Pumping device and reciprocating pump

Abstract

A multiple pump device capable of suppressing pulsation using a single reciprocating pump, and a reciprocating pump capable of easily realizing the pump device are provided. [Solution] A pump device 1, 1X to 1Z according to the present invention includes a plurality of reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C. The reciprocating pumps are arranged physically apart and can operate independently of each other. Of the reciprocating pumps, one reciprocating pump 2A operates as a parent unit that controls the operation of the other reciprocating pumps, and the other reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C operate as child units linked to the parent unit. A control device 4A of the parent unit generates a child unit control signal and transmits it to the child units. When the control devices 4B and 4C of the child units receive the child unit control signal, they control the operation of electromagnetic actuators 51B and 51C of the child units so that, when one reciprocating motion of a plunger 6 is one cycle, the phase of the cycle of the plunger 6B and 6C of the child units is shifted by a predetermined angle relative to the cycle of the plunger 6A of the parent unit.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A reciprocating pump includes a diaphragm, a plunger that reciprocates the diaphragm, and a pump chamber that houses the diaphragm. The reciprocating pump reciprocates the diaphragm by the reciprocating motion of the plunger, and conveys a constant amount of pumped liquid by alternately suctioning and discharging the pumped liquid in the pump chamber. Due to its configuration, a reciprocating pump generates pulsation when discharging the pumped liquid. A non-pulsating pump is known as a reciprocating pump that suppresses this pulsation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The pump disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a so-called double (multiple) pump that has two sets of diaphragms, plungers, and pump chambers, and executes the discharge stroke of one diaphragm and the discharge stroke of the other diaphragm in a complementary manner by making the phase difference of the reciprocating motion of the plunger 180°. As a result, the flow rate of the handled liquid in the common discharge pipe connected to the two pump chambers is kept approximately constant, and pulsation in the common discharge pipe is suppressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 4-137274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The reciprocating motion of the two plungers is controlled by the rotation of two cams attached to one shaft (crankshaft). Usually, the shape of each cam is formed so that the ratio of the time (speed) of the suction stroke to the time (speed) of the discharge stroke changes. In order to link the two plungers with precision, it is necessary to form a cam with a special shape with high precision. In addition, the structure of the drive unit that reciprocates the two diaphragms is complex, and there are technical challenges in its assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, it is difficult to standardize the drive unit and its case between a single-diaphragm pump and a multiple-diaphragm pump.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a multiple pump device capable of suppressing pulsation by using a single reciprocating pump, and a reciprocating pump that can easily realize the pump device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A pump device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of reciprocating pumps, a discharge pipe connected to each of the reciprocating pumps and through which the treated fluid discharged from the reciprocating pumps is discharged, and a common discharge pipe connected to each of the discharge pipes and through which the treated fluid that has flowed through the discharge pipes joins and flows, wherein each of the reciprocating pumps is physically separated and can operate independently of each other, one of the reciprocating pumps operates as a parent pump that controls the operation of the other reciprocating pumps, and the other reciprocating pumps operate as child pumps linked to the parent pump, and each of the reciprocating pumps includes a diaphragm and a plunger that reciprocates the diaphragm. a plunger for reciprocating the plunger, a control device for closed-loop control of the operation of the electromagnetic actuator, a transmitting unit capable of transmitting a signal to the other reciprocating pump which is the slave unit, and a receiving unit capable of receiving the signal from the other reciprocating pump which is the master unit, wherein when the control device of the master unit starts operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the master unit, the control device of the master unit generates a slave unit control signal for controlling the operation of the slave unit, and transmits the generated slave unit control signal to the slave unit via the transmitting unit of the master unit, and when the control device of the slave unit receives the slave unit control signal via the receiving unit of the slave unit, the control device of the slave unit starts controlling the operation of the electromagnetic actuator, Before the delivery of the child device is started, the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the child device is controlled, When one reciprocating motion of the plunger is one cycle, the phase of the cycle of the plunger of the child device is shifted by a predetermined angle with respect to the cycle of the plunger of the parent device. Location To, The plunger of the child device is moved. .

[0008] A reciprocating pump in one embodiment of the present invention is a reciprocating pump that sucks in and discharges pumped liquid by reciprocating a diaphragm, the reciprocating pump comprising: the diaphragm; a plunger that reciprocates the diaphragm; an electromagnetic actuator that reciprocates the plunger; a control device that performs closed-loop control of the operation of the electromagnetic actuator; a transmitting unit capable of transmitting a signal to a second pump that is another reciprocating pump having the same configuration as the reciprocating pump; and a receiving unit capable of receiving an external control signal from the second pump that controls the operation of the control device. The operation modes of the reciprocating pump include a single operation mode in which the control device does not transmit the signal to the second pump and does not receive the external control signal, and a multi operation mode in which the control device transmits the signal to the second pump or receives the external reception signal. The multi operation mode includes a parent mode in which the control device generates a child control signal that controls the operation of the second pump as the signal, and a child mode in which the control device controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator based on the external control signal. When the reciprocating pump operates in the child mode, the control device: Before the liquid transfer is started, the operation of the electromagnetic actuator is controlled, When one reciprocating motion of the plunger is one cycle, the phase of the plunger is shifted by a predetermined angle with respect to the cycle of the plunger when operating in the single operation mode. Location To, Move the plunger . Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multiple pump device capable of suppressing pulsation by using a single reciprocating pump, and a reciprocating pump that can easily realize the pump device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a pump device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a reciprocating pump according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the reciprocating pump of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the elapsed time of each of a suction stroke and a discharge stroke in one reciprocation of a plunger provided in the reciprocating pump of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of the pump device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state of a pumped fluid flowing through each pipe provided in the pump device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the pump device in FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the pump device of FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the pump device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of a pump device and a reciprocating pump according to the present invention will be described below. In the following description, the drawings will be referred to as appropriate. In the drawings, the same members and elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the elements may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and are not limited to the ratios shown in the drawings.

[0012] ●Pump equipment● ●Pump unit configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a pump device according to the present invention.

[0013] The pump device 1 sucks in and discharges pumped liquid. The pump device 1 is an electromagnetically driven diaphragm pump. The pump device 1 includes a plurality of reciprocating pumps 2 (three in this embodiment), a common suction pipe Li, a common discharge pipe Lo, and a signal cable Ls. Each of the reciprocating pumps 2 is an example of a reciprocating pump according to the present invention. In the following description, when each of the reciprocating pumps 2 is to be distinguished, the reciprocating pumps 2 and their constituent members are given the symbols "A", "B", and "C".

[0014] The "pumped liquid" is a liquid that is pumped by the pump device 1. In this embodiment, the pumped liquid is, for example, water.

[0015] In the present invention, the handled liquid is not limited to water, and may be, for example, a chemical liquid such as a sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution added to water.

[0016] The reciprocating pumps 2 are electromagnetically driven diaphragm pumps that suck and discharge the pumped liquid. The reciprocating pumps 2 are arranged side by side while being physically separated from each other. The configuration of the reciprocating pumps 2 will be described later.

[0017] The common suction pipe Li is a pipe through which the handled liquid flows in common and is sucked into each reciprocating pump 2. The common suction pipe Li is connected, for example, to a tank (not shown; the same applies below) in which the handled liquid is stored, and to a suction pipe L1 described later.

