JP7484458B2 - Water tank drainage monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a water tank drainage monitoring system.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a valve opening/closing management system. The valve opening/closing management system includes a valve opening/closing display device that displays the opening/closing status of the valve, and a surveillance camera that captures the valve opening/closing display device. In the valve monitoring system, the opening/closing status of the valve is grasped from a remote location based on the image from the surveillance camera.

JP 2017-187070 A

During maintenance work on a water tank, workers may open the drain valve of the tank to drain the water. The time required to drain the tank varies depending on the amount of water stored in the tank as well as the open/close status of the drain valve. Even if the valve opening/closing management system of Patent Document 1 is applied to the drain valve of a water tank, the time required to drain the tank cannot be grasped from a remote location. For this reason, workers may need to continuously visually monitor the drainage status until the tank is completely drained.

This disclosure is directed to solving such problems. This disclosure provides a water tank drainage monitoring system that eliminates the need for workers to continually monitor the drainage status visually.

The water tank drainage monitoring system disclosed herein is provided in a water tank that drains water into a drain pipe through an open drainage path from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached, and comprises an upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operating unit that fully closes the drainage valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal, and a downstream device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level, and a downstream communication unit that wirelessly transmits a first signal to the upstream communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level, and the downstream communication unit wirelessly transmits the first signal to a mobile device carried by a worker performing the work of draining the water tank when it detects that the water level detection unit has reached the first water level .
The water tank drainage monitoring system of the present disclosure is provided in a water tank that drains water into a drain pipe through an open drainage path from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached, and comprises an upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drainage valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal, and a downstream device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level, and a downstream communication unit that transmits the first signal wirelessly to the upstream communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level, wherein the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a second water level below the first water level, and the downstream communication unit transmits the second signal wirelessly to the upstream communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the second water level, and the valve operation unit reduces the opening of the water drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives the second signal.
The water tank drainage monitoring system of the present disclosure is provided in a water tank that drains water into a drain pipe through an open drainage path from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached, and comprises an upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal, and a downstream device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level, and a downstream communication unit that transmits a first signal wirelessly to the upstream communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level, wherein the valve operation unit operates the opening degree of the drain valve by rotating a handle of the drain valve, and the upstream device has a memory unit that stores the amount of rotation of the handle when the drain valve is fully open, and the valve operation unit rotates the handle based on the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit, and the memory unit stores the amount of rotation input through the upstream communication unit from a mobile terminal carried by a worker performing the work of draining the water tank.
The water tank drainage monitoring system of the present disclosure is provided in a water tank that drains water into a drain pipe through an open drainage path from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached, and comprises an upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drainage valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal, and a downstream device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level, and a downstream communication unit that wirelessly transmits a first signal to the upstream communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level, and the downstream device has a tubular grounding portion with sides formed from a mesh material and an open bottom, and is self-supporting due to the grounding portion.

The drainage monitoring system disclosed herein eliminates the need for workers to continually monitor the drainage status visually.

1 is a configuration diagram of a drainage monitoring system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a downstream device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an upstream device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the drainage monitoring system according to the first embodiment. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a drainage monitoring system according to a first embodiment.

The embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a drainage monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The drainage monitoring system 1 is applied to monitoring drainage from a water tank 2. The water tank 2 is a tank that stores water. The water tank 2 is, for example, an elevated water tank. The elevated water tank is a tank that stores clean water such as drinking water used in a building 3. The elevated water tank is provided on the roof 4 of the building 3. In this example, the water tank 2, which is an elevated water tank, is placed on a stand 5. The stand 5 is provided on a turret 6. The turret 6 is, for example, a staircase or a machine room on the roof 4. The water tank 2 may be placed at the height of the top surface of the turret 6 or at the same height as the turret 6.

The building 3 has a drain pipe 7 that drains, for example, rainwater. A drain outlet 8 that connects to the drain pipe 7 is provided on the rooftop 4. A strainer 9 is provided at the drain outlet 8 to prevent garbage and the like from flowing into the drain pipe 7. In this example, the shape of the strainer 9 protrudes upward. The rooftop 4 of the building 3 is open to the outside of the building 3. A flat surface 10, such as a roof slab, of the rooftop 4 receives rainwater, for example, during rainy weather. At this time, the rainwater flows, for example, from the flat surface 10 into the drain outlet 8.

