JP2008157375A - Water tank device, water tank system, and failure diagnosis method for water tank device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out failure diagnosis in a short time by opening a testing valve to change a water level in a water storage tank independently of the control condition of a fixed water level valve means when a water level sensor detects a water reduced condition as an abnormal condition, and determining whether a failure has occurred or not in at least the water level sensor. <P>SOLUTION: When the water level sensor 2 measures a water level in the water storage tank 1 and informs of a reduced water warning, the water tank device opens the testing valve 5 to start water supply from a second sub water flow path 32 to the water storage tank 1. Water pressure in a main valve 41 is lower than set pressure and so a passage between a water pipe 5 and a main water flow path 30 is kept in an opened condition and the water supply is started from the second sub water flow path 32 as well as the main water flow path 30 to the water storage tank 1. At this time, water is supplied more to the water storage tank 1 than water discharged from a water supply pipe 10. Then, the water level sensor 2 stops to inform of the reduced water warning and checks whether it informs of a normal condition or not. When the water level sensor 2 still informs of the reduced water warning in spite of an increase in the water level in the water storage tank 1, a failure of at least the water level sensor 2 is determined. On the contrary, when the water level sensor 2 informs of the normal condition, a failure of another part such as a fixed water level valve 4 (a failure of a ball tap 40 or the main valve 41, e.g.) is determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water tank apparatus that supplies water to a water storage tank, a water tank system, and a failure diagnosis method for the water tank apparatus.

  A conventional aquarium device that supplies water to a water tank is equipped with a water level sensor that measures the water level of the water tank, and the water level of the water tank becomes too high and becomes full, or it becomes too low and the water becomes low. When an abnormal condition occurs, an alarm such as a full water alarm or a low water alarm is notified. As an example of a conventional water tank device, Patent Document 1 discloses a building water tank water supply control device.

When the water level of the water tank in which such a water tank apparatus is installed becomes an abnormal state, the water level sensor of the conventional water tank apparatus notifies an alarm. When the alarm is notified, the administrator confirms whether or not there is a failure, and if it is a failure, determines the failure location (cause of failure). After that, the repair parts at the failed part are transported and repaired.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-13443 (paragraphs 0013 to 0023 and FIG. 1)

  However, the conventional aquarium apparatus has a problem that a lot of time is spent for performing a failure diagnosis such as the presence / absence of a failure and determination of a failure location. It is difficult to perform failure diagnosis with only a small number of managers at the site because the burden on the manager is large. For this reason, repair personnel will go to the site and perform the above-mentioned failure diagnosis, but since the failure diagnosis must be performed and repaired immediately after arrival at the site, many repair personnel are required, As a result, there was a situation in which the transportation costs for repair personnel were high. Also, if you spend a lot of time on failure diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out the repair work in the shortest possible time. The situation of becoming higher occurred.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water tank apparatus, a water tank system, and a water tank apparatus failure diagnosis method capable of performing failure diagnosis in a short time. is there.

  The invention related to the water tank apparatus of claim 1 is provided for measuring the water level of the water tank and detecting whether the measured water level is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and for supplying water to the water tank. Two flow channels, constant water level valve means for controlling water supply from one of the two flow channels to the water tank according to the water level of the water tank, and the control state of the constant water level valve means And a test valve that enables water supply to the water storage tank from the other of the two flow channels.

  The invention related to the water tank apparatus according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the test valve is the first test valve, and the one water channel is connected to the water tank regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve means. It is characterized by including the 2nd test valve which makes it possible to stop water supply.

  The invention relating to the water tank apparatus according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water tank is provided separately from the two flow channels for supplying water to the water tank, and the water level of the water tank is provided by the constant water level valve means. And a detector for detecting the presence or absence of water flowing through the main flow channel.

  The invention related to the water tank apparatus according to claim 4 is the water level information acquisition means for acquiring water level information from the water level sensor in the invention of claim 2, and the water level information acquired by the water level information acquisition means in the water level information of the water tank. Valve control means for controlling the first test valve and the second test valve so that the water level of the water storage tank is changed from the abnormal state to the normal state when information indicating that the water tank is in an abnormal state is included. And a diagnostic processing means for performing a fault diagnosis using control results of the first test valve and the second test valve.

  The invention related to the water tank apparatus according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein the water tank is provided separately from the two water channels for supplying water to the water tank, and the water level of the water tank is determined by the constant water level valve means. The main flow channel for controlling the water supply to the water storage tank and a detector for detecting the presence or absence of water flowing through the main flow channel, the flow rate at which the diagnostic processing means acquires the measurement result of the flow meter It has an acquisition means, and performs fault diagnosis using the measurement result acquired by the flow rate acquisition means.

  The invention related to the water tank apparatus according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the diagnosis processing means has an input means for inputting an instruction to perform a failure diagnosis, and the valve control means is the input When the failure diagnosis instruction is input from the means, the first test valve and the second test valve are controlled to be closed until the water level of the water storage tank is reduced.

