JP7207187B2 - Submersible electric pump system, submersible electric pump and operating method of submersible electric pump - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a submersible electric pump system, a submersible electric pump, and a method of operating a submersible electric pump.

Conventionally, a submersible electric pump system is known (see Patent Literature 1, for example).

The above Patent Document 1 discloses a submersible pump system (a submersible electric pump system) including two submersible pumps each including a water level sensor and a controller. In the submersible pump system of Patent Document 1, the water level sensor is configured by a capacitive water level sensor having an electrode exposed to the outside of the submersible pump. Also, the controller is configured to control the alternate operation of the two submersible pumps based on the water level detected by the water level sensor.

JP 2012-215176 A JP 2006-283739 A

However, in the submersible pump system of Patent Document 1, the water level sensor is configured by a capacitance type water level sensor having an electrode exposed to the outside of the submersible pump. There is a problem that it is difficult to detect the water level with high accuracy when dirt adheres to the water level. In this case, the electrodes of the two submersible pumps will corrode or the submersible pump whose electrodes are not contaminated will be operated more frequently, making it impossible to efficiently alternately operate the two submersible pumps. Another problem is that a protrusion is generated outside the submersible pump, requiring a space for the exterior.

Further, in the pump device of Patent Document 2, the water level sensor is composed of a float switch connected to the submersible pump body by a cable. The cable is repeatedly bent at a position where it is fixedly supported by the support. For this reason, the fixed portion of the cable may break due to fatigue. Further, when a plurality of pumps are prepared for automatic alternate operation, each pump requires a separate configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to detect the water level with high accuracy and efficiently alternately operate a plurality of submersible electric pumps. To provide a submersible electric pump system, a submersible electric pump, and a method of operating the submersible electric pump.

A submersible electric pump system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first submersible electric pump including a first control section, a second submersible electric pump including a second control section, and a second submersible electric pump provided in the first submersible electric pump. and a second communication unit that is provided in the second submersible electric pump and performs wireless communication with the first communication unit. The water level is detected based on whether or not the communication unit can communicate wirelessly. The order is configured to determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump .

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the first control unit and the second control unit detect the water level based on whether or not wireless communication is possible between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. configured to As a result, unlike the case where the water level is detected using an electrode exposed to the outside like a capacitive type water level sensor, there is no part protruding outside the submersible pump, so no exterior space is required. , the electrodes do not corrode or become dirty, and unlike the case of detecting the water level using a float switch, the cable is not damaged. can do. Here, radio waves are less likely to fly underwater, so when the first communication unit and the second communication unit are underwater, wireless communication cannot be performed. That is, the first control unit and the second control unit determine that the water level of the first communication unit and the second communication unit is underwater based on the fact that wireless communication cannot be performed by the first communication unit and the second communication unit. can be detected. Further, since the water level can be detected based on mutual wireless communication between the first communication unit of the first submersible electric pump and the second communication unit of the second submersible electric pump, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump A common water level can be detected by an electric pump. As a result, when the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are alternately operated, it is possible to prevent one of the submersible electric pumps from operating excessively. As a result, the water level can be detected with high accuracy, and a plurality of submersible electric pumps can be efficiently and alternately operated.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect, preferably, the first control unit and the second control unit, based on the water level detected based on whether wireless communication is possible between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, It is configured to perform control to alternately operate the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump. With this configuration, one of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump is activated when a predetermined water level is detected based on whether or not wireless communication is possible between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. and after draining water, when a predetermined water level is detected again based on whether wireless communication is possible, the other of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump is operated, and the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be operated alternately.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect , the first control unit and the second control unit control operation and suspension during alternate operation based on wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit. configured to determine the order. Unlike the case where each of the plurality of submersible electric pumps independently determines the timing of operation and suspension during alternate operation, the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation is determined through mutual communication. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump from operating and stopping at the same timing. As a result, the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be reliably operated alternately. Moreover, unlike conventional submersible electric pumps that alternately operate, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump can have the same construction, so that the construction of a plurality of submersible electric pumps is not complicated. can be suppressed.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect, the first control unit and the second control unit control the first submersible electric pump according to the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the first communication unit and the second communication unit. It is configured to determine the order of operation and rest during alternate operation of the pump and the second submersible electric pump. This eliminates the need for mutual wireless communication of complicated signals in order to determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation, so signals for wireless communication can be simplified. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent communication processing by the first communication unit and the second communication unit from becoming complicated.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect, preferably, the first control unit prevents wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit when it is not the turn to operate the first submersible electric pump in alternate operation. When the wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit is not resumed within a predetermined period of time after it becomes impossible, control is performed to operate the first submersible electric pump that is stopped. If it is not the turn to operate the second submersible electric pump in alternate operation, the second control unit controls the first When the wireless communication between the communication unit and the second communication unit is not resumed, control is performed to operate the second submersible electric pump that is stopped. With this configuration, when one submersible electric pump cannot finish the water in time, the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be used to drain the water, so that the water can be reliably drained.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect, preferably, the first control unit and the second control unit, during the alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump, every predetermined number of operations, Based on wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, the order of operation and rest during alternate operation is re-determined. With this configuration, even if the timings of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump become the same for some reason, the order is reviewed every predetermined number of times of operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump from continuing to operate and stop at the same timing.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect, preferably, the first control unit and the second control unit determine the order of operation and suspension when the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are alternately operated. In a state where wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit is not possible, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are operated, respectively, and the first communication unit and the second communication unit are operated. After the radio communication becomes possible, the order of operation and rest during alternate operation is determined based on the radio communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. With this configuration, when the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are underwater and wireless communication cannot be performed, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are operated to drain water and perform wireless communication. Once possible, the order of operation and rest during alternating operation can be determined.

