Water supply device and water supply system

Abstract

To provide a water supply device that enables simple inspection of a backflow prevention device.SOLUTION: A water supply device 1 comprises an intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 that detects pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve 43 and a second check valve 44 of a backflow prevention device 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a water supply device that is connected directly to a main water pipe or via a water receiving tank and supplies water supplied from the main water pipe to water supply appliances (e.g., faucets) in a building. In order to prevent backflow of water into the main water pipe or the water receiving tank, a backflow prevention device is attached to the suction pipe of the water supply device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The backflow prevention device is required to be inspected about once a year. Conventionally, a professional has to access the water supply device in the pump room and inspect the backflow prevention device using a test kit. During this time, the operation of the water supply device has to be stopped intentionally and the water cut state has to be continued.

[0005] However, in such a method, a professional has to directly access the water supply device and connect a test kit for inspection to the backflow prevention device. As a result, the inspection work may become complicated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device and a water supply system that enable simple inspection of a backflow prevention device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one aspect, there is provided a water supply device including a pump device, a backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device, and an intermediate chamber pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0008] In one aspect, the water supply device includes a suction side pressure sensor disposed on the suction side of the backflow prevention device, and the suction side pressure sensor and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor are disposed on both sides of the first check valve. In one aspect, the water supply device includes a discharge side pressure sensor disposed on the discharge side of the backflow prevention device, and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor and the discharge side pressure sensor are disposed on both sides of the second check valve. In one aspect, the water supply device includes an operation inspection device configured to inspect the operation of a relief valve of the backflow prevention device. In one aspect, the operation inspection device includes the intermediate chamber pressure sensor, a connecting pipe connecting the discharge side of the pump device and the intermediate chamber, and an on-off valve configured to open and close the connecting pipe.

[0009] In one aspect, there is provided a water supply device including a pump device, a backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device, a suction side differential pressure sensor configured to detect a differential pressure between the pressure in a suction side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0010] In one aspect, there is provided a water supply device including a pump device, a backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device, a discharge side differential pressure sensor configured to detect a differential pressure between the pressure in a discharge side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0011] In one aspect, the water supply device includes an operation inspection device configured to inspect the operation of a relief valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0012] In one aspect, a water supply system is provided that includes a pump device, a backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device, and a control device that checks the operation of a first check valve of the backflow prevention device. The control device determines an abnormality of the first check valve based on a pressure difference between a pressure in a suction side region of the backflow prevention device and a pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0013] In one aspect, the control device calculates a first pressure difference at the start of pressure monitoring and a current second pressure difference, and determines an abnormality of the first check valve when a change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is outside a predetermined specified range.

[0014] In one aspect, a water supply system is provided that includes a pump device, a backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device, and a control device that checks the operation of a second check valve of the backflow prevention device. The control device determines an abnormality of the second check valve based on a pressure difference between a pressure in a discharge side region of the backflow prevention device and a pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and the second check valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0015] In one aspect, the control device calculates a first pressure difference at the start of pressure monitoring and a current second pressure difference, and determines an abnormality of the second check valve when a change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is outside a predetermined specified range.

[0016] In one aspect, a water supply system is provided that includes a pump device, a backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device, a water leakage detector that detects water leakage from the backflow prevention device, and a control device that checks the operation of a relief valve of the backflow prevention device. The control device determines an abnormality of the relief valve based on a water leakage detection signal detected by the water leakage detector, a pressure difference between a pressure in a discharge side region of the backflow prevention device and a pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and the second check valve of the backflow prevention device.

[0017] In one aspect, after acquiring the water leakage detection signal, the control device calculates the current pressure difference, and when the pressure difference is smaller than a predetermined reference value, it determines an abnormality in the relief valve. In one aspect, when the control device determines an abnormality in the backflow prevention device, it outputs an abnormality signal. In one aspect, after determining an abnormality in the backflow prevention device, the control device performs a retry operation to confirm the abnormality in the backflow prevention device.

[0018] In one aspect, when the control device determines an abnormality in the backflow prevention device again by the retry operation, it outputs an abnormality signal. In one aspect, the water supply system includes a water supply device including the pump device and the backflow prevention device, and an external device disposed outside the water supply device, and the water supply device includes the control device. In one aspect, the water supply system includes a water supply device including the pump device and the backflow prevention device, and an external device disposed outside the water supply device, and the external device includes the control device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] The water supply device includes an intermediate chamber pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the intermediate chamber of the backflow prevention device. Therefore, an operator can inspect the backflow prevention device based on the pressure detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor. As a result, the operator can omit the complicated operation of accessing the water supply device and connecting a test kit to the backflow prevention device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following plurality of embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a water supply device. As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply device 1 is a device used for supplying water to buildings such as office buildings and apartment houses, and is connected to a supply source (not shown) such as a main water pipe or a water receiving tank via an introduction pipe 5.

[0022] The water supply device 1 includes a pump device and a backflow prevention device 15 arranged on the suction side of the pump device. The pump device is a combination of a pump 2 and a motor 3. The water supply device 1 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) pumps 2 and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) motors 3. The number of pumps 2 and the number of motors 3 are not limited to this embodiment. The components of the water supply device 1 are housed in a cabinet 30.

