Water supply device

Abstract

To provide a water supply device capable of detecting a flow rate of water during stopping of a pump device.SOLUTION: A water supply device 1 includes: a suction pipe 11; a discharge pipe 20; a pump device 14 connected to the suction pipe 11 and the discharge pipe 20; a bypass pipe 17 connecting the suction pipe 11 and the discharge pipe 20; one or more flow rate detecting units 22 which can detect an actual flow rate of the suction pipe 11 or the discharge pipe 20, or can detect an actual flow rate flowing through two of the suction pipe 11, the discharge pipe 20, the pump device 14, and the bypass pipe 17; and a processor 67 for calculating a flow rate of water at stopping of the pump device 14 from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting unit 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a direct water supply type water supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a direct water supply type water supply device connected to a main water distribution pipe via a branch water distribution pipe or the like has been known. Such a water supply device, for example, starts the pump device when the pressure on the secondary side of the pump device becomes less than or equal to the starting pressure, and stops the pump device when the flow rate on the secondary side of the pump device becomes the stop flow rate. As such a water supply device, a paddle type flow sensor is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described water supply device, when the average pressure of the main water distribution pipe is greater than the starting pressure of the pump device, the number of operations and the operation time of the pump device are shortened. Further, the water supply device is obliged to supply water through a bypass pipe, and the bypass pipe water supply is formed so as to be possible during pump stop. However, when the operation interval of the pump device becomes long, water may stagnate in a flow path other than the flow path through which water is passed by the bypass pipe water supply, and there is a risk that the water is not fresh and that the parts of the pump device may become fixed. In order to avoid these problems, the pump device is sometimes forcibly operated at an appropriate time. However, the timing for forcibly operating the pump device is arbitrary, and depending on the timing for forcibly operating, if water is not being used at the water supply destination on the secondary side of the pump device and there is no water discharge at the water supply destination, water circulation may not be achieved.

[0005] Therefore, it is being considered that obtaining information such as the water flow rate and date and time while the pump is stopped will allow for the timing of the forced operation of the pump to be optimized. However, with conventional water supply systems, it has been difficult to detect the water flow rate while the pump is stopped.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a water supply device that can detect the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the water supply device includes a suction pipe, a discharge pipe, a pump device connected to the suction pipe and the discharge pipe, a bypass pipe connecting the suction pipe and the discharge pipe, one or more flow detection units capable of detecting the actual flow rate of the suction pipe or the discharge pipe, or the actual flow rate of any two of the suction pipe, the discharge pipe, the pump device, and the bypass pipe, and a processor that determines the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped from the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit. The system includes memory, and the processor stores in the memory the water flow rate and date and time during which the pump device was stopped, associating them with the value obtained. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water supply device that can detect the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A front view showing the configuration of a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with some parts omitted. [Figure 2] A side view showing the configuration of the water supply system, with some parts omitted. [Figure 3] This diagram in Figure 2 shows the configuration of the water supply system in a cross-sectional view along line III-III. [Figure 4] This diagram in Figure 2 shows the configuration of the water supply system in a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the configuration of the water supply system. [Figure 6]An explanatory diagram showing the circuit configuration of the water supply system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, a water supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a water supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with some parts omitted. Figure 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the water supply device 1, with some parts omitted. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the water supply device 1 in a section taken along line III-III in Figure 2, with some parts omitted. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the water supply device 1 in a section taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2, with some parts omitted. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the water supply device 1, and Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit configuration of the water supply device 1.

[0011] The water supply system 1 is a direct-connection water supply system that is connected to the main water supply pipe (water distribution pipe) via a branch water distribution pipe (water distribution pipe). As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6, the water supply system 1 includes, for example, a suction pipe 11, a backflow prevention device 12 provided on the suction pipe 11, a branch pipe 13 provided on the secondary side of the suction pipe 11 that branches the flow path into multiple pipes, multiple pump devices 14 provided on the secondary side of the branch pipe 13, multiple discharge pipes 15 provided on each of the multiple pump devices 14, a confluence pipe 16 that brings together the multiple discharge pipes 15, and bypass pipes provided on the branch pipe 13 and the confluence pipe 16. The system comprises a pipe 17, a plurality of check valves 18 provided in each discharge pipe 15 and bypass pipe 17, a pressure accumulator 19 connected to the confluence pipe 16 or the bypass pipe 17, a discharge pipe 20 connected to the confluence pipe 16, a pressure detection unit 21 provided on the primary and / or secondary side of the pump device 14, a plurality of flow rate detection units 22 provided on the primary and / or secondary side of the pump device 14, on-off valves 23 provided in the suction pipe 11 and the discharge pipe 20, and a control panel 24.

[0012] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 includes a base 25, a frame 26 provided on the base 25, and a cover 27 that covers the frame 26. The water supply device 1 is formed as a unit by fixing the above-mentioned components to the base 25 and the frame 26, and covering the base 25, frame 26, and each component with the cover 27.

[0013] The suction pipe 11 is connected to the primary side water supply branch pipe, water tank, etc. of the water supply device 1. The backflow prevention device 12 has an internal backflow prevention circuit that prevents water from the secondary side from flowing back to the primary side. The backflow prevention device 12 is a pressure-reducing type backflow prevention device that has, for example, check valves on the primary and secondary sides, and a relief valve in an intermediate chamber between the primary and secondary check valves. The backflow prevention device 12 may also have, for example, a leak detector to detect leaks.

[0014] The branch pipe 13 is connected to the suction pipe 11 and constitutes the secondary flow path of the suction pipe 11, branching the flow path into multiple sections. In this embodiment, for example, the branch pipe 13 branches into two sections, the same number as the pump device 14.

[0015] The pump device 14 comprises a motor 14a and a pump 14b. The pump device 14 is, for example, a vertical pump whose rotating shaft extends along the direction of gravity.

