Pumping device and pumping system

Abstract

To provide a pump device and a pump system capable of simply managing operation of a pump from a remote location.SOLUTION: A pump device 10 comprises a pump 11 that sends liquid supplied from a suction pipe 11c to a discharge pipe 11d, a motor 12 configured to operate the pump 11, and a control unit 13 configured to control the drive of the motor 12. The control unit 13 is connected to an external management device 30 via a communication network N, and controls the motor 12 based on information acquired from the external management device 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump device and a pump system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pump device. This pump device includes a pump and a control means for controlling the operation of the pump. The control means includes a transceiver for receiving a pump control signal from an external device. The control means receives a control signal transmitted from a mobile terminal via the transceiver, and controls the operation of the pump based on the received control signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-171788 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since the pump device described in Patent Document 1 is directly connected to a mobile terminal by infrared communication or the like, a user carrying the mobile terminal needs to perform a predetermined operation within a limited range where the pump device can be connected. In addition, if a user manages multiple pump devices, the user needs to connect the mobile terminal to each of the multiple pump devices.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pump device and a pump system that enable the operation of a pump to be easily managed from a remote location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An example pump device (10) includes a pump (11) that delivers liquid supplied from a suction pipe (11c) to a discharge pipe (11d), a power unit (12) configured to operate the pump (11), and a control unit (13) configured to control the driving of the power unit (12), and the control unit (13) is connected to an external management device (30) via a communication network (N) and controls the power unit (12) based on information obtained from the external management device (30).

[0007] An example pump system (1) includes a pump device (10) and an external management device (30) connected to the pump device (10) via a communication network (N). The pump device (10) includes a pump (11) that delivers liquid supplied from a suction pipe (11c) to a discharge pipe (11d), a power unit (12) configured to operate the pump (11), and a control unit (13) configured to control the operation of the power unit (12). The external management device (30) transmits information for controlling the power unit (12) to the control unit (13).

[0008] In the above-mentioned pump device (10) and pump system (1), an external management device (30) is connected to the control unit (13) via a communication network (N). The control unit (13) controls the power unit (12) based on information obtained from the external management device (30). Therefore, a user can easily manage the pump device (10) from a remote location by accessing the external management device (30).

[0009] The pump device (10) in one example further includes a sensor (15) configured to detect the temperature of the liquid and output information on the detected temperature to the control unit (13), and the control unit (13) may transmit information on the temperature detected by the sensor (15) to an external management device (30). In this configuration, temperature information on the liquid flowing through the pump device (10) can be obtained from a remote location via the external management device (30).

[0010] In one example of the pump device (10), the pump device (10) includes a state detection device (15) that detects the state of the pump (11) and outputs the detection result to the control unit (13), the control unit (13) stops the pump (11) when the detection result output from the state detection device (15) satisfies a predetermined condition, and when the control unit (13) stops the pump (11) based on the detection result, transmits abnormality detection information to the external management device (30), and when the external management device (30) acquires the abnormality detection information, it may notify a contact linked to the pump device (10) in which an abnormality has occurred that an abnormality has been detected. In this configuration, since a user is notified of the abnormality detection when the pump (11) automatically stops, for example, the time required to restore the pump device (10) can be shortened.

[0011] The control unit (13) in one example may transmit the detection results to the external management device (30) in real time. In this configuration, transmitting in real time may mean that the detection results acquired by the control unit (13) are sequentially transmitted to the external management device (30), and there may be substantially no time lag between when the control unit (13) acquires the detection results and when it transmits them to the external management device (30). Note that substantially no time lag means that technical delays in calculation, control, communication, and the like are allowed, and a time lag of, for example, about several seconds may be allowed. In this configuration, even if the user is in a remote location, the user can obtain information without delay, just as if the user were at the installation location of the pump device (10).

[0012] The external management device 30, as an example, may output the detection results transmitted from the control unit 13 as a graph to a user terminal connected to the external management device 30 via the communication network N. In this configuration, the status of the pump at any given time, including the present, can be provided to the user in an easily comprehensible display method.

[0013] The state detection device (15) as an example includes a temperature sensor (15a) that detects the temperature of the liquid and outputs temperature data as a detection result, and the control unit (13) as an example may control the power device (12) to stop the pump (11) when the temperature data is equal to or higher than a set threshold value. In this configuration, damage to the pump (11) due to high-temperature liquid flowing into the pump (11) is suppressed.

[0014] In one example, the information for controlling the power unit 12 may include a threshold value for temperature data for determining whether to control the pump 11 to stop. In this configuration, the threshold value for the temperature data can be set via the external management device 30.