In the submersible electric pump system according to the first aspect, preferably, the first controller controls the first controller when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined period of time. The second control unit is configured to forcibly operate the submersible electric pump, and the second control unit turns on the power supply, then turns it off, and then turns it on within a predetermined period of time. It is configured to force the electric pump to operate. With this configuration, even if only one of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump is arranged and wireless communication cannot be performed by the first communication unit and the second communication unit, the power supply can be turned on and The OFF operation allows one of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump to operate alone. As a result, it is possible to easily perform a test run for checking the operating state of one of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump.

A submersible electric pump according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a submersible electric pump main body, a control section for controlling the operation of the submersible electric pump main body, and a submersible electric pump main body provided with a communication section for communicating with other submersible electric pumps. a communication unit that performs wireless communication, the control unit is configured to detect the water level based on whether wireless communication with the communication unit of the other submersible electric pump of the communication unit is possible, and the control unit includes the communication unit The order of transmission and reception of signals by radio communication by the communication units of the other submersible electric pumps determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation with the other submersible electric pumps .

In the submersible electric pump according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the control unit is configured to detect the water level based on whether or not the communication unit is capable of wireless communication with the communication units of other submersible electric pumps. . As a result, unlike electrostatic capacitance type water level sensors that use electrodes exposed to the outside to detect the water level, the electrodes do not corrode or become dirty. Based on this, the water level can be detected with high accuracy. Further, since the water level can be detected based on mutual wireless communication between the communication unit and the communication units of other submersible electric pumps, the common water level can be detected by a plurality of submersible electric pumps. As a result, when a plurality of submersible electric pumps are alternately operated, it is possible to prevent one of the submersible electric pumps from being operated more frequently due to a difference in detected water levels. As a result, it is possible to provide a submersible electric pump capable of detecting the water level with high accuracy and efficiently and alternately operating a plurality of submersible electric pumps.

In a method for operating a submersible electric pump according to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of communication units respectively provided in a plurality of submersible electric pumps communicate with each other by radio, and the water level is determined based on whether wireless communication is possible between the plurality of communication units. is detected , and the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the plurality of submersible electric pumps is determined according to the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the plurality of communication units .

In the method for operating a submersible electric pump according to the third aspect of the present invention, as described above, the water level is detected based on whether or not wireless communication is possible with a plurality of communication units. As a result, unlike electrostatic capacitance type water level sensors that use electrodes exposed to the outside to detect the water level, the electrodes do not corrode or become dirty. Based on this, the water level can be detected with high accuracy. Further, since the water level can be detected based on the mutual wireless communication of the communication units respectively provided in the plurality of submersible electric pumps, the common water level can be detected by the plurality of submersible electric pumps. As a result, when a plurality of submersible electric pumps are alternately operated, it is possible to prevent one of the submersible electric pumps from being operated more frequently due to a difference in detected water levels. As a result, it is possible to provide a method of operating a submersible electric pump that can accurately detect the water level and efficiently alternately operate a plurality of submersible electric pumps.

In the method of operating a submersible electric pump according to the third aspect, preferably, the plurality of submersible electric pumps are alternately operated based on the water level detected based on whether wireless communication is possible with the plurality of communication units. With this configuration, when a predetermined water level is detected based on whether or not wireless communication is possible with the plurality of communication units, one of the plurality of submersible electric pumps is operated first, and after the water is drained, wireless communication is possible or not. When a predetermined water level is detected again based on the above, the other of the plurality of submersible electric pumps is operated, so that the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be alternately operated.

