Water tap system and field management system

Abstract

The present invention provides a faucet device that can shorten the opening and closing time of the valve and ensure sufficient opening and closing force. [Solution] A water supply device 10 and a drainage device 50 capable of supplying water to or draining water from field H, comprising an openable and closable water supply tap 30 and drain plug, a motor 22 for operating the water supply tap 30 and drain plug, and a speed control mechanism 23 capable of changing the speed ratio of the power transmitted from the motor 22 to the water supply tap 30 and drain plug, wherein the speed control mechanism 23 can change the speed ratio of the power transmitted from the motor 22 to the water supply tap 30 and drain plug by changing the gear combination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a faucet device and a field management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of faucet devices and field management systems for performing water management in agricultural fields is publicly known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The field management system described in Patent Document 1 includes a water supply faucet, a drain faucet, a water level sensor, an irrigation management server, and the like. The water supply faucet supplies water to the agricultural field. The drain faucet drains water from the agricultural field. The water level sensor measures the water level in the agricultural field. The irrigation management server can perform water supply and drainage (water management) of the agricultural field by controlling the water supply faucet and the drain faucet based on the measurement result of the water level sensor.

[0004] When controlling a water supply faucet or a drain faucet as in Patent Document 1, the water supply faucet and the drain faucet are generally opened and closed at a constant speed. In addition, they are opened and closed at a relatively low speed so that the water supply faucet and the like can be opened and closed with a strong force.

[0005] However, when a worker manually opens and closes the water supply faucet or the like, there are cases where shortening the opening / closing time of the water supply faucet or the like is desired in order to shorten the work time. There are also cases where shortening the opening / closing time is desired for reasons other than work time. For example, when foreign matter is clogged in the water supply faucet or the like, there is a possibility that the foreign matter can be removed by obtaining a strong water flow (increasing the water pressure). In order to obtain a strong water flow at the time of such foreign matter clogging, there are cases where it is desired to speed up the opening and closing of the water supply faucet or the like (shortening of the opening / closing time is desired). Accordingly, there is a demand for a technology that can achieve both shortening of the opening / closing time and securing of the opening / closing force of the plug.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it seeks to solve is to provide a water tap device and a field management system that can shorten the opening and closing time of the tap and ensure the opening and closing force of the tap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The problem that one aspect of this disclosure aims to solve is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be explained.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a water tap device capable of supplying water to a field or draining water from a field comprises a tap that can be opened and closed, a drive source for operating the tap, and a speed control mechanism capable of changing the speed ratio of the power transmitted from the drive source to the tap. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to shorten the opening and closing time of the stopper and to ensure sufficient opening and closing force for the stopper.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission mechanism can change the transmission ratio of the power transmitted from the drive source to the plug by changing the combination of gears. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the gear shifting mechanism can be formed in a simple manner.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the drive source and the speed change mechanism are comprised of a motor capable of changing rotational speed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, by configuring the drive source and the transmission mechanism with motors, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and save space.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the field management system comprises the water tap device, an opening detection unit capable of detecting the degree of opening of the tap, and a control unit that changes the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism according to the degree of opening of the tap. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to shorten the opening and closing time of the stopper and to ensure sufficient opening and closing force for the stopper.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the field management system comprises a water tap device, a resistance detection unit capable of detecting the resistance force of opening and closing the tap, and a control unit that changes the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism according to the resistance force. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to shorten the opening and closing time of the stopper and to ensure sufficient opening and closing force for the stopper.

[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the resistance detection unit detects the resistance force based on the load current value of the drive source. According to one aspect of this disclosure, resistance can be detected with a simple configuration.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the resistance detection unit detects the resistance force of opening and closing based on the change in the opening degree of the drive source. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the gear ratio can be changed or a plug clogging improvement operation can be performed based on the change in the opening.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the faucet device comprises a motor which is the drive source and an encoder which outputs pulses in accordance with the rotation of the motor, and the resistance detection unit reads the change in the opening degree from the frequency of pulse generation per unit time of the encoder. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the gear ratio can be changed or a plug clogging improvement operation can be performed based on the frequency of pulse generation per unit time.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the faucet device is configured to perform opening and closing operations in response to an opening degree instruction from a server and measure the opening degree of the plug, and the resistance detection unit reads the change in the opening degree by determining whether or not the value obtained by measuring the opening degree of the plug has reached the opening degree instructed by the server, after a predetermined time has elapsed from when the server issues the opening degree instruction to the faucet device. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to change the gear ratio and perform a plug clogging improvement operation based on the measured value and the instructed value of the opening degree.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a farm field management system includes the faucet device, and a control unit capable of executing a clog elimination operation for opening and closing the plug a plurality of times within a predetermined time to eliminate clogging of the plug, wherein the control unit is capable of changing the gear ratio of the speed change mechanism when executing the clog elimination operation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to shorten the opening and closing time of the plug and ensure the opening and closing force of the plug. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to shorten the opening and closing time of the plug and ensure the opening and closing force of the plug. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing a water supply path to a farm field. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a farm field management system. [Figure 3] Similarly, a block diagram. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a water supply device. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a drainage device. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing a first opening degree range and a second opening degree range. [Figure 7] (a) An explanatory diagram showing a state in which the water faucet is closed at the second speed. (b) An explanatory diagram showing a state in which the water faucet is closed at the first speed. [Figure 8] (a) An explanatory diagram showing a drainage device equipped with a detection rod. (b) An explanatory diagram showing a drainage device equipped with a distance sensor. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing a water supply device that opens and closes an open channel. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the gear ratio change process and plug clogging improvement process performed by the control unit of the first modified example. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the gear ratio change process and plug clogging improvement process performed by the control unit in the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The following describes a field management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The field management system 1 is for managing the water in a field H (in this embodiment, a plurality of fields H). The field management system 1 of this embodiment can manage the water in the field H by controlling the supply of water to the field H and the drainage from the field H. For example, it can adjust the water level in the field H to a level suitable for crop growth.