[0016] Motor 14a is connected to pump 14b via a rotating shaft. Motor 14a is electrically connected to control panel 24. Pump 14b is driven by motor 14a. Pump 14b is a single-stage or multi-stage pump. Pump 14b has its primary side connected to branch pipe 13 and its secondary side connected to discharge pipe 15. For example, pump 14b has a suction port at its lower end and a discharge port on the upper side of pump 14b.

[0017] The discharge pipe 15 is connected to the discharge port of the pump 14b, extends horizontally from the discharge port of the pump 14b, and bends downward, for example, at 90° at a position adjacent to the discharge port and extends along the direction of gravity. The discharge pipe 15 is constituted, for example, by combining a plurality of pipes.

[0018] The confluence pipe 16 combines the discharge pipes 15 connected to each pump 14b.

[0019] The bypass pipe 17 connects the primary side and the secondary side of the pump device 14. That is, the bypass pipe 17 connects the suction pipe 11 and the discharge pipe 20, and allows water to flow from the suction pipe 11 to the discharge pipe 20 by the pressure of the main water distribution pipe (water distribution branch pipe) when the pump device 14 is stopped without passing through the pump device 14. The bypass pipe 17 is connected to, for example, the branch pipe 13 and the confluence pipe 16 and bypasses the branch pipe 13 and the confluence pipe 16.

[0020] The check valve 18 is provided on the secondary side of each pump 14b and on the primary side of the confluence pipe 16, for example, on each discharge pipe 15. Further, the check valve 18 is provided on, for example, the bypass pipe 17.

[0021] The accumulator 19 is an accumulator that is fluidly connected to the confluence pipe 16, the bypass pipe 17, or the discharge pipe 20.

[0022] The discharge pipe 20 is connected to the confluence pipe 16 and is also connected to the water supply pipe on the secondary side of the water supply device 1.

[0023] The pressure detection unit 21 is a pressure sensor that is connected to the control panel 24 via a signal line, converts the detected pressure into a signal, and transmits the signal to the control panel 24. The pressure detection unit 21 is provided on at least one of the primary side and the secondary side of the pump device 14. In the present embodiment, the pressure detection unit 21 is provided on each of the primary side and the secondary side of the pump device 14. For example, one pressure detection unit 21 is provided in the suction pipe 11 on the primary side of the backflow prevention device 12, and the other pressure detection unit 21 is provided in the discharge pipe 20.

[0024] The flow detection unit 22 is a flow sensor connected to the control panel 24 via a signal line, which converts the detected actual flow rate into a signal and transmits it to the control panel 24. The flow detection unit 22 comprises an impeller 41 and a detection unit 42 that detects the rotation of the impeller 41.

[0025] The impeller 41 is mounted on the discharge pipe 15 so as to be rotatable by the water flow through the discharge pipe 15. The flow rate detection unit 22 is provided on the primary or secondary side of the pump 14b. For example, the impeller 41 is composed of a rotating shaft and multiple blades.

[0026] The detection unit 42 is composed of, for example, a magnet provided on the rotation axis of the impeller 41 and a sensor that detects the rotation of the magnet. The detection unit 42 is connected to the control panel 24 via a signal line.

[0027] The flow rate detection unit 22 is provided in the suction pipe 11 or the discharge pipe 20, or, as shown by the solid and dashed lines in Figure 6, is provided in two or more locations among the suction pipe 11, each discharge pipe 15, bypass pipe 17, and discharge pipe 20. The flow rate detection unit 22 is set to a position and number that allows the total flow rate when the pump device 14 is running and the flow rate of water flowing through when the pump device 14 is stopped to be determined by direct detection or by processing by the control panel 24.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the flow detection unit 22 is provided in each discharge pipe 15 and discharge piping 20. In the following description, the flow detection unit 22 provided in the discharge piping 20 may be referred to as the first flow detection unit 22A, the flow detection unit 22 provided in each discharge pipe 15 as the second flow detection unit 22B, the flow detection unit 22 provided in the bypass pipe 17 as the third flow detection unit 22C, and the flow detection unit 22 provided in the suction piping 11 as the fourth flow detection unit 22D. The first flow detection unit 22A is located in the discharge piping 20 and is provided on the primary side of the on-off valve 23. The fourth flow detection unit 22D is located in the suction piping 11 and is provided on the secondary side of the backflow prevention device 12.

[0029] The on-off valve 23 is a manually operated valve, such as a ball valve. In other words, the on-off valve 23 is a gate valve that partitions the flow path. The on-off valve 23 is installed in the suction pipe 11 and the discharge pipe 20.

[0030] The control panel 24 is a control device that controls the water supply device 1. The control panel 24 comprises a housing 60, a communication unit 61, an input unit 62, an interface 63, a display unit 64, a setting unit 65, a memory 66, a processor 67, and a variable speed drive control unit 68. The control panel 24 is arranged inside the cover 27 as a control panel by housing each component within the housing 60. The control panel 24 either mounts each component within the housing 60 or includes a control board connected to each component. For example, the control panel 24 may have all components mounted within the housing 60, or, as another example, the variable speed drive control unit 68 may be housed in an inverter box and installed in the motor casing of the motor 14a, with the other components installed within the housing 60.

[0031] The communication unit 61 is controlled by the processor 67 and is an arbitrary communication interface capable of communicating with external devices such as the communication terminal 100 using wireless communication technology. The communication unit 61 may be implemented as, for example, a communication module or a communication board. The communication module may be detachably attached to the control board of the control panel 24 via a connector, for example. Specifically, the communication unit 61 can connect to the variable speed drive control unit 68 and external devices such as the communication terminal 100 using wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth® (e.g., the Bluetooth Low Energy standard (hereinafter also referred to as the BLE standard)), Wi-Fi®, NFC (Near Field Communication), and general-purpose wireless communication technologies including LTE (Long Term Evolution)® (registered trademark) and dedicated wireless communication technologies such as sigfox®.