  The invention related to the aquarium system according to claim 7 comprises a plurality of the aquarium devices according to any one of claims 4 to 6, and integrates each of the diagnostic processing means of the plurality of aquarium apparatuses into one diagnostic processing means. When the integrated diagnostic processing means detects a failure with respect to one of the plurality of water tank devices, the water tank device in which the failure is detected is switched to another water tank device and the other water tank device is operated. And

  The invention relating to the water tank apparatus failure diagnosis method according to claim 8 measures the water level of the water tank, detects whether the measured water level is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and supplies water to the water tank. Two flow channels provided for the purpose, a constant water level valve means for controlling water supply to the water tank from one of the two water flow paths according to the water level of the water tank, and the constant water level valve means Regardless of the control state, the first test valve that enables water supply to the water storage tank from the other of the two flow channels, and from the one flow channel regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve means A water tank apparatus failure diagnosis method comprising: a second test valve capable of stopping water supply to a water tank; and a diagnostic processing means capable of controlling the first test valve and the second test valve. When the water level of the water tank is abnormal, The disconnection processing means controls the first test valve and the second test valve so that the water level of the water storage tank changes from an abnormal state to a normal state, and the first test valve and the second test valve are controlled. The fault diagnosis is performed using the control result of the above.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the water level sensor detects a reduced water state as an abnormal state, the test valve is opened, and the water level of the water tank is changed regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve means. Since it is possible to determine whether or not the water level sensor has failed, failure diagnosis can be performed in a short time.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, failure diagnosis can be performed even if the abnormal state detected by the water level sensor is not only a reduced water state but also a full water state.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the failure diagnosis can be performed more accurately by detecting the presence or absence of water flowing in the main flow channel with the detector.

  According to the invention of claim 4, failure diagnosis can be performed automatically instead of manually.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to separately determine the failure location inside the constant water level valve means.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the user can input an instruction for failure diagnosis, failure diagnosis can be performed when necessary. In addition, by inputting fault diagnosis instructions, it is possible to prevent water from being supplied to the water tank until the water in the water tank is consumed and the water is reduced. Diagnosis can be made.

  According to the invention of claim 7, failure diagnosis can be performed in a short time. Moreover, reliability can be improved by switching from the water tank apparatus in which a failure was detected to a normal water tank apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 8, failure diagnosis can be performed automatically instead of manually, and failure diagnosis can be performed in a short time.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This water tank apparatus supplies water to the water tank 1, measures the water level of the water tank 1, and detects whether the measured water level is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and the water tank Main flow channel 30, first sub-flow channel 31 and second sub-flow channel 32 provided to supply water to 1, and main flow channel 30 and first sub-flow channel according to the water level of water tank 1. Regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve 4 and the constant water level valve 4 that controls the water supply from the water tank 31 to the water tank 1, water can be supplied to the water tank 1 from the main flow channel 30 and the second sub flow channel 32. And a test valve (first test valve) 5.

  The water storage tank 1 is provided with a water supply pipe connection portion 11 that is connected to a water supply pipe 10 in order to supply the stored water to a water supply place. The water supply pipe connection portion 11 is provided with a valve. When this valve is open, water can be supplied from the water storage tank 1 to the water supply place, and when the valve is closed, water supply from the water storage tank 1 to the water supply place is stopped. During normal use, this valve remains open.

  The water level sensor 2 is attached to the water storage tank 1 and measures the water level of the water storage tank 1 by energizing a plurality of electrode rods 20 to 22 having different lengths, and detects a normal state according to the measured water level or as an abnormal state. Detect low water or full water. Further, the water level sensor 2 has a function of notifying a normal state, a low water state (low water alarm) and a full water state (full water alarm), and a function of outputting the normal state, the low water state and the full water state to other devices as water level information. Have.

  The main water flow channel 30 is provided by being connected to the water pipe 6 separately from the first sub water flow channel 31 and the second sub water flow channel 32, and from the first sub water flow channel 31 and the second sub water flow channel 32. The pipe diameter is large, and a large amount of water flowing through the water pipe 6 can be supplied to the water tank 1. On the other hand, the first sub-flow channel 31 and the second sub-flow channel 32 are provided in parallel with the main flow channel 30 and connected to the water pipe 6, are integrated on the water pipe 6 side, and are branched on the tip side. Is formed. The first sub-flow channel 31 and the second sub-flow channel 32 can also supply water that has flowed through the water pipe 6 to the water tank 1.

  The constant water level valve 4 includes a ball tap (sub valve) 40 and a main valve 41. The ball tap 40 includes a valve 400 and a spherical floating ball 401 in which air is contained. The valve 400 is provided from the branch point 33 of the first sub-flow channel 31 and the second sub-flow channel 32 to the tip side of the first sub-flow channel 31. The floating ball 401 floats on the water surface of the water tank 1 and moves up and down in conjunction with the water level of the water tank 1 by buoyancy. When the floating ball 401 rises to a predetermined position due to the rise in the water level of the water storage tank 1, the valve 400 is closed. On the other hand, when the floating ball 401 is lowered to a predetermined position due to a drop in the water level of the water storage tank 1, the valve 400 is opened.

