supply device 100 is equipped with wireless communication functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or serial communication functions such as USB, the expansion control board 440 capable of executing such functions should be mounted on the controller 40. Alternatively, an expansion control board equipped with an output port for wired connection to a remote display device may be selected as the external output expansion control board 440.

[0024] In this embodiment, the controller 40 is composed of a base control board 402 and expansion control boards 410 to 440. However, the controller 40 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the expansion control boards 410 to 440, and the base control board 402 may perform at least one function of the expansion control boards 410 to 440. In this embodiment, the base control board 402 is connected to the expansion control boards 410 to 440 and the inverter 20 in communication, and sensor signals are not directly input to it. However, the base control board 402 may perform the function of the primary or secondary expansion control boards 420 and 430 and receive sensor signals directly.

[0025] In this embodiment, each of the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440 is configured to be detachably attached to the base control board 402. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the attachment of expansion control boards 410 and 420 to the base control board 402 in one embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 3, the base control board 402 has slots 403a to 403c into which multiple (three in the example shown in Figure 3) expansion control boards can be inserted. For example, expansion control boards 410 and 420 are attached to the base control board 402 by being inserted into slots 403a and 403b. The expansion control board 410 may be configured to be electrically connected for power supply or communication with the base control board 402 when inserted into slot 403a. Alternatively, the expansion control board 410 may be electrically connected for power supply or communication with the base control board 402 by attaching a connector cable (not shown) while it is inserted into slot 403a.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the attachment of expansion control boards 410 and 420 to the base control board 402 in another embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, stacking connectors 405 and 407 are provided on the base control board 402 and the expansion control boards 410 and 420, respectively, so that the expansion control boards can be stacked and connected to the base control board 402. In the example shown in Figure 4, the base control board 402 is provided with a pin socket as the stacking connector 405, but a pin header may also be provided as the stacking connector 405. Furthermore, although not limited, it is preferable that the expansion control board 410 be provided with a pin header on one side and a pin socket on the other side as the stacking connector 407. This way, any number of expansion control boards 410 can be connected to a single stacking connector 405 of the base control board 402.

[0027] Here, the control of the water supply system 100 by the controller 40 will be described. The control of the water supply system 100 by the controller 40 is performed by the base control board 402 communicating with the expansion control boards 410-440 and the inverter 20. Hereinafter, the communication targets of the base control board 402 (in this embodiment, the expansion control boards 410-440 and the inverter 20) will also be referred to as "control devices". In this embodiment, the base control board 402 sets a communication order for each of the expansion control boards 410-440 and the inverter 20, and communicates with one of the control devices among the expansion control boards 410-440 and the inverter 20 according to the communication order. The communication order may be set by an external input to the water supply system 100 via the operation panel or external communication. However, the base control board 402 communicates with at least two or more of the expansion control boards 410-440 and the inverter 20 simultaneously. It may be configured to allow for this. The base control board 402 communicates with the expansion control boards 410-440 and the inverter 20 to acquire sensor signals and the like, and sends control commands to the inverter 20 to control the water supply device 100.

[0028] Specifically, as a control of the water supply device 100, the controller 40 (mainly the base control board 402) starts the pump 12 when the discharge pressure drops to a predetermined starting pressure while the pump 12 is stopped. Specifically, the controller 40 (base control board 402) commands the inverter 20 to start driving the motor 13. While the pump 12 is running, control such as constant estimated terminal pressure control or constant target pressure control is performed based on the set pressure (set pressure). Specifically, in the case of constant estimated terminal pressure control, the target pressure (SV) is set using the rotation speed of the pump 12 and the target pressure control curve, and in the case of constant target pressure control, the set pressure is used as the target pressure (SV). The discharge pressure is used as the current pressure (PV). Based on the difference between SV and PV, a PI calculation using proportional gain Gp and integral gain Gi, or a PID calculation using proportional gain Gp, integral gain Gi, and differential gain Gd is performed to set the commanded rotation speed of the pump 12. Furthermore, if there are multiple pumps as in this embodiment, the controller 40 also controls the number of pumps according to the water volume, based on the number of pumps that can be started simultaneously (number of pumps operating in parallel).

[0029] When water usage in the building decreases while pump 12 is operating, the flow switch 24 detects the low water volume and sends a detection signal to the controller 40 (secondary side expansion control board 430) (low water volume state). The controller 40 (base control board 402) receives this detection signal and commands pump 12 to increase its rotation speed until the discharge pressure reaches a predetermined stop pressure Pf, then stores pressure in the pressure tank 28 and stops pump 12 (low water volume stop). After pump 12 has stopped at a low water volume, if water is used in the building again, the discharge pressure drops to below the starting pressure Ps and pump 12 starts. In the case of multiple pumps as in this embodiment, it is preferable to rotate which pump 12 is started to prevent water from accumulating inside pump 12. In addition, as a method for detecting low water volume, other means such as low load based on the current value of motor 13 or shut-off pressure may be used instead of using the flow switch 24.

