JP7144974B2 - Water supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water supply device.

Water supply devices are widely used to supply tap water to water supply targets such as buildings. As for the water supply method of the water supply system, there is a water receiving tank method in which the water in the water main pipe is stored and pressurized to the water supply target by a pump, and a pump that uses the main pipe pressure of the water main pipe to increase. There is known a direct water supply system in which water is supplied to a water supply target by applying pressure.

There are two water tank systems: a single water tank system consisting of one water tank, and a two water tank system consisting of two water tanks communicating with each other through a communication pipe equipped with a gate valve. . In the case of the two-tank water tank type, the gate valve is normally opened so that the two water tanks communicate with each other, and the water stored in the two water tanks is supplied to the water supply target by the pump of the water supply device. By closing the sluice valve, one of the water tanks can be used to continue supplying water to the water supply target while cleaning the other water tank. At this time, the user selects a water tank to be used for water supply through an operation panel or the like. (Patent document 1)

Patent No. 3798479 specification JP 2006-161791

If the pump is operated when there is no water in the water tank, the pump will be damaged. Therefore, if the water level gauge detects a water shortage in the water tank, the pump of the water supply system will be forcibly stopped and the water will be cut off. (Patent Document 2) However, the water supply to the water supply target is a lifeline, and water outages must be avoided as much as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a water supply apparatus capable of continuing water supply even when an abnormality occurs in a water level gauge.

(Mode 1) According to mode 1, there is proposed a water supply apparatus for pressurizing and supplying water stored in a first water receiving tank and a second water receiving tank, which are communicated with each other by a communication pipe provided with a water stop valve, by a pump. be. The water supply apparatus controls the water receiving tank based on at least one of the water level signal of the first water level gauge for detecting the water level of the first water receiving tank and the water level signal of the second water level gauge for detecting the water level of the second water receiving tank. A control unit for performing The control unit is characterized in that, when an abnormality occurs in either the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge, the water receiving tank is controlled based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge. According to form 1, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge even when an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges.

(Mode 2) According to Mode 2, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 1, the control unit has a first water tank mode in which water is supplied using the first water tank, and a second water tank mode in which water is supplied using the second water tank. The water tank control is performed in one of the water tank mode and the water tank shared mode in which water is supplied using both the first water tank and the second water tank, and the control unit performs the water tank shared mode. Occasionally, water tank control is performed based on at least one of the water level signal of the first water level gauge and the water level signal of the second water level gauge, and an abnormality occurs in either the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge In this case, the water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge.

(Mode 3) According to Mode 3, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 2, the control unit is configured to operate based on the water level signal from the first water level gauge until an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge in the shared water receiving tank mode. The water tank control is performed, and after an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge, the water tank control is performed based on the water level signal from the second water level gauge.

(Mode 4) According to Mode 4, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 3, the first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve, and the second water receiving tank , is installed downstream of the second inflow pipe provided with the second city water inflow valve, and the control unit controls the When the first city water inflow valve is open and the water level in the second water tank does not rise, or when the first city water inflow valve is closed and the water level in the second water tank does not fall, the first It controls the pump based on the signal from the water level gauge. According to form 4, the water level gauge used for water tank control is not switched when there is a possibility that the water stop valve is abnormal or there is a possibility that the water stop valve has not been opened. Therefore, malfunction of the water supply device can be prevented.

(Mode 5) According to mode 5, in the water supply apparatus of mode 3 or 4, the first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve, and the second water receiving tank The water tank is installed downstream of the second inflow pipe provided with the second city water inflow valve, and the control unit controls the water tank based on the signal from the second water level gauge in the common water tank mode. Even if the abnormality occurring in the first water level gauge is resolved, when the first water receiving tank is in a predetermined water shortage state, the second city water inflow valve is open and the first water receiving tank is in the When the water level does not rise, or when the second city water inflow valve is closed and the water level in the first water tank does not fall, the water tank is controlled based on the signal from the second water level sensor. According to form 5, when the abnormality of the first water level gauge is resolved, the water level gauge used for controlling the pump is returned to the first water level gauge, thereby preventing the pump from stopping in a drought state. can.

(Mode 6) According to Mode 6, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 2 to 5, the control unit adds a predetermined amount to the water level of the first water tank and the water level of the second water tank in the shared water tank mode. When it is determined that there is the above difference, it is determined that the water stop valve is closed. According to form 6, it can be determined that the water stop valve is closed regardless of the common water tank mode.

(Mode 7) According to Mode 7, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 2 to 6, in the case of the first water tank mode, the controller controls the water tank at the detected water level of the first water level gauge. In the case of the second water tank mode, the water tank is controlled based on the water level detected by the second water level gauge.

(Mode 8) According to Mode 8, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 1 to 7, even when an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge, or when the second water tank is in a dry state, water tank control is performed based on the signal from the first water level gauge. According to the form 8, it is possible to prevent the pump from being forcibly stopped by switching the water level gauge used for water tank control from the first water level gauge to the second water gauge.

(Mode 9) According to Mode 9, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 1 to 8, the first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve, The second water receiving tank is installed downstream of the second inflow pipe provided with the second city water inflow valve. The condition for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge is when the water level in the first receiving tank does not rise after detecting that at least one of the first and second city water inflow valves and/or the second city water inflow valve is below the open level, or , when the water level in the first receiving tank does not drop after both the first and second city water inflow valves detect that the water level is above the closed level. In addition, the condition for detecting an abnormality in the second water level gauge is when the water level in the second receiving tank does not rise after detecting that at least one of the first and second city water inflow valves and/or the second city water inflow valve is below the open level, or , when the water level in the first receiving tank does not drop after both the first and second city water inflow valves detect that the water level is above the closed level. According to the ninth mode, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection by comparing the states of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge and detecting an abnormality in the water level gauge.

(Mode 10) According to Mode 10, in the water supply apparatus according to any one of Modes 1 to 9, the restoration conditions for restoring the first water level gauge that has been changed due to an abnormality as the water level gauge used for the water tank control include: The recovery conditions for restoring the second water level gauge that has been changed due to an abnormality as the water level gauge used for water tank control include that the water level in the first water tank is higher than the water level in the drought state. water level is higher than the water level in drought conditions. According to form 10, it is possible to prevent the pump from stopping in a water shortage state when the water level gauge that has been changed due to an abnormality is restored as the water level gauge used for water tank control again.

(Mode 11) According to Mode 11, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 1 to 10, a display for displaying the water level gauge used by the control unit for water tank control, out of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge It further comprises a part. According to the eleventh form, a user or the like can confirm the water level gauge used for water tank control through the display unit.

(Mode 12) According to the twelfth mode, there is proposed a water supply apparatus in which water stored in a water receiving tank is pressurized by a pump and supplied. Such a water supply apparatus includes a control unit that controls the water tank based on a water level signal from at least one of a first water level gauge and a second water level gauge that detect the water level of the water tank. The control unit is characterized in that, when an abnormality occurs in either the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge, the water receiving tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge. According to form 12, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge even when an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges.

(Mode 13) According to Mode 13, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 12, when the controller determines that the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge detects the water shortage state of the water receiving tank, the first water level It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the meter or the second water level meter. According to form 13, it is possible to prevent the pump from stopping due to an abnormality in the first water level gauge.

(Mode 14) According to mode 14, in the water supply device of mode 12 or 13, the water supply device communicates with the first water tank as a water tank and with a communicating pipe provided with a water stop valve. It has a second water tank, the first water level gauge is a water level gauge that detects the water level of the first water tank, and the second water level gauge is a water level gauge that detects the water level of the second water tank. According to form 14, when an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges based on the first water level gauge that detects the water level of the first water receiving tank and the second water level gauge that detects the water level of the second water receiving tank Water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge.

(Mode 15) According to Mode 15, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 14, the control unit has a first water tank mode in which water is supplied using the first water tank, and a second water tank mode in which water is supplied using the second water tank. The water tank control is performed in one of the water tank mode and the water tank shared mode in which water is supplied using both the first water tank and the second water tank, and the control unit performs the water tank shared mode. Occasionally, water tank control is performed based on at least one of the water level signal of the first water level gauge and the water level signal of the second water level gauge, and an abnormality occurs in either the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge In this case, the water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge. According to form 15, when the common water tank mode is in use, an abnormality occurs in one of the first water level gauge that detects the water level in the first water tank and the second water level gauge that detects the water level in the second water tank. Even when this occurs, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge.

(Mode 16) According to mode 16, in the water supply apparatus of mode 15, the control unit receives the water level signal of the first water level gauge until an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge in the shared water receiving tank mode. The water tank is controlled, and after an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge, the water receiving tank is controlled based on the water level signal of the second water level gauge.

(Mode 17) According to mode 17, in the water supply apparatus of mode 16, the first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve, and the second water receiving tank , is installed downstream of the second inflow pipe provided with the second city water inflow valve, and the control unit controls the When the first city water inflow valve is open and the water level in the second water tank does not rise, or when the first city water inflow valve is closed and the water level in the second water tank does not fall, the first The pump is controlled based on the water level signal from the water gauge. According to form 17, the water level gauge used for water tank control is not switched when there is a possibility that there is a problem such as an abnormality in the water stop valve or failure to open the water stop valve. Therefore, malfunction of the water supply device can be prevented.

(Mode 18) According to mode 18, in the water supply apparatus of mode 16 or 17, the first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve, and the second water receiving tank The water tank is installed downstream of the second inflow pipe provided with the second water inflow valve, and the control unit controls the water tank based on the water level signal of the second water level gauge in the common water tank mode. Even if the abnormality occurring in the first water level gauge is resolved, when the first water receiving tank is in a predetermined water shortage state, the second city water inflow valve is open and the first water receiving tank is in the When the water level does not rise, or when the second city water inflow valve is closed and the water level in the first water tank does not fall, water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the second water level gauge. According to form 18, when the abnormality of the first water level gauge is resolved, the water level gauge used for controlling the pump is returned to the first water level gauge, thereby preventing the pump from stopping in a drought state. can.

(Mode 19) According to mode 19, in the water supply apparatus according to any one of modes 15 to 18, the control unit adds a predetermined amount to the water level of the first water tank and the water level of the second water tank in the shared water tank mode. When it is determined that there is the above difference, it is determined that the water stop valve is closed. According to form 19, it can be determined that the water stop valve is closed regardless of the shared water tank mode.

(Mode 20) According to Mode 20, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 15 to 19, the controller controls the water tank at the detected water level of the first water level gauge in the case of the first water tank mode. In the case of the second water tank mode, the water tank is controlled based on the water level detected by the second water level gauge. According to form 20, in the case of the first water tank mode in which water is supplied using the first water tank, water tank control is performed at the detected water level of the first water level gauge that detects the water level of the first water tank. In addition, in the case of the second water tank mode in which water is supplied using the second water tank, water tank control is performed at the detected water level of the second water gauge that detects the water level of the second water tank.

(Mode 21) According to Mode 21, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 14 to 20, even when the first water level gauge or when the second water tank is in a dry state, water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the first water level gauge. According to form 21, it is possible to prevent the pump from being forcibly stopped when the water level gauge used for water tank control is switched from the first water level gauge to the second water level gauge.