[0018] The common discharge pipe Lo is a pipe through which the handled liquid discharged from each reciprocating pump 2 joins and flows. The common discharge pipe Lo is connected to a discharge pipe L2, which will be described later.

[0019] The signal cable Ls is a cable that transmits signals between the reciprocating pumps 2. Details of the signals will be described later.

[0020] In the present invention, the pump device 1 does not necessarily have to include the common suction pipe Li. In this case, for example, the suction pipe L1 described later is connected to a tank.

[0021] ●Reciprocating pump● ● Reciprocating pump configuration FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a reciprocating pump (reciprocating pump 2) according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the reciprocating pump 2. In the following description, FIG. 1 will also be referred to as appropriate.

[0022] The reciprocating pump 2 includes a housing 3, a control device 4, a drive unit 5, a plunger 6, a diaphragm 7, a position sensor 8, an operation unit 9, a connection unit 10, a suction pipe L1, a discharge pipe L2, a suction valve V1, and a discharge valve V2. The basic configuration of the reciprocating pump 2 is the same as that of a known reciprocating pump. Therefore, in the following description, a description of the basic configuration of the reciprocating pump 2 will be omitted.

[0023] The housing 3 houses a control device 4, a drive unit 5, a plunger 6, a diaphragm 7, and a position sensor 8. The housing 3 includes a pump head portion 31 and a main body portion 32.

[0024] The pump head 31 houses the diaphragm 7 and sucks pumped liquid from the suction pipe L1 and discharges the pumped liquid to the discharge pipe L2. The pump head 31 includes a pump chamber 31a, a suction flow path 31b, and a discharge flow path 31c. The pump chamber 31a houses the diaphragm 7. The suction flow path 31b is a flow path that communicates with the pump chamber 31a and the suction pipe L1. The discharge flow path 31c is a flow path that communicates with the pump chamber 31a and the discharge pipe L2.

[0025] The main body 32 houses the control device 4, the drive unit 5, the plunger 6, and the position sensor 8. The main body 32 includes an electric chamber 32a and a machine chamber 32b. The electric chamber 32a houses the control device 4. The electric chamber 32a is disposed above the machine chamber 32b. The machine chamber 32b houses the drive unit 5, the plunger 6, and the position sensor 8. In the following description, the direction in which the pump chamber 31a is disposed relative to the machine chamber 32b is the "forward direction", and the opposite direction is the "rearward direction". That is, the pump chamber 31a is disposed in front of the machine chamber 32b.

[0026] The control device 4 controls the overall operation of the reciprocating pump 2. The control device 4 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) 402 that functions as a working area for the CPU 401, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 403 that stores various information such as a motor control program, and a driver circuit 404 for the motor device 51 described below. The control device 4 functions as a motor control unit 41, a signal generation unit 42, a mode determination unit 43, and a correction unit 44. That is, the control device 4 also includes the motor control unit 41, the signal generation unit 42, the mode determination unit 43, and the correction unit 44.

[0027] In the control device 4, a processor (CPU 401) included in the control device 4 executes a motor control program, which cooperates with the hardware resources of the reciprocating pump 2 to realize operation in multiple operation modes described below. The program also causes the processor to function as a motor control unit 41, a signal generating unit 42, a mode determining unit 43, and a correcting unit 44. Furthermore, the program causes a computer to execute the program, which causes the computer to function as the control device 4.

[0028] The driver circuit 404 is a circuit that applies a control voltage (supplies a control current) to a motor 511 (to be described later) based on the control of the motor control unit 41, thereby controlling the operation of the motor 511.

[0029] The motor control unit 41 controls the operation of the motor device 51, which will be described later, via the driver circuit 404. The specific operation of the motor control unit 41 will be described later.

[0030] The signal generating unit 42 generates signals (for example, a slave unit control signal, a position signal, and a mode determination signal) necessary for the operation of the reciprocating pump 2. The specific operation of the signal generating unit 42 will be described later.

[0031] The "child unit control signal" is a signal that controls the operation of another reciprocating pump 2 operating in a child unit mode, which will be described later, when the reciprocating pump 2 operates in a parent unit mode, which will be described later. The details of the child unit control signal will be described later.

[0032] The “position signal” is a signal that indicates the timing when the plunger 6 is located at the home position. The position signal is generated based on the detection result of the position sensor 8.

[0033] The "origin position" is, for example, the position of the plunger 6 when the plunger 6 retreats to the rearmost position within the range of movement of the plunger 6 in one reciprocating motion. In other words, the origin position is the position of the plunger 6 when switching from the suction stroke to the discharge stroke, which will be described later. In other words, the origin position is the position corresponding to the bottom dead center of the plunger 6.

[0034] The “mode determination signal” is a signal that determines the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2. In the present embodiment, the mode determination signal is generated by the signal generating unit 42 based on the operation of the operating unit 9 by the user of the pump device 1.

[0035] The "operation mode" includes a single operation mode and a multi-operation mode.

[0036] The "single operation mode" is an operation mode in which the reciprocating pump 2 (controller 4) does not control the operation of other reciprocating pumps 2 (other controllers 4), and the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 (controller 4) is not controlled by other reciprocating pumps 2 (other controllers 4). In other words, the single operation mode is an operation mode in which the reciprocating pump 2 operates independently by itself, that is, the reciprocating pump 2 operates as a series of pumps.

[0037] The "multi-operation mode" is an operation mode in which the reciprocating pump 2 (control device 4) controls the operation of the other reciprocating pumps 2 (other control devices 4), or the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 (control device 4) is controlled by the other reciprocating pumps 2 (other control devices 4). In other words, the multi-operation mode is an operation mode in which the reciprocating pumps 2 work together (in this embodiment, three reciprocating pumps 2 work as a triple pump). The multi-operation mode includes a master mode and a slave mode.

[0038] The "master mode" is an operation mode in which the reciprocating pump 2 (controller 4) operates as a master that controls the operation of another reciprocating pump 2 (another controller 4). In other words, when the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the master mode, the reciprocating pump 2 controls the operation of the other reciprocating pump 2, but the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 is not controlled by the other reciprocating pump 2.

[0039] The "slave mode" is an operation mode in which the reciprocating pump 2 (control device 4) operates as a slave controlled by another reciprocating pump 2 (another control device 4). In other words, when the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the slave mode, the reciprocating pump 2 does not control the operation of the other reciprocating pump 2, but the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 is controlled by the other reciprocating pump 2.

[0040] Based on the mode determination signal, the mode determination unit 43 determines the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2. The specific operation of the mode determination unit 43 will be described later.

[0041] The correction unit 44 corrects the operation of the motor device 51, which will be described later, based on the position signal. The specific operation of the correction unit 44 will be described later.

[0042] The driving unit 5 reciprocates the plunger 6. The driving unit 5 includes a motor device 51, a driving gear 52, a driven gear 53, a crankshaft 54, two bearings 55 and 56, and a magnet 57.

[0043] The motor device 51 generates a rotational power for reciprocating the plunger 6. The motor device 51 is a known stepping motor, and is an example of an electromagnetic actuator in the present invention. The motor device 51 includes a motor 511 and an encoder 513. The encoder 513 acquires a position angle of a rotating shaft 512 of the motor 511. A signal indicating the position angle acquired by the encoder 513 is transmitted to the control device 4, and the control device 4 controls the current value supplied to the motor 511. That is, the operation of the motor 511 is controlled by the control device 4 in a closed loop. Therefore, the motor 511 is controlled so as to always rotate accurately, and the power consumption of the motor 511 is appropriately controlled according to the load of the motor 511. The motor device 51 is supported by the housing 3 with the rotating shaft 512 facing in the vertical direction.

