JP2019157805A - Pump and pump system - Google Patents

Abstract

To make operation frequencies of two pumps approximately equal to each other, in a pump system including two pumps.SOLUTION: A pump (submerged pump 1) includes a water level sensor 10, and a controller 12 for starting a pump main body while switching a first mode for starting at least the pump main body when first starting conditions including detection of a water level by the water level sensor are established, and a second mode for not starting the pump main body when the first starting conditions are established, but starting the pump main body when second starting conditions are established. The controller switches the first mode and the second mode every time when the water level sensor detecting the water level does not detect the water level, and fixes the starting conditions when a prescribed mode fixing conditions including that the water level sensor does not detect the water level, are established, without starting the pump main body, after the water level sensor detects the water level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The technology disclosed herein relates to a pump and a pump system.

  Patent Document 1 describes a pump system including two pumps. This pump system discharges sewage and the like installed in various tanks and stored in the tanks. By providing two pumps, even if one of the pumps breaks down, the remaining pumps can operate, so that it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the tank.

  In a pump system with two pumps, if only one pump repeats the operation and the other pump remains stopped, the operating pump life will be reduced, and the stopped pump will also rust. The life may be reduced due to It is desirable that the operation frequency of the two pumps be as uniform as possible.

  In order to make the operation frequency of the two pumps the same, the pump system of Patent Document 1 automatically and alternately operates the two pumps. Specifically, in the pump system of Patent Document 1, the first activation timing at which a first activation condition including at least that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level by the water level sensor is established as the pump activation timing, or It is set to the second activation timing that is in the detection state by the water level sensor and is later than the first activation timing and the second activation condition is established, and the first activation condition is established and the first activation timing is established. When the pump is started in step 2, the next start timing after stopping the pump is set to the second start timing, and the second pump is started in the state where the second start timing is set. When the next start timing is set to the first start timing and the second start condition is satisfied and the pump is started at the second start timing, Of the next activation timing after stopped to randomly set one timing in the first and second activation timing.

  With this configuration, when two identical pumps are installed in the tank, the start timings of the two pumps become different sooner or later, and the two pumps operate alternately.

JP 2012-215176 A

  However, the inventors of the present application have realized that the pump system described in Patent Document 1 may not realize the alternate operation of two pumps. For example, if the detection level of the water level sensor differs between the two pumps due to the installation height of two pumps installed in the tank being different from each other, before the water level is detected in the pump with a relatively high detection level In addition, a pump having a relatively low detected water level starts up satisfying the start-up conditions. As a result, only a pump with a relatively low detected water level repeats operation, and a pump with a relatively high detected water level may continue to stop. That is, if the detected water level of the water level sensor is deviated between the two pumps, the operation frequency of the two pumps is significantly different.

  The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to make the operation frequency of two pumps evenly close in a pump system including two pumps.

  The technology disclosed herein is a system that detects the water level and activates the pump body in a system that makes the operation frequency of two pumps evenly close by switching between two or more modes, and the pump body that detects the water level. Based on the pattern that repeats not starting, the difference in height between the two pumps was estimated, and the two modes were fixed to one mode without switching between the two modes as necessary.

  Specifically, the pump disclosed here is a pump which is installed in the tank and configured to discharge the water in the tank to the outside of the tank.

  The pump includes a pump body, a water level sensor configured to detect that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor detecting the water level while the pump body is stopped. At least a first mode for starting the pump body when the first start condition is satisfied, and a second start without starting the pump body when the first start condition is satisfied while the pump body is stopped. A controller configured to start the pump body while switching to a second mode for starting the pump body when a condition is satisfied.

  The controller alternately switches between the first mode and the second mode each time the water level sensor no longer detects the water level after the water level sensor detects the water level. After the sensor detects the water level, the activation condition is fixed when a predetermined mode fixing condition is established, including the fact that the water level sensor stops detecting the water level without activating the pump body.

  According to this configuration, the controller basically starts the pump body while alternately switching between the first mode and the second mode. In the first mode, at least when the first activation condition including that the water level sensor detects the water level is satisfied, the pump body is activated. In the second mode, the pump body is not started when the first start condition is satisfied, and the pump body is started when the second start condition is satisfied.

  For example, the first activation condition may be that the state in which the water level sensor detects the water level continues for the first predetermined time or more. The second activation condition may be that the state in which the water level sensor detects the water level has continued for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time (when the second activation condition is satisfied, the first activation condition is also Established). Further, for example, the first activation condition may be that the water level sensor has detected a relatively low first water level. The second activation condition may be that the water level sensor detects a second water level that is higher than the first water level (when the second activation condition is established, the first activation condition is also established).

  In the first mode, even if the pump body does not start when the first start condition is satisfied (for some reason), the pump body may be started when the second start condition is satisfied. Good.

  When the first start condition and the second start condition are compared, the timing at which the first start condition is satisfied is earlier, and therefore, among the two pumps installed in the tank, the first mode pump is the second one. Start before mode pump. Since the water level in the tank is lowered by the activation of the first mode pump, the pump body does not start even if the second mode pump detects the water level.

  After the water level sensor detects the water level, the controller switches between the first mode and the second mode every time the water level sensor no longer detects the water level. As described above, the two pumps alternately switch between the first mode and the second mode, and as described above, one pump in the first mode starts the pump body when the first start condition is satisfied. Thus, the other pump in the second mode does not start the pump body, so that the two pumps are operated alternately. The operating frequency of the two pumps approaches evenly.

  The controller may also start the pump body immediately after the water level sensor detects the water level immediately after turning on the power, and set the next mode to the second mode. By doing so, even if the pump body is installed in a slightly lower position, only the pump body installed in the lower position can be activated and switched to the second mode, so two pumps can be quickly The mode can be changed to shift to automatic alternate operation.

  The controller also sets the mode to, for example, the first mode and the first mode when a predetermined mode fixing condition including that the water level sensor stops detecting the water level without starting the pump body after the water level sensor detects the water level is satisfied. The activation condition is fixed by fixing to either one of the two modes.

  In other words, if the water level heights detected by the water level sensors of the two pumps installed in the tank are different, before the water level is detected in one of the pumps, the other pump is started. Will not start. As a result, the two pumps do not mutually switch between the first mode and the second mode, and the difference in operating frequency between the two pumps increases.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined mode fixing condition is established, the pump mode is changed to the first mode corresponding to the activation condition that is established while the first activation condition and the second activation condition of the other pump are established, and When fixed to one of the second modes, only the other pump can operate the two pumps alternately by switching between the first mode and the second mode each time a water level is detected. Realize. As a result, the operation frequency of the two pumps approaches.

  Furthermore, each pump has a low water level sensor that detects a lower water level than the water level sensor, and the low water level sensor is within the range where the difference in the installation height of the two pumps is normally considered. When the pump detects the water level with the water level sensor, the other pump is configured to detect the water level with the low water level sensor, and the controller detects the water level while the low water level sensor detects the water level. If the water level sensor does not detect the water level, and the low water level sensor no longer detects the water level, the mode includes the mode that the low water level sensor detects the water level and the water level sensor does not include the detection of the water level. When the third start condition is satisfied, the mode is switched to the third mode in which the pump body is started. When the third start condition is satisfied in the third mode, the pump body is started. Is switched to the second mode, and when the pump body is started when the second start condition is satisfied in the second mode switched from the third mode, the mode is fixed to the fourth mode, and the pump body The activation condition may be fixed to the fourth activation condition. Here, the fourth activation condition may be the same as any one of the first activation condition or the second activation condition, and the fourth mode is the same as the first mode or the second mode. May be. In any case, the fourth start condition of the pump fixed in the fourth mode is satisfied after the third start condition of the other pump is satisfied and before the fourth start condition of the other pump is satisfied. Anything is acceptable. Further, when a pump whose mode is fixed to the fourth mode starts the pump body in the fourth mode, the difference between the detected water levels of the low water level sensor and the water level sensor so that the fourth start condition of the other pumps is not satisfied. Or the 4th starting condition is set up. By doing so, when the detected water levels of the two pumps are substantially the same, the modes of the respective pumps are alternately set to the first mode and the second mode, thereby realizing the alternate operation. When there is a difference in the detected water level, the mode of the pump with the lower detected water level is fixed to the fourth mode, and the mode of the pump with the higher detected water level is switched alternately between the third mode and the second mode, so that the alternate operation is possible. Realized.

  For example, the predetermined mode fixing condition may be determined as follows. That is, when the power is turned on, the controller is in the second mode. (1) In the second mode when the power is turned on, the controller detects the water level and establishes the second activation condition. (2) In the first mode switched from the second mode, the pump body is activated when the water level sensor detects the water level and the first activation condition is satisfied, 3) In the second mode switched from the first mode, the water level sensor detects the water level, and when the water level sensor does not detect the water level without starting the pump body, the mode is changed to the first mode. Fix to 2 mode.

  This configuration is effective when the power-on of the two pumps is the same (that is, when the two pumps are both initially in the second mode). Based on the pattern consisting of the above (1) to (3), the mode of the pump is fixed to the second mode, while the other pump is switched between the first mode and the second mode. As the pumps are operated alternately, the operation frequency of the two pumps approaches.

  For example, the predetermined mode fixing condition may be determined as follows. That is, when the power is turned on, the controller is in the second mode, and in the second mode when the power is turned on, the controller detects the water level while the water level sensor detects the water level, without starting the pump body. When the sensor no longer detects the water level, the mode is fixed to the first mode.

  According to this configuration, the mode of the pump is fixed to the first mode, while the other pump switches between the first mode and the second mode, so that the two pumps are operated alternately. The operating frequency of the two pumps approaches.

