Watering system

Abstract

This invention provides a watering system that can prevent excessive watering even if a malfunction occurs in the shut-off valve that opens and closes the water flow path. [Solution] A watering system (10) comprising a first flow path (41), a second flow path (51A) connected downstream of the first flow path, a reserve valve (52A), a third flow path (61A, 61B) connected downstream of the second flow path, an on-off valve (62A, 62B), a flow sensor (33), and a control unit (31) that controls the reserve valve and the on-off valve, wherein the control unit controls the reserve valve to be in the open state and the on-off valve to be in the closed state, and determines whether a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve, which is a failure to close the on-off valve, based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor, and permits the execution of watering if it determines that a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve, and prohibits the execution of watering using the on-off valve if it determines that a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a watering system that performs watering.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a first water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply flowing from one end of the distribution tube to the other end, a second water supply valve that controls the pressure of the water supply flowing from the other end of the distribution tube to the one end, a first abnormality sensor that detects an abnormal state of the water supply from the one end side, a second abnormality sensor that detects an abnormal state of the water supply from the other end side, and a control device that controls the valve opening degrees of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve are provided (see Patent Document 1). In the watering system described in Patent Document 1, when an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor during watering with the first water supply valve in an open state and its opening degree being controlled and the second water supply valve in a closed state, the first water supply valve is changed to a closed state and the second water supply valve is changed to an open state and its opening degree is controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the watering system (watering system) described in Patent Document 1 can cope with an abnormal state if the first water supply valve can be changed to a closed state when an abnormal state is detected by the first abnormality sensor. However, when a failure occurs in which the first water supply valve does not close (hereinafter referred to as "failure to close"), watering (watering) cannot be stopped, and there is a risk of overwatering.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its main objective is to provide a watering system that can suppress excessive watering even if a malfunction occurs in the on-off valve that opens and closes the water flow path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first means to solve the above problem is, A first channel connected to a water source that supplies water at a predetermined pressure, A second channel connected downstream of the first channel, A pre-valve for opening and closing the second flow path, A third channel is connected downstream of the second channel and supplies water to the target of watering, A shut-off valve for opening and closing the third flow path, A flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of water flowing through the first channel, A control unit that controls the auxiliary valve and the on-off valve and controls the auxiliary valve and the on-off valve to an open state in order to perform watering on the target to be watered, A sprinkler system comprising, The control unit controls the auxiliary valve to be in the open state and the on-off valve to be in the closed state, and based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor, determines whether or not a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, which is a defect in that the on-off valve does not close. If it determines that no closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, it permits the execution of the watering, and if it determines that a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, it prohibits the execution of the watering using the on-off valve.

[0007] According to the above configuration, water at a predetermined pressure is supplied from a water source to the first channel. The auxiliary valve opens and closes the second channel connected downstream of the first channel. The on-off valve opens and closes the third channel connected downstream of the second channel, and the third channel supplies water to the object to be watered. Therefore, by controlling the auxiliary valve and the on-off valve to be in the open state by the control unit, water can be supplied from the water source to the object to be watered and watering can be performed.

[0008] Here, the control unit determines whether or not a closing malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor while the reserve valve is controlled to be in the open state and the on-off valve is controlled to be in the closed state. For example, if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor is not 0 (greater than a predetermined flow rate) even though the reserve valve is controlled to be in the open state and the on-off valve is controlled to be in the closed state, it can be determined that a closing malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve. On the other hand, if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor is 0 (not greater than a predetermined flow rate) while the reserve valve is controlled to be in the open state and the on-off valve is controlled to be in the closed state, it can be determined that a closing malfunction has not occurred in the on-off valve.

[0009] The control unit then permits the watering process if it determines that the valve is not malfunctioning, and prohibits the watering process using the valve if it determines that the valve is malfunctioning. Therefore, the control unit can determine whether or not the valve is malfunctioning, and if it determines that the valve is malfunctioning, it can prohibit the watering process using the valve. Consequently, even if a malfunction occurs in the valve that opens and closes the water flow path, excessive watering can be prevented.

[0010] In the second method, after the watering is finished, the control unit controls the reserve valve to be in a closed state and the on / off valve to be in an open state, and then determines whether or not a closing failure has occurred in the reserve valve, which is a defect in that the reserve valve does not close, based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor.

[0011] For example, if the flow rate detected by the flow sensor is not zero (i.e., greater than a predetermined flow rate) even though the auxiliary valve is controlled to be closed and the on-off valve is controlled to be open, it can be determined that a closure failure has occurred in the auxiliary valve. On the other hand, if the flow rate detected by the flow sensor is zero (i.e., not greater than a predetermined flow rate) when the auxiliary valve is controlled to be closed and the on-off valve is controlled to be open, it can be determined that no closure failure has occurred in the auxiliary valve. Therefore, the control unit can easily determine whether or not a closure failure has occurred in the auxiliary valve by using the state at the end of the watering process. As a result, it is possible to suppress a state in which closure failures occur in both the auxiliary valve and the on-off valve.

[0012] In the third method, the control unit controls the auxiliary valve to be open and the on-off valve to be open while the watering is in progress, and determines whether the flow rate of water supplied to the target to be watered is normal based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor. If it determines that the water flow rate is normal, it continues watering for a preset watering time, and if it determines that the water flow rate is not normal, it controls the on-off valve to be closed. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the flow rate of water supplied to the target to be watered is normal while the watering is in progress, and if it determines that the water flow rate is not normal, it is possible to control the on-off valve to be closed and stop watering.

[0013] The fourth means includes a plurality of third flow paths and a plurality of on-off valves for opening and closing each of the plurality of third flow paths, wherein the control unit controls the auxiliary valve to be in the open state and controls all of the plurality of on-off valves to be in the closed state, and determines whether a closing failure has occurred in any of the plurality of on-off valves based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, and permits the execution of the watering if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in any of the plurality of on-off valves, and prohibits the execution of the watering using any of the plurality of on-off valves if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in any of the plurality of on-off valves.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the auxiliary valve to be in an open state and all of the multiple on-off valves to be in a closed state, and determines whether or not a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor. For example, if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor is not 0 (greater than a predetermined flow rate) even though the auxiliary valve is in an open state and all of the multiple on-off valves are in a closed state, it can be determined that a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves. On the other hand, if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor is 0 (not greater than a predetermined flow rate) while the auxiliary valve is in an open state and all of the multiple on-off valves are in a closed state, it can be determined that no closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves.

[0015] Furthermore, the control unit permits the execution of watering if it determines that no closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves, and prohibits the execution of watering using any of the multiple on-off valves if it determines that a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves. In this way, the control unit can determine whether or not a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves, and if it determines that a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple on-off valves, it can prohibit the execution of watering using any of the multiple on-off valves. Thus, in a configuration comprising multiple on-off valves that open and close each of the multiple third flow paths, even if a closing failure occurs in any of the multiple on-off valves that open and close the water flow paths, excessive watering can be suppressed.