[0015] In one example, the suction pipe (11c) of the pump device (10) may be connected to a predetermined position of the pipe (P) through which the liquid flows, and the discharge pipe (11d) of the pump device (10) may be connected to a position downstream of the predetermined position of the pipe (P). In this configuration, when the liquid in the pipe (P) flows from upstream to downstream, the liquid discharged from the discharge pipe (11d) flows downstream in the pipe (P). On the other hand, when the liquid in the pipe (P) is stagnating, the liquid discharged from the discharge pipe (11d) can flow again into the pump (11) through the suction pipe (11c). In other words, the liquid can circulate between the pump device (10) and the pipe (P).

[0016] As an example, the temperature sensor (15a) may include a first temperature sensor (15a1) connected to the suction pipe (11c) for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the suction pipe (11c) and a second temperature sensor (15b1) connected to the discharge pipe (11d) for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the discharge pipe (11d). With this configuration, it is possible to detect the temperatures of the liquid flowing into the pump (11) and the liquid flowing out of the pump (11).

[0017] In one example, the pump device (10) transmits the operating status of the pump (11) to the external management device (30), which stores an operating schedule for the pump device (10) and, if the operating status of the pump (11) transmitted from the pump device (10) deviates from the operating schedule, may notify a contact associated with the pump device (10) that an abnormality has been detected. In this configuration, an abnormal operation of the pump device (30) due to a system trouble or the like is notified to a user at an early stage. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pump device and a pump system that allow the operation of a pump to be easily managed from a remote location. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pump system according to an example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a pump device according to an example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a pump device according to an example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation flow of the pump device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0021] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a pump system 1 according to an example. The pump system 1 includes a pump device 10 and an external management device 30 connected to the pump device 10 via a communication network N. The communication network N may be, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet, or a local area network. The communication network N may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless network.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a pump device 10 according to an example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the pump device 10 according to an example. The pump device 10 includes a pump 11, a motor 12 (power unit), a control unit 13, and a state detection device 15. The pump 11, the motor 12, and the control unit 13 are housed in a housing 16. The pump 11 in the illustrated example is a motor-type plunger pump. The pump 11 is, for example, a horizontal triple plunger pump in which three rows of plungers are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. That is, the pump 11 includes a crankcase 11a, a manifold 11b connected to the crankcase 11a, and a suction pipe 11c and a discharge pipe 11d connected to the suction section and the discharge section of the manifold 11b, respectively. The pump 11 pumps water (liquid) supplied from the suction pipe 11c to the discharge pipe 11d. The ends of the suction pipe 11 c and the discharge pipe 11 d are exposed from the housing 16 .

[0023] In one example of the pump device 10, the suction pipe 11c may be connected to an upstream position (a predetermined position) in the piping P through which water flows. Also, the discharge pipe 11d may be connected to a position downstream of the upstream position of the piping P to which the suction pipe 11c is connected. For example, the piping P to which the pump device 10 is connected may be a flush water supply piping that supplies flush water to a toilet bowl. That is, the upstream of the piping P may be connected to a water pipe or the like, and the downstream of the piping P may be connected to the toilet bowl.

[0024] The motor 12 is configured to operate the pump 11. That is, the output shaft of the motor 12 is connected to the crankcase 11a, and the output of the motor 12 is transmitted to the crankshaft inside the crankcase 11a. When the motor 12 is driven, the pump 11 discharges water supplied to the suction pipe 11c from the discharge pipe 11d. The motor 12 is operable using an external power source 3 (see FIG. 3) as power, and its operation can be controlled by controlling the power supply from the external power source 3.

[0025] The status detection device 15 detects the status of the pump 11 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 13. The status of the pump 11 does not simply mean the status of the pump 11 itself, but also includes the status of the surroundings of the pump 11 that should be checked in order to properly operate the pump 11. An example of the status detection device 15 includes a temperature sensor 15a and a water leakage sensor 15b.

[0026] The temperature sensor 15a in one example is configured to detect a temperature and output information (such as a voltage value, a signal, or data) indicating the detected temperature to the control unit 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the pump device 10 in one example has a first temperature sensor 15a1 and a second temperature sensor 15a2. The first temperature sensor 15a1 detects the temperature of water flowing through the suction pipe 11c. For example, the first temperature sensor 15a1 is fixed to the suction pipe 11c. The second temperature sensor 15a2 detects the temperature of water flowing through the discharge pipe 11d. For example, the second temperature sensor 15a2 is fixed to the discharge pipe 11d. In one example, the suction pipe 11c and the discharge pipe 11d are formed of metal pipes, and the temperature sensor 15a detects the temperature of the metal pipes to obtain the temperature of the water in the metal pipes.

