Submersible electric pump

Abstract

To provide a submerged electric pump that allows a user to grasp the state of a pump body by using a state detection sensor without directly checking the pump body.SOLUTION: A submerged electric pump 100 comprises: a pump body 1 including a motor 10 for rotating an impeller 13; a state detection sensor 2 provided in the pump body 1, and for detecting the state of the pump body 1; and a communication float 5 including an antenna part 51 connected to the pump body 1 via a wire L1, and for transmitting detection information S1 detected by the state detection sensor 2 by radio communication, and in which the antenna part 51 is arranged on a water surface by floating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a submersible electric pump. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, submersible electric pumps equipped with a state detection sensor that detects the state of the pump body are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a submersible electric pump including a motor and a load detection value sensor that detects changes in the motor's current value. The submersible electric pump is configured to automatically reverse the rotation of the motor when the load on the motor increases and the detection value of the load detection value sensor exceeds a threshold value, assuming that foreign matter has become entangled in the stirring blade. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3696573 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, in the field of submersible electric pumps, including the submersible electric pump of Patent Document 1, there has long been a demand for users to be able to grasp the state of a submersible electric pump using a state detection sensor without having to directly check the submersible electric pump. If users could grasp the state of a submersible electric pump using a state detection sensor without having to directly check the submersible electric pump, this would be preferable because it would enable users to take necessary measures early on, in addition to automatically reversing the rotation of the submersible electric pump as in Patent Document 1, when a foreign object becomes entangled, for example.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an underwater electric pump that allows the user to grasp the status of the pump body by using a status detection sensor without having to directly check the pump body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a submersible electric pump comprising: a pump body including a motor that rotates an impeller; a status detection sensor that is provided in the pump body and detects the status of the pump body; and a communication float that is connected to the pump body via wiring and includes an antenna unit that transmits detection information detected by the status detection sensor via wireless communication, and that floats to position the antenna unit above the water surface, the communication float being configured to float the antenna unit without floating the pump body that is installed on the bottom of the water. The pump further includes a mooring member having a connecting portion at one end connected to the float for communication, and a ring-shaped portion at the other end through which an electric cable extending upward from the pump body is passed, the mooring member floating on the water surface and movable up and down relative to the electric cable. .

[0008] As described above, a submersible electric pump according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication float that is connected to the pump body via wiring, includes an antenna unit that transmits detection information detected by the status detection sensor via wireless communication, and floats to position the antenna unit above the water surface. This allows the antenna unit that transmits detection information via wireless communication to be kept above the water surface by the communication float. Therefore, since the antenna unit is not submerged, information about the pump body placed underwater (detection information detected by the status detection sensor) can be continuously transmitted via wireless communication from the antenna unit above the water surface. The detection information wirelessly transmitted from the antenna unit can be received by a user's monitoring receiving device, etc. As a result, the user can grasp the status of the pump body using the status detection sensor without directly checking the pump body.

[0009] In the submersible electric pump according to the above aspect, the antenna unit is preferably configured to transmit the detection information to a portable monitoring terminal carried by a user via wireless communication. With this configuration, the detection information detected by the status detection sensor can be confirmed on the portable monitoring terminal carried by the user, allowing the user to more easily understand the detection information (status of the pump main body).

[0010] In this case, the device is preferably configured to start wirelessly transmitting the detection information from the antenna unit to the monitoring portable terminal when the monitoring portable terminal is moved from outside the range of an area where wireless communication with the antenna unit can be established into the range. With this configuration, the detection information can be automatically wirelessly transmitted from the antenna unit when the monitoring portable terminal is moved from outside the range of an area where wireless communication with the antenna unit can be established into the range, allowing the user to grasp the detection information (the state of the pump main body) even more easily.

[0011] In the submersible electric pump according to the above aspect, the communication float preferably includes a wireless communication unit that is disposed inside the communication float with wiring connected thereto and that transmits the detection information by wireless communication via the antenna unit. With this configuration, the interior of the communication float can be used as a housing space for the wireless communication unit, thereby ensuring a larger internal space in the pump body compared to when the wireless communication unit is disposed inside the pump body.

[0012] In the submersible electric pump according to the above aspect, the communication float preferably includes a weight attached to the side opposite to the side where the antenna unit is attached, and which keeps the antenna unit floating above the water surface. With this configuration, the weight prevents the communication float from tilting, and the antenna unit can be stably held above the water surface.

