Drainage control system

Abstract

This drainage control system comprises: a drainage pump; a smart power supply tap that is connected between a power supply plug of the drainage pump and a commercial AC power supply; an external server; and a control terminal that is connected to the external server via a network and performs operation control of a smart plug. The smart power supply tap comprises: a current detection unit for detecting the value of a current flowing in the drainage pump; a switching unit for performing connection / disconnection control of electrical continuity from the commercial AC power supply to the drainage pump; a communication unit for transmitting the current value to the external server and receiving a control signal for the switching unit from the external server; and a smart power supply tap control unit for controlling the switching unit and the communication unit. The control terminal presets a first threshold that is lower than the current in normal operation of the drainage pump. When the control terminal detects that the switching unit is in a conducting state and the current value is less than the first threshold, the control terminal transmits, to the smart power supply tap, an intermittent operation control signal for alternately switching the switching unit between the disconnection state and the conducting state. When the current value does not return to or exceed the first threshold in a return confirmation time, the control terminal transmits the intermittent operation control signal to the smart power supply tap again.

Description

Drainage Control System

[0001] The present invention relates to operation control technology for drainage pumps.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that detects blockage of a water suction port of a submersible pump when the current value of the submersible pump becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when blockage of the water suction port is detected, the motor is intermittently driven for a predetermined number of times, and the valve at the suction port is opened and closed.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-089506

[0004] Blockage of a submersible pump includes blockage on the water suction port side and blockage on the drainage port side. When blockage occurs on the water suction port side, the motor enters an idling state, and the load current decreases significantly. When blockage occurs on the drainage port side, water remains in the pump, so although the load current is lower than that in a normal state, the amount of decrease is small. Furthermore, when the motor stops rotating due to, for example, foreign matter getting entangled in the impeller inside the pump, an overload condition occurs, and the load current increases significantly.

[0005] However, the conventional technology as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has not been able to perform control corresponding to abnormalities on both the water suction port side and the drainage port side.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to appropriately control the operation of a drainage pump against abnormalities on the water suction port side and the drainage port side.

[0007] The drainage control system of the present invention comprises: a drainage pump; a smart power strip connected between a power plug of the drainage pump and a commercial AC power supply; an external server; and a control terminal connected to the external server via a network and configured to control the operation of the smart plug.

[0008] The smart power strip comprises: a current detection unit configured to detect a current value flowing through the drainage pump; a switching unit configured to perform energization / cutoff control of electrical conduction from the commercial AC power supply to the drainage pump; a communication unit configured to transmit the current value to the external server and receive a control signal for the switching unit from the external server; and a smart power strip control unit configured to control the switching unit and the communication unit.

[0009] The control terminal has a preset first threshold value that is lower than the current during normal operation of the drain pump. When the control terminal detects that the switching unit is in a conductive state and the current value has fallen below the first threshold value, it sends an intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip that alternates between the disconnected state and the conductive state of the switching unit. If the current value does not return to above the first threshold value during the recovery confirmation time, the control terminal sends the intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip again.

[0010] This configuration allows the drain pump to alternate between drawing in water and stopping the suction in the event of a malfunction. This means that if a blockage is present in the water intake, the water flow towards the intake will subside, potentially dislodging the blockage. Similarly, if a blockage is present in the drainage path or drain outlet, a water hammer effect will occur when operation is restarted, potentially dislodging the blockage. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs, the system can be restored to its normal operation.

[0011] According to this invention, the operation of the drain pump can be appropriately controlled in response to abnormalities on the water intake side and the drain outlet side.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drainage control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2(A) and 2(B) are external perspective views of a smart power strip according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a smart power strip according to the first embodiment. Figure 4(A) is a perspective view showing an example of the normal state of the drainage pump, Figure 4(B) is a perspective view showing an example of the case when foreign matter clogs the water intake of the drainage pump, and Figure 4(C) is a perspective view showing an example of the case when foreign matter clogs the drainage channel of the drainage pump. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the current waveforms during normal operation and abnormal operation according to the first embodiment, and an example of the relationship between the first threshold and the second threshold. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams showing an example of the current waveform when operation control is performed when an abnormality occurs. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a drainage control method according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the current waveforms during normal operation and abnormal operation according to the first embodiment, and an example of the relationship between the first threshold and the second threshold. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of current waveforms during normal operation and abnormal operation according to the second embodiment, and an example of the relationship between the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a drainage control method according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drainage control system according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a multi-power strip according to the third embodiment.

