Agricultural device

Abstract

To provide an agricultural device that prevents a coupling member from falling off and can suppress excessive loads acting on the coupling member and a valve body.SOLUTION: An agricultural device comprises at least a valve body 150, an outflow coupling member 21 that connects a fluid outlet and a piping, and a first bracket 16 fixed to the valve body 150. A first guide portion 1611 of the first bracket has a guide mechanism that guides the outflow coupling member 21 to a predetermined position relative to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150. The first guide portion 1611 has a retaining mechanism that prevents the outflow coupling member 21 from falling off in the axial direction when the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150. The first bracket 16 has both the guide mechanism and the retaining mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to agricultural equipment having a valve body. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a valve device that has an internal solenoid valve and a base member that is installed on the ground. The base member has two oval sleds that are placed on the ground and a connector that connects the two sleds. The base member is fixed by welding to a coupling member. The coupling member has a secondary pipe connection part that is connected to the secondary pipe and a water outlet connection part that is connected to the water outlet of the valve body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4129676 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The base member supports not the valve body but the coupling member to which the piping is connected. Therefore, when moving the valve device by holding the base member, external forces are likely to be applied directly to the coupling member. Furthermore, because the valve body is supported only by the connecting parts with the coupling member, external forces are likely to be applied directly to the valve body, which has a relatively large mass. This raises concerns that loads may be applied to the coupling member and valve body in the valve device.

[0005] The object of the disclosure in this specification is to provide an agricultural device that can prevent the coupling member from falling off and can suppress excessive load acting on the coupling member and the valve body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multiple aspects disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. Furthermore, the reference symbols in parentheses in the claims and this section are merely examples showing the correspondence between specific means described in the embodiments below as one aspect, and do not limit the technical scope.

[0007] One of the disclosed agricultural devices includes a valve capable of opening and closing an internal passage, a valve body (150) including a fluid inlet (151) and a fluid outlet (152, 153, 154), coupling members (21, 22) connecting the fluid outlet and a pipe (61), and brackets (16, 17) fixed to the valve body; The bracket is provided with a guide portion (1611, 1612, 1721) that has both a guide mechanism that guides the coupling member to a predetermined position relative to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the valve body, and a retaining mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction when the bracket is fixed to the valve body.

[0008] In this agricultural device, the bracket is fixed to the valve body, so the bracket and valve body are handled as a single unit. In other words, the valve body and bracket, which are relatively large in mass and subject to large gravity in agricultural devices, can be provided as a single unit. Therefore, the bracket can bear the external force acting on the valve body.

[0009] The bracket has a guide mechanism that guides the coupling member to a predetermined position relative to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the valve body. This allows the coupling member to be positioned appropriately relative to the bracket, which is integrated with the valve body. Furthermore, the bracket has a retaining mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction when the bracket is fixed to the valve body. Therefore, by providing the bracket, which is integrated with the valve body, with a mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction, a stable retaining effect can be achieved. As described above, the agricultural equipment prevents the coupling member from falling off and can suppress excessive loads acting on the coupling member and the valve body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an irrigation system including an agricultural device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a water supply path to a plant. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows agricultural equipment resting on the ground. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows agricultural equipment resting on the ground. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an agricultural device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an agricultural device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the agricultural equipment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the agricultural device according to the first modified example is placed on the ground. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the agricultural device according to the second modified example is placed on the ground. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the agricultural device according to the third modified example is placed on the ground. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the agricultural device according to the fourth modified example is placed on the ground. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state between a pipe portion and a joint member. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method of connecting a pipe portion and a joint member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of a pipe portion and a sealing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being combinable in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0012] First embodiment The agricultural device that can achieve the object described in the specification is a device that has a valve that can open and close an internal passage and can be applied to the agricultural field. This agricultural device is applied to a device that has a built-in valve that opens and closes passages such as an irrigation flow path, a fertilizer supply flow path, and a chemical supply flow path. This agricultural device can be applied to a valve device that can control the flow rate of irrigation water, nutrient solution containing fertilizer, solution containing chemicals, etc.

[0013] A first embodiment disclosing an example of an agricultural device and an irrigation system including the agricultural device will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14. In this embodiment, an example of an agricultural device including a valve device capable of controlling the flow rate of irrigation water supplied to plants grown in a farm field 20 will be described. First, the irrigation system will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and then the configuration of the agricultural device will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 14.

[0014] Hereinafter, the three mutually orthogonal directions will be referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. In this specification, the plane defined by the X direction and Y direction is along the horizontal plane. The Z direction is along the vertical direction. In the drawings, the "directions" are omitted and simply written as X, Y, and Z.

[0015] <Field> The irrigation system 10 is applied to an outdoor field 20 cultivated on a hill or plain. As shown in FIG. 1 , the irrigation system 10 is applied to a field 20 cultivated on a plain. The field 20 has multiple growing areas, such as ridges extending in the X direction. These multiple growing areas extending in the X direction are spaced apart in the Y direction. Plant seeds or seedlings are planted in each of these growing areas. Examples of such plants include grapes, corn, almonds, raspberries, leafy vegetables, and cotton. The irrigation system 10 may also be configured to be applied to a field 20 located indoors, such as in a greenhouse. Therefore, the field 20 in this specification can be applied to soil located either outdoors or indoors.

[0016] A plurality of plants are grown in one growing area. The plurality of plants are lined up in a row in the X direction. In the following, a plurality of plants lined up in a row in the X direction will be referred to as a group of plants. In the field 20, the plurality of plant groups are lined up with a gap in the Y direction. The shortest distance between the plurality of plant groups in the Y direction is longer than the shortest distance between the plurality of plants included in one group of plants in the X direction. The gap between the plurality of plant groups in the Y direction can be varied depending on the type of plants being grown and the topography and climate of the field 20.

[0017] <Irrigation system> The irrigation system 10 comprises a water supply device 100 and a control device 200. The water supply device 100 supplies irrigation water to plants in a field 20. The control device 200 determines the time and amount of irrigation water to be supplied from the water supply device 100 to the plants during the irrigation period. The control device 200 determines the irrigation schedule for the water supply device 100. The irrigation system 10 can detect abnormal conditions such as water leakage and clogging during irrigation, and can restore irrigation if an abnormal condition occurs.

[0018] <Water supply device> The water supply device 100 includes a pump 110, a water supply pipe 130, etc. The pump 110 functions as a water supply source that causes irrigation water to flow down the water supply pipe 130.

[0019] <Pump> The pump 110 is always in an operating state. Alternatively, the pump 110 is in an operating state during the daytime. The operation and stopping of the pump 110 are controlled by the control device 200. For example, the pump 110 pumps irrigation water stored in a tank or a reservoir and supplies it to the water supply pipe 130. The irrigation water may be well water, river water, rainwater, city water, or the like. The water supply pipe 130 is provided with multiple water supply valves 15 that can control the flow rate of irrigation water discharged into the field 20. The water supply valves 15 are an example of an agricultural device that can achieve the objectives described in this specification. When each water supply valve 15 is closed and there is no irrigation water leakage from the water supply pipe 130, the water supply pipe 130 is filled with water. In this case, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 becomes a value that depends on the discharge capacity of the pump 110, such as the pump pressure. When the water supply valve 15 changes from a closed state to an open state, irrigation water is discharged from the water supply pipe 130 to the field 20. When the amount of irrigation water discharged becomes stable on average over time, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 becomes a flow pressure that is lower than the pump pressure.

[0020] <Water supply piping> The water supply pipe 130 includes a main pipe. The main pipe is connected to a pump 110. The pump 110 supplies irrigation water to the main pipe. The irrigation water is supplied to the field 20 via the main pipe.

