Monitoring system and water supply system

Abstract

To provide a technology for adequately grasping a consumption state of a stock solution in a liquid source.SOLUTION: A monitoring system for monitoring a consumption state of an undiluted liquid in a liquid source added to raw water flowing through a water supply flow channel comprises: an acquisition unit 110 for acquiring consumption information indicating a consumption amount of undiluted liquid when adding the undiluted liquid; a derivation unit 112 for deriving a total consumption amount of the undiluted liquid from a use start point of the undiluted liquid based on the consumption information of the undiluted liquid; and a residual amount depletion detection unit 102 that detects residual amount depletion of the undiluted liquid in the liquid source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system for monitoring the consumption state of the stock solution in a liquid source.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water supply system including a raw water flow path through which raw water flows and a stock solution flow path for adding a stock solution supplied from a liquid source to the raw water flowing through the raw water flow path. In this water supply system, consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution is acquired, and the total consumption amount of the stock solution from the start time of using the liquid source is derived based on the consumption amount information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the water supply system of Patent Document 1, an attempt is made to grasp the exhaustion of the remaining amount of the liquid source from the derived total consumption amount of the stock solution. However, for each addition operation of the stock solution to the raw water, there is a variation in the actual consumption amount of the stock solution. For this reason, the actual value of the total consumption amount of the stock solution is likely to vary greatly from the derived value of the total consumption amount of the stock solution due to the accumulation of the variations in the actual consumption amount for each addition operation. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately grasp the exhaustion of the remaining amount of the liquid source from the derived value of the total consumption amount of the stock solution.

[0005] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for better grasping the consumption state of the stock solution in the liquid source.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The monitoring system of the present disclosure is a monitoring system for monitoring the consumption state of the stock solution in the liquid source added to the raw water flowing through the water supply passage, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution, a derivation unit that derives the total consumption amount of the stock solution from the start time of using the liquid source based on the consumption amount information of the stock solution, and a remaining amount depletion detection unit that detects the depletion of the remaining amount of the stock solution in the liquid source.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, components are appropriately omitted, enlarged, or reduced. The drawings are to be viewed in accordance with the orientation of the reference numerals.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, first, the water supply system 10 in which the monitoring system (not shown) of the present embodiment is used will be described. The water supply system 10 is used to supply dilution water (described later) to the water supply target portion 12. The water supply target portion 12 of the present embodiment is the water discharge portion of a water discharge device that discharges dilution water. Here, a water discharge pipe is shown as an example of the water discharge device. In addition, the water discharge device may be, for example, a shower head or the like. The specific example of the water supply target portion 12 is not particularly limited, and in addition, a tank or the like for storing dilution water may also be used.

[0010] The water supply system 10 includes a first water supply line 16 for supplying dilution water to the water supply section 12, and a second water supply line 18 for supplying hot and cold mixed water, which is different in type from the dilution water, to the water supply section 12. Both the first water supply line 16 and the second water supply line 18 supply drinking water (dilution water, hot and cold mixed water).

[0011] The second water supply line 18 includes a water flow path 22 through which normal temperature water, which is tap water, is supplied from a water supply source 20 such as a waterworks, a hot water flow path 26 through which hot water is supplied from a hot water source 24 such as a water heater, a mixing valve 28 for mixing the normal temperature water and the hot water supplied from the water flow path 22 and the hot water flow path 26, and a mixed water flow path 30 for supplying the hot and cold mixed water mixed by the mixing valve 28 to the water supply section 12. The mixing ratio of the normal temperature water and the hot water in the mixing valve 28 and the flow rate of the hot and cold mixed water supplied from the mixing valve 28 can be operated by a single lever 32 provided in the water discharge device 14. A first check valve 38 and a second check valve 40 for preventing backflow to the upstream side are provided in the water flow path 22 at intervals in the flow direction. A third check valve 42 for preventing backflow to the upstream side is provided in the hot water flow path 26.

[0012] The first water supply line 16 includes a water supply flow path 50 branched from the water flow path 22 and connected to the water supply section 12, and a reforming cartridge 52 provided in the water supply flow path 50. In addition, the first water supply line 16 includes a liquid source 60 for storing the stock solution, a stock solution flow path 62 connected to the water supply flow path 50, a liquid sending section 64 provided in the stock solution flow path 62, a flow rate sensor 66 provided in the water supply flow path 50, and an on-off valve 68 provided in the water supply flow path 50.

[0013] The water supply passage 50 is supplied with raw water to which a water supply pressure is applied from the water supply source 20 on the upstream side. In the water supply passage 50 of the present embodiment, raw water is supplied from the water supply source 20 via the water passage 22. At the confluence portion 70 of the water supply passage 50 and the stock solution passage 62, the stock solution is added to the raw water, thereby generating diluted water in which the stock solution is diluted with the raw water. The diluted water flows through the downstream side of the confluence portion 70 of the water supply passage 50 and the stock solution passage 62 and is supplied to the water supply target portion 12. Here, the "raw water" refers to the solvent to which the stock solution is added. Whether the "raw water" is reformed by passing through the reforming cartridge 52 is not a matter. The raw water may be tap water containing a chlorine component, natural water, or the like. The water supply passage 50 is provided with a fourth check valve 72 provided on the upstream side of the water supply passage 50 with respect to the confluence portion 70 of the water supply passage 50 and the stock solution passage 62 to prevent backflow to the upstream side.

[0014] The reforming cartridge 52 is provided with a part of the water supply passage 50 inside itself, and can reform the raw water flowing through its own interior. Here, the "reforming" refers to either removing specific components from the raw water or adding them to the raw water through either a physical change or a chemical change. The reforming cartridge 52 of the present embodiment is a water purification cartridge that removes the chlorine component contained in the tap water flowing in as raw water, and generates purified water by purifying the raw water. In addition to this, as a reforming mode of the raw water, beauty components, fragrance components, carbonic acid components, hydrogen components, etc. may be added to the raw water. The reforming cartridge 52 is detachably held in a cartridge holder (not shown). Note that the water supply system 10 may not include the reforming cartridge 52.