  The main valve 41 is provided between the water pipe 6 and the main water flow channel 30, and when the internal water pressure falls below the set pressure, the space between the water pipe 6 and the main water flow channel 30 is opened, and the internal water pressure is higher than the set pressure. When raised, the space between the water pipe 6 and the main flow channel 30 is closed. The water pressure in the main valve 41 varies according to the open / close state of the valve 400 of the ball tap 40 in a state where the test valve 5 described later is closed. That is, the main valve 41 controls the water supply from the main water flow path 30 to the water tank 1 in conjunction with the open / close state of the valve 400 of the ball tap 40 in a state where the test valve 5 is closed. The operation of the main valve 41 will be described in detail. When the valve 400 of the ball tap 40 is open, the water pressure in the first flow channel 31 decreases, and accordingly, the water pressure in the main valve 41 decreases. Thus, the space between the water pipe 6 and the main flow channel 30 is opened, and water supply from the main flow channel 30 to the water storage tank 1 is enabled. On the other hand, when the valve 400 is closed, the water pressure in the first flow channel 31 is increased, and the water pressure in the main valve 41 is increased accordingly, so that between the water pipe 6 and the main flow channel 30. Is closed, and water supply from the main flow channel 30 to the water storage tank 1 is stopped.

  The test valve 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve, and is provided from the branch point 33 of the first sub-flow channel 31 and the second sub-flow channel 32 to the front end side of the second sub-flow channel 32. Even when the valve 400 of the ball tap 40 is closed, when the test valve 5 is opened, the water pressure in the second sub-flow channel 32 is reduced, and accordingly, the water pressure in the main valve 41 is also reduced. To do. Thereby, between the water pipe 6 and the main flowing water channel 30 will be in an open state, and the water supply to the water tank 1 from the main flowing water channel 30 and the 2nd sub flowing water channel 32 is attained. On the other hand, when the test valve 5 is closed, the water pressure in the second sub-flow channel 32 rises, and accordingly, the water pressure in the main valve 41 also rises. Thereby, between the water pipe 6 and the main flowing water channel 30 will be in a closed state, and the water supply from the main flowing water channel 30 and the 2nd sub flowing water channel 32 will be stopped.

  Next, the normal operation of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the water level of the water tank 1 is low, the ball tap 40 is opened. Along with this, the main valve 41 is also opened, and water supply from the main flow channel 30 and the first sub-flow channel 31 to the water tank 1 is started. Thereafter, when the water level of the water storage tank 1 rises to a predetermined water level, the ball tap 40 is closed, and water supply from the first sub-flow channel 31 to the water storage tank 1 is stopped. Subsequently, the main valve 41 is also closed, and water supply from the main flow channel 30 to the water tank 1 is also stopped. From the above, the water level of the water tank 1 can be kept within a certain range.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method for the aquarium apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1 and notifies a water reduction alarm, the test valve 5 is opened and water supply from the second sub-flow channel 32 to the water tank 1 is started. Moreover, since the water pressure in the main valve 41 is lower than the set pressure, the space between the water pipe 6 and the main water flow channel 30 is opened, and the main sub-water flow channel 32 and the main water flow channel 30 also enter the water tank 1. Start water supply. At this time, more water than the water discharged from the water supply pipe 10 is supplied to the water tank 1. Thereafter, the water level sensor 2 stops the notification of the water reduction alarm and confirms whether or not to notify the normal state. When the water level of the water storage tank 1 is raised but the water level sensor 2 still notifies the water reduction alarm, it is determined that at least the water level sensor 2 has failed. The cause of failure of the water level sensor 2 is notification of a water reduction alarm due to erroneous detection of the electrode rods 20-22. On the other hand, when the water level sensor 2 notifies the normal state, it is determined that the other part is out of order. In addition, when the test valve 5 is opened and water is supplied to the water tank 1, the valve of the water supply pipe connection part 11 of the water tank 1 is not closed, but when it is desired to increase the water in the water tank 1 in a short time, You may close the valve of the water supply pipe connection part 11. FIG.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the water level sensor 2 detects a water reduction state as an abnormal state, the test valve 5 is opened to change the water level of the water tank 1 regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve 4. Therefore, it is possible to determine at least whether or not the water level sensor 2 is in failure, so that failure diagnosis can be performed in a short time.

(Embodiment 2)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This water tank apparatus includes the water level sensor 2, the main water flow path 30, the first sub water flow path 31 and the second sub water flow path 32, the constant water level valve 4, and the test valve 5 of the water tank apparatus ( 1), but has the following features that are not included in the water tank apparatus of the first embodiment.

  The water tank apparatus of Embodiment 2 includes a test valve (second test valve) 7 as shown in FIG. The test valve 7 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve, and is provided on the tip side of the first sub-flow channel 31 from the branch point 33 of the first sub-flow channel 31 and the second sub-flow channel 32. Regardless of the control state of the valve 4, the water supply from the first sub-flow channel 31 to the water tank 1 can be stopped.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method for the aquarium apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The water level sensor 2, the ball tap 40, and the main valve 41 can be considered as a failure location.