[0013] [First Embodiment] A drainage control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drainage control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the drainage control system 1 comprises a smart power strip 10, a drainage pump 81, a control terminal 920, and a server device 930.

[0015] The drainage pump 81 and the smart power strip 10 are installed, for example, at a construction site 91. The drainage pump 81 is connected to a power plug 810 via power wiring 812. The construction site 91 is equipped with a power jack 910 (outlet), to which various power sources that supply AC power, such as a generator or commercial power supply, are connected.

[0016] The control terminal 920 may be, for example, a desktop PC located in the supervisory room 92, or a tablet PC carried by the administrator. The supervisory room 92 is located in a different location from the construction site 91.

[0017] The server device 930 is located in a different location from the construction site 91. The server device 930 may be located in a different location from the supervisor's office 92, or it may be located in the supervisor's office 92.

[0018] The smart power strip 10, the control terminal 920, and the server device 930 are each equipped with communication functions, enabling data communication between the three parties. For example, the smart power strip 10, the control terminal 920, and the server device 930 can communicate data via the internet, the network of a telecommunications company, and direct wireless communication including short-range wireless communication.

[0019] (Configuration of Smart Power Strip 10) Figures 2(A) and 2(B) are external perspective views of a smart power strip according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the smart power strip 10 comprises a cylindrical housing 100, a power jack 11, and a power plug 102. The housing 100 has an end face E1 at one end and an end face E2 at the other end. The power jack 11 is formed on end face E1. The power plug 102 is formed on end face E2.

[0020] The power plug 810 of the drainage pump 81 is connected to the power jack 11. The power plug 102 is connected to the power jack 910 of the construction site 91.

[0021] The housing 100 includes an electrical and electronic circuit module that realizes the circuit configuration shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a smart power strip according to the first embodiment.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the smart power strip 10 includes a power jack 11, a power plug 102, an AC-DC converter 210, a microcontroller 211, a current detection circuit 212, a voltage detection resistor 213, a communication unit 214, an antenna 215, a relay switch 31, power wiring 111, and power wiring 112. The microcontroller 211 corresponds to the "smart power strip control unit". The relay switch 31 corresponds to the "switching unit".

[0023] Power wiring 111 connects one terminal of the power jack 11 to one terminal of the power plug 102. Power wiring 112 connects the other terminal of the power jack 11 to the other terminal of the power plug 102. The power jack 11 and power plug 102 are illustrated with shapes intended for single-phase 100V, but are not limited to this; shapes for single-phase 200V or shapes for overseas use are also acceptable.

[0024] The relay switch 31 is inserted (connected in series) into the power supply wiring 112. The relay switch 31 may be composed of semiconductor elements such as MOSFETs.

[0025] The AC-DC converter 210 has AC terminals and DC terminals. The AC terminals are connected to the power supply wiring 111. The DC terminals are connected to the microcontroller 211 and the communication unit 214. Although not shown in the diagram, the power supply terminals of the operational amplifier in the current detection circuit 212 are also connected to the DC terminals. As a result, the AC-DC converter 210 supplies DC power for driving the microcontroller 211, the communication unit 214, and the operational amplifier in the current detection circuit 212.

[0026] The current detection circuit 212 comprises a current detection resistor and an operational amplifier. The current detection resistor is inserted (connected in series) into the power supply wiring 112. More specifically, the current detection resistor is connected to the power plug 102 side of the power supply wiring 112 where the relay switch 31 is inserted. The input terminals of the operational amplifier are connected to both ends of the current detection resistor, and the output terminals of the operational amplifier are connected to the microcontroller 211. The current detection circuit 212 is not limited to a current detection resistor and an operational amplifier; a non-contact type using a Hall element may also be used.

