JP2018009525A - Water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure a sufficient pressure just after starting water supply while giving consideration to protection of a water supply device, noise, the device service life, stability of water supply, or power consumption reduction.SOLUTION: A water supply device including a pump includes a pressure sensor for measuring a discharge side pressure of the pump, an operation receiving section for receiving operation, and a control section which is constituted to select an operation mode of the water supply device between a first mode and a second mode in which the discharge side pressure after starting of the pump is kept higher than in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a water supply apparatus.

  For example, in a detached house or small-scale apartment, supply water from a water main, a water tank, a shallow well, etc., to the water taps of the customer (such as each faucet or water heater in the building) with stable and sufficient pressure In order to do this, a small water supply device equipped with a pump may be installed. In such a water supply apparatus, in order to supply water with the stable pressure, the rotational speed of a pump is controlled using the inverter connected to the motor, for example. Moreover, in the water supply apparatus as described above, when the amount of water used in the building decreases and the flow rate of water discharged from the pump falls below a predetermined amount, the control unit temporarily reduces the operation speed of the pump. A command is given to the inverter to raise it, and after accumulating in the pressure tank, the operation of the pump is stopped. The pressure tank is a pressure holder for holding the discharge side pressure while the pump is stopped. When the water stored in the pressure tank decreases due to the use of water in the building, the pump is restarted.

  The technique regarding control of the above water supply apparatus is described in patent document 1, for example. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for increasing the discharge pressure of a pump in a small flow rate range by setting a pressure boost mode in pump control in order to adapt to an application that requires a high pressure at a small flow rate such as watering. Has been.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-124632

  However, in recent years, there are also problems that are difficult to cope with by the conventional techniques as described above. For example, in a tankless toilet installed on the third floor of a house where a water supply device as described above is installed, a situation may occur in which the flushing is not normally performed depending on the timing. Since the tankless toilet performs flushing using the pressure of the supplied water, it is not flushed normally if the pressure is insufficient. Such a situation is different in that sufficient pressure is required immediately after the start of water supply, compared to the conventional problem described in Patent Document 1 above. Therefore, a new solution means different from that described in Patent Document 1 is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. One of the objects of the present invention is a novel, capable of ensuring sufficient pressure immediately after the start of water supply, while taking into account protection of the water supply device, noise, device life, stability of water supply, or reduction of power consumption. And it is providing the improved water supply apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water supply device including a pump, wherein a pressure sensor that measures a discharge-side pressure of the pump, an operation reception unit that receives an operation, and an operation mode of the water supply device according to an operation, Or a control unit configured to select from the second mode configured so that the discharge-side pressure after the start of the pump transitions higher than the first mode is provided. .
By setting a mode in which the control unit makes the discharge side pressure after starting the pump high, a sufficient pressure can be ensured immediately after the start of water supply at the demand destination. In addition, by switching between such modes and other modes by operation, when not necessary, viewpoints such as protection of water supply equipment, noise, equipment life, stability of water supply, or power consumption reduction Thus, it becomes easy to select a more appropriate operation mode.

  In the above water supply apparatus, the control unit is configured to start the pump when the discharge side pressure reaches the lower limit value, and to stop the pump when the discharge side pressure reaches the upper limit value. Then, the difference between the lower limit value and the upper limit value may be smaller than in the first mode. More specifically, in the second mode, a lower limit value higher than that in the first mode may be set.

  In the above water supply apparatus, the control unit is configured to control the rotation speed of the pump so that the discharge side pressure reaches a set value in a predetermined time after the start. In the second mode, the control unit is more than the first mode. A short predetermined time may be set.

  In the above water supply device, the water supply device further includes a first pressure tank and a second pressure tank having a capacity larger than that of the first pressure tank, and the control unit is configured to discharge the pump in the first mode. The first pressure tank may be connected to the second pressure tank, and in the second mode, the second pressure tank may be connected to the discharge side.

  In the above water supply apparatus, the control unit is configured to start the pump when the discharge side pressure reaches the lower limit value, and further, in the second mode, the rate of decrease in the discharge side pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value In addition, the pump may be configured to start even if the discharge side pressure does not reach the lower limit value.

  In the above water supply apparatus, the control unit is configured to select the operation mode of the pump from the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode. A value of 1 is set, and in the first mode and the second mode, a second value larger than the first value may be set for the lift.

  In the above water supply apparatus, the operation reception unit includes a switch, the operation includes an operation of the switch, and the control unit performs the first mode or the third mode when the duration of the operation of the switch does not exceed the threshold value. The modes may be selected alternately and the second mode may be selected if the duration exceeds the threshold.

It is a perspective view which shows the example of the water supply apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pump arrange | positioned at the water supply apparatus shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view schematically showing a check valve (flow check) shown in FIG. 2. It is a functional block diagram of the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating schematically the control of the pump in the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows typically change of discharge side pressure after pump starting about each of the operation modes shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the user interface (UI) part of the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows typically change of the discharge side pressure after pump starting about each of the operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows typically change of the discharge side pressure before and behind pump starting about the operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in the water supply apparatus 100, various components arranged on the base 101 are covered with a cover 102. For the sake of explanation, the state where the cover 102 is removed is shown. The water supply apparatus 100 boosts the water sucked from the suction port 103 by the pump 110 and discharges it from the discharge port 104. The pump 110 includes an impeller 111 and a casing 112. The pump 110 is driven by a motor 120. Electric power is supplied to the motor 120 from the control unit 130. Water supply apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 130 that controls motor 120 and the like. Power is supplied to the control unit 130 from an external power source using the power supply line 105. For example, the control unit 130 is mounted by a control circuit stored in a housing as illustrated. The user interface (UI) unit 140 is provided for notifying the state of the water supply apparatus 100 including the state of control by the control unit 130 and accepting operations such as switching operation modes. The pressure tanks 150a and 150b (also collectively referred to as the pressure tank 150) store water discharged from the pump 110. The capacities of the pressure tanks 150a and 150b are different from each other, and the pressure tank 150b has a larger capacity than the pressure tank 150a. As shown in the figure, the pressure tank 150 b is not disposed on the base 101 and may not be covered by the cover 102. In the present embodiment, it is optional to provide a plurality of pressure tanks having different capacities. Therefore, the water supply apparatus 100 may have only a single pressure tank, for example, the pressure tank 150a.