The water tank 2 includes a drain pipe 11 and a drain valve 12. The drain pipe 11 is a pipe that drains the water stored in the water tank 2. One end of the drain pipe 11 is connected to the lower part or bottom of the water tank 2. In this example, the other end of the drain pipe 11 is directed toward the flat surface 10 of the rooftop 4. The drain valve 12 is a manual valve attached to the drain pipe 11. The drain valve 12 is fully closed when the water tank 2 stores water. The drain valve 12 is opened in a range from fully closed to fully open when draining water from the water tank 2 during maintenance work on the water tank 2. Maintenance work includes, for example, cleaning and inspection. When the drain valve 12 is open, the water stored in the water tank 2 is drained from the drain pipe 11 to the flat surface 10 of the rooftop 4. The water drained from the drain pipe 11 flows into the drain outlet 8 through the flat surface 10 of the rooftop 4. In this case, the flat surface 10 of the roof 4 is an example of an open drainage path. The end of the drain pipe 11 opposite the water tank 2 may be directed toward the top surface of the pylon 6. In this case, the top surface of the pylon 6 and the flat surface 10 of the roof 4 are examples of an open drainage path.

Here, for example, if the drain outlet 8 is for draining rainwater or the like, when the amount of water discharged from the drain pipe 11 of the water tank 2 exceeds the amount of water discharged from the drain pipe 7, water may overflow from the flat surface 10 of the rooftop 4, which is the open drainage path. Also, if the strainer 9 of the drain outlet 8 is clogged with debris or the like, a decrease in the amount of water discharged from the drain pipe 7 may cause water to overflow from the flat surface 10 of the rooftop 4. For this reason, workers performing the drainage work of the water tank 2 use the drainage monitoring system 1 to monitor the water level in the open drainage path.

The drainage monitoring system 1 comprises a downstream device 13 and an upstream device 14. The downstream device 13 is arranged in an open drainage path. In this example, the downstream device 13 is arranged above the drain outlet 8. The downstream device 13 is a device that monitors the water level at the location where it is arranged. The downstream device 13 comprises a downstream communication unit 15. The downstream communication unit 15 is a part that performs wireless communication. The upstream device 14 is a device that operates the drain valve 12. The upstream device 14 is provided in the drain valve 12. The upstream device 14 may be attached to the drain pipe 11, for example. Alternatively, the upstream device 14 may be installed around the drain valve 12, for example. The upstream device 14 comprises an upstream communication unit 16. The upstream communication unit 16 is a part that performs wireless communication. The upstream device 14 operates the drain valve 12 based on the water level information monitored by the downstream device 13 that the upstream communication unit 16 receives from the downstream communication unit 15.

The worker performing the drainage work carries a mobile terminal 17. The mobile terminal 17 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone. The mobile terminal 17 is equipped with a wireless communication function. The mobile terminal 17 communicates wirelessly between the downstream device 13 and the upstream device 14.

The downstream communication unit 15, the upstream communication unit 16, and the mobile terminal 17 may communicate through a communication network such as the Internet or a telephone line network. The downstream communication unit 15, the upstream communication unit 16, and the mobile terminal 17 may perform wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard or the IEEE 802.15 standard.

Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the downstream device 13 according to the first embodiment.

The downstream device 13 includes a grounding section 18, a housing 19, and a water level detection section 20.

The grounding portion 18 is a portion that is placed in an open drainage path, such as the flat portion 10 of the rooftop 4. The grounding portion 18 is, for example, a tubular member with an open bottom. In this example, the shape of the grounding portion 18 is cylindrical. The sides of the grounding portion 18 are formed of a mesh member so that the water level is the same inside and outside the grounding portion 18. The mesh member is, for example, a wire mesh. The downstream device 13 is self-supporting by placing the bottom surface of the grounding portion 18 in the drainage path. In this example, the diameter of the bottom surface of the grounding portion 18 is larger than the diameter of the strainer 9. The grounding portion 18 is positioned so that it fits into the strainer 9 from above.

The housing 19 is a portion that houses the downstream communication unit 15 and the water level detection unit 20. The housing 19 is provided above the grounding portion 18.

The water level detection unit 20 is a part that detects the water level in the drainage path. In this example, the water level detection unit 20 has a first electrode 21a, a second electrode 21b, a third electrode 21c, and a reference electrode 21d. Each of the first electrode 21a, the second electrode 21b, the third electrode 21c, and the reference electrode 21d is, for example, an electrode rod. Each of the first electrode 21a, the second electrode 21b, the third electrode 21c, and the reference electrode 21d is directed downward from the lower end of the housing 19.