[0022] First, referring to Figure 1, the water supply route from the water source S (river, etc.) to the field H will be briefly explained. Each field H is connected to the water source S via a farm pond F and a water supply channel K. The water supply channel K is a channel for guiding water from the farm pond F to each field H. The water supply channel K branches as appropriate to connect to each field H. In this embodiment, the water supply channel K is a pipeline formed by connecting multiple water supply pipes K1. When supplying water to the field H, a pump (not shown) installed in the water supply channel K is driven as needed, causing water from the farm pond F to flow towards the field H. The configuration of the water supply channel K is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate according to the topography of the area around each field H. For example, the water supply channel K may be configured as an open channel.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the field management system 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the field management system 1 comprises a water supply device 10, a water level sensor 40, a drainage device 50, a communication relay device 80, a worker terminal 90, and a field management server 100.

[0024] The water supply device 10 is for managing the water supply to field H. A water supply device 10 is installed in each field H. As shown in Figure 4, the water supply device 10 is equipped with an electric actuator 20 and a water tap 30.

[0025] The electric actuator 20 operates the water tap 30. The electric actuator 20 comprises a case 21, a motor 22, a speed control mechanism 23, a rotating shaft 24, an operating unit 25, and a control unit 26.

[0026] Case 21 houses various components of the electric actuator 20 (motor 22, etc.). Case 21 is hollow. A solar panel P is provided on the top surface of case 21.

[0027] Motor 22 drives the rotating shaft 24 (power source). Motor 22 is connected to a battery (not shown) that stores electricity generated by the solar panel P. Motor 22 can rotate the output shaft 22a by receiving power from the battery. Motor 22 in this embodiment is provided with an encoder 22b. The encoder 22b outputs pulses in accordance with the rotation of motor 22.

[0028] The gear shifting mechanism 23 changes the gear ratio of the power transmitted from the motor 22 to the water tap 30. The gear shifting mechanism 23 can change the gear ratio by changing the gear combination. For example, the gear shifting mechanism 23 can change the gear ratio in steps using multiple gear pairs, a planetary gear mechanism, etc. In this embodiment, changing the gear ratio changes the ratio between the rotational speed of the output shaft 22a of the motor 22 and the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 24.

[0029] The number of gear ratios that the transmission mechanism 23 can change is not particularly limited, but for the sake of explanation in this embodiment, it will be assumed that the transmission mechanism 23 can change the gear ratio in two stages. In the following, of the two gear ratios (gear stages), the one with the slower rotational speed of the rotating shaft 24 will be referred to as "1st gear," and the one with the faster rotational speed will be referred to as "2nd gear."

[0030] The rotating shaft 24 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the output shaft 22a of the motor 22. The rotating shaft 24 is positioned with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically. The rotating shaft 24 is connected to the output shaft 23a via the speed control mechanism 23.

[0031] The control unit 25 is a part that can be operated by an operator or other person. The control unit 25 is provided on the outer surface of the case 21. The control unit 25 is provided with buttons for closing the water tap 30, buttons for opening the water tap 30, and so on.

[0032] The control unit 26 is the part that performs various controls on the water supply device 10. The control unit 26 comprises a calculation unit capable of performing calculation processing and a storage unit capable of storing various information. The control unit 26 is connected to the motor 22 and the operation unit 25 in a communication manner.

[0033] The control unit 26 communicates with the motor 22 to obtain the output (pulse) of the encoder 22b from the motor 22, and can calculate the rotational speed of the motor 22 and the opening degree of the water tap 30 based on this output. The control unit 26 can also control the driving and stopping of the motor 22. Furthermore, the control unit 26 can obtain (understand) the load current value when the motor 22 is operating, and can also control the load current value.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 26 can communicate with the operation unit 25 to obtain the operation content of the operation unit 25 and control the motor 22 according to that operation content. For example, when the button for closing the water tap 30 is operated, the control unit 26 can control the motor 22 to close the water tap 30.

[0035] The control unit 26 is also connected to the transmission mechanism 23 and can control the gear ratio. The details of the gear ratio control will be described later.

[0036] The water tap 30 controls the water supply to field H. The water tap 30 is located below the electric actuator 20. The water tap 30 comprises a cylindrical member 31, a valve stem 32, a valve body 33, and a bearing 34.

[0037] The cylindrical member 31 is a cylindrical member connected to the water supply pipe K1. The cylindrical member 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically. The lower end of the cylindrical member 31 is connected to the water supply pipe K1. The cylindrical member 31 is provided with a discharge port 31a and a valve seat 31b.

[0038] The discharge port 31a is the part that introduces water from the water supply pipe K1 into the field H. The discharge port 31a is formed to open to the outside at the upper and lower middle part of the cylindrical member 31. Multiple discharge ports 31a are formed along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 31.

[0039] The valve seat 31b is the part that receives the valve body 33. The valve seat 31b is formed just below the discharge port 31a. In Figure 4, the valve seat 31b is formed by a change in the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 31 in the middle of its upper and lower sections.

[0040] The valve stem 32 reciprocates the valve body 33. The valve stem 32 is positioned with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically. The upper end of the valve stem 32 is fixed to the rotating shaft 24 of the electric actuator 20.

[0041] The valve body 33 switches the flow of water from the water supply pipe K1 to the field H by opening and closing. The valve body 33 is attached to the valve stem 32 and can move vertically integrally with the valve stem 32. The valve body 33 is positioned above the valve seat 31b. The lower surface of the valve body 33 is formed to be in contact with the valve seat 31b.

[0042] The bearing 34 rotatably supports the valve stem 32. The bearing 34 is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical member 31 (above the discharge port 31a). The female thread formed on the inner circumferential surface of the bearing 34 is screwed into the male thread formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve stem 32. This allows the valve stem 32 to move vertically as it rotates. Note that the configuration for moving the valve stem 32 vertically is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0043] The water tap 30 can control the water supply to field H by driving the motor 22. More specifically, when the motor 22 is driven, the rotation of the output shaft 22a is transmitted to the rotating shaft 24 via the speed change mechanism 23, causing the rotating shaft 24 and the valve stem 32 to rotate. As this rotation occurs, the valve stem 32 moves relative to the bearing 34 in the vertical direction, and the valve body 33 moves closer to or further away from the valve seat 31b.

[0044] This allows the valve body 33 to open and close the valve seat 31b or adjust the opening degree of the water tap 30. For example, by moving away from the valve seat 31b, the valve body 33 can open the valve seat 31b and supply water from the water supply pipe K1 to the field H via the discharge port 31a. Conversely, by moving closer to (contacting) the valve seat 31b, the valve body 33 can close the valve seat 31b and stop the water supply.