[0027] The water leakage sensor 15b in one example is configured to detect water leakage from the pump 11 and output the detection result to the control unit 13. The water leakage sensor 15b in one example is disposed below the pump 11 (for example, below a joint connecting the suction pipe 11c and the discharge pipe 11d) in the housing 16. The water leakage sensor 15b can determine the presence or absence of water leakage by detecting a voltage value between predetermined electrodes formed in the sensing unit. The water leakage sensor 15b in one example can determine that there is no water leakage when it detects a voltage value equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and can determine that there is water leakage when the voltage value falls below the predetermined threshold value. The water leakage sensor 15b in this example may be configured to output the detected voltage value and a signal indicating the presence or absence of water leakage to the control unit 13.

[0028] The control unit 13 is configured to control the driving of the motor 12. The control unit 13 is connected to an external management device 30 via a communication network N, and transmits and receives various information to and from the external management device 30. An example of the control unit 13 includes a control device 21 and a communication device 22. The control device 21 includes a calculation device 23 for controlling the driving of the motor 12. The calculation device 23 includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input / output circuit, and the like. The calculation device 23 controls the operation of the pump device 10 by the processor executing a program stored in the storage device. The communication device 22 is a communication interface that can connect to the communication network N and transmit and receive data. The communication device 22 is, for example, a wireless communication device, and is connected to a network device 4 such as a wireless router connected to the communication network N. The network device 4 may be wirelessly connected to a mobile communication network that constitutes the communication network N, or may be wired to the communication network. In the control unit 13, the control device 21 connects to the communication network N via the communication device 22, and transmits and receives data to and from the external management device 30. The control device 21 stores a unique ID assigned to the pump device 10, and connects to the external management device 30 using setting information including the ID. For example, in the pump system 1, when the pump device 10 is started, a predetermined initial setting is executed. By executing the initial setting, the pump device 10 is connected to the communication network N via the wireless communication terminal.

[0029] The computing device 23 in one example includes, as functional units, a pump operation processing unit 25, a state management unit 26, and an abnormality detection management unit 27. The pump operation processing unit 25 controls the operation of the pump 11 by controlling the driving of the motor 12. In one example, the pump operation processing unit 25 is connected to an external management device 30 via a communication network N, and acquires information for controlling the motor 12 from the external management device 30. The pump operation processing unit 25 controls the motor 12 based on the acquired information.

[0030] The pump operation processing unit 25 controls the motor 12 to stop the pump 11 when the detection result output from the state detection device 15 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the pump operation processing unit 25 controls the motor 12 to stop the pump 11 when the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensor 15a is equal to or higher than a set threshold. That is, the information for controlling the motor 12 described above may include a threshold for temperature data for determining whether to control the stop of the pump 11. In addition, in the initial state, the pump operation processing unit 25 may have data of a predetermined threshold. In this case, when the pump operation processing unit 25 acquires threshold data from the external management device 30, it rewrites the threshold that it had as the initial setting to the acquired threshold. The pump operation processing unit 25 compares the temperature data acquired by the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the second temperature sensor 15a2 with the threshold, and permits the operation of the motor 12 when the temperature data is less than the threshold, and stops the operation of the motor 12 when the temperature data is equal to or higher than the threshold.

[0031] Furthermore, the pump operation processing unit 25 controls the operation of the motor 12 based on the information indicating the presence or absence of water leakage obtained from the water leakage sensor 15b. For example, the pump operation processing unit 25 permits the operation of the motor 12 when a signal indicating no water leakage is obtained from the water leakage sensor 15b, and stops the motor 12 when a signal indicating the presence of water leakage is obtained.

[0032] The information for controlling the motor 12 may include an operation schedule for determining the operation date and time of the pump 11. An example of the operation schedule may include information for identifying the day of the week and information for identifying the operation time period for each day of the week, such as "Sun: OFF, Mon: 8:30 ON-12:00 OFF·12:30 ON-17:30 OFF, ..., Fri: 8:30 ON-12:00 OFF·12:30 ON-17:30 OFF, Sat: OFF". The pump operation processing unit 25 compares the operation schedule with the current date and time, and allows the operation of the motor 12 when the current date and time are included in the day of the week and the time period of ON in the operation schedule, and stops the operation of the motor 12 when the current date and time are not included in the day of the week and the time period of ON in the operation schedule. In the case of the above operation schedule, for example, the operation of the motor 12 is stopped all day on Sunday, and the motor 12 is operated only between 8:30 and 12:00 and between 12:30 and 17:30 on Monday.