The height of the lower end of the first electrode 21a is set to a height lower than the water level at which water overflows from the drainage path. The water level at the height of the lower end of the first electrode 21a is the first water level.

The lower end of the second electrode 21b is positioned at a height lower than the lower end of the first electrode 21a. The water level at the lower end of the second electrode 21b is the second water level. The lower end of the third electrode 21c is positioned at a height lower than the lower end of the second electrode 21b.

The lower end of the third electrode 21c is positioned at a height approximately equal to the height of the drain outlet 8. The lower end of the third electrode 21c may be inserted into the inside of the drain pipe 7 from the drain outlet 8. The water level at the height of the lower end of the third electrode 21c is the third water level.

The height of the lower end of the reference electrode 21d is set to a height equal to or lower than the height of the lower end of the third electrode 21c.

The positions of the first electrode 21a, the second electrode 21b, the third electrode 21c, and the reference electrode 21d may be adjusted by an operator before the start of drainage work depending on the conditions of the building 3, etc. The water level detection unit 20 detects a water level higher than the first water level based on a change in the electrical resistance value between the reference electrode 21d and the first electrode 21a. The water level detection unit 20 detects a water level higher than the second water level based on a change in the electrical resistance value between the reference electrode 21d and the second electrode 21b. The water level detection unit 20 detects a water level higher than the third water level based on a change in the electrical resistance value between the reference electrode 21d and the third electrode 21c.

The downstream communication unit 15 transmits a wireless signal to the upstream communication unit 16 based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit 20. The downstream communication unit 15 transmits a first signal when the water level detection unit 20 detects a water level higher than the first water level. The downstream communication unit 15 transmits a second signal when the water level detection unit 20 detects a water level higher than the second water level and lower than the first water level. The downstream communication unit 15 transmits a third signal when the water level detection unit 20 detects a water level higher than the third water level and lower than the second water level. In this example, the downstream communication unit 15 also transmits the first, second, and third signals to the mobile terminal 17.

Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the upstream device 14 according to the first embodiment.

In this example, the drain valve 12 has a handle 22 that can be rotated to adjust the opening.

The upstream device 14 includes a fixed unit 23, a memory unit 24, and a valve operating unit 25.

The fixing part 23 is a part that fixes the upstream device 14 to the drain valve 12. The fixing part 23 has, for example, a clamp. In this case, the fixing part 23 fixes the upstream device 14 to the drain valve 12, for example, by clamping the drain pipe 11 with the clamp. The fixing part 23 may have legs. The legs are parts that are placed around the drain valve 12. The legs may have a neck that adjusts the orientation of the upstream device 14 to match the drain valve 12.

The memory unit 24 is a part that stores the amount of rotation of the handle 22 until the drain valve 12 goes from fully closed to fully open.

The valve operating unit 25 is a part that opens and closes the drain valve 12. The valve operating unit 25 has a crank 26, a motor 27, and a control unit 28. The crank 26 is a part that engages with the handle 22 of the drain valve 12. The motor 27 is a device that rotates the crank 26 to turn the handle 22. The control unit 28 is a part that controls the amount of rotation of the crank 26 by the motor 27. The control unit 28 adjusts the opening of the drain valve 12 by rotating the handle 22 through the motor 27 and the crank 26 based on the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24. The rotation radius of the crank 26 may be adjustable. In the valve operating unit 25, the crank 26 may be replaceable. Alternatively, the crank 26 may be replaceable with another member that grips and turns the handle 22 of the drain valve 12.

Next, we will explain an example of drainage work using the drainage monitoring system 1.

The worker installs the downstream device 13. At this time, the worker may adjust the first electrode 21a, the second electrode 21b, the third electrode 21c, or the reference electrode 21d of the water level detection unit 20.

Then, the worker manually fully opens the drain valve 12, which is fully closed. At this time, the worker stores the amount of rotation of the handle 22 of the drain valve 12 in the memory unit 24. The amount of rotation to be stored in the memory unit 24 is input, for example, from the mobile terminal 17 via the upstream communication unit 16. Note that if the memory unit 24 has previously stored the amount of rotation, for example, because drainage work has been performed on the same water tank 2 before, input of the amount of rotation may be omitted.