  In addition, the structure of the water supply apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and it is possible to implement this invention with the water supply apparatus of various external appearances other than that. Further, the function of the water supply apparatus 100 is as described in the following part, and the configuration of the water supply apparatus 100 is not particularly limited as long as such a function can be realized.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pump 110 has a pump casing 112 in which an impeller chamber 23 for accommodating the impeller 111 is formed. The pump casing 112 further includes a suction chamber 26 formed on the upstream side of the impeller chamber 23 and a gas-liquid separation chamber 27 formed on the downstream side of the impeller chamber 23. The suction chamber 26 is connected to the impeller chamber 23, and the impeller chamber 23 is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber 27. A suction channel 30 communicating with the suction port 103 (see FIG. 1) is formed on the upstream side of the suction chamber 26, and a discharge port 104 (see FIG. 1) is formed on the downstream side of the gas-liquid separation chamber 27. A communicating discharge channel 31 is formed. The suction port 103 communicates with the suction flow path 30 through, for example, an inlet pipe (not shown) arranged in the base 101, and the discharge port 104 is an outlet pipe (not shown) arranged in the base 101. ) To communicate with the discharge flow path 31.

  The suction flow path 30 extends from the inlet 112a of the pump casing 112 to the suction chamber 26, and a check valve 107 including a valve body 107a, a protruding portion 107b, and a valve seat 107c is disposed at the end of the suction flow path 30. Is done. The check valve 107 allows air or water to flow into the suction chamber 26 of the pump casing 112 during operation of the pump 110, and allows water to flow through the suction passage 30 when the operation of the pump 110 is stopped. It is prevented from flowing back to the suction pipe 12 (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, the discharge flow path 31 extends from the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 to the outlet 112 b of the pump casing 112.

  In the present embodiment, the check valve 107 not only has a function of preventing the backflow of water, but also has a function of a flow rate detector that detects that the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply apparatus 100 is equal to or less than a predetermined small amount of water. Hereinafter, the check valve 107 that also functions as a flow rate detector may be referred to as a “flow check”.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view schematically showing the check valve (flow check) 107 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the control unit 130 is drawn with an imaginary line (one-dot chain line). The valve body 107a of the flow check 107 has a protruding portion 107b protruding from the upper surface thereof. The protrusion 107 b is inserted into a recess 26 a formed in the suction chamber 26. A magnet 20 is disposed on the protruding portion 107b, and a reed switch 25 capable of detecting the magnetic force of the magnet 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the recess 26a of the suction chamber 26. The reed switch 25 is connected to the control unit 130 via a signal line. When the operation of the pump 110 is started, the valve body 107a of the flow check 107 is raised by water or air flowing into the suction chamber 26, as shown in FIG. When the reed switch 25 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 20 disposed on the protruding portion 107 b, an on signal is transmitted from the reed switch 25 to the control unit 130. When the amount of water used at the water supply tap 22 (see FIG. 4) at the water demand destination decreases, the valve body 107a descends due to its own weight, and the reed switch 25 cannot detect the magnetic force of the magnet 20. As a result, an off signal is transmitted from the reed switch 25 to the control unit 130.

  Further, a pressure tank 150 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber 27. The pressure tank 150 is a pressure holder for holding the discharge side pressure while the pump 110 is stopped.

  The pump 110 shown in FIG. 2 only fills the inside of the suction chamber 26, the impeller chamber 23, and the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 of the pump casing 112 with liquid, and the suction pipe 12 (FIG. 4) is operated by the operation of the pump itself. Refer to the self-priming pump that can discharge the air inside. When operating the pump 110, first, water is supplied to the suction chamber 26, the impeller chamber 23, and the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 of the pump casing 112 from a water supply port 112 c formed in the upper portion of the pump casing 112. The water supplied from the water supply port 112c to the suction chamber 26, the impeller chamber 23, and the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 is referred to as “priming water”. When priming water is supplied from the water supply port 112c to the suction chamber 26, the impeller chamber 23, and the gas-liquid separation chamber 27, the valve body 107a of the flow check 107 is fixed to the end of the suction flow path 30 by its own weight. It is pressed against the valve seat 107c. Therefore, the priming water is prevented from flowing back to the suction pipe 12 through the suction flow path 30. After the supply of priming water is completed, the water supply port 112c is closed by a cap 29 that engages with the water supply port 112c.

  In this state, the operation of the pump 110 is started. When the impeller 111 is rotated by driving the motor 120, the water in the impeller chamber 23 is agitated, and a negative pressure is formed in the suction chamber 26 on the upstream side of the impeller chamber 23. Due to this negative pressure, the valve body 107 a of the flow check 107 is pushed up and separated from the valve seat 107 c (that is, the flow check 107 is opened), so that the air in the suction pipe 12 passes through the suction flow path 30 and the suction chamber 26. Then flows into the impeller chamber 23. When the reed switch 25 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 20 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the protrusion 107 b of the flow check 107, an on signal is transmitted from the reed switch 25 to the control unit 130. The air flowing into the impeller chamber 23 is mixed with the water in the impeller chamber 23, and the mixed fluid of air and water is discharged from the impeller chamber 23 to the gas-liquid separation chamber 27.