[0016] In the fifth means, the control unit is wirelessly connected to a server and includes a terminal wirelessly connected to the server, and when the control unit determines that a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, it sends notification information to the server notifying that a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, the terminal receives the notification information from the server and, based on the received notification information, notifies the user that a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the control unit can communicate wirelessly with the server, and the terminal can communicate wirelessly with the server. When a malfunction occurs in the on-off valve, the terminal can receive the notification information transmitted by the control unit via the server. Based on the received notification information, the terminal then notifies the user that a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve. As a result, the user can find out that a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve using their terminal without having to go to the location where the first to third flow paths, the auxiliary valve, and the on-off valve are installed. Therefore, it becomes easier to quickly address a malfunction in the on-off valve, and excessive watering can be further suppressed.

[0018] In the sixth means, the control unit is wirelessly connected to a server and includes a terminal wirelessly connected to the server, and when the control unit determines that a malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve, it sends notification information to the server informing the auxiliary valve that a malfunction has occurred, the terminal receives the notification information from the server and, based on the received notification information, notifies the user that a malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the control unit can communicate wirelessly with the server, and the terminal can communicate wirelessly with the server. When a malfunction occurs in the auxiliary valve, the terminal can receive the notification information transmitted by the control unit via the server. Based on the received notification information, the terminal then notifies the user that a malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve. As a result, the user can find out that a malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve using their terminal without having to go to the location where the first to third flow paths, the auxiliary valve, and the auxiliary valve are installed. Therefore, it becomes easier to quickly address the auxiliary valve malfunction and further suppress excessive watering. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a watering system. [Figure 2] Flow chart of the watering device. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the field selection screen of the watering app. [Figure 4] Diagram showing the schedule mode selection screen of the watering app. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the setting screen of the automatic mode of the watering app. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the setting screen of the manual mode of the watering app. [Figure 7] Flow chart showing a simplified watering device. [Figure 8] Table showing the mode of closing failure determination. [Figure 9] Table showing the command to the watering device and the diagnosis timing. [Figure 10] Flow chart showing the procedure of the main watering process. [Figure 11] Flow chart showing the closing failure determination routine of the watering valve. [Figure 12] Flow chart showing the flow rate abnormality determination routine. [Figure 13] Flow chart showing the closing failure determination routine of the standby valve. [Figure 14] Flow chart showing the pump check routine. [Figure 15] Flow chart showing the water level check routine.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment embodied in a watering system for watering a golf course will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the watering system 10 includes a watering device 40, a control unit 30, a water level sensor 34, a mobile terminal 80, and the like.

[0022] The watering device 40 includes a pump 21, a first flow path 41, a flow sensor 33, second flow paths 51A to 51D, auxiliary valves 52A to 52D, third flow paths 61A to 61D, 63A to 63B, 65A to 65C, 67A to 67D, and watering valves 62A to 62D, 64A to 64B, 66A to 66C, 68A to 68D (on-off valves), etc.

[0023] A pipe 12 is connected to the bottom of the tank 20. The tank 20 stores water for watering. The tank 20 is equipped with a water level sensor 34. The water level sensor 34 detects the water level in the tank 20 and outputs the detection result to the control board 31. In addition, if the detected water level is lower than a predetermined level, the water level sensor 34 outputs a warning signal to the control board 31 to indicate that the water level in the tank 20 is dropping.

[0024] A tank 20 is connected to one end of a pipe 12, and a pump 21 is connected to the other end of the pipe 12. A first flow path 41 is connected to the pump 21. The pump 21 is an electric pump driven by a motor, which draws water from the tank 20 through the pipe 12 and discharges it into the first flow path 41. In this way, the pump 21 supplies water at a predetermined pressure to the first flow path 41. The pump 21 is controlled by a control board 31. The pump 21 also outputs the motor's rotation speed and a warning signal to the control board 31 to indicate a malfunction of the pump 21. The tank 20, pipe 12, and pump 21 constitute a water source. The water source can also be configured by a water supply line or a supply line for well water pressurized by a pump.

[0025] The flow sensor 33 detects the flow rate of water flowing through the first channel 41 and inputs the detection result to the control board 31.

[0026] Downstream of the first channel 41, the second channels 51A to 51D are connected in parallel. The second channels 51A to 51D are each provided with auxiliary valves 52A to 52D that open and close the second channels 51A to 51D. The auxiliary valves 52A to 52D are normally closed solenoid valves and are controlled by the control board 31.

[0027] Downstream of the second channel 51A, the third channels 61A to 61D are connected in parallel. The third channels 61A to 61D are each provided with sprinkler valves 62A to 62D that open and close the third channels 61A to 61D. The sprinkler valves 62A to 62D are normally closed solenoid valves and are controlled by the control board 31. The second channel 51A, the auxiliary valve 52A, the third channels 61A to 61D, and the sprinkler valves 62A to 62D correspond to field number FL=1. The number of valves N=4 for field number FL=1.

[0028] Downstream of the second channel 51B, the third channels 63A to 63B are connected in parallel. The third channels 63A to 63B are each provided with sprinkler valves 64A to 64B that open and close the third channels 63A to 63B. The sprinkler valves 64A to 64B are normally closed solenoid valves and are controlled by the control board 31. The second channel 51B, the auxiliary valve 52B, the third channels 63A to 63B, and the sprinkler valves 64A to 64B correspond to field number FL=2. The number of valves for field number FL=2 is N=2.

[0029] Downstream of the second channel 51C, the third channels 65A to 65C are connected in parallel. Each of the third channels 65A to 65C is provided with a sprinkler valve 66A to 66C that opens and closes the third channels 65A to 65C, respectively. The sprinkler valves 66A to 66C are normally closed solenoid valves and are controlled by the control board 31. The second channel 51C, the auxiliary valve 52C, the third channels 65A to 65C, and the sprinkler valves 66A to 66C correspond to field number FL=3. The number of valves for field number FL=3 is N=3.

[0030] Downstream of the second channel 51D, the third channels 67A to 67D are connected in parallel. Each of the third channels 67A to 67D is provided with a sprinkler valve 68A to 68D that opens and closes the third channels 67A to 67D, respectively. The sprinkler valves 68A to 68D are normally closed solenoid valves and are controlled by the control board 31. The second channel 51D, the auxiliary valve 52D, the third channels 67A to 67D, and the sprinkler valves 68A to 68D correspond to field number FL=4. The number of valves N=4 for field number FL=4.

[0031] In this embodiment, the auxiliary valves 52A to 52D and the sprinkler valves 62A to 62D, 64A to 64B, 66A to 66C, and 68A to 68D are valves whose opening degree can be switched between fully closed and fully open.