[0021] <Main piping> The main pipe includes a vertical pipe 133 and a first connecting pipe 134. The vertical pipe 133 extends in the Y direction. The first connecting pipe 134 extends in the X direction. The vertical pipe 133 and the first connecting pipe 134 are connected to each other. Due to this configuration, irrigation water flows in the Y direction and the X direction within the main pipe. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one vertical pipe 133 is connected to one pump 110. Multiple first connecting pipes 134 extend from this vertical pipe 133 extending in the Y direction.

[0022] 1 and 2 are merely examples of passage configurations for irrigation. There are no particular limitations on the number of pumps 110 and vertical pipes 133 provided in the field 20, the number of vertical pipes 133 connected to one pump 110, the number of vertical pipes 133 connected to one first connecting pipe 134, or the positions of the first connecting pipes 134 and the vertical pipes 133 in the Z direction.

[0023] The multiple first connecting pipes 134 are lined up at a distance in the Y direction. The shortest distance between the multiple first connecting pipes 134 in the Y direction is equal to the shortest distance between the multiple groups of plants in the Y direction. One of the multiple first connecting pipes 134 is provided in one of the multiple groups of plants. The first connecting pipe 134 extends along the direction in which the multiple plants included in the group of plants are lined up. A supply pipe is connected to this first connecting pipe 134.

[0024] The irrigation system 10 has a plurality of distribution tubes 136 that discharge irrigation water downstream of the first connecting pipe 134 in the water supply path. Each distribution tube 136 is a supply unit that supplies irrigation water to plants in the field 20. Each distribution tube 136 is installed in a position where it can supply irrigation water to ridges formed in the field 20. The distribution tubes 136 are configured to expand and contract in response to the pressure of water flowing through them. The distribution tubes 136 are formed, for example, from a material and hardness that allows them to elastically deform in response to water pressure.

[0025] The distribution tube 136 is formed with a plurality of through-holes that connect the inside of the tube through which irrigation water flows with the outside. The plurality of through-holes are arranged in each tube at a predetermined interval in the axial direction of the tube. Alternatively, the through-holes may be arranged in each tube at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the tube. The spacing between the plurality of through-holes in the axial direction (e.g., X direction) is equal to the spacing between the plurality of plants in the X direction. The spacing between the plurality of through-holes and the spacing between the plurality of plants may also be different.

[0026] <Flow of irrigation water> The irrigation water supplied to the vertical pipe 133 by the pump 110 flows in the Y direction inside the vertical pipe 133. This irrigation water is supplied to each of the first connecting pipes 134 connected to the vertical pipe 133. The irrigation water flows in the X direction inside each of the multiple first connecting pipes 134. The irrigation water flowing inside the first connecting pipes 134 flows down into the distribution tubes 136. The irrigation water is discharged from each of the through-holes in the distribution tubes 136 and supplied to the plants. The irrigation water supplied from each of the through-holes in the distribution tubes 136 is supplied mainly to the trunks and roots of the plants.

[0027] The through-holes of the distribution tubes 136 are provided, for example, at a position higher than the portion of each distribution tube 136 that faces the ground. In this case, the irrigation water discharged from the through-holes spreads in a radial direction relative to the central axis of the distribution tube 136, and can be sprayed at positions distant from the tube.

[0028] <Water supply valve> The water supply valve 15 is provided upstream of the distribution tube 136 in the water supply path. When the water supply valve 15 is in the open state, the water supply pipe 130 and each through-hole of the distribution tube 136 are connected to each other. This allows irrigation water to be discharged from the through-holes. Conversely, when the water supply valve 15 is in the closed state, the communication between the water supply pipe 130 and each through-hole of the distribution tube 136 is blocked. This stops the discharge of irrigation water from the through-holes of the distribution tube 136.

[0029] The water supply valve 15 controls the flow rate of irrigation water discharged from the through-hole of the distribution tube 136 by controlling the valve opening degree with the control device 200. The control device 200 controls the valve opening degree of the water supply valve 15 to any value between a predetermined opening degree and fully open. The water supply valve 15 is a flow rate control valve or pressure control valve that can precisely vary the flow rate passing through by adjusting the downstream or upstream pressure. The predetermined opening degree is set to a value that includes a slightly open opening degree or a 0% opening degree, i.e., a fully closed position.

[0030] The control device 200 controls the discharge flow rate or discharge flow velocity per unit time discharged from each through-hole by controlling the valve opening of the water supply valve 15. Through this control, the control device 200 can control the water flight distance or discharge rate, which is the distance that irrigation water discharged from the distribution tube 136 lands after leaving the distribution tube 136. The water flight distance is the distance between the distribution tube 136 and the point where irrigation water that has flowed out of the distribution tube 136 through the through-hole lands on the soil. The water supply valve 15 is an on-off valve that controls the flow down of the water supply and the cut-off of the water supply, and also functions as a flow rate adjustment valve that can control the water supply flow rate.

[0031] <Water pressure sensor> The water pressure sensor 14 is provided in a pipe included in the water supply pipe 130. The water pressure sensor 14 is a pressure sensor that detects the water pressure inside the pipe. The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is output to the control device 200. The water pressure sensor 14 is provided in a position upstream of the distribution tube 136 in the water supply path. Furthermore, the water pressure sensor 14 may be configured to be provided in a position downstream of the distribution tube 136 in the water supply path.

[0032] When the water supply valve 15 is closed and the pipe is filled with irrigation water, the water pressure sensor 14 detects the pump pressure. When the water supply valve 15 changes from closed to open, irrigation water is discharged from the distribution tube 136. When the time-averaged amount of irrigation water discharge stabilizes, the water pressure sensor 14 detects the flow pressure. When the water supply valve 15 changes from open to closed, the discharge of irrigation water from the water supply pipe 130 stops. The water pressure in the water supply pipe 130 gradually recovers from flow pressure to pump pressure. The water pressure sensor 14 detects the water pressure during this transitional period when the flow pressure gradually recovers to pump pressure.

[0033] If a break occurs in the water supply pipe 130 or the water supply valve 15 and irrigation water leaks from the broken point, the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 will decrease. This will enable detection of whether or not a break has occurred. This break detection process is executed by the control device 200. The irrigation system 10 may be configured to include a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of fluid flowing through the passageway, instead of the water pressure sensor 14. The irrigation system 10 feedback-controls the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 using the detected values ​​of the water pressure sensor 14 and the flow rate sensor.

[0034] <Control device> The control device 200 includes a monitoring unit 300, an integrated communication unit 400, an information storage unit 500, and an integrated calculation unit 600. In the drawings, the integrated communication unit 400 is abbreviated as ICD. The control device 200 has multiple monitoring units 300. Each of the multiple monitoring units 300 corresponds to a predetermined divided area in the farm field 20.

[0035] The water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 14 is input to the monitoring unit 300. The monitoring unit 300 detects environmental values, which are physical quantities related to the environment of the farm field 20. Each of the multiple monitoring units 300 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​to the integrated communication unit 400 via wireless communication.

[0036] The integrated communication unit 400 outputs the water pressure and environmental values ​​input from each monitoring unit 300 to the information storage unit 500 via wireless communication. The information storage unit 500 stores these water pressures and environmental values. An example of the information storage unit 500 is a so-called cloud. The integrated calculation unit 600 reads out various information such as water pressure and environmental values ​​stored in the information storage unit 500. The integrated calculation unit 600 processes the read out information as appropriate and displays the information and processing results on a monitor 700 of the user's smartphone or personal computer.

[0037] The integrated calculation unit 600 is included in a user's smartphone, personal computer, or the like. The integrated calculation unit 600 has an information processing calculation device 610, a memory 620, and a communication device 630. In the drawings, the information processing calculation device 610 is represented as IPCE, the memory 620 as MM, and the communication device 630 as CD. The information processing calculation device 610 includes a processor. The information processing calculation device 610 performs calculations related to irrigation processing. This function is realized by downloading an irrigation application program to the information processing calculation device 610. The integrated calculation unit 600 may be a calculation device implemented on the cloud. In this case, the integrated calculation unit 600 and the information storage unit 500 may be configured to be implemented together on the cloud.