[0023] The water supply device 1 includes a suction pipe 10 connected to the suction port of the pump 2 and a discharge pipe 8 connected to the discharge port of the pump 2. The suction pipe 10 includes a suction connection pipe 9 connecting the introduction pipe 5 and the backflow prevention device 15, and a suction header pipe 18 connecting the backflow prevention device 15 and the pump 2.

[0024] The discharge pipe 8 includes a discharge connection pipe 27 connected to the discharge port of each pump 2 and a discharge collecting pipe 34 connected to the discharge connection pipe 27. The discharge collecting pipe 34 is connected to a water distribution pipe 7. The water distribution pipe 7 is connected to a water supply appliance (such as a faucet) arranged inside the building.

[0025] The water supply device 1 includes an inverter 21, which is an example of a variable speed means of the motor 3 as a driving source for driving the pump 2, and a control device 20 for controlling the operation of the pump device. The control device 20 controls the driving of the motor 3 via the inverter 21. When the motor 3 is driven, the pump 2 boosts the conveying liquid and supplies the conveying liquid to the building. A pipe silencer 13 for suppressing the propagation of the vibration of the pump device is connected to the introduction pipe 5.

[0026] The water supply device 1 includes a pressure tank 28 for storing a part of the conveying liquid boosted by the pump 2 and a flow detector (not shown) connected to the discharge pipe 8. When the operation of the pump device is stopped, the pressure in the water distribution pipe 7 is maintained by the pressure tank 28. The flow detector is a device for detecting that the flow rate of the conveying liquid is equal to or less than a predetermined small water volume (that is, a small water volume state).

[0027] When the flow detector detects a low water volume state, the control device 20 issues a command to the inverter 21 to temporarily increase the operating speed of the pump device, stores pressure in the pressure tank 28, and then stops the operation of the pump device (low water volume stop). On the other hand, when the pressure in the discharge pipe 8 drops to a predetermined starting pressure, the control device 20 issues a command to the inverter 21 to start the operation of the pump device.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the backflow prevention device. The backflow prevention device 15 is arranged between the suction connection pipe 9 and the suction header pipe 18, and is a pressure-reducing type backflow prevention device that prevents the backflow of the conveyed liquid into the introduction pipe 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the backflow prevention device 15 includes a first check valve (valve body) 43 and a second check valve (valve body) 44, a relief valve (valve body) 45 arranged in an intermediate chamber 46 formed between the first check valve 43 and the second check valve 44, and a valve box 48 that houses the check valves 43, 44 and the relief valve 45.

[0029] The backflow prevention device 15 has a discharge port 47 formed at the lower part of the valve box 48. The water supply device 1 includes a water leakage detector 49 that detects the liquid passing through the discharge port 47, and a water leakage receiver 40 arranged below the discharge port 47. In the present embodiment, the water leakage detector 49 is attached to the backflow prevention device 15, but in one embodiment, the water leakage detector 49 may be attached to the water leakage receiver 40.

[0030] When the second check valve 44 fails, the conveyed liquid flowing through the suction pipe 10 passes through the second check valve 44 and flows into the intermediate chamber 46. The relief valve 45 opens due to the pressure of the conveyed liquid flowing into the intermediate chamber 46, and as a result, the conveyed liquid flows out to the outside through the discharge port 47. In this way, the backflow prevention device 15 can prevent the backflow of the conveyed liquid into the introduction pipe 5.

[0031] The water leakage receiver 40 receives the conveyed liquid leaked from the backflow prevention device 15. The conveyed liquid received by the water leakage receiver 40 is discharged to the outside of the water supply device 1. The control device 20 is electrically connected to the water leakage detector 49. Therefore, the control device 20 can determine the passage of the conveyed liquid through the discharge port 47 based on the water leakage detection signal detected by the water leakage detector 49.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the control device 20 is configured to determine the water leakage of the conveyed liquid from the discharge port 47 based on the water leakage detection signal sent from the water leakage detector 49. However, in one embodiment, the control device 20 may determine the water leakage (i.e., the operation of the relief valve 45) based on the image data sent from a camera (not shown). In one embodiment, the control device 20 may determine the water leakage based on the opening detection signal sent from an opening detection sensor (for example, a displacement sensor, a linear sensor) that detects the opening degree of the relief valve 45.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water supply device 1 includes an intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 that detects the pressure of the intermediate chamber 46, a suction side pressure sensor 41 disposed on the suction side of the backflow prevention device 15, and a discharge side pressure sensor 42 disposed on the discharge side of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0034] The suction side pressure sensor 41 is configured to detect the pressure of the suction side region 56 of the backflow prevention device 15. In the present embodiment, the suction side pressure sensor 41 is attached to the backflow prevention device 15. However, in one embodiment, the suction side pressure sensor 41 may be attached to the suction connection pipe 9. The suction side pressure sensor 41 and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 are disposed on both sides of the first check valve 43.