[0032] For example, the communication unit 61 broadcasts an advertisement packet containing identification information of the control panel 24. Alternatively, for example, if the communication unit 61 receives a connection request from the communication terminal 100 that receives the advertisement packet, it may establish communication with the communication terminal 100. If the variable speed drive control unit 68 is located outside the housing 60, the communication unit 61 may communicate with the variable speed drive control unit 68. The communication unit 61 is electrically connected to the processor 67 and is an example of a communication means capable of establishing communication with the communication terminal 100.

[0033] The input unit 62 includes, for example, a device that accepts user input such as an operation panel including buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse, and at least one of a sensor such as a pressure sensor, a microphone, or a camera. The input unit 62 is a device that accepts user input, which is any command from the user, such as parameter settings or settings for each operating mode.

[0034] Interface 63 is a terminal or circuit to which each pressure detection unit 21 and each flow rate detection unit 22, as well as external terminals, can be electrically connected. Furthermore, if the water supply device 1 has other sensors, those sensors can be electrically connected to interface 63.

[0035] The display unit 64 is configured to display information. The display unit 64 is also a notification means (notification unit) that issues alarms to the outside. The display unit 64 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 64 may have a speaker, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting unit, etc., instead of a display device, or in addition to a display device. The display unit 64 is configured to display flow rate information, for example. Here, flow rate information includes at least information on the flow rate of water that passed through the water supply device 1 while the pump device 14 was stopped. The display unit 64 is also configured to allow selection of whether or not to display the flow rate information, for example, by external input from the input unit 62, settings from the setting unit 65, a program executed by the processor 67, or control of the processor 67 based on commands transmitted from the communication terminal 100. For example, the display unit 64 displays the flow rate information when the display is selected to display, and does not display the flow rate information when the display is selected to not display.

[0036] The setting unit 65 is an input unit that physically sets the electrical connection state for acquiring read parameters among the control parameters. For example, a DIP switch or jumper pin may be used as the setting unit 65. Such a setting unit 65 may be assigned read parameters such as the number of pumps or the type of water supply system.

[0037] For example, the read parameter for the number of pumps is the number of pumps 14b, and the read parameter for the type of water supply method is, for example, a direct water supply method or a water tank method. These read parameters are set when the water supply device 1 is shipped or installed. Furthermore, the read parameters are not limited to these and can be set in various ways. It is also possible to omit the setting unit 65 and obtain the read parameters by setting the input unit 62.

[0038] The DIP switches or jumper pins and the assignment of read parameters may be provided on both the setting unit 65 and the control operation board of the variable speed drive control unit 68. If the water supply device 1 has multiple pump devices 14, they may be provided only on the setting unit 65. If the water supply device 1 has a single pump device 14, they may be provided only on the control operation board of the variable speed drive control unit 68.

[0039] Memory 66 allows for data reading and writing. Memory 66 stores data used by the processor 67, operating data for the pump 14b, and various data and programs used to control the pump 14b. Memory 66 includes non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) (registered trademark), ROM (Read-only memory), or NAND flash memory. Memory 66 also includes an SSD (Solid State Drive) equipped with flash memory.

[0040] The data stored in memory 66 includes, for example, identification information, codes, and tables for identifying the control panel 24, as appropriate. The operating data stored includes cumulative operating data related to periodically acquired cumulative values ​​among the operating data indicating the operating status of the water supply device 1, the actual flow rate detected by each flow rate detection unit 22, and the cumulative flow rate. In addition, memory 66 stores external and internal parameters required for the control and correction of the pump 14b.

[0041] External parameters are data related to the control objective. Examples of external parameters include suction pressure, such as the pressure of the water supply pipe at which the drive can be started. For example, during the trial run of the water supply device 1 in the manufacturing process, or after the installation of the water supply device 1, a worker sets the initial values ​​of each external parameter by operating the input unit 62 of the control panel 24, or by connecting an external terminal to the interface 63 and operating the external terminal.

[0042] The internal parameters include constants used for the automatic operation of the pump device 14, such as the acceleration time, which is the time it takes for the output of the variable speed drive control unit 68 to reach the maximum frequency from startup, and the deceleration time, which is the time it takes for the output of the variable speed drive control unit 68 to reach the maximum frequency or to stop from a predetermined frequency. If multiple pump devices 14 are provided, the internal parameters also include constants such as the unit increase delay time, which is the delay time when starting a stopped pump to increase the number of pumps, the unit decrease delay time, which is the delay time when stopping an operating pump to decrease the number of pumps, the upper limit frequency, which is the upper limit frequency when increasing or decreasing the number of pumps, and the lower limit frequency, which is the lower limit frequency when increasing or decreasing the number of pumps.

[0043] The internal parameters, such as carrier frequency, minimum frequency, maximum frequency, inverter type, motor rated current, and overcurrent protection level, are determined by the motor rating, inverter manufacturer, and inverter rating. "Carrier frequency" is the frequency of the carrier (triangular wave) and modulated wave (desired waveform) that are input to the comparator for generating the switching control signal used for pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the inverter. "Minimum frequency" is the lowest frequency that the inverter can output during operation. "Maximum frequency" is the highest frequency that the inverter can output during operation. "Inverter type" is the type or model of the inverter. "Motor rated current" is the rated current of motor 14a. "Overcurrent protection level" is the current value at which the operation to protect the switching element from overcurrent is initiated based on the current value of the switching element of the variable speed drive control unit 68.

[0044] Furthermore, in addition to non-volatile memory, memory 66 may include RAM having a work area where data that may be erased when the power is cut off is stored.