[0038] The memory 620 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores various programs and various information that can be read by a computer or a processor. The memory 620 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 620 stores various information input to the communication device 630 and the processing results of the information processing operation device 610. The information processing operation device 610 executes various operation processes using the information stored in the memory 620.

[0039] The communication device 630 has a wireless communication function. The communication device 630 converts a received wireless signal into an electrical signal and outputs it to the information processing device 610. The communication device 630 outputs the processing result of the information processing device 610 as a wireless signal. Hereinafter, the technical content of the first embodiment will be described using the integrated calculation unit 600 as a general term without particularly distinguishing between the information processing device 610, the memory 620, and the communication device 630.

[0040] A user inputs user instructions related to irrigation treatment and irrigation schedules into the integrated calculation unit 600 using an input device 800 such as a touch panel or keyboard. The integrated calculation unit 600 outputs irrigation treatment commands and determines irrigation schedules based on these user instructions and various information read from the information storage unit 500. If no instructions are given by the user, the integrated calculation unit 600 automatically determines the irrigation schedule based on various information.

[0041] When the integrated calculation unit 600 detects an irrigation processing command or an irrigation supply start time based on the irrigation schedule, it outputs an instruction signal to the information storage unit 500 to control the water supply valve 15. This instruction signal is input from the information storage unit 500 to the monitoring unit 300 via the integrated communication unit 400. The monitoring unit 300 controls whether to output a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 based on the instruction signal. This controls the open / close state of the water supply valve 15. As a result, the supply of irrigation water to the field 20 is controlled.

[0042] <Divided area> One monitoring unit 300 is provided for each distribution tube 136. A configuration in which one monitoring unit 300 is provided for a predetermined number of distribution tubes 136 may also be adopted. A monitoring unit 300 may also be provided for each ridge. As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple monitoring units 300, together with the water supply valves 15 and water pressure sensors 14, are arranged in a matrix in the field 20 with the X direction as the row direction and the Y direction as the column direction.

[0043] With this configuration, the environment of each of the multiple divided areas separated by rows and columns is monitored individually by the monitoring unit 300 corresponding to each divided area. Furthermore, the supply of irrigation water to each divided area is individually controlled by the corresponding monitoring unit 300.

[0044] <Monitoring section> The monitoring unit 300 has a control unit 320 and the like. The environmental sensor 310, the water supply valve 15, the water pressure sensor 14, the water temperature sensor, and the like are electrically connected to the control unit 320. In the drawings, the environmental sensor 310 is represented as ES, the water supply valve 15 as WV, and the water pressure sensor 14 as WPS.

[0045] The multiple environmental sensors 310 are arranged in a matrix in the field 20 corresponding to the multiple divided areas. The environmental sensors 310 include a soil sensor that detects soil moisture content, etc. The environmental sensors 310 include a solar radiation sensor that detects solar radiation. The environmental sensors 310 may be configured to include at least one of a soil temperature sensor, a wind sensor, a rain sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air pressure sensor. Each environmental sensor 310 detects the environmental values ​​of each divided area. The water pressure sensor 14 detects the water pressure of each divided area. The detected environmental values ​​and water pressure of each divided area are stored in the information storage unit 500.

[0046] The control unit 320 includes a microcomputer, a communication unit, and a power generation unit. The microcomputer is an abbreviation for microcomputer. Environmental values ​​and water pressure are input to the microcomputer. The microcomputer outputs these environmental values ​​and water pressure to the integrated communication unit 400 via the communication unit. An instruction signal is input to the microcomputer from the integrated communication unit 400. The microcomputer outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 based on this instruction signal. The microcomputer is a control device that controls the operation of the water supply valve 15. The communication unit outputs the electrical signal output from the microcomputer to the integrated communication unit 400 as a wireless signal. The power generation unit converts light energy obtained by a solar cell into electrical energy. The power generation unit functions as a power supply source for the monitoring unit 300.

[0047] The monitor 700 displays a map of the soil moisture distribution and the solar radiation distribution in the field 20 by arranging the soil moisture amounts and the solar radiation amounts detected in the multiple divided areas in a matrix. Similarly, the monitor 700 displays a map of the water pressure distribution in the water supply pipes 130 in the field 20 by arranging the water pressures detected by the multiple water pressure sensors 14 in a matrix. This map display processing is performed by the integrated calculation unit 600.

[0048] The environmental sensor 310 detects the current soil moisture content in the plowed soil layer, as well as predicted increases and decreases in the soil moisture content from the current value due to environmental changes. These are stored as environmental values ​​in the information storage unit 500. The information storage unit 500 stores the plant growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point, the amount of water absorbed by the plant per unit time, and the soil moisture retention capacity. The user instructions described above are stored in the information storage unit 500. In this way, the information storage unit 500 stores various information for determining the irrigation schedule. The irrigation system 10 may be configured to check the detected values ​​of the soil sensors in real time and stop irrigation when the detected values ​​reach a threshold value.

[0049] A control signal (water supply signal) for controlling the valve opening of water supply valve 15 is output from the signal output unit of the microcomputer to water supply valve 15. When a water supply signal is input, water supply valve 15 is in an open state. Water supply valve 15 may be configured to maintain its current state when no water supply signal is input, and to open or close according to the input content when a water supply signal is input.

[0050] The processing unit of the microcomputer stores the environmental values ​​and water pressure input from the environmental sensor 310 and the water pressure sensor 14, as well as the time of their acquisition, in the information storage unit 500 via the communication unit of the control device 200 and the integrated communication unit 400. Based on the instruction signal input from the integrated calculation unit 600, the processing unit outputs a water supply signal to the water supply valve 15 via the signal output unit.

[0051] <Irrigation treatment> The integrated calculation unit 600 executes the irrigation process whenever it is time to supply irrigation water according to the irrigation schedule of each monitoring unit 300. The integrated calculation unit 600 first outputs a water supply signal including a water supply instruction to the monitoring unit 300 of the multiple monitoring units 300 that corresponds to the divided area to which irrigation water is to be supplied. The water supply instruction includes the start of output of the water supply signal and the output time of the water supply signal (water supply time). The monitoring unit 300 that receives this water supply instruction executes the monitoring process described above.

[0052] The integrated calculation unit 600 remains in a standby state until the monitoring process of the monitoring unit 300 is completed. When the monitoring process is completed, the integrated calculation unit 600 executes the update process. The determination as to whether the monitoring process is completed is made, for example, based on whether the time expected for the monitoring process to be completed has elapsed. The determination as to whether the monitoring process is completed can be made by making an inquiry to the monitoring unit 300. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether the monitoring process is completed.

[0053] <Individual irrigation treatment> As described above, the integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule for each of the multiple divided areas. The integrated calculation unit 600 controls the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the supply of irrigation water based on each irrigation schedule is individually controlled by each monitoring unit 300.

[0054] <Weather forecast and irrigation schedule> The information storage unit 500 stores the current soil moisture content, predicted declines, and user instructions. The information storage unit 500 also stores the plant growth inhibition moisture point and permanent wilting point, the amount of water absorbed by the plant per unit time, and the soil's moisture retention capacity. In addition to these, the information storage unit 500 also stores a weather forecast for the field 20, which is output and distributed from an external information source 1000. In FIG. 1, the external information source 1000 is abbreviated as ESI. The integrated calculation unit 600 reads various information, including the weather forecast, from the information storage unit 500 during the update process. The integrated calculation unit 600 determines the irrigation schedule for each monitoring unit 300.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows an example of an irrigation system including a water supply source, a water supply path, and a water supply valve. The water supply path shown in Fig. 2 shows an example in which a vertical pipe 133 is connected to a distribution tube 136 without using a first connecting pipe 134. The vertical pipe 133 is connected to a plurality of passages leading to a plurality of distribution tubes 136. Each of the plurality of passages connects the distribution tube 136 to the vertical pipe 133. A water supply valve 15 is provided in the passage between each distribution tube 136 and the vertical pipe 133.