(Mode 22) According to mode 22, in the water supply device of any one of modes 14 to 21, the first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve. The second water receiving tank is installed downstream of the second inflow pipe provided with the second city water inflow valve. The condition for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge is when the water level in the first receiving tank does not rise after detecting that at least one of the first and second city water inflow valves and/or the second city water inflow valve is below the open level, or , when the water level in the first receiving tank does not drop after detecting that both the first and second city water inflow valves are above the closed water level. In addition, the condition for detecting an abnormality in the second water level gauge is when the water level in the second receiving tank does not rise after detecting that at least one of the first and second city water inflow valves and/or the second city water inflow valve is below the open level, or , when the water level in the first receiving tank does not drop after detecting that both the first and second city water inflow valves are above the closed water level. According to form 22, it is possible to prevent false detection by comparing the states of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge and detecting an abnormality in the water level gauge.

(Mode 23) According to mode 23, in the water supply apparatus according to any one of modes 14 to 22, the restoration conditions for restoring the first water level gauge changed due to an abnormality as the water level gauge used for the water tank control include: The recovery conditions for restoring the second water level gauge that has been changed due to an abnormality as the water level gauge used for water tank control include that the water level in the first water tank is higher than the water level in the drought state. water level is higher than the water level in drought conditions. According to form 23, it is possible to prevent the pump from stopping in a water shortage state when the water level gauge changed due to the abnormality is restored as the water level gauge used for the water tank control again.

(Mode 24) According to mode 24, in the water supply apparatus according to any one of modes 12 to 23, a display for displaying the water level gauge used by the control unit for water tank control, out of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge It further comprises a part. According to form 24, the user or the like can confirm the water level gauge used for water tank control through the display unit.

(Mode 25) According to mode 25, there is proposed a water supply apparatus for pressurizing water stored in a water tank with a pump and supplying it to a water supply destination. The water supply apparatus includes a control unit that controls the water tank based on a water level signal from at least one of a plurality of water level gauges that detect the water level of the water tank, and the control unit controls the water level gauges of the plurality of water level gauges. It is characterized in that, when an abnormality is detected in any one of them, the water receiving tank control is performed based on the water level signals of the other water gauges. According to form 25, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge even when an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges.

(Mode 26) According to mode 26, in the water supply apparatus of mode 25, the control unit uses any one of the plurality of water level gauges as a normal water level gauge, the other water level gauges as backup water level gauges, and the regular water level Control the receiving tank based on the water level signal from the normal water level gauge until an abnormality is detected in the water level gauge. After detecting an abnormality in the normal water level gauge, control the receiving tank based on the water level signal from the backup water level gauge. It is characterized by According to form 26, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the backup water level gauge even when an abnormality occurs in the regular water level gauge.

(Mode 27) According to mode 27, in the water supply apparatus of mode 26, the water receiving tank is installed downstream of the inflow pipe provided with the city water inflow valve, and the control unit controls the normal water level gauge when an abnormality occurs. Even when the city water inflow valve is open and the water level detected by the backup water level gauge does not rise, or when the city water inflow valve is closed and the water level detected by the backup water level gauge is When the water level does not drop, the receiving tank is controlled based on the water level signal from the regular water level gauge. Mode 27 is when the city water inflow valve is open and the water level detected by the backup water level gauge does not rise, or when the city water inflow valve is closed and the water level detected by the backup water level gauge does not decrease. This is based on the possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the backup water level gauge.

(Mode 28) According to mode 28, in the water supply apparatus of mode 26 or 27, the water receiving tank is installed downstream of the inflow pipe provided with the city water inflow valve, and the control unit controls the backup water level gauge. When controlling the receiving tank based on the water level signal, when the water level of the normal water level gauge is in a dry state, when the city water inflow valve is open and the water level of the normal water level gauge does not rise, or when the city water When the inflow valve is closed and the water level of the regular water level gauge does not drop, water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the standby water level gauge. Mode 28 is when the water level of the normal water level gauge is in a dry state, when the city water inflow valve is open and the detected water level of the normal water level gauge does not rise, or when the city water inflow valve is closed and the normal water level is This is based on the possibility that the malfunction of the regular water level gauge has not been resolved when the water level detected by the water level gauge does not decrease.

(Mode 29) According to Mode 29, in the water supply apparatus of any one of Modes 26 to 28, the plurality of water level gauges include at least a first water level gauge and a second water level gauge, and the regular water level gauge is the first water level gauge. The backup water level gauge is the second water level gauge, and the control unit controls the water tank at the water level detected by the normal water level gauge in the first mode, and in the second mode, , water tank control is performed at the water level detected by the reserve water level gauge.

(Mode 30) According to Mode 30, in the water supply apparatus according to any one of Modes 25 to 29, the water supply apparatus includes a first water tank as a water tank and a communication pipe provided with a water stop valve. and the plurality of water level gauges include at least two water level gauges, a first water level gauge and a second water level gauge, wherein the first water level gauge detects the water level in the first water level gauge A second water gauge is a water gauge that detects the water level of the second water tank. According to form 30, when an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges based on the first water level gauge that detects the water level of the first water receiving tank and the second water level gauge that detects the water level of the second water receiving tank Water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge.

(Mode 31) According to Mode 31, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 30, the control unit has a first water tank mode in which water is supplied using the first water tank, and a second water tank mode in which water is supplied using the second water tank. Water tank control is performed in one of the water tank mode and the water tank shared mode in which water is supplied using both the first water tank and the second water tank. , Water tank control is performed with the water level detected by the first water level gauge, when in the second water tank mode, water tank control is performed with the water level detected by the second water level gauge, and when in the shared water tank mode, the first water level The second water level gauge is used as a backup water level gauge.

(Mode 32) According to mode 32, there is proposed a water supply device that pressurizes a liquid stored in a water receiving tank by a pump and supplies it to a water supply destination. a control unit that controls the water tank based on a water level signal from at least one of the water level gauges, wherein the control unit controls at least one of the plurality of water level gauges to control the water tank; When a predetermined abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the water receiving tank is controlled using a change sensor that is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge that detected the abnormality. characterized by According to form 32, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of another water level gauge even when an abnormality occurs in the water level gauge used as the control sensor, so water interruption due to an abnormality in the water level gauge can be reduced.

(Mode 33) According to mode 33, in the water supply apparatus of mode 32, the abnormality is a drought state in which the water level of the water receiving tank is equal to or lower than the water level at which the pump is stopped. As a result, it is possible to reduce water interruption due to detection of water shortage by the control sensor.

(Mode 34) According to Mode 34, in the water supply apparatus of Mode 32 or 33, the abnormality is a state in which the water level detected by the water level gauge is inconsistent. Normal water tank control can be continued by switching the water level used for water tank control from a water level meter that detects an inconsistent water level to another water level meter.

(Mode 35) According to mode 35, in the water supply apparatus of mode 34, the water level gauge is an electrode type level switch having a plurality of electrode rods, and the water level detected by the water level gauge is inconsistent. In the state of being in the water, it is detected that at least one of the plurality of electrode rods is exposed above the water surface, and at the same time, it is detected that a portion of the electrode rods that detect a water level higher than the exposed electrode rods is submerged. state. As a result, the water supply apparatus can accurately detect an abnormality in the electrode type level switch, and can also detect a wiring error in the signal line of the water level gauge.

(Mode 36) According to Mode 36, in the water supply apparatus of Modes 32 to 35, the abnormality is a contradictory state of water level change detected by the water level gauge. The water supply apparatus can continue normal water tank control by switching from a water level meter that detects a water level inconsistent with various states of the water supply equipment to another water level meter used for water tank control.

(Mode 37) According to mode 37, in the water supply apparatus of mode 36, if the water level detected by the water level gauge during the operation of the pump is equal to or higher than the water level before the pump is operated, the water level change inconsistent state. Normal water tank control can be continued by switching the water level gauge used for water tank control from a water level gauge that detects a water level inconsistent with the operating state of the pump to another water level gauge.

(Mode 38) According to Mode 38, in the water supply apparatus of Modes 32 to 37, even if the control sensor detects the abnormality, if the change sensor detects the abnormality, Defer changes to the change sensor. As a result, it is possible to prevent the control sensor from being changed to the water level gauge in which an abnormality has occurred, and furthermore, it is possible to prevent inching that occurs due to the change of the water level gauge that controls the water receiving tank, and the water supply system can stably receive water. Can perform aquarium control.

(Mode 39) According to Mode 39, in the water supply apparatus of Modes 32 to 38, after the water level gauge for controlling the water tank is changed due to the abnormality, the water level gauge changed due to the abnormality is restored. The conditions include that the water level detected by the water gauge changed due to the abnormality is higher than the water level in the drought state. As a result, when the water levels at all the water level gauges are in a dry state, it is possible to avoid changing the water level gauges and prevent inching in changing the water level gauges.

(Mode 40) According to Mode 40, in the water supply apparatus of Modes 32 to 39, the water supply apparatus is connected to a plurality of water receiving tanks communicating with a communication pipe provided with a water stop valve, and the water supply apparatus It has a water receiving tank shared mode in which water is supplied based on the water level signal of the control sensor while the plurality of water receiving tanks are communicated by a water stop valve, and when the control sensor detects the abnormality, another water receiving tank is provided. The water receiving tank is controlled by the change sensor provided in the water tank. As a result, water tank control can be continued using a normal water level gauge.

(Mode 41) According to mode 41, in the water supply apparatus of mode 40, the control unit adds a predetermined amount to the water level of the first water tank and the water level of the second water tank in the shared water tank mode. If it is determined that there is the above difference, even if the abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the change to the change sensor is suspended. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water level gauge of the receiving tank, which cannot be used due to the blockage of the communicating pipe, from being used for controlling the receiving tank.

(Mode 42) According to mode 42, in the water supply apparatus of modes 32 to 41, the control unit counts the number of switching times of the control sensor, and when the counted number of switching times exceeds a predetermined threshold value, , the water receiving tank is controlled by the control sensor that detects the abnormality. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive inching when changing the water level gauge that controls the water tank, and the water supply apparatus can perform stable water tank control.

(Mode 43) According to mode 43, in the water supply apparatus according to modes 32 to 42, the water level gauge used by the control unit for controlling the water tank is selected by an external input.

(Mode 44) According to mode 44, in the water supply apparatus of modes 32 to 43, the water level gauge used for the water tank control is displayed among the plurality of water gauges.

It is a figure showing an example of water supply equipment concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of water level judging processing of a receiving tank performed by a control part. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of sensor change determination processing executed by a control unit; It is a figure which shows another example of water supply equipment. It is a figure which shows an example of the water supply equipment which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the water gauge determination process in the control part of the water supply apparatus of a modification. It is a flow chart which shows an example of sensor change judging processing performed by a control part of a modification.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a water supply facility according to an embodiment of the invention. This water supply facility includes a water supply device 10, a water receiving tank 110A (first water receiving tank), and a water receiving tank 110B (second water receiving tank), and is mainly used in buildings such as condominiums, office buildings, commercial facilities, or schools. Equipment for supplying water (carrier liquid) to (water supply target). As shown in FIG. 1A, in the present embodiment, the water supply apparatus 10 is used in a water receiving tank system (two water receiving tank system) in which two water receiving tanks 110A and 110B are installed on the suction side (upstream side). . A water supply pipe 107 is connected to an outlet of the water supply device 10, and this water supply pipe 107 communicates with a water tap (for example, a faucet) of each building (not shown). The water supply device 10 pressurizes water stored in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B from a water supply main (not shown) serving as a water supply source, and supplies the water to each water faucet of the building. The water tank used by the water supply device 10 for water supply can be selected from the water tank 110A, the water tank 110B, or the common water tank 110A and the water tank 110B (shared water tank). be.