  First, the full water diagnosis will be explained. In this case, the cause of failure of the water level sensor 2 is notification of a full water alarm due to erroneous detection of the electrode rods 20 to 22. The cause of the failure of the ball tap 40 is water supply due to the continuation of the open state of the main valve 41, which has occurred due to the poor linkage between the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41. The cause of the failure of the main valve 41 is that the main valve 41 remains fixed in the open state regardless of the open / closed state of the ball tap 40. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level in the water tank 1 and reports a full water alarm, the test valves 5 and 7 are closed. In this state, if the main valve 41 is normal, the water pressure in the main valve 41 is higher than the set pressure, so that the space between the water pipe 6 and the main flow channel 30 is closed. Therefore, since there is no water supply to the water tank 1, the water level of the water tank 1 should fall. Thereafter, the water level sensor 2 stops the notification of the full water warning and confirms whether or not to notify the normal state. When the water level sensor 2 still reports the full water alarm, it is determined that at least one of the water level sensor 2 and the main valve 41 has failed. On the other hand, when the water level sensor 2 notifies the normal state, it is determined that at least the ball tap 40 has failed.

  Subsequently, the water reduction diagnosis will be described. The cause of the failure of the water level sensor 2 in this case is the same as in the first embodiment. The cause of the failure of the ball tap 40 is the water supply due to the continuation of the closed state of the main valve 41 that has occurred due to the poor linkage between the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41. The cause of the failure of the main valve 41 is that the main valve 41 remains fixed in the closed state regardless of the open / closed state of the ball tap 40. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level in the water tank 1 and notifies a water reduction alarm, it is confirmed that the test valve 7 is open, and then the test valve 5 is opened to store water from the second sub-flow channel 32. Water supply to the tank 1 is started. Moreover, since the water pressure in the main valve 41 is lower than the set pressure, the space between the water pipe 6 and the main water flow channel 30 is opened, and the main sub-water flow channel 32 and the main water flow channel 30 also enter the water tank 1. Start water supply. At this time, more water than the water discharged from the water supply pipe 10 is supplied to the water tank 1. Thereafter, the water level sensor 2 stops the notification of the water reduction alarm and confirms whether or not to notify the normal state. When the water level of the water storage tank 1 has risen but the water level sensor 2 is still informing the low water alarm, it is determined that at least the water level sensor 2 has failed, and the water level sensor 2 has informed the normal state. It is determined that at least one of the 40 and the main valve 41 has failed. In addition, when the test valve 5 is opened and water is supplied to the water tank 1, the valve of the water supply pipe connection part 11 of the water tank 1 is not closed, but when it is desired to increase the water in the water tank 1 in a short time, You may close the valve of the water supply pipe connection part 11. FIG.

  The normal operation of the water tank apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, failure diagnosis can be performed even when the abnormal state detected by the water level sensor 2 is not only a low water state but also a full water state.

(Embodiment 3)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This water tank apparatus includes a water level sensor 2, a main flow channel 30, a first sub-flow channel 31 and a second sub-flow channel 32, a constant water level valve 4, and two test valves 5 and 7. The water tank apparatus (see FIG. 2) is provided in the same manner, but has the following characteristic portions that are not included in the water tank apparatus of the second embodiment.

  The water tank apparatus of the third embodiment includes a flow meter (detection meter) 8 as shown in FIG. The flow meter 8 detects the presence or absence of water by measuring the flow rate of water flowing through the main flow channel 30, and displays the detection result or outputs it to other devices. The flow meter 8 may measure the flow rate as a specific value, or may simply have a function of detecting the presence or absence of running water.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method for the aquarium apparatus according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Possible fault locations include the water level sensor 2, the ball tap 40, the main valve 41, and the flow meter 8.

  First, the full water diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the cause of failure of the water level sensor 2, the ball tap 40, and the main valve 41 is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the cause of failure of the flow meter 8 is that the flow meter 8 is always kept off. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1 and notifies a full water alarm (S11), it is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is always off for a certain time immediately before the full water alarm is notified ( S12). This is because the water tank 1 is filled with water for a certain period of time after being supplied with water, and therefore the flow meter 8 cannot always be off during the certain period of time. Therefore, when the flow meter 8 is always off, it is determined that at least one of the failure of the main valve 41 and the flow meter 8 and the failure of the water level sensor 2 (S13).

  On the other hand, if the flow meter 8 is not always off, it is confirmed whether or not the test valve (second test valve) 7 is open (S14). When this aquarium apparatus is normally used, the test valve 7 must be open. Therefore, when the test valve 7 is not open, the state before failure diagnosis is abnormal, so it is determined that the other is abnormal ( S15). On the other hand, when the test valve 7 is open, the two test valves 5 and 7 are closed to stop water supply to the water storage tank 1 (S16). Here, the test valve 5 is closed during normal use, but it is confirmed just in case. If the test valves 5 and 7 are closed, the main valve 41 should be closed if there is no failure. Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is turned off within a predetermined time (S17). Here, the predetermined time is an operation time required until the main valve 41 is closed after the ball tap 40 is closed. When the flow meter 8 is turned off, it is determined that at least the failure of the ball tap 40 has occurred because water supply is being performed by continuing the open state of the main valve 41 that has occurred due to the poor linkage between the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41 (S18). On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is on, it is determined that at least the main valve 41 is out of order (S19).

  Subsequently, the water reduction diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG. The cause of failure of the water level sensor 2, the ball tap 40, and the main valve 41 in this case is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the cause of failure of the flow meter 8 is that the flow meter 8 remains fixed at all times. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1 and notifies a water reduction alarm (S21), it is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is always on for a certain period of time immediately before the water level alarm is notified ( S22). This is because the water storage tank 1 is depleted in a certain time after the water supply is stopped, and therefore the flow meter 8 cannot be always turned on in the certain time. Therefore, when the flow meter 8 is always on, it is determined that at least one of the failure of the main valve 41 and the flow meter 8 and the failure of the water level sensor 2 (S23).