[0032] Third channels 61A-61D, 63A-63B, 65A-65C, and 67A-67D are each connected to sprinklers (not shown). When water is supplied to these third channels, the sprinklers irrigate (water) the grass (plants) of the golf course. In other words, the third channels supply water to the target of watering.

[0033] The control unit 30 includes a control board 31 and a communication device 32, etc. The control board 31 (control unit) includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output interface, etc. The communication device 32 is mounted on the control board 31. The communication device 32 includes a receiving antenna, a transmitting antenna, an input circuit, an output circuit, etc. The control board 31 communicates wirelessly with the cloud 90 via the communication device 32. In other words, the control board 31 (control unit 30) is wirelessly connected to the cloud 90.

[0034] Cloud 90 (server) is composed of servers and other components and provides predetermined services according to each watering system 10. Cloud 90 communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal 80. In other words, Cloud 90 is wirelessly connected to the mobile terminal 80. Cloud 90 receives information from the mobile terminal 80 and transmits the received information to the control unit 30. Cloud 90 also receives information from the control unit 30 and transmits the received information to the mobile terminal 80.

[0035] The mobile terminal 80 (terminal) can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, or dedicated wireless terminal. The mobile terminal 80 functions as an operating device for remotely controlling the control unit 30 when a predetermined application (software) is installed on it. In this embodiment, a watering application (hereinafter referred to as the "watering app") is installed on the mobile terminal 80, and the user remotely controls the control unit 30, and by doing so, the pump 21, the auxiliary valves 52A-52D, and the watering valves 62A-62D, 64A-64B, 66A-66C, 68A-68D. The watering app can be a web application operated on the web, software embedded in the mobile terminal 80, or software installed on the mobile terminal 80.

[0036] When watering the golf course turf, the control board 31 opens the auxiliary valves 52A-52D and the watering valves 62A-62D, 64A-64B, 66A-66C, and 68A-68D, and the pump 21 is driven, starting the supply of water to the third flow paths 61A-61D, 63A-63B, 65A-65C, and 67A-67D. Subsequently, the control board 31 closes the auxiliary valves 52A-52D and the watering valves 62A-62D, 64A-64B, 66A-66C, and 68A-68D, and the pump 21 is stopped, ending the watering.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the field selection screen of the watering app. The field selection screen of the watering app includes the following items: "○○ Golf Course" displays the name of the golf course and can be entered by the user. "Green 1", "Green 2", "Tee", and "Driving Range" display the names of the respective fields and can be entered by the user. By selecting any of the fields, the user can set the watering conditions for the selected field.

[0038] Furthermore, the message, "The water level in the storage tank is low. Please check the situation and take appropriate action," is an example of a warning message indicating that the water level in tank 20 is lower than the predetermined level, that is, that the amount of water stored in tank 20 is less than the predetermined amount. If there is a malfunction in pump 21, a warning message indicating that there is a malfunction in pump 21 will be displayed.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the schedule mode selection screen of the watering app. The screen transitions to the schedule mode selection screen when the user selects any one of the fields in Figure 3. The watering app's schedule mode selection screen includes the following items. The user can configure the content of each item or operate the slide switches for each item.

[0040] The "Status" column displays the status of the watering system 10. For example, in Figure 4, it shows "Watering in progress" and indicates that "Watering valve 1" is open and watering is being performed.

[0041] The "Schedule Mode" section has both a "Manual" icon and an "Automatic" icon. Selecting the "Manual" icon takes the user to the manual mode settings screen, while selecting the "Automatic" icon takes them to the automatic mode settings screen. For example, in Figure 4, automatic mode is selected, and the current watering conditions for the automatic mode schedule are displayed at the bottom of the screen. A schedule can be added by using the "Add Schedule" icon.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the settings screen for the automatic mode of the watering app. For example, the user can set the days of the week on which watering will be repeated. The user can also set the start time of watering as desired.

[0043] The "Automatic Stop Condition Setting" section has an icon to switch between "Sequential Watering" and "Simultaneous Watering." "Sequential Watering" is a watering method in which one watering valve is opened, watering is performed, then that valve is closed, then the next watering valve is opened, watering is performed, and then that valve is closed, and this process is repeated. "Simultaneous Watering" is a watering method in which multiple watering valves are opened simultaneously, watering is performed, and then all of those valves are closed simultaneously.

[0044] At the bottom of the screen, all the watering valves associated with this field are displayed. Users can select which watering valves to use by checking the checkboxes. Users can also arbitrarily set the execution time for each watering valve to be open. Finally, users can save the configured watering conditions by operating the "Save Settings" icon.

[0045] Figure 6 shows the settings screen for the manual mode of the watering app. The manual mode settings screen also has an icon to switch between "sequential watering" and "simultaneous watering".

[0046] The screen displays all the sprinkler valves associated with this field. Users can select which sprinkler valves to use for watering by checking the corresponding checkboxes. Users can also arbitrarily set the duration for which each sprinkler valve is open to perform watering.

[0047] The "Enable Delay" section has a checkbox to toggle the delay on and off. When the delay is enabled, a delay time is introduced between closing one sprinkler valve and opening the next one when watering is performed sequentially by multiple sprinkler valves. Users can enable the delay by checking the checkbox. Users can set the delay time as they wish. Users can then start watering by operating the "Start Watering" icon and stop watering by operating the "Stop Watering" icon.

[0048] Figure 7 is a simplified flow path diagram of the sprinkler system 40A. Here, at field number FL=1, the first flow path 41A is connected to the pump 21, and a flow sensor 33A is provided in the first flow path 41A. Downstream of the first flow path 41A, the second flow path 51A is connected, and a reserve valve 52A is provided in the second flow path 51A. Downstream of the second flow path 51A, the third flow path 61A is connected, and a sprinkler valve 62A is provided in the third flow path 61A. Similarly, at field number FL=2, the first flow path 41B is connected to the pump 21, and a flow sensor 33B is provided in the first flow path 41B. Downstream of the first flow path 41B, the second flow path 51B is connected, and a reserve valve 52B is provided in the second flow path 51B. Downstream of the second flow path 51B, the third flow path 63A is connected, and a sprinkler valve 64A is provided in the third flow path 63A.

[0049] Figure 8 is a table showing the methods for determining a valve's closure failure. Here, we will explain the basic concept of determining a valve's closure failure using the case of determining a valve's closure failure for the auxiliary valve 52A and sprinkler valve 62A in field number FL=1 in Figure 7 as an example. The same concept applies to determining a valve's closure failure for the auxiliary valve 52B and sprinkler valve 64A in field number FL=2 in Figure 7.