[0045] The control unit 26 controls the load current value when operating the motor 22 based on the output (pulse) from the encoder 25b, and is configured to rotate the output shaft 22a at a constant speed. The control unit 26 can change the opening and closing speed of the water tap 30 (valve body 33) by changing the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism 23. For example, the control unit 26 can increase the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 24 by changing the gear ratio (gear stage) from 1st gear to 2nd gear, thereby increasing the opening and closing speed of the water tap 30.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 26 can perform various processes without using the output (pulse) from the encoder 22b. For example, the control unit 26 can detect the opening degree or control the load current value based on the vertical movement (amount of movement, speed of movement, etc.) of the valve stem 32 of the water tap 30 or the rotation shaft 24 of the electric actuator 20.

[0047] The water level sensor 40 shown in Figure 2 is for measuring the water level and water temperature of field H. The water level sensor 40 is installed in each field H. The water level sensor 40 is connected to the water supply device 10 and can transmit the measurement results of the water level and water temperature to the field management server 100 via the water supply device 10. In this embodiment, the water level sensor 40 is installed near the water supply device 10 and connected to the water supply device 10 by wire, but depending on the conditions of field H, it may be installed near the drainage device 50 and connected to the drainage device 50 by wire. Alternatively, the water level sensor 40 may be installed near both the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50. If the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 are located at both ends of field H, the water level conditions at both ends of field H can be understood by installing the water level sensor 40 near both the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50. Furthermore, the water level measurement results may be transmitted wirelessly to the water supply device 10 or the drainage device 50, or to the communication relay device 80 or the field management server 100. In this embodiment, the field management system 1 measures the water level of field H, but it is also possible to measure other information in addition to the water level. For example, the field management system 1 can also measure the water temperature of field H (equipped with a water temperature sensor).

[0048] The drainage device 50 is for managing the drainage of field H. The drainage device 50 is installed at the drain outlet of each field H. As schematically shown in Figure 5, the drainage device 50 comprises an electric actuator 60 and a drain plug 70. The electric actuator 60 operates the drain plug 70. The electric actuator 60 comprises a case 61, motor 62, speed control mechanism 63, rotating shaft 64, operating unit 65 and control unit 66, which are configured similarly to the electric actuator 20 of the water supply device 10 (see Figure 4).

[0049] The drain plug 70 controls the drainage from field H. The drain plug 70 is located below the electric actuator 60. The drain plug 70 comprises a guide member 71, a valve stem 72, a valve body 73, and a movable part 74.

[0050] The guide member 71 guides the vertical movement of the valve body 73. The guide member 71 is formed in a longitudinal shape that extends vertically and is fixed to the case 61 of the electric actuator 60.

[0051] The valve stem 72 reciprocates the valve body 73. The valve stem 72 is positioned with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically. The upper end of the valve stem 72 is fixed to the rotating shaft 68 of the electric actuator 60.

[0052] The valve body 73 adjusts the height of the water discharged from field H. The valve body 73 is formed in a plate shape. The end face of the valve body 73 (the end face facing left-right in Figure 5) is formed to slide vertically relative to the guide member 71. The drainage device 50 can adjust the water level by discharging water from field H that exceeds the valve body 73 into the drainage channel D (see Figure 2). Hereinafter, the height position of the upper end of the valve body 73 (the water level that can be stored in field H) will be referred to as the "drainage height".

[0053] The movable part 74 moves vertically in conjunction with the rotation of the valve stem 72. The movable part 74 is fixed to the valve body 73. The valve stem 72 is inserted through the movable part 74. The movable part 74 can move vertically in conjunction with the rotation of the valve stem 72 by, for example, screwing a female threaded portion formed on its inner circumference with a male threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of the valve stem 72.

[0054] The drain plug 70 can control drainage from field H by driving the motor 62. More specifically, when the motor 22 is driven, the rotation of the output shaft 62a is transmitted to the rotating shaft 64 via the speed change mechanism 63, causing the rotating shaft 64 and valve shaft 72 to rotate, and the movable part 74 and valve body 73 to move vertically. This allows the drainage device 50 to adjust the drainage height (control drainage). The control unit 66, similar to the water supply device 10, controls the load current value based on the output of the encoder 62b to rotate the output shaft 62a at a constant speed. The control unit 66 also calculates (detects) the drainage height based on the output of the encoder 62b.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 66 can perform various processes without using the output (pulse) from the encoder 62b. For example, the control unit 66 can detect the drainage height or control the load current value based on the vertical movement (amount of movement, speed of movement, etc.) of the valve stem 72 of the drain plug 70 or the rotating shaft 64 of the electric actuator 60.

[0056] The control unit 66 can also detect the drainage height based on the vertical movement of the valve body 73. The vertical movement of the valve body 73 can be detected by any appropriate method. For example, as shown in Figure 8(a), a detection rod 75 can be attached to the valve body 73, and the displacement of the detection rod 75 can be detected by a sensor (not shown) provided inside the case 61, thereby detecting the vertical movement of the valve body 73 within the electric actuator 60. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8(b), the vertical movement can also be detected based on the result of measuring the distance to the valve body 73 with a distance sensor 76. The distance sensor 76 can measure the distance to the valve body 73 by, for example, measuring the reflection time of ultrasound or light.

[0057] The communication relay device 80 shown in Figure 2 is a wireless communication-capable device. The communication relay device 80 can exchange information with the water supply device 10, the drainage device 50, and the field management server 100 via wireless communication.

[0058] The worker terminal 90 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a terminal owned by the worker. The worker terminal 90 is equipped with a computing device capable of performing calculations, a storage device that stores programs and the like, an input device that can input information, and an output device that can display the results of calculations and the like. The worker terminal 90 may consist of a device that the worker can carry, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or it may consist of a desktop computer for purposes such as creating water level management plans.

[0059] The field management server 100 is for processing water supply and drainage for field H. The field management server 100 is built on a cloud server. The field management server 100 can exchange information with the worker terminal 90 via the internet or other means. For example, the field management server 100 can notify the worker terminal 90 of predetermined information (such as the water level in field H) by sending a signal to the worker terminal 90 in response to a request from the worker terminal 90.