[0044] The drive gear 52 and the driven gear 53 reduce the rotational power from the motor device 51 at a predetermined reduction ratio and transmit the reduced power to the crankshaft 54. The drive gear 52 is attached to a rotating shaft 512, and the driven gear 53 is attached to the crankshaft 54 ​​so as to mesh with the drive gear 52.

[0045] The crankshaft 54 ​​converts the rotational power from the motor device 51 into reciprocating power in the front-rear direction. The crankshaft 54 ​​is rotatably supported by bearings 55, 56 so that its axial direction (longitudinal direction) is aligned along the up-down direction.

[0046] In the present invention, the drive unit 5 may include a rotation shaft and an eccentric cam instead of the crankshaft 54. In this case, the plunger 6 reciprocates by the eccentric cam and does not need to include a bearing 61 described later.

[0047] The bearing 55 rotatably supports the upper end of the crankshaft 54, and the bearing 56 rotatably supports the lower end of the crankshaft 54. The bearings 55 and 56 are supported by the housing 3.

[0048] The magnet 57 is a known magnet that is an object to be detected by the position sensor 8. The magnet 57 is attached to the outer edge of the driven gear 53 so that the magnetism of the magnet 57 is detected by the position sensor 8 when the plunger 6 is located at the origin position (bottom dead center).

[0049] The plunger 6 reciprocates in the front-rear direction in response to the rotation of the crankshaft 54, thereby reciprocating the diaphragm 7. The plunger 6 is housed in the machine chamber 32b so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction, and is rotatably attached to the crankshaft 54 ​​via a bearing 61 provided in the plunger 6. The plunger 6 is disposed behind the diaphragm 7 (on the rear side of the diaphragm 7).

[0050] The operation of the plunger 6 is controlled by the control device 4 via the motor device 51. That is, when the control device 4 rotates the motor 511, the crankshaft 54 ​​rotates, and the plunger 6 reciprocates in the forward and backward directions. Here, when the plunger 6 advances forward from the origin position (bottom dead center), the diaphragm 7 is pushed forward, and the pumped fluid in the pump chamber 31a is discharged to the discharge flow passage 31c. At this time, the reciprocating pump 2 is performing a discharge stroke. When the plunger 6 is positioned at the most forward position, that position corresponds to the top dead center of the plunger 6. When the plunger 6 retreats backward from the top dead center, the diaphragm 7 is pulled back backward, and the pumped fluid is sucked from the suction flow passage 31b into the pump chamber 31a. At this time, the reciprocating pump 2 is performing a suction stroke. That is, when one reciprocating motion of the plunger 6 is one cycle, the reciprocating pump 2 periodically repeats a discharge stroke and a suction stroke. The forward direction with respect to the plunger 6 is the forward direction in this invention, and the rearward direction is the return direction in this invention.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the elapsed time of each of the suction stroke and the discharge stroke in one reciprocation (one cycle) of the plunger 6. The vertical axis of the figure shows the stroke amount of the plunger 6, and the horizontal axis shows the elapsed time. In the following description, Figs. 2 and 3 will also be referred to as appropriate.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the time "T1" for the plunger 6 to move from the bottom dead center to the top dead center (the time for the discharge stroke) is set to be longer than the time "T2" for the plunger 6 to move from the top dead center to the bottom dead center (the time for the suction stroke). In other words, the forward (forward) movement speed of the plunger 6 is set to be slower than the backward (return) movement speed of the plunger 6. In other words, the reciprocating pump 2 quickly sucks in the pumped liquid and slowly discharges the pumped liquid. As a result, the pulsation generated in the discharge pipe L2 of the reciprocating pump 2 is suppressed more than the pulsation generated when the time "T1" is set to be the same as the time "T2" (the curve shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4).

[0053] In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 3 will be referred to as appropriate. The diaphragm 7 reciprocates to draw pumped fluid into the pump chamber 31a and discharge the pumped fluid from the pump chamber 31a. The diaphragm 7 is housed in the pump chamber 31a. The outer edge of the diaphragm 7 is fixed to the housing 3 with both surfaces of the diaphragm 7 facing in the front-rear direction.

[0054] The position sensor 8 detects whether the plunger 6 is located at the origin position (bottom dead center) by detecting the magnetism of the magnet 57 attached to the driven gear 53. The position sensor 8 is, for example, a Hall element. The position sensor 8 is disposed at a position where the magnetism of the magnet 57 can be detected.

[0055] In the present invention, the position sensor 8 is not limited to a Hall element as long as it can detect a specific position in the circumferential direction of the driven gear 53 (a position corresponding to the origin position of the plunger 6). That is, for example, the position sensor 8 may be a known optical sensor. In this case, the driven gear 53 may have a slit, instead of the magnet 57, that allows light from the position sensor 8 to pass through.

[0056] The operation unit 9 is, for example, an operation panel that accepts operations by a user. The operation unit 9 is configured to allow the user to select an operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2. The operation unit 9 can generate a signal (mode selection signal) indicating the selected operation mode based on the user's selection, and transmit the signal to the control device 4.

[0057] The connection unit 10 is, for example, a terminal block to which a signal cable Ls is connected. The connection unit 10 is, for example, disposed on the rear surface of the housing 3. The connection unit 10 includes an input terminal 10a and an output terminal 10b. When the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the master mode, the signal cable Ls is connected to the output terminal 10b, and the output terminal 10b transmits signals (child control signals, position signals) to the other reciprocating pumps 2 via the signal cable Ls. When the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the slave mode, the signal cable Ls is connected to the input terminal 10a, and the input terminal 10a receives signals (child control signals, position signals) from the other reciprocating pumps 2 via the signal cable Ls. The input terminal 10a is an example of a receiving unit in the present invention, and the output terminal 10b is an example of a transmitting unit in the present invention.

[0058] In this embodiment, of the three reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C, a signal cable Ls is connected between the output terminal 10bA of the reciprocating pump 2A and the input terminals 10aB, 10aC of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C.

[0059] The suction pipe L1 is a path for the handled liquid to be sucked into the pump chamber 31a. The suction pipe L1 is connected to the suction passage 31b and the common suction pipe Li. The discharge pipe L2 is a path for the handled liquid discharged from the pump chamber 31a. The discharge pipe L2 is connected to the discharge passage 31c and the common discharge pipe Lo.

[0060] The suction valve V1 is connected to the suction pipe L1 and is a one-way valve that allows the pumped fluid to flow only to the suction flow passage 31b side. The discharge valve V2 is connected to the discharge pipe L2 and is a one-way valve that allows the pumped fluid to flow only to the discharge pipe L2 side.