[0056] Each distribution tube 136 is positioned so that it can discharge irrigation water onto the corresponding furrow through a plurality of through-holes. The vertical pipe 133 is connected to a plurality of passages that lead to one end of the plurality of distribution tubes 136. The passage on the one end side is a passage that connects the vertical pipe 133, through which supply water from the water source flows down, with one end of the distribution tube 136. The water supply valve 15 controls the pressure of the supply water from one end side that flows down from one end of the distribution tube 136 to the other end.

[0057] The vertical pipe 133 is connected to a passage leading to the fluid inlet 151 of each water supply valve 15. Each distribution tube 136 is connected to a passage leading to a first pipe section 152, which is one of the fluid outlet sections of each water supply valve 15. In this case, the other pipe section, which is the fluid outlet section, is blocked by a blocking member.

[0058] Multiple soil sensors are installed in the ridges corresponding to each distribution tube 136. The multiple soil sensors are installed in the soil at intervals in the direction in which the distribution tubes 136 extend. The microcomputer in the monitoring unit 300 determines whether to start irrigation based on the amount of soil moisture detected by the soil sensors. The microcomputer sets the valve opening of the water supply valve 15 based on the amount of soil moisture detected by the soil sensors. The signal output unit 332 of the microcomputer outputs a control signal to the water supply valve 15 based on the set value of the valve opening.

[0059] 3 to 7, a water supply valve 15 will be described below as an example of a valve device included in the agricultural device. The agricultural device includes the water supply valve 15, a first bracket 16, a second bracket 17, and a joint member for connecting piping. The joint member for connecting piping is a joint member for connecting the water supply valve 15 to the piping. The joint member is an attachment that connects a pipe portion provided on the valve body to the piping. The joint member for connecting piping includes at least a joint member connected to a fluid inlet portion 151 of the water supply valve 15 and a joint member connected to a fluid outlet portion of the water supply valve 15. The fluid inlet portion 151 forms a passage extending in the Y direction relative to the valve body 150.

[0060] The valve device shown in this embodiment is configured as a so-called rotary valve device, as an example. An example using a rotary valve device will be described below. An example of the valve device described in this embodiment has one fluid inlet 151 and three fluid outlets. This valve device is installed in the irrigation system 10 by connecting an upstream pipe to the fluid inlet 151 and connecting a downstream pipe 61 to one of the fluid outlets. The pipe 61 may be configured to be replaced with the distribution tube 136, or the distribution tube 136 may be further connected to the pipe 61. Furthermore, a blocking member may be attached to the fluid outlet portion to which the pipe 61 or the distribution tube 136 is not connected, thereby blocking the passage of the fluid outlet portion.

[0061] The valve device includes a valve body 150, a valve, a drive unit, etc. The valve device is configured as a ball valve in which the valve rotates around the axial center of the shaft to open and close the valve device. The valve body 150 includes a first fixed portion 155 to which a first bracket 16 is fixed. The valve body 150 includes a pair of second fixed portions 156 provided on both sides of a fluid inlet portion 151. An inlet coupling member 18 connected to the fluid inlet portion 151 and the first bracket 16 are fixed to one of the pair of second fixed portions 156. A second bracket 17 is fixed to the other of the pair of second fixed portions 156.

[0062] The valve body 150 includes a housing with a housing portion that houses a valve capable of opening and closing an internal passage. The housing is formed, for example, from a resin member. The housing includes a hollow portion that forms the accommodation space for the valve, a fluid inlet portion 151 that draws fluid into the accommodation space, and a fluid outlet portion that discharges fluid from the accommodation space. The fluid inlet portion 151 has a circular opening and is connected to a pipe via an inlet coupling member 18. The inlet coupling member 18 includes a pipe connection portion that can be connected to a water supply pipe, a connection portion that connects to the fluid inlet portion 151, and a rectifying portion that can rectify the inflowing fluid. The rectifying portion has a mesh shape and helps remove large foreign objects. The rectifying portion prevents fingers and other objects from getting into the opening when removing the pipe for maintenance, etc. The inlet coupling member 18 is fixed to a pair of second fixed portions 156 provided on the valve body 150.

[0063] The valve body 150 has at least one or more fluid outlet ports. In this embodiment, the valve body 150 has three fluid outlet ports: a first pipe section 152, a second pipe section 153, and a third pipe section 154. Each pipe section is formed in a cylindrical shape and is connected to a joint member for piping connection via a seal member. The passage between the fluid inlet section 151 and each pipe section is opened and closed by a valve. This opening and closing operation controls the flow rate of the fluid flowing down from the fluid inlet section 151 to each pipe section inside the valve body 150.

[0064] A drive unit space that accommodates the drive unit is formed inside the valve body 150. The valve body 150 has a connector unit for connecting the valve device to a microcomputer. The connector unit has built-in terminals that are connected to the drive unit and a rotation angle sensor. The drive unit includes, for example, a motor that outputs rotational force to rotate the valve, a gear unit that transmits the motor's output to the valve, and a rotation angle sensor that detects the rotation angle of the gear unit. The motor includes a motor body, a motor shaft, a worm gear, and a motor-side terminal. The motor is configured so that the motor body can output power when power is supplied to the motor-side terminal. The power output from the motor body is output to the gear unit via the motor shaft and worm gear. The gear unit is configured as a reduction mechanism with multiple resin gears and is configured so that the power output from the worm gear can be transmitted to the shaft.

[0065] The valve device is configured so that the valves can rotate integrally with the shaft when the shaft rotates. The valves are fixed to the outer periphery of the shaft. The valves are configured so that the flow rate of the output fluid can be adjusted by rotating around the axis. Depending on the rotation position of the valves, the first valve opens and closes the first outlet port, the second valve opens and closes the second outlet port, and the third valve opens and closes the third outlet port. The first outlet port is a passage leading to the inside of the first pipe section 152. The second outlet port is a passage leading to the inside of the second pipe section 153. The third outlet port is a passage leading to the inside of the third pipe section 154.

[0066] The operation of the water supply valve 15 to which this valve device is applied will be described below. The microcomputer calculates the valve rotation angle, i.e., the motor rotation angle, required to supply the required flow rate of water to the distribution tube 136. The microcomputer transmits the calculated motor rotation angle information to the water supply valve 15. The water supply valve 15 rotates the motor based on the rotation angle information received from the microcomputer. At this time, blocking members are attached to the two fluid outlets not connected to the distribution tube 136. The calculation of the motor rotation angle may be performed by the information processing and calculation device 610 of the integrated calculation unit 600. The opening degree of each valve changes depending on the shaft rotation angle, thereby changing the fluid flow rate out of each valve. Each water supply valve 15 in the irrigation system 10 supplies fluid from only one of the three valves, controlling the water splash distance and water supply amount to the field 20 depending on the rotation angle.

[0067] The first pipe section 152 has a circular opening at its cylindrical tip and is connected to a pipe via a cylindrical outflow coupling member 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the first pipe section 152 forms a passage extending in the Y direction relative to the valve body 150. The first pipe section 152 extends in a direction parallel to the fluid inlet section 151. The first pipe section 152 is connected to the outflow coupling member 21 for connecting to the pipe via a seal member 23. The seal member 23 is a flexible member that tightly contacts the first pipe section 152 and the outflow coupling member 21 to seal the space between them. The first pipe section 152 extends horizontally relative to the ground on which the valve body 150 is placed. When the first pipe section 152 is not connected to a pipe, the opening at its cylindrical tip may be closed by a closing member 19.