[0015] The liquid source 60 is detachably held in a liquid source holder (not shown). The stock solution is used for drinking, such as a beverage stock solution for dilution, a food additive concentrate, a seasoning liquid, etc. In addition to this, the stock solution may be used for applications that come into contact with the human body, such as soap water, lotion, body oil, etc. The applications that come into contact with the human body include the beverage stock solution for dilution used for drinking described above.

[0016] In the stock solution flow path 62, the stock solution supplied from the liquid source 60 flows through, and the stock solution is added to the raw water flowing through the water supply flow path 50. In the stock solution flow path 62, a fifth check valve 76 is provided upstream of the liquid delivery section 64, and a sixth check valve 80 is provided downstream of the liquid delivery section 64. In the stock solution flow path 62, a sterilization section 82 for sterilizing the stock solution flowing through the stock solution flow path 62 is provided. The sterilization section 82 has a part of the stock solution flow path 62 provided inside itself, and sterilizes the stock solution flowing through the stock solution flow path 62 via itself. The sterilization section 82 is configured to sterilize the stock solution using, for example, a hollow fiber membrane filter, a photocatalyst, ultraviolet rays, etc.

[0017] The liquid delivery section 64 delivers the stock solution by sucking out the stock solution from the liquid source 60 side and discharging it toward the water supply flow path 50 side. The liquid delivery section 64 of the present embodiment is driven by either the drive voltage or the drive current supplied from a water supply control section 86 described later, and continuously delivers the stock solution so as to obtain an instantaneous flow rate corresponding to either the drive voltage or the drive current. Here, an example in which the liquid delivery section 64 is driven by the drive voltage will be described. The liquid delivery section 64 of the present embodiment for realizing this includes, in addition to a pump, a motor for driving the pump, and the larger the voltage value of the drive voltage for driving the motor, the larger the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution delivered from the pump can be. In addition to this, the liquid delivery section 64 may include, for example, in addition to a pump, a solenoid for driving the pump, and be configured to be able to change the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution according to the drive current for driving the solenoid. The pump of the liquid delivery section 64 of the present embodiment is a tube pump, but in addition to this, various pumps such as a gear pump and a vane pump may be employed. The liquid delivery section 64 of the present embodiment is configured using a pump, but its specific example is not particularly limited, and for example, a compressor or the like may be used.

[0018] The flow rate sensor 66 of the present embodiment is provided upstream of the confluence portion 70 with the stock solution flow path 62 in the water supply flow path 50. The flow rate sensor 66 detects the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water flowing through the water supply flow path 50 (hereinafter also referred to as the raw water flow rate) every detection period (for example, every 1 second), and outputs a detection amount indicating the raw water flow rate to a processing device 104 described later. The "flow rate" in this specification refers to the volume flow rate (L / min) of the object referred to. The specific example of the flow rate sensor 66 is not particularly limited, and various flow rate sensors such as a vane wheel type flow rate sensor may be adopted.

[0019] The on-off valve 68 is an automatic on-off valve such as an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve. The on-off valve 68 of the present embodiment is provided upstream of the flow rate sensor 66 in the water supply flow path 50.

[0020] The water supply system 10 includes a water supply control unit 86 that controls the water supply operation of the water supply system 10. The water supply control unit 86 can control the opening and closing operation of the on-off valve 68. The water supply control unit 86 sets a parameter regarding either the drive voltage or the drive current (here, the drive voltage) for driving the liquid sending unit 64, and supplies either the drive voltage or the drive current of the set parameter to the liquid sending unit 64, thereby controlling the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution sent from the liquid sending unit 64 (hereinafter also referred to as the stock solution flow rate). In order to achieve this, the water supply control unit 86 of the present embodiment sets the duty ratio of the drive voltage generated by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control as a parameter regarding the drive voltage. In addition to this, the parameter regarding this drive voltage may also be the voltage value of the drive voltage or the like.

[0021] The water supply control unit 86 performs constant concentration control to control the stock solution flow rate so that the concentration of a specific component (for example, vitamin, etc.) of the stock solution in the dilution water becomes the target concentration A1 based on the detection amount of the raw water flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 66. The "concentration" in this specification refers to the mass percentage concentration (wt%). This target concentration A1 is determined so as to fall within a predetermined target range for the specific component.

[0022] The raw liquid flow rate corresponding to the raw water flow rate Q for making a specific component reach the target concentration A1 in the dilution water is called the target raw liquid flow rate qt. When performing constant concentration control, the water supply control unit 86 acquires the detected amount of the raw water flow rate Q detected by the flow rate sensor 66. After that, based on the detected amount of the raw water flow rate Q, the water supply control unit 86 derives a parameter regarding either the required drive voltage or the required drive current to be supplied to the liquid sending unit 64 in order to send the target raw liquid flow rate qt. There is a correlation between the parameter regarding either the required drive voltage or the required drive current to send the target raw liquid flow rate qt and the raw water flow rate Q. When deriving this parameter, relationship information indicating these correlations may be stored in advance in a storage unit 118 (described later), and this may be achieved by inputting the detected amount of the raw water flow rate Q into the relationship information.

[0023] This relationship information is specified by, for example, an equation, a table, etc. that takes the raw water flow rate Q as an input and outputs a parameter regarding either the required drive voltage or the required drive current to send the target raw liquid flow rate qt. This relationship information is determined according to the concentration A0 of the raw liquid and the concentration A1 of the dilution water. In the case of a usage environment where these concentrations A0 and A1 are fixed, an equation or the like specified by the relationship information may be used without considering the difference between these concentrations A0 and A1. On the other hand, when the concentration A0 varies depending on the type of the raw liquid, etc., and when the concentration A1 of the dilution water can be changed according to the user's preference, etc., it is necessary to consider the difference between these concentrations A0 and A1. In response to this, the relationship information may be specified by an equation or the like that takes as inputs the concentrations A0 and A1 of the raw liquid and the dilution water set by the user according to an operation on an input unit (not shown) and the raw water flow rate Q detected by the flow rate sensor 66, and outputs a parameter regarding either the required drive voltage or the required drive current. In addition to this, a plurality of relationship information corresponding to each combination of different concentrations A0 and A1 of the raw liquid and the dilution water may be stored in advance, and relationship information such as an equation corresponding to the actually used concentrations A0 and A1 may be used.