[0061] ● Operation of pump equipment ●Multiple operation modes Next, the operation of the pump device 1 will be described below. In the following description, it is assumed that the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2A is set to the parent machine mode, and the operation modes of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C are set to the child machine mode. In the following description, Figs. 1 to 3 will be referred to as appropriate. The reciprocating pump 2A is an example of the parent machine and another reciprocating pump (relative to the child machine) in the present invention. The reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C are an example of the child machine, another reciprocating pump (relative to the parent machine), and a second pump in the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the pump device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0063] First, the operation mode of each of the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C is determined (S101, S201, S301). In this embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 9A of the reciprocating pump 2A to select the parent mode as the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2A. The operation unit 9A generates a mode selection signal indicating the parent mode and transmits it to the control device 4A. The signal generation unit 42A generates a mode determination signal indicating the parent mode and transmits the generated mode determination signal to the mode determination unit 43A. The mode determination unit 43A determines the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2A to be the parent mode based on the mode determination signal (S101). Similarly, the user operates the operation units 9B and 9C of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C to select the child mode as the operation mode of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C. The mode determination units 43B and 43C determine the operation mode of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C to be the child mode based on the mode determination signal (S201, S301). As a result, the reciprocating pump 2A operates as a master unit that controls the operations of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C, and the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C operate as slave units whose operations are controlled by the reciprocating pump 2A.

[0064] At this time, the user inputs, for example, interlocking information required for interlocking the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C (for example, the number of reciprocating pumps 2 included in the pump device 1, and numbers assigned to the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C) into the operation units 9A to 9C. In this embodiment, the reciprocating pump 2A is assigned the number "1," the reciprocating pump 2B is assigned the number "2," and the reciprocating pump 2C is assigned the number "3."

[0065] In the present invention, the link information may be input in advance.

[0066] Next, the control device 4A starts the operation of the reciprocating pump 2A based on the operation of the operation unit 9A by the user (S102). At this time, the signal generating unit 42A generates a child unit control signal (S103) and transmits the generated child unit control signal to the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C via the output terminal 10bA (S104). In this embodiment, the child unit control signal is a signal indicating that the reciprocating pump 2A (parent unit) has started operating (start timing). Next, the motor control unit 41A executes the origin return of the plunger 6A (S105). In other words, when starting the operation of the motor device 51A, the signal generating unit 42A generates a child unit control signal and transmits the generated child unit control signal to the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C. When the control devices 4B, 4C receive the child unit control signal via the input terminals 10aB, 10aC, the motor control units 41B, 41C receive the child unit control signal via the input terminals 10aB, 10aC. C Then, the motor control units 41B and 41C execute the return of the plungers 6B and 6C to their original positions (S202 and S302). That is, when the motor control units 41B and 41C receive the child device control signal, they start to control the operations of the motor devices 51B and 51C.

[0067] "Origin return" is an operation to move the plunger 6 to the origin position (bottom dead center). The time allocated to the origin return of each of the plungers 6A to 6C is set to be the same, for example. That is, the origin return of each of the plungers 6A to 6C ends (almost) at the same time. The control devices 4B, 4C can obtain the timing at which the plunger 6A is located at the bottom dead center based on the origin return time.

[0068] When the return of each of the plungers 6A to 6C to their original positions is completed, the reciprocating pump 2A starts the liquid sending operation (S106). At this time, the motor control unit 41A controls the operation of the motor device 51A to start the reciprocating movement of the plunger 6A. Similarly, the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C start the liquid sending interlocking (S203, S303). In this way, when the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C receive the child device control signal, they execute the liquid sending interlocking after the return to their original positions.

[0069] The "liquid transfer linkage" is an operation in which the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C operating as slave units transfer liquid with a phase shift, which will be described later, in linkage with the operation of the reciprocating pump 2A operating as the master unit.

[0070] In the present invention, the origin return may be performed upon completion of the previous operation of the reciprocating pump 2. In this case, the reciprocating pump 2 performs the liquid delivery operation and the liquid delivery linkage without performing the origin return.

[0071] In the liquid delivery linkage, the motor control units 41B, 41C control the operation of the motor devices 51B, 51C of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C (child units) so that, when one reciprocating motion of the plunger 6 is one cycle, the phase of the period of the plungers 6B, 6C of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C (child units) is shifted (delayed) by a predetermined angle relative to the period of the plunger 6A of the reciprocating pump 2A (parent unit).

[0072] The "predetermined angle" is any angle obtained by dividing 360° into "m+1" equal angles and multiplying the angle by "n (n is an integer from 1 to m)" when the number of child machines is "m (m is an integer from 1 to 5)", and the predetermined angles are not equal to each other. In this embodiment, since the number of child machines is "2", the predetermined angles are "120°" and "240°". The predetermined angles corresponding to the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C (child machines) are determined, for example, based on the interlocking information. That is, for example, the predetermined angle corresponding to the reciprocating pump 2B to which the number "2" is assigned is "120°", and the predetermined angle corresponding to the reciprocating pump 2C to which the number "3" is assigned is "240°".

[0073] Here, there are two methods for shifting the phase of the cycles of the plungers 6B and 6C by a predetermined angle: a method using time and a method using an angle. In this embodiment, the method using time is used.

[0074] In the method using time, the motor control units 41B and 41C obtain the timing at which the plunger 6A starts reciprocating (i.e., the timing at which the plunger 6A is located at the bottom dead center) based on the child device control signal. Then, the motor control units 41B and 41C cause the motor devices 51B and 51C to start the reciprocating motion of the plungers 6B and 6C with a predetermined delay from that timing.

[0075] The "predetermined time" is a time corresponding to a predetermined angle. That is, for example, when the plunger 6A reciprocates at "60 spm", the predetermined time is "0.33 sec" and "0.66 sec".

[0076] On the other hand, in the method using the angle, the motor control unit 41B, 41C moves the plunger 6B, 6C to a position shifted by a predetermined angle before (just before) the reciprocating pump 2B, 2C starts to feed liquid. Here, when the rotation direction of the motor device 51B, 51C during the liquid feed is defined as the "forward direction" and the opposite direction to the forward direction is defined as the "reverse direction", the motor control unit 41B, 41C moves the plunger 6B, 6C by rotating the motor device 51B, 51C in the reverse direction. That is, the motor control unit 41B rotates the motor device 51B in the reverse direction so that the plunger 6B moves a predetermined angle (120°) in one cycle. The motor control unit 41C rotates the motor device 51C in the reverse direction so that the plunger 6C moves a predetermined angle (240°) in one cycle. As a result, in the reciprocating pump 2B, 2C, the phase of the cycle of the plunger 6B, 6C is shifted by a predetermined angle at the start of the liquid feed. Therefore, in the method using angles, even if the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C start pumping liquid at the same time, the discharge process of each of the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C is performed at a timing with a phase shift of a predetermined angle, and the suction process of each of the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C is also performed at a timing with a phase shift of a predetermined angle.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the handled liquid flowing through each pipe (discharge pipes L2A-L2C, common discharge pipe Lo). In the figure, the upper half of each waveform shows the discharge waveform, and the lower half shows the suction waveform. The vertical axis of each waveform shows the instantaneous flow rate, and the horizontal axis shows time (angle). The dashed arrows simply show the magnitude of pulsation.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the reciprocating pumps 2A-2C each alternate between a discharge stroke and a suction stroke, and a relatively large pulsation occurs in the discharge pipes L2A-L2C (although it is suppressed as described above). Here, the discharge stroke of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C (child pumps) is delayed by a predetermined time corresponding to a predetermined angle (120°, 240°) from the discharge stroke of the reciprocating pump 2A (parent pump). As a result, the discharge strokes of the reciprocating pumps 2A-2C are complementarily performed. In this case, the handled liquid discharged by each discharge stroke flows in a superimposed manner without interruption in the common discharge pipe Lo (the discharge waveforms overlap), so that almost no pulsation occurs, and the discharge flow rate is also higher than the discharge flow rate of the reciprocating pump 2 alone (simple calculation shows that the discharge flow rate is three times the discharge flow rate of the reciprocating pump 2 alone).