[0035] Although details will be described later, the control device 20 determines the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15 based on the pressure detected by the suction-side pressure sensor 41. In one embodiment, the control device 20 may control the pump device based on the pressure detected by the suction-side pressure sensor 41. In one embodiment, the control device 20 may determine an abnormal decrease in the inflow pressure based on the pressure detected by the suction-side pressure sensor 41.

[0036] The discharge-side pressure sensor 42 is configured to detect the pressure in the discharge-side region 57 of the backflow prevention device 15. In the present embodiment, the discharge-side pressure sensor 42 is attached to the backflow prevention device 15. However, in one embodiment, the discharge-side pressure sensor 42 may be attached to the suction header pipe 18. The discharge-side pressure sensor 42 and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 are arranged on both sides of the second check valve 44. The intermediate chamber 46 is formed between the suction-side region 56 and the discharge-side region 57.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation inspection device. As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply device 1 includes an operation inspection device 50 for inspecting the operation of the relief valve 45 of the backflow prevention device 15. The method for inspecting the operation of the relief valve 45 will be described later. The operation inspection device 50 includes an intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55, a connecting pipe 51 that connects the discharge side of the pump device (more specifically, the pump 2) and the intermediate chamber 46, and an on-off valve 53 that opens and closes the connecting pipe 51.

[0038] One end of the connecting pipe 51 is connected to the discharge pipe 8, and the other end is connected to the backflow prevention device 15. A part of the pressurized transport liquid flowing through the discharge pipe 8 is returned to the backflow prevention device 15 through the connecting pipe 51. The intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 is connected to the connecting pipe 51 and is arranged on the downstream side of the on-off valve 53 in the flow direction of the transport liquid. In the present embodiment, the on-off valve 53 is an electromagnetic valve. The on-off valve 53 is not limited to an electromagnetic valve as long as it can open and close the connecting pipe 51.

[0039] The operation inspection device 50 includes an air vent valve 52 attached to the upper end of the connecting pipe 51 and a flow rate adjustment device 54 connected to the connecting pipe 51. The air vent valve 52 is configured to discharge the air in the connecting pipe 51, and the flow rate adjustment device 54 is configured to adjust the flow rate of the carrier liquid passing through the connecting pipe 51.

[0040] In this embodiment, the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 is arranged on the downstream side of the flow rate adjustment device 54 in the flow direction of the carrier liquid. In other words, the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 is arranged closer to the backflow prevention device 15 than the flow rate adjustment device 54. With such an arrangement, the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 can detect the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46 without being affected by the pressure loss. Note that the air vent valve 52 may be omitted according to the structure of the water supply device 1.

[0041] The flow rate adjustment device 54 adjusts the flow rate of the carrier liquid introduced into the intermediate chamber 46 through the connecting pipe 51. In order to inspect the operation of the relief valve 45, the flow rate adjustment device 54 adjusts the flow rate of the carrier liquid so as to open the relief valve 45 while closing the first check valve 43 by the pressure of the carrier liquid. As an example of the flow rate adjustment device 54, a flow rate adjustment valve or an orifice can be mentioned. In one embodiment, when the on-off valve 53 also has the function of the flow rate adjustment device 54, the operation inspection device 50 may omit the flow rate adjustment device 54. In this case, the on-off valve 53 may be an electric valve.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device. As shown in FIG. 4, the on-off valve 53, the suction side pressure sensor 41, the discharge side pressure sensor 42, the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55, and the water leakage detector 49 are electrically connected to the control device 20. The detection signals detected by these pressure sensors 41, 42, 55 and the water leakage detector 49 are sent to the control device 20.

[0043] The control device 20 includes a substrate 60 including a display substrate and a control substrate, and an option substrate 61 for remotely inspecting the backflow prevention device 15. These substrates 60 and the option substrate 61 are electrically connected. The display substrate constituting the substrate 60 is configured to externally display information regarding the water supply device 1, and the control substrate constituting the substrate 60 is configured to control the operation of the components of the water supply device 1.

[0044] The option substrate 61 receives signals from the sensors 41, 42, 55 and the water leakage detector 49, and the substrate 60 is configured to inspect the backflow prevention device 15 based on the signals received by the option substrate 61. In one embodiment, the substrate 60 may include the option substrate 61. More specifically, the substrate 60 may receive signals from the sensors 41, 42, 55 and the water leakage detector 49, and may also inspect the backflow prevention device 15. In this case, the option substrate 61 may be omitted.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 20 is electrically connected to external devices (for example, a host device 63, an external display operator 64, etc.) of the water supply device 1. The water supply device 1 and the external devices constitute a water supply system. Examples of the host device 63 include a tablet personal computer and a notebook personal computer. The host device 63 may be a remote monitoring server (or cloud) that provides various network services to the control device 20. The external device can perform wireless communication with the control device 20 via communication means such as Bluetooth communication, wireless LAN communication, and NFC communication. Hereinafter, a method for inspecting the backflow prevention device 15 by the control device 20 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control device for performing an operation inspection of the first check valve. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation inspection flow of the first check valve by the control device. The control device 20 is configured to determine an abnormality of the first check valve 43 based on the pressure difference between the pressures detected by the suction side pressure sensor 41 and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 disposed on both sides of the first check valve 43.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 20 starts the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 on the condition that the inspection start condition is satisfied. As the inspection start condition, when the flow rate of the conveyance liquid is in the small water volume state, it is necessary that the control device 20 performs the small water volume stop operation and the operation of the pump device is stopped.