[0068] The second pipe section 153 has a circular opening at its cylindrical tip and is connected to a pipe via a cylindrical outflow coupling member 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the second pipe section 153 forms a passage extending in the X direction relative to the valve body 150. The second pipe section 153 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first pipe section 152, the third pipe section 154, and the fluid inlet section 151. The second pipe section 153 is connected to the outflow coupling member 22 for connecting to the pipe via a seal member 25. The seal member 25 is a flexible member that elastically deforms to fit closely to the second pipe section 153 and the outflow coupling member 22, sealing the gap between them. The second pipe section 153 extends horizontally relative to the ground on which the valve body 150 is placed. When the second pipe section 153 is not connected to a pipe, the opening at its cylindrical tip may be blocked by a blocking member 19.

[0069] As shown in each figure, the third pipe section 154 has a circular opening at its cylindrical tip, and this opening is closed by a closing member 19. The third pipe section 154 is sealed by fitting the closing member 19 onto a seal member 24 that is fitted onto the third pipe section 154. The seal member 24 is a flexible member that elastically deforms to fit closely to the third pipe section 154 and the closing member 19, sealing the gap between them. As shown in FIG. 4, the third pipe section 154 forms a passage extending in the Y direction relative to the valve body 150. The third pipe section 154 extends in a direction parallel to the fluid inlet section 151. The third pipe section 154 extends in a direction perpendicular to the second pipe section 153. The third pipe section 154 extends below the first pipe section 152 and in a direction parallel to the first pipe section 152. The third pipe section 154 extends horizontally relative to the ground on which the valve body 150 is placed. The third pipe portion 154 may be configured to be connected to a pipe via a cylindrical outflow joint member.

[0070] The first bracket 16 is a member that can support the valve body 150 against the ground. The first bracket 16 and the second bracket 17 are made of a material that is harder than the coupling member, such as a metal material. The first bracket 16 and the second bracket 17 can be formed, for example, by cutting and bending a plate material or by punching it.

[0071] The first bracket 16 has a first mounting portion 163 that is coupled to the second bracket 17. The first bracket 16 has a second mounting portion 164 and a third mounting portion 165 that are coupled to the valve body 150. The first mounting portion 163 has a hole through which the bolt 42 can be inserted. The second mounting portion 164 has a hole through which the bolt 44 can be inserted. The third mounting portion 165 has a hole through which the bolt 41 can be inserted.

[0072] The first bracket 16 has a support plate 161 provided with a support portion that supports the coupling member. The support plate 161 is provided with a first guide portion 1611 and a second guide portion 1612. The first guide portion 1611 forms an opening including a corner portion through which the closing member or the outflow coupling member 21 can be inserted and which guides the position of the closing member or the coupling member. The first guide portion 1611 functions as a guide mechanism that guides the outflow coupling member 21 to a predetermined position relative to the first bracket 16 when the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150.

[0073] The first guide portion 1611 has a configuration in which it comes into contact with the blocking member and the outflow coupling member 21 when the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150, thereby providing a fall-off prevention function. The first guide portion 1611 functions as a fall-off prevention mechanism that prevents the outflow coupling member 21 from falling off in the axial direction when the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150. The outflow coupling member 21 includes a cylindrical portion 211, an enlarged portion 212 provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 211, a fall-off prevention portion 213, and a guide rib 214. The cylindrical portion 211 is the portion that comes into contact with the internal surface of the piping connected to the outflow coupling member 21.

[0074] The expanded portion 212 is a flange portion that protrudes outward from the end of the cylindrical portion 211 more than the cylindrical portion 211. The retaining portion 213 is a protrusion that protrudes further from the expanded portion 212 in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 211. The expanded portion 212 has an outer peripheral edge shape that includes corners, and is formed into a shape that fits into an opening formed by the first guide portion 1611. The tip of the retaining portion 213 is located farther away from the cylindrical portion 211 than the tip of the expanded portion 212. The retaining portion 213 is formed into a shape that contacts the first guide portion 1611 when the expanded portion 212 is guided and fitted into the opening of the first guide portion 1611. As a result, the outflow coupling member 21 is supported by the first bracket 16 so as not to fall off from the first pipe portion 152. The first bracket 16 provides a retaining mechanism that prevents the outflow coupling member 21 from moving in the Y direction.

[0075] The guide rib 214 is a protrusion that protrudes radially from the cylindrical portion 211. The guide rib 214 is a protrusion that is formed so that the protruding height gradually decreases from the expanded portion 212 toward the tip of the cylindrical portion 211. The outflow coupling member 21 has a plurality of guide ribs 214 that are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 211.

[0076] The second guide portion 1612 forms an opening through which the closure member 19 or the outflow coupling member can be inserted and which guides the position of the closure member or the coupling member. The second guide portion 1612 provides a fall-off prevention function by contacting the closure member or the coupling member when the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150. The second guide portion 1612 functions as a fall-off prevention mechanism that prevents the closure member 19 or the outflow coupling member from falling off in the axial direction when the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150. The second guide portion 1612 provides a fall-off prevention mechanism that prevents the closure member 19 from moving in the Y direction. The second guide portion 1612 functions as a guide mechanism that guides the outflow coupling member 21 to a predetermined position relative to the first bracket 16 when the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150.

[0077] The blocking member 19 is a cap-shaped body including a cylindrical portion 191 and a retaining portion 192 provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 191. The cylindrical portion 191 is the portion against which the seal member 24 is inscribed. The retaining portion 192 is a flange portion that protrudes outward from the end of the cylindrical portion 191 more than the cylindrical portion 191. The retaining portion 192 is formed in a shape that contacts the second guide portion 1612 when the cylindrical portion 191 is guided and fitted into the opening of the second guide portion 1612. As a result, the outflow coupling member 22 is supported by the first bracket 16 so as not to fall off from the third pipe portion 154.

[0078] The first bracket 16 includes a connecting plate 162 that connects the second mounting portion 164 and the third mounting portion 165 to the support plate 161. The connecting plate 162 is a plate-like portion bent relative to the support plate 161 so as to extend toward the fluid inlet portion 151. The second mounting portion 164 and the third mounting portion 165 are plate-like portions bent relative to the connecting plate 162 so as to face the first fixed portion 155 and the second fixed portion 156. The second mounting portion 164 and the third mounting portion 165 are plate-like portions shaped to fit along the support plate 161. The first mounting portion 163 is a plate-like portion bent relative to the support plate 161 so as to face the second mounting portion 174 of the second bracket 17. The first mounting portion 163 is a plate-like portion bent relative to the support plate 161 in the opposite direction from the connecting plate 162.

[0079] One second fixed portion 156 of the valve body is sandwiched between the inlet coupling member 18 and the second mounting portion 164 of the first bracket 16, and fastened with the bolt 44 and nut 54. This results in the inlet coupling member 18, the valve body 150, and the first bracket 16 being fixed together. The other second fixed portion 156 of the valve body is sandwiched between the inlet coupling member 18 and the first mounting portion 173 of the second bracket 17, and fastened with the bolt 43 and nut 53. This results in the inlet coupling member 18, the valve body 150, and the second bracket 17 being fixed together.

[0080] The third mounting portion 165 and the first fixed portion 155 are fastened together with a bolt 41 and a nut 51. This results in the first bracket 16 and the valve body 150 being fixed together. The first bracket 16 is firmly formed with the valve body 150 by being fixed to the valve body 150 at two locations, the second mounting portion 164 and the third mounting portion 165.