[0079] In the following description, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5. FIG. Next, the signal generating unit 42A generates a position signal based on the detection result of the position sensor 8A (S107). At this time, the signal generating units 42B and 42C also generate position signals based on the detection results of the position sensors 8B and 8C (S204, S304). That is, the signal generating units 42A to 42C generate position signals when the motor devices 51A to 51C are operating. Next, the signal generating unit 42A transmits the generated position signal to the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C via the output terminal 10bA (S108). When the correction unit 44B receives a position signal from the reciprocating pump 2A, it compares the positions of the plungers 6A and 6B based on the position signal and the position signal generated by the signal generating unit 42B (S205). Next, the correction unit 44B corrects the operation of the motor device 51B so that the phase shift amount (angle) becomes a predetermined angle (S206). Similarly, the correction unit 44C compares the positions of the plungers 6A and 6C (S305) and corrects the operation of the motor device 51C (S306). The series of operations from generating the position signal (S107) to correcting the operations of the motor devices 51B and 51C (S206, S306) are repeatedly executed every time the plunger 6A passes the bottom dead center. As a result, the phase shift amount is always maintained at a predetermined angle.

[0080] ● Single operation mode operation Next, the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 operating in the single operation mode will be described below. In the following description, Figs. 1 to 4 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0081] When the user selects the single operation mode by operating the operation unit 9, the signal generation unit 42 generates a mode determination signal indicating the single operation mode and transmits the generated mode determination signal to the mode determination unit 43. The mode determination unit 43 determines the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2 to be the single operation mode based on the mode determination signal. Next, the control device 4 starts the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 based on the operation of the operation unit 9 by the user. At this time, the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 is common to the operation of the reciprocating pump 2 operating in the parent unit mode described above, except that the signal generation unit 42 does not generate and transmit a child unit control signal. In other words, the operation of the plunger 6 in the single operation mode is common to the operation of the plunger 6 in the multi operation mode.

[0082] In this way, the reciprocating pump 2 can operate in either the single operation mode or the multi operation mode by determining the operation mode, and when operating in the multi operation mode, it can operate in either the master mode or the slave mode. That is, the reciprocating pump 2 can operate as a single pump, and can also operate as a multiple pump in which multiple pumps are linked together. Furthermore, when operating as a multiple pump (pump device 1), the user can freely select operation from a double pump to a sextuplet pump.

[0083] In addition, in the reciprocating pump 2 operating as the slave unit, the phase is shifted by a predetermined angle by either a method using time or a method using angle. As a result, the discharge strokes of the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C are executed in a complementary manner, and the occurrence of pulsation in the common discharge pipe Lo is significantly suppressed. In addition, the pumped liquid discharged by each discharge stroke flows in the common discharge pipe Lo in an overlapping manner without interruption, so the discharge flow rate also increases.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present invention, a multiple pump (pump device 1) capable of suppressing pulsation can be provided by using a plurality of single-stage reciprocating pumps 2 having the same configuration. Therefore, the pump device 1 does not require a cam of a special shape for precisely interlocking the plurality of plungers 6. Also, since the structure of the drive unit 5 is the same as that of a single-stage pump, assembly and maintenance can be performed more easily than with conventional multiple pumps. Furthermore, all parts are common between the reciprocating pumps 2. Furthermore, since the control device 4 of each reciprocating pump 2 functions as a controller for the pump device 1, the pump device 1 does not require a dedicated controller.

[0085] Summary According to the embodiment described above, the pump device 1 includes a plurality of reciprocating pumps 2, a plurality of discharge pipes L2, and a common discharge pipe Lo. AwayThe reciprocating pumps 2A and 2C are arranged in a single operation mode and can operate independently of each other when operating in a single operation mode. When operating in a multi-operation mode, the reciprocating pump 2A operates as a parent unit that controls the operation of the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C, and the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C operate as child units linked to the reciprocating pump 2A. The reciprocating pump 2 includes a control device 4, a motor device 51, a plunger 6, a diaphragm 7, an output terminal 10b, and an input terminal 10a. When starting the operation of the motor device 51A, the control device 4A (signal generating unit 42A) generates a child unit control signal and transmits the generated child unit control signal to the reciprocating pumps 2B and 2C via the output terminal 10bA. When receiving the child unit control signal, the control devices 4B and 4C (motor control units 41B and 41C) start controlling the operation of the motor devices 51B and 51C. At this time, the control devices 4B, 4C (motor control units 41B, 41C) control the operation of the motor devices 51B, 51C so that the phase of the cycle of the plungers 6B, 6C with respect to the cycle of the plunger 6A is shifted by a predetermined angle (120°, 240°). According to this configuration, the discharge steps of the reciprocating pumps 2 are shifted complementarily, so that pulsation is suppressed in the common discharge pipe Lo and the discharge flow rate is increased. In addition, a multiple-type pump device 1 capable of suppressing pulsation can be provided by using a plurality of single-type reciprocating pumps 2 having the same configuration. Therefore, in the pump device 1, a cam with a special shape for precisely interlocking the plurality of plungers 6 is not required. In addition, since the structure of the drive unit 5 can adopt the structure of a known single-type reciprocating pump, its assembly and maintenance can be performed more easily than that of a conventional multiple-type pump. Furthermore, all parts are common between the reciprocating pumps 2. Furthermore, the control device 4 can adjust the current applied to the motor 511 according to the load of the motor 511. Therefore, compared to when the operation of the motor 511 is open-controlled, heat generation from the motor 511 is suppressed, power consumption is also suppressed, and there is no need to create a current table according to various usage environments.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when the number of child units is "m (m is an integer from 1 to 5)", the predetermined angle corresponding to each child unit is any one of the angles obtained by dividing 360° into "m+1" equal angles and multiplying the angle by "n (n is an integer from 1 to m)". With this configuration, the discharge process of each reciprocating pump 2 can be executed complementarily, and pulsation is reliably suppressed in the common discharge pipe Lo.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when the control devices 4B, 4C of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C operating as child machines receive a child machine control signal, the control devices 4B, 4C delay the timing of the start of operation of the motor devices 51B, 51C so that the phase is shifted by a predetermined angle. With this configuration, the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C can be linked with the reciprocating pump 2A so as to suppress pulsation in the common discharge pipe Lo simply by performing a simple operation of delaying the timing of the start of operation of the motor devices 51B, 51C of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C operating as child machines.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the reciprocating pump 2 includes a position sensor 8 that detects whether the plunger 6 is located at the origin position. The control device 4 (signal generating unit 42) generates a position signal based on the detection result of the position sensor 8 when the motor device 51 is operating. The control device 4A (signal generating unit 42A) of the reciprocating pump 2A operating as the master device transmits the generated position signal to the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C via the output terminal 10bA. When the control devices 4B, 4C (correcting units 44B, 44C) receive the position signal, they correct the operation of the motor devices 51B, 51C based on the received / generated position signal. According to this configuration, the phase shift amount (angle) is always maintained at a predetermined angle.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the operation modes of the reciprocating pump 2 include a single operation mode and a multi-operation mode, and the multi-operation mode includes a parent mode and a child mode. The mode determination unit 43 of the control device 4 determines the operation mode based on the mode determination signal. According to this configuration, the reciprocating pump 2 can operate as a series pump that operates independently, or can operate as a parent or child machine for other reciprocating pumps 2, depending on the operation mode. That is, the reciprocating pump 2 can also operate as a multiple pump (pump device 1) that operates in conjunction with other reciprocating pumps 2. Furthermore, since the control device 4 of each reciprocating pump 2 functions as a controller for the pump device 1, the pump device 1 does not require a dedicated controller.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the control device 4 generates a mode determination signal based on an operation on the operation unit 9. With this configuration, the user can select the operation mode of the reciprocating pump 2 simply by operating the operation unit 9.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the motor device 51 includes a motor 511 (stepping motor) having a rotating shaft 512, and an encoder 513 that detects the position angle of the rotating shaft 512. According to this configuration, the operation of the motor 511 is controlled in a closed loop, and the plunger 6 can be accurately positioned.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the forward (outward) moving speed of the plunger 6 is set to be slower than the backward (return) moving speed of the plunger 6. According to this configuration, the time "T1" of the discharge stroke is longer than the time "T2" of the suction stroke. Therefore, in the common discharge pipe Lo, the decrease in the instantaneous flow rate between discharge strokes is suppressed, and pulsation is suppressed. Furthermore, pulsation when the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the single operation mode is also suppressed more than pulsation that occurs when the time "T1" is set to be the same as the time "T2".