  For example, the predetermined mode fixing condition may be determined as follows. That is, the controller (1) in the second mode, when the water level sensor detects the water level, and the water level sensor does not detect the water level without activating the pump body, the first mode. (2) In the first mode, the pump body is activated when the water level sensor detects the water level and the first activation condition is satisfied, and (3) the first mode is switched from the first mode. In the 2 mode, when the water level sensor detects the water level and the pump main body is started when the second start condition is satisfied, the mode is fixed to the second mode.

  This configuration is effective not only when the power is turned on, but also during operation of the pump. For example, even when one of the two pumps is replaced with a new pump, the two pumps are operated alternately, and the operation frequency of the two pumps approaches. .

  After the controller has fixed the mode, the water level sensor or the low water level sensor detects the water level, but the water level sensor or the low water level sensor does not detect the water level without starting the pump body. It is good also as cancel | release mode fixation, when starting the said pump main body every time a water level sensor or the said low water level sensor detects a water level does not intervene for a predetermined number of times.

  When two pumps are operating alternately, the pump with the fixed mode is operated once, and the next time the water level sensor detects the water level, the other pump will operate. Not performed (that is, idling motion). And the pump which fixed the mode will drive | operate when a water level sensor detects a water level next. When the two pumps are operating alternately, the pump with the fixed mode repeats the operation of running, idling, running, idling, and so on.

  On the other hand, if the pump main body is started a predetermined number of times each time the water level sensor detects the water level without intervening the idling motion, it is expected that the two pumps are not operating alternately. Therefore, the controller can prevent the operation frequency of the two pumps from being biased by releasing the mode lock.

  After the controller fixes the mode, the controller detects the water level while the water level sensor or the low water level sensor detects the water level, and the water level sensor or the low water level sensor does not detect the water level without starting the pump body. The mode may be released when the operation continues for a predetermined number of times.

  Since the pump with the fixed mode does not repeat the operation of running, idling, running, idling,..., It is expected that the two pumps are not operating alternately. The controller can prevent the operation frequency of the two pumps from being biased by releasing the mode lock.

  After the controller fixes the mode, the controller detects the water level while the water level sensor or the low water level sensor detects the water level, and the water level sensor or the low water level sensor does not detect the water level without starting the pump body. The mode may be released when the pump body is started a predetermined number of times every time the water level sensor or the low water level sensor detects the water level without any operation.

  When the controller starts the pump body when the second start condition is satisfied when the mode is not fixed, the controller sets the next mode to one of the first mode and the second mode. It may be set at random.

  When the two pumps are operating alternately (without fixing the mode), one of the two pumps is in the first mode and the other is in the second mode, and the pump in the first mode is It starts when the first start condition is satisfied. Then, the first mode and the second mode are switched between the two pumps, and the first mode pump is activated again when the first activation condition is satisfied.

  On the other hand, when the pump is activated due to the establishment of the second activation condition, it is expected that the modes of the two pumps are the same and the two pumps are activated together. When the two pumps are activated together, it is highly possible that the two pumps are activated at the next activation.

  Therefore, when the pump body is started by satisfying the second start condition when the mode is not fixed, the controller randomly sets the next mode to one of the first mode and the second mode. To do. This increases the possibility that the modes of the two pumps will not match. Even if the modes of the two pumps match at this time, since the random setting is repeated while the modes of the two pumps match, the modes of the two pumps do not match sooner or later. If the mode fixing condition is satisfied at the same time as the second activation condition is satisfied, the next mode setting gives priority to the mode fixing.

  If the modes of the two pumps do not match, one pump in the first mode is activated first, and the other pump in the second mode is not activated. If the water level sensor of the other pump stops detecting the water level, the other pump is changed to the first mode. Then, the activated one pump is switched to the second mode. As a result, next time, the possibility that the other pump in the first mode will start increases, and the possibility that one pump will not start increases. Thus, once the modes of the two pumps are different, the two pumps continue to operate alternately.

  Further, even after the start of one pump, even if the second start condition is satisfied in the other pump and the other pump is started, the next mode of the other pump is the first mode and the second mode. Since it is randomly set to one of the modes, no problem occurs. That is, there is a possibility that the modes of the two pumps are the same, but even if they are the same, the modes are different between the two pumps sooner or later as described above.

  Furthermore, even if some abnormality occurs during use and the modes of the two pumps become the same, the mode of the two pumps can be changed sooner or later by setting the mode randomly as described above. To be different.

  Therefore, when two identical pumps are installed in the tank, there is no need to perform an operation that makes the mode of one pump different from the mode of the other pump, and two pumps are used over a long period of time. The automatic alternating operation can be performed.

  The operation duration time of the pump body is preset, and the controller is configured such that when the operation duration time elapses after the water level sensor stops detecting the water level after the pump body is started, The main body may be stopped. Thereby, a pump main body can be stopped appropriately.

  The water level sensor includes a first water level sensor and a second water level sensor having a detected water level lower than that of the first water level sensor, and the controller includes the first water level sensor and the second water level sensor. After the pump body is activated in accordance with the detection of the water level, the water level lowering time from the time when the first water level sensor no longer detects the water level to the time when the second water level sensor no longer detects the water level is measured. In addition, when the operation duration time calculated from the time when the second water level sensor no longer detects the water level is calculated according to a preset formula based on the water level lowering time, The pump body is stopped. It is good.

  By doing so, it becomes possible to stop the pump body at an optimal timing according to the speed at which the pump body starts and the water level in the tank decreases. The optimal timing is a timing before the water level in the tank is excessively lowered and an air lock is generated, and a timing at which the water level in the tank is appropriately lowered.

  As mentioned above, in the pump system in which two pumps are installed in the tank, the amount of drainage is different between when one of the pumps is activated and when the two pumps are activated. The rate at which the water level in the tank decreases changes. The above configuration changes the operation continuation time of the pump body according to the speed at which the water level in the tank decreases, so that even when one pump is operating, the pump can be stopped at an optimal timing. At the same time, even when two pumps are operating, the pumps can be stopped at an optimal timing.

  The first water level sensor and the second water level sensor may be attached to the pump body.

  In this configuration, if the installation height of the two pumps installed in the tank deviates between the two pumps, the detected water levels of the first water level sensor and the second water level sensor are also two pumps. However, as described above, even if the detected water levels of the first water level sensor and the second water level sensor are deviated between the two pumps in the above configuration, the two pumps The driving frequency can be made evenly closer.

  The pump system disclosed herein is a pump system in which two pumps configured to discharge water in the tank to the outside of the tank are installed in the tank.

  Each pump has a pump body, a water level sensor configured to detect that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor detects the water level while the pump body is stopped. When the first start condition including the above is satisfied, at least the first mode for starting the pump body, and when the first start condition is satisfied during the stop of the pump body, the pump body is not started, and the second mode And a controller configured to start the pump main body while switching to a second mode for starting the pump main body when a start condition is satisfied.

  The controller alternately switches between the first mode and the second mode each time the water level sensor no longer detects the water level after the water level sensor detects the water level. After the sensor detects the water level, the activation condition is fixed when a predetermined mode fixing condition is established, including the fact that the water level sensor stops detecting the water level without activating the pump body.

  According to this configuration, as described above, even when the detected water levels of the two pumps are different, the operation frequencies of the two pumps can be made closer to each other.

  The two pumps may be configured such that the water level sensor of the other pump detects the water level when the second activation condition is satisfied for one of the pumps.

  By doing so, it is possible to realize that the two pumps operate alternately.

  As described above, according to the pump and the pump system described above, the operation frequencies of the two pumps can be made closer to each other.

FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a pump system. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the submersible pump. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an electrode set constituting the water level sensor. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the submersible pump control system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation control of the submersible pump executed by the controller. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating normal control of the submersible pump. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the initial control of the submersible pump. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the mode fixing condition when the power is turned on. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the mode fixing determination control. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining mode fixing conditions during operation of the pump. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating stop control of the submersible pump. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a table including an abnormal condition for starting the submersible pump and a submersible pump stop condition corresponding to the abnormal condition. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining mode fixing conditions when the power is turned on, which is different from FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating initial control of the submersible pump, which is different from FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating normal control of the submersible pump, which is different from FIG. 6. It is a figure which illustrates the mode fixed operation | movement of a submersible pump based on the flow of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a pump and a pump system disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description is an example of a pump and pump system. FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a pump system.

  In this embodiment, the pump system 20 has two submersible pumps 1 installed on the bottom surface of the storage tank 21. As will be described later, the two submersible pumps 1 are basically installed at substantially the same height in the storage tank 21, but the installation heights of the two submersible pumps 1 may be different. .

  In the present embodiment, the storage tank 21 is a combined septic tank or a wastewater treatment tank in which water (sewage) flows and is stored, but the storage tank is not limited to these, and water is stored and wastewater is discharged. Any tank may be used as long as it is necessary. The pump system 20 discharges the water in the storage tank 21 out of the storage tank 21 when the submersible pump 1 is activated according to the water level in the storage tank 21 as described later.

  Since the two submersible pumps 1 are the same, only the structure of one submersible pump 1 is demonstrated below. Moreover, when distinguishing about the two submersible pumps 1, one is called submersible pump 1A and the other is called submersible pump 1B.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the submersible pump 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the pump main body 1 a of the submersible pump 1 is mounted on the upper casing portion 3 a so as to cover the metal motor casing 3 that houses the motor 2 and the upper casing portion 3 a of the motor casing 3. The resin motor cover 5 is disposed between the motor casing 3 and the pump casing 6; the resin pump casing 6 that is located at the bottom of the pump main body 1a and accommodates an impeller (not shown); An oil chamber housing 7 that constitutes an oil chamber for containing lubricating oil is provided.