[0030] Furthermore, the base control board 402 of this embodiment performs check processing on the expansion control boards 410 to 440 mounted on the controller 40, in parallel with the control of the water supply device 100. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the base control board 402 of this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 5 is performed at predetermined intervals (for example, a few seconds or a few minutes) when the water supply device 100 is running.

[0031] In the process shown in Figure 5, the base control board 402 first determines whether or not a check process for the expansion control board is necessary (step S12). If it determines that a check process is unnecessary (S12: No), it terminates the process. As an example, the base control board 402 may determine that a check process is necessary when a predetermined time (e.g., several minutes or several tens of minutes) has elapsed since the last time the check process for the expansion control board was performed. Alternatively, the base control board 402 may determine whether or not a check process for the expansion control board is necessary based on an external input to the water supply device 100 via the operation panel or external communication, or on a switch signal input provided on the housing of the base control board 402 or the water supply device 100. If the base control board 402 determines that a check process for the expansion control board is necessary (S12: Yes), it performs the check process for the expansion control board (step S14). The process in step S14 may be a check process for one of the multiple expansion control boards 410 to 440, or it may be a check process for all of the expansion control boards.

[0032] Next, the base control board 402 is connected to the expansion control board mounted on the controller 40. The system determines whether there are any changes (step S16). If it determines that there are no changes to the expansion control board (S16: No), the process ends. Here, the determination in step S16 may be based on the check process of the expansion control board in step S14, or it may be based on an external input to the water supply device 100 via the operation panel or external communication, or on the input of a switch signal provided on the base control board 402 or the housing of the water supply device 100. If the base control board 402 determines that there are changes to the expansion control board mounted on the controller 40 (S16: Yes), it updates the expansion control board list (step S18) and ends the process. Here, the expansion control board list is data stored in the memory of the base control board 402 and indicates the expansion control boards mounted on the controller 40. As an example, when the base control board 402 detects that an expansion control board has been newly mounted, replaced, or removed, it may register the new expansion control board in the expansion control board list and delete the removed expansion control board from the expansion control board list. Furthermore, the expansion control board list may include status information obtained during the check process of the expansion control boards. In addition, the expansion control board list may include the communication sequence of the expansion control boards. Moreover, the expansion control board list may include control devices including the inverter 20, in addition to the expansion control boards mounted on the controller 40.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the expansion control board check process performed by the base control board 402 of this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 6 specifically illustrates the process of step S14 in Figure 5. In this process, first, the base control board 402 reads the expansion control board list stored in its memory (step S22) and determines whether or not there are any unchecked expansion control boards mounted on the controller 40 (step S24). In this embodiment, the base control board 402 performs the check process for expansion control boards 410 to 440 based on the expansion control board list.

[0034] In the process shown in Figure 6, if there are expansion control boards whose check process has not been completed (step S24: Yes), an expansion control board is selected and the check process is performed (step S26). As a specific example of the process in step S26, the base control board 402 communicates with the expansion control board 420 and obtains status information from the primary-side expansion control board 420. In this embodiment, the base control board 402 determines whether normal communication has been established with the expansion control board and the status information obtained from the expansion control board as part of the check process for the expansion control board. However, the base control board 402 is not limited to this example, and may use various known methods to check whether the expansion control board is operating normally.

[0035] The base control board 402 perceives (determines) that a communication error has occurred with the selected expansion control board if it does not receive a normal response from the expansion control board during the check process of the selected expansion control board (step S28: No) (step S30). Also, the base control board 402 perceives (determines) that a control error has occurred in the selected expansion control board if it finds an abnormality in the status information obtained from the expansion control board during the check process of the selected expansion control board (step S32: No) (step S34). In the processes of steps S32 and S34, the base control board 402 may notify the outside that a communication abnormality or control error has occurred via the operation panel of the water supply device or a notification means such as a buzzer (not shown). In this embodiment, each of the expansion control boards 410 to 440 is configured to determine whether its own status is normal or not and transmit status information to the base control board 402. Various known methods can be used to determine whether the expansion control boards 410 to 440's own status is normal or not. As an example, the expansion control boards 420 and 430 determine the status to be normal when the sensor signals input via input ports 422 and 432 are within the normal range, and determine the status to be abnormal when the sensor signals input via input ports 422 and 432 are not within the normal range. Here, the normal range is connected to input ports 422 and 432. The normal range may be the range of sensor signals input when the sensor is operating normally. Alternatively, the normal range may be a predetermined range in which the pump 12 can operate normally.

[0036] After the base control board 402 performs a check process for the selected expansion control board and a perception process based on the check process (steps S26 to S34), it determines again whether there are any unchecked expansion control boards mounted on the controller 40 (step S24). If there are any unchecked expansion control boards (S24: Yes), the base control board 402 selects an unchecked expansion control board and performs the processes described in steps S26 to S34. Then, after the base control board 402 has finished checking all expansion control boards (S26: No), it terminates this process.