[0048] When the inspection start condition is satisfied, the control device 20 starts the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 based on a predetermined inspection execution timing. As the inspection execution timing, in one embodiment, the control device 20 may perform the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 on the condition that the time set in advance by the CPU drive clock or the clock IC mounted on the substrate 60 (or the option substrate 61) has elapsed (for example, every one month).

[0049] Even if the above-mentioned predetermined set time has elapsed and the inspection start condition is not satisfied, the control device 20 cannot perform the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15. Therefore, if the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 is not immediately performed even if the predetermined set time has elapsed, the control device 20 calculates the time period during which the pump device is stopped for a long time based on the operation history of the water supply device 1, and may perform the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 during this time period.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control device 20 may perform the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 based on a command from the host device 63, or may perform the inspection operation based on an operation of the substrate 60 (or the option substrate 61) by the user. The user may operate the external display operator 64 to issue a command to the control device 20.

[0051] As shown in step S101 of FIG. 6, the control device 20 acquires the pressure signal (i.e., the inflow pressure data) detected by the suction side pressure sensor 41 and the pressure signal (i.e., the intermediate chamber pressure data) detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55. Thereafter, the control device 20 determines whether the pump device is in a small water volume stop state (see step S102). When the pump device is not in a small water volume stop state (see "No" in step S102), for example, when the operation of the pump device is restarted during the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15, the control device 20 aborts the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0052] When the pump device is in a small water volume stop state (see "Yes" in step S102), the control device 20 determines whether a predetermined pressure monitoring period (e.g., 5 seconds to 10 seconds) has elapsed (see step S104). If the pressure monitoring period has not elapsed (see "No" in step S104), the control device 20 executes step S102 again.

[0053] Based on the pressures acquired in step S101 (i.e., the pressure in the suction side region 56 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46), the control device 20 calculates the pressure difference (the first pressure difference) at the start of pressure monitoring. During this pressure monitoring period, the control device 20 monitors in real time whether the first pressure difference is changing. If the first pressure difference changes, the control device 20 executes step S102 again.

[0054] When the pressure monitoring period has elapsed (see "Yes" in step S104), the control device 20 acquires the pressure signal detected by the suction side pressure sensor 41 and the pressure signal detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 (see step S105). Based on the pressures acquired in step S105 (i.e., the pressure in the suction side region 56 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46), the control device 20 calculates the current pressure difference (the second pressure difference) (see step S106).

[0055] The control device 20 monitors the change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, and determines whether or not this differential pressure change amount is within a predetermined specified range (see step S107). When the differential pressure change amount is within the specified range (see "Yes" in step S107), the control device 20 determines that the first check valve 43 is operating normally (see step S108), and ends the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0056] When the differential pressure change amount is outside the specified range (see "No" in step S107), the control device 20 determines an abnormality of the first check valve 43 (see step S109). Usually, when the first check valve 43 is operating normally, the pressure in the suction side region 56 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46 are maintained by the first check valve 43. Therefore, when the differential pressure change amount exceeds the specified range, the first check valve 43 is not operating normally.

[0057] When the control device 20 determines an abnormality of the first check valve 43, the control device 20 may output an alarm notifying the upper device 63 (and / or the external display operation device 64) of the abnormality of the first check valve 43. In one embodiment, the control device 20 may display the abnormality of the first check valve 43 on the substrate 60, or may output a contact. The water supply device 1 plays a very important role in supporting the living infrastructure. Therefore, even when the control device 20 determines an abnormality of the first check valve 43, the control device 20 may continue the operation of the pump device.

[0058] According to the present embodiment, since the water supply device 1 includes the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55, an operator (or a user) can inspect the backflow prevention device 15 based on the pressure detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55. As a result, the operator can omit the complicated work of directly accessing the water supply device 1 and connecting the test kit to the backflow prevention device 15.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the operation of the pump device is stopped (more specifically, when the small water volume is stopped), the control device 20 performs an inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15. Therefore, in order to inspect the backflow prevention device 15, it is not necessary to deliberately stop the operation of the water supply device 1 and continue the water cut state.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control device 20 may be included in an external device. In this case, the control device 20 of the external device can perform an inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 (from the start of inspection to the determination of the inspection result) from outside the water supply device 1. In this way, the water supply system may perform the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 through the control device 20 arranged inside the water supply device 1, or may perform the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 through the control device 20 arranged outside the water supply device 1 (more specifically, the control device 20 arranged inside the external device).

[0061] In one embodiment, the water supply system may include a control device 20 arranged inside the water supply device 1 and a new control device different from the control device 20 arranged inside the external device. The new control device may have the same configuration as the control device 20.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the control device 20 that performs the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 has been described. However, the control device 20 may include a storage device 62 that stores a program for performing the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15, and a processing device 65 that performs calculations according to the program stored in the storage device 62 (see FIG. 4).