[0081] The first bracket 16 is a member that comes into contact with the ground and supports the valve body 150 when the valve device is installed in the field 20. The first bracket 16 has a first leg 166 and a pair of second legs 167 that come into contact with the ground. The first leg 166 and the pair of second legs 167 are plate-like portions that are bent so as to intersect with the connecting plate portion 162. The second leg 167 is a plate-like portion that connects a base side portion that extends in a direction intersecting the ground with a tip side portion that faces the ground. The first leg 166 and the pair of second legs 167 come into contact with the ground at positions spaced apart. The pair of second legs 167 are provided at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first leg 166 and the pair of second legs 167 are spaced apart from each other. The first leg portion 166 is provided so as to be located between the pair of second leg portions 167 in the direction in which the pair of second leg portions 167 are separated from each other.

[0082] The valve body 150 is supported at three points by a first leg 166 and a pair of second legs 167. When the valve device is installed in the field 20, the tip of the first leg 166 comes into contact with the ground. When the valve device is installed in the field 20, the tip of the second leg 167 is bent to face the ground and comes into contact with the ground over a wide area.

[0083] 3 and 4, the first leg 166 and the pair of second legs 167 are provided so as to satisfy the following positional relationship when the valve device is placed on the ground: A perpendicular line from the center of gravity of the valve body 150 to the ground passes through the inside of a triangle formed by connecting the tip of the first leg 166 and the tip of the pair of second legs 167.

[0084] The second bracket 17 has a second mounting portion 174 that is coupled to the first bracket 16. The second bracket 17 has a first mounting portion 173 that is coupled to the valve body 150. The first mounting portion 173 has a hole through which the bolt 43 can be inserted. The second mounting portion 164 has a hole through which the bolt 42 can be inserted.

[0085] The second bracket 17 has a support plate 172 provided with a support portion that supports the coupling member. The support plate 172 is provided with a first guide portion 1721. The first guide portion 1721 forms an opening including a corner portion through which the closing member or the outflow coupling member 22 can be inserted and which guides the position of the closing member or the coupling member. The first guide portion 1721 functions as a guide mechanism that guides the outflow coupling member 22 to a predetermined position relative to the second bracket 17 when the second bracket 17 is fixed to the valve body 150.

[0086] The first guide portion 1721 exerts a fall-off prevention function by being configured to come into contact with the blocking member and the outflow coupling member 22 when the second bracket 17 is fixed to the valve body 150. The first guide portion 1721 functions as a fall-off prevention mechanism that prevents the outflow coupling member 22 from falling off in the axial direction when the second bracket 17 is fixed to the valve body 150.

[0087] The outflow coupling member 22 includes a cylindrical portion 221, an expanded portion 222 provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 221, a retaining portion 223, and a guide rib 224. The cylindrical portion 221 is a portion that is inscribed with a pipe connected to the outflow coupling member 22. The expanded portion 222 is a flange portion that protrudes outward from the end of the cylindrical portion 221 more than the cylindrical portion 221. The retaining portion 223 is a protrusion that protrudes further outward from the expanded portion 222 in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 221. The tip of the retaining portion 223 is located farther away from the cylindrical portion 221 than the tip of the expanded portion 222.

[0088] The expanded portion 222 has an outer peripheral shape with corners, and is formed in a shape that fits into the opening formed by the first guide portion 1721. The retaining portion 223 is formed in a shape that comes into contact with the first guide portion 1721 when the expanded portion 222 is guided and fitted into the opening of the first guide portion 1721. This allows the outflow coupling member 22 to be supported by the second bracket 17 so that it does not fall off from the second pipe portion 153. The second bracket 17 provides a retaining mechanism that prevents the outflow coupling member 22 from moving in the X direction.

[0089] The guide rib 224 is a protrusion that protrudes radially from the cylindrical portion 221. The guide rib 224 is a protrusion that is formed so that the protruding height gradually decreases from the expanded portion 222 toward the tip of the cylindrical portion 221. The outflow coupling member 22 has a plurality of guide ribs 224 that are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 221.

[0090] The second bracket 17 includes a main plate portion 171 which is a plate-like portion bent so as to assume a position perpendicular to the first mounting portion 173. The support plate portion 172 is a plate-like portion bent so as to assume a position perpendicular to the main plate portion 171. The first mounting portion 173 is a plate-like portion bent with respect to the main plate portion 171 so as to face the second fixed portion 156. The second mounting portion 174 is a plate-like portion shaped to fit along the main plate portion 171. The second mounting portion 174 is a plate-like portion which faces the first mounting portion 163 of the first bracket 16.

[0091] The first mounting portion 163 and the second mounting portion 174 are fastened and fixed by the bolts 42 and nuts 52. As a result, the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 17 are fixed together. Because the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 17 are both fixed to the valve body 150, the two brackets and the valve body 150 are strong as a single unit.

[0092] As described above, the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150 via the second mounting portion 164 and the third mounting portion 165 by a fixing force acting in the Y direction. The first bracket 16 is fixed to the second bracket 17 by a fixing force acting in a direction intersecting the Y direction. The second bracket 17 is fixed to the valve body 150 via the first mounting portion 173 by a fixing force acting in the Y direction. The second bracket 17 is fixed to the first bracket 16 by a fixing force acting in a direction intersecting the Y direction. In this way, the first bracket 16 is fixed to the valve body 150 by fixing forces acting in two different directions. This configuration contributes to strengthening the fixing force that integrally forms the first bracket 16 and the valve body 150. Furthermore, the second bracket 17 is fixed to the valve body 150 by fixing forces that act in two different directions. This configuration contributes to strengthening the fixing force that integrally forms the second bracket 17 and the valve body 150.

[0093] Other modified examples of the configuration for installing the agricultural device on the ground will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 8 shows a first modified agricultural device placed on the ground. As shown in FIG. 8, this agricultural device has a first leg 166A instead of the first leg 166 described above. The first leg 166A can be formed by a bolt with an external thread. The first leg 166A is fixed integrally to the first bracket 16 by fastening the external thread of the first leg 166A to the first bracket 16. The agricultural device shown in FIG. 8 is supported at three points by the first leg 166A and a pair of second legs 167. When the valve device is installed in the field 20, the head of the bolt, which is the tip of the first leg 166A, comes into contact with the ground. A perpendicular line from the center of gravity of the valve body 150 to the ground passes through the inside of a triangle formed by connecting the tip of the first leg 166A and the tip of the pair of second legs 167. The first leg portion 166A and the second leg portion 167 have the function of supporting the valve device so that the outflow coupling member 21 and the outflow coupling member 22 extend horizontally relative to the ground.

[0094] FIG. 9 shows a second modified agricultural device placed on the ground. As shown in FIG. 9, this agricultural device has a leg 167A instead of the first leg 166 and the pair of second legs 167 described above. The leg 167A is a plate-shaped portion that connects a base portion extending in a direction intersecting the ground with a tip portion facing the ground. Like the first leg 166 described above, the base portion extends toward the ground in a direction away from the tip of the tip portion. The agricultural device may be configured with one leg 167A or a pair of legs. The leg 167A has the function of supporting the valve device so that the outflow coupling member 21 and the outflow coupling member 22 are horizontal to the ground.

[0095] Figure 10 shows a third modified agricultural device placed on the ground. As shown in Figure 10, this agricultural device has a base member 168 instead of the first leg 166 and a pair of second legs 167 described above. The base member 168 is held or fixed to the valve body 150 so that it will not easily fall off. The base member 168 has the function of supporting the valve device so that the outflow coupling member 21 and the outflow coupling member 22 extend horizontally relative to the ground. The base member 168 has a recess shaped to support the valve device in the above-mentioned position.

[0096] Figure 11 shows a fourth modified agricultural device placed on the ground. As shown in Figure 11, this agricultural device does not have the first leg 166 and the pair of second legs 167 described above. This agricultural device is installed in a position where the bottom of the valve body 150 is placed directly on the ground. Furthermore, the agricultural device has a connecting member 169 connected to the outflow coupling member 22 so that the piping 61 connected to the outflow coupling member 22 extends horizontally relative to the ground. As a result, the piping connected to the outflow coupling member 21 and the outflow coupling member 22 extends horizontally relative to the ground.