  The motor 2 includes a rotor portion 2a including a drive shaft 2b and a stator portion 2c disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the rotor portion 2a. The drive shaft 2b is supported by the oil chamber housing 7 and the upper casing portion 3a via bearings 8 so as to be rotatable about the axis in the vertical direction. The lower portion of the drive shaft 2b extends through the oil chamber housing 7 in the vertical direction to the pump casing 6, and the impeller is mounted on the lower end portion thereof.

  A suction port 6 a for sucking water into the pump casing 6 is provided on the lower surface of the pump casing 6, and a discharge port to which a discharge pipe 19 is connected is provided on the upper surface of the pump casing 6. In addition, a plurality of legs 6c for installing the submersible pump 1 on the bottom surface of the storage tank 21 are provided on the bottom surface of the pump casing 6 excluding the suction port 6a. With these legs 6c, the suction port 6a is It is located at a height position slightly away from the bottom surface of the storage tank 21.

  When the submersible pump 1 is started by driving the motor 2, the impeller rotates, whereby water in the storage tank 21 is sucked into the pump casing 6 from the suction port 6a, and the sucked water is It is discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the pump casing 6. A discharge pipe 19 extending to the outside of the storage tank 21 is connected to the discharge port, and water in the storage tank 21 is discharged to the outside of the storage tank 21 through the discharge pipe 19 (FIG. 1). reference).

  A circuit board 11 is attached to the upper surface of the upper casing portion 3a. The circuit board 11 is formed of a printed board, and circuit components including a controller 12 and other electrical components and a water level sensor 10 described later are mounted on the circuit board 11. Connected to the circuit board 11 is a power cable 9 for supplying power from the power supply outside the submersible pump 1 to the motor 2 and the like. The power cable 9 extends through the motor cover 5 upward.

  The pump body 1 a is provided with a water level sensor 10 configured to detect the water level in the storage tank 21. In the present embodiment, the water level sensor 10 is a capacitance type water level sensor, and includes three electrodes 10a, 10b, and 10c having different height positions. When the three electrodes 10a, 10b, and 10c are immersed in water, two electrodes 10a and 10b that output a water level detection signal and a ground electrode 10c that functions as a ground for each of the two electrodes 10a and 10b are provided. It is composed. The two electrodes 10a and 10b are arranged on the upper part of the pump body 1a and constitute an electrode set 13 attached to the pump body 1a. In this embodiment, the ground electrode 10c is constituted by a metal motor casing 3.

  FIG. 3 shows an electrode set 13 constituting the water level sensor 10. The upper electrode 10a which is one of the two electrodes 10a and 10b constituting the electrode set 13 is formed as an electrode rod 14 extending upward. On the other hand, the lower electrode 10b, which is the other of the two electrodes 10a and 10b, is electrically conductive with the second electrode 22 fixed below the upper electrode 10a and electrically insulated from the upper electrode 10a. It is comprised from the member which has property, and is comprised from the electrode fixture 18 which fixes the electrode set 13 to the upper part of the pump main body 1a.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode set 13 includes an insulating member 13b, an electrode rod 14 extending upward from the upper end surface of the insulating member 13b, and the insulating member 13b sandwiched between the electrode rods 14. A second electrode 22 fixed below, conductive wires 15 and 15 connected to the electrode rod 14 and the second electrode 22, respectively, and an electrode fixture 18 for fixing these members to the pump body 1a are provided. ing.

  The upper electrode 10 a outputs a signal to the controller 12 via the conductor 15 when the water level in the storage tank 21 rises and at least a part of the lower part of the electrode rod 14 is immersed in water. The upper electrode 10a constitutes an upper water level sensor 101 (see FIG. 4) configured to detect that the water level in the storage tank 21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper water level. The upper water level sensor 101 corresponds to a first water level sensor.

  In a state where the electrode set 13 is fixed to the motor cover 5, a recess 23 is provided between the second electrode 22 and the electrode fixture 18 so as to open upward and store water. Yes. Specifically, the recess 23 is configured to store water when the water level drops. The electrode fixture 18 is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode 22 through the water when the water is stored in the recess 23. When the electrode fixture 18 is electrically connected to the second electrode 22, it functions as an integral lower electrode 10 b together with the second electrode 22.

  The lower electrode 10 b outputs a signal to the controller 12 via the conductor 15 when the water level in the storage tank 21 rises and at least a part of the second electrode 22 and the electrode fixture 18 is immersed in water. The lower electrode 10b constitutes a lower water level sensor 102 (see FIG. 4) configured to detect that the water level in the storage tank 21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower water level lower than the upper water level. The lower water level sensor 102 corresponds to a second water level sensor.

  Here, the predetermined upper water level means that one submersible pump 1 is not started at the upper water level when the inflow speed of water into the storage tank 21 is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (the maximum speed that can normally occur). The water level is lower than the water level at which the water may overflow from the storage tank 21, and the water level at which the submersible pump 1 is not activated too frequently even if the submersible pump 1 is activated every time at this level.

  The configuration of the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102 is not limited to the configuration having the upper electrode 10a and the lower electrode 10b described above. If the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102 are configured to detect that the water level in the storage tank 21 is equal to or higher than the predetermined upper water level and higher than the predetermined lower water level, Any configuration may be adopted. Either one or both of the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102 may be constituted by, for example, a float type water level sensor instead of the capacitive water level sensor having electrodes. Further, the water level sensor 10 is not limited to a configuration that is directly attached to the submersible pump 1.

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the control system of the submersible pump 1 including the controller 12. The controller 12 is based on a well-known microcomputer, has a central processing unit (CPU) or the like that executes a program, and operates the submersible pump 1 by executing the program. The controller 12 receives the water level detection signal of the upper water level sensor 101 and the water level detection signal of the lower water level sensor 102 described above. The controller 12 outputs a control signal to the motor 2 based on the water level detection signals of the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102. As a result, the motor 2 rotates and the submersible pump 1 operates, or the rotation of the motor 2 stops and the submersible pump 1 stops.

  As will be described later, the controller 12 includes a storage unit 121 that stores information such as an operation continuation time related to the operation of the submersible pump 1, a counter 122 for measuring time, and a timer (delay used for stopping the submersible pump 1). Circuit) 123.

  The pump system 20 is configured such that the two submersible pumps 1 alternately operate as a result of the two submersible pumps 1 being automatically started and stopped independently of each other.

  In order to realize this, the controller 12 starts the submersible pump 1 in the first mode or the second mode. The first mode is a mode in which at least the submersible pump 1 is activated when the first activation condition including that the upper water level sensor 101 detects that the water level in the storage tank 21 is equal to or higher than the upper water level is satisfied. The second mode is a mode in which the submersible pump 1 is not activated when the first activation condition is established and the submersible pump 1 is activated when the second activation condition is established, when the first activation condition is established. In the first mode, the controller 12 starts the submersible pump 1 not only when the first start condition is satisfied but also when the second start condition is satisfied (normally, in the first mode, The submersible pump 1 is activated when the first activation condition is established).

  In the present embodiment, the first activation condition is a condition that the state in which the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level (that is, the ON state of the upper water level sensor 101) continues for the first predetermined time T1. The second activation condition is a condition that the state in which the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level exceeds the first predetermined time T1 and continues for the second predetermined time T2. When the second activation condition is satisfied, the first activation condition is also satisfied (that is, the second activation condition is satisfied in addition to the first activation condition).

  The first predetermined time T1 is a time for preventing malfunction due to chattering when the upper electrode 10a of the upper water level sensor 101 starts to be immersed in water, and is as short as possible within a range in which malfunction can be prevented. Is preferred. In the present embodiment, as an example, T1 = 5 seconds. Note that the first activation condition may be that the upper water level sensor 101 has detected the water level.

  In the second predetermined time T2, when the inflow speed of water into the storage tank 21 is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed, the one submersible pump 1A in the first mode is activated by the drainage operation that is activated by the establishment of the first activation condition. As described later, in the other submersible pump 1B in the second mode, the detection by the upper water level sensor 101 is not performed before the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the detection by the upper water level sensor 101 (the upper water level sensor 101 is It is a time such as to be in an OFF state. In the present embodiment, as an example, T2 = 12 seconds.

  Further, the controller 12 relates to whether or not the submersible pump 1 is activated every time the water level sensor 10 no longer detects the water level after the water level sensor 10 (specifically, the lower water level sensor 102) detects the water level. First, the mode of the submersible pump 1 is switched between the first mode and the second mode. That is, when the mode is the first mode, the next mode is set to the second mode, and when the mode is the second mode, the next mode is set to the first mode.

  However, the controller 12 stops the submersible pump 1 when the submersible pump 1 is activated when the second activation condition is satisfied (that is, when the detection of the upper water level sensor 101 continues for the second predetermined time T2). A subsequent next mode is randomly set to one of the first mode and the second mode (the first mode or the second mode). That is, the next mode after stopping the submersible pump 1 activated by the establishment of the second activation condition becomes the first mode or the second mode with a probability of 1/2.

  Further, after the submersible pump 1 is started, the controller 12 satisfies the third predetermined condition after the lower water level sensor 102 no longer detects the water level (after the lower water level sensor 102 is turned off). Sometimes, the submersible pump 1 is stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the third predetermined condition is a condition that a predetermined operation continuation time has elapsed since the lower water level sensor no longer detects the water level. Specifically, in this configuration example, the operation duration time is measured by measuring the water level lowering time from the time when the upper water level sensor 101 no longer detects the water level to the time when the lower water level sensor 102 no longer detects the water level. This is a time obtained by multiplying the water level drop time by a constant (for example, 4 times). This operation duration is such that when the submersible pump 1 is stopped, the water level in the storage tank 21 is higher than the suction port 6a and no air lock is generated, and the submersible pump 1 is frequently started and stopped. The time is such that the water level is not changed (the water level is as large as possible with respect to the upper water level).