[0093] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the operation modes of the reciprocating pump 2 include a single operation mode and a multi-operation mode, and the multi-operation mode includes a master mode and a slave mode. When the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the slave mode, the control device 4 controls the operation of the motor device 51 so that the phase of the plunger 6 is shifted by a predetermined angle with respect to the cycle of the plunger 6 when the reciprocating pump 2 operates in the single operation mode. According to this configuration, the reciprocating pump 2 can operate as a series pump that operates independently, or can operate as a master or slave for another reciprocating pump 2, depending on the operation mode. That is, the reciprocating pump 2 can also operate as a multiple pump (pump device 1) that operates in conjunction with another reciprocating pump 2.

[0094] ●Variations● Next, modified examples of the pump device 1 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"). In the following modified examples, for ease of explanation, the same members as in the first embodiment and members having common functions are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. In the following modified examples, reference will be made as appropriate to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0095] First modified example FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the pump device. 6, this figure shows the state of the handled liquid flowing through each pipe (discharge pipes L2A to L2C and common discharge pipe Lo). The pump device 1X according to the first modified example is different from the first embodiment in that the time "T1" of the discharge stroke is the same as the time "T2" of the suction stroke.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, when the time "T1" of the discharge stroke is the same as the time "T2" of the suction stroke, the amount of handled liquid discharged by each discharge stroke in the common discharge pipe Lo is reduced compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, the effect of suppressing pulsation is slightly reduced compared to the first embodiment. Here, the reciprocating pump 2 is a low-volume pump, and the amount of liquid delivered per cycle of the plunger 6 is constant regardless of the time of the discharge stroke. In the case of the first modified example, since it is not necessary to set the time "T1" of the discharge stroke long, the time (speed) per cycle of the plunger 6 can be set shorter than the time (speed) of the first embodiment. Therefore, the pump device 1X can discharge a larger volume of handled liquid than the pump device 1 by increasing the reciprocating speed of the plunger 6 (i.e., the number of strokes of the plunger 6).

[0097] Second modified example FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the pump device. 6, this figure shows the state of the handled fluid flowing through each pipe (discharge pipes L2A, L2B, and common discharge pipe Lo). The pump device 1Y according to the second modification is different from the first embodiment in that the number of reciprocating pumps 2 operating as slave units is "1".

[0098] The pump device 1Y includes two reciprocating pumps 2A and 2B. The reciprocating pump 2A operates in a parent mode, and the reciprocating pump 2B operates in a child mode. Since the number of child pumps is "1", the predetermined angle is set to "180°". Therefore, the amount of the handled liquid discharged by each discharge process overlapping in the common discharge pipe Lo is less than that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the pulsation suppression effect is slightly reduced compared to the first embodiment, but the suppression effect is substantially the same as that of the first modified example.

[0099] Third modified example FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the pump device. 6, the figure shows the state of the handled liquid flowing through each pipe (the discharge pipes L2A, L2B, and the common discharge pipe Lo). In the pump device 1Z according to the third modification, the time "T1" of the discharge stroke is the same as the time "T2" of the suction stroke, which is different from the second modification. example is different.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, when the time "T1" of the discharge process is the same as the time "T2" of the suction process, the treated liquid discharged by each discharge process does not overlap in the common discharge pipe Lo. However, in the common discharge pipe Lo, each discharge process is continuous, and there is no interruption section for the suction process between the discharge processes. Therefore, pulsation is suppressed more than in a state where an interruption section for the suction process occurs between the discharge processes (for example, in a state of the reciprocating pumps 2A to 2C alone). That is, in the third modified example, the effect of suppressing pulsation is also reduced more than in the first embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, but the pulsation in the common discharge pipe Lo is suppressed more than the pulsation in each discharge pipe L2A, L2B.

[0101] ●Other embodiments● In the present invention, the number of reciprocating pumps 2 included in the pump device 1 is not limited to "3". That is, for example, the number of reciprocating pumps 2 may be "2" as shown in the second modified example, or may be "4" to "6". Since the reciprocating pump 2 can operate as a parent pump or a child pump, two-unit to six-unit pumps can be realized simply by increasing or decreasing the number of reciprocating pumps 2.

[0102] In the present invention, another signal cable Ls may be connected between the input terminal 10aA of the reciprocating pump 2A and the output terminals 10bB, 10bC of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C. In this configuration, a signal can be transmitted from the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C to the reciprocating pump 2A. Therefore, for example, when the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C receive a child machine control signal, the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C may generate a response signal and transmit the generated response signal to the reciprocating pump 2A. In this case, the reciprocating pump 2A can determine whether or not the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C are interlocked, depending on the presence or absence of the response signal. In addition, for example, the signal generating units 42B, 42C of the reciprocating pumps 2B, 2C may transmit a position signal to the reciprocating pump 2A, and the correcting unit 44A of the reciprocating pump 2A may correct the operation of the motor device 51A. In this configuration, the user can freely select the parent machine and the child machine.

[0103] Furthermore, in the present invention, the configuration of the connection unit 10 is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment as long as it is possible to transmit and receive signals between the reciprocating pumps 2. That is, for example, the connection unit 10 may have a wireless communication function. In this case, the reciprocating pumps 2 are connected to each other via a wireless communication line.

[0104] Furthermore, in the present invention, the electromagnetic actuator is not limited to a stepping motor. That is, for example, the reciprocating pump 2 may be provided with a known solenoid (capable of closed-loop control) equipped with a position sensor that detects the position of the moving shaft, instead of the motor device 51.

[0105] Furthermore, in the present invention, the signal generating unit 42 may generate the mode determination signal regardless of the operation of the operating unit 9. That is, for example, the signal generating unit 42 may be configured to transmit a confirmation signal to the output terminal 10b to confirm the connection with another reciprocating pump 2, and when the signal generating unit 42 receives the confirmation signal from the other reciprocating pump 2 via the input terminal 10a, the signal generating unit 42 may generate a mode determination signal to determine the operation mode as the slave mode. In this case, for example, when a response signal is received from the reciprocating pump 2 that has received the confirmation signal, the signal generating unit 42 that has received the response signal generates a mode determination signal to determine the operation mode as the master mode. This configuration can be easily realized by providing the reciprocating pumps 2 with a bidirectional communication function.