[0033] The status management unit 26 acquires data indicating the status of the pump device 10 and transmits the acquired data to the external management device 30. The acquired data may be transmitted in real time to the external management device 30. For example, the status management unit 26 transmits the pump status, the number of pump stoppages, the status management unit operation time, the pump operation time, and the hour meter value to the external management device 30, linked with the ID of the pump device 10.

[0034] The pump status is information indicating the state of the pump device 10, and may be, for example, information indicating whether the pump device 10 is operating. The status management unit 26 may acquire the pump status from the pump operation processing unit 25. The pump stop count may be the number of times the pump 11 has been stopped based on abnormality detection up to now. The status management unit 26 may acquire from the pump operation processing unit 25 that the pump 11 has been stopped based on abnormality detection, and count the number of times the pump has been stopped. The status management unit operation time may be the total time during which the status management unit 26 is operating. The pump operation time may be the total time during which the pump 11 is operated by the motor 12. The status management unit 26 may calculate the pump operation time based on the pump status. The hour meter value may be the elapsed time from the start of the pump device 10 to the present.

[0035] The status management unit 26 sequentially transmits the detection results of the status detection device 15 to the external management device 30. That is, the status management unit 26 acquires information on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15a from the temperature sensor 15a, and transmits the acquired temperature information to the external management device 30. In addition, the status management unit 26 acquires information on the voltage detected by the water leakage sensor 15b from the water leakage sensor 15b, and transmits the acquired voltage information to the external management device 30.

[0036] The abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits abnormality detection information to the external management device 30 when the pump 11 is stopped based on the detection result by the state detection device 15. For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15a becomes equal to or higher than a threshold value and the motor 12 is stopped, the abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits abnormality detection information including data indicating a temperature abnormality and data indicating that the motor 12 has been stopped to the external management device 30. In addition, when a water leak is detected by the water leak sensor 15b and the motor 12 is stopped, the abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits abnormality detection information including data indicating the occurrence of a water leak and data indicating that the motor 12 has been stopped to the external management device 30.

[0037] The external management device 30 is configured by a computer such as a server device including a processor, a storage device, an input / output interface, a communication interface, etc. The external management device 30 connects to the control unit 13 via a communication network N and transmits and receives various information. The external management device 30 also connects to a communication terminal device 5 (user terminal) carried by a user of the pump device 10 via the communication network N and transmits and receives various information. The communication terminal device 5 is an information terminal device connectable to the communication network N, and may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc.

[0038] 1, the external management device 30 has, as its functional parts, a management part 31, an abnormality detection processing part 35, and a status display part 36. The management part 31 is a functional part for managing the operation of the pump device 10, and includes, for example, a temperature threshold management part 32 and a schedule management part 33. One example of the management part 31 manages information for controlling the motor 12, and transmits the information to the control unit 13. Furthermore, the management part 31 updates the information for controlling the motor 12 in response to a request from a user terminal.

[0039] The temperature threshold management unit 32 manages data indicating the threshold of the temperature sensor 15a used by the pump operation processing unit 25. In one example, the temperature threshold management unit 32 transmits threshold data linked to the ID of the pump device 10 to the pump device 10. For example, the pump operation processing unit 25 may request the temperature threshold management unit 32 to transmit data at a predetermined time. The temperature threshold management unit 32 also controls updating of the threshold data linked to the ID of the pump device 10. In one example, updating of the threshold data in the temperature threshold management unit 32 can be executed from a communication terminal device 5 connected to a communication network N. For example, a user of the pump device 10 can change (set) the temperature threshold stored in the external management device 30 using the communication terminal device 5 connected to the external management device 30 via the communication network N. For example, the threshold corresponding to the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the threshold corresponding to the second temperature sensor 15a2 may be separately changeable. When new threshold data is transmitted from the communication terminal device 5 to the external management device 30, the temperature threshold management unit 32 updates the threshold data that has been stored up until that point to the newly acquired data. When the data is updated, the temperature threshold management unit 32 may transmit the updated data to the pump device 10.