The water supply apparatus 10 operates in a first water tank mode in which water is supplied using the water tank 110A, a second water tank mode in which water is supplied using the water tank 110B, and a water tank in a state where a later-described gate valve 118B is released. It has one of the water tank shared modes in which water is supplied using both the water tank 110A and the water tank 110B. In this embodiment, the first water tank mode is selected when the water tank 110A is selected in the water tank selection, the second water tank mode is selected when the water tank 110B is selected, and the shared water tank is selected when the shared water tank is selected. mode.

First, the two-tank receiving tank type will be described. In the two-tank system, two water tanks 110A and 110B are used. The two water receiving tanks 110A and 110B are connected to the water main, which is a water supply source, by inflow pipes 130A (first inflow pipe) and 130B (second inflow pipe) branched from an introduction pipe 102 communicating with the water main pipe. Water from a tube (not shown) is collected. The inflow pipes 130A and 130B are provided with city water inflow valves 132A (first city water inflow valve) and 132B (second city water inflow valve), respectively. The city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are valves capable of shielding the flow paths of the inflow pipes 130A and 130B, and are composed of electromagnetic valves, for example, and are controlled by output signals from the I/O unit 47 of the water supply device 10. be done. The water receiving tank 110A is installed downstream of an inflow pipe 130A provided with a city water inflow valve 132A. By opening the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, the water in the introduction pipe 102 flows into the water receiving tank 110A. The water receiving tank 110B is installed downstream of an inflow pipe 130B provided with a city water inflow valve 132B, and when the city water inflow valve 132B is opened, the water in the introduction pipe 102 flows into the water receiving tank 110B. do.

The water receiving tanks 110A, 110B and the suction port of the water supply device 10 are connected by introduction pipes 116A, 116B. Introductory pipes 116A and 116B are provided with gate valves 118A and 118B that can be manually opened and closed, respectively. By opening the gate valve 118A, the water receiving tank 110A and the water supply device 10 are communicated, and by opening the gate valve 118B, the water receiving tank 110B and the water supply device 10 are communicated, and one or both of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B are connected. The water stored in is introduced into the water supply device 10 .

Also, the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B are connected to each other by a communicating pipe 112 provided with a water stop valve 114 . The water stop valve 114 is composed of, for example, a sluice valve. are independent of each other.

Each of the water tanks 110A and 110B is provided with a first water level gauge that detects the water level in the water tank 110A and a second water level gauge that detects the water level in the water tank 110B. . Specifically, an electrode type level switch 120A (first water level gauge) and an electrode type level switch 120B (second water level gauge), which are water level gauges for detecting the water levels in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B, are provided. The state of the water level in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B is a water shortage state when the water level is below a predetermined water level at which the pump 20 is forcibly stopped, and a full water state when the water level is above a predetermined water level at which water may overflow. The I/O section 47 of the water supply device 10 receives detection signals from the electrode level switches 120A and 120B. Each of the electrode type level switches 120A, 120B has a plurality of electrode rods 121-125 arranged in the water receiving tanks 110A, 110B. A plurality of electrode rods 121 to 125 are water level detectors, and open the common electrode rod 121, the electrode rod 122 for detection of drought, and the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B in the order that the low water level can be detected. An electrode rod 123 for detecting an open water level, an electrode rod 124 for detecting a closed water level for closing the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, and an electrode rod 125 for detecting a full water level. The electrode type level switches 120A, 120B are not limited to having five electrode rods 121 to 125, and may have three, four, or six or more electrode rods. Even in that case, it is preferable to detect the water shortage with the electrode rods that can detect the lowest water level, and detect the full water level with the electrode rods that can detect the highest water level. Also, the water level for opening the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B should be lower than the water level for closing the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B.

Here, in the electrode-type level switch 120A (first water level gauge) and the electrode-type level switch 120B (second water level gauge), changes in resistance between each electrode bar 121 to 125 and the longest common electrode bar 121 By detecting , it is detected that the water level is higher than the lower ends of the electrode rods 122-125. That is, the water level of the electrode type level switch 120A (first water level gauge) and the electrode type level switch 120B (second water level gauge) becomes higher than the lower ends of the electrode bars 122 to 125, and the electrode bars 122 to 125 and the common electrode bar 121 is conducted by water, a detection signal of each water level is output to the I/O section 47 which will be described later.

Each of the water tanks 110A and 110B is provided with float switches 140A and 140B, which are water level gauges for detecting the water level in the water tanks 110A and 110B, instead of or in addition to the electrode type level switches 120A and 120B. good too. Detection signals from the float switches 140A and 140B are transmitted to the control section 40 of the water supply device 10 . A plurality of float switches 140A and 140B may be provided to detect the water level of drought, the open water level of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, the closed water level of the city water inflow valves, and the full water level.

Note that the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B may be opened and closed without using the control unit 40. Specifically, the water level gauge described above is provided with an output section such as a relay contact connected to the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, and the signal from the output section controls opening and closing of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B. Each water level gauge turns on the signal to open the corresponding city water inflow valve 132A, 132B when the water level of the city water inflow valve 132A, 132B is detected to be below the open level, and when the water level of the city water inflow valve 132A, 132B is detected to be above the closed level. The signal to open the city water inflow valve may be turned off.

Next, the water supply device 10 of this embodiment will be described. The water supply device 10 includes a pump 20, a motor 21 as a drive section for driving the pump 20, and an inverter 22 as a frequency converter for driving the motor 21 at variable speeds. The water supply device 10 also includes a check valve 23 , a flow switch 24 , a pressure sensor 26 and a pressure tank 28 on the discharge side (downstream side) of the pump 20 .

In the example shown in FIG. 1, two sets of pump 20, motor 21, check valve 23, and flow switch 24 are provided, and these are provided in parallel. One set, or three or more sets of pump 20, motor 21, check valve 23, and flow switch 24 may be provided. By providing a plurality of pumps 20, when some of the pumps 20 become inoperable, the other pumps 20 that are operable continue to supply water, thereby avoiding water outages as much as possible.

The check valve 23 is provided in the discharge pipe 32 connected to the discharge port of the pump 20, and prevents backflow of water when the pump 20 stops. A flow switch 24 is provided downstream of the check valve 23 . The flow switch 24 is a flow rate detector that detects that the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge pipe 32 has decreased to a predetermined value, that is, an insufficient amount of water (small amount of water). Further downstream of the flow switch 24 in the discharge pipe 32, a pressure sensor 26 and a pressure tank 28 are provided. The pressure sensor 26 is a pressure measuring instrument for measuring the discharge pressure of the pump 20 (hereinafter, the discharge pressure indicates the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 26). Pressure tank 28 is a pressure retainer for holding the discharge pressure while pump 20 is stopped.

The water supply device 10 includes a control unit 40 that controls the pump 20 to control the water supply operation. As shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 40 includes a storage unit 41, a calculation unit 42, an I/O unit 47, an operation panel 44, and a communication unit 48.

As the storage unit 41, nonvolatile memory such as ROM, HDD, EEPROM, FeRAM, and flash memory, and volatile memory such as RAM are used. The storage unit 41 stores a control program for controlling the water supply device 10, and various data related to the water supply device 10, such as device information, set value information, maintenance information, history information, abnormality information, and operation information. Note that these may be stored in the non-volatile storage area if the storage unit 41 has a non-volatile storage area.

In the present embodiment, the device information or set value information that can be changed includes whether the water receiving tank is a one-tank type or two-tank type, water receiving tank selection, the number of electrode rods in the electrode level switches 120A and 120B, Furthermore, the water level signal input to each electrode and the currently selected water receiving tank 110A and/or 110B are stored.

A CPU is used as the calculation unit 42 . The calculation unit 42 performs calculations and the like for controlling each device constituting the water supply device 10 based on the control program and various data stored in the storage unit 41 and signals input from the I/O unit 47. conduct. The calculation unit 42 also controls communication in the communication unit 48 and the I/O unit 47 and the like, and controls display and operation on the operation panel 44 . The calculation result of the calculation unit 42 is stored in the storage unit 41 and output to the I/O unit 47 and the communication unit 48 .

A port or the like is used as the I/O unit 47 . The I/O unit 47 receives detection signals from various sensors such as the pressure sensor 26, the flow switch 24, the electrode type level switches 120A and 120B provided in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B, and the float switches 140A and 140B. and sent to the calculation unit 42. The I/O section 47 also sends command signals from the computing section 42 to the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B provided in the introduction pipe 102 to the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B. Also, the I/O section 47 and the inverter 22 are connected to each other. The I/O section 47 and the inverter 22 are preferably connected to each other by communication means such as RS422, 232C, 485 or the like.

The operation panel 44 is a GUI that can display and change various data stored in the storage unit 41 via the calculation unit 42 . Specifically, the operation panel 44 displays device information, set value information, maintenance information and setting changes, maintenance information, history information display, input, history clear, error information display and reset, and operation information. is displayed, etc. Note that the control unit 40 and the operation panel 44 may be separate substrates. In this case, the control unit 40 and the operation panel 44 are preferably connected via serial communication, a cable such as a signal line, or wirelessly. When the control unit 40 and the operation panel 44 are formed on separate substrates, the operation panel 44 may be installed in a place away from the water supply device 10 (for example, a manager's room, etc.). Further, the operation panel 44 may be provided with a CPU, and the CPU may control display operations and control communication with the control unit 40 and the external terminal 80 .

The setting unit 45 of the operation panel 44 is an information input unit of the control unit 40, and is operated/stopped for automatic water supply in the water supply device 10 by the user's external operation, selection of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B, alarm reset, and various operations. It is used to perform various input operations such as changing data settings. The setting unit 45 may include operation buttons, a touch panel, or the like (not shown). Here, in the present embodiment, the input through the setting unit 45 and the input through the communication unit 48 are called external inputs. Information input by an external operation through the setting unit 45 is stored in the storage unit 41 . For example, the setting unit 45 can change the settings of the water supply system of the water supply device 10, the set pressure PA, the minimum pressure PB, the start pressure P0, and the stop pressure P1 as set value information.

A display unit 46 of the operation panel 44 functions as a user interface and is configured to display various data stored in the storage unit 41 . The water supply system 10 may be installed in an electrically noisy environment such as a machine room or pump room. In preparation for such a case, as the display unit 46, a display configured with a 7-segment LED or a display lamp that is more resistant to electrical noise than a liquid crystal display and a touch panel, and a mechanical push button may be used. . As a result, even in an external environment where the display operation unit 80A of the external terminal 80 malfunctions due to electrical noise or the like, it is possible to display the minimum display necessary for the operation of the water supply device 10 on the display unit 46. can. Therefore, the water supply device 10 can be installed even in an environment with a lot of electrical noise. However, the display unit 46 is not limited to a display resistant to electrical noise, and a dot-matrix liquid crystal display or the like may be used.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the operation panel 44 of this embodiment. The operation panel 44 of this embodiment, as illustrated, preferably has a water tank selection button 441 as an operation button and a plurality of LEDs (L1 to L4). The water tank selection button 441 is, for example, a tact switch, and when the operator presses it, any one of "No. 1", "No. 2", and "common" can be selected as the water tank selection. The water supply device 10 supplies water using the water tank 110A when the water tank selection is "No. 1", and uses the water tank 110B when the water tank selection is "No. 2". If the water tank selection is "common", water is supplied using both the water tank 110A and the water tank 110B. The state of water tank selection by the water tank selection button 441 is indicated by lighting of one or both of L3 and L4. That is, when "No. 1" is selected, only L3 is lit, and when "No. 2" is selected, only L4 is lit, and "
Both L3 and L4 light up when "shared" is selected. Also, a water level alarm may be indicated by lighting or flashing of L1 or L2. Specifically, when the water level of the water tank selected as the water tank selection is full, L1 lights up as a full water alarm. When the water level of the selected water tank is in a low water state, L2 blinks as a low water warning, and when the water level in the selected water tank is in a water shortage state, L2 lights up as a water shortage warning. The water tank selection may be changed by an external input to the communication section 48 or the I/O section 47 instead of or in addition to being changed by the water tank selection button 441 .