[0027] One terminal of the voltage detection resistor 213 is connected to the power supply wiring 111. The other terminal of the voltage detection resistor 213 is connected to the microcontroller 211. The voltage detection resistor 213 is optional, but it is preferable to include it.

[0028] The data output terminal of the microcontroller 211 is connected to the communication unit 214. The microcontroller 211 also has a first relay control signal output terminal. The first relay control signal output terminal is connected to the relay switch 31. The antenna 215 is connected to the communication unit 214.

[0029] As a result, the relay switch 31 is controlled by the microcontroller 211 to conduct or disconnect.

[0030] With this configuration, the smart power strip 10 operates as follows during normal operation.

[0031] When the drainage pump 81 is in use, the power plug 810 is connected to the power jack 11 of the smart power strip 10. The power plug 102 of the smart power strip 10 is connected to the power jack 910 of the construction site 91.

[0032] When the drain pump 81 is ON and the relay switch 31 is conductive, the current detection circuit 212 generates an output voltage corresponding to the current supplied to the drain pump 81 through the power jack 11.

[0033] The microcontroller 211 detects the current consumption of the drain pump 81 connected to the power jack 11 from the output voltage of the current detection circuit 212.

[0034] Furthermore, a voltage detection resistor 213 is connected to the microcontroller 211, and the voltage consumed by the drain pump 81 connected to the power jack 11 is detected from the potential measured by the voltage detection resistor 213.

[0035] The microcontroller 211 detects the current consumption value and the voltage consumption value at a predetermined sampling period and outputs the power consumption information, including at least the current consumption value, to the communication unit 214. The communication unit 214 transmits the power consumption information to the server device 930 via the antenna 215. Preferably, the power consumption information includes both the current consumption value and the voltage consumption value.

[0036] When the microcontroller 211 receives an electrical conduction control signal from the server device 930, it controls the relay switch 31 to maintain its conduction state. As a result, power corresponding to the operation of the drainage pump 81 is supplied from the power source to the drainage pump 81.

[0037] When the microcontroller 211 receives an electrical disconnection control signal from the server device 930, it controls the relay switch 31 to the disconnected state (open state). This disconnects the power supply from the power source to the drainage pump 81.

[0038] (Abnormality detection of the drain pump and operation control when an abnormality is detected) Figure 4(A) is a perspective view showing an example of the normal state of the drain pump, Figure 4(B) is a perspective view showing an example of when foreign matter is stuck in the water intake of the drain pump, and Figure 4(C) is a perspective view showing an example of when foreign matter is stuck in the drain channel of the drain pump. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the current waveforms during normal operation and when an abnormality occurs according to the first embodiment, and an example of the relationship between the first threshold and the second threshold.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4(A), if there is no foreign matter clogging the water intake and drain ports, the relay switch 31 becomes conductive and power is supplied to the drain pump 81. As a result, the drain pump 81 rotates its motor at its rated output and functions as a pump. When the drain pump 81 is operating with water to be drained accumulated (normal operation), the load current value changes at a constant value over time, as shown in the normal range of Figure 5.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4(B), if the water suction port is clogged with foreign matter, the drainage pump 81 will operate idly. Since idling operation means there is no water as a load, the load current value decreases as shown in the region after the occurrence of abnormality in Fig. 5. In this case, the temperature of the motor of the drainage pump 81 rises, which may cause a failure. Note that if the water suction port is not completely clogged but partially clogged, this only reduces the amount of water flowing into the drainage pump 81, which is the same as normal operation when the water level is low for the drainage pump 81, and there is no need to stop the operation.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4(C), if the drainage port is clogged with foreign matter, water cannot be discharged from the drainage pump 81, so the drainage pump 81 is in the same state as stirring water, and the load current value decreases. In this case, the water temperature rises to cause cavitation (bubbles), which may damage the blades of the drainage pump 81, so it is necessary to stop the operation. Note that if a part of the drainage channel is clogged, the drainage is still performed albeit at a small flow rate, so continuous operation may slow down the rise of the water level better than stopping the pump.

[0042] In order to cope with such abnormalities of the drainage pump 81, the drainage control system 1 controls the operation of the drainage pump 81 as follows.