[0045] The processor 67 is the central control unit. The processor 67 is typically a microcontroller, but it may also be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or other general-purpose or dedicated processor. The processor 67 performs arbitrary processing, such as communication control, display control, and pump control. As shown in Figure 2, the processor 67 is connected to each pressure detection unit 21 and each flow rate detection unit 22 via, for example, an interface 63, and is connected to the inverter unit of each variable speed drive control unit 68 via a communication unit 61 and a wireless communication unit 57.

[0046] The processor 67 stores the calculated water flow rate in memory 66, linked to the date and time. Specifically, the processor 67 stores the actual flow rate detected by each flow rate detection unit 22 in memory 66, and also calculates the flow rate through the water supply device 1 while the pump device 14 is stopped (hereinafter referred to as the water flow rate during stoppage). The processor 67 stores the calculated water flow rate during stoppage in memory 66, linked to the date and time, and controls the display unit 64 to display it. The processor 67 selects whether or not to display the water flow rate during the stoppage of the pump device 14 on the display unit 64 based on external input from the input unit 62, settings from the setting unit 65, programs executed by the processor 67, or commands transmitted from the communication terminal 100. Furthermore, when the stoppage period reaches a predetermined period, the processor 67 performs forced operation to forcibly drive all or any of the pump devices 14.

[0047] The processor 67 includes, for example, a processing circuit and memory. The processor 67 also includes, for example, a non-volatile EEPROM area 67a and a volatile DRAM area 67b. Furthermore, the processor 67 can function as a communication control unit 67c, a processing unit 67d, a pump control unit 67e, etc., by executing a program stored in memory 66 or the EEPROM area 67a. Note that the functional division of each part within the processor 67 is for convenience and can be changed as appropriate.

[0048] The programs stored may include, for example, firmware, an operating system, processing programs mainly related to parameter handling, and pump control programs (e.g., automatic operation programs). Alternatively, the programs may be acquired from memory 66 to the processor 67 based on the connection status of the setting unit 65 when the power is turned on, and stored in the EEPROM area 67a. Alternatively, the programs may be stored in memory 66 and not in the EEPROM area 67a, with the processor 67 executing the programs stored in memory 66.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, when the power is turned on, the read parameters are obtained from the memory 66 to the processor 67 based on the connection status of the setting unit 65 and stored in the EEPROM area 67a. Alternatively, the read parameters may not be stored in the EEPROM area 67a, and the processor 67 may obtain the read parameters stored in the memory 66.

[0050] The DRAM area 67b is provided in the processor 67 and stores operating data. The operating data may also be stored in a dedicated register within the DRAM area 67b. Examples of operating data include discharge pressure, instantaneous flow rate, output current, operating frequency, output voltage, and power consumption.

[0051] The communication control unit 67c controls the communication unit 61 to perform wireless communication with the communication terminal 100. For example, the communication control unit 67c sends a connection request to the communication terminal 100 that sent the advertised packet. The communication control unit 67c may also send some data via the communication unit 61 to establish a connection with the water supply device 1, or send a request to the communication terminal 100 in response to the operator's actions. Alternatively, the communication control unit 67c may receive some data to establish a connection between the communication terminal 100 and the control panel 24, for example, a request from the water supply device 1 acting as an advertiser if the control panel 24 and the communication terminal 100 are connected via Bluetooth as a scanner and advertiser, respectively.

[0052] When communication is established between the communication unit 61 and the communication terminal 100 via the communication unit 61, the communication control unit 67c transmits detection signals from various sensors, including the pressure detection unit 21 and the flow rate detection unit 22, various operating data, and external parameters to the communication terminal 100.

[0053] The processing unit 67d performs processing related to each parameter. The pump control unit 67e acquires operating data indicating the operating status of the water supply device 1 based on detection signals from various sensors, and stores the operating data in the memory 66, EEPROM area 67a, and / or DRAM area 67b. The acquisition of operating data may also include calculating the operating data according to the actual operating conditions of the water supply device 1, such as an integrated value.

[0054] Furthermore, the pump control unit 67e generates an inverter control signal based on the latest detection signal, etc., using the pump control program stored in memory 66 or EEPROM area 67a and each parameter. The generated inverter control signal is then transmitted, for example, to the variable speed drive control unit 68.

[0055] The variable speed drive control unit 68 includes, for example, a power element board, a capacitor board, a reactor, a noise filter board, and a control operation board. Furthermore, for example, the variable speed drive control unit 68 is housed within a housing 60. The variable speed drive control unit 68 constitutes an inverter unit (inverter) with the mounted circuits and elements of the power element board, capacitor board, reactor, and noise filter board housed within the housing 60.

[0056] The power element board is a board on which heat-generating elements are mounted. The power element board is electrically connected to the motor 14a of the pump device 14, for example, by a motor cable. The power element board includes, for example, a processor, a converter section including a converter circuit, and an inverter section including an inverter circuit. The power element board may also have memory as a storage medium, separate from the processor's memory. Furthermore, the power element board may be configured to mount multiple components (electronic parts) such as the processor, converter section, and inverter section on a single board, or it may be configured to mount one or more components on multiple boards.

[0057] The processor is a control circuit for driving the motor 14a. The processor is typically a microcontroller, but may also be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), DSC (Digital Signal Controller), or other general-purpose or dedicated processor.

[0058] The processor includes, for example, a processing circuit and memory. The processor also includes, for example, a non-volatile EEPROM area and a volatile DRAM area or other memory. By executing a program stored in the memory or EEPROM area, the processor can function as a processing unit, such as a communication control unit and a frequency control unit. Note that the configuration within the processor and the division of functions of each part are for convenience only and can be changed as appropriate.