In the method for operating a submersible electric pump according to the third aspect, the order of operation and rest during alternate operation is determined based on wireless communication by a plurality of communication units, and the plurality of submersible electric pumps are alternately operated. Let Unlike the case where each of the plurality of submersible electric pumps independently determines the timing of operation and suspension during alternate operation, the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation is determined through mutual communication. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of submersible electric pumps from operating and stopping at the same timing. As a result, the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be reliably operated alternately. In addition, like conventional submersible electric pumps that alternately operate, by making the detected water level of one submersible electric pump different from the detected water level of the other submersible electric pump, a plurality of submersible electric pumps can be operated alternately. In contrast, the configuration of the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be made common, so it is possible to suppress the complication of the configuration of the plurality of submersible electric pumps for alternate operation.
A submersible electric pump system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a first submersible electric pump including a first control section, a second submersible electric pump including a second control section, and a second submersible electric pump provided in the first submersible electric pump. and a second communication unit that is provided in the second submersible electric pump and performs wireless communication with the first communication unit. It is configured to detect the water level based on whether the communication unit can communicate wirelessly, and the first control unit and the second control unit perform alternate operation based on the fact that the first communication unit and the second communication unit have wirelessly communicated. The first control unit and the second control unit determine the order of operation and suspension during the alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump. When wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit is not possible in a state where no determination is made, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are operated, respectively, and the first communication unit and the second communication unit are operated. After wireless communication between the units becomes possible, the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation is determined based on wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
A submersible electric pump system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises a first submersible electric pump including a first control section, a second submersible electric pump including a second control section, and a second submersible electric pump provided in the first submersible electric pump. and a second communication unit that is provided in the second submersible electric pump and performs wireless communication with the first communication unit. The first control unit is configured to detect the water level based on whether or not the communication unit can communicate wirelessly, and the first control unit is powered on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. The second control unit is configured to forcibly operate the first submersible electric pump when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. , the second submersible electric pump is forcibly operated.

According to the present invention, as described above, the water level can be detected with high accuracy, and the plurality of submersible electric pumps can be efficiently and alternately operated.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a submersible electric pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a submersible electric pump according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first operation example of the submersible electric pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a second operation example of the submersible electric pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a third operation example of the submersible electric pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a fourth operation example of the submersible electric pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining determination of operation time of the submersible electric pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of Submersible Electric Pump System)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. The submersible electric pump system 100 according to this embodiment is configured to drain water flowing into the tank 1 . The submersible electric pump system 100 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b. The submersible electric pumps 3 a and 3 b are configured to be driven by electric power supplied from the AC power supply 2 . The submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b have the same configuration. The submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b each include a submersible electric pump body 31, a control section 32, a communication section 33, a cover 34, a pump control circuit 35 (see FIG. 2), and a motor 36 (see FIG. 2). , contains The submersible electric pump 3a is an example of the "first submersible electric pump" in the claims, and the submersible electric pump 3b is an example of the "second submersible electric pump" in the claims. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a is an example of the "first control unit" in the claims, and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b is the "second control unit" in the claims. An example. The communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a is an example of the "first communication unit" in the claims, and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is the "second communication unit" in the claims. An example.

The tank 1 is configured to store incoming water. The water that has flowed into the tank 1 is drained by submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b.

AC power supply 2 is configured to supply electric power to submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b. The AC power supply 2 may supply commercial power, or may supply power from a battery or the like. The AC power supply 2 supplies power to the submersible electric pump main body 31 through a power cord connected to the submersible electric pump main body 31 and a plug provided at the tip of the power cord. That is, when the plug is inserted into the AC power supply 2, power is supplied to the submersible electric pump body 31, and when the plug is removed from the AC power supply 2, the power supply to the submersible electric pump body 31 is stopped. .

The submersible electric pumps 3 a and 3 b are arranged inside the tank 1 . Further, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are configured to drain the water in the tank 1 to the outside. Further, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are configured to operate by being supplied with electric power from the AC power supply 2. As shown in FIG. Also, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are configured to be usable underwater.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the submersible electric pump 3 a ( 3 b ) operates when AC power is supplied from the AC power supply 2 to the motor 36 . The control unit 32 controls the operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b (the submersible electric pump main body 31). Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the supply of AC power to the motor 36 via the pump control circuit 35 . The control section 32 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 321 and a memory 322 . The CPU 321 executes a control program stored in the memory 322 to control the submersible electric pump body 31 .

The communication unit 33 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication unit 33 of another submersible electric pump 3a or 3b. Specifically, the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are configured to perform wireless communication with each other. The communication unit 33 is configured to perform communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for example.

The cover 34 is configured to cover the control section 32 , the communication section 33 and the pump control circuit 35 . That is, the control section 32 , the communication section 33 , and the pump control circuit 35 are arranged inside the submersible electric pump main body 31 . The cover 34 is provided on the upper portion of the submersible electric pump main body 31 . That is, the communication section 33 is provided on the upper portion of the submersible electric pump main body 31 .

The pump control circuit 35 is configured to control power supply/stop from the AC power supply 2 to the motor 36 . Specifically, the pump control circuit 35 controls the switch 351 to control supply/stop of electric power to the motor 36 . The pump control circuit 35 is configured to convert the power supplied from the AC power supply 2 and supply the converted power to the control section 32 . The pump control circuit 35 is also configured to convert the power supplied from the AC power supply 2 and supply the converted power to the communication unit 33 .

The pump control circuit 35 includes capacitors and resistors. The pump control circuit 35 also uses a capacitor and a resistor, for example, to lower the voltage of the power supplied from the AC power supply 2 and supplies power to the control unit 32 and the communication unit 33 . Also, the pump control circuit 35 may be configured to lower the voltage of the power supplied from the AC power supply 2 using a transformer.