[0043] Figs. 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams showing an example of current waveforms when operation control is performed upon occurrence of an abnormality. Fig. 6(A) shows the case where the operation returns to a normal state, and Fig. 6(B) shows the case where the operation does not return to a normal state.

[0044] The control terminal 920 presets a first threshold TH1 that is lower than the current during normal operation of the drainage pump 81.

[0045] When the control terminal 920 detects that the relay switch 31 is in a conducting state and the load current value becomes lower than the first threshold TH1, the control terminal 920 transmits an intermittent operation control signal for alternately switching the relay switch 31 between a cut-off state and a conducting state to the smart power strip 10.

[0046] The microcomputer 211 of the smart power strip 10 cuts off the relay switch 31 for a predetermined time based on the intermittent operation control signal, and brings it into a conductive state again. Thereby, the drainage pump 81 enters one intermittent operation state.

[0047] When the drainage pump 81 stops water absorption and restarts water absorption, the water flow that has been flowing toward the water suction port on the water suction port side subsides. As a result, clogged foreign matter may be separated from the water suction port. Since a water hammer phenomenon occurs in the drainage channel, the clogged foreign matter may be dislodged by the steep water pressure rise.

[0048] When the foreign matter is dislodged by this control, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the load current value of the drainage pump 81 returns to the normal value. Thereby, the drainage control system 1 can achieve recovery from an abnormal state to a normal state.

[0049] If the load current value does not recover to be equal to or higher than the first threshold value within the recovery confirmation time, the control terminal 920 transmits an intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip 10 again.

[0050] The microcomputer 211 of the smart power strip 10 alternately controls cutting off and conducting of the relay switch 31 based on the re-transmitted intermittent operation control signal. Thereby, the drainage pump 81 enters a continuous intermittent operation state.

[0051] If the foreign matter is not dislodged by this control, that is, if the load current value does not return to normal, the control terminal 920 transmits a cutoff control signal for maintaining a continuous cutoff state to the smart power strip 10.

[0052] The microcomputer 211 of the smart power strip 10 controls the relay switch 31 to cut off based on the cutoff control signal. Thereby, the drainage pump 81 stops operating, and the load current value becomes 0 as shown in FIG. 6(B). Therefore, the drainage control system 1 can suppress failure of the drainage pump 81 caused by continuous operation in an abnormal state.

[0053] Through such abnormality control, the drainage control system 1 can appropriately control the operation of the drainage pump for abnormalities on the water suction port side and the drainage port side.

[0054] The control terminal 920 has pre-set a second threshold TH2 that is higher than the current during normal operation of the drain pump 81. When the control terminal 920 detects that the relay switch 31 is in a conductive state and the load current value exceeds the second threshold, it sends a shut-off control signal to the smart power strip 10 to shut off the relay switch 31.

[0055] The microcontroller 211 of the smart power strip 10 controls the relay switch 31 to shut off based on the shut-off control signal.

[0056] This control allows the drainage control system 1 to suppress overload operation of the drainage pump 81.

[0057] (Drainage Control Method 1) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a drainage control method according to the first embodiment. Details of each process shown in Figure 7 will be explained only in parts that need to be added to the above-described configuration.

[0058] The control terminal 920 detects the start of the drain pump 81 based on the load current value and load voltage value from the smart power strip 10 (S11).

[0059] The control terminal 920 does not perform abnormality detection using the load current value I until the abnormality detection start time (S12: NO). This allows the control terminal 920 to suppress false detections caused by the inrush current when the drain pump 81 is started.

[0060] When the judgment start time arrives (S12: YES), the control terminal 920 starts abnormality detection using the load current value I.

[0061] If the load current value I exceeds the second threshold TH2 (S13: YES), the control terminal 920 sends a shut-off control signal to the smart power strip 10 (S17). Based on the shut-off control signal, the microcontroller 211 of the smart power strip 10 shuts off the relay switch 31. This prevents the drain pump 81 from continuing overload operation. Therefore, the drain control system 1 can prevent failure of the drain pump 81.

[0062] Then, if the control terminal 920 performs a shutdown control, it notifies the outside that a shutdown control has been performed (S18).