[0037] According to the water supply device 100 of this embodiment described above, the controller 40 comprises a base control board 402 and a plurality of expansion control boards 410 to 440. This allows the controller 40 to be configured by selecting expansion control boards based on the water supply method of the water supply device 100 and the number of pumps 12 mounted on the water supply device 100. Therefore, the water supply device 100 can be used in a variety of applications.

[0038] The embodiment described above can also be described in the following form. [Embodiment 1] According to Embodiment 1, a water supply device is proposed that supplies water to a target object using at least one pump, comprising: a base control board; and a first expansion control board configured to communicate with the base control board and having an input port for inputting a first sensor signal, wherein the base control board is configured to control the at least one pump based on the first sensor signal received from the first expansion control board. According to Embodiment 1, a water supply system can be provided that can be used in various ways, such as with different water supply methods or with different numbers of pumps.

[0039] [Embodiment 2] According to Embodiment 2, in Embodiment 1, the first expansion control board is configured to be detachable from the base control board. According to Embodiment 2, the first expansion control board can be attached to and detached from the base control board depending on the usage of the water supply device.

[0040] [Embodiment 3] According to embodiment 3, in embodiment 1 or 2, the first expansion control board is configured to determine whether the status of the first expansion control board is normal and transmit this information to the base control board. According to Embodiment 3, the base control board can acquire the status determined by the first expansion control board.

[0041] [Embodiment 4] According to embodiment 4, in embodiments 1 to 3, a second expansion control board is further provided, which is configured to communicate with the base control board and has an input port for inputting a second sensor signal, wherein the base control board is configured to control the at least one pump based on the first sensor signal received from the first expansion control board and the second sensor signal received from the second expansion control board. According to Embodiment 4, the base control board can communicate with the first expansion control board and the second expansion control board to control at least one pump.

[0042] [Embodiment 5] According to Embodiment 5, in Embodiment 4, the at least one pump includes a first pump and a second pump, the first sensor signal is a sensor signal used to control the first pump, and the second sensor signal is a sensor signal used to control the second pump. In the configuration 5, the sensor signal used to control the first pump is input to the first expansion control board, and the sensor signal used to control the second pump is input to the second expansion control board.

[0043] [Embodiment 6] According to embodiment 6, in embodiments 1 to 5, the first sensor signal is a sensor signal in which the discharge side pressure of at least one pump is measured.

[0044] [Embodiment 7] According to Embodiment 7, in Embodiments 1 to 6, the pump is connected to a water tank equipped with a water level gauge for measuring the water level on the suction side, and the first sensor signal is a sensor signal from the water level gauge.

[0045] [Embodiment 8] According to embodiment 8, embodiments 1 to 7 further include an operating panel expansion control board configured to communicate with the base control board and for controlling the operating panel in the water supply device.

[0046] [Embodiment 9] According to embodiment 9, in embodiments 1 to 8, the base control board is configured to communicate with a plurality of control devices, including the first expansion control board, and to communicate with one of the plurality of control devices according to a predetermined communication sequence. According to Embodiment 9, the base control board communicates with multiple control devices in accordance with the communication sequence.

[0047] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the invention described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, any combination of embodiments and modifications is possible to the extent that at least some of the above-mentioned problems can be solved or at least some of the effects can be achieved, and any combination or omission of each component described in the claims and specification is possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 12... Pump 13…motor 20…Inverter 21…Pressure sensor 24... Flow switch 26…Pressure sensor 40…Controller 100…Water supply device 402...Base control board 403a~403c... Slot 405, 407… Stacking Connectors 410~440…Expansion control board 422, 432… Input ports

Claims

1. A water supply system that supplies water to a target by at least one pump, Base control board and A first expansion control board is configured to communicate with the base control board and has an input port formed for inputting a first sensor signal, Equipped with, The base control board is configured to control at least one of the pumps based on the first sensor signal received from the first expansion control board. Water supply device.

2. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first expansion control board is configured to be detachably attached to the base control board.

3. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first expansion control board is configured to determine whether the status of the first expansion control board is normal and transmit this determination to the base control board.

4. The system further includes a second expansion control board configured to communicate with the base control board and having an input port for inputting a second sensor signal. The base control board is configured to control at least one pump based on a first sensor signal received from the first expansion control board and a second sensor signal received from the second expansion control board. The water supply device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned at least one pump includes a first pump and a second pump, The first sensor signal is a sensor signal used to control the first pump, The second sensor signal is a sensor signal used to control the second pump. The water supply device according to claim 4.

6. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first sensor signal is a sensor signal indicating that the discharge pressure of at least one pump has been measured.

7. The pump is connected to a water tank equipped with a water level gauge on the suction side, The first sensor signal is the sensor signal from the water level gauge. A water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an operating panel expansion control board configured to communicate with the base control board for controlling the operating panel in the water supply device.

9. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base control board is connected to a plurality of control devices including the first expansion control board and is configured to communicate with one of the plurality of control devices in a predetermined communication sequence.

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