[0024] The water supply control unit 86 controls the flow rate of the stock solution fed from the liquid feeding unit 64 to be the target stock solution flow rate qt by supplying either the required drive voltage or the required drive current of the derived parameters to the liquid feeding unit 64. Thereby, according to the detected amount of the raw water flow rate Q, the flow rate of the stock solution fed from the liquid feeding unit 64 can be controlled to be the target stock solution flow rate qt for making a specific component in the dilution water reach the target concentration A1, and thereby, the concentration of the specific component in the dilution water can be made to be the target concentration A1.

[0025] Refer to FIG. 2. Each block in FIG. 2 can be realized by electronic elements (electronic components) such as the CPU of a computer and mechanical parts in terms of hardware, and can be realized by a computer program or the like in terms of software. Here, functional blocks realized by their cooperation are depicted. These functional blocks may be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] The monitoring system 100 is used to monitor the consumption state of the stock solution in the liquid source 60. As will be described later, the monitoring system 100 monitors the consumption state of the stock solution by deriving the total consumption amount of the stock solution from the start time of using the liquid source 60 and detecting that the remaining amount of the stock solution in the liquid source 60 is exhausted. The "exhaustion of the remaining amount" here does not mean only the case where the stock solution completely disappears from the liquid source 60 literally. This "exhaustion of the remaining amount" includes the case where after sucking up the stock solution in the liquid source 60 within the range that can be sucked by the liquid feeding unit 64, a small amount of the stock solution that cannot be sucked by the liquid feeding unit 64 remains in the liquid source 60. The meaning of "the stock solution 140 disappears from the liquid source 60" described later is the same.

[0027] The monitoring system 100 includes a remaining amount exhaustion detection unit 102 that detects the exhaustion of the remaining amount of the stock solution in the liquid source 60, a processing device 104 that performs various processes, and a notification unit 106 that notifies the user regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60. Details of the remaining amount exhaustion detection unit 102 will be described later.

[0028] The notification unit 106 notifies the user of the approaching time for replacing the liquid source 60 in a manner perceptible to the user. Here, an example of notification by the display of a lamp will be described for the notification unit 106. In addition to this, notification may be made by display such as a display, or by voice such as a speaker. The lamp serving as the notification unit 106 lights up in a lighting mode corresponding to the content to be notified, thereby notifying the approaching time for replacing the liquid source. The position and number of the notification unit 106 are not particularly limited. The notification unit 106 may be fixed to a support member (such as a sink) that supports the water discharge device 14 and provided in a housing (not shown) that supports the liquid source 60 and the like. In addition to this, the notification unit 106 may be provided in the water discharge device 14 or may be provided in the information processing terminal.

[0029] The processing device 104 includes an acquisition unit 110, a derivation unit 112, a timing unit 114, a notification control unit 116, and a storage unit 118. The processing device 104 of the present embodiment includes the water supply control unit 86 described above. The processing device 104 is a computer such as a microcomputer configured by a combination of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

[0030] The acquisition unit 110 acquires consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution to the raw water flowing through the water supply flow path 50. The stock solution consumption amount information may be the consumption amount of the stock solution itself when adding the stock solution, or may be a correlation amount correlated with the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution. This correlation amount is information that indirectly indicates the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution. The stock solution consumption amount information of the present embodiment is the detection amount of the raw water flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 66. This raw water flow rate (instantaneous flow rate of the raw water) ideally has a correlation relationship (linear relationship) with the consumption amount of the stock solution per unit time when performing constant concentration control by the water supply control unit 86, and becomes a correlation amount correlated with the consumption amount of the stock solution. The acquisition unit 110 sequentially acquires from the flow rate sensor 66 the detection amount of the raw water flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 66 every detection period of the flow rate sensor 66 when adding the stock solution.

[0031] The derivation unit 112 derives the total consumption amount of the stock solution from the start time of use of the liquid source 60 to the current time based on the consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The consumption amount information here is, as described above, a correlation quantity (detection amount of the raw water flow rate) that indirectly indicates the consumption amount of the stock solution. In this case, the relationship information for converting the correlation quantity into the consumption amount of the stock solution is stored in the storage unit 118 in advance. This relationship information is specified by a relational expression, a table, etc. showing the relationship between the consumption amount of the stock solution, the correlation quantity correlated with the consumption amount of the stock solution, and the consumption amount of the stock solution.

[0032] The derivation unit 112 uses such relationship information to convert the detected amount of the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water acquired by the acquisition unit 110 into the consumption amount of the stock solution per unit time, and derives the total consumption amount by counting the converted consumption amount of the stock solution per unit time. In addition to this, the derivation unit 112 may integrate the detected amount of the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water acquired by the acquisition unit 110 within a predetermined period, convert the integrated amount into the consumption amount of the stock solution using the above-mentioned relationship information, and derive the total consumption amount by counting the converted consumption amount of the stock solution. In any case, the derivation unit 112 may sequentially derive the total consumption amount of the stock solution based on the relationship information for converting the correlation quantity into the consumption amount of the stock solution and the correlation quantity acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The derivation unit 112 periodically derives the total consumption amount of the stock solution, and updates and stores the total consumption amount of the stock solution in the storage unit 118 every time it is derived.

[0033] The timing unit 114 measures the cumulative usage time from the start time of use of the liquid source 60 to the current time. The timing unit 114 in this embodiment measures the energization time from the external power source to the processing device 104 from the start time of use of the liquid source 60 to the current time as the cumulative usage time. The timing method of the cumulative usage time of the timing unit 114 is not particularly limited. For example, the elapsed time from the start time of use of the liquid source 60 to the current time may be measured as the cumulative usage time. The timing unit 114 measures the cumulative usage time either periodically or continuously, and updates and stores the cumulative usage time of the liquid source in the storage unit 118 every time it is measured.

[0034] The notification control unit 116 performs notification control to cause the notification unit 106 to notify of the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60 by controlling the notification unit 106. The notification control unit 116 performs a pre-notification that foretells the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60 and a main notification that notifies the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60 as notifications regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60. The notification control unit 116 performs the pre-notification when a predetermined pre-notification condition is satisfied, and performs the main notification when a predetermined main notification condition is satisfied. The lamp serving as the notification unit 106 lights up green when not notifying of the arrival of the replacement time, yellow when performing the pre-notification, and red when performing the main notification, for example, under the control of the notification control unit 116.

