Rice paddy water flooded light detector

Abstract

To provide a paddy field water level detector that is inexpensive to install and easy to apply to small-scale paddy fields. [Solution] The system comprises a support post 1 that can be inserted into the ground of a paddy field PF, a water level sensor 2 attached to the lower part of the support post 1, and a light-emitting element 3 and a power supply 4 attached to the upper part of the support post 1. The water level sensor 2 is mounted on the support post 1 so as to be vertically displaceable, and when the water level sensor 2 detects the water level w in the paddy field PF, the light-emitting element 3 is energized by the power supply 4 and the light-emitting element lights up. By inserting the support post 1 into the ground of the paddy field PF, a water level detector can be easily installed near the outlet, and when the water level sensor 2 detects the water level, the light-emitting element 3 lights up to notify the cultivator near the water inlet. The cultivator can manage the water level of the paddy field PF without having to go back and forth along the ridge. The equipment cost is low and it is easy to apply to small paddy fields.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paddy field water level detector. More specifically, it relates to a paddy field water level detector that notifies a cultivator of an appropriate water level when water is filled in a paddy field.

Background Art

[0002] The water level of a paddy field is adjusted to be between about 3 to 8 cm according to the growth stage of rice. Paddy fields are divided by ridges, take in water from the water inlet on the higher side, and discharge water from the outlet on the lower side. A weir is provided at each of the water inlet and the outlet, and by manually opening and closing it, the inflow and outflow of water are adjusted. By opening and closing this weir, the water level of the paddy field fluctuates up and down.

[0003] After transplanting, the water level is kept at a shallow depth of 3 to 5 cm, and during the tillering stage, it is kept at a thin water depth of 2 to 3 cm to promote root growth. During the peak tillering period, it is kept at a deep water depth of 5 to 8 cm to promote fertilizer absorption. During the tillering stage, new stems (tiller stems) branch from near the roots of the rice and the plants divide. Therefore, if tillering progresses smoothly, many ears will be produced and the yield will increase. For this reason, the management of the water level in paddy fields is very important.

[0004] During the tillering stage, the cultivator of the paddy field has to monitor the water level daily and open and close the weirs at the water inlet and the outlet, which is very laborious work. The management of water intake from the water inlet (specifically, opening and closing the weir) has to be carried out while checking the water level near the outlet. To visually check, one has to go back and forth along the ridge of the paddy field, which is too laborious for the elderly.

[0005] Therefore, labor saving in water level management has been desired. To achieve labor saving, there is a method of mechanically and automatically detecting the water level and controlling the water flow rate, which has a high effect but is expensive in equipment and can only be applied to large-scale paddy fields. Therefore, a water level management device applicable to small-scale paddy fields has been applied (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0006] The prior art described in Patent Document 1 involves connecting a water source and a paddy field with a water supply pipe equipped with a water pump, maintaining a constant water level in the paddy field based on a detection signal from a level sensor, and operating the water pump with electricity generated by solar power panels. This prior art enables automatic water supply to paddy fields, eliminating the need for flooding the fields and subsequent water level checks. However, it requires a water pump, resulting in high equipment costs.