[0063] The control terminal 920 transmits an intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip 10 (S15) if the load current value I is less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (S13: NO) and less than the first threshold TH1. The microcontroller 211 of the smart power strip 10 alternately controls the disconnection and conduction of the relay switch 31 based on the intermittent operation control signal. As a result, the drain pump 81 enters an intermittent operation state.

[0064] If, after a predetermined number of intermittent control cycles, the control terminal 920 does not return the load current value I to a value greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1 and less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (S16: NO), it sends a shut-off control signal to the smart power strip 10 (S17). The microcontroller 211 of the smart power strip 10 shuts off the relay switch 31 based on the shut-off control signal. This prevents the drainage pump 81 from continuing operation in the event of an abnormal condition such as a blockage in the suction port or drainage path. Therefore, the drainage control system 1 can prevent failure of the drainage pump 81.

[0065] During intermittent control, if the load current value I returns to a state where it is above the first threshold TH1 and below the second threshold TH2 (S16: YES), the control terminal 920 continues to operate the drainage pump 81 and continues to determine if an abnormality has occurred.

[0066] Furthermore, if the load current value I is greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1 and less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (S14: YES), and the continuous operating time td does not reach the operating time threshold THt (S21: YES), the control terminal 920 continues to operate the drainage pump 81 and continues to determine abnormalities.

[0067] Even if the load current value I is greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1 and less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (S14: YES), the control terminal 920 notifies the outside that the drainage by the drainage pump 81 is insufficient when the continuous operating time td reaches the operating time threshold THt (21: NO) (S22).

[0068] (Example 1 of the first threshold) Figure 8 shows an example of the current waveform during normal operation and abnormal operation according to the first embodiment, and an example of the relationship between the first threshold and the second threshold.

[0069] In the above explanation, the first threshold TH1 is set significantly lower than the load current value during normal operation, resulting in a current value where failure is more likely to occur. However, the first threshold TH1 may also be set to TH1A, as shown in Figure 8.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the first threshold TH1A is set lower than the load current value during normal operation, but higher than the first threshold TH1 mentioned above.

[0071] By using this setting, the system can transition to intermittent operation when there is no complete blockage by foreign matter or when there is slight foam buildup, i.e., when there is a condition that would immediately lead to a malfunction. In other words, the drainage control system 1 can perform intermittent operation from a preventative standpoint, thereby suppressing conditions that would immediately lead to a malfunction.

[0072] [Second Embodiment] A drainage control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. The functional configuration of the drainage control system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the drainage control system according to the first embodiment, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0073] Figure 9 shows an example of current waveforms during normal and abnormal conditions according to the second embodiment, and an example of the relationship between the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a drainage control method according to the second embodiment.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9, the drainage control system and drainage control method according to the second embodiment set a threshold value lower than the load current value during normal operation of the drainage pump 81 using multiple types of threshold values ​​with different current values. For example, in Figure 9, a first threshold TH1 and a third threshold TH3 are set. These first threshold TH1 and third threshold TH3 correspond to "multiple first thresholds".

[0075] The first threshold TH1 is set to the same current value as the first threshold TH1 in the first embodiment described above. The current value of the third threshold TH3 is set higher than the current value of the first threshold TH1.

[0076] The control terminal 920 performs different intermittent operation control depending on whether the load current value is less than the third threshold TH3 and greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1, or less than the first threshold TH1. More specifically, the control terminal 920 sets the interruption time for intermittent operation when the load current value is less than the third threshold TH3 and greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1 to be shorter than the interruption time for intermittent operation when the load current value is less than the first threshold TH1.

[0077] This allows the drainage control system 1 to determine whether the drainage pump 81 can recover from a malfunction while maintaining the drainage capacity of the drainage pump 81 as much as possible.

[0078] (Drainage control method 2) The drainage control method according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 10 has the same parts as the drainage control method according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 7. Therefore, in the following, only the parts in which the drainage control method according to the second embodiment differs from the drainage control method according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0079] If the load current value I is less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (S13: NO), less than the third threshold TH3 (S31: NO), and less than the first threshold TH1 (S32: NO), the control terminal 920 transmits a first intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip 10 (S33). Based on the first intermittent operation control signal, the microcontroller 211 of the smart power strip 10 alternately controls the disconnection and conduction of the relay switch 31. As a result, the drain pump 81 enters the first intermittent operation state (intermittent operation A).