[0050] The control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve 52A to be in the open state and the water sprinkler valve 62A to be in the closed state, and if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 33A is not 0 (greater than the predetermined flow rate, flow rate present ○), it determines that a closing malfunction has occurred in the water sprinkler valve 62A (closing malfunction determination ×). The predetermined flow rate is a flow rate at which it can be determined that the flow rate is not 0, for example, a flow rate slightly greater than 0. This is because it can be inferred that the water sprinkler valve 62A is not in the closed state despite being controlled to be in the closed state. However, since the auxiliary valve 52A is controlled to be in the open state, it is unknown whether or not a closing malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve 52A (closing malfunction determination?).

[0051] On the other hand, the control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve 52A to be in the open state and the watering valve 62A to be in the closed state, and when the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33A is 0 (not greater than the predetermined flow rate, flow rate present ×), it determines that there is no closing failure in the watering valve 62A (closing failure determined ○). This is because the auxiliary valve 52A is controlled to be in the open state, and it can be presumed that the watering valve 62A is in the closed state. However, since the auxiliary valve 52A is controlled to be in the open state, it is unknown whether or not a closing failure has occurred in the auxiliary valve 52A (closing failure determined?).

[0052] The control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve 52A to be in a closed state and the water spray valve 62A to be in an open state, and if the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33A is not 0 (greater than the predetermined flow rate, flow rate present), it determines that a closing failure has occurred in the auxiliary valve 52A (closing failure determination ×). This is because it can be inferred that the auxiliary valve 52A is not in a closed state despite being controlled to be in a closed state. However, since the water spray valve 62A is controlled to be in an open state, it is unclear whether a closing failure has occurred in the water spray valve 62A or not (closing failure determination?).

[0053] On the other hand, the control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve 52A to be closed and the watering valve 62A to be open, and when the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33A is 0 (not greater than the predetermined flow rate, flow rate present ×), it determines that there is no closing failure in the auxiliary valve 52A (closing failure determined ○). This is because the watering valve 62A is controlled to be open, and it can be presumed that the auxiliary valve 52A is closed. However, since the watering valve 62A is controlled to be open, it is unknown whether or not there is a closing failure in the watering valve 62A (closing failure determined?).

[0054] The control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve 52A to a closed state and the water spray valve 62A to a closed state, and when the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33A is 0 (not greater than the predetermined flow rate, flow rate present ×), it determines that it is unclear whether a closing malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve 52A (closing malfunction determination?) and whether a closing malfunction has occurred in the water spray valve 62A (closing malfunction determination?). This is because even if a closing malfunction occurs in one of the auxiliary valve 52A or the water spray valve 62A, the flow rate will be 0 if the other is in a closed state.

[0055] On the other hand, the control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve 52A to a closed state and the sprinkler valve 62A to a closed state, and if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 33A is not 0 (greater than the predetermined flow rate, flow rate present), it determines that a closing failure has occurred in the auxiliary valve 52A and the sprinkler valve 62A (closing failure determination ×). This is because it can be inferred that the auxiliary valve 52A and the sprinkler valve 62A are not in a closed state despite being controlled to a closed state.

[0056] Figure 9 is a table showing commands to the sprinkler system 40 and the timing of the diagnosis. Here, we will explain using the example of a field with field number FL=1, which has one spare valve and four sprinkler valves (valve numbers 1 to 4), and the case in which the system performs a check for a malfunction in the spare valve and sprinkler valves, and a check for an abnormal flow rate. These checks are performed by the control board 31.

[0057] First, an open command is issued to the auxiliary valve, and a check is performed to determine if the water spray valves numbered 1 to 4 are not properly closed. Details of the check for water spray valves numbered 1 to 4 will be described later.

[0058] Next, an open command is sent to the sprinkler valve of valve number 1, and water is supplied through the sprinkler valve of valve number 1 to perform sprinkling. As a result, the flow rate detected by the flow sensor is no longer zero (flow rate present), and the flow rate is detected by the flow sensor. During this sprinkling, a flow rate abnormality determination is performed to determine whether the water flow rate is normal or abnormal. Details of the flow rate abnormality determination will be described later.

[0059] Next, a close command is issued to the sprinkler valve number 1, ending the watering using the sprinkler valve number 1. Then, a delay is introduced between the closing command issued to the sprinkler valve number 1 and the opening command issued to the sprinkler valve number 2 to delay the watering. For example, during the watering delay period, the opening degree of the sprinkler valve gradually decreases.

[0060] Subsequently, similar to the sprinkler valve for valve number 1, the sprinkler valve for valve number 2 performs both sprinkler spraying and checks for abnormal flow rates. The same applies to the sprinkler valves for valve numbers 3 and 4.

[0061] After watering is performed using the sprinkler valve number 4, a closing command is sent to the auxiliary valve while the sprinkler valve number 4 remains open. Then, a check is performed to determine if the auxiliary valve has not closed properly. Details of the auxiliary valve closing failure check will be described later.

[0062] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the main watering process. This series of processes is executed by the control board 31. Here, we will explain using the case where watering is performed by the watering device 40 shown in Figure 2 as an example.

[0063] First, the initial watering process is performed (S10). Specifically, each variable is set to its initial value, each flag is reset, and the pump 21 is started.

[0064] Next, the watering loop is started (S11). This watering loop repeats the processes of S12 to S22 until the field number FL becomes the number of fields F. The initial value of the field number FL is 0, and in the watering device 40 in Figure 2, the number of fields F = 4.

[0065] Next, the field number FL is incremented by 1 (S12). A check for a faulty sprinkler valve is performed for the field with field number FL (S13). For details, the check for a faulty sprinkler valve is performed using the check routine shown in Figure 11.

[0066] The sprinkler valve closing failure detection routine shown in Figure 11 is a process executed by the control board 31 for the field with field number FL.

[0067] An open command is issued to the auxiliary valve (S1300), and the flow rate is obtained from the flow sensor 33 (S1301). Note that all sprinkler valves with field number FL are controlled to the closed state.

[0068] Next, it is determined whether the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is 0 or not (S1302). That is, with the auxiliary valve controlled to be in the open state and all of the sprinkler valves controlled to be in the closed state, it is determined whether a closing failure has occurred in any of the sprinkler valves based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33. If it is determined in this determination that the flow rate is not 0 (S1302: NO), an email (notification information) requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve with field number FL is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90 (S1303). Specifically, if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in the sprinkler valve with field number FL, a signal notifying this fact is sent to the cloud 90. The mobile terminal 80 receives an email from the cloud 90 based on the received signal and notifies the user that a closing failure has occurred in the sprinkler valve with field number FL based on the received email. The notification can be in the form of text indicating that a closing failure has occurred in the sprinkler valve with field number FL, or it can be notified by voice.