[0106] Furthermore, in the present invention, the operation modes of the reciprocating pumps 2 do not necessarily have to explicitly include the single operation mode. Even in this case, the generation and transmission of the child device control signal is simply idle, and each of the reciprocating pumps 2 can operate independently.

[0107] Furthermore, in the present invention, the phase shift amount (angle) may be any amount that can suppress pulsation, and is not limited to the amount of shift in the first embodiment. That is, for example, due to manufacturing errors of each reciprocating pump 2, the phase shift amount in the first embodiment may be approximately 120° (240°) (for example, ±5°).

[0108] Furthermore, in the present invention, the reciprocating pump 2 operating as the slave unit does not need to execute the correction of the operation of the motor device 51 (S205, S305).

[0109] Furthermore, in the present invention, the origin position of the plunger 6 may be the top dead center.

[0110] Furthermore, in the present invention, the discharge stroke time "T1" of the plunger 6 may be set shorter than the suction stroke time "T2" of the plunger 6. In this case, the reciprocating pump 2 can pump a highly viscous pumped liquid without generating large air bubbles in the pump chamber 31a.

[0111] Furthermore, in the present invention, the number of reciprocating pumps 2 included in the pump device 1 is not limited to "2" or "3". That is, for example, the number of reciprocating pumps 2 may be "4 or more", but in reality, it will be "2" to "6".

[0112] Furthermore, in the present invention, the phases of the plungers 6 of the reciprocating pumps 2 operating as child machines may be the same. In this case, the effect of suppressing pulsation is smaller than when the phases of the plungers 6 of the reciprocating pumps 2 operating as child machines are different. However, pulsation occurring in the common discharge pipe Lo is suppressed more than pulsation occurring when the reciprocating pump 2 operates alone.

[0113] ●Embodiments of the present invention● Next, the embodiments of the present invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below, using the terms and symbols described in the respective embodiments.

[0114] A first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of reciprocating pumps (e.g., reciprocating pump 2), a discharge pipe (e.g., discharge pipe L2) connected to each of the reciprocating pumps and through which the handled liquid discharged from the reciprocating pump is discharged, and a common discharge pipe (e.g., common discharge pipe Lo) connected to each of the discharge pipes and through which the handled liquid flowing through the discharge pipes joins and flows, and each of the reciprocating pumps is physically arranged separately and can operate independently of each other, and among the reciprocating pumps, one of the reciprocating pumps operates as a parent machine that controls the operation of the other reciprocating pumps, and the other reciprocating pumps operate as child machines linked to the parent machine, and each of the reciprocating pumps includes a diaphragm (e.g., diaphragm 7), a plunger (e.g., plunger 6) that reciprocates the diaphragm, an electromagnetic actuator (e.g., motor device 51) that reciprocates the plunger, and a control device ( The control device (e.g., a control device 4) of the parent machine, a transmitting unit (e.g., an output terminal 10b) capable of transmitting a signal to the other reciprocating pump that is the child machine, and a receiving unit (e.g., an input terminal 10a) capable of receiving the signal from the other reciprocating pump that is the parent machine, wherein the control device (e.g., a signal generating unit 42) of the parent machine generates a child machine control signal for controlling the operation of the child machine when starting the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the parent machine, and transmits the generated child machine control signal to the child machine via the transmitting unit of the parent machine, and the control device (e.g., a motor control unit 41) of the child machine, when receiving the child machine control signal via the receiving unit of the child machine, starts controlling the operation of the electromagnetic actuator, and controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the child machine so that, when one reciprocating operation of the plunger is one cycle, the phase of the cycle of the plunger of the child machine is shifted by a predetermined angle relative to the cycle of the plunger of the parent machine. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a multiple pump (pump device) capable of suppressing pulsation by using a plurality of single-unit reciprocating pumps having the same configuration.

[0115] A second embodiment of the present invention is a pump device in which, in the first embodiment, when the number of the child units is m (m is an integer from 1 to 5), the specified angle corresponding to each of the child units is any angle obtained by dividing 360° into m+1 equal angles and multiplying the angle by n (n is an integer from 1 to m). According to this configuration, pulsation in the common discharge pipe is reliably suppressed.

[0116] A third embodiment of the present invention is a pump device in which, in the first embodiment, the control device of the slave unit delays the timing of starting operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the slave unit so that the phase is shifted by the predetermined angle when it receives the slave unit control signal, or moves the plunger of the slave unit to a position where the phase is shifted by the predetermined angle before the slave unit starts pumping liquid. According to this configuration, the reciprocating pump operating as the slave unit can be linked with the reciprocating pump operating as the master unit so as to suppress pulsation in the common discharge pipe.

[0117] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a pump device according to the first to third embodiments, wherein each of the reciprocating pumps is provided with a position sensor (e.g., position sensor 8) that detects whether the plunger is located at the origin position (e.g., bottom dead center), and the control device (e.g., signal generating unit 42) generates a position signal indicating the timing at which the plunger is located at the origin position based on the detection result of the position sensor when the electromagnetic actuator is operating, and the control device of the parent unit transmits the generated position signal to the child unit via the transmitting unit of the parent unit, and the control device of the child unit (e.g., correction unit 44) corrects the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the child unit based on the received position signal and the position signal generated by the control device of the child unit when the position signal is received via the receiving unit of the child unit so that the phase shift amount becomes the specified angle. According to this configuration, the phase shift amount (angle) is always maintained at a predetermined angle.

[0118] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is a pump device in which, in the first embodiment, the operating modes of the reciprocating pump include a single operating mode in which the control device does not send or receive the child unit control signal, and a multi-operation mode in which the control device sends or receives the child unit control signal, and the multi-operation modes include a parent unit mode in which the control device of the parent unit generates the child unit control signal and controls the operation of the control device of the child unit, and a child unit mode in which the control device of the child unit controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the child unit based on the child unit control signal, and the control device (e.g., mode determination unit 43) determines the operating mode based on a mode determination signal that determines the operating mode. With this configuration, the reciprocating pump can operate as an independently operating pump in a series, or as a parent or child to other reciprocating pumps, depending on the mode of operation.

[0119] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is a pump device in which, in the fifth embodiment, each of the reciprocating pumps is provided with an operation unit (e.g., an operation unit 9) that accepts operation by a user of the reciprocating pump, and the control device generates the mode determination signal based on operation of the operation unit. According to this configuration, the user can select the operation mode of the reciprocating pump simply by operating the operation portion.

[0120] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is a pump device in which, in the first embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator comprises a stepping motor (e.g., motor 511) having a rotating shaft (e.g., rotating shaft 512) and an encoder (e.g., encoder 513) that detects the position angle of the rotating shaft. This arrangement allows for accurate positioning of the plunger.

[0121] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is a pump device in which, in the seventh embodiment, the plunger is arranged on one side of the diaphragm, the handled fluid is discharged when the plunger moves in a forward direction in which the diaphragm is arranged, and the handled fluid is sucked in when the plunger moves in a return direction opposite to the forward direction, and the moving speed of the plunger in the forward direction is slower than the moving speed of the plunger in the return direction. According to this configuration, a decrease in the instantaneous flow rate between discharge steps is suppressed in the common discharge pipe, and pulsation is suppressed.