  As will be described in detail later, the controller 12 fixes the mode of the submersible pump 1 to the first mode or the second mode when a predetermined mode fixing condition is satisfied. When the detected water levels of the two submersible pumps 1 are different from each other, only one of the two submersible pumps 1 is repeatedly activated and the other submerged pump 1 continues to stop. To avoid.

  Next, the operation control of each submersible pump 1 in the pump system 20 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11. These flowcharts relate to operation control of the submersible pump 1 executed by the controller 12 of each submersible pump 1. The two submersible pumps 1 are independently automatically started and stopped according to these flowcharts, and as a result, the two submersible pumps 1 are operated alternately.

  The flow in FIG. 5 relates to the basic control of the submersible pump 1. The flow in FIG. 5 starts when the submersible pump 1 is turned on. In step S51 after the power is turned on, the controller 12 performs initial control. Details of the initial control will be described later. When the initial control is completed, the controller 12 executes normal control in the subsequent step S52. The normal control is repeated while the submersible pump 1 is powered on.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of normal control. In the first step S61 in the flow of FIG. 6, the controller 12 performs mode fixing determination. Although details of the mode fixing determination will be described later, when the mode of the submersible pump 1 is fixed, the control process remains in the subroutine of step S61. When the control process shifts from step S61 to step S62, the mode of the submersible pump 1 is not fixed. At this time, the mode of the submersible pump 1 is set to one of the first mode and the second mode.

  In step S62, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 is in the ON state. That is, it is determined whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 has detected the water level. When the determination in step S62 is NO, the control process repeats step S62. When the determination in step S62 is YES, in step S63, the controller 12 determines whether or not the upper water level sensor 101 has detected the water level. When the determination in step S63 is NO, the control process moves to step S613. When the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level, the determination in step S63 is YES. If the determination in step S63 is yes, the control process moves to step S64.

  In step S613, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 has stopped detecting the water level. When the determination in step S613 is NO, the control process returns to step S63. On the other hand, when the determination in step S613 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S614, although the water level sensor 10 has detected the water level, it is considered that the water level has decreased due to the activation of another submersible pump 1 (that is, the idling operation). The controller 12 switches the mode of the submersible pump 1. That is, if the current mode is the first mode, the next mode is switched to the second mode, and if the current mode is the second mode, the next mode is switched to the first mode. Thereafter, the control process returns to step S61.

  In step S64, the controller 12 determines that the elapsed time T from when the upper water level sensor 101 is turned on (the counting time by the counter 122 that started counting when the upper water level sensor 101 is turned on) is Tm (T1). Or it is determined whether it is more than T2). That is, if the submersible pump 1 is in the first mode, Tm = T1 (that is, the first predetermined time), and if the submersible pump 1 is in the second mode, Tm = T2 (that is, the second predetermined time (> T1)). When the determination at step S64 is NO, the control process proceeds to step S610, while when the determination at step S64 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S65.

  In step S610, the controller 12 determines whether or not the upper water level sensor 101 is in the ON state. If the determination in step S610 is YES, the control process returns to step S64. On the other hand, when the determination in step S610 is NO, that is, when the upper water level sensor 101 is in the OFF state before the ON state of the upper water level sensor 101 continues for Tm time (that is, the idling operation), the control process is performed. Advances to step S612. In step S612, the controller 12 switches the mode of the submersible pump 1. That is, if the current mode is the first mode, the next mode is switched to the second mode, and if the current mode is the second mode, the next mode is switched to the first mode. Thereafter, the control process returns to step S61. That is, after the submersible pump 1 is stopped and the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, the water level sensor 10 (because the submersible pump 1 different from the submersible pump 1 is activated first to lower the water level). When the water level is no longer detected, the mode of the submersible pump 1 is switched.

  In step S65 which proceeds when the determination in step S64 is YES, the controller 12 activates the submersible pump 1. That is, the submersible pump 1 is activated when the first activation condition is satisfied (that is, when the ON state of the upper water level sensor 101 continues for the time T1) or when the second activation condition is satisfied (that is, the upper water level is satisfied). The sensor 101 is activated (when the ON state of the sensor 101 continues for T2 time). Note that when the submersible pump 1 is started when the second start condition is satisfied, it is basically in the second mode, but may be in the first mode (in the first mode, the first mode is due to some cause. For example, the submersible pump 1 does not start due to the establishment of the start condition).

  In the next step S66, the controller 12 determines whether or not the submersible pump 1 is activated due to the establishment of the second activation condition (that is, whether m = 2).

  When the determination in step S66 is YES, that is, when the submersible pump 1 is activated due to the establishment of the second activation condition, the control process proceeds to step S68, and the controller 12 changes the next mode to the first mode or the first mode. Set to 2 mode randomly. The control process then proceeds to step S69. On the other hand, when the determination in step S66 is NO, that is, when the submersible pump 1 is activated due to the establishment of the first activation condition, the control process proceeds to step S67. Since the submersible pump 1 was in the first mode, the controller 12 sets the next mode to the second mode. The control process then proceeds to step S69. That is, when the submersible pump 1 is activated when the second activation condition is satisfied, the next mode is randomly changed to one of the first mode and the second mode regardless of the current mode of the submersible pump 1. Set. On the other hand, when the submersible pump 1 is activated due to the establishment of the first activation condition, the next mode is set to the second mode (since the current mode is the first mode).

  In step S <b> 69, the controller 12 executes stop control of the submersible pump 1. Details of the stop control of the submersible pump 1 will be described later. If the submersible pump 1 stops, the control process returns to step S61.

  Here, the random setting in step S68 will be described in more detail. It is assumed that the two submersible pumps 1 are both in the second mode. By the control operation by the controller 12, the two submersible pumps 1 are started substantially simultaneously with the establishment of the second start condition. Thereafter, in step S68, the next mode of the two submersible pumps 1 is randomly set to the first mode or the second mode, respectively. Thereby, the mode is different between the one submersible pump 1A and the other submersible pump 1B with a probability of 1/2. Moreover, even if it becomes the same 2nd mode, after the two submersible pumps 1 start again substantially simultaneously by establishment of 2nd starting conditions, the next mode of the two submersible pumps 1 will be 1st mode. Alternatively, the second mode is set at random. Furthermore, even if the two submersible pumps 1 are in the same first mode, after the two submersible pumps 1 are started substantially simultaneously due to the establishment of the first start condition, the next mode of the two submersible pumps 1 is Since both are in the second mode, random setting is performed. Sooner or later, the modes of the two submersible pumps 1 become different.

  If the activation timings of the two submersible pumps 1 become different in this way, the subsequent activation usually occurs alternately in one submersible pump 1A and the other submersible pump 1B. That is, when one submersible pump 1A is set to the first mode and the other submersible pump 1B is set to the second mode, the submersible pump 1A is in the ON state of the upper water level sensor 101 for the time T1 (5 Seconds) when it is continued (due to the establishment of the first activation condition), it is activated before the submersible pump 1B. When the inflow speed of water into the storage tank 21 is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed, the ON state of the upper water level sensor 101 is T2 time (12 seconds) in the submersible pump 1B by the draining operation by starting the submersible pump 1A. Before continuing, the upper water level sensor 101 is turned off (determination in step S610 is NO). For this reason, the submersible pump 1B is not started, and the mode of the submersible pump 1B is changed from the second mode to the first mode (step S612). Moreover, 1 A of submersible pumps become the 2nd mode from the 1st mode in step S67. As a result, the submersible pump 1B is activated next time because it is in the first mode, and the submersible pump 1A is not activated because it is in the second mode.

  In addition, after the submersible pump 1A is started, the inflow speed of water into the storage tank 21 is larger than a predetermined speed. Therefore, when the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level in the submersible pump 1B and continues for T2 hours, Since the submersible pump 1B is also started, it is possible to prevent the water from overflowing from the storage tank 21 by the operation of the two submersible pumps 1. When the submersible pump 1B is activated in this way, the next mode of the submersible pump 1B is set randomly to the first mode or the second mode, so no problem occurs. That is, although there is a possibility that the modes of the two submersible pumps 1 are the same, even if they are the same, the modes are different between the two submersible pumps 1 sooner or later as described above.

  Furthermore, even if some abnormality occurs during use and the modes of the two submersible pumps 1 become the same, as described above, the modes of the two submersible pumps 1 become different sooner or later.

  Therefore, when two identical submersible pumps 1 are installed in the storage tank 21, there is no need to perform an operation that makes the mode of one submersible pump 1A different from the mode of the other submersible pump 1B. It is possible to perform automatic alternating operation of the two submersible pumps 1 over a period.

  The automatic alternate operation of the two submersible pumps 1 described above is established if the water level detected by the upper water level sensor 101 is the same or approximately the same between the two submersible pumps 1. However, the two submersible pumps 1 are not necessarily installed at the same height. For example, since the bottom surface of the storage tank 21 is inclined, the water level detected by the upper water level sensor 101 is two. The two submersible pumps 1 cannot be installed at the same height due to differences between the submersible pumps 1 or due to the installation space on the bottom surface in the storage tank 21, and the water level detected by the upper water level sensor 101 is two. There may be slight differences between the submersible pumps 1 of the table.

  Even if the water level detected by the upper water level sensor 101 is different between the two submersible pumps 1, the submersible pump 1 is configured so that the two submersible pumps 1 operate alternately as much as possible. The operation frequency of the submersible pump 1 is configured to approach evenly. Specifically, when a predetermined mode fixing condition is established, the controller 12 fixes the mode of the submersible pump 1 to the first mode or the second mode. Whether or not the mode fixing condition is satisfied is performed immediately after the power of the submersible pump 1 is turned on (that is, at the time of initial control in step S51 of FIG. 5) and at any time during operation of the submersible pump 1 (that is, the step of FIG. 6). (When the mode is fixed in S61).

  FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart relating to the initial control. In this control process, first, in step S71, the submersible pump 1 is set to the second mode (that is, m = 2). In subsequent step S72, the controller 12 determines whether or not the startup mode fixing condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the establishment of the startup mode fixing condition. FIG. 8 illustrates the established state of the start condition associated with the detection of the water levels of the two submersible pumps 1A and 1B in the pump system 20. Reference numerals 81 to 84 in FIG. 8 represent the number of times the submersible pump 1 is started in the pump system 20 (“first time” to “fourth time”), respectively. At each time, the horizontal axis indicates the progress of time (t). S indicates the timing at which the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, T1 and T2 indicate the duration of the water level detection by the upper water level sensor 101, and the triangle mark (that is, the left triangle mark) after the time T1 has elapsed. The triangle mark (that is, the triangle mark on the right side) after the time T2 has elapsed indicates the timing at which the second activation condition is met.

  Here, in the two submersible pumps 1A and 1B, since one submersible pump 1A is installed at a position higher than the other submersible pump 1B, the height at which the water level sensor 10 detects the water level is shifted by Δh. Assuming that Further, it is assumed that the water level in the storage tank 21 is rising at a constant speed.

  The timing at which the water level sensor 10 of one submersible pump 1A detects the water level due to the difference in the detected water level between the two submersible pumps 1A, 1B is based on the timing at which the water level sensor 10 of the other submersible pump 1B detects the water level. Will also be delayed by Δt. Due to the delay in the water level detection timing, the timing at which the first activation condition and the second activation condition are satisfied in one submersible pump 1A is more than the timing at which the first activation condition and the second activation condition are established in the other submersible pump 1A. Delayed by Δt.

  In FIG. 8, the modes of the submersible pumps 1A and 1B are represented by black triangle marks. When the submersible pump 1 is turned on, the submersible pumps 1A and 1B are in the second mode (step S71). The submersible pumps 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B are activated at the timing when the black triangle mark is reached.

  As indicated by reference numeral 81, the water level sensor 10 of one submersible pump 1A also detects the water level, but the other submersible pump 1B is earlier in timing when the second activation condition is satisfied. Therefore, the other submersible pump 1B is activated. One submersible pump 1 </ b> A does not start because the second activation condition is not satisfied due to a drop in the water level.

  In the initial control, after the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, the first mode and the second mode are switched each time the water level sensor 10 no longer detects the water level, as described above. Also, when the second activation condition is satisfied, the first mode and the second mode are switched (the next mode is not set at random). Therefore, the next mode of one of the submersible pumps 1A is the first mode (see the black triangle mark on the left side of reference numeral 82). Similarly, the next mode of the other submersible pump 1B is also the first mode.

  Next, as shown by reference numeral 82, the first activation condition is established for the other submersible pump 1B prior to the one submersible pump 1A. At this time, the other submersible pump 1B is activated. The water level sensor 10 of one submersible pump 1A does not detect the water level. The next mode of the other submersible pump 1B is changed from the first mode to the second mode (see the black triangle mark on the right side at 83). The next mode of one of the submersible pumps 1A remains in the first mode (see the black triangle mark on the left side of reference numeral 83).

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 83, the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode although the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, and therefore must wait until T2. On the other hand, although one submersible pump 1A is in the first mode, although the detection timing of the water level sensor 10 is delayed, the first submersible pump 1B is activated and activated prior to the other submersible pump 1B. As a result, the other submersible pump 1B detects the water level but does not start.

  At this time, the controller 12 of the other submersible pump 1B fixes the mode of the other submersible pump 1B to the second mode, assuming that the mode fixing condition is satisfied. On the other hand, the controller 12 of one submersible pump 1A does not fix the mode of the submersible pump 1A. The next mode of the one submersible pump 1A is switched to the second mode (see the black triangle mark on the right side of the reference numeral 84).

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 84, one of the submersible pumps 1A is in the second mode, and the other submersible pump 1B is also in the second mode. Therefore, as in the first time, the other submersible pump 1B is activated. Since the mode of the other submersible pump 1B is fixed to the second mode, it remains the second mode. On the other hand, the next mode of one of the submersible pumps 1A is switched to the first mode.

  Although illustration is omitted, since the first submersible pump 1A is in the first mode and the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode, the fifth submersible pump activation is the same as the third. Accordingly, one submersible pump 1A is activated.

  Thus, after fixing the mode of the other submersible pump 1B to the 2nd mode, the numerals 83 and 84 in FIG. 8 are repeated alternately. Therefore, the alternate operation of the two submersible pumps 1A and 1B is realized.

  Returning to the flow of FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 8, when the startup mode fixing condition is satisfied, the control process proceeds from step S <b> 72 to step S <b> 73 to fix the mode of the submersible pump 1 to the second mode. . When the startup mode fixing condition is not satisfied, the control process does not proceed to step S73. Thereafter, the control process ends the initial control in FIG. 7 and proceeds to step S61 in FIG.

As shown in FIG.
(1) In the second mode when the power is turned on, the water level sensor 10 detects the water level and the second activation condition is satisfied, thereby starting the submersible pump 1 (reference numeral 81),
(2) In the first mode switched from the second mode, when the water level sensor 10 detects the water level and the first activation condition is satisfied, the submersible pump 1 is activated (reference numeral 82),
(3) In the second mode switched from the first mode, while the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, the water level sensor 10 does not detect the water level without activating the submersible pump 1 (reference numeral 83). By fixing the mode to the second mode, the alternate operation can be realized when the detected heights of the water levels of the two submersible pumps 1 are different.

  As shown in FIG. 8, if the water level detection is performed three times, it is determined whether or not the mode is fixed. Therefore, the flowchart relating to the initial control is performed while the water level detection is performed three times after the power is turned on. Done.

  Next, FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart according to the mode fixing determination control in step S61. In this control process, first, in step S91, the controller 12 determines whether or not the mode of the submersible pump 1 is fixed (to the second mode). When the mode is fixed, the control process proceeds from step S91 to step S92. When the mode is not fixed, the control process proceeds from step S91 to step S910.

  In step S92, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 is in the ON state. When the determination in step S92 is NO, the control process repeats step S92. When the determination in step S92 is YES, in step S93, the controller 12 determines whether or not the upper water level sensor 101 has detected the water level. When the determination in step S93 is NO, the control process proceeds to step S98. If the determination in step S93 is yes, the control process moves to step S94.

  In step S98, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 has stopped detecting the water level. When the determination in step S98 is NO, the control process returns to step S93. On the other hand, when the determination in step S98 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S97. In this case, it is considered that the water level has decreased due to activation of the other submersible pump 1 (that is, idling operation).

  In step S94, the controller 12 determines whether or not an elapsed time T from when the upper water level sensor 101 is turned on is equal to or greater than T2 (because it is fixed in the second mode). When the determination in step S94 is NO, the control process proceeds to step S99. In step S99, the controller 12 determines whether or not the upper water level sensor 101 has stopped detecting the water level. When the determination in step S99 is YES, the control process returns to step S94. On the other hand, when the determination in step S99 is NO, the control process proceeds to step S97. Also in this case, it is considered that the water level has decreased due to the activation of the other submersible pump 1 (that is, idling operation). On the other hand, when the determination in step S94 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S95 and activates the submersible pump 1.

  After the submersible pump 1 is started, the control process proceeds to step S96, and pump stop control described later is executed. Thereafter, the control process proceeds to step S97 to determine whether to release the fixed mode.

  In step S97, the release determination is made when the mode is released when at least one of the following two conditions is satisfied.

(A) While the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, each time the water level sensor 10 detects the water level without activating the submersible pump 1 and without the idling operation in which the water level sensor 10 does not detect the water level. When starting the submersible pump 1 continues a predetermined number of times (b) While the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, the water level sensor 10 does not start the submersible pump 1, and the idling operation that the water level sensor 10 does not detect the water level is predetermined. When the number of times is continuous, that is, as shown by reference numerals 83 and 84 in FIG. 8, the submersible pump 1B fixed in the second mode is operated (reference numeral 84) when the two submersible pumps 1 are operating alternately. And the idling motion (reference numeral 83) are repeated alternately.

  As in (a), when the operation is repeated without performing the idling operation, it is considered that the other submersible pump 1A is not operating. As shown in (b) above, it is considered that only the other submersible pump 1A is in operation when the idling operation is not repeated. Therefore, when any of the conditions (a) and (b) is established, the mode is unlocked and the control is performed according to the flow of FIG. 6 so that the two submersible pumps 1 are expected to operate alternately. Is done.

  Returning to the flow of FIG. 9, when the mode fixing is released in step S97, the control process returns to step S91, and then proceeds to step S910. As will be described later, the mode fixing condition is satisfied in step S910. Otherwise, the control process proceeds to step S62 in the flow of FIG.

  In step S910, the controller 12 determines whether or not the mode fixing condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the establishment of the mode fixing condition during operation of the submersible pump 1. 10, the relative relationship between the water level detection position of one submersible pump 1A and the water level detection position of the other submersible pump 1B is the same as FIG.

  First, as indicated by reference numeral 101, it is assumed that one submersible pump 1A is in the first mode and the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode. In this case, one submersible pump 1A is activated when the first activation condition is satisfied in one submersible pump 1A. The other submersible pump 1B does not start (that is, idling operation).

  One submersible pump 1A and the other submersible pump 1B each switch modes. One submersible pump 1A switches from the first mode to the second mode, and the other submersible pump 1B switches from the second mode to the first mode.