[0069] Next, it is determined whether the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is ON or OFF (S1304). If it is determined that the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is NOT ON (S1304: NO), a warning message requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve with field number FL is displayed on the screen of the sprinkler application on the mobile terminal 80 (S1305). Specifically, a signal (notification information) that triggers the display of a warning requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve with field number FL is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90. More specifically, if it is determined that a closing malfunction has occurred in the sprinkler valve with field number FL, a signal is sent to the cloud 90 to display a warning message to that effect on the screen of the sprinkler application. The mobile terminal 80 receives the signal from the cloud 90 and displays a warning message on the screen of the sprinkler application based on the received signal. The sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is turned ON (S1306).

[0070] On the other hand, if the S1302 determination determines that the flow rate is 0 (S1302: YES), then it is determined whether the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is OFF or not (S1307). If this determination determines that the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is not OFF (S1307: NO), then the warning display requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve with field number FL on the screen of the sprinkler app on the mobile terminal 80 is turned OFF (S1308). The sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is turned OFF (S1309). Note that if the user repairs the sprinkler valve after seeing the warning display requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve displayed on the screen of the sprinkler app on the mobile terminal 80, then the flow rate is determined to be 0 (S1302: YES).

[0071] If it is determined that the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is OFF (S1307: YERS), the process in S1309 is performed. If it is determined that the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is ON (S1304: YES), or after the process in S1306, the process returns to the next step in Figure 10, S13 (RETURN).

[0072] In the process of S14 in Figure 10, it is determined whether the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is OFF or not (S14). If it is determined that the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is OFF (S14: YES), the field loop initialization process is executed (S15). Specifically, valve number V is set to its initial value = 0.

[0073] Next, the field loop is started (S16). This field loop repeats the processes from S17 to S19 until the valve number V becomes the number of valves N. For example, in the watering device 40 in Figure 2, the field number FL=1 means the number of valves N=4.

[0074] Next, initialization is performed before starting the flow rate abnormality detection (S17). Specifically, valve number V is incremented by 1. The flow rate status flag flowStatus is reset, and the sprinkler valve for valve number V is controlled to the open state. Flow rate abnormality detection is performed for sprinkler water using the sprinkler valve for valve number V (S18). For details, the flow rate abnormality detection is performed using the flow rate abnormality detection routine shown in Figure 12.

[0075] The flow rate abnormality detection routine shown in Figure 12 is a process executed by the control board 31 for water spraying using the sprinkler valve with valve number V.

[0076] The flow rate abnormality detection loop is started (S1800). This flow rate abnormality detection loop repeats the processes S1801 to S1813 until the watering time timer T reaches the watering execution time Tw set in the settings screen in Figure 5 or Figure 6.

[0077] The watering time timer T starts measuring (S1801), and the flow rate is obtained from the flow sensor 33 (S1802).

[0078] Next, it is determined whether the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is less than or equal to the upper limit flow rate flowMAX (S1803). The upper limit flow rate flowMAX is set to a flow rate that can be determined to be excessive, for example, a flow rate that would not occur under normal conditions. If, in this determination, it is determined that the flow rate is less than or equal to the upper limit flow rate flowMAX (S1803: YES), it is determined whether the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is greater than or equal to the lower limit flow rate flowMIN (S1804). The lower limit flow rate flowMIN is set to a flow rate that can be determined to be insufficient, for example, a flow rate that would not occur under normal conditions.

[0079] In the S1804 determination, if it is determined that the flow rate is not equal to or greater than the lower limit flow rate flowMIN (S1804:NO), the flow rate status flag flowStatus is set to Under (low flow rate abnormality) (S1805).

[0080] Next, a warning message indicating that a low flow rate anomaly has occurred is displayed on the screen of the watering app on the mobile terminal 80 (S1806). Specifically, a signal (notification information) indicating that a low flow rate anomaly has occurred during watering of the watering valve with field number FL and valve number V is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90. More specifically, when it is determined that a low flow rate anomaly has occurred during watering of the watering valve with field number FL and valve number V, a signal is sent to the cloud 90 to display a warning message on the screen of the watering app. The mobile terminal 80 receives the signal from the cloud 90 and displays a warning message on the screen of the watering app based on the received signal.

[0081] Next, an email (notification information) is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90 informing it that a low flow rate abnormality has occurred during watering from the sprinkler valve with field number FL and valve number V (S1807). Specifically, when it is determined that a low flow rate abnormality has occurred during watering from the sprinkler valve with field number FL and valve number V, a signal to that effect is sent to the cloud 90. The mobile terminal 80 receives an email from the cloud 90 based on the received signal, and based on the received email, notifies the user that a low flow rate abnormality has occurred during watering from the sprinkler valve with field number FL and valve number V. The notification can be presented in text or by voice, indicating that a low flow rate abnormality has occurred during watering from the sprinkler valve with valve number V.

[0082] On the other hand, if the S1803 determination determines that the flow rate is not below the upper limit flowMAX (S1803:NO), the flow rate status flag flowStatus is set to Over (high flow rate abnormality) (S1808).

[0083] Next, a warning message indicating that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred is displayed on the screen of the watering app on the mobile terminal 80 (S1809). Specifically, a signal (notification information) indicating that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred during watering of the watering valve with field number FL and valve number V is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90. More specifically, when it is determined that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred during watering of the watering valve with field number FL and valve number V, a signal is sent to the cloud 90 to display a warning message on the screen of the watering app. The mobile terminal 80 receives the signal from the cloud 90 and displays a warning message on the screen of the watering app based on the received signal.

[0084] Next, an email (notification information) is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90 informing it that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred during watering of the sprinkler valve with field number FL and valve number V (S1810). Specifically, when it is determined that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred during watering of the sprinkler valve with field number FL and valve number V, a signal is sent to the cloud 90 to notify it of this fact. The mobile terminal 80 receives an email from the cloud 90 based on the received signal, and based on the received email, notifies the user that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred during watering of the sprinkler valve with field number FL and valve number V. The notification can be presented in text or by voice, indicating that an abnormal high flow rate has occurred during watering of the sprinkler valve with valve number V.

[0085] After either the process in S1807 or the process in S1810, a closing command is issued to the sprinkler valve (S1811).

[0086] Furthermore, in the determination in S1804, if it is determined that the flow rate is equal to or greater than the lower limit flow rate flowMIN (S1804:YES), the flow rate status flag flowStatus is set to Normal (normal) (S1812).

[0087] After either the processing in S1811 or S1812, it is determined whether the flow status flag flowStatus is Normal or not (S1813). If it is determined that the flow status flag flowStatus is Normal (S1813: YES), it is determined whether the watering time timer T is equal to or greater than the execution time Tw (S1814). If it is determined that the watering time timer T is not equal to or greater than the execution time Tw, the process is restarted from S1801. On the other hand, if it is determined that the watering time timer T is equal to or greater than the execution time Tw, the process returns to the next step after S18 in Figure 10 (RETURN).

[0088] Furthermore, if the flow status flag flowStatus is determined to be not Normal in the S1813 judgment (S1813:NO), the process returns to the next step after S18 in Figure 10 (RETURN).