[0013] In the submersible electric pump according to the above aspect, the condition detection sensor preferably includes at least one of a bearing temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a bearing on the output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached, an internal motor humidity sensor that detects the humidity inside the motor, a bearing acceleration sensor that detects vibrations of the bearing on the output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached, and a motor current sensor that detects the value of the drive current that drives the motor. With this configuration, detection information that affects the drive condition of the pump main body can be easily obtained by at least one of the bearing temperature sensor, internal motor humidity sensor, bearing acceleration sensor, and motor current sensor.

[0014] The submersible electric pump according to the above aspect preferably further comprises a notification lamp provided on the communication float, the illumination state of which changes in response to the detection result of the status detection sensor. With this configuration, the user can easily understand the detection result of the status detection sensor by visually checking the notification lamp.

[0015] The submersible electric pump according to the above aspect preferably further comprises a memory unit provided in the pump body for storing the detection information, and a control unit provided in the pump body for controlling transmission of the detection information stored in the memory unit via wireless communication via the antenna unit. With this configuration, the detection information can be stored in the memory unit, and therefore the detection information can be stored in the memory unit while wireless communication with the user's monitoring receiving device cannot be established.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the communication float further includes a GPS antenna unit that acquires location information of the pump body from GPS satellites, and the memory unit is configured to store the location information acquired via the GPS antenna unit. With this configuration, the location where the pump body was used can be determined by checking the location information stored in the memory unit.

[0017] The submersible electric pump according to the above aspect preferably further includes an auxiliary antenna unit attached to an upper portion of the pump body and capable of transmitting the detection information by wireless communication in place of the antenna unit. With this configuration, even if an abnormality occurs that makes it impossible to wirelessly transmit the detection information from the antenna unit, the auxiliary antenna unit can continue to wirelessly transmit the detection information.

[0018] In the submersible electric pump according to the above aspect, preferably, The mooring member is A string member that limits the horizontal movement range of the communication float relative to the pump body Contains With this configuration, the communication float can be moored to the electric cable via the connection portion and the loop portion of the string member, preventing the communication float from drifting away and moving far from the pump body. Also, in the submersible electric pump according to the above aspect, the condition detection sensor is preferably configured to detect the condition of the motor provided inside the pump body, including at least one of the temperature of the bearing of the output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached, the humidity inside the motor, the vibration of the bearing of the output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached, and the current value of the drive current that drives the motor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a submersible electric pump that allows a user to grasp the state of the pump body by using a state detection sensor without having to directly check the pump body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a submersible electric pump according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a submersible electric pump according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a submersible electric pump according to an embodiment is used. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 500-500 in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [Embodiment] (Configuration of submersible electric pump) A submersible electric pump 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The submersible electric pump 100 is a vertical electric pump in which the central axis of rotation α of the output shaft 10a of the motor 10 extends in the vertical direction (Z direction). The submersible electric pump 100 is installed upright on the bottom surface H1 of the drainage area H in which the submersible electric pump 100 is used.

[0023] In each drawing, the direction in which the rotational axis α of the output shaft 10a extends is indicated as the Z direction, the upper side of the Z direction is indicated as the Z1 direction, and the lower side of the Z direction is indicated as the Z2 direction. The rotational direction (circumferential direction) of the output shaft 10a is indicated as the R direction.

[0024] 1 and 2, the submersible electric pump 100 includes a pump body 1 including a motor 10 that rotates an impeller 13, a state detection sensor 2 provided in the pump body 1, a control unit 3 provided in the pump body 1, a memory unit 4 provided in the pump body 1, and a communication float 5 including an antenna unit 51 connected to the pump body 1 via a wiring (communication line and power line) L1. The wiring L1 is connected to the control unit 3 inside the pump body 1.

[0025] The submersible electric pump 100 also includes a notification lamp 6 provided on the communication float 5, a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna unit 7 provided on the communication float 5, a spare antenna unit 8 attached to the top of the pump body 1, and a string member 9 for mooring the communication float 5.

[0026] The condition detection sensor 2 is a sensor that detects the condition of the pump main body 1. The condition detection sensor 2 includes four sensors: a bearing temperature sensor 20, a bearing acceleration sensor 21, a motor internal humidity sensor 22, and a motor current sensor 23.

[0027] The bearing temperature sensor 20 is configured to detect the temperature of the upper bearing 11 of the output shaft 10a of the motor 10 to which the impeller 13 is attached. The bearing acceleration sensor 21 is configured to detect vibrations of the upper bearing 11 of the output shaft 10a of the motor 10 to which the impeller 13 is attached. The motor internal humidity sensor 22 is configured to detect the humidity inside the motor 10. The motor current sensor 23 is configured to detect the current value of the drive current that drives the motor 10. The upper bearing 11 is an example of a "bearing" in the claims.