[0122] A ninth embodiment of the present invention is a reciprocating pump (e.g., reciprocating pump 2) that sucks and discharges a pumped liquid by reciprocating a diaphragm (e.g., diaphragm 7), and includes the diaphragm, a plunger (e.g., plunger 6) that reciprocates the diaphragm, an electromagnetic actuator (e.g., motor device 51) that reciprocates the plunger, a control device (e.g., control device 4) that performs closed-loop control of the operation of the electromagnetic actuator, a transmitting unit (e.g., output terminal 10b) that can transmit a signal to a second pump that is another reciprocating pump having the same configuration as the reciprocating pump, and a receiving unit (e.g., input terminal 10a) that can receive an external control signal that controls the operation of the control device from the second pump, and the operation mode of the reciprocating pump is set by the control device (e.g., signal generating unit 42). The above a single operation mode in which the control device does not transmit the signal to the second pump and does not receive the external control signal; and a second operation mode in which the control device transmits the signal to the second pump or External Control Signaland a multi-operation mode in which the control device receives an external control signal from the control device, the multi-operation mode including a master mode in which the control device generates a slave control signal to control the operation of the second pump as the signal, and a slave mode in which the control device (e.g., motor control unit 41) controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator based on the external control signal, and when the reciprocating pump operates in the slave mode, the control device controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator such that the phase of the plunger is shifted by a predetermined angle relative to the period of the plunger when operating in the single operation mode, when one reciprocating operation of the plunger is one period. According to this configuration, the reciprocating pump can also operate as a multiple pump (pump device) in conjunction with other reciprocating pumps. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1 Pumping equipment 2 Reciprocating Pump 4. Control device 41 Motor control unit 42 Signal Generation Unit 43 Mode determination section 44 Correction section 51 Motor device (electromagnetic actuator) 511 Motor 512 Rotational Axis 513 Encoder 6 Plunger 7 Diaphragm 8 Position Sensors 9 Control section 10a Input terminal (receiving section) 10b Output terminal (transmitter) L2 discharge piping Lo common discharge piping 1X Pump device (first variant) 1Y Pump device (second modified example) 1Z Pump device (third variant)

Claims

1. A plurality of reciprocating pumps; a discharge pipe connected to each of the reciprocating pumps, through which the pumped liquid discharged from the reciprocating pump is discharged; a common discharge pipe connected to each of the discharge pipes, through which the handled liquid flowing through the discharge pipes joins and flows; and Each of the reciprocating pumps comprises: are physically separate and capable of operating independently of one another; Among the reciprocating pumps, one of the reciprocating pumps operates as a parent pump that controls the operation of the other reciprocating pumps, and the other reciprocating pumps operate as child pumps linked to the parent pump, Each of the reciprocating pumps comprises: A diaphragm; A plunger that reciprocates the diaphragm; an electromagnetic actuator for reciprocating the plunger; A control device that controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator in a closed loop; a transmitter capable of transmitting a signal to the other reciprocating pump serving as the child pump; a receiving unit capable of receiving the signal from the other reciprocating pump serving as the master unit; With When the control device of the parent device starts the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the parent device, the control device generates a child device control signal for controlling the operation of the child device, and transmits the generated child device control signal to the child device via the transmitting unit of the parent device, The control device of the child device When the slave unit control signal is received via the receiving unit of the slave unit, control of the operation of the electromagnetic actuator is started, Before the delivery of the liquid by the slave unit is started, the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the slave unit is controlled to move the plunger of the slave unit to a position where a phase of a period of the plunger of the slave unit is shifted by a predetermined angle from a period of the plunger of the master unit, when one reciprocating motion of the plunger is one period. Pump equipment.

2. When the number of the child devices is m (m is an integer from 1 to 5), the predetermined angle corresponding to each of the child devices is any one of angles obtained by dividing 360° into m+1 equal angles and multiplying the angle by n (n is an integer from 1 to m).

2. The pump apparatus of claim 1.

3. Each of the reciprocating pumps comprises: a position sensor that detects whether the plunger is located at an origin position; With The control device generates a position signal indicating a timing at which the plunger is located at the origin position based on a detection result of the position sensor when the electromagnetic actuator is operating, The control device of the parent device transmits the generated position signal to the child device via the transmitting unit of the parent device, When the control device of the slave device receives the position signal via the receiving unit of the slave device, the control device corrects the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the slave device based on the received position signal and the position signal generated by the control device of the slave device so that the phase shift amount becomes the predetermined angle.

3. A pump device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operation mode of the reciprocating pump is a single operation mode in which the control device does not transmit or receive the child device control signal; a multi-operation mode in which the control device transmits or receives the child device control signal; Including, The multiple operation modes include: a parent mode in which the control device of the parent device generates the child device control signal to control the operation of the control device of the child device; a slave mode in which the control device of the slave unit controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the slave unit based on the slave unit control signal; Including, The control device determines the operation mode based on a mode determination signal that determines the operation mode.

2. The pump apparatus of claim 1.

5. Each of the reciprocating pumps comprises: an operation unit that receives an operation by a user of the reciprocating pump; With The control device generates the mode determination signal based on an operation on the operation unit.

5. The pump device according to claim 4.

6. The electromagnetic actuator includes: A stepping motor having a rotating shaft; An encoder that detects a position angle of the rotary shaft; Equipped with 2. The pump apparatus of claim 1.

7. The plunger is disposed on one surface side of the diaphragm, The handled fluid is When the plunger moves in the forward direction in which the diaphragm is disposed, the liquid is discharged, When the plunger moves in a return direction opposite to the forward direction, the plunger is sucked in, The moving speed of the plunger in the forward direction is slower than the moving speed of the plunger in the backward direction.

7. The pump device according to claim 6.

8. A reciprocating pump that sucks and discharges pumped liquid by reciprocating a diaphragm, The diaphragm; A plunger that reciprocates the diaphragm; an electromagnetic actuator for reciprocating the plunger; A control device that controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator in a closed loop; A transmitter capable of transmitting a signal to a second pump, which is another reciprocating pump having the same configuration as the reciprocating pump; a receiving unit capable of receiving an external control signal from the second pump to control an operation of the control device; With The operation mode of the reciprocating pump is a single operating mode in which the controller does not transmit the signal to the second pump and does not receive the external control signal; a multi-operation mode in which the controller transmits the signal to the second pump or receives the external control signal; Including, The multiple operation modes include: a master mode in which the control device generates, as the signal, a slave control signal for controlling an operation of the second pump; a slave mode in which the control device controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator based on the external control signal; Including, When the reciprocating pump operates in the slave mode, the control device controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator before liquid delivery is started, and moves the plunger to a position where the phase of the plunger is shifted by a predetermined angle with respect to the period of the plunger when the reciprocating pump operates in the single operation mode, when one reciprocating operation of the plunger is one period. Reciprocating pump.

9. When the control device of the parent machine starts the operation of the electromagnetic actuator of the parent machine, the control device performs a return of the plunger of the parent machine to an origin, the control device of the slave device executes a return of the plunger of the slave device to an origin before moving the plunger of the slave device to the position shifted by the predetermined angle, The parent unit and the child unit each start delivering liquid simultaneously after the plunger of the child unit moves to a position shifted by the predetermined angle.

2. The pump apparatus of claim 1.

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