When the user of the water supply device 10 selects "shared" in water tank selection and opens the water stop valve 114 of the communication pipe 112, the water supply system 10 conveys the water stored in the water tanks 110A and 110B. At this time, both gate valves 118A and 118B are preferably opened, but only one of them may be opened. When the user of the water supply device 10 selects “No. Configure. The user of the water supply device 10 selects “No. While continuing the water supply by the water supply device 10, maintenance such as draining and cleaning the water receiving tank 110B can be performed. In addition, by selecting "No. 2" in the water tank selection, opening the gate valve 118B with the water stop valve 114 closed, and closing the gate valve 118A, the water supply device 10 using the water tank 110B Maintenance such as cleaning of the water receiving tank 110A can be performed while water supply is continued.

The communication unit 48 is configured to be able to communicate with the external terminal 80 through wired communication or wireless communication. Specifically, various information about the water supply device 10 stored in the storage unit 41 is transmitted to the external terminal 80, and the setting change of the setting value information from the external terminal 80 is received as an information input unit of the control unit 40, It is sent to the calculation unit 42 . In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, transmission of a signal from the external terminal 80 to the communication unit 48 is included in the “external input” in the water supply device 10 . For wireless communication in the communication unit 48, for example, near field communication (NFC) technology can be used. In addition, any type of wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi can be used. However, NFC is advantageous in that communication can be completed simply by bringing the control unit 40 and the external terminal 80 close to each other. As wired communication, for example, the control unit 40 may be provided with an external connection terminal such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and the external terminal 80 may be connected to this terminal for communication, or RS422, 232C. , 485, etc. may be used.

The external terminal 80 has a display operation unit 80A, and is configured to communicate with the communication unit 48 of the water supply device 10 to display and change various data related to the water supply device 10 . Specifically, the external terminal 80 receives various data stored in the storage unit 41 from the communication unit 48 of the water supply device 10 and displays the data on the display operation unit 80A. In addition, the external terminal 80 transmits to the communication unit 48 of the water supply apparatus 10 a change request for various data input by the user by operating the display operation unit 80A. The display/operation unit 80A can adopt a high-performance display on a liquid crystal screen using a touch input method or a push button method. In this case, simple information may be displayed on the display unit 46 of the water supply device 10, and a large amount of information may be displayed on the external terminal 80. FIG. With such a configuration, the external terminal 80 can store a plurality of information (for example, set pressure PA, minimum pressure PB, starting pressure P0, stopping pressure P1, target pressure SV, current pressure PV, operation/stop of the pump 20, rotation speed, etc.) can be displayed on the same screen of the display operation unit 80A. As a result, even a user unfamiliar with the water supply device 10 can recognize the state of the water supply device 10 and input settings without misunderstanding.

Furthermore, when a general-purpose terminal device (PDA) such as a smart phone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or a tablet is adopted as the external terminal 80, dedicated application software for acting as the external terminal 80 is installed on these PDAs. may be installed. In this case, a plurality of dedicated application software may be prepared according to the user's level or purpose.

Note that the functions of the operation panel 44 described above may all be implemented by the external terminal 80 . In this way, even if the water supply device 10 is installed in a place where it is difficult to operate (for example, the operation panel 44 is near the operator's feet), it becomes easy to perform operations such as checking the state of the water supply device 10 and changing set value information. .

Next, an example of water supply control of the water supply device 10 by the control unit 40 will be described. The controller 40 starts at least one of the pumps 20 when the discharge pressure drops to a predetermined starting pressure P0 when the pump 20 is stopped and the water shortage is not occurring. Specifically, the control unit 40 issues a command to the motor 21 (or the inverter if the inverter is provided) to start driving the pump 20 . During the operation of the pump 20, control such as estimated terminal pressure constant control or target pressure constant control is performed according to the set pressure (set pressure PA). Specifically, in the case of constant estimated end pressure control, the control unit 40 uses the rotation speed of the pump 20 and the target pressure control curve so that the pressure at the end of the water supply destination is constant at the minimum pressure PB. to set the target pressure SV for the discharge pressure of the pump 20 . In the case of constant target pressure control, the control unit 40 sets the set pressure PA to the target pressure SV so that the pressure on the discharge side of the pump 20 becomes the set pressure PA. In both cases of the constant estimated terminal pressure control and the constant target pressure control, the control unit 40 sets the discharge pressure to the current pressure PV. Then, the command rotation speed of the pump 20 is set by performing a PID calculation on the difference between the target pressure SV and the current pressure PV. In the estimated end pressure constant control, the set pressure PA is the pressure value at the maximum flow rate, and the minimum pressure PB is the pressure value at the end water faucet at zero flow rate. In addition, when there are a plurality of pumps as in the present embodiment, the control unit 40 also controls the number of pumps according to the amount of water based on the number of pumps that can be started at the same time (the number of pumps that operate in parallel). The number of pumps operating in parallel may be stored in the storage unit 41 as set value information.

When the water usage in the building decreases while the pump 20 is in operation, the flow switch 24 detects that the discharge flow rate from the pump 20 has fallen below the insufficient water amount Qmin, and the detection signal is sent through the I/O section 47. and sent to the control unit 40. Upon receiving this detection signal, the control unit 40 performs a pressure accumulation operation that controls the rotation speed of the pump 20 so that the discharge pressure reaches the stop pressure P1 in a predetermined time. When the discharge pressure reaches a predetermined stop pressure P1, it is determined that the pressure is accumulated in the pressure tank 28, the pressure accumulation operation is terminated, and the pump 20 is stopped (small water volume stop). After the pump 20 stops for a small amount of water, when the water is used again in the building and the discharge pressure drops below the starting pressure P0, the pump 20 is restarted for a small amount of water. In addition, when there are a plurality of pumps as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to rotate the pumps 20 to be started to prevent water from remaining in the pumps 20 . Also, as a method for detecting a small amount of water, other means such as a low load based on the current value of the motor 21 or a closing lift may be used without using the flow switch 24 .

In the present embodiment, signals from the electrode level switches 120A and 120B are input to the control unit 40, but the control unit 40 selects one of the two input signals from the electrode level switches 120A and 120B. , determines the water level of the water tanks 110A and 110B based on only one of the signals, and executes water tank control based on the determined water level. The water tank control includes opening/closing control of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, forced stop of the pump 20 due to water shortage, display of a water level alarm on the operation panel 44 and the external terminal 80, etc., and operation of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B. At least one of an external output such as an open/close signal and a water level alarm is included. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of water level determination processing of the water tanks 110A and 110B executed by the control unit 40. As shown in FIG. This water level determination process is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds or every few minutes) while the water supply device 10 is activated.

When the water level determination process is executed, the control unit 40 first determines the currently selected water tank (water tank selection) (S110). Here, the water receiving tank selected by the external input is stored in a predetermined area of the storage section 41, and the determination in S110 may be performed by referring to the predetermined area of the storage section 41. FIG.

When the water tank selection is "No. 1" or "No. 2" (S110: first or second water tank), the control unit 40 sets the water level gauge of the selected water tank as the control sensor ( S120). That is, the control unit 40 sets the first water level gauge (the electrode type level switch 120A and/or the float switch 140A) as the control sensor when "No. 1" is selected in the water tank selection, and " No. 2” is selected, the second water gauge (electrode level switch 120B and/or float switch 140B) is set as the control sensor. Water tank control is executed using the water level detected by the control sensor. When the control sensor is set, the control unit 40 stores the set control sensor in the storage unit 41 . Further, the control unit 40 may display the control sensors stored in the storage unit 41 on the display unit 46 according to the operation of the setting unit 45 by the operator. Furthermore, the control unit 40 may notify the external terminal 80 of the currently set control sensor by communication in response to a request signal or the like from the external terminal 80 .

Then, the control unit 40 determines the water level of the water receiving tank using the set detection value of the control sensor (S160), and ends the water level determination process. Currently, "No. 1" or "No. 2" is selected as the water tank selection, and at this time, the water stop valve 114 is closed and the water tanks 110A and 110B are independent. Therefore, the control unit 40 may determine the water level of the water tank 110A or the water tank 110B using the electrode type level switches 120A, 120B or the float switches 140A, 140B of the water tank 110A, 110B used.

On the other hand, when the water tank selection is "shared" (S110: shared), the control unit 40 continues to determine whether or not the first water level gauge is normal (S130).

Here, as an example of conditions for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, it is detected that the water level that opens the city water inflow valve 132A is detected and at the same time the water level is such that the city water inflow valve 132A is closed. If there is a contradiction in the water level detected by the electrode type level switch 120A, such as when a water level state equal to or higher than the water level, such as a water shortage state and a water full state, is detected at the same time, the first If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the water level gauge, and the second water level gauge also has a contradiction in the water level detected by the electrode type level switch 120B, an abnormality has occurred in the second water gauge. is determined to be

In addition, as another example of the conditions for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, when "shared" is selected in the water receiving tank selection, the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge If there is a discrepancy in the detected water level, the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge are regarded as abnormal. Specifically, the control unit 40 sets, as a condition for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge, that when at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is open, water reaches the electrode rod 123 for detecting the open water level. When the water level does not reach the electrode rod 124 for detecting the closed water level, or when the first water level gauge does not detect a rise in the water level, or when both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are closed, the pump 20 If the first water level gauge cannot detect the water level below the closed water level or the water level does not fall below the open water level even though the is operated, it is better to detect the abnormality of the first water level gauge. . In addition, the control unit 40 detects, as conditions for detecting an abnormality in the second water level gauge, when at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is open, when the second water level gauge does not detect an increase in the water level, , when the second water level gauge does not detect a drop in the water level even though the pump 20 is operating while both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are closed, and when an abnormality in the second water level gauge is detected. good. At least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened to allow water to flow into the receiving tanks 110A and 110B from the main pipe, and the water levels of both receiving tanks 110A and 110B rise at substantially the same timing. based on Further, when the pump 20 operates with the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B closed and water is transferred to the water supply device 10, the water levels in both the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B drop at substantially the same timing. based on Detecting an abnormality by comparing the values of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge can prevent erroneous detection.

When the controller 40 determines that there is no abnormality in the first water level gauge (S130: Yes), it sets the first water level gauge as the control sensor (S140). On the other hand, when it is determined that the first water level gauge is abnormal (S130: No), the control unit 40 sets the second water level gauge as the control sensor instead of the first water level gauge (S150). After setting the control sensor, the control unit 40 determines the water level signal from the signals of the electrodes 121 to 125 of the set control sensor (S160), and ends the water level determination process.