[0063] The storage device 62 includes a main storage device (for example, a random access memory) accessible by the processing device 65 and an auxiliary storage device (for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive) that stores data and programs. The processing device 65 includes a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit).

[0064] This program calculates the first pressure difference at the start of pressure monitoring and the current second pressure difference based on the pressures detected by the suction-side pressure sensor 41 and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55, and includes a command to determine an abnormality in the first check valve 43 when the change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is outside a predetermined specified range. Although detailed description is omitted, in the embodiments shown below, the storage device 62 also stores a program including a command to determine an abnormality in the second check valve 44 and the relief valve 45.

[0065] The above program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium which is a non-transitory tangible object and is provided to the control device 20 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be input from a communication device (not shown) to the control device 20 via a communication network such as the Internet or a local area network.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a control device for performing an operation inspection of the second check valve. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation inspection flow of the second check valve by the control device. The control device 20 is configured to determine an abnormality in the second check valve 44 based on the pressure difference of the pressures detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 and the discharge-side pressure sensor 42 disposed on both sides of the second check valve 44.

[0067] As shown in step S201 of FIG. 8, the control device 20 acquires the pressure signal (i.e., discharge pressure data) detected by the discharge-side pressure sensor 42 and the pressure signal (i.e., intermediate chamber pressure data) detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 on the condition that the inspection start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the control device 20 executes steps similar to steps S102 to S104 (see steps S202 to S204).

[0068] As shown in step S205 of FIG. 8, the control device 20 acquires the pressure signal detected by the discharge-side pressure sensor 42 and the pressure signal detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55. Based on the pressures acquired in step S201 (i.e., the pressure in the discharge-side region 57 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46), the control device 20 calculates the pressure difference (the first pressure difference) at the start of pressure monitoring. As shown in step S206, the control device 20 calculates the current pressure difference (the second pressure difference) based on the pressures acquired in step S205 (i.e., the pressure in the discharge-side region 57 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46).

[0069] The control device 20 monitors the change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, and determines whether this differential pressure change amount is within a predetermined specified range (see step S207). When the differential pressure change amount is within the specified range (see "Yes" in step S207), the control device 20 determines that the second check valve 44 is normal (see step S208), and ends the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0070] When the differential pressure change amount is outside the specified range (see "No" in step S207), the control device 20 determines that there is an abnormality in the second check valve 44 (see step S209). In this case, similar to the above-described embodiment, the control device 20 may output an alarm notifying of the abnormality of the second check valve 44.

[0071] Similar to the above-described embodiment, the storage device 62 may store a program including a command to execute steps similar to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. The processing device 65 executes the inspection operation program of the backflow prevention device 15 according to the program stored in the storage device 62.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control device for performing an operation inspection of a relief valve. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation inspection flow of a relief valve by a control device. The control device 20 is configured to determine an abnormality of the relief valve 45 based on the water leakage detection signal detected by the water leakage detector 49 and the pressure difference between the pressures detected by the suction-side pressure sensor 41 and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55.

[0073] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, as an inspection start condition, it is necessary that the discharge pressure in the discharge side region 57 is higher than the inflow pressure in the suction side region 56. After starting the inspection operation, when the fluctuation of the inflow pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable range, the control device 20 stops the inspection operation.

[0074] As shown in step S301 of FIG. 10, the control device 20 operates the on-off valve 53 to open the connecting pipe 51 (that is, sets the on-off valve 53 to the ON state) on the condition that the inspection start condition is satisfied. Then, the transfer liquid pressurized by the pump 2 is introduced into the intermediate chamber 46 of the backflow prevention device 15 through the connecting pipe 51. By introducing the transfer liquid, the first check valve 43 (and the second check valve 44) is closed and the relief valve 45 is opened.

[0075] The control device 20 determines whether or not the pump device is in the small water volume stop state (see step S302). When the pump device is not in the small water volume stop state (see "No" in step S302), the control device 20 operates the on-off valve 53 to close the connecting pipe 51 (that is, sets the on-off valve 53 to the OFF state). In this way, the control device 20 stops the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0076] When the pump device is in the small water volume stop state (see "Yes" in step S302), the control device 20 determines whether or not the water leakage detector 49 has detected water leakage within a predetermined waiting time (see step S304). When water leakage is not detected within this waiting time (see "No" in step S304), the control device 20 closes the on-off valve 53 (step S305) and determines the abnormality of the relief valve 45 (see step S306).

[0077] When a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (see "Yes" in step S304), the control device 20 determines whether the water leakage detector 49 has detected water leakage (see step S307). If no water leakage is detected (see "No" in step S307), the control device 20 repeats steps S302 and S304. If water leakage is detected (see "Yes" in step S307), the control device 20 acquires the pressure signal detected by the suction side pressure sensor 41 and the pressure signal detected by the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 (see step S308).