  On the other hand, if the flow meter 8 is not always on, it is checked whether or not the test valve (first test valve) 5 is open (S24). When this aquarium apparatus is normally used, the test valve 5 must be closed. Therefore, when the test valve 5 is open, the state before failure diagnosis is abnormal, so it is determined that the other is abnormal ( S25). On the other hand, when the test valve 5 is closed, the test valve 5 is opened and the test valve 7 (second test valve) is closed (S26). If the test valve 5 is opened, the main valve 41 should open if there is no failure. Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is turned on within a predetermined time (S27). Here, the predetermined time is an operation time required from when the ball tap 40 is opened until the main valve 41 is opened. When the flow meter 8 is turned on, it is determined that at least the ball tap 40 has failed because the water supply has been stopped due to the continuation of the closed state of the main valve 41 that has occurred due to the poor coupling between the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41 (S28). On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is off, it is determined that at least the main valve 41 has failed (S29).

  The normal operation of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is the same as that of Embodiment 2 (Embodiment 1).

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is determined whether the ball tap 40 or the main valve 41 is malfunctioning in the constant water level valve 4 by detecting the presence or absence of water flowing through the main flow channel 30 with the flow meter 8. Therefore, fault diagnosis can be performed more accurately.

(Embodiment 4)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This water tank apparatus includes a water level sensor 2, a main flow channel 30, a first sub-flow channel 31 and a second sub-flow channel 32, a constant water level valve 4, and two test valves 5 and 7. The water tank apparatus (see FIG. 2) is provided in the same manner, but has the following characteristic portions that are not included in the water tank apparatus of the second embodiment.

  The water tank apparatus of Embodiment 4 includes a diagnostic processing unit 9 as shown in FIG. The diagnosis processing unit 9 includes a water level information acquisition unit 90 that acquires water level information from the water level sensor 2 and a valve control unit 91 that controls opening and closing of the two test valves 5 and 7. When the water level information acquired by the water level information acquisition unit 90 includes information indicating that the water level of the water tank 1 is abnormal, the valve control unit 91 causes the water level of the water tank 1 to change from the abnormal state to the normal state. The opening and closing of the two test valves 5 and 7 are controlled. The diagnosis processing unit 9 operates automatically or under the control of an administrator.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method for the aquarium apparatus according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The failure location and the failure cause are the same as in the second embodiment.

  First, the full water diagnosis will be explained. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1 and the water level information acquisition unit 90 of the diagnostic processing unit 9 receives a full water warning as water level information from the water level sensor 2, the valve control unit 91 causes the test valves 5 and 7 to Is controlled to close. In this state, as in the second embodiment, the water level of the water storage tank 1 should be lowered. Thereafter, the water level information acquisition unit 90 confirms whether or not the normal state is received as the water level information from the water level sensor 2. If the water level information is still full, it is determined that at least one of the water level sensor 2 and the main valve 41 has failed as in the case of the second embodiment. If the water level information is in a normal state, at least the ball tap 40 has failed. to decide. As described above, when the water level sensor 2 detects a full water state, the diagnosis processing unit 9 performs control so that the test valves 5 and 7 are closed so that the water level of the water storage tank 1 is changed from the full water state to the normal state. Failure diagnosis is performed using the control results of the test valves 5 and 7.

  Subsequently, the water reduction diagnosis will be described. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1 and the water level information acquisition unit 90 of the diagnostic processing unit 9 receives a water reduction alarm as water level information from the water level sensor 2, the valve control unit 91 opens the test valve 7. After that, the test valve 5 is opened and water supply to the water storage tank 1 is started. Thereafter, the water level information acquisition unit 90 confirms whether or not the normal state is received as the water level information from the water level sensor 2. When the water level information remains as a water-reduction alarm, it is determined that at least the water level sensor 2 has failed as in the second embodiment. When the water level information is in a normal state, at least one of the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41 has failed. to decide. As described above, when the water level sensor 2 detects a low water level, the diagnosis processing unit 9 controls to open the test valves 5 and 7 so that the water level of the water storage tank 1 changes from the low water level to the normal state. Failure diagnosis is performed using the control results of the test valves 5 and 7.

  In addition, the operation | movement at the normal time of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 is the same as that of Embodiment 2 (Embodiment 1).

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, failure diagnosis can be performed automatically instead of manually, and failure diagnosis can be performed in a short time.

(Embodiment 5)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This water tank apparatus includes a water level sensor 2, a main water flow channel 30, a first sub water flow channel 31, a second sub water flow channel 32, a constant water level valve 4, and two test valves 5 and 7. The water tank apparatus (see FIG. 6) is provided in the same manner, but has the following characteristic portions that are not included in the water tank apparatus of the fourth embodiment.

  The water tank apparatus of Embodiment 5 includes a flow meter 8 similar to that of Embodiment 3. The flow meter 8 detects the presence or absence of water by measuring the flow rate of water flowing through the main flow channel 30, and displays the detection result or outputs it to other devices.