The gas-liquid separation chamber 27 is provided with a baffle 27a in which a mixed fluid of water and air discharged from the impeller chamber 23 collides. When the mixed fluid of water and air collides with the baffle 27a, the air is separated from the water. The air separated from the water is discharged from the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 through the discharge channel 31 and from the discharge port 104 of the water supply apparatus 100. On the other hand, the water from which the air has been separated is returned to the impeller chamber 23 through a circulation hole 28 formed in the lower part of the gas-liquid separation chamber 27. The water returned to the impeller chamber 23 through the circulation hole 28 is mixed again with the air sucked from the suction pipe 12 (see FIG. 4). By repeating such an operation, the air in the suction pipe 12 is discharged from the pump casing 112. When the suction pipe 12 is filled with water, the pump 110 starts a pumping operation for discharging only water.

  A pressure sensor 113 for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 is connected to the upper portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber 27. During the self-priming operation in which the air in the suction pipe 12 is discharged from the water supply device 100, the only fluid that exists in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 is air, and the measured value of the pressure sensor 113 is almost atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, during the pumping operation, since the gas-liquid separation chamber 27 is filled with water, the pressure sensor 113 measures the pressure of the water whose pressure has been increased by the rotation of the impeller 111.

  The pressure sensor 113 is connected to the control unit 130 via a signal line (not shown), and the control unit 130 operates based on the output value output from the pressure sensor 113 (the operation speed of the pump 110 during the pumping operation ( That is, the rotational speed of the impeller 111 is controlled. In general, the discharge pressure constant control for controlling the operation speed of the pump 110 so that the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 113 matches the set target pressure so that the discharge pressure of the pump 110 becomes constant. In addition, an estimated terminal pressure constant control for controlling the water pressure at the water tap 22 (see FIG. 4) at the water demand destination by appropriately changing the target value of the discharge pressure of the pump 110 is performed.

  When the amount of water used decreases at the water demand destination and the off signal of the flow check 107 is transmitted to the control unit 130, the control unit 130 issues a command to the inverter 121 to temporarily increase the operating speed of the pump 110. Then, after accumulating pressure in the pressure tank 150, the operation of the pump 110 is stopped (small amount of water stopped). When the operation of the pump 110 is stopped, the inflow of water from the suction pipe 12 to the pump casing 112 is stopped, and the flow check 107 is closed. The flow check 107 can prevent the water present in the pump casing 112 from flowing back into the suction pipe 12 and can store the water in the pump casing 112. The liquid stored in the pump casing 112 is used for the next self-priming operation.

  FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, in the water supply apparatus 100, water is supplied from the water supply source 11 to the suction port 103 via the suction pipe 12. The water supply source 11 can be, for example, a water main, a water receiving tank, or a shallow well. A check valve (flow check) 107 is provided between the suction port 103 and the pump 110, that is, on the suction side of the pump 110. Note that the check valve and the flow switch may have separate structures.

As illustrated, in the water supply apparatus 100, the pump 110 is driven by a motor 120. An inverter 121 is connected to the motor 120. Inverter 121 changes the frequency and voltage of the alternating current supplied to motor 120 under the control of control unit 130. In this way, the control unit 130 can control the rotation speed of the motor 120 and further the rotation speed of the pump 110. In the present embodiment, the control unit 130 controls the rotation speed of the pump 110 using the inverter 121 so that the discharge side pressure (P _d ) of the pump 110 becomes the target pressure (P _T ). The discharge side pressure _Pd is detected by the pressure sensor 113 and provided to the control unit 130.

The control unit 130 is implemented as a control circuit stored in a housing installed in the water supply apparatus 100. The control circuit receives, for example, signals of detection results from the memory, an arithmetic circuit that operates in accordance with a program and set values recorded in the memory, the flow check 107 and the pressure sensor 113, and the inverter 121 and a switching described later. And an interface for transmitting a control signal to the valve 151. For example, the control unit 130 may be implemented as a microcontroller in which the above-described components are incorporated in a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may be implemented using a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit).

For example, the control unit 130, in addition to controlling the rotational speed of the pump 110 as the discharge pressure P _d of the pump 110 as described above becomes the target pressure P _T, the following predetermined small amount of water by flow Cecchi 107 If it is detected, the control unit 130 issues a command to the inverter 121 to temporarily increase the operation speed of the pump 110, accumulates pressure in the pressure tank 150, and stores water (accumulation mode). When reaching the stop pressure P _S in the accumulator mode, or after a certain even less stop pressure P _S time to stop the pump 110. Further, the control unit 130, when the discharge pressure P _d by water stored in the pressure tank 150 during the stop of the pump 110 is supplied to the faucet 22 of the demand end has decreased to the starting pressure P _A is The pump 110 is started. The control unit 130 executes such control according to an operation mode set via the UI unit 140 as will be described later.

  The UI unit 140 is installed to output various notifications related to the water supply apparatus 100 and accept various operations related to the water supply apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the UI unit 140 includes a lamp 141 and a push switch 142. For example, the lamp 141 indicates whether the water supply apparatus 100 including the control unit 130 is powered on, whether the water supply apparatus 100 is in operation, and whether any detectable abnormality has occurred in the water supply apparatus 100. Notify Further, in the present embodiment, the lamp 141 notifies the user of the operation mode set in the control unit 130. The push switch 142 accepts a user operation for switching between operation and stop of the water supply apparatus 100, for example. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the push switch 142 receives a user operation for switching the operation mode of the control unit 130. In this specification, the term “user” refers not only to the owner or user (end user) of a house or apartment where the water supply apparatus 100 is installed, but also to a maintenance worker of the water supply apparatus 100 and the water supply apparatus 100. Installation workers (non-end users or intermediate users).