[0097] The following describes the configuration of the pipe-shaped fluid outlet, seal member, and joint member with reference to Figures 12 to 14. As representative examples of such configuration, the first pipe section 152, seal member 23, and outflow joint member 21 will be described. The configuration described below can also be applied to other fluid outlets, seal members, and joint members included in agricultural equipment.

[0098] The outflow coupling member 21 has an inner circumferential surface 2151 that forms an enlarged inner diameter at the tip of the cylindrical portion 211. The inner circumferential surface 2151 is formed so that the inner diameter dimension gradually increases toward the open end. The inner circumferential surface 2151 functions as a press-fit guide portion when the seal member 23, which is circumscribed around the first pipe portion 152, is inserted into the outflow coupling member 21.

[0099] The first pipe section 152 and the outflow joint member 21 are formed, for example, from a resin material. As shown in FIG. 12, the seal member 23 is formed from a material that is more flexible than the fluid outflow section and the joint member. The seal member 23 is formed, for example, from rubber, elastomer, or the like. The seal member 23 is a cylindrical body with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The seal member 23 is configured to be expandable in the axial and radial directions when an external force is applied. The inner circumferential surface of the seal member 23 circumscribes the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe section 152.

[0100] 13, a method for integrally connecting the first pipe section 152, the seal member 23, and the outflow coupling member 21 will be described. First, the seal member 23 is circumscribing the first pipe section 152 in an appropriate position to form an integrated member combining the first pipe section 152 and the seal member 23. Next, the outflow coupling member 21 is placed over this integrated member from the outside, and the outflow coupling member 21 is circumscribing the integrated member in an appropriate position.

[0101] If the outflow coupling member 21 and the seal member 23 were assembled together and then assembled to the first pipe section 152, there would be a moment during assembly when the apex of the lip-shaped portion and the bulge-shaped portion would overlap in the axial direction, which could cause the rubber to be compressed beyond the expected interference, resulting in an excessive assembly load that would make assembly difficult and damage the rubber. For this reason, assembling the seal member 23 assembled to the first pipe section 152 and then assembling the assembled unit to the outflow coupling member 21 improves assembly ease.

[0102] The lip-shaped portion 232 formed on the outer periphery of the seal member 23 is inscribed on the inner periphery of the outflow coupling member 21. The lip-shaped portion 232 is a protruding portion that protrudes from a predetermined axial position on the outer periphery 231 of the seal member 23 around the entire circumference. The seal member 23 is formed with one or more lip-shaped portions 232. The multiple lip-shaped portions 232 are provided side by side on the outer periphery 231 of the seal member 23 at intervals in the axial direction. The multiple lip-shaped portions 232 have the effect of preventing the seal member 23, which is inscribed in the outflow coupling member 21, from tilting with respect to the axis of the outflow coupling member 21. The seal member 23 has a stopper portion 234 at its axial end.

[0103] The stopper portion 234 contacts the tip end 1522 of the first pipe portion 152 in the axial direction when the seal member 23 is in circumscribing contact with the first pipe portion 152 at the appropriate position. The stopper portion 234 contacts the first pipe portion 152 to restrict axial movement of the first pipe portion 152 relative to the seal member 23. The outflow coupling member 21 is provided with a restricting portion 2152, which is a protrusion that protrudes toward the axis from the inner periphery of the outflow coupling member 21. The restricting portion 2152 contacts the stopper portion 234 in the axial direction to restrict axial movement of the seal member 23 toward the first pipe portion 152. The tip end 1522, the stopper portion 234, and the restricting portion 2152 of the outflow coupling member 21 are arranged in the order of the water flow direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 12.

[0104] It is preferable that the inner circumferential surface 233 of the seal member 23 does not have a portion that protrudes toward the axis from the periphery. The first pipe section 152 has a bulge-shaped portion 1521 that protrudes from the outer circumferential portion. The bulge-shaped portion 1521 may be a protrusion that protrudes from a predetermined axial position on the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe section 152 around the entire circumference, or may be a protrusion that protrudes only partially. The bulge-shaped portion 1521 closely contacts the inner circumferential surface 233 of the seal member when the seal member 23 is in the appropriate position and circumscribed around the first pipe section 152. The bulge-shaped portion 1521 elastically deforms the inner circumferential surface 233 of the seal member so that it expands radially outward from the periphery, thereby contributing to improving the surface pressure on the inner circumferential surface of the seal member 23. The bulge-shaped portion 1521 is formed at the axial end portion near the tip.

[0105] The bulge-shaped portion 1521 may be configured to overlap one of the lip-shaped portions 232 in the radial direction. As shown in Fig. 12, the lip-shaped portion 232 and the bulge-shaped portion 1521 are preferably positioned to be offset from each other in the axial direction. The lip-shaped portion 232 and the bulge-shaped portion 1521 may also be configured not to overlap each other in the radial direction.

[0106] The configuration relating to the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe section 152 and the outer circumferential surface 231 of the seal member 23 may be a first modified example shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the seal member 23 is formed with one lip-shaped section 232. The first pipe section 152 is provided with a plurality of bulge-shaped sections 1521 provided at intervals in the axial direction of the seal member 23. The configuration shown in FIG. 14 may also be replaced with a configuration including a plurality of lip-shaped sections 232 and a plurality of bulge-shaped sections 1521. The plurality of bulge-shaped sections 1521 have the effect of preventing the first pipe section 152, which is inscribed in the seal member 23, from tilting with respect to the axis of the seal member 23.

[0107] The effects of the agricultural device disclosed in this specification are explained below. The agricultural device comprises a valve body 150, a coupling member that connects the fluid outlet and the pipe, and a bracket fixed to the valve body 150. The guide portion of the bracket has a guide mechanism that guides the coupling member to a predetermined position relative to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150. The guide portion has a retaining mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction when the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150. The bracket has both a guide mechanism and a retaining mechanism.

[0108] With this device, the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150, so the bracket and valve body 150 are handled as a single unit. Agricultural equipment has a relatively large mass, and the valve body 150 and bracket are easily subjected to a large amount of gravity. This allows the bracket to bear the external force acting on the valve body 150.

[0109] The bracket has a guide mechanism that guides the coupling member to a predetermined position relative to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150. This allows the coupling member to be positioned appropriately relative to the bracket, which is integral with the valve body 150. Furthermore, the bracket has a retaining mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction when the bracket is fixed to the valve body 150. Therefore, a strong retaining effect is achieved by providing the bracket, which is integral with the valve body 150, with a mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction. These effects make it possible to provide agricultural equipment that prevents the coupling member from falling off and reduces excessive loads acting on the coupling member and the valve body.

[0110] The retaining mechanism is provided by a configuration in which a retaining portion provided on the coupling member contacts the guide portion when the tubular portion of the coupling member is inserted into an opening formed in the guide portion. With this configuration, even if an external force acts on the piping connected to the coupling member, the bracket integrated with the valve body 150 can prevent the coupling member from coming off the fluid outlet port. Because external forces acting circumferentially on the coupling member can be suppressed, twisting of the seal member contacting the coupling member can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the seal member and leakage of fluid can be suppressed.

[0111] The bracket and the coupling member have a configuration in which an enlarged portion on the coupling member fits into an opening including a corner formed in the guide portion, providing a rotation prevention mechanism for the coupling member. This configuration can suppress external forces acting in the circumferential direction on the coupling member, thereby suppressing twisting of the seal member in contact with the coupling member. This can therefore prevent damage to the seal member and leakage of fluid.

[0112] The coupling member includes a guide rib that protrudes radially from the cylindrical portion through which the guide portion is inserted, and the protruding height gradually decreases toward the tip of the cylindrical portion. With this configuration, the guide rib provides smooth guidance relative to the guide portion, preventing the coupling member from being inserted into an inappropriate guide portion. This makes it possible to provide an agricultural device that can prevent incorrect bracket assembly and achieve an appropriate retention effect.