[0078] Based on the pressures acquired in step S308 (i.e., the pressure in the suction side region 56 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46), the control device 20 calculates the current pressure difference (see step S309). Thereafter, the control device 20 closes the on-off valve 53 (see step S310) and compares the current pressure difference with a predetermined reference value (see step S311). This reference value is an index value indicating that the relief valve 45 is normally open and the first check valve 43 is normally closed.

[0079] If the current pressure difference is less than or equal to the reference value (see "No" in step S311), the control device 20 determines that there is an abnormality in the relief valve 45 (see step S306). If the current pressure difference is greater than the reference value (see "Yes" in step S311), the control device 20 determines that the relief valve 45 is operating normally (see step S312) and ends the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0080] The storage device 62 may store a program including a command to execute steps similar to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. The processing device 65 executes the inspection operation program of the backflow prevention device 15 according to the program stored in the storage device 62.

[0081] The control device 20 determines the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15 based on the criteria shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 10. However, the control device 20 may determine the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15 due to the influence of pressure error or transient abnormality. Therefore, in order to reliably determine (confirm) the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15, the control device 20 may perform a retry operation to confirm the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15 after determining the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0082] The number of retry operations is not particularly limited, and the control device 20 may perform at least one retry operation. The retry operation is executed when the next inspection start condition is satisfied after the control device 20 determines the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0083] When the control device 20 re-determines (confirms) the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15 by the retry operation, it may output an abnormality signal to an external device (such as the host device 63 and the external display operator 64). Even if the control device 20 determines the abnormality of the backflow prevention device 15, it may continue the operation of the pump device.

[0084] The inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 by the control device 20 may be stored in the storage device 62 or in the memory of the host device 63. For example, when the control device 20 is equipped with a clock IC, the inspection result and the execution time of the inspection operation are stored in the storage device 62. When the clock IC is not installed, the inspection result and the elapsed time from the power input of the control device 20 are stored in the storage device 62. The time acquired from the host device 63 at the time of executing the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15 may be stored in the storage device 62.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the inspection method of the backflow prevention device 15 by the control device 20 has been described. However, the inspection method of the backflow prevention device 15 may be directly performed by an operator. In this case, the operator performs the inspection method based on the same steps as the above-described flowchart (see FIGS. 6, 8, and 10).

[0086] The control device 20 may determine a failure of the on-off valve 53. When determining a failure of the on-off valve 53, the control device 20 outputs a failure signal of the on-off valve 53 to the host device 63. In one embodiment, the control device 20 may display the failure of the on-off valve 53 on the substrate 60 or output it as a contact. In one embodiment, the control device 20 may output it in communication to the external display operator 64.

[0087] During the stop of the operation of the pump device, when the control device 20 satisfies a predetermined failure determination condition, it determines that the on-off valve 53 has failed while remaining in the ON state. In the present embodiment, as the failure determination conditions, a first failure determination condition and a second failure determination condition can be cited.

[0088] The first failure determination condition is a condition that, although a command is issued to the on-off valve 53 to close the connecting pipe 51, a water leakage signal from the water leakage detector 49 is received. The second failure determination condition is a condition that the pressure signal from the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 when the ON signal of the on-off valve 53 is output and the pressure signal from the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 when the OFF signal of the on-off valve 53 is output have not changed. When the control device 20 satisfies the first failure determination condition and the second failure determination condition, the control device 20 determines that the on-off valve 53 remains in the ON state without becoming the OFF state.

[0089] When the control device 20 satisfies a predetermined failure determination condition, it determines that the on-off valve 53 has failed while remaining in the OFF state. In the present embodiment, as the failure determination conditions, a first failure determination condition and a second failure determination condition can be cited.

[0090] The first failure determination condition is that no water leakage signal is received from the water leakage detector 49 during the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15. The second failure determination condition is that the pressure signal from the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 when the on-signal of the on-off valve 53 is output and the pressure signal from the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 when the off-signal of the on-off valve 53 is output do not change. When the control device 20 satisfies the first failure determination condition and the second failure determination condition, it determines that the on-off valve 53 remains in the off state without becoming on.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the operation inspection device. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation inspection device 50 may include flow rate adjustment devices 67 and 68 disposed upstream of the on-off valve 53 in the flow direction of the transport liquid flowing through the connecting pipe 51. The flow rate adjustment devices 67 and 68 are arranged in this order in the flow direction of the transport liquid. Examples of the flow rate adjustment device 68 include an orifice, a throttle pipe, a solenoid valve, or a throttle valve. In one embodiment, the flow rate adjustment devices 54 and 67 may be omitted. Also in this embodiment, the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55 disposed closer to the backflow prevention device 15 than the on-off valve 53 can detect the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46 without being affected by the pressure loss.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the operation inspection device. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation inspection device 50 includes a flexible pipe 70A connected to the discharge pipe 8 and a flexible pipe 70B connected to the backflow prevention device 15.

[0093] Each of the flexible pipes 70A and 70B is a flexible pipe or a tube pipe, and the flexible pipes 70A and 70B constitute a part of the connecting pipe 51. With such a configuration, each of the flexible pipes 70A and 70B can prevent the vibration of the pump device from being transmitted to the on-off valve 53 and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55.