[0080] If the load current value I is less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (S13: NO), less than the third threshold TH3 (S31: NO), and greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1 (S32: YES), the control terminal 920 transmits a second intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip 10 (S34). Based on the second intermittent operation control signal, the microcontroller 211 of the smart power strip 10 alternately controls the disconnection and conduction of the relay switch 31. As a result, the drain pump 81 enters the second intermittent operation state (intermittent operation B).

[0081] The second intermittent operation state (intermittent operation B) has a shorter interruption time than the first intermittent operation state (intermittent operation A).

[0082] [Third Embodiment] A drainage control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0083] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drainage control system according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a multi-power strip according to the third embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the drainage control system 1A according to the third embodiment differs from the drainage control system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a multi-power strip 10A and a plurality of drainage pumps 81-84. The other components of the drainage control system 1A are the same as those of the drainage control system 1, and a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0085] The drainage control system 1A includes a multi-power strip 10A, multiple drainage pumps 81-84, a control terminal 920, and a server device 930.

[0086] The multi-power strip 10A includes multiple power jacks 11-14, power wiring 101, and a power plug 102.

[0087] The power plug 810 of the drain pump 81 is connected to the power jack 11 of the multi-power strip 10A. The power plug 820 of the drain pump 82 is connected to the power jack 12. The power plug 830 of the drain pump 83 is connected to the power jack 13. The power plug 840 of the drain pump 84 is connected to the power jack 14.

[0088] The power plug 102 of the 10A multi-power strip is connected to the power jack 910 that is connected to the power supply provided at the construction site 91.

[0089] The multi-power strip 10A can individually switch between electrical continuity and electrical disconnection between each of the multiple power jacks 11-14 and the power plug 102. This allows the multi-power strip 10A to individually switch between electrical continuity and electrical disconnection between each of the power plugs 810 of the drainage pump 81, 820 of the drainage pump 82, 830 of the drainage pump 83, and 840 of the drainage pump 84 and the commercial power supply.

[0090] The multi-power strip 10A, the control terminal 920, and the server device 930 are each equipped with communication functions, enabling data communication between the three parties. For example, the multi-power strip 10A, the control terminal 920, and the server device 930 can communicate data via the internet, the network of a telecommunications company, and direct wireless communication including short-range wireless communication.

[0091] As shown in Figure 12, the multi-power strip 10A has four functions of the smart power strip 10 according to the first embodiment and is equipped with a common microcontroller 211A.

[0092] More specifically, the multi-power strip 10A includes multiple power jacks 11, 12, 13, 14 and multiple power wirings 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142. The multi-power strip 10A also includes multiple external power wirings 1011, 1012 that constitute the power wiring 101.

[0093] The multi-power strip 10A includes a microcontroller 211A, an AC-DC converter 210, multiple current detection circuits 212, 222, 232, 242, multiple voltage detection resistors 213, 223, 233, 243, a communication unit 214, an antenna 215, and multiple relay switches 31, 32, 33, 34.

[0094] The multiple current detection circuits 212, 222, 232, and 242 have the same configuration as the current detection circuit 212 according to the first embodiment.

[0095] Power jack 11 is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 111 and external power wiring 1011, and is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 112 and external power wiring 1012. Power jack 12 is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 121 and external power wiring 1011, and is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 122 and external power wiring 1012. Power jack 13 is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 131 and external power wiring 1011, and is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 132 and external power wiring 1012. Power jack 14 is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 141 and external power wiring 1011, and is connected to power plug 102 via power wiring 142 and external power wiring 1012.

[0096] Relay switch 31 is inserted (connected in series) into the power supply wiring 112. Relay switch 32 is inserted (connected in series) into the power supply wiring 122. Relay switch 33 is inserted (connected in series) into the power supply wiring 132. Relay switch 34 is inserted (connected in series) into the power supply wiring 142.