[0040] The schedule management unit 33 manages data of the operation schedule used in the pump device 10. In one example, the schedule management unit 33 transmits data of the operation schedule linked to the pump device 10 to the pump device 10. For example, the pump operation processing unit 25 may request the schedule management unit 33 to transmit data at a predetermined time. The schedule management unit 33 controls updating of the data of the operation schedule linked to the pump device 10. In one example, the update of the operation schedule data in the schedule management unit 33 can be executed from the communication terminal device 5 connected to the external management device 30 via the communication network N. For example, the user of the pump device 10 can change the data of the operation schedule stored in the external management device 30 by the communication terminal device 5 connected to the external management device 30. When the data is updated, the schedule management unit 33 can transmit the updated data to the pump device 10.

[0041] When the abnormality detection processing unit 35 acquires the abnormality detection information transmitted from the abnormality detection management unit 27, it notifies the contact information managed in association with the ID of the pump device 10 in which the abnormality has occurred that the abnormality has been detected. For example, the abnormality detection processing unit 35 may notify the user's contact information with a notification message that combines standard phrases regarding the ID of the pump device 10 in which the abnormality has occurred, the content of the abnormality that has occurred, the time of the abnormality, and a response method. The content of the abnormality that has occurred is a water leak or a temperature abnormality. When a temperature abnormality has occurred, it may notify which of the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the second temperature sensor 15a2 has the abnormality. In addition, when a temperature abnormality has occurred, it may notify that the operation of the pump will be restored when the temperature abnormality is resolved, and when a water leakage abnormality has occurred, it may notify that the operation of the pump will not be restored until the pump device is restarted.

[0042] Furthermore, when the abnormality detection processing unit 35 acquires data indicating the state of the pump device 10 transmitted from the state management unit 26, it compares the data of the operation schedule held by the schedule management unit 33 with the operation status of the pump device 10 (e.g., pump status). For example, when data indicating that the pump 11 is operating is transmitted from the pump device 10, the abnormality detection processing unit 35 judges whether the current date and time is on the day of the week and in the time period when the pump 11 is ON in the operation schedule. When data indicating that the pump 11 is stopped is transmitted from the pump device 10, the abnormality detection processing unit 35 judges whether the current date and time is outside the day of the week and in the time period when the pump 11 is ON in the operation schedule. When there is a discrepancy between the operation status of the pump 11 and the operation schedule held by the abnormality detection processing unit 35, the abnormality detection processing unit 35 notifies the contact information managed in association with the ID of the pump device 10 that an abnormality has been detected.

[0043] Furthermore, when the abnormality detection processing unit 35 is unable to obtain data indicating the status of the pump device 10 that is to be transmitted from the status management unit 26, it notifies the contact information managed in association with the ID of the pump device 10 that an abnormality has been detected. For example, when there is a line problem between the pump device 10 and the communication network N, or when the pump device 10 breaks down, the user is notified of the problem at an early stage.

[0044] The user's contact information may be registered in advance by the user from the communication terminal device 5 connected to the external management device 30. The contact information may be an email address or the like, and the notification may be performed by email. The contact information may also be a facsimile number or the like.

[0045] The status display unit 36 ​​displays data indicating the status of the pump device 10 acquired from the status management unit 26 on the communication terminal device 5 in response to a request from the user. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen D displayed on the communication terminal device 5 by the status display unit 36. The status display unit 36 ​​in one example displays the pump status, the number of pump stops, the status management unit operation time (in the illustrated example, "monitoring device operation time"), the pump operation time, and the hour meter value on the communication terminal device 5 together with the ID of the pump device 10 designated by the user. The status display unit 36 ​​also displays the detection result of the status detection device 15 transmitted from the status management unit 26 on the communication terminal device 5. The status display unit 36 ​​in the illustrated example displays information on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15a on the communication terminal device 5. Information on the respective temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the second temperature sensor 15a2 is displayed in real time on a graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing temperature. The temperature information from the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the second temperature sensor 15a2 is also displayed as numerical values. In the illustrated example, the first temperature sensor 15a1 corresponds to ch1, and the second temperature sensor 15a2 corresponds to ch2.

[0046] Furthermore, the status display unit 36 ​​displays information on the voltage detected by the water leakage sensor 15b on the communication terminal device 5. In the illustrated example, the information on the voltage detected by the water leakage sensor 15b is displayed in real time in a graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage. The information on the voltage detected by the water leakage sensor 15b is also displayed as a numerical value. The graph showing the data from the water leakage sensor 15b shows a range indicating the voltage value at which it is determined that there is a water leak.