[0035] The pre-notification condition includes at least the establishment of a first pre-notification condition that the total consumption amount of the stock solution derived by the derivation unit 112 reaches a specified amount. The pre-notification condition here also includes the establishment of a second pre-notification condition that the cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60 measured by the time measurement unit 114 reaches a first specified time. The first pre-notification condition and the second pre-notification condition here are set as OR conditions. The pre-notification condition is satisfied when at least one of the first pre-notification condition and the second pre-notification condition is established. In addition to this, these may be set as AND conditions, or the pre-notification condition may be based only on the establishment of the first pre-notification condition. The notification control unit 116 reads the latest total consumption amount of the stock solution and the specified amount stored in the storage unit 118, and determines the success or failure of the first pre-notification condition by comparing the read total consumption amount and the specified amount. The notification control unit 116 reads the latest cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60 and the first specified time stored in the storage unit 118, and determines the success or failure of the second pre-notification condition by comparing the read cumulative usage time and the first specified time.

[0036] The first specified time is set in consideration of the preset expiration date of the liquid source 60. The expiration date of the liquid source 60 is set, for example, as the period from the start time of use of the liquid source 60 that can guarantee the quality of the stock solution of the liquid source 60. The first specified time is set to a time shorter than, for example, the time corresponding to the expiration date (e.g., 6 months) of the liquid source 60 (e.g., the time corresponding to 5.5 months). The first specified time may be either a variable value or a fixed value that can be arbitrarily set according to the user's preference.

[0037] These notification conditions at least include the fulfillment of the first notification condition that the remaining amount detector 102 detects that the liquid source 60 has run out of liquid. The notification conditions here also include the fulfillment of the second notification condition that the cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60 measured by the timer unit 114 reaches the second specified time. The first notification condition and the second notification condition here are set as OR conditions. The notification conditions are satisfied when at least one of the first notification condition and the second notification condition is fulfilled. In addition to this, they may be set as AND conditions, or the notification conditions may be based only on the fulfillment of the first notification condition. The notification control unit 116 determines the success or failure of the first notification condition by reading the detection result of the latest remaining amount detector 102 stored in the storage unit 118. The notification control unit 116 reads the latest cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60 and the second specified time stored in the storage unit 118, and determines the success or failure of the second notification condition by comparing the read cumulative usage time with the second specified time.

[0038] The second specified time is longer than the first specified time and is set in consideration of the expiration date of the liquid source 60. The second specified time is set to, for example, the time corresponding to the expiration date of the liquid source 60. In this way, the notification unit 106 notifies regarding the approaching time for replacing the liquid source 60 based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution, the detection result of the remaining amount detector 102, and the cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining notification control. The notification control unit 116 performs notification control periodically. In this notification control, first, the notification control unit 116 determines whether the above-described advance notification conditions are met (S10). Next, the notification control unit 116 determines whether the above-described main notification conditions are met (S12). If the notification control unit 116 determines that the advance notification conditions are not satisfied (N in S10), it does not perform notification regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60 (S14). If the notification control unit 116 determines that the advance notification conditions are satisfied (Y in S10) and determines that the main notification conditions are not satisfied (N in S12), it performs advance notification (S16). If the notification control unit 116 determines that the advance notification conditions are satisfied (Y in S10) and determines that the main notification conditions are satisfied (Y in S12), it performs the main notification (S18). After this, the notification control ends.

[0040] The effects of the above monitoring system 100 will be described.

[0041] As described above, from the derived value of the total consumption amount of the stock solution, it is difficult to accurately grasp the depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source 60 due to the accumulation of variations in the actual consumption amount of the stock solution for each addition operation. Also, from the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit, the consumption amount of the stock solution before the liquid source 60 runs out of the remaining amount cannot be grasped. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, from the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102, the depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source 60 can be grasped more accurately than when using the derived value of the total consumption amount of the stock solution. This is because it is not affected by the accumulation of variations in the actual consumption amount of the stock solution for each addition operation compared to the case of using the derived value of the total consumption amount of the stock solution. Along with this, from the total consumption amount of the stock solution derived by the derivation unit 112, the approximate consumption amount before the liquid source 60 runs out of the remaining amount can be grasped. As a result, the consumption state of the stock solution in the liquid source 60 can be grasped well.

[0042] Based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102, the notification control unit 116 causes the notification unit 106 to be notified regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source. Therefore, considering the total consumption amount of the stock solution that affects the replacement time of the liquid source 60 and the depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source 60, it becomes possible to appropriately notify regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source 60.

[0043] In addition, the notification control unit 116 causes the notification unit 106 to notify the user of the approaching replacement time of the liquid source 60 based on the cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60. Therefore, by considering the total consumption amount of the stock solution that affects the replacement time of the liquid source 60, the depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source 60, and the cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60, it becomes possible to appropriately notify the user of the approaching replacement time of the liquid source 60.

[0044] The notification control unit 116 can perform a pre-notification and a main notification. Therefore, by means of the pre-notification and the main notification respectively, it becomes possible to inform the user that the replacement time of the liquid source 60 is approaching and that the replacement time of the liquid source 60 has arrived.

[0045] Suppose the consumption amount information is the detected amount of the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution detected by the flow rate sensor provided in the stock solution flow path 62. The detection accuracy of the flow rate sensor 66 usually decreases as the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid to be detected by the flow rate sensor 66 becomes smaller. Therefore, when a flow rate sensor is provided in the stock solution flow path 62, as the dilution ratio of the stock solution increases, the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution becomes smaller, and accordingly, there is a problem that the detection accuracy by the flow rate sensor significantly decreases. In this regard, the consumption amount information of the present embodiment is the detected amount of the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water detected by the flow rate sensor 66 provided in the water supply flow path 50. Therefore, even if the dilution ratio of the stock solution increases, it hardly affects the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water and also hardly affects the detection accuracy by the flow rate sensor 66. For this reason, even when the dilution ratio increases, the variation of the consumption amount of the stock solution indicated by the consumption amount information from the actual consumption amount can be reduced, and the total consumption amount of the stock solution can be accurately derived. In addition, there is an advantage that the consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution can be obtained without providing the flow rate sensor 66 in the stock solution flow path 62. The water supply system 10 of the present embodiment dilutes the stock solution with raw water so that the dilution ratio, which is the ratio of the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water to the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution, is 1000 times or more.