Currently, "shared" is selected in the water tank selection, and at this time, the water stop valve 114 is opened and the water tanks 110A and 110B are in communication, so the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge are detected. The water levels of target water tanks 110A and 110B are equal. However, for example, when the electrode type level switches 120A and 120B are used, the length of each of the electrode rods 121 to 125 is adjusted at the installation site of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B. , even if the water stop valve 114 is open, the signals detected by each of the electrode type level switches 120A and 120B may not be the same. Since an error occurs in the detected values of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge in this way, in this embodiment, when there is no abnormality in the first water level gauge, the control unit 40 controls the first water level gauge. By determining the water levels of the water tanks 110A and 110B by setting them as sensors for water tanks 110A and 110B, it is possible to prevent problems from occurring in the water tank control by the control unit 40 even when different detection signals are generated by the water level gauges. .

Further, when "shared" is selected in the water tank selection, if there is an abnormality in the first water level gauge, the control unit 40 sets the second water level gauge as a control sensor to determine the water level. Therefore, even when an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge and the correct water level is not detected, the signal of the second water level gauge can be used to continue water supply by the water supply device 10 .

According to the water supply device 10 of the present embodiment, for the second water level gauge, "No. 2" is selected in water tank selection for maintenance of the first water tank 110A, and only the water tank 110B is used. Alternatively, it is used as a control sensor only when "shared" is selected in the water tank selection and an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge. Therefore, the second water level gauge is used less frequently than the first water level gauge. Therefore, as the water level gauge for detecting the water level of the water receiving tank 110B, a water level gauge that is less expensive than the water level gauge of the water receiving tank 110A may be employed. For example, the electrode type level switch 120A may have more electrodes than the electrode type level switch 120B. In that case, it is preferable to be able to set the type of water level gauge and the detectable water level for each water tank.

The controller 40 controls the water tank based on the water level detected by the control sensor. Here, for the control of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B among the water tank control, the control unit 40 should output the open/close signals of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B corresponding to the control sensors. However, when the water tank selection is "common", the predetermined city water inflow valves 132A and 132B may be controlled, and the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B that are different for each time are controlled,
Both city water inlet valves 132A, 132B may be controlled. As a specific example of the opening and closing of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, the control unit 40 operates when the water level detected by the control sensor becomes lower than the valve open water level (for example, when the electrode rod 123 is exposed above the water surface). , at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened, and when the water level detected by the control sensor rises above the valve closing water level (for example, when a part of the electrode rod 124 is submerged) state), the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are closed. Furthermore, as a specific example of water tank control, the pump 20 is forcibly stopped when the water level detected by the control sensor becomes lower than the water shortage level (for example, when the electrode rod 122 is exposed above the water surface). In addition, the control unit 40, as water tank control, issues a water shortage alarm as a water shortage state when the water level detected by the control sensor becomes lower than the water level, and the water level detected by the control sensor becomes equal to or higher than the full water level. When the water level becomes high (for example, when the electrode rod 125 is partly submerged), it is assumed that the water level is full and a full water alarm is issued. The water shortage alarm and the water full alarm may be notified by a buzzer or display on L1, L2, etc. of the display unit 46 as a control of the operation panel 44, or by transmitting a signal from the communication unit 48 to the outside. good too.

In the above-described embodiment, the water level determination process of FIG. 2 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 40 at predetermined time intervals, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, when the selection of the water tanks 110A and 110B is changed by an external input, or when an abnormality occurs in at least one of the electrode type level switches 120A and 120B, or when the abnormality is resolved, the control unit 40 controls It is good also as what sets the sensor for. Then, the control unit 40 may determine the water levels of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B using the set control sensors.

In the above-described embodiment, when "shared" is selected in water tank selection, the water level of water tanks 110A and 110B is determined using the control sensor set based on the presence or absence of abnormality in the first water level gauge. shall be. However, in the above-described embodiment, when the control sensor is changed because the first water level gauge has become abnormal or the abnormality has been resolved, it is possible to change the control sensor after confirming that a certain condition is satisfied. good. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of sensor change determination processing executed by the control unit 40. As shown in FIG. This sensor change determination process is executed when the control sensor is changed by the water level determination process of FIG. 2 when "shared" is selected in the water tank selection. That is, it is preferably executed when an abnormality occurs in the first water level gauge or when the abnormality in the first water level gauge is resolved.

When the sensor change determination process is executed, the control unit 40 first determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the water level gauge (changed sensor) to be used as the control sensor after the change (S210). That is, when the control sensor is changed from the first water level gauge to the second water level gauge in the water level determination process of FIG. It is determined whether or not As the process of S210, an arbitrary method may be employed as in the determination of the presence or absence of abnormality in the first water level gauge in the water level determination process of FIG. When the control sensor is changed from the second water level gauge to the first water level gauge in the water level determination process of FIG. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the water level gauge. However, we are now considering the case when the abnormality of the first water level gauge is resolved, and in this case, the processing of S210 may be omitted. Then, when there is an abnormality in the change sensor (S210: No), the control unit 40 suspends the change of the control sensor (S250), and terminates the sensor change determination process. By such control, it is possible to prevent the control sensor from being changed to the water level gauge in which an abnormality has occurred, and it is possible to prevent the control by the control unit 40 from being defective.

When there is no abnormality in the change sensor (S210: Yes), the control unit 40 subsequently determines whether or not the water level detected by the change sensor indicates a water shortage (S220). Then, when the water level detected by the change sensor indicates a drought state (S220: No), the control unit 40 suspends the change of the control sensor (S250), and terminates the sensor change determination process. This is based on the emergency stop of the pump 20 by the control unit 40 when the water level gauge used after the change determines that the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B are in a water shortage state. Also, if the water level gauge used after the change has a problem such as falling of the electrode rod 122 for detecting the water level of water shortage, it is in a water shortage state. Such control can prevent the pump 20 from being forcibly stopped after the water level gauge used for control is changed.

When the water level detected by the change sensor does not indicate a water shortage (S220: Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether or not the water stop valve 114 is open (S230). Here, the processing of S230 is now considered when "common" is selected in the water receiving tank selection. It determines whether or not the water valve 114 is closed. As an example, the control unit 40 determines that the water stop valve 114 is closed when at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is open and no increase in water level is detected by the change sensor. In addition, the control unit 40 closes the water stop valve 114 when the change sensor does not detect a drop in the water level even though the pump 20 operates when both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are closed. determined to be Normally, when the stop valve 114 is open, at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened and water flows into the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B from the water main pipe. Based on the fact that both water levels rise at approximately the same time. Further, if the water stop valve 114 is open, when the pump 20 operates with the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B closed and water is transferred to the water supply device 10, both of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B It is based on the fact that the water level falls at approximately the same time. When the control unit 40 determines that the water stop valve 114 is not open (S230: No), it suspends the change of the control sensor (S250), and ends the sensor change determination process. By such control, it is possible to prevent the control sensor from being changed when the stop valve 114 is closed even though "shared" is selected in the water tank selection, and the control unit It is possible to prevent problems from occurring in the water tank control by 40 .

When there is no abnormality in the change sensor (S210: Yes), the water level detected by the change sensor does not indicate a water shortage state (S220: Yes), and the water stop valve 114 is open, the control unit 40 (S230: Yes), the control sensor is changed (S240), and the sensor change determination process ends.

In other words, the restoration condition for restoring the first water level gauge changed due to the abnormality as the water level gauge used for water tank control includes that the water level in the first water tank is higher than the water level in the drought state (S220: Yes). The return condition for restoring the second water level gauge changed due to the abnormality as the water level gauge used for water tank control is that the water level of the second water tank is higher than the water level in the drought state (S220: Yes). included. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pump 20 from stopping due to a water shortage when the water level gauge changed due to the abnormality is restored as the water level gauge used for the water tank control again.

When the change of the control sensor is suspended in S250, the suspension may be notified by a buzzer, display on the display unit 46, or transmission of a signal from the communication unit 48 to the outside. Further, when the change of the control sensor is put on hold, the sensor change determination process may be executed again after a predetermined period of time (for example, after several minutes).

Further, when the control unit 40 selects "shared" in water tank selection, when it determines that there is a difference of a predetermined amount or more between the water level of the water tank 110A and the water level of the water tank 110B, the water tank is stopped. It may be determined that the water valve 114 is closed. As an example, the control unit 40 controls the water stop valve 114 when there is a difference of two or more of the plurality of electrode rods between the detection by the electrode level switch 120A and the detection by the electrode level switch 120B. may be determined to be closed. Then, when the control unit 40 determines that the water stop valve 114 is closed even though "shared" is selected in the water tank selection, the control unit 40 displays a buzzer, displays on the display unit 46, or performs communication. An alarm may be issued and notified by transmitting a signal from the unit 48 to the outside.

The water levels in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B and the operation of the pump 20 using the determined control sensor will be described. First, when the water supply device 10 is installed, the water level when there is no water in the water tank selected by the water tank selection is the water level below the electrode rod 122 of the control sensor, and the pump 20 is in a water shortage state. is in a stopped state. In such a drought state, since the water level is below the electrode rod 123, at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened to allow water to flow into the receiving tanks 110A and 110B from the water main pipe, thereby lowering the water level. raise. Here, the drought state is preferably detected when the water level is below the water level, and then released when the water level rises to an arbitrary water level that is higher than the water level and lower than the full water level. Here, the electrode rod 123 is used as the water level for canceling the water shortage condition, and when at least part of the electrode rod 123 is submerged in water, the water shortage condition is canceled and the forced stop of the pump 20 is cancelled. When the water level further rises and at least part of the electrode rod 124 of the control sensor is submerged in water and the water level rises above the closed water level, the control unit 40 closes both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B. , and the inflow of water into the receiving tanks 110A and 110B is stopped. When the discharge pressure of the pump 20 is lowered while the water shortage state is cancelled, the pump 20 is started and the water in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B is conveyed to the supply destination. When the pump 20 is started and the water level drops below the electrode rod 123 of the control sensor, the controller 40 opens at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B to allow water to flow into the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B. .

In the above-described embodiment, signals from each of the electrode level switches 120A and 120B are input to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 sets one of the electrode level switches 120A and 120B as a control sensor to control the water tank. It was supposed to be controlled. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and as shown in FIG. 4, electrode type level switches 120A and 120B are connected to the control unit 40 via a changeover switch 150, and only one signal selected by the changeover switch 150 is controlled. It may be input to the unit 40 . Specifically, the control unit 40 outputs a signal to the switch 150 so that only the selected control sensor is connected to the I/O unit 47 . As an example, the selector switch 150 is connected to the I/O section 47 and switches the water gauge connected to the I/O section 47 according to a signal from the control section 40 . The city water inflow valves 132A and 132B may also be connected to the control unit 40 via a changeover switch 160, and an open/close signal may be sent from the control unit 40 to one selected by the changeover switch 160. . As an example, the changeover switch 160 is connected to the I/O section 47 and switches the city water inflow valve connected to the I/O section 47 according to a command from the control section 40 . Note that the switching of the changeover switches 150 and 160 may be interlocked with each other. In such a configuration, the input port of the I/O section to which the electrode level switches 120A and 120B are connected and the output port of the I/O section to which the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are connected are shared. This is particularly effective when the number of ports in the unit 40 is small.