[0059] The programs stored may include, for example, firmware, an OS, processing programs mainly related to parameter handling, pump control programs (e.g., automatic operation programs), and frequency control programs, as appropriate. The programs may be acquired from various memories of the control panel 24 or the communication terminal 100 and stored in the memory or EEPROM area of ​​the power semiconductor element, or they may be acquired by the processor from the pre-stored memory of the power semiconductor element and stored in the EEPROM area when the power is turned on. Alternatively, the programs may be stored in memory but not in the EEPROM area, with the processor executing the programs stored in the memory of the power semiconductor element.

[0060] Alternatively, for example, when the power is turned on, read parameters such as the number of pumps and the type of water supply method may be retrieved from memory to the processor and stored in the EEPROM area. Alternatively, the read parameters may not be stored in the EEPROM area, and the processor may retrieve the read parameters stored in memory.

[0061] For example, the read parameter for the number of pumps is the number of pumps 14b, and the read parameter for the type of water supply method is, for example, a water tank method or a direct water supply method. These read parameters are set when the water supply device 1 is shipped or installed. In this embodiment, since the water supply device 1 is a direct water supply method, the read parameter for the type of water supply method is set to direct water supply method. Furthermore, the read parameters are not limited to these and can be set in various ways. In addition, a control operation board may not be provided, or the read parameters may be obtained from other components of the control panel 24 or the communication terminal 100 after being set on the control operation board.

[0062] The DRAM area is provided in the processor and stores operating data. Alternatively, the operating data may be stored in a dedicated register within the DRAM area. Examples of operating data include suction pressure, discharge pressure, instantaneous flow rate, output current, operating frequency, intermediate voltage, output voltage, and power consumption.

[0063] The frequency control unit, for example, outputs the received inverter control signal to the inverter unit to control the motor 14a. As a result, the frequency control unit controls the pump 14b by operating it at a constant target pressure, etc.

[0064] The frequency control unit may be configured to generate an inverter control signal in accordance with, for example, a program for pump control stored in memory or the EEPROM area of ​​the processor, various parameters, and the latest detection signals from each sensor, including the pressure detection unit 21 and the flow rate detection unit 22, and output the inverter control signal to the inverter unit to control the motor 14a.

[0065] The converter section is a rectifier device composed of a converter circuit including, for example, diodes and control circuits. The inverter section is a frequency generator composed of an inverter circuit including, for example, power semiconductor elements such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) and IPMs (Intelligent Power Modules) and control circuits.

[0066] A capacitor board is used to mount, for example, non-electrolytic smoothing capacitors. These smoothing capacitors are, for example, film capacitors that use a plastic film as the dielectric.

[0067] The reactor is provided for harmonic suppression. The reactor is, for example, an AC reactor located on the primary side of the converter section. The reactor configuration may also include a DC reactor located on the secondary side of the converter section in addition to the AC reactor.

[0068] The noise filter board removes noise from the electrical circuit of the variable speed drive control unit. For example, the noise filter board includes an input-side noise filter that removes noise from the primary side (input side) of the power element board, and an output-side noise filter that removes noise from the secondary side (output side) of the power element board.

[0069] As a specific example, the noise filter board constitutes a noise filter that filters out noise flowing into the power line, noise radiated from cables and printed wiring between the motor and the inverter, ground noise due to leakage current from the motor, lightning surges, etc. The noise filter board may be configured to remove one or more of these noises, or to remove noises other than those described above.

[0070] The control operation board includes, for example, a display unit for displaying various information such as operating status, fault status, and setting status; an operation unit such as push-button switches for changing various settings; and terminals for connecting various input and output signals. For example, the operation unit of the control operation board is an input unit for physically setting the electrical connection state for acquiring read parameters among the parameters related to control. Specifically, the control operation board may use DIP switches or jumper pins as appropriate. The control operation board is assigned read parameters such as the number of pumps and the type of water supply system.

[0071] This variable-speed drive control unit 68 internally comprises an inverter unit consisting of a processor mounted on a power element board, a converter section, an inverter section, a smoothing capacitor mounted on a capacitor board, and a noise filter board. The inverter unit is then connected to a power supply.

[0072] Here, the power supply is, for example, a three-phase power supply. The current flowing from the power supply is converted to DC by the converter section, rectified by the smoothing capacitor, converted to AC with variable voltage and variable frequency by the inverter section, and input to the motor 14a.

[0073] The variable-speed drive control unit 68 rotates the motor 14a at a predetermined rotational speed by outputting a predetermined frequency corresponding to the inverter control signal, which is a drive command from the control panel 24, using the inverter unit. The variable-speed drive control unit 68 uses the processor, inverter unit, and / or various processing circuits to detect at least the following information as operating data: detection of output current, detection of frequency, detection of rotational speed, detection of output voltage, detection of intermediate voltage, and detection of output, which are used for variable-speed drive control and determination of high-pressure state. The variable-speed drive control unit 68 may also store this detected information (operating data) in memory or the EEPROM area of ​​the processor, or it may transmit it to a component of the control panel 24 other than the variable-speed drive control unit 68, for example, memory 66 or EEPROM area 67a.

[0074] The processor 67 of the water supply device 1 configured in this way generates inverter control signals and controls the motor 14a with the variable speed drive control unit 68. For example, the processor 67 drives the pump device 14 and performs supply processing and protection processing by executing various parameters and programs stored in the memory 66. The processor 67 also stores the actual flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 22 in the memory 66. Furthermore, the processor 67 determines the water flow rate when the pump device 14 is stopped from the actual flow rates detected by the multiple flow rate detection units 22, stores it in the memory 66, and selectively displays it on the display unit 64.