  Each of the pressure tanks 150 a and 150 b is a tank capable of accumulating pressure such as a diaphragm tank, and stores water discharged from the pump 110. By storing water at a predetermined pressure in the pressure tanks 150 a and 150 b before stopping the pump 110, water is supplied to the water tap 22 through the discharge port 104 and the water supply pipe 21 even when the pump 110 is stopped. can do. The capacities of the pressure tanks 150a and 150b are different from each other, and the pressure tank 150b has a larger capacity than the pressure tank 150a. In this embodiment, when the control part 130 controls the switching valve 151, either one of the pressure tanks 150a and 150b is selectively used. As already described, in the present embodiment, it is optional to provide a plurality of pressure tanks having different capacities. Therefore, the water supply apparatus 100 may have only a single pressure tank, for example, the pressure tank 150a. In this case, the switching valve 151 is not provided.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for schematically explaining control of the pump in the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 5, the control of the pump 110 by the control section 130 of the water supply device 100, the set value of the discharge pressure _{P d} of the pump 110, i.e., using the target pressure _{P T,} starting pressure _{P A,} and the stop pressure _{P S} schematic Provided for illustrative purposes. Therefore, the steps in the flowchart do not necessarily correspond to specific processing steps for controlling the pump 110 by the control unit 130.

The control of the pump 110 by the control unit 130 differs depending on whether the pump 110 is in operation or not (step S101). Pump 110 is not in operation, i.e. when it is stopped, the control by the control unit 130 executes, different depending on whether the discharge pressure P _d detected by the pressure sensor 113 is lower than the starting pressure P _A ( Step S103). As described above, during stopping of the pump 110 is water stored in the pressure tank 150 is supplied to the faucet demand end, whereby the discharge pressure P _d is gradually reduced, eventually starting pressure P _A Below. When the discharge pressure _{P d} falls below the starting pressure _{P A,} the control unit 130 starts the pump 110 (step S105). On the other hand, if the discharge pressure P _d is not lower than the starting pressure P _A, the control unit 130 will not start the pump 110, continue to be water stored in the pressure tank 150 is supplied.

When the pump 110 is in operation (step S101) or when the pump 110 is started (step S105), the control unit 130 controls the pump 110 so that the discharge side pressure _Pd becomes the target pressure _PT. (Step S107). More specifically, the control unit 130 controls the rotation speed of the pump 110 via the inverter 121 based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 113. Such control, after the start of the pump 110 at step S105 described above, the discharge-side pressure P _d will rise up to the target pressure P _T.

When the amount of water used in the building decreases during operation of the pump 110 in step S107 and a small amount of water is detected by the flow check 107 (step S109), the control unit 130 supplies water to the pressure tank 150. A procedure for accumulating pressure and stopping the pump 110 is executed. Specifically, the control unit 130 to issue a command inverter 121 to temporarily increase the operating speed of the pump 110 (accumulator mode) (step S 111), the discharge pressure _{P d} is stopped detected by the pressure sensor 113 after reaching a pressure _{P S,} or also the discharge pressure _{P d} is equal to or less than the stop pressure _{P S} after a lapse of a predetermined time, stops the pump 110 (step S113).

  In the control of the pump 110 in the water supply apparatus 100 as described above, for example, the following problems may occur.

As described in connection with step S103 above, during the stop of the pump 110, the control unit 130 when the discharge pressure P _d is not lower than the starting pressure P _A will not start the pump 110, pressure tank 150 The supply of water stored in is continued. If the pump 110 is started, the discharge-side pressure P _d is reduced by the water supply, ultimately become a value close to the starting pressure P _A. That said, if the discharge pressure P _d is further reduced by the water supply falls below the starting pressure P _A, the pump 110 is started, the discharge-side pressure P _d is raised to the target pressure P _T. Therefore, in an application in which a large amount of water is used for a relatively long time such as watering, for example, there is no problem if the target pressure _PT is set so that a sufficient pressure is provided by the water tap 22. On the other hand, such as a tankless toilet flush, in applications used in a large amount in a relatively short period of time the water within the discharge-side pressure P _d by that initiated the use of water is below the starting pressure P _A, the pump 110 as the discharge pressure P _d is increased by the starts, there is a possibility that the use of water is terminated before the discharge pressure P _d reaches the target pressure P _T. Thereby, if sufficient pressure is not provided at the faucet 22 while the water is being used, the application will not be achieved, for example a tankless toilet will not be flushed normally.