[0007] The prior art described in Patent Document 2 involves a weir plate that can block and open a waterway, driven by a motor. A controller controls the motor according to a signal from a water level sensor that detects the water level in the paddy field, thereby adjusting the water level. The battery unit that supplies power to the motor and controller is a solar cell unit, and is supported by a support column along with the motor and controller. The motor, controller, and battery unit are integrally and detachably attached to the support column. This prior art makes it possible to automate water level adjustment in small paddy fields, such as those scattered in rural mountainous areas. However, it requires a controller and monitor, resulting in high equipment costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-33204 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-24401 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, this invention aims to provide a paddy field flood detection detector that is inexpensive to install and easy to apply to small-scale paddy fields. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first invention provides a paddy field water level detector comprising a support column that can be inserted into the ground of a paddy field, a water level sensor attached to the lower part of the support column, and a light-emitting element and power supply attached to the upper part of the support column, wherein the water level sensor is mounted on the support column so as to be vertically displaceable, and the device is configured such that when the water level sensor detects the water level of the water in the paddy field, the light-emitting element is energized from the power supply and the light-emitting element emits light. The paddy field water level detector of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the support column consists of a lower support column inserted into the paddy field and an upper support column to which the power supply and the light-emitting element are attached, the lower end of the lower support column is pointed so that it can be inserted into the paddy field, and the upper support column is configured to be inserted into the upper end of the lower support column. The third invention of the paddy field water level detector is characterized in that, in the first invention, the support column consists of a lower support column inserted into the paddy field and an upper support column to which the power supply and the light-emitting element are attached, and the lower ends of the upper and lower support columns are pointed so that they can be inserted into the paddy field. The fourth invention of the paddy field water level detector is characterized in that, in the first invention, the power supply consists of a solar panel and a secondary battery that stores the electricity generated by the solar panel. The fifth invention of the paddy field water level detector is characterized in that, in the first invention, the power supply consists of a primary battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the first invention, a water level detector can be easily installed near the outlet by inserting a support pole into the ground of the paddy field. When the water level is detected by the water level sensor, a light-emitting element illuminates to notify the farmer near the water inlet. This allows the farmer to manage the water level of the paddy field without having to go back and forth along the ridge. Moreover, since the main components are a light-emitting element, a power supply, and a water level sensor, and do not use expensive parts, the equipment cost is low and it is easy to apply to small-scale paddy fields. According to the second design, when installing the water-filling detector in a paddy field, the lower support column does not have a power supply or light source attached, making it easy to insert only the lower support column into the paddy field. Then, by inserting the upper support column into the lower support column, a water-filling detector equipped with a pre-installed power supply and light source can be easily obtained. According to the third design, the upper support column equipped with a power supply and light source, and the lower support column equipped with a water level sensor, can be inserted into separate locations within the rice paddy, allowing for installation in any desired location and improving usability. According to the fourth invention, electricity generated by solar panels is stored in a secondary battery and used as the power source for the light-emitting device, thus eliminating the need for an external power source. According to the fifth design, since a primary battery is used, the power supply for the light-emitting element can be provided simply by replacing it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of a paddy field water-filling detector A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the paddy field water-filling detector B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of a paddy field water-filling detector C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the paddy field water level detector D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figures 1 to 3 are explanatory diagrams of the basic configuration of the paddy field water-filling detector (hereinafter referred to as the water-filling detector), and the dimensions and shapes of the details may be changed within the scope of the technical concept of this invention.

[0014] (First Embodiment) A water-filled detector A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The water level detector A consists of a support column 1 that can be inserted into the ground of a paddy field, a water level sensor 2 attached to the lower part of the support column 1, and a light-emitting element 3 and a power supply 4 attached to the upper part of the support column 1.

[0015] The support column 1 is a lightweight bar with a length of about 80 to 120 cm, and preferably a metal pipe, a synthetic resin product, wood, or the like is used. The water level sensor 2 can be used without any particular limitation as long as it has a detection function that turns on when it comes into contact with the water in the paddy field. Therefore, an inexpensive sensor sold on the market can be used.

[0016] The water level sensor 2 is attached to the support column 1 so as to be vertically displaceable. Any type of attachment tool for the water level sensor can be used without any particular limitation. As a simple example, a surface fastener (for example, the product name Magic Tape (registered trademark) of Kuraray Co., Ltd.) can be cited. Attach the surface fastener to the water level sensor 2, and then wrap it around the support column 1 and fix it, or loosen it to easily achieve vertical displacement. Also, as a reliable fixing method, a holding fitting 2a using bolts or screws can be cited. Loosen the bolts or screws, move the water level sensor 2 up and down along the support column 1, and tighten the bolts or screws at a predetermined position to securely fix the water level sensor 2.

[0017] By moving the attachment position of the water level sensor 2 up and down, the height (water level) of the water w in the paddy field can be arbitrarily set. The water level to be detected varies depending on the paddy field and the time, but is generally between 3 and 8 cm.

[0018] The power source 4 consists of a solar panel 5 and a secondary battery 6 that stores the electricity generated by the solar panel 5. The solar panel 5 only needs to be able to generate enough power to make the light emitter 3 emit light, and a small-sized one can be used. A small-sized solar panel can be configured at a low cost by using a commercially available product. The secondary battery 6 only needs to be rechargeable, and a small-sized one can also be used. Also, it can be configured at a low cost by using a commercially available product. For the secondary battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or the like can be used.

[0019] The light-emitting element 3 can be anything that emits light when power is applied; for example, an LED or an EL sheet can be used. These light-emitting elements 3 can also be made inexpensively using commercially available products. The electricity generated by the solar panel 5 is stored in the secondary battery 6 and used as the power source for the light-emitting device 3, thus eliminating the need for an external power source. The secondary battery 6, the light-emitting element 3, and the water level sensor 2 are connected by an electrical circuit, and are electrically configured so that the light-emitting element 3 lights up when the water level sensor 2 is turned ON.