In the above-described embodiment, when "shared" is selected in the water tank selection, water tank control is performed by selecting either the water level of the water tank 110A or the water level of the water tank 110B. However, if there is no abnormality in the water level gauges of both the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, the detection values of both the first water level gauge and the second water gauge are used to control the receiving tank. good too. Specifically, the value of the control sensor in FIG. 2 may be obtained by averaging the detected values of both the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge. Also in this case, if an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges, it is preferable to control the receiving tank only by the signal of the other water gauge. Also, analog type water level gauges (for example, drop-in type water level sensors) may be used for the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge.

A water supply apparatus 10 for pressurizing and supplying water stored in a water receiving tank 110A and a water receiving tank 110B, which are communicated by a communication pipe 112 provided with a water stop valve 114, by a pump 20, and detects the water level of the water receiving tank 110A. The control unit 40 performs water tank control based on at least one of the water level signal of the first water level gauge and the water level signal of the second water level gauge that detects the water level of the water receiving tank 110B. When an abnormality occurs in either one of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge. As a result, even when one of the water level gauges malfunctions, the water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water gauge, thereby avoiding a water outage. For example, if the power receiving part of the electrode rod 122 of the control sensor rusts due to deterioration over time or falls into the water tank, the control part 40 forcibly stops the pump 20 in a water shortage state to cut off the water supply. However, if the actual water levels in the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B are such that the pumps can be started normally, the control unit 40 simultaneously detects the water shortage state and the water level higher than that, so it is possible to determine whether the water level gauge is abnormal. Furthermore, water supply can be continued by switching the abnormal control sensor.

In the above-described embodiment, any one of “No. In 441, "No. 1" and "No. 2" may be selected, and an inflow valve selection button (not shown) may be provided to select which of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B to use. With the inflow valve selection button, only one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is used "single", the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are alternately opened and closed "alternate", and both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are selected. When "alternating" or "parallel" is selected, the receiving tank selection becomes "shared". In addition, regardless of the water tank selection, or even when the water tank selection is not performed, when an abnormality occurs in either the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge, the control unit 40 It is preferable to control the water receiving tank based on the water level signal of the water level gauge. In this case, if an abnormality occurs in either the first water level gauge or the second water level gauge, it should be possible to select whether or not to perform water tank control based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge. . When the water tank selection is not performed, the common water tank mode is set with the gate valve 118B opened.

If a water level gauge used for water tank control until an abnormality is detected is defined as a normal water level gauge, and a water level gauge used for water tank control after an abnormality is detected in the normal water level gauge is defined as a backup water level gauge, then in the above-described embodiment, , the normal water level gauge is the first water level gauge, and the standby water level gauge is the second water level gauge. Therefore, the control unit 40 controls the receiving tank based on the water level signal of the normal water level gauge until an abnormality is detected in the first water level gauge, which is the normal water level gauge, and after detecting an abnormality in the normal water level gauge, the control unit 40 controls the standby tank. The water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of the second water level gauge, which is the water level gauge.

As described above, the water supply device 10 is connected to a plurality of water receiving tanks 110A and 110B that communicate with each other through the communication pipe 112 provided with the water stop valve 114 . The water supply apparatus 10 has a water tank shared mode in which water is supplied while the water tank 110A and the water tank 110B are in communication with each other. Here, since the water tanks 110A and 110B are in communication in the water tank common mode, both the water tanks 110A and 110B are provided with an inflow pipe provided with the city water inflow valve 132A and the city water inflow valve 132B. downstream of the installed inflow pipe.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2 as an example, when the control unit 40 detects an abnormality (step S130: No) in the first water level gauge, which is a control sensor, in the shared water tank mode (step S110: Yes), A change sensor (second water level gauge in this embodiment) different from the first water level gauge that detected the abnormality is used to control the water tank. That is, the control sensor for controlling the water tank is switched from the first water level gauge in which an abnormality has been detected to the second water level gauge. Thereby, if the water level gauge used as the control sensor becomes abnormal, water supply can be continued based on the water level signal of the other water level gauge. Here, the abnormality in step S130 means that the water level detection by the first water gauge is in any of the following states (1) to (3). (1) A drought condition below a predetermined water level at which the pump 20 is stopped. As a result, it is possible to reduce water interruption due to detection of water shortage by the control sensor. (2) At the detected water level, a water shortage state (for example, a state in which the electrode rod 122 is exposed above the water surface) and a full water state (for example, a state in which a portion of the electrode rod 125 that detects a water level higher than the electrode rod 122 is submerged) are detected at the same time. As a result, the water supply device 10 can accurately detect an abnormality in the electrode type level switch, and can also detect a wiring error in the signal line of the water level gauge. (3) Inconsistent state of water level change. As an example, when the water level of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B is not detected during operation of the pump 20, the control unit 40 stores the water level before the operation of the pump 20 in the storage unit 41, and the operation of the pump 20 is performed. In this state, a water level equal to or higher than the stored water level before operation of the pump 20 is detected for a predetermined time or longer. In this way, by switching from the water level gauge, which is in a contradictory state between the operating state of the pump 20 and the water level change, to another water level gauge, it is possible to continue normal water tank control. In the state (3), the pump 20 was operated when both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B were closed, that is, when the water level below the electrode rod 124 was detected. For example, a water level lower than the closed water level (the electrode rod 124 is exposed above the water surface) cannot be detected even after a predetermined time has passed. In this way, the water level gauge used for water tank control can be changed from a water level gauge that detects a water level inconsistent with the state of the water supply facility (the operating state of the pump 20, the open/closed state of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B, etc.) to another water level gauge. By switching to , normal water tank control can be continued. Further, in this case, it is assumed that the communication pipe 112 is blocked because the water stop valve 114 is closed or the like. Due to (3), it is possible to prevent the water level gauge of the water tank, which cannot be used because the communication pipe 112 is blocked, from being used for the water tank control.

Furthermore, even if the first water level gauge, which is the regular water level gauge, is in any of the states described in (1) to (3), the control unit 40 allows the second water level gauge, which is the backup water level gauge, to be in (1) to (3). If it is in any of the states of (3), the control sensor remains as the normal water level gauge as described in step S250 of FIG. As a result, it is possible to prevent the control sensor from being changed to a water level gauge in which an abnormality has occurred, and further to prevent inching caused by changing the water level gauge that controls the water receiving tank, thereby stabilizing the water supply device 10. Receiving tank control can be executed.

Further, after switching the control sensor from the normal water level gauge to the standby water level gauge, the control unit 40, when the states (1) to (3) of the first water level gauge (regular water level gauge) are resolved, As described in step S240, the first water gauge is used as the control sensor. It should be noted that (1) to (3) described above are examples of abnormalities in which the control sensor is switched, and are not limited to these. Further, the control unit 40 may count the number of times the control sensor is switched, and stop switching when the count exceeds a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time interval. By limiting the number of times the water level gauge is switched due to an abnormality, it is possible to prevent inching of the water level gauge switching at a site where the water level is unstable, etc., and to implement stable water tank control.

(Modification)
In the water supply system in the above-described embodiment, the water supply device 10 has two water receiving tanks 110A and 110B connected to the suction side. However, the water supply device 10 may be connected to three or more water tanks on the suction side, or may be connected to a single water tank.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of water supply equipment according to a modification. The water supply facility 300 of this modified example includes a water supply device 10 having the same configuration as that of the embodiment of FIG. The water tank 210 stores water from a water main pipe (not shown) as a water supply source through an inflow pipe 230 branched from an introduction pipe 202 communicating with the water main pipe. The inflow pipe 230 is provided with a city water inflow valve 232 . The city water inflow valve 232 is a valve capable of shielding the flow path of the inflow pipe 230 , and is composed of, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and is controlled by an output signal from the I/O section 47 of the water supply device 10 . However, the opening and closing of the city water inflow valve 232 may be performed without going through the control section 40 .

The water tank 210 is provided with a plurality of water gauges as water level gauges for detecting the water level in the water tank 210 . Specifically, two water level gauges, an electrode type level switch 120A (first water level gauge) and an electrode type level switch 120B (second water level gauge), are provided for detecting the water level of the water receiving tank 210, respectively. Signals from the electrode level switches 120A and 120B are input to the control section 40 . These electrode type level switches 120A, 120B can have the same functions as the electrode type level switches 120A, 120B of the embodiment, and each has five electrode rods 121-125, for example. The electrode type level switches 120A and 120B may have three, four, or six or more electrode rods, or may have different numbers of electrode rods. In addition, the water receiving tank 210 is provided with a float switch (not shown), a drop-in type water level gauge, etc., as a first water level gauge or a second water level gauge, instead of or in addition to the electrode type level switches 120A and 120B. may

The I/O section 47 of the water supply device 10 receives detection signals from the electrode level switches 120A and 120B. Each of the electrode type level switches 120A, 120B has a plurality of electrode rods 121-125 arranged in the water receiving tanks 110A, 110B. A plurality of electrode rods 121 to 125 are water level detectors, and the common electrode rod 121, the electrode rod 122 for detection of drought, and the open water level for opening the city water inflow valve 232 in order that the low water level can be detected. an electrode rod 123 for detecting , an electrode rod 124 for detecting the closed water level that closes the city water inflow valve 232, and an electrode rod 125 for detecting full water. Also, the water level for opening the city water inflow valve 232 may be lower than the water level for closing the city water inflow valve 232 .

In FIG. 1B, one of “No. 1”, “No. Instead or in addition, a water gauge selection button (not shown) may be provided. By pressing a water gauge selection button, it is preferable to select a water gauge in step S310 of FIG. 6, which will be described later.

Further, in the water supply device 10 of the water supply facility 300, as in the water supply device 10 shown in FIG. Only one signal selected by the switch 150 may be input to the control section 40 .

As an example, the water supply device 10 of such a modified example executes the water tank control based on only one of the water level signals from the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge. FIG. 6 shows water level gauge determination processing in the control unit 40 of the water supply apparatus 10 of the modified example. Also, as an example, the regular water level gauge is the first water level gauge, and the backup water level gauge is the second water level gauge.

When the water gauge determination process is executed, the control unit 40 first determines the currently selected water gauge (S310). As an example, for example, a water gauge selected by an external input such as pressing a water gauge selection button on the display 44 is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 41. By referring to the predetermined area of the storage unit 41, The determination of S310 may be performed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, either one of "first water level gauge" and "second water level gauge" or "no selection" in which neither water level gauge is selected is selected by external input. can be selected.

When the "first water level gauge" or "second water level gauge" is selected (S310: first or second water level gauge), the control unit 40 sets the selected water level gauge as the control sensor (S320 ). That is, when the "first water level gauge" is selected, the control unit 40 sets the first water level gauge (the electrode type level switch 120A and/or the float switch 140A) as the control sensor, and sets the "second water level gauge is selected, the second water gauge (electrode level switch 120B and/or float switch 140B) is set as the control sensor. Water tank control is executed using the water level detected by the control sensor. When the control sensor is set, the control unit 40 stores the set control sensor in the storage unit 41 . Further, the control unit 40 may display the control sensors stored in the storage unit 41 on the display unit 46 according to the operation of the setting unit 45 by the operator. Furthermore, the control unit 40 may notify the external terminal 80 of the currently set control sensor by communication in response to a request signal or the like from the external terminal 80 . Then, the control unit 40 determines the water level of the water receiving tank 210 using the set detection value of the control sensor (S360), and ends the water level gauge determination process.