[0028] 3, the antenna unit 51 is configured to wirelessly transmit the detection information S1 detected by the status detection sensor 2. The detection information S1 from the antenna unit 51 is transmitted to a monitoring mobile terminal T or the like carried by a user who monitors the submersible electric pump 100.

[0029] The communication float 5 is configured to float and position the antenna unit 51 above the water surface. If the antenna unit 51 were to be submerged, the communication status of the antenna unit 51 would deteriorate and the antenna unit 51 would be unable to transmit the detection information S1. For this reason, the communication float 5 floats the antenna unit 51 to prevent (suppress) the deterioration of the communication status of the antenna unit 51.

[0030] (Pump body configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the pump body 1 includes a motor 10 including an output shaft 10a, an upper bearing 11, a lower bearing 12, an impeller 13, and a mechanical seal 14.

[0031] (Configuration of the pump body's "motor") The motor 10 includes an output shaft 10a, a stator 10b, a rotor 10c, and a motor frame 10d.

[0032] The output shaft 10a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). An impeller 13 is attached to one end of the output shaft 10a on the lower side, and a rotor 10c is fixed to the upper side.

[0033] The stator 10b has a coil and is configured to generate a magnetic field for rotating the rotor 10c when drive power is supplied via an electric cable L2 and a wiring L3 (power line). The rotor 10c is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the output shaft 10a is inserted therethrough.

[0034] An upper portion of the output shaft 10a, the stator 10b, and the rotor 10c are arranged inside the motor frame 10d (motor chamber 10e). The interior of the motor frame 10d is kept watertight because it contains the stator 10b and the rotor 10c. An internal motor humidity sensor 22 is also attached inside the motor frame 10d.

[0035] The motor frame 10d is disposed between the accommodation space 30 of the control unit 3 above and the oil chamber 14a below in the vertical direction.

[0036] (Configuration of the "upper bearing and lower bearing" of the pump body) The upper bearing 11 supports the output shaft 10a for rotation at a position above the rotor 10c. The upper bearing 11 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the accommodation space 30 of the control unit 3 in the radial direction of the output shaft 10a. The upper bearing 11 is held by an upper bearing holder 11a of the pump body 1. The accommodation space 30 surrounds the upper bearing holder 11a and the upper bearing 11 and is formed in an annular shape extending in the rotational direction (R direction) of the output shaft 10a.

[0037] The lower bearing 12 supports the output shaft 10a for rotation at a position lower than the rotor 10c. The lower bearing 12 is disposed at the lower end of the motor frame 10d (motor chamber 10e). The lower bearing 12 is held by a lower bearing holder 12a of the pump body 1.

[0038] Impeller 13 is disposed in pump chamber 13a below oil chamber 14a. Impeller 13 is configured to rotate to draw up liquid from suction port 13b directly below and to send the drawn liquid toward discharge port 13c.

[0039] The mechanical seal 14 is disposed in the pump chamber 13a. The mechanical seal 14 has sliding portions (not shown) on the load side (pump chamber 13a side) and the anti-load side (motor chamber 10e side). The sliding portion on the load side prevents (suppresses) the liquid in the pump chamber 13a from flowing into the oil chamber 14a. The sliding portion on the anti-load side prevents (suppresses) the liquid, including oil, in the oil chamber 14a from flowing into the motor chamber 10e. The mechanical seal 14 is lubricated and cooled by the oil filled in the oil chamber 14a. The mechanical seal 14 deteriorates over time due to sliding and therefore needs to be replaced periodically.

[0040] (Bearing temperature sensor configuration) The bearing temperature sensor 20 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to detect the temperature of the upper bearing 11 that rotationally supports the output shaft 10a. As an example, the bearing temperature sensor 20 is configured using a semiconductor temperature sensor. Note that the bearing temperature sensor may be configured using a temperature sensor of a type other than a semiconductor temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The bearing temperature sensor 20 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the upper bearing holder 11a that holds the upper bearing 11. In other words, the bearing temperature sensor 20 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the annular housing space 30 of the control unit 3.

[0041] If the detection value of the bearing temperature sensor 20 is relatively large, it can be inferred that the output shaft 10a is rotating fast, the applied force is large, and the submersible electric pump 100 may be in an overload state. Furthermore, if the detection value of the bearing temperature sensor 20 is relatively large, it can be inferred that the submersible electric pump 100 may be operating in air. Furthermore, if the detection value of the bearing temperature sensor 20 is relatively small even though the drive power value of the motor 10 is set high to rotate the motor 10 fast, it can be inferred that there may be a reason why the output shaft 10a cannot rotate fast. Possible reasons for the "output shaft 10a not being able to rotate fast" include, for example, foreign matter getting caught in the impeller 13, damage to the impeller 13, damage to the upper bearing 11 (lower bearing 12), or a valve (not shown) in the discharge pipe D connected to the discharge port 13c being closed.