To solve the problems as described above, for example by setting a high starting pressure P _A, it is sufficient to sufficient pressure even immediately after start-up of pump 110 can be secured. However, starting pressure P _A is increased, stop the pressure P when the pressure difference between the _S is reduced, the control unit 130 stops the pump 110 from the start of the water supply from the pressure tank 150 (this time discharge side pressure P _d is approximately equal in the stop pressure P _S), the shorter the time until starting the pump 110 again by discharge pressure P _d is decreased to the starting pressure P _a, start-stop frequency of the pump 110 is much as a result turn into. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of protection of the water supply device, noise, device life, stability of the water supply, or power consumption reduction. Therefore, there is no application as described above tankless toilet, or it is easy to ensure a sufficient pressure even (e.g., tankless toilet is installed on the first floor), the starting pressure P _A the not high, it is better to keep a large pressure difference between the stop pressure P _S.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, in this embodiment, in order to ensure sufficient pressure immediately after the start of water supply, while considering protection of the water supply device, noise, device life, stability of water supply, or power consumption reduction, etc. Then, the operation modes of the control unit 130 as described in the following part are defined, and these operation modes can be switched by operating the UI unit 140. Thereby, according to circumstances, such as a use in the installation environment of each water supply apparatus 100, the above problems can be solved appropriately.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of an operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a graph schematically showing changes in the discharge-side pressure after starting the pump for each of the operation modes shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, three modes of mode 1 to mode 3 are defined as operation modes of the control unit 130 in the water supply apparatus 100. Hereinafter, each of these operation modes will be described. The pressure setting value in each mode, i.e. the target pressure P _T, starting pressure P _A and the stop pressure P _S is an example none, not limiting. The pressure set point is indicated by the head (m).

Mode 1 is a normal operation mode. In this operation mode, the target pressure _{P T} is 22 (m), starting pressure _{P A} is 15 (m), stop the pressure _{P S} is set to 26 (m). On the other hand, mode 2 is a high pressure mode, and the target pressure _PT is raised to 25 (m) as compared with mode 1. Thereby, it can respond to the use which requires high pressures, such as watering, for example. On the other hand, starting pressure P _A and the stop pressure P _S is the common between mode 1 and mode 2. As described above, it is sufficient that the target pressure P _T is set so that a sufficient pressure is provided by the faucet 22 except for a specific application, and the starting pressure P _{A is set} to the stop pressure P _S. This is because there is an advantage in maintaining a large differential pressure with respect to water supply device protection, noise, device life, water supply stability, or power consumption reduction.

On the other hand, in the mode 3, the target pressure _{P T} in addition to a mode 2 Like 25 (m), starting pressure _{P A} is raised from 15 (m) to 20 (m). The differential pressure between the stop pressure _{P S} and the starting pressure _{P A} is, 11 (m) in the case of mode 1 and mode 2 is 6 (m) in the case of mode 3. Thus, as shown in the graph of FIG. 7, if the mode 3 has been selected, the discharge-side pressure P _d after the start of the pump 110, high starting pressure than the starting pressure P _A1 of other modes P _A2 Since it starts from, it moves higher than other operation modes. More specifically, from the starting time t ₀ of the pump 110, in between times t ₁ to discharge pressure P _d in the mode 2 has reached the target pressure P _T2, the discharge pressure P _d in the mode 3 is other operation Higher than mode. Therefore, for example, when the flush of the tankless toilet started immediately before the start time t ₀ of the pump 110 ends before the time t ₁ , the flash is being executed by selecting mode 3. In addition, a sufficient pressure can be obtained with the water tap 22, and normal flushing may be possible.

In the illustrated example, the target pressure P _T in mode 3 is set to the same pressure as in mode 2 (pressure P _T2 shown in FIG. 7), but in other examples, the target pressure P T in mode 3 is set. _T may be set to the same pressure as in mode 1 (pressure P _T1 shown in FIG. 7) or even another pressure. In the present embodiment, the discharge side pressure P _d reaches the target pressure P _T in order to solve the above problem by shifting the discharge side pressure P _d after starting the pump 110 in the mode 3 higher than in other modes. The pressure after this may be higher in other modes than mode 3, for example, mode 2. Further, as described above, mode 2 is defined as a high-pressure mode for use in a case where water is used for a relatively long time and a high pressure is required, such as watering. Therefore, if there is no such application, mode 2 is not defined, and switching between the two modes, mode 1 and mode 3, may be performed.

As an optional configuration in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressure tank selected by the control unit 130 may be different between the mode 1, the mode 2, and the mode 3. In the illustrated example, “small” means a small pressure tank, ie, the pressure tank 150a shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and “large” means a large pressure tank, ie, the pressure shown in FIGS. It means the tank 150b. By controlling the switching valve 151 according to the operation mode set by the control unit 130, the pressure tank 150a is selected in mode 1 and mode 2, and the pressure tank 150b is selected in mode 3. In mode 3, by using a pressure tank 150b is a pressure tank more large capacity, decrease in discharge pressure P _d accompanying the supply of water in the pump stop 110 becomes gentle. Thus, even with a small pressure difference between the starting pressure P _A and the stop pressure P _S, since it is possible to increase the time to maintain the stop of the pump 110, the protection of the water supply device, and preferable from the viewpoint of reduction in noise.

  However, the installation of a pressure tank with a large capacity requires a space for it, and the larger the capacity of the pressure tank, the longer it takes to store water in the pressure tank after detecting a small amount of water. Thus, the configuration in which the pressure tank 150b having a large capacity is provided is not always the best. That is, as already described, the configuration in which the large-capacity pressure tank 150b is provided in the present embodiment is arbitrary, and is adopted according to circumstances such as the installation environment of each water supply device 100 of the water supply device 100. As will be described later as the third embodiment, switching of pressure tanks having different capacities may be performed independently of switching of the starting pressure.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a user interface (UI) unit of the water supply apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the UI unit 140 includes a power supply (power) lamp 141a, an abnormality (error) lamp 141b, an operation lamp 141c, and a setting lamp 141d. These lamps 141 a to 141 d are examples of the lamp 141 described above, and are used for various notifications regarding the water supply apparatus 100. Further, the UI unit 140 includes an operation / stop switch 142a and a setting changeover switch 142b. These switches 142a and 142b are examples of the push switch 142 described above, and accept various operations relating to the water supply apparatus 100. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the UI unit 140 in the illustrated example will be described.