  Moreover, the water tank apparatus of Embodiment 5 is provided with the diagnostic processing part 9a as shown in FIG. 7 instead of the diagnostic processing part 9 (refer FIG. 6) of Embodiment 4. FIG. The diagnosis processing unit 9 a includes a flow rate acquisition unit 92 that acquires the measurement result of the flow meter 8. The diagnosis processing unit 9a specifies whether the ball tap 40 is malfunctioning or the main valve 41 is malfunctioning using the measurement result obtained by the flow rate obtaining unit 92. The diagnosis processing unit 9a is the same as the diagnosis processing unit 9 except for the points described above.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method for the aquarium apparatus according to Embodiment 5 will be described. The failure location and the failure cause are the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  First, the full water diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level in the water storage tank 1 and the water level information acquisition unit 90 of the diagnostic processing unit 9a receives a full water warning as water level information from the water level sensor 2 (S11), the flow rate acquisition unit 92 generates a full water warning. It is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is always turned off for a certain time immediately before obtaining (S12). This is because the water tank 1 is filled with water for a certain period of time after being supplied with water, and therefore the flow meter 8 cannot always be off during the certain period of time. Therefore, when the flow meter 8 is always off, it is determined that at least one of the failure of the main valve 41 and the flow meter 8 and the failure of the water level sensor 2 (S13).

  On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is not always off, the valve control unit 91 checks whether or not the test valve (second test valve) 7 is open (S14). If the test valve 7 is not open, the state before failure diagnosis is abnormal, so it is determined that there is another abnormality (S15). On the other hand, when the test valve 7 is open, the valve control unit 91 controls to close the two test valves 5 and 7 (S16). If the test valves 5 and 7 are closed, the main valve 41 should be closed if there is no failure. Thereafter, the flow rate acquisition unit 92 checks whether or not the flow meter 8 is turned off within a predetermined time (S17). Here, the predetermined time is an operation time required until the main valve 41 is closed after the ball tap 40 is closed. When the flow meter 8 is turned off, it is determined that at least the ball tap 40 has failed because the water supply due to the continued open state of the main valve 41 caused by the poor connection between the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41 is the cause (S18). On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is on, it is determined that at least the main valve 41 is out of order (S19). As described above, when the water level sensor 2 detects a full water state, the diagnosis processing unit 9a controls the test valves 5 and 7 to be closed so that the water level of the water storage tank 1 is changed from the full water state to the normal state. Failure diagnosis is performed using the control results of the test valves 5 and 7.

  Subsequently, the water reduction diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level in the water storage tank 1 and the water level information acquisition unit 90 of the diagnostic processing unit 9a receives a water reduction alarm as water level information from the water level sensor 2 (S21), the flow rate acquisition unit 92 displays a water reduction alarm. It is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is always turned on for a certain time immediately before acquiring (S22). This is because the water storage tank 1 is depleted in a certain time after the water supply is stopped, and therefore the flow meter 8 cannot be always turned on in the certain time. Therefore, when the flow meter 8 is always on, it is determined that at least one of the failure of the main valve 41 and the flow meter 8 and the failure of the water level sensor 2 (S23).

  On the other hand, if the flow meter 8 is not always on, the valve control unit 91 checks whether or not the test valve (first test valve) 5 is open (S24). If the test valve 5 is open, the state before failure diagnosis is abnormal, so it is determined that there is another abnormality (S25). On the other hand, when the test valve 5 is closed, the valve control unit 91 controls to open the test valve 5 and close the test valve 7 (second test valve) (S26). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the flow meter 8 is turned on within a predetermined time (S27). Here, the predetermined time is an operation time required from when the ball tap 40 is opened until the main valve 41 is opened. When the flow meter 8 is turned on, it is determined that at least the ball tap 40 has failed because the water supply has been stopped due to the continuation of the closed state of the main valve 41 that has occurred due to the poor coupling between the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41 (S28). On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is off, it is determined that at least the main valve 41 has failed (S29). As described above, when the water level sensor 2 detects a low water level, the diagnosis processing unit 9a controls to open the test valves 5 and 7 so that the water level of the water tank 1 changes from the low water level to the normal state. Failure diagnosis is performed using the control results of the test valves 5 and 7.

  In addition, the normal operation | movement of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 is the same as that of Embodiment 4 (Embodiment 1).

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to determine which of the ball tap 40 and the main valve 41 is malfunctioning in the constant water level valve 4 by measuring the flow rate of the main flow channel 30 with the flow meter 8. Failure diagnosis can be performed more accurately. In addition, failure diagnosis can be performed automatically instead of manually.

(Embodiment 6)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This aquarium apparatus is similar to the aquarium apparatus of the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 7). The water level sensor 2, the main flow path 30, the first sub-flow path 31 and the second sub-flow path 32, and the constant water level valve 4 and two test valves 5 and 7, but have the following characteristic portions that are not included in the water tank apparatus of the fifth embodiment.