[0075] Next, we will describe the process performed by the processor 67 to determine the flow rate of water while the pump device 14 is stopped. In this explanation, we will describe an example in which the water supply device 1 has a flow rate detection unit 22 consisting of a first flow rate detection unit 22A and two second flow rate detection units 22B, as shown by the solid lines in Figure 6.

[0076] First, the processor 67 determines from the control status of the variable speed drive control unit 68 that the pump device 14 is stopped, and stores the actual flow rate detected by the first flow rate detection unit 22A in the memory 66 as the flow rate when the pump device 14 is stopped, as the flow rate when stopped. The processor 67 also stores in the memory 66 the flow rate through each pump 14b detected by each second flow rate detection unit 22B, for example, and subtracts the flow rate through each pump 14b from the flow rate when stopped to determine the flow rate through the bypass pipe 17, and stores this in the memory 66.

[0077] Furthermore, the processor 67 displays the determined water flow rate at shutdown on the display unit 64, for example, based on an external command from the input unit 62, a command pre-set by the input unit 62, or a program pre-stored in the memory 66. In addition to the water flow rate at shutdown, the processor 67 may also display the flow rate through each pump 14b and the flow rate through the bypass pipe 17 on the display unit 64.

[0078] Furthermore, the processor 67 stores in memory 66 the actual flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 22, and the date and time on which the water flow rate at the time of shutdown, which is determined by detection by the flow rate detection unit 22 or calculation based on the actual flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 22, etc. In this way, the processor 67 performs the process of detecting the flow rate information for water flowing through the water supply device 1 when the pump device 14 is stopped. The flow rate information stored by the processor 67 includes, for example, the actual flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 22 when the pump device 14 is running, and the date and time information associated with that actual flow rate.

[0079] Furthermore, the processor 67 uses the drive information of the pump device 14 and flow rate information, including the water flow rate when stopped, to determine the time period when the water flow rate increases on the secondary side of the water supply device 1, and sets the timing for forced operation of the pump device 14 to the time period when the water flow rate increases. Then, when the period during which the pump device 14 has been stopped has reached a predetermined period, the processor 67 performs forced operation of the pump device 14 during the time period when the water flow rate increases.

[0080] Furthermore, the processor 67 may transmit flow rate information linked to the date and time, as well as the timing of forced operation, to the communication terminal 100 as appropriate by wirelessly connecting with the communication terminal 100.

[0081] Such configurations involving communication with the communication terminal 100 constitute a management system comprising a control panel 24 and the communication terminal 100, or a management system comprising a water supply device 1 and the communication terminal 100. Alternatively, such a configuration of the water supply system may comprise a management system comprising a control panel 24 and a program executed on the communication terminal 100, or a management system comprising a water supply device 1 and a program executed on the communication terminal 100.

[0082] Alternatively, such a water supply system configuration may include a management system comprising a first program executed on the control panel 24 and a second program executed on the communication terminal 100, or a management system comprising a first program executed on the water supply device 1 and a second program executed on the communication terminal 100. Here, the term "management system" may be replaced with "system," "processing system," or "parameter processing system" as appropriate. Similarly, the term "program executed on..." may be replaced with "program mounted on..." or "program built into..." as appropriate.

[0083] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 may not have a control panel 24, but instead have a single pump device 14, with the control panel 24 being comprised of a variable speed drive control unit 68. In such a configuration, the water supply system may consist of a variable speed drive control unit 68 and a communication terminal 100, or a water supply device 1 with a single pump device 14 and a communication terminal 100.

[0084] Next, an example of a communication terminal 100 that communicates data with such a water supply device 1 will be described below. The communication terminal 100 is a management server, a programmable controller, a processing terminal that performs information processing or input processing, etc. Examples of communication terminals 100 include PCs, mobile terminals (e.g., tablets, smartphones, laptops, feature phones, mobile terminals), game consoles, etc., but are not limited to these, and may also be dedicated communication devices.

[0085] As illustrated in Figure 5, such a communication terminal 100 includes a communication unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, a memory 104, and a processor 105.

[0086] The communication unit 101 is controlled by the processor 105 and is an arbitrary communication interface capable of communicating with external devices such as the water supply device 1, for example, using wireless communication technology. Specifically, the communication unit 101 can connect to the control panel 24 of the water supply device 1 using wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth® (e.g., the Bluetooth Low Energy standard (hereinafter also referred to as the BLE standard)), Wi-Fi®, NFC (Near Field Communication), and general-purpose wireless communication technologies including LTE (Long Term Evolution)® (registered trademark) and dedicated wireless communication technologies such as sigfox®. In addition to wireless communication, the communication unit 101 may also be configured to connect to other external devices using wired communication technologies such as USB. As a specific example, the communication unit 101 performs wireless communication with the control panel 24 of the water supply device 1 based on the BLE standard. In addition to the BLE standard communication described above, the communication unit 101 may also include a normal communication interface for a mobile terminal that can communicate with a management server or other communication terminals via a base station and network. For example, the communication unit 101 is controlled by the processor 105 and transmits data such as functional parameters, internal parameters, and external parameters, as well as various programs for performing constant target pressure control, and change instructions for modifying this data and programs, to the communication unit 61 of the control panel 24.

[0087] The input unit 102 is an input interface for receiving user input and may be built into the communication terminal 100 or attached externally to the communication terminal 100. The input unit 102 may be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, numeric keypad, microphone, camera, etc., or it may have output interface functionality such as a touchscreen. Here, user input includes, for example, taps, clicks, drags, pressing of specific keys, and sounds captured by a microphone.

[0088] The display unit 103 is an example of an output interface for outputting images and / or sound in response to processing by the processor 105, and may include a display device for displaying moving images, still images, text, etc. The display unit 103 may also include a speaker for outputting sound, music, etc. "Display unit" may be read as "output unit". Examples of display devices include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (electroluminescence) displays, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays, etc. The display device displays display data including content. The display device may also have input interface functionality, such as a touchscreen. The display unit 103 is an example of a display means.