[0089] In the process of S19 in Figure 10, a closing command is issued to each sprinkler valve (S19). Specifically, if the valve number V is less than N, a closing command is issued to the sprinkler valve. That is, it is determined whether the water flow rate is normal or not, and if it is determined that the water flow rate is normal (S1804: YES), sprinkling continues for a preset execution time Tw (sprinkling time), while if it is determined that the water flow rate is not normal (S1803: NO, or S1804: NO), the sprinkler valve is controlled to a closed state (S19). Also, in the process of S19, if the valve number V is N, no closing command is issued to the sprinkler valve.

[0090] Next, it is determined whether valve number V corresponds to valve number N (S20). If it is determined that valve number V does not correspond to valve number N, the valve number V is incremented by 1 and the process from S17 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that valve number V corresponds to valve number N, a check for faulty closing of the auxiliary valve is performed (S21). For details, the check for faulty closing of the auxiliary valve is performed using the auxiliary valve faulty closing check routine shown in Figure 13.

[0091] Furthermore, in the determination at S14 in Figure 10, if it is determined that the sprinkler valve maintenance flag valveMaint is not OFF (S14:NO), the processes S15 to S20 are not executed, and the process proceeds to S21. In other words, with the reserve valve controlled to the open state and all sprinkler valves controlled to the closed state, it is determined whether or not a closing failure has occurred in any of the sprinkler valves based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 (S1300 to S1302). If it is determined that no closing failure has occurred in any of the sprinkler valves (S14:YES), sprinkling is permitted, and if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in any of the sprinkler valves (S14:NO), sprinkling using any of the sprinkler valves is prohibited. In short, sprinkling is permitted if it is determined that no closing failure has occurred in the sprinkler valves, and sprinkling using the sprinkler valves is prohibited if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in the sprinkler valves.

[0092] The pre-valve closing failure detection routine shown in Figure 13 is a process executed by the control board 31 for the field with field number FL.

[0093] A closing command is issued to the auxiliary valve (S2100), and the flow rate is obtained from the flow sensor 33 (S2101). Sprinkler valves with valve number V less than N are controlled to be in the closed state, and sprinkler valves with valve number V equal to N are controlled to be in the open state.

[0094] Next, it is determined whether the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is 0 or not (S2102). That is, when the sprinkler valve with valve number V is N is controlled to be in the open state and the reserve valve is controlled to be in the closed state, it is determined whether a closure failure has occurred in the reserve valve based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33. In this determination, if it is determined that the flow rate is not 0 (S2102: NO), an email (notification information) requesting maintenance of the reserve valve is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90 (S2103). Specifically, if it is determined that a closure failure has occurred in the reserve valve, a signal notifying that fact is sent to the cloud 90. The mobile terminal 80 receives an email from the cloud 90 based on the received signal and notifies the user that a closure failure has occurred in the reserve valve based on the received email. The notification can be in the form of text indicating that a closure failure has occurred in the reserve valve, or it can be notified by voice.

[0095] Next, it is determined whether the backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is ON or OFF (S2104). If it is determined that the backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is NOT ON (S2104: NO), a warning message requesting maintenance of the backup valve is displayed on the watering application screen of the mobile terminal 80 (S2105). Specifically, a signal (notification information) to trigger the warning message requesting maintenance of the backup valve is sent to the mobile terminal 80 via the cloud 90. More specifically, if it is determined that a closure failure has occurred in the backup valve, a signal is sent to the cloud 90 to trigger a warning message on the watering application screen indicating this. The mobile terminal 80 receives the signal from the cloud 90 and displays a warning message on the watering application screen based on the received signal. The backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is turned ON (S2106).

[0096] On the other hand, if the S2102 determination determines that the flow rate is 0 (S2102:YES), then it is determined whether the backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is OFF or not (S2107). If the S2102 determination determines that the backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is not OFF (S2107:NO), then the warning display requesting backup valve maintenance on the watering app screen of the mobile terminal 80 is turned OFF (S2108). The backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is turned OFF (S2109). Note that if the user repairs the backup valve after seeing the warning display requesting backup valve maintenance on the watering app screen of the mobile terminal 80, the flow rate is determined to be 0 (S2102:YES).

[0097] If it is determined that the backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is OFF (S2107:YES), the process in S2109 is performed. If it is determined that the backup valve maintenance flag BackupMaint is ON (S2104:YES), or after the process in S2106, the process returns to the next step in Figure 10, S21 (RETURN).

[0098] In the process of S22 in Figure 10, a closing command is issued for the sprinkler valve (S22). Specifically, a closing command is issued to the sprinkler valve whose valve number V is N.

[0099] Next, it is determined whether field number FL is field number F or not (S23). If it is determined that field number FL is not field number F, the process is repeated from S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that field number FL is field number F, the watering completion process is executed (S24). For example, the flow rate obtained from the flow sensor 33 during the watering valve closing failure detection, flow rate abnormality detection, and auxiliary valve closing failure detection is recorded, the completion of watering is displayed on the watering application screen of the mobile terminal 80, and the pump 21 is stopped. After that, this series of processes is terminated (END).

[0100] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the pump check routine. This series of processes is executed by the control board 31 as an interrupt process at predetermined intervals controlled by a timer.

[0101] First, it is determined whether a warning signal indicating a malfunction in pump 21 has been input to the control board 31 (S30). If it is determined that a warning signal has been input to the control board 31 (S30: YES), the pump status flag pumpStatus is set to NG.

[0102] Next, the watering app screen on the mobile terminal 80 displays a message indicating that there is an abnormality with the pump 21 (S32).

[0103] Next, it is determined whether the pump abnormality email flag pumpMail is ON or not (S33). If it is determined in this determination that the pump abnormality email flag pumpMail is not ON (S33: NO), the pump abnormality email flag pumpMail is turned ON (S34).

[0104] Next, an email notifying the mobile terminal 80 that a malfunction has occurred in pump 21 is sent via cloud 90 (S35). Specifically, a signal indicating a malfunction in pump 21 is sent to cloud 90. The mobile terminal 80 receives an email from cloud 90 based on the received signal and notifies the user that a malfunction has occurred in pump 21 based on the received email. The notification can be presented in text or as an audio notification indicating that a malfunction has occurred in pump 21.

[0105] On the other hand, if the pump abnormality email flag pumpMail is determined to be ON in the S33 judgment (S33:YES), the process proceeds to S37.

[0106] Furthermore, in the determination in S30, if it is determined that no warning signal has been input to the control board 31 (S30: NO), the pump status flag pumpStatus is set to OK (S36).

[0107] Next, it is determined whether the pump status flag pumpStatus is not NG (S37). If it is determined that the pump status flag pumpStatus is not NG (S37: YES), the message indicating that there is an abnormality in the pump 21 displayed on the screen of the watering application on the mobile terminal 80 is cleared (S38).