  The aquarium apparatus according to the sixth embodiment includes a diagnostic processing unit 9b as illustrated in FIG. 8 instead of the diagnostic processing unit 9a (see FIG. 7) according to the fifth embodiment. The diagnosis processing unit 9b includes an input unit 93 that gives an instruction to perform failure diagnosis. The valve control unit 91 of the diagnosis processing unit 9b closes the two test valves 5 and 7 until the water is reduced when an instruction for failure diagnosis is given. The diagnostic processing unit 9b is the same as the diagnostic processing unit 9a except for the points described above.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method for the aquarium apparatus according to Embodiment 6 will be described. First, an instruction for performing full water diagnosis or low water diagnosis is selected and input from the input unit 93 of the diagnosis processing unit 9b. When an instruction for performing a full water diagnosis or a low water diagnosis is input, a full water diagnosis or a low water diagnosis similar to that of the fifth embodiment is performed (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  The normal operation of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 6 is the same as that of Embodiment 5 (Embodiment 1).

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, since the user can input an instruction for failure diagnosis from the input unit 93, failure diagnosis can be performed when necessary. In addition, by inputting a failure diagnosis instruction from the input unit 93, it is possible to prevent water from being supplied to the water tank 1 until the water in the water tank 1 is consumed and the water is reduced. Failure diagnosis can be performed while effectively utilizing

(Embodiment 7)
First, the structure of the aquarium system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This aquarium system includes two aquarium apparatuses A and A. Each aquarium apparatus A includes a water level sensor 2, a main flow channel 30, a first sub-flow channel 31 and a second sub-flow channel 32, a constant water level valve 4, and test valves 5 and 7. The water tank apparatus (see FIG. 8) is provided in the same manner, but has the following characteristic parts that are not included in the water tank apparatus of the sixth embodiment.

  The water tank apparatus A, A of the seventh embodiment includes a diagnostic processing unit 9c as shown in FIG. 9 instead of the diagnostic processing unit 9b (see FIG. 8) of the sixth embodiment. The diagnosis processing unit 9c is obtained by integrating the diagnosis processing units 9b of the two water tank apparatuses A and A into one. When a failure is detected in one of the two water tank devices A, A, the valve control unit 91 of the diagnosis processing unit 9c switches from the water tank device A in which the failure is detected to another water tank device A, and the other water tank The opening and closing of the test valves 5 and 7 are controlled so that the apparatus A is operated. The diagnostic processing unit 9c is the same as the diagnostic processing unit 9b except for the points described above.

  Next, a failure diagnosis method when one aquarium apparatus A shows an abnormal state in the aquarium system according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

  First, the full water diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG. First, similarly to Embodiment 6 (Embodiment 5), when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1, and the water level information acquisition unit 90 of the diagnosis processing unit 9c receives a full water warning from the water level sensor 2 as water level information. (S31), the flow rate acquisition unit 92 checks whether or not the flow meter 8 is always turned off for a certain time immediately before acquiring the full water warning (S32). If the flow meter 8 is not always turned off, the same operations (S14 to S19 in FIG. 4) as in the sixth embodiment (the fifth embodiment) are performed. On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is always off, the water level sensor 2 of the other water tank apparatus A is used to check whether the water tank 1 is full (S33). The two water storage tanks 1 are connected by a water pipe 12 and can flow in and out, so that the water level is the same. If it is full, it is determined that at least the main valve 41 and the flow meter 8 are out of order (S34). On the other hand, if the water level is not full, it is determined that at least the water level sensor 2 has failed (S35).

  Next, the water reduction diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG. First, similarly to Embodiment 6 (Embodiment 5), when the water level sensor 2 measures the water level of the water tank 1, and the water level information acquisition unit 90 of the diagnostic processing unit 9c receives a water reduction alarm from the water level sensor 2 as water level information. (S41), the flow rate acquisition unit 92 checks whether or not the flow meter 8 is always on for a certain time immediately before acquiring the water reduction alarm (S42). If the flow meter 8 is not always turned on, the same operations (S24 to S29 in FIG. 5) as in the sixth embodiment (the fifth embodiment) are performed. On the other hand, when the flow meter 8 is always on, the water level is confirmed by the water level sensor 2 of the other water tank apparatus A (S43). If the water is reduced, it is determined that the main valve 41 and the flow meter 8 are out of order (S44). On the other hand, if the water level is not reduced, it is determined that at least the water level sensor 2 has failed (S45).

  Next, the operation when one of the aquarium apparatuses A fails in the aquarium system according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The valve control unit 91 of the diagnosis processing unit 9c performs control so that the test valve 5 of the water tank apparatus A on the use side is closed and the test valve 7 is opened. On the other hand, control is performed so that the test valves 5 and 7 of the unused water tank apparatus A are closed. As described above, when one water tank apparatus A fails, the water tank apparatus A is switched, and only the water tank apparatus A that has not failed is used and operated.

  In addition, the normal operation | movement of each water tank apparatus A in the water tank system of Embodiment 7 is the same as that of Embodiment 6 (Embodiment 1).

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, failure diagnosis can be performed in a short time. Moreover, reliability can be improved by switching from the water tank apparatus A in which a failure was detected to the normal water tank apparatus A.

  As a modification of the seventh embodiment, the water tank apparatus of the fourth or fifth embodiment may be provided instead of or together with the water tank apparatus A of the sixth embodiment. Even with such a configuration, as in the seventh embodiment, the failure diagnosis can be diagnosed in a short time, and reliability can be improved by switching from the water tank apparatus A in which the failure is detected to the normal water tank apparatus A. Can be improved.