[0089] Memory 104 stores programs executed by the processor 105 to perform various processes, as well as data used by the processor 105. Memory 104 may include RAM having a work area where such programs / data are loaded. Programs such as firmware, an OS, and a communication program may be stored as appropriate. For example, the program for the communication terminal 100 stores data such as the names, units, and configurable ranges of all internal parameters in advance, which prevents incorrect values ​​from being entered into the control panel 24.

[0090] The processor 105 is typically a CPU, but may also be a microcontroller, FPGA, DSP, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other general-purpose or dedicated processor. The processor 105 communicates wirelessly with the water supply device 1 via the communication unit 101 and performs processing to manage the water supply device 1. By executing a program stored in the memory 104, the processor 105 can function as a communication terminal 100 as a communication control unit 105a and a processing unit 105b. The functional division of each part within the processor 105 is for convenience and can be changed as appropriate. The communication control unit 105a and processing unit 105b are examples of a first receiving means, a first modification means, a first transmitting means, a second receiving means, a second modification means, and a second transmitting means.

[0091] The communication control unit 105a controls the communication unit 101 to perform wireless communication with the water supply device 1. For example, the communication control unit 105a sends a connection request to the control panel 24 that sent the advertised packet. The communication control unit 105a may also send some data via the communication unit 101 to establish a connection with the water supply device 1, or send a request to the water supply device 1 in response to the operator's actions. Alternatively, the communication control unit 105a may receive some data to establish a connection between the communication terminal 100 and the water supply device 1, for example, a request from the water supply device 1 as an advertiser if the water supply device 1 and the communication terminal 100 are connected via Bluetooth as a scanner and advertiser, respectively.

[0092] The communication control unit 105a receives various operating data and various parameters from the control panel 24 via the communication unit 101, for example, when the target device is in automatic operation mode and communication is established between the communication terminal 100 and the communication unit 61 and / or the wireless communication unit 57.

[0093] The processing unit 105b performs information processing according to the worker's tasks, such as inspection, maintenance, management, parameter viewing and modification, and program updates of the water supply device 1.

[0094] For example, when the communication unit 101 receives various operating data and external parameters, the processing unit 105b displays a portion of the received content on the display unit 103 and changes the portion displayed in accordance with the operator's scrolling operation.

[0095] With the water supply device 1 configured in this way, it has one or more flow detection units 22 capable of detecting the actual flow rate, and can detect the water flow rate when the pump device 14 is stopped from the flow rate detected by the flow detection units 22. In this way, the water supply device 1 can monitor the flow rate while the pump device 14 is stopped.

[0096] In other words, in a water supply system 1 connected to a main water distribution pipe, if the average pressure of the main water distribution pipe is higher than the starting pressure of the pump system 14, the number of times the pump system 14 operates and the operating time will be reduced. However, a direct-connection water supply system 1 is required to supply water through a bypass pipe 17, and water can be supplied through the bypass pipe 17 even when the pump system 14 is stopped. If the pump system 14 is stopped for a long time, water may stagnate in the channels other than the channels through which water flows via the bypass pipe 17, potentially causing the water to become stale, or prolonged water stagnation may cause parts of the pump 14b to seize up.

[0097] However, the water supply device 1 of this embodiment can obtain information on the water flow rate and information such as the date and time of the detected water flow rate. Therefore, it is possible to check the water flow status of the water supply device 1 even when the pump device 14 is stopped, and it is possible to grasp the amount of water used in the apartment building or other building where the water supply device 1 is installed, even when the pump device 14 is stopped.

[0098] In other words, the water supply device 1 can monitor the flow rate when the pump device 14 is stopped. Therefore, the water supply device 1 can monitor the water flow rate, including the water flow rate when stopped, and the stopping time of the pump device 14 using the processor 67, and perform various controls, such as forced operation to forcibly drive the pump device 14, based on these water flow rates and stopping times. As a result, the water supply device 1 can prevent water stagnation and prevent the pump 14b from sticking.

[0099] Furthermore, by detecting the water flow rate through the flow paths of each pump device 14 in the water supply system 1 and the flow paths through the bypass pipe 17, it becomes possible to determine errors such as a malfunction of the check valve 18. In other words, when the pump devices 14 are stopped, the processor 67 can also determine that the check valve 18 provided on the secondary side of the pump device 14 where the flow rate detection unit 22 that detected the water flow is open, i.e., that there is backflow, when the flow rate detection unit 22 of one of the two pump devices 14 detects water flow.

[0100] As described above, according to the water supply device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to monitor the flow rate while the pump device 14 is stopped.

[0101] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the above-described example, the water supply device 1 was configured to have a first flow rate detection unit 22A and two second flow rate detection units 22B as the flow rate detection unit 22, but it is not limited to this. For example, the water supply device 1 may be configured to have only the first flow rate detection unit 22A or the fourth flow rate detection unit 22D as the flow rate detection unit 22. For example, if the configuration has only the first flow rate detection unit 22A or the fourth flow rate detection unit 22D, the water supply device 1 can detect the total flow rate while the pump device 14 is stopped by the processor 67.

[0102] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 is configured to have two second flow detection units 22B and a third flow detection unit 22C as the flow rate detection unit 22. The total flow rate is the sum of the flow rates detected by the two second flow detection units 22B and the third flow detection unit 22C, and the flow rate that flows through the water while the pump device 14 is stopped can be determined from the actual flow rate in the flow path where each flow rate detection unit 22 is provided.

[0103] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 may also be configured to have two second flow detection units 22B and a fourth flow detection unit 22D. In this configuration, it is possible to detect approximately the same values ​​as in the configuration having the first flow detection unit 22A and two second flow detection units 22B described above.