[0046] Other features of the water supply system 10 and the monitoring system 100 will be described. Refer to FIG. 1. The water supply control unit 86 is operable in accordance with an operation on the water supply operation unit 90 by the user. The water supply operation unit 90 is operated by the user to switch the presence or absence of water supply to the water supply target unit 12. A specific example of the water supply operation unit 90 is not particularly limited, and in addition to mechanical components such as a rotary handle provided in the water discharge device 14 as in the present embodiment, it may be configured by an information processing terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet). The water supply operation unit 90 can select any one of a plurality of instructions in accordance with an operation by the user, and outputs the selected instruction to the water supply control unit 86. The instructions selectable by the water supply operation unit 90 include a water supply instruction for supplying water to the water supply target unit 12 and a water stop instruction for stopping the water supply to the water supply target unit 12.

[0047] When the water supply control unit 86 receives the water supply instruction, it opens the on-off valve 68 and starts the liquid feeding of the undiluted solution by the liquid feeding unit 64. As a result, diluted water is generated in the water supply flow path 50, and the diluted water is supplied from the water supply flow path 50 to the water supply target unit 12. When the water supply control unit 86 receives the water stop instruction, it closes the on-off valve 68 and stops the liquid feeding of the undiluted solution by the liquid feeding unit 64. As a result, the supply of the diluted water from the water supply flow path 50 to the water supply target unit 12 stops.

[0048] Refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B. These are schematic diagrams showing the remaining amount detection unit 102 together with the peripheral structure. The stock solution flow path 62 of the water supply system 10 includes an air reservoir 132 in which air 130 is accumulated. The air reservoir 132 of the present embodiment is provided in the sterilization unit 82. The remaining amount detection unit 102 of the present embodiment detects the depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source 60 by using the air 130 accumulated in the air reservoir 132. To achieve this, the stock solution flow path 62 is sealed with respect to the external space so as to prevent the inflow of air from the external space. Further, the liquid source 60 uses a sealed container that can be reduced in volume and deformed by suction by the liquid feeding unit 64. The liquid source 60 using such a sealed container includes a main body portion 60a that can be deformed (i.e., reduced in volume and deformed) so that the volume decreases as the stock solution 140 decreases by suction by the liquid feeding unit 64, a first connection portion 60b that is detachably connected to the aforementioned liquid source holder 134, and a second connection portion 60c that is watertightly connected to a joint member 138 that forms the stock solution flow path 62 by a seal member 136. The first connection portion 60b and the second connection portion 60c are provided at the ends of the main body portion 60a. The first connection portion 60b is detachable from the liquid source holder 134 by using a screw structure, a snap fit, a magnetic force, or the like. By using such a sealed container, the liquid source 60 can prevent the inflow of outside air from the external space into the liquid source 60 even when the remaining amount of the stock solution 140 in the sealed container is depleted.

[0049] With the above configuration, the liquid delivery unit 64 can suck the stock solution 140 in the liquid source 60 with the volume reduction and deformation of the liquid source 60 while leaving the air 130 accumulated in the air reservoir 132 (see Fig. 3A). When the stock solution 140 is sucked from the liquid source 60 until it runs out by the liquid delivery unit 64, the negative pressure applied to the stock solution 140 in the stock solution flow path 62 gradually increases, and the air 130 in the air reservoir 132 starts to be sucked by the liquid delivery unit 64 with the expansion of the air 130 (see Fig. 3B). As a result, the air 130 starts to flow through the space between the air reservoir 132 in the stock solution flow path 62 and the liquid delivery unit 64. Thereby, when there is the stock solution 140 in the liquid source 60 between the air reservoir 132 in the stock solution flow path 62 and the liquid delivery unit 64, the stock solution 140 can be made to flow through (see Fig. 3A), and when the stock solution 140 runs out from the liquid source 60, the air 130 can be made to flow through (see Fig. 3B). That is, the water supply system 10 is configured such that the flowing substance at the specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62 becomes either the stock solution 140 or the air 130 according to the presence or absence of the stock solution 140 in the liquid source 60. The specific location 142 here refers to the space between the air reservoir 132 in the stock solution flow path 62 and the liquid delivery unit 64. In this way, when using the air 130 in the stock solution flow path 62, since the stock solution flow path 62 is sealed with respect to the external space and the liquid source 60 is a sealed container capable of volume reduction and deformation, it is possible to prevent false detection by the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 caused by air flowing in from the external space.

[0050] Note that the sterilization unit 82 includes a liquid chamber 146 that houses the sterilization filter 144. The sterilization filter 144 sterilizes by capturing microorganisms contained in the stock solution. The sterilization filter 144 is, for example, a hollow fiber membrane filter, but various sterilization filters may be employed. The liquid chamber 146 is composed of a plurality of liquid quality forming members (not shown) that are detachable from each other, and the sterilization filter 144 can be taken in and out by disassembling the liquid chamber forming members. That is, the sterilization unit 82 of the present embodiment is exchangeable by taking in and out the sterilization filter 144.

[0051] The remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 includes a stock solution sensor 150 that detects a physical quantity that changes depending on the flowing substance at a specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62, and a remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 that determines whether the liquid source 60 has run out of stock based on the detection result of the stock solution sensor 150. The stock solution sensor 150 of the present embodiment is a capacitance sensor that detects the capacitance of the flowing substance as a physical quantity that changes depending on the flowing substance at a specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62. The stock solution sensor 150 of the present embodiment is arranged outside the flow path member that forms the stock solution flow path 62, but it may also be arranged inside thereof.