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 102, in the other submersible pump 1B, the first activation condition is established, and the other submersible pump 1B is activated. At this time, the water level sensor 10 of one submersible pump 1A does not detect the water level. One submersible pump 1A does not start. The next mode of the other submersible pump 1B is changed from the first mode to the second mode. The next mode of the one submersible pump 1A remains in the second mode.

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 103, since one of the submersible pumps 1A and the other submersible pump 1B are both in the second mode, the other submersible pump 1B is activated. One submersible pump 1A is not started (idling operation).

  At this time, the controller 12 of the other submersible pump 1B fixes the mode of the other submersible pump 1B to the second mode, assuming that the mode fixing condition is satisfied. On the other hand, since the controller 12 of the one submersible pump 1A does not fix the mode, the next mode of the one submersible pump 1A is switched to the first mode.

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 104, one of the submersible pumps 1A is in the first mode, and the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode. Accordingly, as in the first time, one of the submersible pumps 1A is activated. The next mode of the one submersible pump 1A is switched to the second mode. Since the mode of the other submersible pump 1B is fixed to the second mode, it remains the second mode.

  Although illustration is omitted, the fifth submersible pump activation is the same as the third one because one submersible pump 1A is in the second mode and the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode. Accordingly, the other submersible pump 1B is activated.

  Thus, after fixing the mode of the other submersible pump 1B to the second mode, reference numerals 103 and 104 in FIG. 10 are alternately repeated. Therefore, the alternate operation of the two submersible pumps 1A and 1B is realized.

  Returning to the flow of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 10, when the mode fixing condition is satisfied, the control process proceeds from step S <b> 910 to step S <b> 911 to fix the mode of the submersible pump 1 to the second mode. When the mode fixing condition is not satisfied, the control process does not proceed to step S911, but proceeds to step S62 in FIG.

As shown in FIG.
(1) In the second mode, the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, but when the water level sensor 10 does not detect the water level without activating the submersible pump 1, switching to the first mode (reference numeral 101),
(2) In the first mode, when the water level sensor 10 detects the water level and the first activation condition is satisfied, the submersible pump 1 is activated (reference numeral 102),
(3) In the second mode switched from the first mode, when the water level sensor 10 detects the water level and the second activation condition is satisfied and the submersible pump 1 is activated (reference numeral 103), the mode is fixed to the second mode. By doing so, when the detected heights of the water levels of the two submersible pumps 1 are different, alternate operation can be realized.

  By performing the mode fixing determination control in step S61 in FIG. 6, the mode of the submersible pump 1 is fixed at any time even when the pump system 20 is in operation. The operation can be realized and the operation frequency of the two submersible pumps 1 can be made closer.

  Further, for example, even when one of the two submersible pumps 1 is replaced with a new submersible pump 1 (the other submersible pump 1 remains powered on), mode fixing determination control is performed as needed. Thus, it is possible to shift to the alternate operation of the two submersible pumps 1, and the operation frequency of the two submersible pumps 1 can be made closer.

  Next, stop control of the submersible pump 1 (that is, step S69 in the flow of FIG. 6 and step S96 in the flow of FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first step S111 in the flow of FIG. 11, the controller 12 determines whether or not the detection signal of the upper water level sensor 101 has changed from ON to OFF. That is, it is determined whether or not the water level in the storage tank 21 has decreased due to the operation of the submersible pump 1 and the upper water level sensor 101 has stopped detecting the water level. If the determination in step S111 is no, step S111 is repeated. If the determination in step S111 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the counter 122 of the controller 12 starts counting. Thereafter, in step S113, the controller 12 determines whether or not the detection signal of the lower water level sensor 102 has changed from ON to OFF. It is determined whether or not the water level in the storage tank 21 has decreased due to the operation of the submersible pump 1 and the lower water level sensor 102 no longer detects the water level. If the determination in step S113 is no, step S113 is repeated. The counter 122 continues counting. If the determination in step S113 is YES, the control process moves to step S114.

  In step S114, the controller 12 stops the counting of the counter 122. Thereby, the time from when the upper water level sensor 101 no longer detects the water level to when the lower water level sensor 102 no longer detects the water level can be measured. As shown in FIG. 3, since this time is the time until the water level in the storage tank 21 decreases from the upper electrode 10a to the lower electrode 10b, the water level lowering related to the rate of decrease in the water level in the storage tank 21. Time ΔT. As described above, when only one of the two submersible pumps 1 is activated, the amount of drainage per unit time is relatively small, so the rate of water level decrease is low. The water level drop time ΔT becomes longer. On the other hand, when both of the two submersible pumps 1 are activated, the amount of drainage per unit time is relatively large, so the water level lowering rate is high, and therefore the water level lowering time ΔT is shortened.

  In step S <b> 114, the controller 12 starts the count T of the timer 123.

  In subsequent step S115, the controller 12 determines an operation duration time Tc based on the measured water level lowering time ΔT. The operation duration time Tc is calculated according to a predetermined calculation formula (Tc = f (ΔT)). For example, a constant multiple (for example, 4 times) of the water level lowering time ΔT may be set as the operation duration time Tc. Further, based on the water level lowering time ΔT, the operation continuation time Tc may be calculated as the time until the water level in the storage tank 21 reaches a predetermined water level. The operation continuation time Tc is such that when the submersible pump 1 is stopped, the water level in the storage tank 21 is higher than the suction port 6a, and the submersible pump 1 is not frequently started and stopped. The time can be set as appropriate.

  In step S116, the controller 12 determines whether or not the calculated operation continuation time Tc is shorter than a predetermined shortest operation time Tmin. When the determination in step S116 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S117, and the controller 12 sets the operation continuation time Tc to the shortest operation time Tmin. Thereafter, the control process proceeds to step S118. Even when the operation continuation time Tc calculated based on the detection of the water level by the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102 becomes too short for some reason, the preset minimum operation time Tmin continues the submersible pump 1. Therefore, the water level in the storage tank 21 can be lowered as appropriate.

  In subsequent step S118, the controller 12 determines whether or not the count T of the timer 123 has exceeded a preset longest operation time Tmax. When the determination in step S118 is NO, the control process proceeds to step S119. On the other hand, when the determination in step S118 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S1110, and the controller 12 stops the submersible pump 1 even if the set operation duration time Tc has not elapsed. Even when the operation continuation time Tc calculated based on the detection of the water level by the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102 becomes longer for some reason, the submersible pump 1 is stopped at the longest operation time Tmax. The situation where the water level in 21 becomes too low and an air lock occurs can be avoided.

  In step S119, the controller 12 determines whether or not the count T of the timer 123 exceeds the operation duration time Tc. When the determination in step S119 is NO, the control process returns to step S118. On the other hand, when the determination in step S119 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S1110, and the controller 12 stops the submersible pump 1. Even when one submersible pump 1 is operating by stopping the submersible pump 1 based on the operation duration time Tc calculated based on the detection of the water level by the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102. Even when the two submersible pumps 1 are operating, the submersible pumps 1 can be stopped at an optimal timing.

  Here, if each of the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102 is normal, if the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level, the lower water level sensor 102 also detects the water level. However, for example, due to an abnormality in the upper water level sensor 101 and / or the lower water level sensor 102, a situation may occur in which the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level and the lower water level sensor 102 does not detect the water level. Also in this case, it is desirable to start the submersible pump 1 in order to prevent water from overflowing from the storage tank 21.

  Therefore, the pump system 20 is configured to start the submersible pump 1 even when a predetermined abnormal condition is satisfied, and a stop condition at that time is set. FIG. 12 shows a table 120 including abnormal conditions for starting the submersible pump 1 and stop conditions for the submersible pump 1 corresponding to the abnormal conditions.

  Specifically, when the detection signal of the upper water level sensor 101 is ON and the detection signal of the lower water level sensor 102 is changed from OFF to ON, the controller 12 activates the submersible pump 1. This activation condition corresponds to a failure when the upper water level sensor 101 remains in the ON state.

  Since the upper water level sensor 101 is not turned off, the above-described water level lowering time ΔT cannot be measured. Therefore, the controller 12 stops the submersible pump 1 when a predetermined time Ts1 has elapsed after the lower water level sensor 102 is turned off. By carrying out like this, the submersible pump 1 started by establishment of abnormal conditions can be stopped appropriately. The predetermined time Ts1 may be constant at all times, or may be appropriately changed according to the operation continuation time Tc calculated based on the actually measured water level lowering time ΔT. For example, the controller 12 may store the predetermined time Ts1 in the storage unit 121 and update and store the predetermined time Ts1 according to the calculated operation continuation time Tc.

  Further, when the detection signal of the lower water level sensor 102 is OFF and the detection signal of the upper water level sensor 101 is changed from OFF to ON, the controller 12 starts the submersible pump 1. This activation condition corresponds to a failure in which the lower water level sensor 102 remains in the OFF state. In this case, the controller 12 stops the submersible pump 1 when a predetermined time Ts2 has elapsed after the upper water level sensor 101 is turned off and the lower water level sensor 102 is turned off. By carrying out like this, the submersible pump 1 started by establishment of abnormal conditions can be stopped appropriately. The predetermined time Ts2 may be constant at all times, or may be appropriately changed according to the operation duration time Tc calculated based on the actually measured water level lowering time ΔT, similarly to Ts1. For example, the controller 12 may store the predetermined time Ts2 in the storage unit 121 and update and store the predetermined time Ts2 according to the calculated operation continuation time Tc.