[0042] (Configuration of bearing acceleration sensor) The bearing acceleration sensor 21 is configured to detect vibrations of the upper bearing 11 that rotationally supports the output shaft 10a. The bearing acceleration sensor 21 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the upper bearing holder 11a that holds the upper bearing 11. In other words, the bearing acceleration sensor 21 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the annular housing space 30 of the control unit 3.

[0043] When the detection value of bearing acceleration sensor 21 is relatively large, it is clear that output shaft 10a is vibrating significantly. Possible causes of large vibration of output shaft 10a include, for example, foreign matter getting caught in impeller 13, damage to impeller 13, or damage to upper bearing 11 (lower bearing 12 (see FIG. 1)).

[0044] (Configuration of humidity sensor inside motor) 1 is configured to detect the humidity inside the motor 10 (motor chamber 10e). The motor humidity sensor 22 is disposed in the motor chamber 10e.

[0045] If the detected value of the motor internal humidity sensor 22 is relatively large, it is determined that liquid is seeping into the motor chamber 10e from the oil chamber 14a. Possible causes of liquid seeping into the motor chamber 10e include, for example, deterioration of the mechanical seal 14 in the oil chamber 14a.

[0046] (Motor current sensor configuration) The motor current sensor 23 is configured to detect the current value of the drive current that drives the motor 10. The motor current sensor 23 is disposed in the accommodation space 30 of the control unit 3. The motor current sensor 23 is attached midway along the wiring L3 that supplies drive power to the motor 10.

[0047] If the detected value of the motor current sensor 23 is relatively large, it can be assumed that the submersible electric pump 100 may be in an overload state. Possible causes of the submersible electric pump 100 being in an overload state include, for example, foreign matter getting caught in the impeller 13, a large amount of air being sucked in and the load on the impeller 13 being low, or the valve of the discharge pipe D connected to the discharge port 13c being in a closed state.

[0048] The various detection values (detection information S1) of the status detection sensor 2 may be evaluated by the submersible electric pump 100, which is the sender of the detection information S1, or by the monitoring mobile terminal T, which is the receiver.

[0049] (Configuration of control unit and storage unit) The control unit 3 is a circuit board including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 3 is configured to control each unit such as the storage unit 4, the notification lamp 6, a wireless communication unit 52 (described later) of the communication float 5, and the auxiliary antenna unit 8.

[0050] 4 and 5, the control unit 3 is accommodated in an annular accommodation space 30 above the motor chamber 10e. The control unit 3 is formed in an arc shape extending in the rotation direction (R direction) of the output shaft 10a along the annular accommodation space 30 so as not to interfere with the upper bearing holder 11a on the inner periphery of the annular accommodation space 30. The accommodation space 30 is covered from above by a head cover 32.

[0051] The storage unit 4 is accommodated in the accommodation space 30 and is electrically connected to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 is provided with an attachment portion 31 for the storage unit 4. As an example, the storage unit 4 is a card-shaped storage medium, and the control unit 3 is provided with an insertion port (slot) as the attachment portion 31 for inserting the card-shaped storage unit 4. The storage unit and the control unit may be configured to be electrically connected via wiring or the like.

[0052] The storage unit 4 is configured to store position identification information S2 (see FIG. 2) acquired via the GPS antenna unit 7. The storage unit 4 is also configured to store time information S3 (see FIG. 2) acquired via the GPS antenna unit 7 along with the position identification information S2. As an example, the position identification information S2 and time information S3 stored in the storage unit 4 can be used by the lender to understand and manage the operating status of the lender when the submersible electric pump 100 is lent out, for example.

[0053] The memory unit 4 is configured to store the detection information S1 detected by the state detection sensor 2. The control unit 3 is configured to perform control to transmit the detection information S1 stored in the memory unit 4 via the antenna unit 51 of the communication float 5 by wireless communication.

[0054] The control unit 3 is also configured to perform control to change the lighting state of the notification lamp 6 in accordance with the detection result of the state detection sensor 2.

[0055] (Configuration of communication float 5) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication float 5 includes a housing 50 , an antenna unit 51 , a wireless communication unit 52 , and a weight 53 .

[0056] The housing 50 is formed in a hollow, spherical shape. The interior of the housing 50 is kept watertight. The interior of the housing 50 is filled with gas and is configured to receive buoyancy from the surrounding liquid. Therefore, at least a portion of the housing 50 is always kept above the water surface. As an example, the housing 50 is formed from a transparent resin material.