[0060] The field management server 100 can also communicate with the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 via the communication relay device 80. By receiving signals from the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50, the field management server 100 can acquire various information related to water supply and drainage. For example, the field management server 100 can acquire the opening degree of the water tap 30 and the measurement results of the water level sensor 40 from the water supply device 10. The field management server 100 can also acquire the drainage height and other information from the drainage device 50.

[0061] Furthermore, the field management server 100 can control the water supply and drainage of field H by sending signals to the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50. For example, the field management server 100 can open and close the water tap 30 by sending a signal to the water supply device 10, switching between a state where water can be supplied to field H and a state where water cannot be supplied, and adjusting the degree to which the water tap 30 is open. The field management server 100 can also adjust the drainage height by sending a signal to the drainage device 50.

[0062] The following describes an example of gear ratio control by the control units 26 and 66 of the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50. Since the gear ratio control in the drainage device 50 is the same as that of the water supply device 10, the control of the water supply device 10 will be described below, and the description of the drainage device 50 will be omitted.

[0063] In this embodiment, the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio according to the opening degree of the water tap 30. In this case, the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio so that the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 increases in the opening degree range where the torque required to open and close the water tap 30 is high.

[0064] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, just before closing the water tap 30, it is necessary to operate the water tap 30 with a relatively high torque in order to completely close it. On the other hand, in other cases, a torque as high as that required just before completely closing the water tap 30 is not needed. Hereinafter, the opening range from just before closing the water tap 30 to completely closing (the opening range of the valve body 33 being close to 0) will be referred to as the "first opening range R1". The opening range other than the first opening range R1 will be referred to as the "second opening range R2".

[0065] When closing the water tap 30, the control unit 26 calculates the opening degree of the water tap 30 based on the output of the encoder 22b. Then, as schematically shown in Figure 7(a), if the calculated opening degree is within the second opening degree range R2, the control unit 26 changes the gear ratio (gear stage) of the gear shift mechanism 23 to 2nd gear and operates the water tap 30. Also, as schematically shown in Figure 7(b), if the opening degree falls within the first opening degree range R1, the control unit 26 changes the gear ratio from 2nd gear to 1st gear and operates the water tap 30.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio when opening the water tap 30 in the same way as when closing the water tap 30. More specifically, since relatively high torque may be required when opening the water tap 30 from a small opening, the control unit 26 changes the gear ratio (gear stage) to 1st gear to operate the water tap 30 when the opening of the water tap 30 is within the first opening range R1. The control unit 26 also changes the gear ratio to 2nd gear to operate the water tap 30 when the opening of the water tap 30 is within the second opening range R2.

[0067] As described above, the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio, and when the torque required to open and close the water tap 30 is relatively small (see Figure 7(a)), it can increase the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 24 to increase the opening and closing speed. This makes it possible to shorten the opening and closing time of the water tap 30.

[0068] In this case, when an operator opens and closes the water tap 30 by operating the control unit 25 shown in Figure 4, it is likely that they will often wait until the opening and closing (operation) of the water tap 30 is complete. In this embodiment, the opening and closing time of the water tap 30 can be shortened, thus reducing the waiting time for the operator when operating the control unit 25.

[0069] Furthermore, when the torque required to open and close the water tap 30 is relatively large (see Figure 7(b)), the control unit 26 can reduce the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 24 to ensure sufficient opening and closing force (torque) for the water tap 30. This allows the water tap 30 to be closed firmly.

[0070] The above-described control of the gear ratio (see Figure 7) is just one example of controlling the gear ratio according to the opening degree, and the control unit 26 can also perform control different from that described above. For example, in the control described above, the control unit 26 changes the gear ratio in two stages when opening and closing the water tap 30, but it is also possible to change the gear ratio in three or more stages. For example, the control unit 26 can switch the gear ratio in three or more stages, or continuously without stages, so that the opening and closing speed of the water tap 30 increases as the opening degree of the water tap 30 increases.

[0071] For example, the control unit 26 may change the gear ratio to two stages when closing the water tap 30, as described above, and control the gear ratio so that the water tap 30 operates with only one gear ratio (2nd gear) when opening the water tap 30. In this way, the gear ratio control may differ when opening and closing the water tap 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 26 can also change the gear ratio based on information other than the opening degree. For example, the control unit 26 can control the gear ratio according to the resistance force of opening and closing (torque required for opening and closing). In this case, the control unit 26 can also control the gear ratio according to, for example, the load current value.

[0073] More specifically, in this embodiment, the output shaft 22a of the motor 22 is rotated at a constant speed based on the output (pulse) of the encoder 22b. In this configuration, when the gear ratio is constant, if the torque required to open and close the water tap 30 increases, the load current value is increased to control the rotational speed of the output shaft 22a so as to maintain a constant speed. In this way, the load current value changes (is correlated) in response to the change in torque.

[0074] Therefore, the control unit 26 changes the gear ratio so that the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 increases when the load current value (torque required for opening and closing) is higher than a predetermined value. This allows the control unit 26 to lower the load current value, thereby preventing excessive load on the motor 22. The load current value may also increase at times other than immediately before closing the water tap 30. For example, the load current value will increase if debris or other foreign matter is attached to the valve body 33, or if foreign matter is caught between the valve seat 31b and the valve body 33. By controlling the gear ratio according to the load current value, the control unit 26 can change the gear ratio so that the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 increases even when the torque increases due to debris or other reasons, thereby reducing the load on the motor 22.

[0075] In the control described above, the resistance force (torque required for switching) is detected by the load current value, but the method for detecting the resistance force is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 26 can also detect the resistance force using information other than the load current value obtained from various sensors, etc.

[0076] The control unit 26 can also control the gear ratio according to the water supply status of each field H. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, each field H is supplied with water from the farm pond F via a common water supply channel K. In this configuration, the water pressure in the water supply channel K changes according to the water supply status of each field H. For example, the water pressure in the water supply channel K increases as the number of fields H being supplied decreases. In this case, the torque required to open and close the water tap 30 increases.

[0077] Therefore, the control unit 26 may control the gear ratio by taking into account the change in torque according to the water supply status of each field H. For example, the control unit 26 may adjust the parameters used to change the gear ratio (first opening range R1, second opening range R2) according to the water supply status. For example, the torque required to open and close the water tap 30 increases as the number of watered fields H decreases. For this reason, the control unit 26 may widen the range (first opening range R1) in which the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 is increased as the number of watered fields H decreases. In this way, the control unit 26 can control the gear ratio according to the water supply status.