(Embodiment 8)
First, the structure of the water tank apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This aquarium apparatus is similar to the aquarium apparatus of the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 8). The water level sensor 2, the main flow path 30, the first sub-flow path 31, the second sub-flow path 32, and the constant water level valve 4, test valves 5 and 7, and a diagnostic processing unit 9 b. In the eighth embodiment, the water level sensor 2, the main flow channel 30, the first sub-flow channel 31 and the second sub-flow channel 32, the constant water level valve 4, and the test valves 5 and 7 are buildings such as apartments. It is installed in B, and is installed in a place different from the building B via the Internet D using the diagnosis processing unit 9b as a management server C. The management server C is used not only for the diagnosis processing unit 9b of one aquarium apparatus but also for the diagnosis processing unit 9b corresponding to each aquarium apparatus installed in a plurality of buildings B and B.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, failure diagnosis can be performed from a remote place without going to the site.

  As a modification of the eighth embodiment, the aquarium apparatus of the fourth or fifth embodiment or the aquarium system of the seventh embodiment is installed in a remote place with the diagnosis processing units 9, 9a, 9c as the management server C as in the eighth embodiment. May be. Even with such a configuration, as in the eighth embodiment, failure diagnosis can be performed from a remote place without going to the site.

It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the full water diagnosis of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3,5,6 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the water reduction diagnosis of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3,5,6 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the aquarium system which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the principal part of the full water diagnosis of the water tank apparatus which concerns on the same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the principal part of the water reduction diagnosis of the water tank apparatus which concerns on the same as the above. It is a block diagram of the water tank apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reservoir 2 Water level sensor 30 Main flow channel 31 1st sub flow channel 32 2nd sub flow channel 33 Branch point 4 Constant water level valve 40 Ball tap 41 Main valve 5, 7 Test valve 8 Flowmeter 9, 9a-9c Diagnosis Processing unit 90 Water level information acquisition unit 91 Valve control unit 92 Flow rate acquisition unit 93 Input unit

Claims (8)

A water level sensor for measuring the water level of the water tank and detecting whether the measured water level is in a normal state or an abnormal state;
Two water channels provided for supplying water to the water tank;
A constant water level valve means for controlling water supply to the water tank from one of the two water channels according to the water level of the water tank;
A water tank apparatus comprising: a test valve that enables water supply to the water storage tank from the other of the two flow channels regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve means. The test valve is a first test valve,
2. The water tank apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second test valve capable of stopping water supply from the one water channel to the water tank regardless of a control state of the constant water level valve means. A main flow channel that is provided separately from the two flow channels for supplying water to the water reservoir, and in which the water supply to the water reservoir according to the water level of the water reservoir is controlled by the constant water level valve means;
The water tank apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detector that detects the presence or absence of water flowing through the main flow channel.   Water level information acquisition means for acquiring water level information from the water level sensor, and if the water level information acquired by the water level information acquisition means includes information indicating that the water level of the water tank is abnormal, the water level of the water tank Valve control means for controlling the first test valve and the second test valve so as to change from an abnormal state to a normal state, and control results of the first test valve and the second test valve are obtained. The aquarium apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a diagnosis processing unit that performs failure diagnosis using the apparatus. A main flow channel that is provided separately from the two flow channels for supplying water to the water reservoir, and in which the water supply to the water reservoir according to the water level of the water reservoir is controlled by the constant water level valve means;
A detector for detecting the presence or absence of water flowing through the main flow channel,
The water tank according to claim 4, wherein the diagnosis processing unit includes a flow rate acquisition unit that acquires a measurement result of the flow meter, and performs a failure diagnosis using the measurement result acquired by the flow rate acquisition unit. apparatus. The diagnostic processing means has an input means for inputting an instruction to perform a failure diagnosis,
When the failure diagnosis instruction is input from the input means, the valve control means controls the first test valve and the second test valve to be closed until the water level of the water storage tank is reduced. The water tank apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein A plurality of water tank apparatuses according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
Integrating the diagnostic processing means of each of the plurality of water tank devices into one diagnostic processing means,
When the integrated diagnostic processing means detects a failure with respect to one of the plurality of water tank devices, the water tank device in which the failure is detected is switched to another water tank device and the other water tank device is operated. Aquarium system. A water level sensor for measuring the water level of the water tank and detecting whether the measured water level is in a normal state or an abnormal state; two flow channels provided for supplying water to the water tank; and A constant water level valve means for controlling water supply to the water storage tank from one of the two flow channels according to the water level, and from the other of the two flow channels regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve means A first test valve that enables water supply to the water storage tank and a second test valve that enables water supply to be stopped from the one water channel to the water storage tank regardless of the control state of the constant water level valve means And a method for diagnosing a failure in a water tank apparatus, comprising: a diagnostic processing means capable of controlling the first test valve and the second test valve,
When the water level of the water tank is abnormal, the diagnostic processing means controls the first test valve and the second test valve so that the water level of the water tank changes from the abnormal state to the normal state. A failure diagnosis method for a water tank apparatus, wherein failure diagnosis is performed using control results of the first test valve and the second test valve.

Images