[0047] Next, the operation of the pump system 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the pump system 1 under normal circumstances. Under normal circumstances, the pump device 10 may operate the pump 11 while connected to the external management device 30 via the communication network N. In normal circumstances, the control device 21 of the pump device 10 judges whether or not a water leak is detected by the water leak sensor 15b (step S01). If it is judged that a water leak is detected, the pump operation processing unit 25 stops the operation of the motor 12, and the pump 11 is in a stopped state (step S02). Then, the abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits information indicating the current state to the external management device 30 (step S03). That is, the abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits abnormality detection information including data indicating the occurrence of a water leak and data indicating that the motor 12 has been stopped to the external management device 30. In the pump device 10 of the example, when the operation of the motor 12 is stopped based on the detection of a water leak, the stopped state is maintained until the pump device 10 is restarted. Therefore, when a water leak occurs, the user or the like needs to eliminate the water leak and then restart the pump device 10.

[0048] If it is determined in step S01 that no water leakage is detected, it is determined whether the temperature of the temperature sensor 15a is normal or not (step S04). That is, in step S04, the pump operation processing unit 25 compares the temperature data acquired by the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the second temperature sensor 15a2 with the respective threshold values. If it is determined that the temperature is not normal, that is, if the temperature detected by at least one of the first temperature sensor 15a1 and the second temperature sensor 15a2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the pump operation processing unit 25 stops the operation of the motor 12 and stops the pump 11 (step S05). Then, the abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits information indicating the current state to the external management device 30 (step S06). That is, the abnormality detection management unit 27 transmits abnormality detection information including data indicating a temperature abnormality and data indicating that the motor 12 has been stopped to the external management device 30.

[0049] When the motor 12 is stopped in step S05, the water temperature may decrease over time, and the temperature abnormality may be resolved. For example, when the temperature is rising due to water circulation, such as when the water discharged from the discharge pipe 11d is supplied from the suction pipe 11c, the water temperature decreases when the pump 11 is stopped. Therefore, in one example, it is continuously determined whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15a is normal or not (step S07). In this case, monitoring for water leakage by the water leakage sensor 15b may be performed at the same time.

[0050] If it is determined in step S04 or step S07 that the temperature is normal, pump operation processing unit 25 determines whether the current date and time is within the operation period (step S08). If the current date and time is included in the ON day and time period in the operation schedule, pump operation processing unit 25 permits operation of motor 12 and operates pump 11 (step S09), and if the current date and time is outside the ON day and time period in the operation schedule, pump operation processing unit 25 stops operation of motor 12 and stops pump 11 (step S10).

[0051] During normal operation of the pump system 1, the status management unit 26 may constantly acquire data indicating the status of the pump device 10 and transmit the acquired data in real time to the external management device 30. The status management unit 26 may also constantly acquire information on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15a and information on the voltage detected by the water leakage sensor 15b and transmit the acquired data in real time to the external management device 30.

[0052] As described above, the pump device 10 includes the pump 11 that delivers liquid supplied from the suction pipe 11c to the discharge pipe 11d, the motor 12 configured to operate the pump 11, and the control unit 13 configured to control the driving of the motor 12. The control unit 13 is connected to the external management device 30 via the communication network N, and controls the motor 12 based on information acquired from the external management device 30.

[0053] Moreover, the pump system 1 of the example includes a pump device 10 and an external management device 30 connected to the pump device 10 via a communication network N. The pump device 10 includes a pump 11 that delivers liquid supplied from a suction pipe 11c to a discharge pipe 11d, a motor 12 configured to operate the pump 11, and a control unit 13 configured to control the driving of the motor 12. The external management device 30 transmits information for controlling the motor 12 to the control unit 13.

[0054] In the pump device 10 and pump system 1, an external management device 30 is connected to the control unit 13 via a communication network N, and the control unit 13 controls the motor 12 based on information acquired from the external management device 30. Therefore, a user can easily manage the pump device 10 from a remote location by accessing the external management device 30 using the communication terminal device 5.

[0055] The pump device 10 in one example further includes a temperature sensor 15a configured to detect the temperature of the water and output information on the detected temperature to the control unit 13, and the control unit 13 transmits information on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15a to the external management device 30. In this configuration, temperature information on the water flowing through the pump device 10 can be obtained from a remote location via the external management device 30.

[0056] The pump device 10 of the example includes a state detection device 15 that detects the state of the pump 11 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 of the example controls the motor 12 to stop the pump 11 when the detection result output from the state detection device 15 satisfies a predetermined condition. In this configuration, the pump 11 can be automatically stopped when the predetermined condition is satisfied, without the user of the pump device 10 having to go to the installation location of the pump device 10.