[0020] The water level detector A can be easily installed near the outlet of the paddy field PF by inserting the support pole 1 into the ground. When the water level sensor 2 detects the water level, the light-emitting element 3 illuminates to notify the farmer near the water inlet. This allows the farmer to manage the water level of the paddy field without having to go back and forth along the ridge. Moreover, since the main components are the light-emitting element 3, power supply 4, and water level sensor 2, and do not use expensive parts, the equipment cost is low and it is easy to apply to small-scale paddy fields.

[0021] (Second Embodiment) The water-filled detector B of the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The water-filled detector B differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the support column 1; the water level sensor 2, light-emitting element 3, and power supply 4 are substantially the same. Therefore, only the structure of the support column 1 will be described below.

[0022] The support column 1 consists of a lower support column 11 that is inserted into the rice paddy, and an upper support column 12 to which the power supply 4 and light-emitting element 3 are attached. The upper support column 12 is configured to be insertable into the lower support column 11. Specifically, the lower support column 11 is a rod with a small outer diameter, while the upper support column 12 is pipe-shaped, and its inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lower support column 11. Therefore, the upper support column 12 can be inserted into the upper end of the lower support column 11.

[0023] The light-emitting element 3 and the power supply 4 are attached to the upper support column 12. The water level sensor 2 may also be attached to the lower support column 11, but it is preferable to attach it to the upper support column 12 so that it can be handled together with the light-emitting element 3 and the power supply 4. When installing the water-filled detector B in the rice paddy, the lower support 11 does not have a power supply 4 or a light-emitting element 3 attached, making it easier to hold and apply force to it. Therefore, the task of inserting only the lower support 11 into the rice paddy is easier. Then, by inserting the upper support 12 into the lower support 11, a water-filled detector B equipped with a power supply 4 and a light-emitting element 3 can be easily obtained.

[0024] (Third embodiment) The water-filled detector C of the third embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 3. In the third embodiment, only the primary battery 7 is used as the power source 4. Since it uses primary battery 7, the power supply for light-emitting element 3 can be provided simply by replacing it. In the water-filled detector C using the primary battery 7, the support column 1 can be a single piece as shown in Figure 1, or it can be a separate lower support column 11 and upper support column 12 as shown in Figure 2. In the latter case, it is easier to insert only the lower support column 11 into the paddy field.

[0025] (Fourth Embodiment) The water-filled detector D of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the fourth embodiment, the main body D1 and the sensor unit D2 are separated. The main unit D1 consists of an upper support column 12, a light-emitting element 3 attached thereto, a solar panel 5, and a secondary battery 6. The sensor unit D2 consists of a lower support column 11 and a water level sensor 2 attached thereto. Although not shown in the drawing, the water level sensor 2 and the secondary battery 6 are connected by a power supply wire to ensure that the water level sensor 2 functions. The lower ends of both the upper support 12 and the lower support 11 should be sharpened to a point.

[0026] In this embodiment, since the main body D1 and the sensor unit D2 are separate components, they can be installed in different locations. For example, the lower support 11 of the sensor unit D2 can be inserted near the outlet, and the upper support 12 can be inserted into a levee or other location some distance away. Being able to arbitrarily select the installation location in this way improves the usability of the water-filled detector D. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 1 post 2. Water level sensor 3. Light-emitting element 4 Power supply 5. Solar panels 6 Secondary battery 7 Primary battery 11 Lower post 12 Upper post w water PF Mizuta

Claims

1. A support post that can be driven into the ground of a rice paddy, A water level sensor is attached to the lower part of the support column, It comprises a light-emitting element and a power supply attached to the upper part of the support column, The water level sensor is mounted on the support column so as to be able to move up and down. The water level sensor is configured to emit light when it detects the water level in the paddy field, and the light emitter is powered by the power supply. A paddy field flood detector characterized by the following features.

2. The support column consists of a lower support column that is inserted into the rice paddy and an upper support column to which the power supply and the light-emitting element are attached. The lower end of the aforementioned lower support is pointed so that it can be inserted into the rice paddy. The upper support column is configured to be insertable into the upper end of the lower support column. A paddy field water-filled detector according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a paddy field water-filled detector.

3. The support column consists of a lower support column that is inserted into the rice paddy and an upper support column to which the power supply and the light-emitting element are attached. The upper and lower supports are pointed at their respective lower ends so that they can be inserted into the rice paddy. A paddy field water-filled detector according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a paddy field water-filled detector.

4. The power source consists of a solar panel and a secondary battery that stores the electricity generated by the solar panel. A paddy field water-filled detector according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a paddy field water-filled detector.

5. The power source consists of a primary battery. A paddy field water-filled detector according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a paddy field water-filled detector.

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