The worker then installs the upstream device 14. Note that, in cases where the valve operating unit 25 does not prevent manual operation of the handle 22, the upstream device 14 may be installed before the drain valve 12 is fully opened. After installing the upstream device 14, the worker leaves the rooftop 4 with the mobile terminal 17 while leaving the drain valve 12 fully open. At this time, the worker may perform tasks other than the drainage work.

While water is flowing out of the drain pipe 11 of the water tank 2, the downstream device 13 monitors the water level in the drainage path.

When the water level in the drainage path rises and exceeds the second water level, the water level detection unit 20 detects that the second water level has been reached based on a change in the electrical resistance between the reference electrode 21d and the second electrode 21b. At this time, the downstream communication unit 15 transmits a second signal to the upstream communication unit 16 and the mobile terminal 17.

When the mobile terminal 17 receives the second signal, it notifies the worker that the second water level has been reached. The worker who receives the notification may return to the rooftop 4 to check the status of the drainage work.

When the upstream communication unit 16 receives the second signal, the valve operation unit 25 of the upstream device 14 reduces the opening of the drain valve 12. The valve operation unit 25 rotates the handle 22 based on the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24. For example, the valve operation unit 25 rotates the handle 22 in the direction to close the drain valve 12 by an amount of rotation that is the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24 multiplied by a preset ratio. The ratio by which the amount of rotation is multiplied is, for example, 50%.

When the operation of the drain valve 12 by the valve operation unit 25 is completed successfully, the upstream communication unit 16 transmits an operation completion signal to the mobile terminal 17. On the other hand, when the operation of the drain valve 12 by the valve operation unit 25 fails, the upstream communication unit 16 transmits an operation failure signal to the mobile terminal 17.

When the mobile terminal 17 receives the operation completion signal, it notifies the worker that the operation of the drain valve 12 by the valve operation unit 25 has been completed successfully. The worker who received the notification continues the work without returning to the rooftop 4.

Meanwhile, when the mobile terminal 17 receives the operation failure signal, it notifies the worker that the operation of the drain valve 12 by the valve operation unit 25 has failed. The worker who received the notification returns to the rooftop 4 and checks the status of the valve operation unit 25 and the status of the drainage work. The worker takes action according to the confirmed situation and then resumes the drainage work.

By reducing the opening of the drain valve 12, the amount of water discharged from the drain pipe 11 of the water tank 2 is reduced. This prevents water from overflowing from the drain path when the water level in the drain path starts to drop. In addition, because water continues to be discharged from the drain pipe 11, the time required for the draining operation is prevented from increasing.

On the other hand, if the water level in the drainage path continues to rise even when the amount of water discharged from the drain pipe 11 of the water tank 2 decreases, the water level in the drainage path may reach the first water level. At this time, the water level detection unit 20 detects that the first water level has been reached based on a change in the electrical resistance between the reference electrode 21d and the first electrode 21a. At this time, the downstream communication unit 15 transmits a first signal to the upstream communication unit 16 and the mobile terminal 17.

When the mobile terminal 17 receives the first signal, it notifies the worker that the first water level has been reached. The worker who receives the notification returns to the rooftop 4 to check the status of the drainage work.

The valve operation unit 25 of the upstream device 14 fully closes the drain valve 12 when the upstream communication unit 16 receives the first signal. The valve operation unit 25 rotates the handle 22 based on the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24, for example. The valve operation unit 25 rotates the handle 22 in a direction to close the drain valve 12 by an amount of rotation that is the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24 minus the amount of rotation when the second water level was reached. Alternatively, the valve operation unit 25 may rotate the handle 22 in a direction to close the drain valve 12 until the handle 22 stops rotating, regardless of the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24.

When the drain valve 12 is fully closed, drainage from the drain pipe 11 of the water tank 2 stops. This stops the water level in the drainage path from rising, preventing water from overflowing from the drainage path. Drainage from the drain pipe 11 can be resumed by a worker who has returned to the roof 4 after the water level in the drainage path has sufficiently dropped, for example by draining water through the drain pipe 7.

After the water tank 2 has finished draining the stored water from the drain pipe 11, the water level in the drainage path drops due to drainage through the drain pipe 7. When the water level in the drainage path is lower than the third water level, the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level is lower than the third water level based on a change in the electrical resistance between the reference electrode 21d and the third electrode 21c. At this time, the downstream communication unit 15 transmits a third signal to the upstream communication unit 16 and the mobile terminal 17. The downstream communication unit 15 may transmit the third signal when the water level in the drainage path falls below the third water level. Alternatively, the downstream communication unit 15 may transmit the third signal periodically while the water level in the drainage path is lower than the third water level.