  In addition to the flow of FIG. 11, the submersible pump 1 is forcibly stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the submersible pump 1 is activated, regardless of the detection of the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102. You may do it. After the submersible pump 1 is started normally, the upper water level sensor 101 does not change from ON to OFF or the lower water level sensor 102 changes from ON to OFF due to an abnormality in the upper water level sensor 101 and / or the lower water level sensor 102. Even when there is not, the submersible pump 1 can be stopped appropriately.

(Modification regarding mode fixing)
FIG. 13 shows mode fixing conditions that can be used instead of the mode fixing conditions at the time of startup shown in FIG.

  As indicated by reference numeral 131, when the submersible pump 1 is powered on, the submersible pumps 1A and 1B are in the second mode. The other submersible pump 1B is activated because the other submersible pump 1B is earlier in timing when the second activation condition is satisfied. One submersible pump 1A does not start although the water level sensor 10 detects the water level.

  The controller 12 of the one submersible pump 1A fixes the mode of the one submersible pump 1A to the first mode at this timing. On the other hand, the controller 12 of the other submersible pump 1B does not fix the mode and switches to the first mode as described above (without making the next mode random).

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 132, the other submersible pump 1 </ b> B is activated before the other submersible pump 1 </ b> A is satisfied, because the first activation condition is established before the other submersible pump 1 </ b> A. The controller 12 of the other submersible pump 1B switches the mode of the other submersible pump 1B to the second mode again. The mode of one submersible pump 1A remains in the first mode.

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 133, the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode although the water level sensor 10 detects the water level, and therefore, one submersible pump 1A is activated first. Since the other submersible pump 1B detects the water level, the next mode is switched to the first mode.

  Thus, although not shown, the fourth submersible pump activation is the same as the second one because one submersible pump 1A is in the first mode and the other submersible pump 1B is in the first mode. Accordingly, the other submersible pump 1B is activated.

  Thus, after fixing the mode of one submersible pump 1A to the 1st mode, numerals 132 and 133 in Drawing 13 are repeated by turns. Therefore, the alternate operation of the two submersible pumps 1A and 1B is realized.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
In the second mode when the power is turned on, while the water level sensor 10 detects the water level and the water level sensor 10 does not detect the water level without starting the submersible pump 1 (reference numeral 131), the mode is changed to the first mode. When the water level detection heights of the two submersible pumps 1 are different, the alternate operation can be realized.

  In this configuration, once the water level detection is performed, it can be determined whether or not the mode is fixed.However, depending on the configuration, it is started continuously every time the water level is detected during alternate operation. In order to perform the unlocking, it is desirable to provide another water level sensor that can detect the water level even when the other pump is activated in the first mode.

(Second Embodiment)
14 to 16 relate to the second embodiment. The second embodiment has first to fourth modes. The first mode is a mode in which the submersible pump 1 is activated when a relatively short T1 time elapses with the upper water level sensor 101 detecting the water level. The second mode is a mode in which the submersible pump is activated when a relatively long T2 time elapses with the upper water level sensor 101 detecting the water level.

  The third mode is a mode in which the submersible pump 1 is activated when the lower water level sensor 102 detects the water level. In the second mode, after the lower water level sensor 102 detects the water level, when the upper water level sensor 101 does not detect the water level and the lower water level sensor 102 does not detect the water level, the mode is switched to the third mode. Further, when the submersible pump 1 is activated in the third mode, the next mode is switched to the second mode, and when the submersible pump 1 is activated in the switched second mode, the mode is fixed to the fourth mode. The fourth mode is a mode in which the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level (or starts with a detection time T4 shorter than the first mode).

  FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart relating to the initial control of the second embodiment. In this control process, first, in step S141, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 has detected the water level. When the water level is not detected, the control process repeats step S141. When the water level is detected, the control process proceeds to step S142.

  In step S142, the controller 12 activates the submersible pump 1. Thereafter, the controller 12 sets the mode of the submersible pump 1 to the second mode in step S143.

  In this initial control, immediately after the submersible pump 1 is turned on, the submersible pump 1 is activated as soon as the lower water level sensor 102 detects the water level. The slow submersible pump 1 is characterized in that the water level is not detected.

  If the next mode of the submersible pump 1 activated when the lower water level sensor 102 senses the water level is set to the second mode when the submersible pump 1 is activated, the other submersible pump 1 detects the next water level. The system immediately starts and the next mode is set to the second mode. At this time, since the submersible pump 1 set to the second mode also detects the water level, the next mode of the submersible pump 1 is set to the first mode. As a result, the mode of the two submersible pumps 1 is the same as that of the two submersible pumps 1, and the automatic alternate operation can be immediately performed.

  FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart according to the normal control of the second embodiment. In the first step S151 in the flow of FIG. 15, the controller 12 performs mode fixing determination. In step S152, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 is in the ON state. When the determination in step S152 is NO, the control process repeats step S152. When the determination in step S152 is YES, in the subsequent step S153, the controller 12 determines whether or not the mode is the third mode. When the determination in step S153 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S156. When the determination is NO, the control process proceeds to step S154.

  In step S154, the controller 12 determines whether or not the upper water level sensor 101 has detected the water level. When the determination in step S154 is NO, the control process moves to step S1517. When the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level, the determination in step S154 is YES. If the determination in step S154 is yes, the control process moves to step S155.

  In step S1517, the controller 12 determines whether or not the lower water level sensor 102 has stopped detecting the water level. When the determination in step S1517 is NO, the control process returns to step S154. On the other hand, when the determination in step S1517 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S1518.

  In step S1518, although the water level sensor 10 has detected the water level, it is considered that the water level has decreased due to the activation of another submersible pump 1 (that is, idling operation). The controller 12 switches the submersible pump 1 mode to the third mode. Thereafter, the control process returns to step S151.

  In step S155, the controller 12 determines whether or not the elapsed time T after the upper water level sensor 101 is turned on is equal to or longer than Tm (T1 or T2). That is, if the submersible pump 1 is in the first mode, Tm = T1 (that is, the first predetermined time), and if the submersible pump 1 is in the second mode, Tm = T2 (that is, the second predetermined time (T1). <T2)). When the determination at step S155 is NO, the control process proceeds to step S1512. When the determination at step S155 is YES, the control process proceeds to step S156.

  In step S1512, the controller 12 determines whether or not the upper water level sensor 101 is in the ON state. If the determination in step S1512 is YES, the control process returns to step S155. On the other hand, when the determination in step S1512 is NO, that is, when the upper water level sensor 101 is in the OFF state before the ON state of the upper water level sensor 101 continues for Tm time (that is, the idling operation), the control process is performed. Advances to step S1513. In step S1513, the controller 12 switches the mode of the submersible pump 1. That is, if the current mode is the first mode, the next mode is switched to the second mode (step S1514), and if the current mode is the second mode, the next mode is switched to the first mode (step S1515). ). Thereafter, the control process returns to step S151.

  In step S156, the controller 12 activates the submersible pump 1. In the next step S157, the controller 12 determines the current mode of the submersible pump 1.

  If it is determined in step S157 that the mode is the second mode, the control process proceeds to step S159, and the controller 12 determines whether or not the previous mode is the third mode. When the previous mode is the third mode (that is, when the mode is switched from the third mode to the second mode), the pump stop control in step S1519 is performed, and then the process returns to step S151. The pump stop control in step S1519 is the same as the pump stop control in step S1516 described later. On the other hand, when the previous mode is not the third mode, the control process proceeds to step S1511. In step S1511, the controller 12 randomly sets the next mode to the first mode or the second mode. Note that the second mode may be maintained without performing the random mode setting in step S1511 a predetermined number of times immediately after the power is turned on. By doing so, in the second embodiment, fixing to the fourth mode can be ensured. Thereafter, the control process proceeds to step S1516. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S157 that the mode is the first mode, the control process proceeds to step S158, and the controller 12 sets the next mode to the second mode. Thereafter, the control process proceeds to step S1516. If it is determined in step S157 that the mode is the third mode, the control process proceeds to step S1510, and the controller 12 sets the next mode to the second mode. Thereafter, the control process proceeds to step S1516.

  In step S1516, the controller 12 performs stop control of the submersible pump 1.

  The mode fixation determination in step S151 is performed according to the flow of FIG. However, although not shown in the drawings, as described above, whether or not the mode fixing condition in step S910 is satisfied is determined by switching the mode of the submersible pump 1 from the third mode to the second mode. It becomes that it started. That is, if the determination in step S159 of FIG. 15 is YES, the mode fixing condition is satisfied, and the controller 12 fixes the mode of the submersible pump 1 to the fourth mode. Therefore, in this case, step S911 in FIG. 9 is “m = 4 (fixed)”. When fixed to the fourth mode, the predetermined time is the fourth predetermined time T4. As shown in FIG. 16, the fourth predetermined time has a relationship of T4 <T1 <T2.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the mode fixing according to the flow of FIG. 15 will be described. In FIG. 16, the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” attached to the triangle marks indicate the mode of the submersible pump 1. As described above, the third mode is a mode in which the lower water level sensor 102 detects the water level and activates the submersible pump 1. Therefore, the third mode is before the water level detection timing of the upper water level sensor 101 indicated by “S”. In addition, the water level is detected. In FIG. 16, the water level detection position of one submersible pump 1A and the water level detection position of the other submersible pump 1B are shifted in the same manner as in FIG.

  First, as indicated by reference numeral 161, it is assumed that one submersible pump 1A is in the second mode and the other submersible pump 1B is also in the second mode. In this case, the other submersible pump 1B is activated when the second activation condition is satisfied in the other submersible pump 1B. In one submersible pump 1A, although the lower water level sensor 102 detects the water level, the other submersible pump 1B is activated before the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level. do not do.