[0094] Furthermore, the operation inspection device 50 including the flexible pipes 70A and 70B can improve the degree of freedom of its overall layout. Therefore, the components of the water supply device 1 can be arranged at various positions without being restricted by the layout. As a result, the overall size reduction of the water supply device 1 can be achieved.

[0095] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the operation inspection device. As shown in FIG. 13, the operation inspection device 50 includes an on-off valve 75 that connects the pressure tank 28 and the connecting pipe 51. In the present embodiment, the on-off valve 75 is a three-way solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 20.

[0096] The on-off valve 75 has the functions of both the on-off valve 29 (see FIG. 1) connected to the pressure tank 28 and the on-off valve 53 (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the control device 20 can operate the on-off valve 75 to open and close the connecting pipe 51 and the pressure tank 28. More specifically, the control device 20 operates the on-off valve 75 to connect the upstream side and the downstream side of the connecting pipe 51 while closing the pressure tank 28. The control device 20 operates the on-off valve 75 to connect the pressure tank 28 and the upstream side of the connecting pipe 51 while closing the downstream side of the connecting pipe 51. The control device 20 operates the on-off valve 75 to connect the pressure tank 28 and the downstream side of the connecting pipe 51 while closing the upstream side of the connecting pipe 51.

[0097] In the present embodiment, by providing the on-off valve 75 as a three-way valve, the number of parts of the water supply device 1 can be reduced, and as a result, the cost of the water supply device 1 can be reduced.

[0098] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the water supply device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, instead of including the suction-side pressure sensor 41, the discharge-side pressure sensor 42, and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55, the water supply device 1 includes a suction-side differential pressure sensor 80 and a discharge-side differential pressure sensor 81.

[0099] The suction-side differential pressure sensor 80 is configured to detect the differential pressure between the pressure in the suction-side region 56 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46. The discharge-side differential pressure sensor 81 is configured to detect the differential pressure between the pressure in the discharge-side region 57 and the pressure in the intermediate chamber 46. The control device 20 is configured to determine the abnormality of the first check valve 43 based on the pressure difference detected by the suction-side differential pressure sensor 80. In this case, the water supply device 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the discharge-side differential pressure sensor 81.

[0100] Similarly, the control device 20 is configured to determine the abnormality of the second check valve 44 based on the pressure difference detected by the discharge-side differential pressure sensor 81. Further, the control device 20 is configured to determine the abnormality of the relief valve 45 based on the water leakage detection signal detected by the water leakage detector 49 and the pressure difference detected by the discharge-side differential pressure sensor 81. When determining the abnormality of the second check valve 44 and the abnormality of the relief valve 45, the water supply device 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the suction-side differential pressure sensor 80.

[0101] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the operation inspection device. As shown in FIG. 15, the operation inspection device 50 may include a check valve 90 disposed upstream of the flow rate adjustment device 68 in the flow direction of the carrier liquid flowing through the connecting pipe 51.

[0102] The check valve 90 is configured to restrict the flow of liquid from the discharge pipe 8 to the backflow prevention device 15. Depending on the operating condition of the water supply device 1, pressure from the reverse direction may act on the flow rate adjustment device 68 (and / or the on-off valve 53), and there is a possibility that the flow rate adjustment device 68 may open. The check valve 90 serves to maintain the pressure when the discharge pipe 8 is opened and during the stop of the operation of the pump 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent reverse pressure from acting on the flow rate adjustment device 68 (and / or the on-off valve 53).

[0103] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the operation inspection device. As shown in FIG. 16, the operation inspection device 50 may include a pressure pump 91 connected to a connecting pipe 51. The pressure pump 91 is arranged upstream of the flow rate adjusting device 54 (and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor 55) in the flow direction of the transport liquid flowing through the connecting pipe 51. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, an on-off valve 92 is connected to the connecting pipe 51, but the on-off valve 92 may be omitted.

[0104] The control device 20 is electrically connected to the pressure pump 91 and controls the operation of the pressure pump 91. The control device 20 may operate the pressure pump 91 assistively during the inspection operation of the backflow prevention device 15.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention may be implemented in various different forms within the scope of its technical idea.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1 Water supply device 2 Pump 3 Motor 5 Introduction pipe 7 Distribution pipe 8 Discharge pipe 9 Suction connection pipe 10 Suction pipe 13 Pipe silencer 15 Backflow prevention device 18 Suction header pipe 20 Control device 21 Inverter 27 Discharge connection pipe 28 Pressure tank 30 Cabinet 40 Leakage receiver 41 Suction side pressure sensor 42 Discharge side pressure sensor 43 First check valve 44 Second check valve 45 Relief valve 46 Intermediate chamber 47 Outlet 48 Valve box 49 Leak detector 50 Operation inspection device 51 Connecting pipe 52 Air vent valve 53 On-off valve 54 Flow rate adjustment device 55 Intermediate chamber pressure sensor 56 Suction side area 57 Discharge side area 60 Substrate 61 Option substrate 63 Host device 64 External display operator 65 Processing device 67,68 Flow rate adjustment device 70A,70B Flexible pipe 75 On-off valve 80 Suction side differential pressure sensor 81 Discharge side differential pressure sensor 90 Check valve 91 Pressure pump 92 On-off valve

Claims

1. A pump device, a backflow prevention device arranged on the suction side of the pump device, an intermediate chamber pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device, and an operation inspection device for inspecting the operation of a relief valve of the backflow prevention device. A water supply device comprising the same.