[0078] As described above, the water tap device (water supply device 10 and drainage device 50) according to this embodiment is a water tap device capable of supplying water to or draining water from field H, and comprises a valve that can be opened and closed (water supply valve 30 and drainage valve 70), a drive source (motor 22-62) for operating the valve, and a gear change mechanism 23-63 that can change the gear ratio of the power transmitted from the drive source to the valve.

[0079] This configuration allows for a reduction in the opening and closing time of the valves (water supply valve 30 and drain valve 70) and ensures sufficient opening and closing force for the valves. In other words, by using the variable speed mechanism 23-63, the opening and closing speed of the valve can be increased as needed, thereby shortening the time it takes to open and close the valve. Also, by using the variable speed mechanism 23-63, the opening and closing speed of the valve can be decreased as needed, thereby improving the opening and closing force of the valve.

[0080] Furthermore, the gear shifting mechanism 23-63 can change the gear ratio of the power transmitted from the drive source (motor 22-62) to the plug by changing the gear combination (see Figure 7).

[0081] By configuring it in this way, the gear shifting mechanism 23.63 can be formed in a simple manner.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the field management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises the water tap device (water supply device 10 and drainage device 50), an opening degree detection unit (encoder 22b-62b) capable of detecting the opening degree of the taps (water tap 30 and drain tap 70), and control units 26-66 that change the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism 23-63 according to the opening degree of the taps.

[0083] This configuration allows for a reduction in the opening and closing time of the valves (water supply valve 30 and drain valve 70) and ensures sufficient opening and closing force for the valves. Furthermore, the opening and closing speed of the valves can be adjusted according to the degree of valve opening. For example, when the stopper is completely closed, the opening and closing speed of the stopper can be reduced to ensure a secure seal. In other cases, the opening and closing speed of the stopper can be increased to shorten the time it takes to open and close the stopper.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, the field management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises the water tap device (water supply device 10 and drainage device 50), a resistance detection unit (control unit 26-66) capable of detecting the resistance force of opening and closing the taps (water tap 30 and drain tap 70), and a control unit 26-66 that changes the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism according to the resistance force.

[0085] This configuration allows for a reduction in the opening and closing time of the valves (water supply valve 30 and drain valve 70) and ensures sufficient opening and closing force for the valves. Furthermore, the opening and closing speed of the valves can be adjusted according to the resistance force required to open and close them. For example, if there is significant resistance to opening and closing the stopper (e.g., if the stopper is dirty and the operating resistance is increased, or if foreign matter is stuck in the stopper), the opening and closing speed of the stopper can be reduced, allowing the stopper to be opened and closed with greater force. In other cases, the opening and closing speed of the stopper can be increased, shortening the time it takes to open and close the stopper.

[0086] Furthermore, the resistance detection unit (control unit 26-66) detects the resistance force based on the load current value of the drive source (motor 22-62).

[0087] By configuring it in this way, resistance can be detected with a simple setup.

[0088] The water supply device 10 and drainage device 50 according to this embodiment are one form of implementation of the faucet device according to the present invention. Furthermore, the water tap 30 and drain tap 70 according to this embodiment are one form of the tap according to the present invention. Furthermore, the motors 22 and 62 according to this embodiment are one form of the drive source according to the present invention. Furthermore, encoders 22b and 62b according to this embodiment are one embodiment of the opening degree detection unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the control units 26 and 66 according to this embodiment are one form of the resistance detection unit according to the present invention.

[0089] The following describes the field management system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0090] The field management system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the field management system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it allows the gear ratio to be changed when performing a blockage clearing operation. For this reason, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained below, and the explanation of the points that are common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0091] The declogging operation is an operation aimed at clearing blockages in the water supply tap 30 and the drain plug 70. The declogging operation is an operation that can change the water pressure in the flow paths of the water supply tap 30 and the drain plug 70. In this embodiment, the declogging operation is an operation that opens and closes the valve bodies 33 and 73 multiple times within a predetermined time (a relatively short time). The predetermined time is, for example, shorter than the time it takes to open and close the water supply tap 30 multiple times in a normal opening and closing operation. The control unit 26 of the water supply device 10 (see Figure 4) is configured to perform the declogging operation when the water supply tap 30 cannot be closed properly, when the load current value exceeds a predetermined value, etc. The control unit 66 of the drain device 50 (see Figure 5) is also configured to perform the declogging operation when the load current value exceeds a predetermined value, etc.

[0092] The water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 can, by performing a declogging operation, change the water pressure in the water supply tap 30 and the drain tap 70, which may remove debris attached to the valve bodies 33 and 73. In addition, the water supply device 10 can, by performing a declogging operation, remove foreign objects stuck between the valve body 33 and the valve seat 31b.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the gear ratio can be changed in three stages by the gear shift mechanism 23-63. Hereinafter, of the three gear ratios (gear stages), the one with the slowest opening and closing speed of the water tap 30 will be referred to as "1st gear," the one with the second slowest opening and closing speed as "2nd gear," and the one with the fastest opening and closing speed as "3rd gear." The control units 26-66 of the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 can switch between "1st gear" and "2nd gear" during water supply and drainage to open and close the water tap 30, etc., as in the first embodiment (see Figure 7). Thus, it is also possible to combine the first and second embodiments and apply them to the field management system 1.

[0094] Furthermore, when performing a blockage clearing operation, the control units 26 and 66 control the gear ratio so that the opening and closing speed of the water tap 30 is higher than during water supply and drainage ("2nd gear"), thereby opening and closing the water tap 30 and the drain tap 70. Below, an example of controlling the gear ratio during a blockage clearing operation will be described. Note that the blockage clearing operation of the drainage device 50 is the same as that of the water supply device 10, so below, the blockage clearing operation will be explained using the water supply device 10 as an example, and the explanation of the blockage clearing operation in the drainage device 50 will be omitted.