[0097] The current detection circuit 212 is connected to the power supply wiring 112. The current detection circuit 222 is connected to the power supply wiring 122. The current detection circuit 232 is connected to the power supply wiring 132. The current detection circuit 242 is connected to the power supply wiring 142. The output terminals of the multiple current detection circuits 212, 222, 232, and 242 are connected to the microcontroller 211A.

[0098] Voltage detection resistor 213 is connected to power supply wiring 111. Voltage detection resistor 223 is connected to power supply wiring 121. Voltage detection resistor 233 is connected to power supply wiring 131. Voltage detection resistor 243 is connected to power supply wiring 141. Multiple voltage detection resistors 213, 223, 233, and 243 are connected to microcontroller 211A.

[0099] The microcontroller 211A controls the disconnection and continuity of multiple relay switches 31, 32, 33, and 34 based on the disconnection / continuity control signals from the control terminal 920. Specifically, the microcontroller 211A controls the disconnection of relay switch 31 based on the disconnection control signal for relay switch 31 from the control terminal 920. The microcontroller 211A controls the disconnection of relay switch 32 based on the disconnection control signal for relay switch 32 from the control terminal 920. The microcontroller 211A controls the disconnection of relay switch 33 based on the disconnection control signal for relay switch 33 from the control terminal 920. The microcontroller 211A controls the disconnection of relay switch 34 based on the disconnection control signal for relay switch 34 from the control terminal 920.

[0100] With this configuration, the multi-power strip 10A can individually and appropriately control any malfunctions in the multiple drainage pumps 81-84, each connected to a multiple power jack 11-14.

[0101] 1, 1A: Drainage control system 10: Smart power strip 10A: Multi-power strip 11-14: Power jack 31-34: Relay switch 81-84: Drainage pump 91: Construction site 92: Supervisor's room 100: Enclosure 101: Power wiring 102: Power plug 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142: Power wiring 210: AC-DC converter 211, 211A: Microcontroller 212, 222, 232, 242: Current detection circuit 213, 223, 233, 243: Voltage detection resistor 214: Communication unit 215: Antenna 810, 820, 830, 840: Power plug 812: Power wiring 910: Power jack 920: Control terminal 930: Server device 1011, 1012: External power supply wiring I: Load current value TH1, TH1A: First threshold TH2: Second threshold TH3: Third threshold THt: Operating time threshold td: Continuous operating time

Claims

1. A drainage control system comprising: a drainage pump; a smart power strip connected between the power plug of the drainage pump and a commercial AC power supply; an external server; and a control terminal connected to the external server via a network and performing operation control of the smart power strip, wherein the smart power strip comprises: a current detection unit for detecting the current value flowing to the drainage pump; a switching unit for controlling the electrical conduction from the commercial AC power supply to the drainage pump by enabling / disconnecting it; a communication unit for transmitting the current value to the external server and receiving a control signal from the external server for the switching unit; and a smart power strip control unit for controlling the switching unit and the communication unit, wherein the control terminal presets a first threshold lower than the current during normal operation of the drainage pump; when it detects that the switching unit is in a conductive state and the current value has fallen below the first threshold, it transmits an intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip that alternately switches the switching unit between a disconnected state and a conductive state; and if the current value does not return to above the first threshold during the recovery confirmation time, it transmits the intermittent operation control signal to the smart power strip again.

2. The drainage control system according to claim 1, wherein the control terminal maintains the shut-off state if the current value does not return to the first threshold value or higher after performing the intermittent operation a predetermined number of times.

3. The drainage control system according to claim 2, wherein the control terminal notifies of an abnormality in the drainage pump when the shut-off state is maintained.

4. The control terminal sets a second threshold value higher than the current during normal operation of the drain pump, and when it detects that the switching unit is in a conductive state and the current value exceeds the second threshold value, it sends a shut-off control signal to the smart power strip to shut off the switching unit, and the switching unit switches from the conductive state to the shut-off state based on the shut-off control signal, the drain control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The drainage control system according to claim 4, wherein the control terminal notifies of an abnormality in the drainage pump when the shut-off state is maintained.

6. The drainage control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control terminal sets the first threshold using multiple types of thresholds with different current values, and performs different intermittent control for each of the multiple types of thresholds.

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