  The power lamp 141a is turned on when the water supply apparatus 100 including the motor 120 and the control unit 130 is turned on. The abnormality lamp 141b is turned on when any detectable abnormality occurs in the water supply apparatus 100. In addition, about the abnormality which may generate | occur | produce in a water supply apparatus, and the method of detecting it, since it may be the same as that of what is known conventionally, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. The abnormal lamp 141b may be lit in a different color or pattern (for example, blinking) from other lamps such as the power lamp 141a due to the nature of the contents to be notified. The operation lamp 141c is turned on when the water supply apparatus 100 is in an operation state by the operation of the operation / stop switch 142a. The setting lamp 141d is turned on according to the operation mode of the control unit 130 set by operating the setting changeover switch 142b. For example, when the control unit 130 can set three operation modes as described with reference to FIG. 6, the setting lamp 141d does not light in the first mode, flashes in the second mode, It may be lit in the third mode.

The operation / stop switch 142a accepts an operation for switching between operation and stop of the pump 110 when the water supply apparatus 100 is powered on. Here, the stop of the pump 110 by the operation of the operation / stop switch 142a can be distinguished from the stop of the pump 110 based on the detection results of the flow check 107 and the pressure sensor 113 as described above. That means
For example, when the operation / stop switch 142 a is operated so that the pump 110 is stopped, the control unit 130 stops the motor 120 regardless of the detection result of the flow check 107 and the detection result of the pressure sensor 113. However, the motor 120 may not be started. On the other hand, when the operation / stop switch 142a is operated so that the pump 110 is operated, the operation and stop of the pump 110 are automatically controlled based on the detection results of the flow check 107 and the pressure sensor 113.

  The setting changeover switch 142b accepts an operation for switching the operation mode set in the control unit 130. The operation modes are, for example, mode 1 to mode 3 described above with reference to FIG. More specifically, for example, the control unit 130 switches the operation mode between the mode 1 and the mode 2 when the pressing time of the setting switch 142b does not exceed a predetermined value, and the setting switch 142b When the duration of pressing exceeds a predetermined value, the operation mode may be switched between mode 1 or mode 2 and mode 3. Mode 3 solves problems in specific applications, but is advantageous in terms of protection of water supply equipment, noise, equipment life, stability of water supply, or power consumption reduction in an installation environment where such problems do not occur. Therefore, it may be beneficial to prevent the user from accidentally selecting mode 3 by making the switching operation different as described above.

  The operation of the setting changeover switch 142b as described above can be used as follows, for example. First, mode 1 is set as an operation mode in the control unit 130 in an initial state such as at the time of factory shipment. After the installation of the water supply apparatus 100, for example, when there is an application that requires high pressure such as watering, the user can switch the operation mode to mode 2 by pressing the setting changeover switch 142b briefly. Furthermore, there is an application (for example, a tankless toilet installed on the third floor) that uses a large amount of water within a relatively short time after the installation of the water supply apparatus 100, and sufficient pressure cannot be secured in that application. When a problem (for example, a problem that the tankless toilet is not flushed normally) occurs, the user can switch the operation mode to mode 3 by pressing the setting switch 142b for a duration exceeding a predetermined value. . Here, as described above, the user who presses the setting changeover switch 142b is a non-end user or an intermediate user such as a maintenance worker of the water supply apparatus 100 or an installation worker of the water supply apparatus 100, or such a non-end user or It may be an end user who has received an instruction from an intermediate user.

  Note that the configuration example of the UI unit 140 illustrated in FIG. 7 is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented by various other configurations of the UI unit. For example, the UI unit is not limited to the lamp as means for notifying the state of the water supply device, and may include other display devices such as a segment display and a liquid crystal display. The UI unit is not limited to a push switch as a means for accepting an operation, and may include other switches such as a membrane switch. Alternatively, the UI unit may include a touch panel in which a display device and a switch configured by a touch sensor are integrated. For example, since the membrane switch and the touch panel can also be a switch that can be operated with a duration such as pressing or touching, an operation mode that switches depending on whether the duration of the operation exceeds a predetermined value or not as in the above example. Different configurations are possible.

  In addition, the UI unit does not necessarily have to be installed in the main body of the water supply apparatus 100 like the UI unit 140 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8. For example, the UI unit may be provided by a remote controller that communicates with the main body of the water supply apparatus by wire or wirelessly. Alternatively, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet may provide the UI unit by communicating with a water supply apparatus via a network.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a graph schematically showing the transition of the discharge-side pressure after starting the pump for each of the operation modes defined in the water supply apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, in the water supply apparatus 100 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the discharge side pressure P _d after the start of the pump 110 is changed according to the definition of the operation mode different from the first embodiment. An operation mode in which the transition is higher than the first mode is realized. Except for this point, the configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, in all of the modes 1 to 3 are three modes of operation, the common starting pressure P _A is set. The target pressure P _T is the pressure P _T1 in mode 1 and mode 3, and is a higher pressure P _T2 in mode 2. Here, between the mode 1 and mode 2 and mode 3, after the start of the pump 110, the rate at which the discharge pressure P _d is raised to the target pressure P _T is different. For example, the time required to reach the target pressure _PT1 in mode 3 is 70% to 80% of the time required to reach the target pressure _PT1 in mode 1. As shown in the graph of FIG. 9, if the mode 3 has been selected, the discharge-side pressure P _d after the start of the pump 110, but starting from the same starting pressure P _A and the other mode, an ascending rate Since it is larger than the other modes, it is higher than the other operation modes. More specifically, from the starting time _{t 0} of the pump 110, in between times _{t 1} to discharge pressure _{P d} in modes 1 and 2 reaches the pressure _{P T1,} the discharge pressure _{P d} in Mode 3 Other Higher than the operation mode. Therefore, for example, when the flush of the tankless toilet started immediately before the start time t ₀ of the pump 110 ends before the time t ₁ , the flash is being executed by selecting mode 3. In addition, a sufficient pressure can be obtained with the water tap 22, and normal flushing may be possible.