[0052] The remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 determines whether the liquid source 60 has run out of stock or there is a possibility that the liquid source 60 has run out of stock by comparing the detection value of the stock solution sensor 150 with a preset determination value. When the detection target of the stock solution sensor 150 is capacitance as in the present embodiment, the detection value (capacitance) of the stock solution sensor 150 increases when the high dielectric constant stock solution 140 flows through the stock solution flow path 62, and decreases when the low dielectric constant air 130 flows through the stock solution flow path 62. Therefore, when the detection value (capacitance) of the stock solution sensor 150 exceeds the determination value, the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 of the present embodiment determines that the stock solution 140 is flowing through the specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62 and the liquid source 60 has not run out of stock. On the other hand, when the detection value (capacitance) of the stock solution sensor 150 is equal to or less than the determination value, the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 determines that air is flowing through the specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62 and there is a possibility that the liquid source 60 has run out of stock. The determination value is set so as to be able to distinguish between the detection value when the flowing substance at the specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62 becomes the stock solution and the detection value when the flowing substance becomes air.

[0053] When the processing device 104 satisfies a predetermined detection condition, it causes the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 to execute a detection operation for detecting the depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source 60. This detection condition is, for example, that after the water supply control unit 86 receives a water supply instruction from the water supply operation unit 90 operated by the user, it receives a water stop instruction. Each time the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 performs the detection operation, the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 determines based on the detection result of the stock solution sensor 150 whether there is no depletion of the liquid source 60 or whether there is a possibility of depletion of the liquid source 60. When the determination of the possibility of depletion of the liquid source 60 continues for a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) in a row, the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 determines that there is depletion of the liquid source 60.

[0054] When the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 determines that there is no depletion of the liquid source 60, and in either case where the determination of the possibility of depletion of the liquid source 60 does not continue for the specified number of times, it detects that there is no depletion of the liquid source 60. When the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 determines that there is depletion of the liquid source, it detects that there is depletion of the liquid source 60. This makes it easier to avoid a situation where, although there is stock solution in the liquid source 60, it is erroneously detected that there is depletion of the liquid source 60. Each time the remaining amount depletion determination unit 152 performs the detection operation, it updates and stores the detection result in the storage unit 118.

[0055] As described above, the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 of the present embodiment detects the depletion of the liquid source 60 by detecting, with the stock solution sensor 150, a physical quantity that changes due to the flowing substance at a specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62. Therefore, it is not necessary to directly detect the depletion of the liquid source 60 with a float switch that causes the liquid source 60 to become larger, and the liquid source 60 can be downsized.

[0056] When the total consumption amount of the latest stock solution derived by the derivation unit 112 reaches the specified amount, the remaining amount detection unit 102 executes a detection operation under the control of the processing device 104 when the above-described detection conditions are satisfied. When the total consumption amount of the latest stock solution derived by the derivation unit 112 is less than the specified amount, the remaining amount detection unit 102 does not execute a detection operation under the control of the processing device 104 even when the above-described detection conditions are satisfied. As a result, the number of times the detection operation of the remaining amount detection unit 102 is executed can be reduced, and the power consumption of the remaining amount detection unit 102 can be reduced.

[0057] Refer to FIG. 2. The monitoring system 100 includes a reset operation unit 160 that is operated by a user to reset the total usage time of the stock solution. The reset operation unit 160 may be configured by an information processing terminal in addition to mechanical components such as push buttons. The reset operation unit 160 outputs a reset instruction for resetting the total usage time of the stock solution to the processing device 104 when operated by the user. The reset operation unit 160 is operated by the user, for example, at the timing when the liquid source 60 is replaced by the user. When the processing device 104 receives the reset instruction, it resets the total consumption amount stored in the storage unit 118. The derivation unit 112 regards the reset time as the start time of using the liquid source 60, and derives the total usage time of the stock solution by counting the consumption amount of the stock solution from that time. At this time, when the processing device 104 receives the reset instruction, it also resets the cumulative usage time stored in the storage unit 118. The timing unit 114 regards the reset time as the start time of using the liquid source 60, and measures the cumulative usage time from that time.

[0058] So far, an example has been described in which the consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution is the detected amount of the raw water flow rate detected by the flow sensor 66. In addition to this, the consumption amount information may be the set amount of the parameter regarding the drive voltage per unit time supplied from the water supply control unit 86 as described below.

[0059] As described above, the water supply control unit 86 of the present embodiment controls the stock solution flow rate based on the detected amount of the raw water flow rate so that the concentration of the specific component of the stock solution in the dilution water becomes the target concentration A1. In order to achieve this, the water supply control unit 86 periodically (for example, every predetermined setting period) sets parameters regarding the drive voltage based on the detected amount of the raw water flow rate by the flow rate sensor 66. The parameter regarding this drive voltage becomes a correlation quantity correlated with the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution fed from the liquid feeding unit 64, that is, the consumption amount of the stock solution per unit time. The acquisition unit 110 sequentially acquires from the water supply control unit 86, at regular intervals (for example, every setting period), the set amount of the parameter regarding the drive voltage per unit time (here, the duty ratio) set by the water supply control unit 86 when adding the stock solution. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 118 stores in advance relationship information for converting the parameter regarding this drive voltage into the consumption amount of the stock solution. The derivation unit 112 may use such relationship information to convert the set amount of the parameter per unit time acquired by the acquisition unit 110 into the consumption amount of the stock solution, and derive the total consumption amount by counting the converted consumption amount of the stock solution per unit time.

[0060] Instead of the set amount of the parameter regarding the drive voltage, the consumption amount information may use the detected amount of the parameter (for example, voltage value) regarding the drive voltage. In this case, after using a sensor (for example, a voltage sensor) for detecting the parameter regarding the drive voltage that becomes the consumption amount information, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire the detected amount of the parameter from the sensor. In addition to this, when the liquid feeding unit 64 is driven by a drive current, the consumption amount information may use either the set amount or the detected amount of the parameter (current value, etc.) regarding the drive current instead of the drive voltage. Also in this case, even if the flow rate sensor 66 is not provided in the stock solution flow path 62, the consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution can be acquired.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the reforming cartridge 52, the switching valve 56, the liquid source 60, the liquid feeding unit 64, etc. are integrated as the addition unit 92. They do not necessarily have to be integrated.