[0057] The antenna unit 51 is formed in a rod shape that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the housing 50. The antenna unit 51 is a device that complies with a predetermined communication standard for short-range wireless communication. Examples of the predetermined communication standard include ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and NFC (registered trademark).

[0058] As described above, the antenna unit 51 is configured to transmit the detection information S1 detected by the status detection sensor 2 to the monitoring portable terminal T (see FIG. 3) carried by the user via wireless communication. The "monitoring portable terminal T carried by the user" is, for example, a smartphone, a laptop computer, or the like.

[0059] The submersible electric pump 100 is configured to start transmitting the detection information S1 by wireless communication from the antenna unit 51 to the monitoring portable terminal T when the monitoring portable terminal T moves from outside to within an area A (see FIG. 3 ) in which wireless communication with the antenna unit 51 can be established. In other words, when a user carrying the monitoring portable terminal T moves relatively close to the submersible electric pump 100, the submersible electric pump 100 automatically transmits the detection information S1 by wireless communication to the monitoring portable terminal T.

[0060] The wireless communication unit 52 is disposed inside the housing 50 (communication float 5). The wireless communication unit 52 is a circuit board that controls the driving of the antenna unit 51. That is, the wireless communication unit 52 is configured to transmit the detection information S1 by wireless communication via the antenna unit 51. The antenna unit 51 is connected to the control unit 3 via the wireless communication unit 52 by a wiring L1.

[0061] The weight 53 is disposed inside the housing 50. The weight 53 is composed of a plurality of spheres each having a specific gravity greater than that of water. The weight 53 is attached inside the housing 50 on the side opposite to the side on which the antenna unit 51 is attached. As a result, the weight 53 is configured to maintain a floating posture in which the antenna unit 51 is positioned above the water surface. In other words, the weight 53 is configured to maintain the orientation of the communication float 5.

[0062] A partition (not shown) that restricts the movement of weight 53 is provided inside housing 50 so that weight 53 does not move toward antenna unit 51 inside housing 50. Instead of a partition, the weight may be fixed to the housing inside or outside the housing to restrict the movement of the weight. Alternatively, the weight may be formed integrally with the housing.

[0063] (Notification light configuration) The notification lamp 6 provided on the communication float 5 is configured to change its illumination state depending on the detection result of the status detection sensor 2. The notification lamp 6 is configured, for example, by an LED that can change its illumination color between red, yellow, and green. The notification lamp 6 is turned off when the pump main body 1 is "stopped." Because the notification lamp 6 is provided on the communication float 5 that floats on the water surface, the user can easily visually check the illumination state of the notification lamp 6, and can easily visually grasp the status of the submersible electric pump 100.

[0064] As an example, when the detection value of the bearing temperature sensor 20 is less than the first threshold value, the notification lamp 6 is configured to illuminate in green, indicating that the vehicle is in "regular operation (normal operation)."

[0065] Furthermore, when the detection value of bearing temperature sensor 20 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, notification lamp 6 is configured to illuminate in yellow, indicating "cautious driving." The first threshold value is a predetermined output value with a relatively low degree of urgency, which indicates, for example, that if the first threshold value is exceeded, there is a possibility that pump body 1 is operating in air, and it is therefore advisable to check the condition of pump body 1.

[0066] Furthermore, notification lamp 6 is configured to illuminate in red when the detection value of bearing temperature sensor 20 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, indicating "dangerous operation." The second threshold value is a predetermined output value that indicates a relatively high degree of urgency, for example, that if the second threshold value is exceeded, there is a high possibility that pump body 1 is operating in air, and the condition of pump body 1 should be checked immediately.

[0067] In addition, predetermined threshold values are set for the output values of the bearing acceleration sensor 21, the humidity sensor 22 inside the motor, and the motor current sensor 23, as with the bearing temperature sensor 20, and the notification lamp 6 is configured to change its lighting state to identify when the pump body 1 is operating normally, when the pump body 1 is operating with caution, when the pump body 1 is operating dangerously, and when the pump body 1 is stopped.

[0068] In addition, the control unit 3 may be configured to control the change of the lighting state of the notification lamp 6 in accordance with only some of the detection results of the four status detection sensors 2, rather than changing the lighting state of the notification lamp 6 in accordance with all of the detection results of the four status detection sensors 2.

[0069] (Configuration of GPS antenna section) The GPS antenna unit 7 provided on the communication float 5 is configured to acquire position identification information S2 and time information S3 of the pump main body 1 from GPS satellites 110. The GPS antenna unit 7 is connected to the control unit 3 via wiring L1. The position identification information S2 and time information S3 are stored in a memory unit 4 attached to the control unit 3. The submersible electric pump may be configured to wirelessly transmit not only the detection information but also the position identification information and time information to the monitoring mobile terminal.