The motor 36 is configured to be rotationally driven by power supplied from the AC power supply 2 . By rotating the impeller, the motor 36 sucks water from the tank 1 and discharges the sucked water through the pipe 37 .

Here, in this embodiment, the control unit 32 is configured to detect the water level based on whether or not the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are capable of wireless communication. Since radio waves are less likely to travel underwater, wireless communication is not possible when the communication units 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b are underwater. In other words, the control unit 32 determines that the water level in the tank 1 is equal to the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b based on the inability of wireless communication by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. It is configured to detect that the water level is above the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. In addition, the control unit 32 controls the water level in the tank 1 so that the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b can communicate wirelessly. It is configured to detect that the water level is below the communication unit 33 of the electric pump 3b.

In communication between the communication units 33, one communication unit 33 transmits a pulse signal, and one communication unit 33 receives a response signal from the other communication unit 33 in response to the pulse signal. That is, the control unit 32 determines that communication is possible by receiving a response signal in response to the transmission of the pulse signal. Also, the control unit 32 determines that communication has not been established when a response signal to the pulse signal is not received.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 32 controls the underwater electric pump 3a and the underwater electric pump 3a based on the water level detected based on whether or not the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are capable of wireless communication. It is configured to perform control to alternately operate the electric pump 3b. That is, one of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b is operated to drain the water in the tank 1 when the water level in the tank 1 exceeds the ON water level (wireless communication is not possible). After that, when the water level in the tank 1 falls below the OFF water level (wireless communication is restarted), the operation of the submersible electric pump 3a or 3b is stopped. Specifically, the operation of the submersible electric pump 3a or 3b in operation is stopped after the operation for a predetermined time after the wireless communication is restarted. Next, when the water level in the tank 1 becomes equal to or higher than the ON water level, the other of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b is operated to drain the water in the tank 1. Thereafter, while the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are similarly operated alternately, the water in the tank 1 is drained.

The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b are configured to control the operation of each submersible electric pump body 31 independently of each other. In other words, in the case of alternate operation, when the water level in the tank 1 becomes equal to or higher than the ON water level, the submersible electric pump body 31 is operated by the submersible electric pump main body 31 of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b. Control. In addition, even when the water level in the tank 1 becomes equal to or higher than the ON water level, the control unit 32, which is not in the order to operate the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b, controls the submersible electric pump body 31 not to operate (pause). do.

The control unit 32, which is not the order to operate the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b, does not cause the water level in the tank 1 to fall below the OFF water level after a predetermined time has elapsed after the water level in the tank 1 has risen to the ON water level or higher. When (the wireless communication does not resume), the submersible electric pump main body 31 is controlled to operate. In other words, the other of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b that are inactive starts to run after one of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b that is in operation. As a result, water is drained by both the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b.

Further, the control unit 32 is configured to determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation based on wireless communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. ing.

Specifically, the control unit 32 causes the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b to alternately operate according to the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. is configured to determine the order of operation and rest during

Specifically, the control unit 32 transmits a signal from the communication unit 33 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed when power is supplied to the submersible electric pump main body 31 . At that time, the control unit 32 determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation based on the timing of receiving a similar signal from the other submersible electric pump 3a or 3b. When the control unit 32 receives a similar signal from another submersible electric pump 3a or 3b after transmitting a signal from the communication unit 33, the control unit 32 selects the submersible electric pump body 31 as the preceding pump to operate first. to decide. On the other hand, if the control unit 32 receives a similar signal from the other submersible electric pump 3a or 3b before transmitting the signal from the communication unit 33, it causes its own submersible electric pump body 31 to operate later ( determine the order as the trailing pump). In other words, the submersible electric pump 3a or 3b that has sent a signal from the communication unit 33 first (powered on first) is determined as the leading pump, and has sent a signal from the communication unit 33 later (powered on later). b) Submersible electric pump 3a or 3b is determined as the trailing pump.

In this case, even if electric power is supplied to the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b at the same time, the time during which electric power is supplied to the control unit 32 differs due to individual differences in the resistance and capacitors of the pump control circuit 35. As a result, one of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b is determined as the leading pump, and the other is determined as the trailing pump.

Further, the control unit 32 transmits and receives individual identification information different from each other by wireless communication via the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b, thereby enabling the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b to alternately operate. may be configured to determine the order of operation and rest during For example, the control unit 32 transmits and receives individual identification information represented by numbers, alphabets, etc. via the communication unit 33 . Then, the control unit 32 compares the transmitted individual identification information of itself with the received individual identification information of the other party, and operates the submersible electric pump main body 31 first based on a predetermined rule. Alternatively, it is determined as a trailing pump to be operated later. The predetermined rule is the size of individual identification information, priority, and the like. Note that the individual identification information is stored in the memory 322 .

Further, the control unit 32 is based on the wireless communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b every predetermined number of operations during the alternate operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b. are configured to redetermine the order of operation and rest during alternate operation.