In the illustrated example, the target pressure P _T in mode 3 is set to the same pressure as in mode 1 (pressure P _T1 shown in FIG. 9). In other examples, the target pressure P T in mode 3 is set. _T may be set to the same pressure as in mode 2 (pressure P _T2 shown in FIG. 7) or even another pressure. In the present embodiment, the discharge side pressure P _d reaches the target pressure P _T in order to solve the above problem by shifting the discharge side pressure P _d after starting the pump 110 in the mode 3 higher than in other modes. The pressure after this may be higher in other modes than mode 3, for example, mode 2. Similarly to the first embodiment, mode 2 is defined as a high-pressure mode for use in which water is used for a relatively long time, such as watering, and a high pressure is required. Therefore, if there is no such application, mode 2 is not defined, and switching between the two modes, mode 1 and mode 3, may be performed.

  Similar to the mode 3 in the first embodiment, the mode 3 in the present embodiment also provides protection for the water supply device, noise, device life, stability of the water supply, in an installation environment in which a problem in a specific application does not occur. Or it is not necessarily advantageous from the viewpoint of power consumption reduction or the like, so that it is possible to switch the operation mode by operating the UI unit 140 and to select the operation mode according to the circumstances such as the usage in the installation environment of each water supply device 100 Can be beneficial. In addition, it may be beneficial to prevent the user from erroneously selecting mode 3 by changing the operation for switching in the UI unit 140.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example of an operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, in the water supply apparatus 100 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the discharge side pressure P _d after the start of the pump 110 is changed according to the definition of the operation mode different from the first embodiment. An operation mode in which the transition is higher than the first mode is realized. Except for this point, the configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the switching of the pressure tank as described above with reference to FIG. 6 is performed independently of the switching of the starting pressure. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the pressure tank selected by the control unit 130 is different between mode 1, mode 2, and mode 3. Similar to the example of FIG. 6, “small” means a small pressure tank, ie, the pressure tank 150a shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and “large” is shown in a large pressure tank, ie, FIGS. Means a pressure tank 150b. By controlling the switching valve 151 according to the operation mode set by the control unit 130, the pressure tank 150a is selected in mode 1 and mode 2, and the pressure tank 150b is selected in mode 3. In addition, between the mode 1 and mode 2 and mode 3, whereas the pressure tank to be selected differently, starting pressure P _A is common with 15 (m).

For example, in an application in which a large amount of water is used in a relatively short time, such as flushing a tankless toilet, the water in the pressure tank 150a that is normally used may be used up almost instantaneously. Therefore, if sufficient pressure is not provided at the faucet 22, the application will not be achieved, for example, a tankless toilet will not be flushed normally. More specifically, for example, when the amount of water required for flushing a tankless toilet is 3 (L) to 4 (L), and the capacity of the pressure tank 150a is 1 (L), even if the pressure is Even immediately after the accumulation of pressure in the tank 150a is completed, the accumulated water is used up almost instantaneously. To have such a significantly reduced discharge pressure P _d falls below the starting pressure P _A in the case, can not provide sufficient pressure at the faucet 22 also immediately start the pump 110.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 130 selects the large pressure tank 150b in mode 3. If the pressure tank 150b has a sufficient capacity for the amount of water required for the above-described applications, the water tap 22 is sufficient pressure at least once after the pressure accumulation in the pressure tank 150b is completed. The required amount of water can be supplied. After use, when the discharge pressure P _d falls below the starting pressure P _A, that start the pump 110 boosts the water, accumulates a sufficient amount of water to the pressure tank 150b before the pump 110 is stopped again it can. In mode 3, since the pressure tank 150b, which is a pressure tank having a larger capacity, is used, the discharge-side pressure _Pd decreases with the supply of water while the pump 110 is stopped. The starting frequency becomes low. Therefore, the present embodiment may be advantageous in that the probability that an application such as a flush of a tankless toilet will occur immediately after the pump 110 is started is reduced.

In this embodiment, the control unit 130 has a larger capacity in the operation mode of the water supply apparatus 100, in a mode (mode 1 and mode 2) in which the pressure tank 150a is connected to the discharge side of the pump 110, or in the discharge side of the pump 110. The mode is selected from the modes (mode 3) in which the pressure tank 150b is connected. In the latter mode, close to the volume of the pressure tank 150a, or even when the amount of water in excess of this is momentarily used, the discharge-side pressure P _d that significantly reduced below the starting pressure P _A Can be prevented. That is, for there may have greatly reduced than the discharge pressure P _d is the starting pressure P _A after the start of the pump 110 in the former mode, the discharge after the start of the pump 110 in the latter mode side pressure _{P d} is the pressure near the starting pressure _{P a.} In other words, the latter mode is configured to remain higher than the discharge pressure P _d is the former mode after start-up of pump 110.