[0070] (Configuration of spare antenna unit) The auxiliary antenna unit 8 is attached to the top of the pump body 1. Therefore, the auxiliary antenna unit 8 becomes exposed above the water surface when the water level in the drainage area H drops. This enables the auxiliary antenna unit 8 to establish communication with the monitoring mobile terminal T. The auxiliary antenna unit 8 is configured to be able to transmit the detection information S1 by wireless communication in place of the antenna unit 51 when it is exposed above the water surface.

[0071] As one example, when the auxiliary antenna unit 8 is exposed above the water surface (when it becomes possible to establish communication with the monitoring portable terminal T), the auxiliary antenna unit 8 is configured to always transmit the detection information S1 by wireless communication in place of the antenna unit 51 of the communication float 5 while it is exposed above the water surface. Alternatively, the auxiliary antenna unit may be configured to transmit the detection information by wireless communication in place of the antenna unit only when the control unit determines that there is some kind of malfunction in the antenna unit of the communication float.

[0072] (Structure of string member) The string member 9 is a member for mooring the communication float 5. In detail, one end of the string member 9 is provided with a connection part 90 that is connected to the communication float 5. In addition, the other end of the string member 9 is provided with a loop part 91.

[0073] The annular portion 91 is configured to float on the water surface with the electric cable L2 extending upward from the pump body 1 passed through it. Moreover, since the annular portion 91 floats on the water surface without being fixed to the electric cable L2, it is configured to be movable up and down relative to the electric cable L2 in response to fluctuations in the water level.

[0074] As a result, the string member 9 is configured to limit the horizontal movement range of the communication float 5 relative to the pump body 1. When the string member 9 is extended in a straight line (when the communication float 5 is furthest from the pump body 1 in the horizontal direction), the wiring L1 connecting the communication float 5 and the pump body 1 becomes slack. As an example, the string member 9 is configured from a metal or resin chain or the like.

[0075] (Effects of the embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0076] In this embodiment, as described above, a communication float 5 is provided that is connected to the pump main body 1 via wiring L1, includes an antenna unit 51 that transmits detection information S1 detected by the status detection sensor 2 via wireless communication, and floats to position the antenna unit 51 above the water surface. This allows the communication float 5 to maintain the antenna unit 51, which transmits the detection information S1 via wireless communication, above the water surface. Since the antenna unit 51 is not submerged, information about the pump main body 1 placed underwater (detection information S1 detected by the status detection sensor 2) can be continuously transmitted via wireless communication from the antenna unit 51 above the water surface. The detection information S1 wirelessly transmitted from the antenna unit 51 can be received by a user's monitoring receiving device (such as a monitoring mobile terminal T). As a result, the user can grasp the status of the pump main body 1 using the status detection sensor 2 without directly checking the pump main body 1.

[0077] In this embodiment, as described above, the antenna unit 51 is configured to transmit the detection information S1 by wireless communication to the monitoring portable terminal T carried by the user. This allows the user to check the detection information S1 detected by the status detection sensor 2 using the monitoring portable terminal T carried by the user, making it easier for the user to understand the detection information S1 (the status of the pump main body 1).

[0078] As described above, this embodiment is configured to start wirelessly transmitting detection information S1 from antenna unit 51 to monitoring portable terminal T when monitoring portable terminal T is moved from outside to within area A where wireless communication with antenna unit 51 can be established. This allows detection information S1 to be automatically wirelessly transmitted from antenna unit 51 when monitoring portable terminal T is moved from outside to within area A where wireless communication with antenna unit 51 can be established, allowing the user to grasp detection information S1 (the state of pump main body 1) even more easily.

[0079] In this embodiment, as described above, the communication float 5 includes a wireless communication unit 52 that is disposed inside the communication float 5 with the wiring L1 connected thereto and transmits the detection information S1 by wireless communication via the antenna unit 51. This allows the interior of the communication float 5 to be used as a space to accommodate the wireless communication unit 52, thereby ensuring a larger internal space for the pump body 1 compared to when the wireless communication unit 52 is disposed inside the pump body 1.

[0080] In this embodiment, as described above, the communication float 5 includes a weight 53 attached to the side opposite to the side where the antenna unit 51 is attached, and maintains a floating posture of the antenna unit 51 above the water surface. This prevents the communication float 5 from tilting due to the weight 53, and enables the antenna unit 51 to be stably maintained above the water surface.