[0108] Next, the pump abnormality email flag pumpMail is turned OFF (S39). Then, the timer-based interrupt processing returns (RETURN).

[0109] Furthermore, if the pump status flag pumpStatus is determined to be NG in the S37 judgment (S37:NO), the processes in S38-S39 are not executed, and the system returns from the timer-based interrupt processing (RETURN).

[0110] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the water level check routine. This series of processes is executed by the control board 31 as an interrupt process at predetermined intervals controlled by a timer.

[0111] First, it is determined whether a warning signal indicating a drop in the water level in tank 20 has been input to the control board 31 (S50). If it is determined that a warning signal has been input to the control board 31 (S50: YES), the water level flag waterLevel is set to NG.

[0112] Next, the watering app screen on the mobile terminal 80 displays that a water shortage has occurred (S52). A water shortage is a condition in which the water level in the tank 20 has fallen below a predetermined level.

[0113] Next, it is determined whether the drought email flag LevelMail is ON or not (S53). If it is determined in this determination that the drought email flag LevelMail is not ON (S53: NO), the drought email flag LevelMail is turned ON (S54).

[0114] Next, an email informing the mobile terminal 80 that a water shortage is occurring is sent via the cloud 90 (S55). More specifically, a signal indicating that a water shortage is occurring is sent to the cloud 90. The mobile terminal 80 receives an email from the cloud 90 based on the received signal, and based on the received email, notifies the user that a water shortage is occurring. The notification can be presented in text or as an audio notification.

[0115] On the other hand, if the S53 determination determines that the drought email flag LevelMail is ON (S53:YES), the process proceeds to S57.

[0116] Furthermore, in the S50 judgment, if it is determined that no warning signal has been input to the control board 31 (S50: NO), the water level flag waterLevel is set to OK.

[0117] Next, it is determined whether the water level flag waterLevel is not NG (S57). If it is determined that the water level flag waterLevel is not NG (S57: YES), the message indicating that a drought has occurred, which was displayed on the screen of the watering app on the mobile terminal 80, is cleared (S58).

[0118] Next, the drought email flag LevelMail is turned OFF (S59). Then, the timer-based interrupt processing returns (RETURN).

[0119] Furthermore, if the water level flag waterLevel is determined to be NG in the S57 judgment (S57:NO), the processes in S58-S59 are not executed, and the system returns from the timer-based interrupt processing (RETURN).

[0120] The embodiment described in detail above has the following advantages.

[0121] The control board 31 determines whether a malfunction has occurred in the watering valve based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 when the auxiliary valve is controlled to be in the open state and the watering valve is controlled to be in the closed state. Specifically, if the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is not 0 (greater than a predetermined flow rate) even though the auxiliary valve is controlled to be in the open state and the watering valve is controlled to be in the closed state, it can be determined that a malfunction has occurred in the watering valve. On the other hand, if the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is 0 (not greater than a predetermined flow rate) when the auxiliary valve is controlled to be in the open state and the watering valve is controlled to be in the closed state, it can be determined that a malfunction has not occurred in the watering valve.

[0122] The control board 31 permits watering if it determines that there is no closure failure in the watering valve, and prohibits watering using the watering valve if it determines that there is a closure failure in the watering valve. Therefore, the control board 31 can determine whether or not there is a closure failure in the watering valve, and if it determines that there is a closure failure in the watering valve, it can prohibit watering using the watering valve. Thus, even if a closure failure occurs in the watering valve that opens and closes the water flow path, excessive watering can be prevented.

[0123] - If the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is not zero (greater than a predetermined flow rate) even though the reserve valve is controlled to be closed and the watering valve is controlled to be open, it can be determined that a closing malfunction has occurred in the reserve valve. On the other hand, if the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33 is zero (not greater than a predetermined flow rate) when the reserve valve is controlled to be closed and the watering valve is controlled to be open, it can be determined that a closing malfunction has not occurred in the reserve valve. Therefore, the control board 31 can easily determine whether or not a closing malfunction has occurred in the reserve valve by using the state at the end of watering. As a result, it is possible to suppress a state in which both the reserve valve and the watering valve have closing malfunctions.

[0124] The control board 31, while controlling the auxiliary valve to be open and the watering valve to be open during watering, determines whether the water flow rate supplied to the target is normal based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 33. If it determines that the water flow rate is normal, it continues watering for a preset execution time Tw. If it determines that the water flow rate is not normal, it controls the watering valve to be closed. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the water flow rate supplied to the target is normal during watering, and if it determines that the water flow rate is not normal, it is possible to control the watering valve to be closed and stop watering.

[0125] The control board 31 controls the auxiliary valve of field number FL to be open and all of the multiple sprinkler valves of field number FL to be closed, and determines whether a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple sprinkler valves of field number FL based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 33. Specifically, if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 33 is not 0 (greater than a predetermined flow rate) despite the auxiliary valve being controlled to be open and all of the multiple sprinkler valves being controlled to be closed, it can be determined that a closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple sprinkler valves of field number FL. On the other hand, if the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 33 is 0 (not greater than a predetermined flow rate) while the auxiliary valve is controlled to be open and all of the multiple sprinkler valves are controlled to be closed, it can be determined that no closing failure has occurred in any of the multiple sprinkler valves of field number FL.

[0126] The control board 31 allows watering in the field with field number FL if it determines that no closure failure has occurred in any of the multiple watering valves in field number FL, and prohibits watering using any of the multiple watering valves in the field with field number FL if it determines that a closure failure has occurred in any of the multiple watering valves in field number FL. Therefore, the control board 31 can determine whether or not a closure failure has occurred in any of the multiple watering valves in each field, and if it determines that a closure failure has occurred in any of the multiple watering valves, it can prohibit watering using any of the multiple watering valves. Thus, in a field equipped with multiple watering valves that open and close multiple third flow paths, even if a closure failure occurs in any of the multiple watering valves that open and close the water flow paths, excessive watering can be suppressed.

[0127] The control board 31 is capable of wireless communication with the cloud 90, and the mobile terminal 80 is also capable of wireless communication with the cloud 90. When a malfunction occurs in the sprinkler valve, the mobile terminal 80 can receive notification information (emails and signals requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve) transmitted by the control board 31 via the cloud 90. Based on the received notification information, the mobile terminal 80 then informs the user that a malfunction has occurred in the sprinkler valve. As a result, the user can find out that a malfunction has occurred in the sprinkler valve using their mobile terminal 80 without having to go to the location where the first to third flow channels, the spare valve, and the sprinkler valve are installed. Therefore, it becomes easier to quickly address a sprinkler valve malfunction and further suppress over-sprinkling.