2. A pump device, a backflow prevention device arranged on the suction side of the pump device, an intermediate chamber pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device, and an operation inspection device comprising a connecting pipe connecting the discharge side of the pump device and the intermediate chamber. A water supply device comprising the same.

3. The water supply device includes a suction side pressure sensor arranged on the suction side of the backflow prevention device, wherein the suction side pressure sensor and the intermediate chamber pressure sensor are arranged on both sides of the first check valve. The water supply device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The water supply device includes a discharge side pressure sensor arranged on the discharge side of the backflow prevention device, wherein the intermediate chamber pressure sensor and the discharge side pressure sensor are arranged on both sides of the second check valve. The water supply device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The operation inspection device includes the intermediate chamber pressure sensor, a connecting pipe connecting the discharge side of the pump device and the intermediate chamber, and an on-off valve for opening and closing the connecting pipe. The water supply device according to Claim 1.

6. A pump device, a backflow prevention device arranged on the suction side of the pump device, a suction side differential pressure sensor for detecting the differential pressure between the pressure in the suction side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device, and an operation inspection device for inspecting the operation of a relief valve of the backflow prevention device. A water supply device comprising the same.

7. A pump device, a backflow prevention device arranged on the suction side of the pump device, a suction side differential pressure sensor for detecting the differential pressure between the pressure in the suction side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device, and an operation inspection device comprising a connecting pipe connecting the discharge side of the pump device and the intermediate chamber. A water supply device comprising the same.

8. A pump device, a backflow prevention device arranged on the suction side of the pump device, A discharge-side differential pressure sensor that detects the differential pressure between the pressure in the discharge-side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in the intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and the second check valve of the backflow prevention device; A water supply device comprising an operation inspection device for inspecting the operation of the relief valve of the backflow prevention device.

9. A pump device; A backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device; A discharge-side differential pressure sensor that detects the differential pressure between the pressure in the discharge-side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in the intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and the second check valve of the backflow prevention device; A water supply device comprising an operation inspection device including a connecting pipe that connects the discharge side of the pump device and the intermediate chamber.

10. A pump device; A backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device; A control device for inspecting the operation of the first check valve of the backflow prevention device, comprising: Based on the pressure difference between the pressure in the suction-side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in the intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and the second check valve of the backflow prevention device, the control device determines an abnormality of the first check valve; After determining an abnormality of the backflow prevention device, the control device performs a retry operation to confirm the abnormality of the backflow prevention device. A water supply system.

11. The control device: Calculates a first pressure difference at the start of pressure monitoring and a current second pressure difference; If the change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is outside a predetermined specified range, the control device determines an abnormality of the first check valve. The water supply system according to claim 10.

12. A pump device; A backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device; A control device for inspecting the operation of the second check valve of the backflow prevention device, comprising: Based on the pressure difference between the pressure in the discharge-side region of the backflow prevention device and the pressure in the intermediate chamber formed between the first check valve and the second check valve of the backflow prevention device, the control device determines an abnormality of the second check valve; After determining an abnormality of the backflow prevention device, the control device performs a retry operation to confirm the abnormality of the backflow prevention device. A water supply system.

13. The control device: Calculates a first pressure difference at the start of pressure monitoring and a current second pressure difference; If the change amount between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is outside a predetermined specified range, the control device determines an abnormality of the second check valve. The water supply system according to claim 12.

14. A pump device; A backflow prevention device disposed on the suction side of the pump device; A water leakage detector for detecting water leakage from the backflow prevention device, and a control device for inspecting the operation of the relief valve of the backflow prevention device, wherein the control device determines an abnormality of the relief valve based on a pressure difference between a water leakage detection signal detected by the water leakage detector, a pressure in the discharge side region of the backflow prevention device, and a pressure in an intermediate chamber formed between a first check valve and a second check valve of the backflow prevention device. A water supply system.

15. The control device, after acquiring the water leakage detection signal, calculates a current pressure difference, and when the pressure difference is smaller than a predetermined reference value, determines an abnormality of the relief valve. The water supply system according to claim 14.

16. The control device outputs an abnormality signal when determining an abnormality of the backflow prevention device. The water supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. The control device outputs an abnormality signal when determining an abnormality of the backflow prevention device again by the retry operation. The water supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

18. The water supply system, includes a water supply device including the pump device and the backflow prevention device, and an external device disposed outside the water supply device, wherein the water supply device includes the control device. The water supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. The water supply system, includes a water supply device including the pump device and the backflow prevention device, and an external device disposed outside the water supply device, wherein the external device includes the control device. The water supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

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