[0081] In this embodiment, as described above, the condition detection sensor 2 includes a bearing temperature sensor 20 that detects the temperature of the upper bearing 11 of the output shaft 10a of the motor 10 to which the impeller 13 is attached, an internal motor humidity sensor 22 that detects the humidity inside the motor 10, a bearing acceleration sensor 21 that detects vibrations of the upper bearing 11 of the output shaft 10a of the motor 10 to which the impeller 13 is attached, and a motor current sensor 23 that detects the current value of the drive current that drives the motor 10. As a result, detection information that affects the drive condition of the pump body 1 can be easily obtained by the bearing temperature sensor 20, internal motor humidity sensor 22, bearing acceleration sensor 21, and motor current sensor 23.

[0082] As described above, this embodiment further includes a notification lamp 6 that is provided on the communication float 5 and changes its lighting state depending on the detection result of the status detection sensor 2. This allows the user to easily understand the detection result of the status detection sensor 2 by visually checking the notification lamp 6.

[0083] As described above, this embodiment further includes a memory unit 4 provided in pump body 1 that stores detection information S1, and a control unit 3 provided in pump body 1 that controls the transmission of detection information S1 stored in memory unit 4 by wireless communication via antenna unit 51. This allows detection information S1 to be stored in memory unit 4, so that detection information S1 can be stored in memory unit 4 while wireless communication with the user's monitoring receiving device (such as monitoring mobile terminal T) cannot be established.

[0084] As described above, this embodiment further includes a GPS antenna unit 7 that is provided on the communication float 5 and acquires location identification information S2 for the pump body 1 from GPS satellites 110, and the memory unit 4 is configured to store the location identification information S2 acquired via the GPS antenna unit 7. As a result, by checking the location identification information S2 stored in the memory unit 4, it is possible to determine the location where the pump body 1 was used.

[0085] As described above, this embodiment further includes an auxiliary antenna unit 8 that is attached to the top of the pump body 1 and that can transmit the detection information S1 by wireless communication in place of the antenna unit 51. This allows the auxiliary antenna unit 8 to continue wirelessly transmitting the detection information S1 even if an abnormality occurs that prevents the antenna unit 51 from wirelessly transmitting the detection information S1.

[0086] In this embodiment, as described above, one end is provided with a connection part 90 that is connected to the communication float 5, and the other end is provided with a ring-shaped part 91 that floats on the water surface with the electric cable L2 extending upward from the pump body 1 passed through it and is movable up and down relative to the electric cable L2, and further includes a string member 9 that limits the horizontal movement range of the communication float 5 relative to the pump body 1. In this way, the communication float 5 can be moored to the electric cable L2 via the connection part 90 and ring-shaped part 91 of the string member 9, and therefore the communication float 5 can be prevented from drifting away and moving far away from the pump body 1.

[0087] (Variation) The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, the submersible electric pump is a vertical pump in which the output shaft of the motor extends vertically, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump may be a horizontal pump in which the output shaft of the motor extends horizontally.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the condition detection sensor includes four sensors: a bearing temperature sensor, a motor humidity sensor, a bearing acceleration sensor, and a motor current sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the condition detection sensor may include only one, two, or three of the bearing temperature sensor, the motor humidity sensor, the bearing acceleration sensor, and the motor current sensor. Furthermore, the condition detection sensor may include a sensor different from the bearing temperature sensor, the motor humidity sensor, the bearing acceleration sensor, and the motor current sensor. Examples of different sensors include a motor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the motor, an output shaft rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the output shaft, and a discharge flow rate sensor that detects the discharge flow rate of the submersible electric pump.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the housing of the communication float is formed in a spherical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the housing of the communication float may be formed in a shape other than a sphere, such as an elongated shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the housing of the communication float is formed to be hollow, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the housing of the communication float may be formed to be solid.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the antenna unit wirelessly transmits the detection information to the portable monitoring terminal carried by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the antenna unit may wirelessly transmit the detection information to a configuration different from the portable monitoring terminal, such as a management server that centrally manages multiple submersible electric pumps.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the temperature of the upper bearing is detected by the bearing temperature sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the temperature of the lower bearing may be detected by the bearing temperature sensor.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the vibration of the upper bearing is detected by the bearing acceleration sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vibration of the lower bearing may be detected by the bearing acceleration sensor.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the weight is made up of a plurality of spheres, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the weight may be made up of a single sphere.