When the mobile terminal 17 receives the third signal, it notifies the worker that the water level in the drainage path is lower than the third water level. The worker who receives the notification determines that drainage from the water tank 2 is complete. The worker then returns to the roof 4 to confirm that drainage from the water tank 2 is complete. The worker then begins maintenance work on the water tank 2, such as cleaning, which follows the drainage work.

Next, an example of the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment.

In step S1, the water level detection unit 20 determines whether the water level in the drainage path is lower than the third water level. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S2. If the determination result is No, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S3.

In step S2, the downstream communication unit 15 notifies the mobile terminal 17 by transmitting a third signal. After that, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the water level detection unit 20 determines whether the water level in the drainage path has reached the second water level. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S4. If the determination result is No, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S6.

In step S4, the downstream communication unit 15 notifies the mobile terminal 17 by transmitting a second signal. After that, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the downstream communication unit 15 transmits a second signal to the upstream communication unit 16. When the upstream communication unit 16 receives the second signal, the valve operation unit 25 reduces the opening of the water drain valve 12. Thereafter, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the water level detection unit 20 determines whether the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S7. If the determination result is No, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S1.

In step S7, the downstream communication unit 15 notifies the mobile terminal 17 by transmitting the first signal. After that, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S8.

In step S7, the downstream communication unit 15 transmits a first signal to the upstream communication unit 16. When the upstream communication unit 16 receives the first signal, the valve operation unit 25 fully closes the water drain valve 12. Thereafter, the operation of the drainage monitoring system 1 proceeds to step S1.

The worker may send an inquiry signal to the downstream device 13 and the upstream device 14 via the mobile terminal 17 to inquire about the situation. When the downstream communication unit 15 of the downstream device 13 receives the inquiry signal, it sends, for example, the water level detected by the water level detection unit 20 to the mobile terminal 17. When the upstream communication unit 16 of the upstream device 14 receives the inquiry signal, it sends, for example, the opening degree of the water drain valve 12 calculated based on the rotation angle of the motor 27 of the valve operation unit 25 and the rotation amount information stored in the memory unit 24 to the mobile terminal 17. The mobile terminal 17 notifies the worker of the information received from the downstream device 13 and the upstream device 14.

As described above, the drainage monitoring system 1 for the water tank 2 according to the first embodiment includes an upstream device 14 and a downstream device 13. The water tank 2 drains water from the drain pipe 11 to the drain pipe 7 through a drainage path open to the outside. A drain valve 12 is attached to the drain pipe 11. The upstream device 14 is provided in the water tank 2. The upstream device 14 includes an upstream communication unit 16 and a valve operation unit 25. The upstream communication unit 16 communicates wirelessly. The valve operation unit 25 fully closes the drain valve 12 when the upstream communication unit 16 receives a first signal. The downstream device 13 includes a water level detection unit 20 and a downstream communication unit 15. The water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level. When the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level, the downstream communication unit 15 wirelessly transmits a first signal to the upstream communication unit 16.

During the drainage work of the water tank 2, the water level in the drainage path may rise depending on the relationship between the amount of drainage from the drain pipe 11 and the amount of drainage from the drain pipe 7. If the water level continues to rise, water may overflow from the drainage path that is open to the outside. If the drainage path is the flat surface 10 of the roof 4, the overflowing water may flow out of the building 3 along the outer wall of the building 3. In addition, the overflowing water may flood the inside of the building 3 through, for example, a staircase. In response to this, when the water level in the drainage path reaches the first water level, the valve operating unit 25 fully closes the water drain valve 12, automatically preventing water overflow. This eliminates the need for workers to continuously monitor the drainage situation visually. In addition, since the change in the water level in the drainage path is directly detected, the drainage monitoring system 1 can prevent water overflow whether the cause of the rise in water level is on the water tank 2 side or the drain outlet 8 side. In addition, since there is no need to add a flow meter or other device to the water tank 2 to measure the amount of drainage from the drain pipe 11, it can be easily applied to drainage work in an existing water tank 2. In addition, since there is no need to add any equipment to the inside of the water tank 2, changes in the sanitary condition of the water tank 2 due to the introduction of equipment are less likely to occur.

The water level detection unit 20 also has a reference electrode 21d and a first electrode 21a. The reference electrode 21d has a lower end at a height lower than the first water level. The first electrode 21a has a lower end at the height of the first water level. The water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level based on a change in the electrical resistance value between the reference electrode 21d and the first electrode 21a.