Note that mode 3 in this embodiment (a mode in which a larger pressure tank is used) is, for example, the time taken to store water in the pressure tank after detecting a small amount of water in an installation environment in which a problem in a specific application does not occur. Is not necessarily advantageous in that it becomes longer. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is beneficial to enable the operation mode to be switched by operating the UI unit 140 and to select the operation mode according to circumstances such as the usage in the installation environment of each water supply device 100. sell. In addition, it may be beneficial to prevent the user from erroneously selecting mode 3 by changing the operation for switching in the UI unit 140.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a graph schematically showing the transition of the discharge side pressure before and after the pump start in the operation mode defined in the water supply apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, in the water supply apparatus 100 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the discharge side pressure P _d after the start of the pump 110 is changed according to the definition of the operation mode different from the first embodiment. An operation mode in which the transition is higher than the first mode is realized. Except for this point, the configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in the graph, in the operation mode set in this embodiment, with a decrease rate of the discharge pressure P _d, the control unit 130 conditions are changed to start the pump 110. More specifically, by the use of water is started, when the discharge pressure P _d is decreased from the pressure P _S, the amount of decrease per time t ₁ of the discharge pressure P _d is a ΔP If, the control unit 130, the discharge-side pressure _{P d} is lower than the target pressure _{P T,} starting the pump 110 when the further reaches the starting pressure _{P a.} On the other hand, the amount of decrease per time t ₁ of the discharge pressure P _d is greater than [Delta] P, if it is [Delta] P 'that exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 130, the discharge-side pressure P _d is less than the target pressure P _T lever, without reaching the starting pressure _{P a} to start the pump 110.

If discharge pressure P _d continued to decrease at a greater rate, discharge pressure P _d be starting the pump 110 from reaches the starting pressure P _A, the discharge pressure P _d is temporarily starting pressure P _A There is a possibility that it will fall significantly below this. At that time, for example, when a use of a large amount of water occurs in a relatively short time, such as a flush of a tankless toilet, it is difficult to achieve the use normally. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 130, the discharge pressure P _d is between the target pressure P _T and the starting pressure P _A, and the rate of decrease in the discharge pressure P _d exceeds a predetermined threshold that by discharge pressure P _d to start the pump 110 without reaching the starting pressure P _a, to remain sufficient pressure is provided in the faucet 22.

For example, in the present embodiment, the control unit 130 sets the operation mode of the water supply apparatus 100 in a mode in which control as described above with reference to FIG. 11 is executed (pressure drop countermeasure mode), or such control. Select from modes that do not execute (normal mode). In the normal mode, even when the reduction rate of the discharge pressure P _d is large, the control unit 130 to the discharge side pressure P _d reaches the starting pressure P _A does not start the pump 110. Therefore, in the case the rate of decrease in discharge pressure P _d is large, (the pump 110 is started in a state higher than the discharge pressure P _d is the starting pressure P _A) the pressure decrease countermeasure mode, after the start of the pump 110 It can be said that the discharge side pressure _Pd is configured to be higher than that in the normal mode.

Incidentally, as also shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, even in a pressure decrease countermeasure mode, if the rate of decrease in discharge pressure P _d does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 130 discharge pressure P _d There start the pump 110 when it reaches the starting pressure P _a. That is, the control of the pressure decrease countermeasure mode when the rate of decrease in the discharge pressure P _d does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the same as the normal mode. In contrast, as a modification of this embodiment, the pressure decrease countermeasure mode, similarly to the addition to set the high starting pressure P _A than in the normal mode (first embodiment to perform the control of the configuration), by the rate of increase in discharge pressure Pd after the start of the pump 110 or to be larger than the normal mode (second embodiment and the same structure), the rate of decrease in discharge pressure P _d is given even if that does not exceed the threshold value may be configured to discharge pressure P _d after the start of the pump 110 is to remain higher than the normal mode. Further, as in the first to third embodiments, for example, a plurality of modes having different target pressures _PT may be set as the normal mode.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

100 Water supply device 107 Check valve (flow check)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Pump 113 Pressure sensor 120 Motor 121 Inverter 130 Control part 140 User interface (UI) part 141 Lamp 142 Push switch 150a, 150b Pressure tank 151 Switching valve

Claims (8)

A water supply device including a pump,
A pressure sensor for measuring the discharge side pressure of the pump;
An operation reception unit for receiving operations;
According to the operation, the operation mode of the water supply apparatus is selected from the first mode or the second mode configured such that the discharge-side pressure after starting the pump changes higher than the first mode. A water supply apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to: The control unit is configured to start the pump when the discharge side pressure reaches a lower limit, and stop the pump when the discharge side pressure reaches an upper limit,
The water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the lower limit value and the upper limit value is smaller in the second mode than in the first mode.   The water supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lower limit value is set higher in the second mode than in the first mode. The control unit is configured to control the rotation speed of the pump so that the discharge side pressure reaches a set value at a predetermined time after startup,
The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined time is set shorter in the second mode than in the first mode. The water supply device further includes a first pressure tank and a second pressure tank having a larger capacity than the first pressure tank,
The control unit is configured to connect the first pressure tank to the discharge side of the pump in the first mode, and to connect the second pressure tank to the discharge side in the second mode. The water supply apparatus of any one of Claims 1-4.   The control unit is configured to start the pump when the discharge side pressure reaches a lower limit value. Further, in the second mode, when the rate of decrease in the discharge side pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value The water supply apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5 comprised so that the said pump may be started even if the said discharge side pressure does not reach the said lower limit. The control unit is configured to select an operation mode of the pump from the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode,
In the third mode, a first value is set for the pump head,
The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the first mode and the second mode, a second value larger than the first value is set in the head. The operation reception unit includes a switch,
The operation includes an operation of the switch,
The controller is
If the duration of operation of the switch does not exceed a threshold, alternately select the first mode or the third mode,
A second mode is selected if the duration exceeds the threshold;
The water supply apparatus of Claim 7.

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