On the other hand, when the water level gauge is not selected by an external input (S310: no selection), the control unit 40 selects the water tank selection button 441 to select "common" as the water tank selection. Similarly, it is then determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the common water level gauge (first water level gauge) (S330).

Here, as an example of conditions for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, the water level at which the city water inflow valve 232 is opened (open water level) is detected, and at the same time the water level at which the city water inflow valve 232 is closed. Contradictions in the water level detected by the electrode-type level switch 120A, such as detecting that the water level is closed (closed water level), or simultaneously detecting a water level state higher than the water level such as a water shortage state and a full water state. If so, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the first water level gauge. Likewise, if there is a contradiction in the water level detected by the electrode level switch 120B for the second water gauge, it is determined that the second water gauge is abnormal.

In addition, as another example of the conditions for detecting an abnormality in the first water level gauge and the second water gauge, if there is a contradiction in the water level detected by the first water gauge or the second water gauge, the first It is assumed that the water level gauge and the second water gauge are abnormal. Specifically, the control unit 40 sets, as a condition for detecting abnormality of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, that when the city water inflow valve 232 is open, water reaches the electrode rod 123 for detecting the open water level. When the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge do not detect a rise in the water level, such as when the water level does not reach or the water does not reach the electrode rod 124 for detecting the closed water level, the abnormality of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge is detected. do it. Or, even though the pump 20 is running when the city water inflow valve 232 is closed, the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge cannot detect the water level below the closed water level, or the water level does not reach the open water level or below. It is preferable to detect an abnormality in the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge when no drop in the water level is detected. Detecting an abnormality by comparing the values of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge can prevent erroneous detection.

Furthermore, when the water level of the water receiving tank 210 is below the water level at which the pump 20 is stopped, the water level gauge may be judged to be abnormal. As a result, it is possible to reduce water interruption due to detection of water shortage by the control sensor. Here, when only one of the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge detects a water shortage, the control unit 40 detects an abnormality in the water level gauge that detects the water shortage. can be judged. In this way, for example, when the electrode rod 122 for detecting the water level of water shortage is falling, the water shortage state is detected and the pump 20 is stopped urgently without determining that the water level gauge is abnormal. can be suppressed.

Then, when the control unit 40 determines that the first water level gauge, which is the regular water level gauge, is normal (S330: Yes), it sets the regular water level gauge as the control sensor (S340). On the other hand, when the controller 40 determines that the normal water level gauge set as the control sensor is abnormal (S330: No), it sets the backup water level gauge as the control sensor instead of the normal water level gauge (S350). . After setting the control sensor, the control unit 40 determines the water level of the water receiving tank 210 based on the signals from the electrodes 121 to 125 of the set control sensor (S360), and ends the water level determination process. That is, the water supply apparatus 10 performs water tank control using a backup water level gauge (change sensor), which is a water level gauge different from the normal water level gauge that detected the abnormality. As a result, water supply can be continued based on the water level signals of other water level gauges even when an abnormality occurs in the water level gauge used as the control sensor.

Next, sensor change determination processing in the water supply device 10 of the modified example will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of sensor change determination processing executed by the control unit 40 of the modified example. Note that this sensor change determination process is the same as the sensor change determination process of FIG. 3 in the embodiment except for the processes of steps S205, S206, and S230A. The sensor change determination process of the modified example is executed when the water level gauge is "not selected" in the water gauge determination process of FIG. 6 and the control sensor is changed. In other words, it is executed when an abnormality is detected in the normal water level gauge (first water level gauge) or when the abnormality is resolved in the normal water level gauge. The operations of steps S205 and S206 can also be applied to the flowchart of FIG.

When the sensor change determination process is executed, the control unit 40 first counts the number of times the control sensor is changed as the change number N in S205. If the change count N exceeds a predetermined threshold value Nref within a predetermined time interval (S206: No), the control sensor change is put on hold (S250), and the sensor change determination process ends. As a result, it is possible to prevent the supply of water from becoming unstable due to repeated switching of the control sensor. In other words, it is possible to prevent excessive inching when changing the water level gauge that controls the water tank, and the water supply apparatus 10 can perform stable water tank control. Note that the change count N is preferably cleared at predetermined time intervals. If the change count N is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value (S206: Yes), the control unit 40 next determines whether there is an abnormality in the water level gauge (changed sensor) to be used as the control sensor after the change. is determined (S210). That is, when the control sensor is changed from the normal water level gauge to the backup water level gauge in the water level gauge determination process of FIG. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the As the process of S210, an arbitrary method may be employed as in the determination of whether or not there is an abnormality in the normal water level gauge in the water level determination process of FIG. If the control sensor is changed from the backup water level gauge to the regular water level gauge in the water level determination process of FIG. The presence or absence of abnormality is determined. However, it is assumed that the normal water level gauge is no longer abnormal. In this case, the processing of S210 may be omitted. Then, when there is some abnormality in the change sensor (S210: No), the control unit 40 suspends the change of the control sensor (S250), and terminates the sensor change determination process. By such control, it is possible to prevent the control sensor from being changed to the water level gauge in which an abnormality has occurred, and it is possible to prevent the control by the control unit 40 from being defective. In addition, it is possible to prevent inching caused by changing the water level gauge such as repeating the change of the water level gauge for controlling the water receiving tank, and the water supply apparatus can perform stable water receiving tank control.

When there is no abnormality in the change sensor (S210: Yes), the control unit 40 subsequently determines whether or not the water level detected by the change sensor indicates a water shortage (S220). Then, when the water level detected by the change sensor indicates a drought state (S220: No), the control unit 40 suspends the change of the control sensor (S250), and terminates the sensor change determination process. This is based on the emergency stop of the pump 20 by the control unit 40 when the water level gauge used after the change determines that the water receiving tank 210 is in a dry state. In other words, when the water levels of all the water level gauges connected to the water supply device 10 are in a dry state, it is possible to avoid changing the water level gauges and prevent inching of changing the water level gauges. Also, if the water level gauge used after the change has a problem such as falling of the electrode rod 122 for detecting the water level of water shortage, it is in a water shortage state. Such control can prevent the pump 20 from being forcibly stopped after the water level gauge used for control is changed.

When the water level detected by the change sensor does not indicate a water shortage (S220: Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether the change sensor detects a change in water level (S230A). That is, it is determined whether or not there is a contradiction in water level change. When the city water inflow valve 232 is open, the water level in the water receiving tank 210 rises, and the water level in the water receiving tank 210 falls due to the operation of the pump. As an example, the inconsistent state of water level change means that when a predetermined time has passed since the city water inflow valve 232 was opened, the water does not reach the electrode rod 123 for detecting the open water level, or the closed water level is detected. It shows a state such that water does not reach the electrode rod 124 for the purpose. In other words, since the water level detected by the change sensor does not correspond to the "open" of the city water inflow valve 232 and the water level has not risen, it should be determined that there is a water level change contradiction (S230A: No). As another example of a contradictory state of water level change, when the city water inflow valve 232 is closed, that is, even though the pump 20 is started at a water level equal to or higher than the city water inflow valve 232 is closed, It indicates a state in which the water level does not fall below the electrode bar 124 for detecting the closed water level, or the water level does not fall below the electrode bar 123 for detecting the open water level. That is, the control unit 40 stores the water level detected by the change sensor before starting the pump 20 in the storage unit 41, and the change sensor stores the water level in the storage unit 41 even though the pump 20 has been operated for a predetermined time or longer. When it is determined that a water level lower than the water level before the operation of the pump 20 is not detected, it is regarded as a contradictory state of water level change (S230A: No), and the change of the water level gauge for controlling the water tank is suspended (S250). , ends the sensor change determination process. As a result, the water supply device can accurately detect an abnormality in the electrode type level switch. With such control, it is possible to prevent the control sensor from being changed when the water level detected by the change sensor is considered to be abnormal. .

The determination of abnormality in the water level gauge in S210 and the determination of whether or not the water level detected by the change sensor in S230A corresponds to the opening and closing of the city water inflow valve 232 are performed at the timing of S210 and S230A. However, it is also possible to store the determination result executed at any time or at any time while the control unit 40 is energized in the storage unit 41, and refer to the stored determination result at the timings of S210 and S230A. Similarly, in S230 of FIG. At step S230, the stored "gate valve closed" may be referred to.

Then, the control unit 40 determines that there is no abnormality in the change sensor (S210: Yes), the water level detected by the change sensor does not indicate a drought state (S220: Yes), and the water level detected by the change sensor is city water. When the inflow valve 232 is open/closed (S230A: Yes), the control sensor is changed to the change sensor (S240), and the sensor change determination process ends.

According to the water supply apparatus 10 of the modified example, the water supply apparatus pressurizes the water stored in the water receiving tank 210 by the pump 20 and supplies the water. The control unit 40 controls the receiving tank based on the water level signal of at least one of the water level gauges. It controls the water receiving tank based on the water level signal from the meter. That is, the control unit 40 sets at least one of the plurality of water level gauges as a control sensor for detecting the water level used for water tank control, and when the control sensor detects a predetermined abnormality, Water tank control is performed using a change sensor, which is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge that detected the abnormality. In the water supply apparatus 10 of such a modified example, even when an abnormality occurs in one of the water level gauges, the water receiving tank is controlled based on the water level signal of the other water gauge, thereby continuing water supply and avoiding water outages. can do.

Thus, in all the above-described embodiments and modifications, the water supply device 10 pressurizes the liquid stored in the water receiving tank 210 or the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B by the pump 20 and supplies it to the water supply destination, The water supply apparatus 10 includes a control unit 40 that performs water tank control based on the water level signal of at least one of a plurality of water level gauges that detect the water level of the water receiving tank 210 or the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B. 40 sets at least one of the plurality of water level gauges as a control sensor for detecting the water level used for water tank control, and detects a predetermined abnormality when the control sensor detects the abnormality. A change sensor, which is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge, is used to control the water tank. As a result, water supply can be continued based on the water level signals of other water level gauges even when an abnormality occurs in the water level gauge used as the control sensor. The water level gauge that controls the water tank that has been changed due to an abnormality may be restored to the control sensor that controls the water tank by an external input such as pressing an alarm cancel button provided on the operation panel 44 .

Here, as an example of an abnormality in which the water level gauge that controls the water tank is used as the change sensor, the water level detection by the corresponding water level gauge is in any of the following states (1) to (3). (1) a water shortage state in which the water level is below a predetermined water level for stopping the pump 20; (3) Contradictory state of water level change. Specifically, as an example of a "conflicting state of water level change", the control unit 40 detects no increase in the water level by the change sensor while at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is open. It is determined that there is a "conflicting state of water level change" and that the water stop valve 114 is closed. That is, the control unit 40 stores in the storage unit 41 the water level immediately before at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened, and after at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened, the pump 20 If a water level equal to or lower than the stored water level is detected for a predetermined period of time while the machine is stopped, it is determined that there is a "conflicting state of water level change". In addition, when the change sensor does not detect a decrease in the water level even though the pump 20 has been operated while both the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B are closed, the control unit 40 determines the "conflict state of water level change". , and if the water receiving tank two-tank type, it is determined that the water stop valve 114 is closed. In the water receiving tank two-tank type, when the water stop valve 114 is normally open, at least one of the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B is opened and water flows into the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B from the water main pipe. This is based on the fact that the water levels of both 110A and 110B rise at approximately the same timing. Further, if the water stop valve 114 is open, when the pump 20 operates with the city water inflow valves 132A and 132B closed and water is transferred to the water supply device 10, both of the water receiving tanks 110A and 110B It is based on the fact that the water level falls at approximately the same time.
When the city water inflow valves 132A, 132B or the city water inflow valve 232 are both closed, that is, the pump 20 is operated in a state where the electrode rod 124 is exposed from the water surface and the water level is detected. For example, the water level below the water level (the electrode rod 124 is partly below the water surface) cannot be detected, or the water level below the open water level (the electrode rod 123 is exposed from the water surface), or the drop in the water level cannot be detected. In other words, it is a state in which a decrease in the water level is not detected during operation of the pump 20, and a water level equal to or higher than the water level before the operation of the pump 20 is detected for a predetermined time or longer.