[0095] The control unit 26 changes the gear ratio (gear stage) to "3rd gear" and opens and closes the water tap 30 when the opening degree of the water tap 30 is within the second opening degree range R2 during the blockage clearing operation (not shown). The control unit 26 also controls the gear ratio to increase the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 as needed during the blockage clearing operation. For example, as shown in Figure 7(b), the control unit 26 changes the gear ratio to "1st gear" just before completely closing the water tap 30 (within the first opening degree range R1).

[0096] As described above, by controlling the gear ratio, the control unit 26 can open and close the water tap 30 at a relatively fast speed (faster than when supplying water) during the clog-clearing operation. This shortens the time required for the clog-clearing operation. It also increases the pressure fluctuation of the water discharge at the water tap 30, making it easier to clear clogs in the water tap 30. For example, it makes it easier to remove foreign objects stuck between the valve body 33 and the valve seat 31b.

[0097] The control of the gear ratio in the clog-clearing operation described above is just one example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the control unit 26 can control the gear ratio during the clog-clearing operation using at least one of the load current value or the water supply status to field H. The control unit 26 can also use all gear ratios (from "1st gear" to "3rd gear" in the second embodiment) during the clog-clearing operation. For example, the control unit 26 can set an opening range for each of the changeable gear ratio steps and change the gear ratio for each opening range. This allows the control unit 26 to open and close the water tap 30 by increasing the opening speed as the opening angle increases.

[0098] Furthermore, during the blockage clearing operation, the control unit 26 can appropriately change the gear ratio (opening / closing speed) depending on whether a high speed or opening / closing force is required. For example, when there is a foreign object blockage, (1) when the reversing operation to clear the blockage is initiated (at the start of the blockage clearing operation), the operation may become stiff due to the foreign object, so the speed is set to "1st speed". Also, (2) after the reversing operation has started, the speed is set to "3rd speed" to make the water flow change more drastically with a fast opening / closing operation, making it easier to remove the foreign object. Also, (3) when the valve body 33 returns to the location where the foreign object is blocked, the speed is maintained at "3rd speed" to suppress the opening / closing strength (opening / closing force). By controlling the gear ratio as described in (1) to (3) above, the opening / closing speed and opening / closing force can be appropriately controlled according to the situation. For example, as described in (3) above, if the foreign object blockage has not been cleared, the valve body 33 is prevented from pushing the foreign object in with strong force, thereby preventing the blockage from worsening.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the gear shift mechanism 23.63 changes the gear ratio in three stages, but the number of gear ratios that the gear shift mechanism 23.63 can change is not particularly limited. For example, the gear shift mechanism 23.63 may change the gear ratio in two stages, or it may change the gear ratio in four or more stages.

[0100] As described above, the field management system 1 according to the second embodiment is a field management system 1 comprising a water tap device (water supply device 10 and drainage device 50) and control units 26-66 capable of performing a clog-clearing operation in which the taps (water tap 30 and drain tap 70) are opened and closed multiple times within a predetermined time in order to clear the blockage of the taps, wherein the control units 26-66 are capable of changing the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism 23-63 when performing the clog-clearing operation.

[0101] This configuration allows for a reduction in the opening and closing time of the valves (water supply valve 30 and drain valve 70) and ensures sufficient opening and closing force for the valves. Furthermore, the blockage clearing operation effectively clears blockages. For example, by increasing the opening and closing speed of the valve when performing a clog-clearing operation, the fluctuation in water discharge pressure through the valve can be increased, making it possible to effectively clear the clog. Furthermore, the opening and closing speed and force can be appropriately controlled depending on the situation. For example, in a blockage removal operation, by setting the valve body 33 to "speed 3" when it returns to the location where the foreign object is blocking the valve, it is possible to prevent the blockage from worsening if the foreign object blockage has not been cleared.

[0102] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0103] For example, the field management system 1 is equipped with a water supply device 10 and a drainage device 50, but the field management system 1 may be equipped with either the water supply device 10 or the drainage device 50.

[0104] Furthermore, the first opening range R1 (see Figure 7), which is the range of opening degrees until the water tap 30 is completely closed, is not particularly limited as long as the opening degree is within the range from 0 to a predetermined opening degree.

[0105] Furthermore, in the field management system 1, the control units 26 and 66 of the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 are used to change the gear ratio, but the equipment that adjusts the gear ratio is not limited to the control units 26 and 66 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the field management server 100 can also change the gear ratio.

[0106] Furthermore, while the transmission mechanism 23.63 uses gears to change the gear ratio, it is also possible to change the gear ratio using a configuration other than gears. For example, it is possible to change the gear ratio using a motor whose rotational speed can be changed. In this case, the motor functions not only as a drive source but also as a transmission mechanism. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts and space saving. It is also possible to change the gear ratio using a continuously variable transmission mechanism. This allows for fine control of the gear ratio.

[0107] As described above, the drive source and the speed change mechanisms 23 and 63 are composed of motors capable of changing rotational speed.

[0108] By configuring the system in this way, the drive source and the transmission mechanism 23-63 are made of motors, which reduces the number of parts and saves space.

[0109] Furthermore, the configuration of the water supply device 10 shown in Figure 4 is just one example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the water supply device 10 shown in Figure 4 is assumed to be a water supply valve installed in the pipeline (water supply channel K), but the configuration of the water supply device 10 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a water supply gate installed in an open channel. Figure 9 shows an example of a water supply gate. The water supply device 110 (water supply gate) comprises a guide member 131, a valve stem 132, a valve body 133 and a movable part 134, which are configured similarly to the guide member 71, valve stem 72, valve body 73 and movable part 74 of the drain plug 70 shown in Figure 5. The water supply device 110 can open and close the open channel (water inlet KS) by raising and lowering the valve stem 132, valve body 133 and movable part 134 with an electric actuator 20, thereby switching between supplying water to the field H and stopping the water supply, or adjusting the amount of water supplied per hour. Furthermore, the position of the valve body 133 can be detected using the detection rod 75 and the distance sensor 76 (see Figure 8).

[0110] The following describes the control of the gear ratio in the first modified example. In the first modified example, the gear ratio is controlled based on the change in the opening angle. First, the change in the opening angle will be described below.

[0111] As described above, the control units 26 and 66 of the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 are configured to control the load current value when operating the motors 22 and 62 based on the output (pulses) from the encoders 22b and 62b, and to rotate the output shafts 22a and 62a at a constant speed.