[0062] Next, modified forms of each component described so far will be described.

[0063] The water supply system 10 does not necessarily have to include the second water supply line 18. In this case, it is sufficient if raw water such as tap water is supplied from the water supply source 20 to the water flow path 50 of the first water supply line 16. Specific examples of the liquid source 60 are not particularly limited, and various containers, tanks (such as open tanks), etc. may be adopted.

[0064] The liquid feeding unit 64 may use a metering pump that feeds a predetermined liquid feeding amount for each liquid feeding operation. In this case, the consumption information may be the number of liquid feeding operations of the liquid feeding unit 64. In this case, the derivation unit 112 may derive the total usage amount of the stock solution based on the number of liquid feeding operations as the consumption information of the stock solution and the liquid feeding amount for each liquid feeding operation stored in the storage unit 118.

[0065] The notification control unit 116 has been described as an example of a specific processing unit that performs specific processing (here, notification control) based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution derived by the derivation unit 112 and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102. In addition to this, the specific processing unit may perform a display process of displaying the total consumption amount of the stock solution and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 on a display unit (such as a display). In addition to this, the specific processing unit may perform a determination process of determining the replacement timing of the liquid source 60 based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102. In any case, specific processing can be performed by favorably reflecting the consumption state of the stock solution in the liquid source 60.

[0066] In order to cause the notification unit 106 to notify based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102, the specific notification content of the notification control unit 116 is not particularly limited, and the notification conditions to be satisfied for performing the notification content are also not particularly limited. For example, the notification control unit 116 may perform only one of the preliminary notification and the main notification. The notification control unit 116 may notify regarding the arrival of the replacement timing of the liquid source 60 based on the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit 102 without considering the cumulative usage time of the liquid source 60.

[0067] The remaining amount detection unit 102 only needs to be able to detect the depletion of the remaining amount in the liquid source 60, and its specific example is not particularly limited. The remaining amount detection unit 102 may be, for example, a float switch provided in the liquid source 60.

[0068] When the stock solution sensor 150 is used as the remaining amount detection unit 102, the physical quantity to be detected by the stock solution sensor 150 is not limited to capacitance, and may be temperature, light quantity, etc. When using temperature as the physical quantity to be detected by the stock solution sensor 150, the remaining amount detection unit 102 may include a heater for heating the stock solution flow path 62 in addition to the aforementioned stock solution sensor 150 and the remaining amount determination unit 152. In this case, the stock solution sensor 150 may be a thermistor or the like for detecting temperature. The stock solution sensor 150 detects the first temperature after the elapse of the first set time from the start of heating the stock solution flow path 62 by the heater and the second temperature after the elapse of the second set time from the start of the heating. The temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature becomes smaller when the stock solution with a high heat transfer rate flows through the stock solution flow path 62, and becomes larger when air with a low heat transfer rate flows through the stock solution flow path 62. Therefore, when the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature detected by the stock solution sensor 150 is less than a predetermined determination value, the remaining amount determination unit 152 determines that the stock solution is flowing in the stock solution flow path 62 and there is no depletion of the remaining amount in the liquid source 60. On the contrary, when the temperature difference is less than the determination value, the remaining amount determination unit 152 determines that air is flowing in the stock solution flow path 62 and there is a possibility of depletion of the remaining amount in the liquid source 60.

[0069] In order to configure the flowing substance at the specific location 142 in the stock solution flow path 62 to be either the stock solution or air according to the presence or absence of the stock solution in the liquid source 60, either the stock solution flow path 62 or the liquid source 60 may be open to the external space. For example, an open-type tank may be used as the liquid source 60, and when the stock solution in the liquid source 60 runs out, the outside air in the external space may flow into the stock solution flow path 62.

[0070] When the remaining amount detection unit 102 is determined to have a possibility of running out of the remaining amount only once by the remaining amount determination unit 152, it may be determined that the liquid source 60 has run out of the remaining amount. The remaining amount detection unit 102 may execute a detection operation when the detection conditions are satisfied regardless of the total consumption amount of the stock solution derived by the derivation unit 112.

[0071] The flow rate sensor 66 may be provided in the stock solution flow path 62 instead of the water supply flow path 50. In this case, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire the detected amount of the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution flowing through the stock solution flow path 62 as consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution.

[0072] The above embodiments and modified forms are examples. The technical ideas abstracted from these should not be construed as being limited to the contents of the embodiments and modified forms. Many design changes such as changes, additions, and deletions of components are possible for the contents of the embodiments and modified forms. In the foregoing embodiments, regarding the contents for which such design changes are possible, the notation "embodiment" is attached for emphasis. However, design changes are naturally permitted even for the contents without such notation. The hatching attached to the cross-section of the drawing does not limit the material of the object to which the hatching is attached. What replaces any of the components and expressions of the present disclosure among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. is also effective as an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0073] Generalizing the technical ideas embodied by the above embodiments and modified forms, it can be said that the technical ideas described in the following items are included.

[0074] Item 1 is a monitoring system for monitoring the consumption state of the stock solution in the liquid source added to the raw water flowing through the water supply flow path, including an acquisition unit that acquires consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution, a derivation unit that derives the total consumption amount of the stock solution from the start time of using the liquid source based on the consumption amount information of the stock solution, and a remaining amount detection unit that detects the exhaustion of the remaining amount of the stock solution in the liquid source.

[0075] The second item is the monitoring system according to the first item, comprising a notification control unit that causes the notification unit to notify regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit.

[0076] The third item is the monitoring system according to the second item, comprising a timekeeping unit that measures the cumulative usage time from the start time of using the liquid source, and the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution, the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit, and the cumulative usage time.

[0077] The fourth item is the monitoring system according to any one of the second and third items, wherein the notification control unit performs a preliminary notification that forecasts the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source and a main notification that notifies the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source as notifications regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source.

[0078] The fifth item is the monitoring system according to any one of the second to fourth items, wherein the notification control unit performs a preliminary notification that forecasts the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source when the preliminary notification conditions are satisfied, and performs a main notification that notifies the arrival of the replacement time of the liquid source when the main notification conditions are satisfied. The preliminary notification conditions include at least the establishment of a first preliminary notification condition that the total consumption amount of the stock solution reaches a specified amount, and the main notification conditions include at least the establishment of a first main notification condition that the remaining amount depletion of the liquid source is detected by the remaining amount depletion detection unit.