[0128] The control board 31 is capable of wireless communication with the cloud 90, and the mobile terminal 80 is also capable of wireless communication with the cloud 90. When a malfunction occurs in the auxiliary valve, the mobile terminal 80 can receive notification information (emails and signals requesting maintenance of the auxiliary valve) transmitted by the control board 31 via the cloud 90. Based on the received notification information, the mobile terminal 80 then informs the user that a malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve. As a result, the user can find out that a malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary valve using their mobile terminal 80 without having to go to the first to third flow paths, the auxiliary valve, or the location where the auxiliary valve is installed. Therefore, it becomes easier to quickly address the auxiliary valve malfunction and further suppress excessive watering.

[0129] Furthermore, the above embodiment can also be implemented with the following modifications. Parts identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are used accordingly.

[0130] The flow sensor 33 may output a flow presence / absence signal indicating whether the detected flow rate is greater than 0 or 0. In that case, the control board 31 may determine whether the flow rate is 0 or not based on the flow presence / absence signal input from the flow sensor 33 in the processing of S1302 in Figure 11 and the processing of S2102 in Figure 13.

[0131] If a closure failure occurs in any of the spare valves 52A to 52D, the control board 31 may send either an email or a signal requesting maintenance of the spare valve. The process of sending notification information by the control board 31 when a closure failure occurs in any of the spare valves 52A to 52D can also be omitted. Furthermore, the closure failure determination of the spare valves 52A to 52D can also be omitted.

[0132] If a malfunction occurs in any of the sprinkler valves, the control board 31 may send either an email or a signal requesting maintenance of the sprinkler valve. Alternatively, the process of sending notification information by the control board 31 when a malfunction occurs in any of the sprinkler valves may be omitted.

[0133] • Before watering is performed, it may be necessary to determine whether any of the auxiliary valves 52A to 52D are malfunctioning.

[0134] The determination of whether a closure failure has occurred in any of the sprinkler valves 62A-62D, 64A-64B, 66A-66C, or 68A-68D may be performed after sprinkler operation instead of before. Alternatively, the determination of whether a closure failure has occurred in any of the sprinkler valves 62A-62D, 64A-64B, 66A-66C, or 68A-68D may be performed both before and after sprinkler operation.

[0135] The control board 31 (control unit) and the cloud 90 (server) may be wirelessly connected via an access point (relay point). Also, the mobile terminal 80 (terminal) and the cloud 90 may be wirelessly connected via an access point. Multiple mobile terminals 80 may be provided.

[0136] Some or all of the sprinkler valves 62A~62D, 64A~64B, 66A~66C, and 68A~68D may be on-off valves with adjustable opening degrees. The opening degrees of the sprinkler valves 62A~62D, 64A~64B, 66A~66C, and 68A~68D may be switched between a preset opening degree and fully closed, or they may be controlled arbitrarily.

[0137] The location where the sprinkler system 10 is installed is not limited to golf courses; it may also be a field, a greenhouse, a park, a rooftop greening facility for a building, etc.

[0138] Furthermore, the above embodiments and their respective modifications can be combined and implemented to the extent possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 10... Sprinkler system, 20... Tank, 21... Pump, 30... Control unit, 31... Control board (control unit), 32... Communication device, 33... Flow sensor, 33A... Flow sensor, 33B... Flow sensor, 40... Sprinkler device, 40A... Sprinkler device, 41... First channel, 41A... First channel, 41B... First channel, 51A... Second channel, 51B... Second channel, 51C... Second channel, 51D... Second channel, 52A... Reserve valve, 52B... Reserve valve, 52C... Reserve valve, 52D... Reserve valve, 61A... Third channel, 61B... Third channel, 61C... Third channel, 61D...Third channel, 62A...Sprinkler valve, 62B...Sprinkler valve, 62C...Sprinkler valve, 62D...Sprinkler valve, 63A...Third channel, 63B...Third channel, 64A...Sprinkler valve, 64B...Sprinkler valve, 65A...Third channel, 65B...Third channel, 65C...Third channel, 66A...Sprinkler valve, 66B...Sprinkler valve, 66C...Sprinkler valve, 67A...Third channel, 67B...Third channel, 67C...Third channel, 67D...Third channel, 68A...Sprinkler valve, 68B...Sprinkler valve, 68C...Sprinkler valve, 68D...Sprinkler valve, 80...Mobile terminal (terminal), 90...Cloud (server).

Claims

1. A first channel connected to a water source that supplies water at a predetermined pressure, A second channel connected downstream of the first channel, A pre-valve for opening and closing the second flow path, A third channel is connected downstream of the second channel and supplies water to the target of watering, A shut-off valve for opening and closing the third flow path, A flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of water flowing through the first channel, A control unit that controls the auxiliary valve and the on-off valve and controls the auxiliary valve and the on-off valve to open, thereby performing watering on the target to be watered, A sprinkler system comprising, A watering system comprising: the control unit, while controlling the auxiliary valve to be in an open state and the on-off valve to be in a closed state, determines, based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor, whether or not a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, and permits the execution of watering if it is determined that no closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve, and prohibits the execution of watering using the on-off valve if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in the on-off valve.

2. The watering system according to claim 1, wherein, after the watering has finished, the control unit controls the reserve valve to be in a closed state and the on / off valve to be in an open state, and determines whether or not a closing failure has occurred in the reserve valve, which is a defect in that the reserve valve does not close, based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor.

3. The watering system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the auxiliary valve to be open and the on-off valve to be open during the execution of the watering, and determines whether the flow rate of water supplied to the target to be watered is normal based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, and if it determines that the flow rate of water is normal, it continues the watering for a preset watering time, and if it determines that the flow rate of water is not normal, it controls the on-off valve to be closed.

4. Multiple third channels, The system comprises a plurality of on-off valves that open and close each of the plurality of third flow paths, The watering system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the auxiliary valve to be in an open state and controls all of the plurality of on-off valves to be in a closed state, and determines whether or not a closing failure has occurred in any of the plurality of on-off valves based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, and permits the execution of watering if it is determined that no closing failure has occurred in any of the plurality of on-off valves, and prohibits the execution of watering using any of the plurality of on-off valves if it is determined that a closing failure has occurred in any of the plurality of on-off valves.

5. The control unit is wirelessly connected to the server. The server is equipped with a terminal that is wirelessly connected to it. When the control unit determines that a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve, it sends notification information to the server indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the on-off valve. The watering system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal receives the notification information from the server and, based on the received notification information, notifies the user that a closing failure has occurred in the on / off valve.

6. The control unit is wirelessly connected to the server. The server is equipped with a terminal that is wirelessly connected to it. When the control unit determines that the auxiliary valve has failed to close properly, it sends notification information to the server indicating that the auxiliary valve has failed to close properly. The watering system according to claim 2, wherein the terminal receives the notification information from the server and, based on the received notification information, notifies the user that the auxiliary valve has failed to close properly.

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