In addition, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b in a state in which the order of operation and suspension in the alternate operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b has not been determined. It is configured to operate the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b when wireless communication is not possible. Further, after wireless communication by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b becomes possible, the control unit 32 starts communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b. Based on wireless communication by the unit 33, the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation is determined.

Further, the control unit 32 is configured to forcibly operate the submersible electric pump 3a (3b) when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. there is In other words, the control unit 32 is configured to forcibly operate the submersible electric pump main body 31 by turning the power ON and OFF regardless of whether or not the wireless communication of the communication unit 33 is possible. Note that the timing of the power ON and OFF operations is recorded in the memory 322 . Thereby, the control unit 32 can determine that the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined period of time.

Further, the control unit 32 is configured to control the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31 based on changes in the signal strength of wireless communication between the communication unit 33 and another communication unit 33 . That is, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a (3b) operates based on the change in the signal strength of the wireless communication of the plurality of communication units 33 (the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b). , to control the operation of the submersible electric pump 3a (3b).

The control unit 32 is also configured to determine the operation time of the submersible electric pump main body 31 based on the change in the signal strength of wireless communication between the communication unit 33 and another communication unit 33 . That is, the control unit 32 acquires in advance the relationship between the change in signal intensity and the change in water level. Then, the control unit 32 acquires the time change of the water level based on the time change of the signal intensity. Then, the control unit 32 determines the operation time of the submersible electric pump main body 31 by estimating the operation time until the water level in the tank 1 reaches the OFF water level.

(First operation example)
A first operation example of the submersible electric pump system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first operation example, when the water level is low and communication is possible between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are powered on. will be explained.

At time t0, the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on. Subsequently, at time t1, the submersible electric pump 3b is turned on. When the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on and electric power is supplied, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t2 after a predetermined time Ta. Start processing. Specifically, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a controls the communication unit 33 to transmit a signal. When the power of the submersible electric pump 3b is turned on and electric power is supplied, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t3 after a predetermined time Ta. Start processing. Specifically, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b controls the communication unit 33 to transmit a signal.

In this case, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a transmits a signal from the communication unit 33 at time t2 and receives a signal from the other communication unit 33 at time t3 after time t2. As the preceding pump to operate 3a first, the order of operation and rest during alternate operation is determined. Further, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b receives a signal from another communication unit 33 at time t2, and transmits a signal from the communication unit 33 at time t3 after time t2. As the succeeding pump to be operated first, the order of operation and rest during alternate operation is determined.

At time t4, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b becomes impossible. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is equal to or higher than the ON water level. Then, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a operates the submersible electric pump body 31 because it is the preceding pump. On the other hand, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b does not operate (pauses) the submersible electric pump main body 31 because it is the following pump.

At time t5, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is resumed. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is less than the ON water level. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31 at time t6 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t5.

At time t7, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b becomes impossible. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is equal to or higher than the ON water level. Then, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a does not operate (pauses) the submersible electric pump body 31 because it was operated last time. On the other hand, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b causes the submersible electric pump main body 31 to operate because it was stopped last time.

At time t8, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is resumed. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is less than the ON water level. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump body 31 at time t9 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t8.

(Second operation example)
A second operation example of the submersible electric pump system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second operation example, when the water level is high and communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is impossible, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are powered on. An example will be described.

At time t10, the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on. Subsequently, at time t11, the submersible electric pump 3b is turned on. When the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on and electric power is supplied, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t12 after a predetermined time Ta. Start processing. Specifically, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a controls the communication unit 33 to transmit a signal. When the power of the submersible electric pump 3b is turned on and electric power is supplied, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t13 after a predetermined time Ta. Start processing. Specifically, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b controls the communication unit 33 to transmit a signal.

In this case, since the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are located at a position lower than the water level in the tank 1, wireless communication cannot be performed. Therefore, the control unit 32 of each of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b cannot receive the signal from the communication unit 33 of the other party. As a result, the controller 32 of each of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b cannot determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation.

The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t14 after a predetermined time Tc has elapsed since the start of the process for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated while stopping the process to do so. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t15 after a predetermined time Tc has elapsed since the start of the process for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated while stopping the processing to do so.

At time t16, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is started. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is less than the ON water level. Then, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump body 31 at time t17 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t16. Further, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump body 31 at time t17 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t16. Incidentally, in the example of FIG. 4, the operation of the submersible electric pump 3b is stopped slightly later than the operation of the submersible electric pump 3a.

Also, at time t17, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a starts the process of determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. Also, at time t17, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b starts the process of determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where the submersible electric pump 3a is stopped earlier than the submersible electric pump 3b due to individual differences in the resistance and capacitor of the pump control circuit 35. FIG. As a result, the timing of transmission of the signal from the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a is earlier than the timing of transmission of the signal from the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b, and the submersible electric pump 3a is determined as the preceding pump. , the submersible electric pump 3b is determined as the following pump. When the operation is stopped using a timer or the like, the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b are stopped at the same timing after the water level disappears. The information is used to determine the order of operation and rest during alternating operations.