Further, if the control sensor is abnormal (for example, abnormalities shown in (1) to (3)) and the change sensor is abnormal (for example, abnormalities shown in (1) to (3)), the control unit 40 Suspending the change of the control sensor. Then, after the control sensor is changed due to an abnormality, the return condition for restoring the water level gauge changed due to the abnormality as the control sensor is that the detected water level of the water level gauge to be restored is higher than the water level in the drought state. including high.

In addition, the water supply device 10 may include three or more water level gauges for detecting the water level of the water receiving tank 210 . Also in this case, the water tank control is performed based on the water level signal of at least one of the plurality of water level gauges of the control unit. Then, when an abnormality is detected in any one of the plurality of water level gauges, the control unit 40 performs water tank control based on the water level signals of the other water level gauges. For example, when any one of the plurality of water level gauges detects the water shortage state of the water receiving tank 210, the control unit 40 controls the water receiving tank based on the water level signals of the other water level gauges.

Here, the control unit 40 sets any one of the plurality of water level gauges as a normal water level gauge and the other water level gauges as backup water level gauges. Control the receiving tank based on the water level signal from the After detecting an abnormality in the regular water level gauge, it is preferable to perform the water tank control based on the water level signal from the backup water level gauge. Specifically, when a total of three water level gauges, a first water level gauge, a second water level gauge, and a third water level gauge, are provided in the water receiving tank 210, the normal water level gauge is the first water level gauge, and the first backup water level is The second water level gauge is the second water level gauge, and the second reserve water level gauge is the third water level gauge. When an abnormality is detected in the first water level gauge, the water receiving tank is controlled based on the water level signal of the second water level gauge, and further , when an abnormality is detected in the first water level gauge and/or the second water level gauge, the water receiving tank is controlled based on the water level signal of the third water level gauge. Similarly, when three or more water level gauges are provided in the water receiving tank 110A and the water receiving tank 110B communicating with the communication pipe 112, one of the plurality of water level gauges is used as a regular water level gauge, and the other water level gauges are reserved. It is preferable to control the receiving tank based on the water level signal of the regular water level gauge until the regular water level gauge detects some abnormality.

Also, the regular water level gauge and the standby water level gauge may be composed of a plurality of water level gauges. In that case, the average water level detected by a plurality of water level gauges, the maximum water level, the minimum water level, or the like may be used as the detection values of the normal water level gauge and the standby water level gauge. In addition, the normal water level gauge may be a water level gauge (electrode type level switch or drop-in type water level sensor) that can detect multiple water levels, and the standby water level gauge may be a float switch that detects a single water level (for example, only drought). .

Furthermore, in all the above-described embodiments and modifications, an abnormality in the input/output circuit to the water level gauge in the I/O section 47 may be included in the abnormality of the corresponding water level gauge. Further, when the detection signal of the water level gauge is input to the I/O unit 47 of the water supply device 10 by wireless and wired communication, the control unit 40 detects a communication abnormality between the water level gauge and the water supply device 10 by detecting the corresponding water level gauge. may be included in the anomaly of In either case, if the water level gauge that detected the abnormality is the control sensor, the control sensor is changed to the change sensor. Also, when an abnormality occurs in the input/output circuit of the water level gauge in the I/O unit 47 or a communication abnormality, it is preferable that the detection signal from the water level gauge is not input to the control unit 40 and the water shortage is determined.

Further, in all the above-described embodiments and modifications, another example of the conditions for detecting an abnormality in a plurality of water level gauges is the case where the water levels detected by the respective water gauges have a predetermined water level difference. may be included. For example, if the water level gauge is an electrode type level switch 120A, 120B equipped with a plurality of electrode rods 121 to 125, the electrode type level switch 120A detects the water shortage state, and the electrode type level switch 120B detects the full water state. If a water level difference between one or more electrodes or two or more electrodes is detected in the first water level gauge and the second water level gauge, it may be determined that the water level gauge is abnormal. In this case, among the plurality of water level gauges, if there is a water gauge for which fluctuations in the water level cannot be confirmed, only that water gauge may be judged to be abnormal.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In addition, any combination or omission of each component described in the claims and the specification is possible within the range that at least part of the above problems can be solved or at least part of the effect is achieved. is.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Water supply apparatus 20... Pump 21... Motor 22... Inverter 23... Check valve 24... Flow switch 26... Pressure sensor 28... Pressure tank 40... Control part 41... Storage part 42... Calculation part 44... Operation panel 45... Setting part 46... Display unit 47... I/O unit 48... Communication unit 80... External terminal 80A... Display operation unit 110A... Water tank (first water tank)
110B ... Receiving tank (second receiving tank)
112... Communicating pipe 114... Water stop valve 118A, 118B... Gate valve 120A... Electrode type level switch (first water level gauge)
120B... Electrode type level switch (second water gauge)
121 to 125... Electrode rod 130A... Inflow pipe (first inflow pipe)
130B... Inflow pipe (second inflow pipe)
132A... City water inflow valve (first city water inflow valve)
132B... City water inflow valve (second city water inflow valve)
140A ... Float switch (first water gauge)
140B ... Float switch (second water gauge)
210... Receiving tank

Claims (14)

A water supply device that pressurizes a liquid stored in a water receiving tank with a pump and supplies it to a water supply destination,
The water supply device includes a control unit that performs water tank control based on a water level signal of at least one of a plurality of water level gauges that detect the water level of the water tank,
The control unit
At least one of the plurality of water level gauges is a control sensor for detecting the water level used for controlling the water receiving tank,
When a predetermined abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the water receiving tank is controlled using a change sensor that is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge that detected the abnormality,
The water supply device is connected to a plurality of water receiving tanks that communicate with each other through a communication pipe provided with a water stop valve,
The control unit
When the abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the water tank is controlled by the change sensor provided in another water tank,
When the control unit determines that there is a water level difference of a predetermined amount or more in the plurality of water tanks while performing the water tank control assuming that the plurality of water tanks are communicated by the water stop valve , suspending the change to the change sensor even if the abnormality is detected by the control sensor;
water supply. The abnormality is a drought state in which the water level of the water receiving tank is below the water level at which the pump is stopped,
The water supply device according to claim 1. The abnormality is a state in which the water level detected by the water level gauge is inconsistent,
The water supply device according to claim 1 or 2. The water level gauge is an electrode type level switch provided with a plurality of electrode rods,
The state in which the water level detected by the water level gauge is inconsistent is the state in which at least one of the plurality of electrode rods is exposed from the water surface, and at the same time, the water level is higher than the exposed electrode rod. A state in which a part of the electrode rod to be detected is submerged in water,
The water supply device according to claim 3. The abnormality is a contradictory state of the water level change detected by the water level gauge,
The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. If the water level detected by the water level gauge during operation of the pump is equal to or higher than the water level before operation of the pump, the water level change is considered to be inconsistent.
The water supply device according to claim 5. Even if the control sensor detects the abnormality,
If the abnormality is detected by the change sensor,
suspending changes to the change sensor;
The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. After the water level gauge that controls the water tank is changed due to the abnormality, the condition for resetting the water level gauge changed due to the abnormality is that the water level detected by the water level gauge changed due to the abnormality is dry. higher than the state water level,
The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: 9. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water supply apparatus has a water tank shared mode in which water is supplied based on a water level signal from the control sensor while the plurality of water tanks are communicated with each other by the water stop valve. Water supply device according to paragraph. A water supply device that pressurizes a liquid stored in a water receiving tank with a pump and supplies it to a water supply destination,
The water supply device includes a control unit that performs water tank control based on a water level signal of at least one of a plurality of water level gauges that detect the water level of the water tank,
The control unit
At least one of the plurality of water level gauges is a control sensor for detecting the water level used for controlling the water receiving tank,
When a predetermined abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the water receiving tank is controlled using a change sensor that is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge that detected the abnormality,
The water receiving tank includes a first water receiving tank and a second water receiving tank that communicate with each other through a communication pipe provided with a water stop valve,
The plurality of water level gauges include a first water level gauge that detects the water level of the first water receiving tank and a second water level gauge that detects the water level of the second water receiving tank,
When the first water level gauge detects the abnormality while the first water receiving tank is being used to supply water with the water stop valve closed, the control unit opens the water stop valve. and performing the water tank control using the second water level gauge as the change sensor,
water supply. A water supply device that pressurizes a liquid stored in a water receiving tank with a pump and supplies it to a water supply destination,
The water supply device includes a control unit that performs water tank control based on a water level signal of at least one of a plurality of water level gauges that detect the water level of the water tank,
The control unit
At least one of the plurality of water level gauges is used for controlling the water receiving tank.
as a control sensor for detecting
When a predetermined abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the water receiving tank is controlled using a change sensor that is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge that detected the abnormality,
The control unit counts the number of switching times of the control sensor, and when the counted number of switching times exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control sensor that has detected the abnormality controls the water tank.
water supply . A water supply device that pressurizes a liquid stored in a water receiving tank with a pump and supplies it to a water supply destination,
The water supply device includes a control unit that performs water tank control based on a water level signal of at least one of a plurality of water level gauges that detect the water level of the water tank,
The control unit
At least one of the plurality of water level gauges is a control sensor for detecting the water level used for controlling the water receiving tank,
When a predetermined abnormality is detected by the control sensor, the water receiving tank is controlled using a change sensor that is a water level gauge different from the water level gauge that detected the abnormality,
The water receiving tank includes a first water receiving tank and a second water receiving tank that communicate with each other through a communication pipe provided with a water stop valve,
The first water receiving tank is installed downstream of the first inflow pipe provided with the first city water inflow valve, and the second water receiving tank is installed in the second inflow pipe provided with the second city water inflow valve. is located downstream of
The plurality of water level gauges include a first water level gauge that detects the water level of the first water receiving tank and a second water level gauge that detects the water level of the second water receiving tank,
The control unit detects the abnormality with the first sensor, which is the control sensor, when controlling the water tanks assuming that the plurality of water tanks are communicated with each other by the water stop valve. Also, when the first city water inflow valve is open and the water level in the second water receiving tank does not rise, or when the first city water inflow valve is closed and the water level in the second water receiving tank is When not descending, the first water level gauge is used to control the water receiving tank,
water supply. The water level gauge used by the control unit for controlling the water receiving tank is selected by an external input,
The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . the water level gauge used for controlling the water receiving tank among the plurality of water gauges is displayed;
Water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 .

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