This allows changes in the water level in the drainage path to be detected with a simple configuration. Also, by adjusting the height of the electrodes, the first water level can be easily set according to the conditions at the work site.

When the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level has reached the first water level, the downstream communication unit 15 wirelessly transmits a first signal to the mobile terminal 17. The mobile terminal 17 is carried by a worker performing the drainage work of the water tank 2.

This allows workers to quickly know when the first water level has been reached, even if they are away from the location where the water tank 2 is installed and are performing other work. This makes it possible to quickly respond to a rise in the water level in the drainage path.

The water level detection unit 20 also detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a second water level. The second water level is a water level below the first water level. When the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the second water level, the downstream communication unit 15 wirelessly transmits a second signal to the upstream communication unit 16. The valve operation unit 25 reduces the opening of the water drain valve 12 when the upstream communication unit 16 receives the second signal.

When the water level in the drainage path reaches the second water level, the valve operating unit 25 reduces the opening of the drain valve 12, preventing the water level from rising without stopping the drainage from the water tank 2. This reduces the possibility of water overflowing from the drainage path. In addition, because the drainage from the drain pipe 11 continues, the time required for the drainage work is prevented from increasing.

The water level detection unit 20 also detects that the water level in the drainage path is lower than a third water level. The third water level is a water level below the second water level. When the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level in the drainage path is lower than the third water level, the downstream communication unit 15 wirelessly transmits a third signal to the mobile terminal 17.

This allows workers to quickly ascertain that drainage has been completed, even if they have left the location where the water tank 2 is installed and are performing other work. This allows them to quickly begin the work that follows the drainage work, minimizing changes to the sanitary state of the water tank 2 after the drainage work is completed. Furthermore, workers can confirm that drainage has not been completed because the third signal has not been transmitted. This allows workers to make decisions such as whether to continue with other work or check the status of the drainage work.

In addition, the valve operating unit 25 operates the opening degree of the drain valve 12 by rotating the handle 22 of the drain valve 12 .
The upstream device 14 also includes a memory unit 24. The memory unit 24 stores the amount of rotation of the handle 22 when the drain valve 12 is fully opened. The valve operating unit 25 rotates the handle 22 based on the amount of rotation stored in the memory unit 24.

This allows the drainage monitoring system 1 to be applied to multiple water tanks 2 having drain valves 12 with different opening degrees corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle 22. The valve operating unit 25 can adjust the opening degree of the drain valve 12 to any degree between fully closed and fully open. This allows for more precise control of the amount of drainage from the drain pipe 11.

The memory unit 24 also stores the amount of rotation input from the mobile terminal 17 through the upstream communication unit 16.

When drainage work begins, the drain valve 12 is fully opened manually, for example, by a worker. In this case, after operating the drain valve 12, the worker can input the amount of rotation in the natural flow of work.

The downstream device 13 also has a grounding portion 18. The grounding portion 18 is a cylindrical portion with an open bottom. The sides of the grounding portion 18 are formed from a mesh-like material. The downstream device 13 stands on its own thanks to the grounding portion 18.

The downstream device 13 is self-supporting due to the cylindrical grounding portion 18, so it is stably positioned in the drainage path. In addition, the sides made of a mesh material ensure that the water level is the same inside and outside the grounding portion 18, so the water level detection unit 20 can detect changes in the water level without being hindered. In addition, because the sides are made of a mesh material, the downstream device 13 is less likely to tip over even when subjected to a water flow.

The grounding portion 18 is also positioned so that it fits from above into the strainer 9 of the drain outlet 8 that leads to the drain pipe 7.

The downstream device 13 is fitted into the strainer 9 provided at the drain outlet 8, so that it is positioned more stably in the drainage path.

The operation of fully opening the drain valve 12 at the start of the drainage operation may be performed by the valve operation unit 25 of the upstream device 14 that is installed before fully opening the drain valve 12. When starting the drainage operation, the valve operation unit 25 rotates the drain valve 12 until it is fully open. The memory unit 24 stores the amount of rotation that the valve operation unit 25 rotates until it is fully open.

This eliminates the need for the worker to input the amount of rotation. In addition, the worker does not need to operate the handle 22 while memorizing the amount of rotation. This improves the workability of drainage work.

The drainage monitoring system 1 may also include multiple downstream devices 13.