At time t18, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b becomes impossible. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is equal to or higher than the ON water level. Then, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a operates the submersible electric pump body 31 because it is the preceding pump. On the other hand, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b does not operate (pauses) the submersible electric pump main body 31 because it is the following pump.

At time t19, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is resumed. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is less than the ON water level. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump body 31 at time t20 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t18.

(Third operation example)
A third operation example of the submersible electric pump system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third operation example, when the water level is high and communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is not possible, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are turned off for a predetermined time. An example of driving will be described.

At time t21, the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on. Subsequently, at time t22, the submersible electric pump 3b is turned on. When the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on and electric power is supplied, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t23 after a predetermined time Ta. Start processing. Specifically, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a controls the communication unit 33 to transmit a signal. When the power of the submersible electric pump 3b is turned on and electric power is supplied, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t24 after a predetermined time Ta. Start processing. Specifically, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b controls the communication unit 33 to transmit a signal.

In this case, since the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are located at a position lower than the water level in the tank 1, wireless communication cannot be performed. Therefore, the control unit 32 of each of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b cannot receive the signal from the communication unit 33 of the other party. As a result, the controller 32 of each of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b cannot determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation.

The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t25 after a predetermined time Tc has elapsed since the start of the process for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated while stopping the processing to do so. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t26 after a predetermined time Tc has elapsed since the start of the process for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated while stopping the process to do so.

The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a stops the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31 at time t27 when the predetermined time Td has elapsed since the submersible electric pump main body 31 was operated, and also changes the operation and suspension during the alternate operation. Resume the process of determining the order. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b stops the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31 at time t28 when the predetermined time Td has elapsed since the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31, and also controls the operation and suspension of the submersible electric pump main body 31 during alternate operation. Resume the process of determining the order. As in the second operation example, the timing for stopping the operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b may be shifted depending on individual differences in the resistance and capacitors of the pump control circuit 35, or the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b may be operated. If the stop timings are the same, the individual identification information stored in the memory 322 is used to determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation.

The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t29 after a predetermined time Tc has elapsed since the restart of the process for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated while stopping the processing to do so. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation at time t30, which is a predetermined time Tc after the restart of the process for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. The submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated while stopping the processing to do so.

At time t31, communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b is started. Thereby, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each detect that the water level in the tank 1 is less than the ON water level. Then, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump body 31 at time t32 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t31. Further, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b in operation stops the operation of the submersible electric pump body 31 at time t32 after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from time t31. In the example of FIG. 5, the submersible electric pump 3b is stopped slightly later than the submersible electric pump 3a.

Also, at time t32, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a starts a process of determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation. Also, at time t32, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b starts processing for determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation.
(Fourth operation example)
A fourth operation example of the submersible electric pump system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth operation example, of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b, the submersible electric pump 3a is forcibly operated.

At time t33, the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned on. Then, the power of the submersible electric pump 3a is turned off once and then turned on again within a predetermined time Te. At time t34, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a forces the submersible electric pump body 31 to operate. The control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a stops the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31 at time t35 after a predetermined time Tf from when the submersible electric pump main body 31 is forcibly operated.

After that, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a returns to normal processing. That is, since the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a has not determined the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation, it starts the process of determining the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation.

(Determination of operation time)
With reference to FIG. 7, the operation time determination process of the submersible electric pump system 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

The control unit 32 controls the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31 based on changes in the signal strength of wireless communication between the communication unit 33 and another communication unit 33 . Specifically, the control unit 32 determines the operation time of the submersible electric pump main body 31 based on the change in the signal strength of wireless communication. Here, the control unit 32 detects that the water level in the tank 1 has become lower than the communication unit 33 based on the restart of the wireless communication by the communication unit 33 . Then, the control unit 32 causes the submersible electric pump main body 31 to operate for a predetermined period of time after the wireless communication by the communication unit 33 is resumed, thereby further lowering the water level in the tank 1 . In other words, when the amount of water discharged by the submersible electric pump main body 31 is constant, the amount by which the water level drops varies depending on the cross-sectional area of the tank 1 and the amount of water flowing into the tank 1 . Therefore, the control unit 32 obtains the change in the water level when the submersible electric pump main body 31 is operated, lowers the water level in the tank 1 to a position within a predetermined range, and then starts the submersible electric pump main body 31. Control to stop.

For example, the control unit 32 sets the signal strength level of wireless communication between LV0 and LV10. The level of the signal strength is relatively set with LV10 when the signal strength of the wireless communication of the plurality of communication units 33 reaches the maximum value, and LV0 when the communication of the plurality of communication units 33 becomes impossible. be done. Further, the control unit 32 starts the operation of the submersible electric pump main body 31, for example, when the signal strength level of the wireless communication of the plurality of communication units 33 reaches LV5. That is, the control unit 32 is configured to operate the submersible electric pump main body 31 when the signal strength level changes from the best LV10 to LV5.