[0113] The bracket has legs that come into contact with the ground and support the valve body 150. With this configuration, the bracket comes into contact with the ground and supports the valve body, which stabilizes the posture of the coupling member and the valve body when connecting the pipes, improving the workability of connecting the pipes.

[0114] The legs contact the ground at three points, and a perpendicular line from the center of gravity of the valve body 150 to the ground passes through the inside of a triangle formed by connecting these three points. This makes it possible to provide a bracket that is integrated with the valve body 150, has a guide mechanism and a locking mechanism for the joint member, and stably supports the valve body 150 on the ground.

[0115] The agricultural device is provided with seal members (23, 25) formed from a material more flexible than the fluid outlet and coupling member, and in contact with the outside of the fluid outlet and the inside of the coupling member. The seal members have a lip-shaped portion (232) that protrudes from the entire outer periphery and fits tightly against the inner periphery of the coupling member. The pipe-shaped fluid outlet has a bulge-shaped portion (1521) that protrudes from the outer periphery and fits tightly against the inner periphery (233) of the seal member.

[0116] With this configuration, the lip-shaped portion 232 protrudes from the entire outer periphery, rather than from the inner periphery, eliminating the need to forcibly remove the inner portion when molding the seal member. In other words, the inner periphery of the seal member is configured to avoid undercuts that would otherwise occur during molding. This improves the manufacturability of the seal member. Furthermore, since the outer periphery of the pipe-shaped fluid outlet portion has a bulge-shaped portion, the bulge-shaped portion can improve the surface pressure with the inner periphery of the seal member. This ensures the sealing function between the pipe-shaped fluid outlet portion and the seal member. Therefore, an agricultural device that combines sealing function and manufacturability can be provided.

[0117] The lip-shaped portion 232 and the bulge-shaped portion 1521 are positioned at offset positions in the axial direction of the seal member. With this configuration, the surface pressure that the seal member applies to the fluid outlet port and the coupling member can be distributed more widely along the axial direction than when the lip-shaped portion and the bulge-shaped portion are aligned in the axial direction. In other words, this configuration alleviates the situation where the surface pressure that the seal member applies to the fluid outlet port and the coupling member is concentrated in a narrow axial range, thereby contributing to ensuring sealing performance over a wide range in the axial direction.

[0118] The seal member has multiple lip-shaped portions 232 spaced apart in the axial direction of the seal member. When an external force is applied to the coupling member or the fluid outlet port, these may tilt relative to the axial direction. In this case, the external force may cause uneven surface pressure distribution in the circumferential direction of the seal member, potentially reducing sealing performance. Therefore, with this configuration, the multiple lip-shaped portions arranged axially reduce the amount of tilt in response to the external force, thereby reducing the occurrence of uneven surface pressure distribution.

[0119] The pipe-shaped fluid outflow portion has a plurality of bulge-shaped portions 1521 arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the seal member. With this configuration, the plurality of bulge-shaped portions arranged in the axial direction reduce the amount of tilt of the fluid outflow portion in response to an external force, thereby reducing the occurrence of uneven surface pressure distribution.

[0120] The sealing member includes stopper portion 234 that comes into axial contact with tip portion 1522 of the pipe-shaped fluid outflow portion to restrict axial movement of the fluid outflow portion relative to the sealing member. This allows the pipe-shaped fluid outflow portion to be pressed by flexible stopper portion 234, thereby improving the unity between the pipe-shaped fluid outflow portion and the sealing member. This makes it possible to prevent the sealing member from coming off the pipe-shaped fluid outflow portion.

[0121] The joint member has an inner circumferential surface 215 at the tip of the tubular portion 211 in which the seal member is inscribed, the inner diameter of which gradually increases toward the open end. This configuration improves the ease of assembly when inserting and installing the seal member inside the joint member.

[0122] <Other embodiments> The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and modifications thereto by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, and various modifications can be made. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the omission of parts and elements from the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0123] The agricultural implements described in this specification include two brackets, but are not limited to this configuration. Agricultural implements that achieve the objectives disclosed herein may include one bracket or three or more brackets.

[0124] Although the agricultural device described herein includes three pipe sections connected to an outflow coupling member, this configuration is not intended to be limiting. Agricultural devices that achieve the objectives disclosed herein may include one or four or more pipe sections. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 16...First bracket (bracket), 17...Second bracket (bracket), 21... Outlet joint member (joint member), 22... Outlet joint member (joint member), 61... Piping, 150... Valve body, 151... Fluid inlet portion, 152... First pipe portion (fluid outlet portion), 153... Second pipe portion (fluid outlet portion), 154... Third pipe portion (fluid outlet portion), 1611...first guide portion (guide portion), 1612...second guide portion (guide portion), 1721...First guide part (guide part)

Claims

1. a valve body (150) including a valve capable of opening and closing an internal passage, a fluid inlet (151) and a fluid outlet (152, 153, 154); a coupling member (21, 22) that connects the fluid outlet portion and a pipe (61); a bracket (16, 17) fixed to the valve body; Equipped with The bracket is an agricultural device equipped with a guide portion (1611, 1612, 1721) that combines a guide mechanism that guides the coupling member to a predetermined position relative to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the valve body, and a stop mechanism that prevents the coupling member from falling off in the axial direction when the bracket is fixed to the valve body.

2. 2. The agricultural device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining mechanism is provided by a configuration in which a retaining portion (213, 223) provided on the coupling member comes into contact with the guide portion when the tubular portion of the coupling member is inserted into an opening formed in the guide portion.

3. 3. The agricultural device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket and the coupling member are configured such that an enlarged portion (212, 222) provided on the coupling member fits into an opening including a corner formed in the guide portion, thereby providing a rotation prevention mechanism for the coupling member.

4. 3. The agricultural device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is provided with guide ribs (214, 224) that protrude radially from the cylindrical portion through which the guide portion is inserted, and whose protruding height gradually decreases as the protruding height approaches the tip of the cylindrical portion.

5. 3. Agricultural equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracket comprises feet (166, 167) that contact the ground and support the valve body.

6. 6. The agricultural device according to claim 5, wherein the legs contact the ground at three points, and a perpendicular line from the center of gravity of the valve body to the ground passes through the inside of a triangle formed by connecting the three points.

7. a seal member (23, 25) formed of a material more flexible than the fluid outlet portion and the joint member, the seal member being in contact with the fluid outlet portion on its outer periphery and the joint member on its inner periphery; The sealing member has a lip-shaped portion (232) that protrudes from the entire outer circumferential surface and is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the coupling member, 3. The agricultural device according to claim 1, wherein the pipe-shaped fluid outlet portion has a bulge-shaped portion (1521) that protrudes from the outer periphery and is in close contact with the inner periphery (233) of the sealing member.

8. The agricultural device according to claim 7, wherein the lip-shaped portion and the bulge-shaped portion are provided at positions offset from each other in the axial direction of the seal member.

9. 8. The agricultural device according to claim 7, wherein the seal member comprises a plurality of the lip-shaped portions spaced apart in the axial direction of the seal member.

10. The agricultural device according to claim 7 , wherein the pipe-shaped fluid outlet portion includes a plurality of the bulge-shaped portions provided at intervals in the axial direction of the seal member.

11. The agricultural device described in claim 7, wherein the sealing member has a stopper portion (234) that axially contacts the tip portion (1522) of the pipe-shaped fluid outlet portion to restrict axial movement of the fluid outlet portion relative to the sealing member.

12. The agricultural device described in claim 7, wherein the coupling member has an inner surface (2151) at the tip of the tubular portion (211) in which the sealing member is inscribed, the inner diameter dimension of which gradually increases as it approaches the open end.

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