One or more downstream devices 13 can be placed at other locations in the drainage path from the drain outlet 8. Multiple downstream devices 13 can be placed at multiple locations in the drainage path. In the drainage path, the flow of water may be halted or changed due to partitions or grooves. Even if the water level in one location in the drainage path does not rise, water may overflow due to the water level rising in another location. Even in such cases, the downstream device 13 can be placed at one or more locations where water overflow may occur, so that the drainage monitoring system 1 can more effectively monitor changes in the water level during drainage work.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the drainage monitoring system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main part of the drainage monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment.

Each function of the drainage monitoring system 1 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100a and memory 100b.

When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the drainage monitoring system 1 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the drainage monitoring system 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

When the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

Each function of the drainage monitoring system 1 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the drainage monitoring system 1 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the drainage monitoring system 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the drainage monitoring system 1 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

1 drainage monitoring system, 2 water tank, 3 building, 4 roof, 5 frame, 6 tower, 7 drain pipe, 8 drain outlet, 9 strainer, 10 flat surface, 11 drain pipe, 12 drain valve, 13 downstream device, 14 upstream device, 15 downstream communication unit, 16 upstream communication unit, 17 mobile terminal, 18 grounding unit, 19 housing, 20 water level detection unit, 21a first electrode, 21b second electrode, 21c third electrode, 21d reference electrode, 22 handle, 23 fixed unit, 24 memory unit, 25 valve operation unit, 26 crank, 27 motor, 28 control unit, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims (8)

an upstream device provided in a water tank that drains water from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached through an open drainage path into a drain pipe, the upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal;
a downstream side device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a first water level, and a downstream side communication unit that wirelessly transmits the first signal to the upstream side communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level;
Equipped with
The downstream communication unit wirelessly transmits the first signal to a mobile terminal carried by a worker performing drainage work of the water tank when the water level detection unit detects that the water level has reached the first water level.
Water tank drainage monitoring system. an upstream device provided in a water tank that drains water from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached through an open drainage path into a drain pipe, the upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal;
a downstream side device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a first water level, and a downstream side communication unit that wirelessly transmits the first signal to the upstream side communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level;
Equipped with
The water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a second water level below the first water level,
the downstream communication unit wirelessly transmits a second signal to the upstream communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the second water level;
The valve operation unit reduces an opening degree of the water drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives the second signal.
Water tank drainage monitoring system. The water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path is lower than a third water level that is below the second water level,
The downstream communication unit wirelessly transmits a third signal to a mobile terminal carried by a worker performing a drainage operation of the water tank when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path is lower than the third water level.
The water tank drainage monitoring system according to claim 2 . an upstream device provided in a water tank that drains water from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached through an open drainage path into a drain pipe, the upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal;
a downstream side device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a first water level, and a downstream side communication unit that wirelessly transmits the first signal to the upstream side communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level;
Equipped with
The valve operation unit operates the opening degree of the water drain valve by rotating a handle of the water drain valve,
The upstream device is
A storage unit that stores the rotation amount of the handle when the water drain valve is fully opened.
Equipped with
The valve operation unit rotates the handle based on the rotation amount stored in the memory unit,
The storage unit stores the rotation amount input through the upstream communication unit from a mobile terminal carried by a worker performing drainage work of the water tank.
Water tank drainage monitoring system. an upstream device provided in a water tank that drains water from a drain pipe to which a drain valve is attached through an open drainage path into a drain pipe, the upstream device having an upstream communication unit that communicates wirelessly and a valve operation unit that fully closes the drain valve when the upstream communication unit receives a first signal;
a downstream side device having a water level detection unit that detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than a first water level, and a downstream side communication unit that wirelessly transmits the first signal to the upstream side communication unit when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the drainage path has reached the first water level;
Equipped with
The downstream device has a cylindrical grounding portion with a side surface made of a mesh material and an open bottom surface, and is self-supporting by the grounding portion.
Water tank drainage monitoring system. The grounding portion is disposed so as to be fitted from above into a strainer of a drain outlet that leads to the drain pipe.
The water tank drainage monitoring system according to claim 5 . The water level detection unit has a reference electrode having a lower end at a height lower than the first water level, and a first electrode having a lower end at the height of the first water level, and detects that the water level in the drainage path is higher than the first water level based on a change in electrical resistance value between the reference electrode and the first electrode.
The water tank drainage monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The downstream device is provided in plurality.
The water tank drainage monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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