In addition, the control unit 32 measures the time from when the submersible electric pump main body 31 is activated until the signal intensity level reaches LV10, and determines the timer time for continuing to operate the submersible electric pump main body 31 . That is, the control unit 32 stores the water level of LV5 and the upper limit water level of LV10. Then, the control unit 32 determines the operating time of the submersible electric pump body 31 based on the time required for the water level to change from the water level corresponding to LV5 to the water level corresponding to LV10.

The control unit 32 determines the time Tm until the signal intensity level changes from LV5, which is the level of the signal intensity at the start of operation, to LV10, the water level difference d1 between the water level corresponding to LV5 and the water level corresponding to LV10, LV5 and the water level difference d2 between the water level corresponding to .

(Effect of Embodiment)
The following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 is configured to detect the water level based on whether or not the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are capable of wireless communication. As a result, unlike electrostatic capacitance type water level sensors that use electrodes exposed to the outside to detect the water level, the electrodes do not corrode or become dirty. Based on this, the water level can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, when the two submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are alternately operated, it is possible to prevent one of the submersible electric pumps 3a or 3b from operating excessively. As a result, the water level can be detected with high accuracy, and the plurality of submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b can be efficiently and alternately operated.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 detects the water level based on whether or not the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b are capable of wireless communication. The electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b are configured to be alternately operated. As a result, when a predetermined water level is detected, one of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b can is operated first, and after draining, when a predetermined water level is detected again based on the availability of wireless communication, the other of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b is operated, and a plurality of submersible electric pumps Alternate operation of 3a and 3b can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 is controlled by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b wirelessly communicating with each other during the alternate operation. Configure to determine the order of pauses. As a result, unlike the case where each of the plurality of submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b independently determines the timings of operation and suspension during alternate operation, mutual communication enables operation and suspension during alternate operation. Since the order can be determined, it is possible to prevent the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b from operating and stopping at the same timing. As a result, the plurality of submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b can be reliably operated alternately. In addition, like conventional submersible electric pumps that alternately operate, by making the detected water level of one submersible electric pump different from the detected water level of the other submersible electric pump, a plurality of submersible electric pumps can be operated alternately. In contrast, since the configuration of the submersible electric pump 3a and the configuration of the submersible electric pump 3b can be made common, it is possible to suppress the complication of the configuration of the plurality of submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b for alternate operation. can be done.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 is controlled by the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. It is arranged to determine the order of operation and deactivation during alternating operation of the pumps 3a and 3b. This eliminates the need for mutual wireless communication of complicated signals in order to determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation, so signals for wireless communication can be simplified. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the communication processing by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b from becoming complicated.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 transmits and receives different individual identification information through wireless communication via the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. , to determine the order of operation and rest during alternate operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b. As a result, by wirelessly communicating the unique individual identification information between the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b, the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the control unit 32 of the submersible electric pump 3b each transmit their own individual identification information. and the received individual identification information of other submersible electric pumps, it is possible to easily determine the order of operation and rest during alternate operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 controls the communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b when it is not the order to operate the submersible electric pump 3a (3b) in the alternate operation. If wireless communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b does not resume within a predetermined period of time after the unit 33 has become unable to communicate, the submersible electric pump that is stopped 3a (3b) is configured to operate. As a result, when one submersible electric pump 3a (3b) cannot finish the water in time, the plurality of submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b can be used to drain the water, so that the water can be reliably drained.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the controller 32 controls the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the submersible electric pump 3b every predetermined number of times of operation during the alternate operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b. Based on wireless communication by the communication unit 33, the order of operation and suspension in the alternate operation is re-determined. As a result, even if for some reason the timings of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b become the same, the order is reviewed every predetermined number of times of operation. can be suppressed from continuing to operate and stop at the same timing.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 32 operates the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a in a state in which the order of operation and suspension during the alternate operation of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b is not determined. and when wireless communication cannot be performed by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b can be operated and wireless communication can be performed by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. After that, the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation is determined based on wireless communication between the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b. As a result, when the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are underwater and wireless communication cannot be performed, the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b are operated and drained to enable wireless communication. order can be determined.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the submersible electric pump 3a (3b) is activated when the control unit 32 is turned on within a predetermined period of time, then turned off, and then turned on. Configure for forced operation. As a result, even when only one of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b is arranged and wireless communication cannot be performed by the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3a and the communication unit 33 of the submersible electric pump 3b, the power can be turned on and off. , one of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b can be operated independently. As a result, it is possible to easily perform a test run for checking the operating state of one of the submersible electric pumps 3a and 3b.

(Modification)
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as examples and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which two submersible electric pumps are provided in the submersible electric pump system was shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump system may be provided with three or more submersible electric pumps. In this case, the submersible electric pumps may be alternately operated one by one, or a plurality of submersible electric pumps may be alternately operated.