[0079] The sixth item is the monitoring system according to the fifth item, comprising a timekeeping unit that measures the cumulative usage time from the start time of using the liquid source, the preliminary notification conditions include the establishment of a second preliminary notification condition that the cumulative usage time reaches a first specified time, and the main notification conditions include the establishment of a second main notification condition that the cumulative usage time reaches a second specified time.

[0080] The seventh item is the monitoring system according to any one of the first to sixth items, wherein the remaining amount depletion detection unit executes a detection operation to detect the remaining amount depletion in the liquid source when the total consumption amount of the stock solution reaches a specified amount.

[0081] Item 8 is the monitoring system according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the consumption information is a detected amount indicating the instantaneous flow rate of raw water detected by a flow sensor provided in the water supply passage.

[0082] Item 9 is the monitoring system according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the water supply system in which the monitoring system is used includes a liquid feeding unit that is provided in a stock solution flow passage through which the stock solution flows and feeds the stock solution, and a water supply control unit that sets a parameter related to either the driving voltage or the driving current to be supplied to the liquid feeding unit and supplies either the set driving voltage or the set driving current to control the instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution fed by the liquid feeding unit, and the consumption information is either a set amount or a detected amount of a parameter related to either the driving voltage or the driving current.

[0083] Item 10 is the monitoring system according to any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the water supply system in which the monitoring system is used includes a stock solution flow passage through which the stock solution flows, and is configured such that the fluid flowing through a specific location in the stock solution flow passage becomes either stock solution or air according to the presence or absence of the stock solution in the liquid source, and the remaining amount depletion detection unit includes a stock solution sensor that detects a physical quantity that changes depending on the fluid flowing through the specific location in the stock solution flow passage.

[0084] Item 11 is a water supply system in which the monitoring system according to Item 10 is used, wherein the stock solution flow passage includes an air reservoir in which air is accumulated and is sealed from the external space, and the liquid source is a sealed container that can be reduced in volume and deformed by suction by a liquid feeding unit provided in the stock solution flow passage.

Explanation of Signs

[0085] 10…Water supply system, 50…Water flow path, 60…Liquid source, 62…Stock solution flow path, 64…Liquid feeding section, 66…Flow rate sensor, 86…Water supply control section, 100…Monitoring system, 102…Detection section, 106…Notification section, 110…Acquisition section, 112…Derivation section, 114…Timing section, 116…Notification control section, 130…Air, 140…Stock solution, 142…Specific location, 150…Sensor for stock solution.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for monitoring the consumption status of the stock solution in the stock solution source added to the raw water flowing through the water supply passage, an acquisition unit that acquires consumption amount information indicating the consumption amount of the stock solution when adding the stock solution, a derivation unit that derives the total consumption amount of the stock solution from the start time of use of the stock solution source based on the consumption amount information of the stock solution, and a remaining amount depletion detection unit that detects depletion of the remaining amount of the stock solution in the stock solution source, wherein the remaining amount depletion detection unit executes a detection operation for detecting depletion of the remaining amount in the stock solution source when the total consumption amount of the stock solution reaches a specified amount.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification control unit that causes a notification unit to notify regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution and the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit.

3. comprising a timing unit that measures the cumulative usage time from the start time of use of the stock solution source, wherein the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source based on the total consumption amount of the stock solution, the detection result of the remaining amount depletion detection unit, and the cumulative usage time.

4. The monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the notification control unit performs a warning notification for warning the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source and a main notification for notifying the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source as notifications regarding the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source.

5. The notification control unit performs a warning notification for warning the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source when the warning notification condition is satisfied, and performs a main notification for notifying the arrival of the replacement time of the stock solution source when the main notification condition is satisfied, wherein the warning notification condition includes at least the establishment of a first warning notification condition that the total consumption amount of the stock solution reaches a specified amount, and the main notification condition includes at least the establishment of a first main notification condition that the remaining amount depletion of the stock solution source is detected by the remaining amount depletion detection unit.

6. comprising a timing unit that measures the cumulative usage time from the start time of use of the stock solution source, wherein the warning notification condition includes the establishment of a second warning notification condition that the cumulative usage time reaches a first specified time, and the main notification condition includes the establishment of a second main notification condition that the cumulative usage time reaches a second specified time.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the consumption amount information is a detected amount indicating the instantaneous flow rate of the raw water detected by a flow rate sensor provided in the water supply passage.

8. The water supply system in which the monitoring system is used is a liquid feeding unit provided in a stock solution flow path through which the stock solution flows and configured to feed the stock solution, a water supply control unit configured to set a parameter related to either the driving voltage or the driving current to be supplied to the liquid feeding unit and supply either the driving voltage or the driving current of the set parameter, thereby controlling an instantaneous flow rate of the stock solution fed by the liquid feeding unit, The consumption information is the monitoring system according to claim 1, which is either a set amount or a detected amount of a parameter related to either the driving voltage or the driving current.

9. The water supply system in which the monitoring system is used includes a stock solution flow path through which the stock solution flows, and is configured such that a flowing substance at a specific location in the stock solution flow path changes according to the presence or absence of the stock solution in the liquid source. The remaining amount depletion detection unit includes a stock solution sensor configured to detect a physical quantity that changes according to the flowing substance at the specific location in the stock solution flow path, and a remaining amount depletion determination unit configured to determine depletion of the remaining amount of the liquid source based on a detection result of the stock solution sensor. The monitoring system according to claim 1.

10. The water supply system in which the monitoring system is used is configured such that a flowing substance at a specific location in the stock solution flow path becomes either the stock solution or air according to the presence or absence of the stock solution in the liquid source. The monitoring system according to claim 9.

11. A water supply system in which the monitoring system according to claim 9 is used, wherein the stock solution flow path includes an air reservoir in which air is accumulated and is sealed with respect to an external space.

12. The liquid source is a sealed container that can be reduced in volume and deformed by suction by a liquid feeding unit provided in the stock solution flow path. The water supply system according to claim 11.

Images