  One submersible pump 1A and the other submersible pump 1B each switch modes. One submersible pump 1A switches to the third mode (see steps S154, S1517, and S1518 in FIG. 15). On the other hand, the other submersible pump 1B sets the mode at random (see step S1511). Here, as described above, when the second mode is maintained without performing the random mode setting in step S1511 a predetermined number of times immediately after the power is turned on, the submersible pump 1B remains in the second mode, and in the next step S1518, the third mode is set. It becomes easy to become. In the example of FIG. 16, it is assumed that the other submersible pump 1B is in the second mode, as indicated by reference numeral 162.

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 162, the activation condition is established in one of the submersible pumps 1A in the third mode, and one of the submersible pumps 1A is activated. At this time, the upper water level sensor 101 of the other submersible pump 1B does not detect the water level, and only the lower water level sensor 102 switches from water level detection to non-detection. The other submersible pump 1B does not start. The next mode of the other submersible pump 1B is changed from the second mode to the third mode (step S1518). The next mode of the one submersible pump 1A is the second mode (step S1510).

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 163, since the other submersible pump 1B is in the third mode, the other submersible pump 1B is activated. The controller 12 of the other submersible pump 1B sets the next mode to the second mode (step S1510). One submersible pump 1A does not start and the mode does not change because the lower water level sensor 102 does not detect the water level.

  Next, as indicated by reference numeral 164, one of the submersible pumps 1A is in the second mode, and the other submersible pump 1B is also in the second mode. Therefore, as in the first time, the other submersible pump 1B is activated. The next mode of the one submersible pump 1A is switched to the third mode. Since the other submersible pump 1B is started in the second mode switched from the third mode, the controller 12 of the other submersible pump 1B assumes that the mode fixing condition is satisfied at this time, and the mode of the other submersible pump 1B is established. Is fixed to the fourth mode (step S1511).

  As indicated by reference numeral 165, since one submersible pump 1A is in the third mode, one submersible pump 1A is activated for the fifth time. The next mode of one submersible pump 1A is the same second mode as the third time. The mode of the other pump 1B remains fixed at the fourth mode.

  As indicated by reference numeral 166, at the sixth time, the other submersible pump 1B in the fourth mode is activated. In the one submersible pump 1A, only the lower water level sensor 102 detects the water level, so the next mode is the third mode (step S1518).

  Therefore, after the mode of the other submersible pump 1B is fixed to the fourth mode, reference numerals 165 and 166 in FIG. 16 are alternately repeated. Therefore, the alternate operation of the two submersible pumps 1A and 1B is realized.

  The fourth activation condition may be the same as any one of the first activation condition or the second activation condition, and the fourth mode may be the same as the first mode or the second mode.

(Other embodiments)
In the above configuration, the first activation condition is a condition that the state in which the upper water level sensor 101 detects the water level has continued for the first predetermined time T1, and the second activation condition is the upper water level sensor 101. Is in a condition that the second predetermined time T2 continues. The first activation condition and the second activation condition are not limited to such time-related conditions.

  For example, the first activation condition may be a condition that the lower water level sensor 102 is detecting the water level, and the second activation condition may be a condition that the upper water level sensor 101 is detecting the water level. 8, 10, and 13 show that time has passed from the left to the right of the page, these figures can be replaced by the water level rising from the left to the right of the page. That is, the first activation condition is the condition that the lower water level sensor 102 is detecting the water level, and the second activation condition is the condition that the upper water level sensor 101 is detecting the water level. The establishment of the mode fixing condition can be determined by the same procedure as described above. Even in the first start condition and the second start condition related to the detection height of the sensor, when the mode fixing condition is satisfied, one of the two submersible pumps 1 is fixed to thereby fix the two submersible pumps 1. Can be operated alternately.

  Moreover, it is also possible to set the first activation condition and the second activation condition in combination with the height of the detection level of the water level sensor 10 and the length of time of the water level detection state.

  Furthermore, the water level sensor 10 may not be configured to include both the upper water level sensor 101 and the lower water level sensor 102.

  In addition, the submersible pump 1 may be stopped using the preset operation continuation time instead of using the calculated operation continuation time Tc.

  In addition, the structure of the pump system 20 and the submersible pump 1 mentioned above is an illustration, and the structure of the pump system 20 and the submersible pump 1 is not limited to the said structure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Submersible pump 1a Pump main body 10 Water level sensor 12 Controller 101 Upper water level sensor (1st water level sensor)
102 Lower water level sensor (second water level sensor)
20 Pump system 21 Storage tank

Claims (15)

Two pumps installed in the tank and configured to discharge the water in the tank to the outside of the tank,
A pump body;
A water level sensor configured to detect that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level;
When the first start condition including that the water level sensor detects the water level is satisfied while the pump main body is stopped, at least the first mode for starting the pump main body and the pump main body during the stop A controller configured to start the pump body while switching the second mode for starting the pump body when the second start condition is satisfied without starting the pump body when the 1 start condition is satisfied And comprising
The controller alternately switches between the first mode and the second mode each time the water level sensor no longer detects the water level after the water level sensor detects the water level.
The controller also fixes the start condition when a predetermined mode fixing condition is satisfied, including that the water level sensor stops detecting the water level without starting the pump body after the water level sensor detects the water level. pump. The pump according to claim 1, wherein
A low water level sensor for detecting a water level lower than the water level sensor;
When the pump body is stopped, the pump body is activated at least when a third activation condition is satisfied that includes that the low water level sensor detects the water level and does not include that the water level sensor detects the water level. Mode,
A fourth mode of starting the pump body when a fourth start condition is satisfied, including that the water level sensor detects the water level while the pump body is stopped;
The controller switches the mode to the third mode when the low water level sensor detects the water level, but the water level sensor does not detect the water level, and the low water level sensor no longer detects the water level. When the pump body is started under conditions, the mode is switched to the second mode, and in the second mode switched from the third mode, when the pump body is started by satisfying the second start condition, the mode is changed to the mode A pump that is fixed to the fourth mode and the starting condition is fixed to the fourth starting condition. The pump according to claim 1, wherein
When the power is turned on, it is in the second mode,
The controller is
(1) In the second mode when the power is turned on, the pump body is started when the water level sensor detects the water level and the second start condition is satisfied,
(2) In the first mode switched from the second mode, the water level sensor detects the water level and the first start condition is satisfied and the pump body is started,
(3) In the second mode switched from the first mode, the water level sensor detects the water level, while the water level sensor does not detect the water level without activating the pump body, the mode is Pump fixed in the second mode. The pump according to claim 1, wherein
When the power is turned on, it is in the second mode,
The controller is
In the second mode when the power is turned on, while the water level sensor detects the water level, the mode is fixed to the first mode when the water level sensor does not detect the water level without starting the pump body. To pump. The pump according to claim 1, wherein
The controller is configured to activate the pump body when the water level sensor first detects a water level after power-on, and sets the next mode to the second mode. The pump according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 5,
The controller is
(1) In the second mode, when the water level sensor detects the water level, and the water level sensor stops detecting the water level without starting the pump body, the mode is switched to the first mode,
(2) In the first mode, when the water level sensor detects the water level and the first start condition is satisfied, the pump body is started,
(3) In the second mode switched from the first mode, the mode is fixed to the second mode when the water level sensor detects the water level and the pump body is started when the second start condition is satisfied. To pump. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
After the controller fixes the mode,
While the water level sensor detects the water level, the pump main body is not turned on each time the water level sensor detects the water level without activating the pump main body and without performing an idling operation that the water level sensor does not detect the water level. A pump that releases the fixed mode when it has been activated a predetermined number of times. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
After the controller fixes the mode,
A pump that releases a fixed mode when the water level sensor detects a water level, but without starting the pump body, and when the idling operation that the water level sensor detects no water level continues for a predetermined number of times. The pump according to claim 2,
After the controller fixes the mode,
While the water level sensor or the low water level sensor detects the water level, the water level sensor or the low water level sensor does not detect the water level without activating the pump body, and the water level sensor or A pump that releases a fixed mode when the pump body is activated a predetermined number of times each time the low water level sensor detects a water level. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
When the controller starts the pump body when the second start condition is satisfied when the mode is not fixed, the controller sets the next mode to one of the first mode and the second mode. A randomly set pump. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The operation duration of the pump body is preset,
The controller is configured to stop the pump body when the operation duration time has elapsed after the water level sensor no longer detects the water level after the pump body is started. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The water level sensor includes a first water level sensor and a second water level sensor having a lower detection water level than the first water level sensor,
The controller is
After the first water level sensor and the second water level sensor detect the water level, the second water level sensor detects the water level from the time when the first water level sensor stops detecting the water level after starting the pump body. While measuring the water level drop time up to the point of no longer being detected,
Calculate the operation continuation time according to a preset formula based on the water level drop time, and
A pump that stops the pump body when the calculated operation continuation time has elapsed since the second water level sensor no longer detects the water level. The pump according to claim 12,
The first water level sensor and the second water level sensor are pumps attached to the pump body. The pump configured to discharge the water in the tank to the outside of the tank is a pump system configured by installing two units in the tank,
Each pump is
A pump body;
A water level sensor configured to detect that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level;
When the first start condition including that the water level sensor detects the water level is satisfied while the pump main body is stopped, at least the first mode for starting the pump main body and the pump main body during the stop A controller configured to start the pump body while switching the second mode for starting the pump body when the second start condition is satisfied without starting the pump body when the 1 start condition is satisfied And comprising
The controller alternately switches between the first mode and the second mode each time the water level sensor no longer detects the water level after the water level sensor detects the water level.
The controller also fixes the start condition when a predetermined mode fixing condition is satisfied, including that the water level sensor stops detecting the water level without starting the pump body after the water level sensor detects the water level. Pump system. The pump system according to claim 14,
The two pumps are configured such that when the second activation condition is established for one pump, the water level sensor of the other pump detects the water level.