[0057] The control unit 13 in one example transmits abnormality detection information to the external management device 30 when the pump 11 is stopped based on the detection result by the state detection device 15. When the external management device 30 in one example acquires the abnormality detection information, it notifies the contact linked to the pump device 10 in which the abnormality has occurred that an abnormality has been detected. In this configuration, since the user is notified of the abnormality detection when the pump 11 automatically stops, for example, the time required to restore the pump device 10 can be shortened.

[0058] The control unit 13 in one example transmits the detection result in real time to the external management device 30. In this configuration, even if the user is in a remote location, the user can obtain the information without delay, as if the user were at the installation site of the pump device 10.

[0059] The external management device 30, as an example, can output the detection results transmitted from the control unit 13 as a graph to a user terminal connected to the external management device 30 via the communication network N. In this configuration, the status of the pump 11 at a given time, including the present, can be provided to the user in a display method that allows the user to easily grasp the status. Note that in this configuration, the time displayed by the graph may be appropriately changeable by the user.

[0060] An example of the state detection device 15 includes a temperature sensor 15a that detects the temperature of the water and outputs temperature data as the detection result, and an example of the control unit 13 controls the motor 12 to stop the pump 11 when the temperature data is equal to or higher than a set threshold. In this configuration, malfunctions caused by high-temperature water flowing into the pump 11 or the piping P are suppressed.

[0061] In one example, the information for controlling the motor 12 includes a threshold value for temperature data for determining whether to control the stop of the pump 11. In this configuration, the threshold value for the temperature data can be set via the external management device 30.

[0062] In one example, the suction pipe 11c of the pump device 10 is connected to a predetermined position of the pipe P, and the discharge pipe 11d of the pump device 10 is connected to a position downstream of the predetermined position of the pipe P. In this configuration, when the water in the pipe P flows from upstream to downstream, the liquid discharged from the discharge pipe 11d flows downstream in the pipe P. On the other hand, when the water in the pipe P is stagnant, the water discharged from the discharge pipe 11d can be circulated again into the pump 11 from the suction pipe 11c. In other words, the water can circulate between the pump device 10 and the pipe P.

[0063] One example of the temperature sensor 15a includes a first temperature sensor 15a1 connected to the suction pipe 11c for detecting the temperature of water in the suction pipe 11c, and a second temperature sensor 15a2 connected to the discharge pipe 11d for detecting the temperature of water in the discharge pipe 11d. In this configuration, the temperature of the water flowing into the pump 11 and the temperature of the water flowing out from the pump 11 can be detected.

[0064] In one example, when an abnormality is detected by the water leakage sensor 15b, the control unit 13 keeps the motor 12 stopped until the pump device 10 is restarted, and when an abnormality is detected by the temperature sensor 15a, the control unit 13 resumes the operation of the motor 12 when the detection result by the temperature sensor 15a becomes normal. In this configuration, the user can take appropriate measures depending on the nature of the detected abnormality.

[0065] In one example, the pump device 10 transmits the operating status of the pump 11 to the external management device 30 in real time, and the external management device 30 stores an operating schedule for the pump device 10, and if the operating status of the pump 11 transmitted from the pump device 10 deviates from the operating schedule, the external management device 30 notifies the contact linked to the pump device 10 that an abnormality has been detected. In this configuration, the user is notified early of abnormal operation of the pump device 10 due to a system trouble or the like.

[0066] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific form of the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the power unit for operating the pump may be an engine or the like. In this case, the engine may be configured to be electrically driven and controlled so as to be controllable by the pump operation processing unit.

[0067] Although the example in which the suction pipe and discharge pipe of the pump device are connected to a flush water supply pipe that supplies flush water to a toilet bowl has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. The suction pipe and discharge pipe may be connected to the same pipe or to separate pipes. For example, a pipe connected to a water pipe may be connected to the suction pipe to supply water to the pump device, and the discharge pipe may be connected to a water supply pipe to a mist generator.

[0068] In addition, in the pump system, a plurality of pump devices may be managed by a user. In this case, an ID is assigned to each pump device, and the external management device manages each data for each ID. The ID of the pump device may be managed in association with a user ID assigned to the user. The user may connect a user terminal to the external management device using the assigned user ID, and collectively or individually manage a plurality of pump devices having IDs associated with the user ID.