[0112] If, for example, debris adheres to the valve bodies 33 and 73, causing an excessive increase in the resistance force to open and close the water tap 30 and drain plug 70, the control units 26 and 66 may not be able to rotate the output shafts 22a and 62a at a constant speed even if the load current value is increased. In this case, the change in the opening degree (opening / closing speed) of the water tap 30 and drain plug 70 will be slower than expected. Thus, the change in the opening degree is correlated with the resistance force to open and close. For this reason, the control units 26 and 66 of the first modified example detect the resistance force to open and close based on the change in the opening degree and change (control) the gear ratio according to the detection result.

[0113] The control of the control units 26 and 66 of the first modified example will be described below. Figure 10 shows an example of the gear ratio change process performed by the control units 26 and 66 of the first modified example. The control units 26 and 66 repeatedly perform the change process shown in Figure 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "first gear ratio change process") while the water supply valve 30 and drain valve 70 are opening and closing. The first gear ratio change process is a process that changes the gear ratio based on the change in opening degree (resistance force of opening and closing). Since the first gear ratio change process is common to both the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50, the first gear ratio change process will be explained below using the water supply device 10 as an example, and the explanation of the first gear ratio change process for the drainage device 50 will be omitted.

[0114] When the control unit 26 starts the first gear ratio change process, it proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the control unit 26 terminates the first gear ratio change process if the frequency (number of pulses) generated per unit time by the encoder 22b is equal to or greater than a first threshold (step S10: Yes). On the other hand, if the frequency is less than the first threshold (step S10: No), the control unit 26 proceeds to step S20. The first threshold is a value that allows the system to determine that the change in opening is slower than expected. The first threshold is, for example, a value smaller than the frequency of pulses generated per unit time when the water tap 30 is opened and closed at the expected speed (when the resistance force for opening and closing does not increase excessively).

[0115] In step S20, the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio so that the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 increases. Alternatively, in step S20, the control unit 26 performs a tap blockage improvement (clearing) operation. The tap blockage improvement (clearing) operation is an operation that, as described in the second embodiment, temporarily increases the opening of the tap (changes the water pressure) and uses the force of the water coming out of the tap to clear the blockage. If the blockage is not cleared in one operation, the control unit 26 performs the series of operations multiple times (opening and closing the water tap 30 multiple times). When the processing in step S20 is completed, the control unit 26 terminates the first gear ratio change process.

[0116] The control unit 26 can reduce the load on the motor 22 by performing a first gear ratio change process. More specifically, when the torque (resistance force) required to open and close the water tap 30 increases, the control unit 26 increases the load current value to maintain the rotational speed of the output shaft 22a at a constant speed. If, for example, debris attached to the valve body 33 prevents the rotational speed from being maintained even with the control of the load current value (resistance force increases excessively), the water tap 30 will open and close at a slower speed than expected. In this case, the frequency of pulse generation per unit time decreases.

[0117] Therefore, in step S10, the control unit 26 compares the occurrence frequency with the first threshold to determine whether the change in opening degree is slower than expected (change in opening degree). If the change in opening degree is slower than expected (step S10: No), the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio to increase the opening and closing force (step S20). This control allows the control unit 26 to secure the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 and rotate the output shaft 22a at a constant speed. The control unit 26 can also reduce the load current value to reduce the load on the motor 22.

[0118] Furthermore, if the change in opening is slower than expected (step S10: No), the control unit 26 can improve the blockage of the water tap 30 by performing a tap clearing operation, thereby reducing the torque (resistance force) required to open and close the water tap 30 (step S20). Through this control, the control unit 26 can reduce the load current value and thus reduce the load on the motor 22.

[0119] As described above, in the first modified example, the resistance detection unit (control units 26 and 66) detects the resistance force of opening and closing based on the change in the opening degree of the drive source (motors 22 and 62) (step S10).

[0120] By configuring it in this way, the gear ratio can be changed or actions can be taken to improve the blockage of the valve based on the change in the opening.

[0121] Furthermore, the faucet device (water supply faucet 30 and drain faucet 70) comprises motors 22 and 62 which are the drive source, and encoders 22b and 62b which output pulses in accordance with the rotation of the motors 22 and 62, and the resistance detection unit (control unit 26 and 66) reads the change in the opening degree from the frequency of pulse generation per unit time by the encoders 22b and 62b (step S10).

[0122] By configuring it in this way, the gear ratio can be changed or actions can be taken to improve the blockage of the valve based on the frequency of pulse generation per unit time.

[0123] It should be noted that the first modified example described above is just one example, and the control unit 26 can also change the gear ratio according to the frequency of pulse generation per unit time, in a manner different from the first modified example (the first gear ratio change process shown in Figure 10). For example, the control unit 26 can also change the gear ratio so that the opening and closing speed increases when the frequency of generation is equal to or greater than a first threshold.

[0124] The following describes the control of the gear ratio in the second modified example. In the second modified example, the gear ratio is controlled based on the indicated and measured values ​​of the opening angle. First, the indicated and measured values ​​of the opening angle will be described below.

[0125] As described above, the field management server 100 can open and close (adjust the opening degree of) the water supply valve 30 and the drain valve 70 by sending signals to the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50. At this time, the field management server 100 instructs the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50 to the changed opening degree. This opening degree instructed by the field management server 100 is the "instructed opening degree value".

[0126] As described above, the control units 26 and 66 acquire the output (pulse) of encoders 22b and 62b and can calculate the opening degree of the water tap 30 and drain tap 70 based on this output. The opening degree calculated by the control units 26 and 66 is the "measured opening degree." When the control units 26 and 66 receive an instruction value for the opening degree from the field management server 100, they perform opening and closing operations until the instruction value and the measured opening degree match.

[0127] If the opening and closing operation (change in opening degree) is delayed due to debris or other substances adhering to the valve bodies 33 and 73, the time during which the measured opening degree and the commanded value do not match will be longer than expected. The control units 26 and 66 in the second modified example determine whether or not this condition is occurring, read the change in opening degree, and control the gear ratio.