[0104] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 may also be configured to have a first flow rate detection unit 22A and a third flow rate detection unit 22C. In this configuration, the total flow rate and the flow rate through the bypass pipe 17 are detected, and the processor 67 can determine the flow rate through the two pump devices 14 from the subtraction value of the total flow rate and the flow rate through the bypass pipe 17.

[0105] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 may have a configuration that includes three or more (four if two second flow detection units 22B are included) or all of the following: the first flow detection unit 22A, two second flow detection units 22B, the third flow detection unit 22C, and the fourth flow detection unit 22D. The more flow detection units 22 there are, the better the detection accuracy of the total flow rate to be detected and the water flow rate during the shutdown of the pump device 14 (shutdown water flow rate).

[0106] In other words, the water supply device 1 is configured to detect the actual flow rate in at least one of the flow paths using the flow rate detection unit 22, and if necessary, in flow paths where the actual flow rate cannot be detected, the device may be configured to detect the flow rate from the detected actual flow rate. Furthermore, in flow paths where it is desired to determine the flow rate with high accuracy, providing the flow rate detection unit 22 makes it possible to detect the flow rate with even higher accuracy.

[0107] Furthermore, the water supply device 1 may determine the cumulative flow rate, stop time, or average flow rate per hour of each pump device 14 from the water flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 22, and selectively force one of the multiple pump devices 14 to operate. For example, the pump device 14 to be selectively forced to operate may be selected by comparing the cumulative flow rate, stop time, or average flow rate per hour of each pump device 14 determined by the processor 67 with a threshold value for forced operation stored in the memory 66.

[0108] Furthermore, although the above example describes a configuration in which the water supply system 1 has one backflow prevention device (backflow prevention circuit) 12, it is not limited to this. For example, in order to avoid water outages due to maintenance of the backflow prevention device 12, the water supply system 1 may be configured to have two backflow prevention devices (backflow prevention circuits) in parallel, one as a main circuit and the other as a sub-circuit. For example, since the backflow prevention device in the sub-circuit is for emergency maintenance, it is necessary to select whether it should have a circuit and diameter that allows the same flow rate as the backflow prevention device in the main circuit. In this case, as described above, it is also possible to determine whether to use the same circuit and diameter as the backflow prevention device used in the main circuit during the maintenance period based on the water flow rate information while the pump system 14 is stopped.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above example described a water supply system 1 having two pump devices 14, it is not limited to this configuration; the pump device 14 may be one unit or three or more units.

[0110] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. The following is a description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of this application. [1] Suction piping and Discharge piping and A pump device connected to the suction pipe and the discharge pipe, A bypass pipe connecting the aforementioned suction pipe and the aforementioned discharge pipe, One or more flow detection units capable of detecting the actual flow rate of the suction pipe or the discharge pipe, or the actual flow rate flowing through any two of the suction pipe, the discharge pipe, the pump device, and the bypass pipe, A processor that determines the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit, A water supply system equipped with the following features. [2] Equipped with memory, The water supply device according to [1], wherein the processor stores in the memory the determined water flow rate and date and time during the shutdown of the pump device, linked together. [3] The water supply device according to [1], wherein the flow rate detection unit is provided on the secondary side of the pump device and on the discharge piping, respectively. [4] The water supply device according to [1], further comprising a display unit for displaying the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped. [5] The water supply device according to [4], wherein the processor is capable of selecting whether or not to display the water flow rate when the pump device is stopped by the display unit. [6] Equipped with a communication unit capable of communicating with a communication terminal, The water supply device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the processor controls the communication unit to transmit flow rate information, including the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped, to the communication terminal. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1...Water supply device, 11...Suction piping, 12...Backflow prevention device (backflow prevention circuit), 13...Branch pipe, 14...Pump device, 14a...Motor, 14b...Pump, 15...Discharge pipe, 16...Merging pipe, 17...Bypass pipe, 18...Check valve, 19...Pressure accumulator, 20...Discharge piping, 21...Pressure detection unit, 22...Flow detection unit, 22A...First flow detection unit, 22B...Second flow detection unit, 22C...Third flow detection unit, 22D...Fourth flow detection unit, 23...On / off valve, 24...Control panel, 25...Base, 26...Frame, 27...Cover, 41...Impeller 42...Detection unit, 57...Wireless communication unit, 60...Housing, 61...Communication unit, 62...Input unit, 63...Interface, 64...Display unit, 65...Setting unit, 66...Memory, 67...Processor, 67a...EEPROM area, 67b...DRAM area, 67c...Communication control unit, 67d...Processing unit, 67e...Pump control unit, 68...Variable speed drive control unit, 100...Communication terminal, 101...Communication unit, 102...Input unit, 103...Display unit, 104...Memory, 105...Processor, 105a...Communication control unit, 105b...Processing unit.

Claims

1. Suction piping and Discharge piping and A pump device connected to the suction pipe and the discharge pipe, A bypass pipe connecting the aforementioned suction pipe and the aforementioned discharge pipe, One or more flow detection units capable of detecting the actual flow rate of the suction pipe or the discharge pipe, or the actual flow rate flowing through any two of the suction pipe, the discharge pipe, the pump device, and the bypass pipe, A processor that determines the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit, Equipped with memory, The water supply device includes a processor that stores in memory the determined water flow rate and date and time during the shutdown of the pump device, linked together.

2. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate detection unit is provided on the secondary side of the pump device and on the discharge piping, respectively.

3. The water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped.

4. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the processor can select whether or not to display the water flow rate when the pump device is stopped by the display unit.

5. Equipped with a communication unit capable of communicating with a communication terminal, The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor controls the communication unit to transmit flow rate information, including the water flow rate while the pump device is stopped, to the communication terminal.

Images