Moreover, although the example of the structure in which AC power is supplied to the submersible electric pump has been shown in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, DC power may be supplied to the submersible electric pump. In this case, the submersible electric pump may include a power converter that converts DC power into AC power.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a plurality of communication units perform wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a plurality of communication units may perform wireless communication according to a standard other than the Bluetooth standard. For example, a plurality of communication units may perform wireless communication according to standards such as the ZigBee standard and the WiFi standard. Moreover, a plurality of communication units may perform wireless communication by infrared communication.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the submersible electric pump is arranged inside the tank has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the submersible electric pump may be arranged in areas other than the tank where drainage is required. For example, a submersible electric pump may be placed in a pond, river, lake, or the like, or a submersible electric pump may be placed in a water supply facility or a sewage facility.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the communication section is provided inside the cover of the submersible electric pump was shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the communication section may be provided outside the cover of the submersible electric pump.

3a submersible electric pump (first submersible electric pump)
3b Submersible electric pump (second submersible electric pump)
31 submersible electric pump body 32 control unit (first control unit, second control unit)
33 communication unit (first communication unit, second communication unit)
100 submersible electric pump system

Claims (11)

a first submersible electric pump including a first controller;
a second submersible electric pump including a second control unit;
a first communication unit provided in the first submersible electric pump;
a second communication unit that is provided in the second submersible electric pump and performs wireless communication with the first communication unit;
The first control unit and the second control unit are configured to detect the water level based on the availability of wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit ,
The first control unit and the second control unit control the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump according to the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the first communication unit and the second communication unit. A submersible electric pump system configured to determine the order of operation and rest during alternating pump operation . The first control unit and the second control unit control the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump based on the water level detected based on whether wireless communication is possible between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. 2. The submersible electric pump system according to claim 1, configured to perform control to alternately operate the electric pumps. When it is not the turn to operate the first submersible electric pump in the alternate operation, the first control unit controls, until a predetermined time elapses after wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit becomes impossible, , when wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit is not restarted, control is performed to operate the first submersible electric pump that is stopped,
When it is not the turn to operate the second submersible electric pump in the alternate operation, the second control unit controls the operation until a predetermined time elapses after wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit becomes impossible. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein, when the wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit is not restarted, control is performed to operate the second submersible electric pump that is stopped. submersible electric pump system. The first control unit and the second control unit control the first communication unit and the second communication unit every predetermined number of operations during alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump. The submersible electric pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , which is configured to re-determine the order of operation and rest during alternate operation based on wireless communication. The first control unit and the second control unit control the operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump in a state in which the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are not determined. and when wireless communication by the second communication unit cannot be performed, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are operated, respectively, and wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit can be performed. After this, the order of operation and rest during alternate operation is determined based on wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. 5. The submersible electric pump system according to any one of 4 . The first control unit is configured to forcibly operate the first submersible electric pump when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. ,
The second control unit is configured to forcibly operate the second submersible electric pump when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. The submersible electric pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . Submersible electric pump main body,
a control unit for controlling the operation of the submersible electric pump main body;
a communication unit provided in the submersible electric pump main body and performing wireless communication with a communication unit of another submersible electric pump,
The control unit is configured to detect the water level based on whether or not wireless communication with the communication unit of the other submersible electric pump of the communication unit is possible ,
The control unit determines the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation with the other submersible electric pump according to the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the communication unit and the communication unit of the other submersible electric pump. A submersible electric pump configured to determine a wireless communication with each other by a plurality of communication units respectively provided in a plurality of submersible electric pumps;
Detecting the water level based on the availability of wireless communication of the plurality of communication units ,
A method of operating a submersible electric pump , wherein the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the plurality of submersible electric pumps is determined according to the order of transmission and reception of signals by wireless communication of the plurality of communication units . 9. The method of operating a submersible electric pump according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of submersible electric pumps are alternately operated based on the water level detected based on whether or not wireless communication is possible with the plurality of communication units. a first submersible electric pump including a first controller;
a second submersible electric pump including a second control unit;
a first communication unit provided in the first submersible electric pump;
a second communication unit that is provided in the second submersible electric pump and performs wireless communication with the first communication unit;
The first control unit and the second control unit are configured to detect the water level based on the availability of wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit,
The first control unit and the second control unit are configured to determine the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation based on wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. ,
The first control unit and the second control unit control the operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump in a state in which the order of operation and suspension during alternate operation of the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are not determined. and when wireless communication by the second communication unit cannot be performed, the first submersible electric pump and the second submersible electric pump are operated, respectively, and wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit can be performed. The submersible electric pump system is configured to determine the order of operation and rest during alternate operation after the first communication unit and the second communication unit have wirelessly communicated. . a first submersible electric pump including a first controller;
a second submersible electric pump including a second control unit;
a first communication unit provided in the first submersible electric pump;
a second communication unit that is provided in the second submersible electric pump and performs wireless communication with the first communication unit;
The first control unit and the second control unit are configured to detect the water level based on the availability of wireless communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit,
The first control unit is configured to forcibly operate the first submersible electric pump when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. ,
The second control unit is configured to forcibly operate the second submersible electric pump when the power is turned on, then turned off, and then turned on within a predetermined time. , submersible electric pump system.

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