[0128] The control of the control units 26 and 66 in the second modified example will be described below. Figure 11 shows an example of the gear ratio change process performed by the control units 26 and 66 in the second modified example. When the control units 26 and 66 receive an instruction value for the opening degree from the field management server 100, they execute the gear ratio change process shown in Figure 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "second gear ratio change process"). The second gear ratio change process is a process that changes the gear ratio based on the measured value and instruction value for the opening degree. Since the second gear ratio change process is common to both the water supply device 10 and the drainage device 50, the second gear ratio change process will be explained below using the water supply device 10 as an example, and the explanation of the second gear ratio change process for the drainage device 50 will be omitted.

[0129] When the control unit 26 starts the second gear ratio change process, it proceeds to step S110. In step S110, if a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the control unit 26 received the opening degree command value from the field management server 100 (step S110: No), it proceeds back to step S110. On the other hand, if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the control unit 26 received the command value (step S110: Yes), it proceeds to step S120. The aforementioned certain amount of time is not particularly limited, as long as it is longer than the time it takes for the measured opening degree value to reach the indicated value when opening and closing the water tap 30 at the assumed speed.

[0130] In step S120, the control unit 26 detects the measured value of the opening degree (current opening degree) based on the pulse output from the encoder 25b and the gear ratio. If the measured value has reached the indicated value (step S120: Yes), the second gear ratio change process is terminated. On the other hand, if the measured value has not reached the indicated value (step S120: No), the control unit 26 proceeds to step S130.

[0131] In step S120, the control unit 26 can appropriately determine whether the measured value has reached the indicated value. For example, when opening the water tap 30, the control unit 26 can determine that the measured value has not reached the indicated value if the measured value of the opening is less than the indicated value. Similarly, when closing the water tap 30, the control unit 26 can determine that the measured value has not reached the indicated value if the measured value of the opening is greater than the indicated value. The control unit 26 does not need to make a strict judgment of the numerical value, and can tolerate some error.

[0132] In step S130, the control unit 26 controls the gear ratio so that the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 increases. Alternatively, in step S130, the control unit 26 performs a tap blockage improvement operation. When the processing in step S130 is completed, the control unit 26 terminates the second gear ratio change process.

[0133] The control unit 26 performs a second gear ratio change process to control the gear ratio and increase the opening and closing force (steps S120 and S130) if the change in opening degree is slower than expected due to the influence of debris attached to the valve body 33 (if the measured value has not reached the indicated value). Through this control, the control unit 26 can secure the opening and closing force of the water tap 30 and change the opening degree of the water tap 30 to the opening degree (indicated value) instructed by the field management server 100.

[0134] Furthermore, if the change in opening is slower than expected (step S120: No), the control unit 26 can perform a tap blockage improvement operation to improve the blockage of the water tap 30 and reduce the torque (resistance force) required to open and close the water tap 30 (step S130). Through this control, the control unit 26 can reduce the load current value and thus reduce the load on the motor 22.

[0135] As described above, in the second modified example, the faucet device (water supply device 10 and drainage device 50) is configured to open and close in response to an opening degree instruction from the server (field management server 100) and to measure the opening degree of the valve. The resistance detection unit (control units 26 and 66) reads the change in the opening degree by determining whether the measured value of the valve opening degree (measured value) has reached the opening degree (instructed value) instructed by the server a certain period of time after the server has instructed the faucet device to change the opening degree (step S120).

[0136] By configuring it in this way, the gear ratio can be changed or actions can be taken to improve the blockage of the valve based on the measured and indicated values ​​of the opening.

[0137] Furthermore, the field management server 100 relating to the second modified example is one embodiment of the server according to the present invention.

[0138] In the second modified example, the control unit 26 measures the opening degree based on pulses, but the method of measuring the opening degree is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 26 can also measure the opening degree based on the results of detecting the vertical movement (amount of movement, speed of movement, etc.) of the valve stem 32 of the water tap 30 shown in Figure 4, or the rotation shaft 24 of the electric actuator 20.

[0139] Furthermore, in the first and second modified examples described above, the gear ratio changing process (first gear ratio changing process and second gear ratio changing process) is performed by the control units 26 and 56. However, the device that performs the said process is not limited to the control units 26 and 56, but may be other devices. For example, the field management server 100 can also perform the said process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Field Management System 10 Water supply device 22 motors 24-speed transmission 26 Control Unit 30 Water tap 50 Drainage system 62 Motors 64 gear shift mechanism 66 Control Unit 70 Drain plug Field H

Claims

1. A water tap device capable of supplying water to a field or draining water from a field, A stopper that can be opened and closed, A drive source for operating the aforementioned plug, A transmission mechanism capable of changing the transmission ratio of power transmitted from the drive source to the plug, A faucet device equipped with the following.

2. The aforementioned transmission mechanism is By changing the gear combination, the gear ratio of the power transmitted from the drive source to the plug can be changed. The faucet device according to claim 1.

3. The drive source and the transmission mechanism are, It consists of a motor whose rotational speed can be changed. The faucet device according to claim 1.

4. A faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An opening degree detection unit capable of detecting the degree of opening of the aforementioned plug, A control unit that changes the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism according to the degree of opening of the plug, A field management system equipped with the following features.

5. A faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A resistance detection unit capable of detecting the resistance force of opening and closing the aforementioned plug, A control unit that changes the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism in accordance with the resistance force, A field management system equipped with the following features.

6. The resistance detection unit is Based on the load current value of the drive source, the resistive force is detected. The field management system according to claim 5.

7. The resistance detection unit is, Based on the change in the opening degree of the drive source, the resistance force of opening and closing is detected. The field management system according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned faucet device is The aforementioned drive source is a motor, An encoder that outputs pulses in accordance with the rotation of the motor, It is equipped with, The resistance detection unit is, The change in the opening degree is read from the pulse generation frequency per unit time of the encoder. The field management system according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned faucet device is The system is configured to open and close in response to an opening degree instruction from the server, and to measure the opening degree of the plug. The resistance detection unit is After a certain period of time has elapsed since the server instructed the faucet device to change the opening degree, the change in the opening degree is read by determining whether the measured value of the faucet's opening degree has reached the opening degree instructed by the server. The field management system according to claim 7.

10. A faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A control unit capable of performing a blockage clearing operation in which the plug is opened and closed multiple times within a predetermined time in order to clear the blockage of the plug, A field management system comprising, The control unit, When performing the aforementioned blockage clearing operation, the gear ratio of the gear shift mechanism can be changed. Field management system.

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