[0096] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the submersible electric pump was provided with a notification lamp, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump does not necessarily have to be provided with a notification lamp.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the submersible electric pump is provided with a GPS antenna unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump does not necessarily have to be provided with a GPS antenna unit.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the submersible electric pump is provided with a spare antenna unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump does not have to be provided with a spare antenna unit.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the submersible electric pump includes a string member, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump does not necessarily have to include a string member.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the submersible electric pump is provided with a control unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump does not have to be provided with a control unit. In this case, the submersible electric pump may be configured so that detection information from the status detection sensor is immediately transmitted from the antenna of the communication float.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the lighting state of the notification lamp is changed by changing the lighting color of the notification lamp, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the lighting state of the notification lamp may be changed by changing the blinking state (blinking interval, etc.) of the notification lamp.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the illumination state of the notification lamp identifies four states of the pump body: a normal operation state, a careful operation state, a dangerous operation state, and a stopped state of the pump body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the illumination state of the notification lamp may identify two predetermined states of the pump body, three predetermined states of the pump body, or five or more predetermined states of the pump body.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the antenna unit was a device compatible with a predetermined communication standard for short-range wireless communication (ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (registered trademark), etc.), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the antenna unit may be a device compatible with a communication standard different from the device compatible with the predetermined communication standard for short-range wireless communication, such as a device compatible with a predetermined communication standard for long-distance communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Pump body 2. Status detection sensor 3. Control Unit 4 Storage section 5. Communication float 6 Notification light 7 GPS antenna section 8 Spare antenna unit 9 String members 10 Motor 10a (Motor) output shaft 11 Upper bearing (bearing) 13 Impeller 20 Bearing temperature sensor 21 Bearing acceleration sensor 22 Humidity sensor inside the motor 23 Motor current sensor 51 Antenna section 52 Radio Communication Department 53 Weight 90 (String member) connection part 91 (string member) loop 100 Submersible electric pump 110 GPS satellites Area A (where wireless communication with the antenna can be established) L1 wiring L2 Electrical Cable S1 Detection Information S2 Location information T Mobile surveillance terminal

Claims

1. a pump body including a motor that rotates the impeller; a state detection sensor provided in the pump body for detecting a state of the pump body; a communication float that is connected to the pump body via a wire, includes an antenna unit that transmits detection information detected by the state detection sensor via wireless communication, and floats to position the antenna unit above the water surface; The communication float is configured to float the antenna unit without floating the pump body, which is installed on the bottom surface of the water, An underwater electric pump further comprising a mooring member having a connection portion at one end that is connected to the communication float and a ring-shaped portion at the other end that floats on the water surface with an electric cable extending upward from the pump body passed through it and that is movable up and down relative to the electric cable.

2. The submersible electric pump according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna unit is configured to transmit the detection information to a monitoring portable terminal carried by a user via wireless communication.

3. 3. The submersible electric pump of claim 2, wherein the submersible electric pump is configured to start transmitting the detection information from the antenna unit to the monitoring portable terminal via wireless communication when the monitoring portable terminal is moved from outside the range of an area in which wireless communication with the antenna unit can be established to within the range.

4. The submersible electric pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication float is disposed inside the communication float with the wiring connected thereto and includes a wireless communication unit that transmits the detection information by wireless communication via the antenna unit.

5. The submersible electric pump according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication float is attached to the side opposite to the side where the antenna unit is attached and includes a weight that maintains a floating posture of the antenna unit above the water surface.

6. The state detection sensor a bearing temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a bearing of an output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached; a motor internal humidity sensor for detecting humidity inside the motor; a bearing acceleration sensor that detects vibration of the bearing of the output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached; The submersible electric pump according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a motor current sensor that detects a current value of a drive current that drives the motor.

7. The submersible electric pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a notification lamp provided on the communication float and whose lighting state changes depending on the detection result of the state detection sensor.

8. a memory unit provided in the pump body and configured to store the detection information; The submersible electric pump according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a control unit provided in the pump body, which controls transmission of the detection information stored in the memory unit via the antenna unit by wireless communication.

9. a GPS antenna unit provided on the communication float for acquiring location information of the pump body from a GPS satellite; The submersible electric pump according to claim 8 , wherein the storage unit is configured to store the position identification information acquired via the GPS antenna unit.

10. The submersible electric pump according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an auxiliary antenna unit attached to an upper portion of the pump body and capable of transmitting the detection information by wireless communication in place of the antenna unit.

11. An underwater electric pump described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mooring member includes a string member that limits the horizontal movement range of the communication float relative to the pump body.

12. 2. The submersible electric pump according to claim 1, wherein the state detection sensor is configured to detect a state of the motor provided inside the pump body, including at least one of a temperature of a bearing of an output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached, humidity inside the motor, vibration of the bearing of the output shaft of the motor to which the impeller is attached, and a current value of a drive current that drives the motor.

Images