[0069] FIG. 4 is an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal, and the display contents are not limited to this. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the horizontal axis showing the time in the graph has a time width of about one minute (total display time), but the time width of the graph is not limited to this. For example, the time width of the graph may be longer or shorter than one minute. In addition, the time width of the graph may be changeable by a user terminal connected to the external management device 30. For example, if a user wants to view the changes in the graph over the past hour, the time width of the graph may be changed and displayed by selecting the display time from a time change tag or the like. In addition, the external management device 30 may be capable of displaying a graph for a time period including any date and time in the past (for example, "from 9:00 to 10:00 two days ago"). [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...pump system, 10...pump device, 11...pump, 11c...suction pipe, 11d...discharge pipe, 12...motor, 13...control unit, 15...status detection device, 15a...temperature sensor, 15a1...first temperature sensor, 15a2...second temperature sensor, 15b...water leakage sensor, 30...external management device, N...communication network.

Claims

1. A pump device comprising: a suction pipe (11c) connected to a predetermined position of a pipe (P) through which a liquid flows so as to branch off from the pipe (P); and a discharge pipe (11d) connected to a position downstream of the predetermined position of the pipe (P) so as to join the pipe, a pump (11) for delivering liquid supplied from the suction pipe (11c) to the discharge pipe (11d); a power unit (12) configured to operate the pump (11); a control unit (13) configured to control the operation of the power plant (12); a sensor (15a) configured to detect the temperature of the liquid and output information of the detected temperature to the control unit (13); The control unit (13) is connected to an external management device (30) via a communication network (N) and controls the power unit (12) based on information acquired from the external management device (30); The control unit (13) transmits information on the temperature detected by the sensor (15a) to the external management device (30); The sensor (15a) a first temperature sensor (15a1) connected to the suction pipe (11c) for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the suction pipe (11c); a second temperature sensor (15a2) connected to the discharge pipe (11d) for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the discharge pipe (11d); The pump (11), the power unit (12), the control unit (13) and the sensor (15a) are housed in a single housing (16); the ends of the suction pipe (11c) and the discharge pipe (11d) opposite to the ends connected to the pump (11) are exposed from the housing (16) and are connected to the piping (P) so that the liquid can circulate between the pump (11) and the piping (P).

2. A pump system including a pump device (10) and an external management device (30) connected to the pump device (10) via a communication network (N), The pump device (10) comprises: a pump (11) for delivering liquid supplied from a suction pipe (11c) connected to a predetermined position of a pipe (P) through which a liquid flows so as to branch off from the pipe (P) to a discharge pipe (11d) connected to the pipe (P) so as to join the liquid at a position downstream of the predetermined position; a power unit (12) configured to operate the pump (11); a control unit (13) configured to control the operation of the power plant (12); a state detection device (15) that detects the state of the pump (11) and outputs the detection result to the control unit (13); The external management device (30) transmits information for controlling the power plant (12) to the control unit (13); The state detection device (15) includes a temperature sensor (15a) that detects the temperature of the liquid and outputs temperature data as the detection result, the temperature sensor (15a) includes a first temperature sensor (15a1) connected to the suction pipe (11c) and detecting a temperature of the liquid in the suction pipe (11c), and a second temperature sensor (15a2) connected to the discharge pipe (11d) and detecting a temperature of the liquid in the discharge pipe (11d); The pump (11), the power unit (12), the control unit (13) and the sensor (15a) are housed in a single housing (16); the ends of the suction pipe (11c) and the discharge pipe (11d) opposite to the ends connected to the pump (11) are exposed from the housing (16) and are connected to the piping (P) so that the liquid can circulate between the pump (11) and the piping (P).

3. the control unit (13) stops the pump (11) when the detection result output from the state detection device (15) satisfies a predetermined condition, and when the pump (11) is stopped based on the detection result, transmits abnormality detection information to the external management device (30); The pump system of claim 2, wherein when the external management device (30) acquires the abnormality detection information, it notifies a contact associated with the pump device (10) in which an abnormality has occurred that an abnormality has been detected.

4. The pump system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (13) transmits the detection result to the external management device (30) in real time.

5. The pump system of claim 4, wherein the external management device (30) outputs the detection results transmitted from the control unit (13) as a graph to a user terminal connected to the external management device (30) via the communication network (N).

6. The pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control unit (13) controls the power device (12) to stop the pump (11) when the temperature data is equal to or greater than a set threshold value.

7. The pump system according to claim 6 , wherein the information for controlling the power unit (12) includes the threshold value for the temperature data for determining whether to control the pump (11) to stop.

8. The pump device (10) transmits the operating status of the pump (11) to the external management device (30); The pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the external management device (30) stores an operation schedule of the pump device (10), and if the operation status of the pump (11) transmitted from the pump device (10) deviates from the operation schedule, notifies a contact linked to the pump device (10) that an abnormality has been detected.

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