Drive control unit, valve device drive system, valve device drive control method, program, and valve device

Abstract

To appropriately stop drainage in controlling stop of drainage from a valve device.SOLUTION: A valve device drive system is configured to comprise a drive control unit that executes: when a detection unit detects that a valve mechanism is at a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at timing corresponding to the occurrence of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve closing of the valve mechanism in a valve device, a first drive control of driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount; and after the first drive control, a second drive control of driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is located at the specified position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve gear drive system, a valve gear drive control method, a program, and a valve gear. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for controlling the opening and closing of water supply valves and drainage valves in rice paddies by a computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-161192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When controlling the stopping of drainage from valve devices such as water supply valves and drain plugs, it is necessary to stop the drainage appropriately.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to appropriately stop drainage when controlling to stop drainage from a valve device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a valve device drive system that includes a drive control unit that executes a first drive control that drives the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a closed valve state, at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in a valve device to close, and a second drive control that drives the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a valve device drive control method in a valve device drive system, which includes drive control steps of executing a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a closed valve state, at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in the valve device to close, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer provided in a valve device drive system to function as a drive control unit that executes a first drive control that drives the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a closed valve state, at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in the valve device to close, and a second drive control that drives the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a valve device comprising: a valve mechanism; a detection unit that detects whether the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a closed valve state; and a drive control unit that executes a first drive control that drives the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism to close; and a second drive control that drives the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when controlling to stop the drainage from the valve device, it is possible to obtain the effect that the drainage can be stopped appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an irrigation water management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of a valve device constituting the irrigation water management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the main part of the valve device according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the lid is open. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view of a main part of the valve device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a base that constitutes a drive mechanism for the valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 is a plan view of an adjustment section that constitutes the drive mechanism of the valve device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of the valve device according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the valve body is raised. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the valve device according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the valve body is raised. [Figure 10] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit in the valve device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the valve device according to the first embodiment in relation to valve closing control. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the valve device according to the first embodiment in relation to valve closing control. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the valve device according to the first embodiment in relation to valve closing control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an irrigation water management system (an example of a valve device drive system) equipped with a valve device 40 of the first embodiment. The irrigation water management system of this embodiment manages water supply and drainage in a plurality of farm fields. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the irrigation water management system manages two farm fields FM-1 and FM-2. In this embodiment, the farm fields FM-1 and FM-2 are, for example, rice paddies. In the rice paddies, irrigation and drainage (water supply and drainage) are carried out to maintain appropriate water levels according to the rice cultivation season.

[0013] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the fields FM-1 and FM-2, they will be referred to as the field FM. Note that the number of fields FM that are managed by the irrigation management system of this embodiment is not particularly limited.

[0014] A water hydrant 100-1 is provided in field FM-1. The water hydrant 100-1 supplies irrigation water sent from a farm pond FP (irrigation water supply source) via an open water channel (including a natural pressure pipeline) OC to field FM-1. The water hydrant 100-1 has a valve that opens and closes in the water flow path until the irrigation water sent from the farm pond FP is discharged into field FM-1. The water hydrant 100-1 adjusts the amount of irrigation water sent from the farm pond FP to be supplied to field FM-1.

[0015] A drain plug 200-1 is provided in the field FM-1. The drain plug 200-1 drains water that has accumulated in the field FM-1. The drain plug 200-1 has a plug unit (valve) that opens and closes in the water flow path that drains the water withdrawn from the field FM-1, for example, to the open channel OC. The drain plug 200-1 adjusts the amount of water to be discharged.

[0016] Each of the fields FM is supplied with water (irrigated) as follows: The water supplied to the fields FM is first drawn from, for example, the river RV via a pipeline to the farm pond FP, where it is stored. The farm pond FP is a pond that stores water for irrigation. Irrigation water stored in farm pond FP is pumped up by a pump (not shown) and supplied to open channel OC under pressure. In the figure, open channel OC branches into three paths, which are connected to water supply valves 100-1, 100-2A, and 100-2B provided in fields FM-1 and FM-2, respectively. As a result, irrigation water sent from farm pond FP via open channel OC reaches water supply valves 100-1, 100-2A, and 100-2B through water supply pipe 63, which will be described later. At this time, if the valves of water supply valves 100-1, 100-2A, and 100-2B are open, irrigation water is supplied from water supply valves 100-1, 100-2A, and 100-2B to fields FM-1 and FM-2, respectively, for irrigation.

[0017] The field FM-2 has a larger area than the field FM-1. The field FM-2 is provided with two water supply valves 100-2A and 100-2B and two drain valves 200-2A and 200-2B.

[0018] In the following explanation, when there is no particular distinction between hydrants 100-2A and 100-2B in field FM-2, they will be referred to as hydrants 100-2. When there is no particular distinction between hydrants 100-1, 100-2A, and 100-2B, they will be referred to as hydrants 100. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the drain plugs 200-2A and 200-2B of the field FM-2, they will be referred to as drain plug 200-2. When there is no need to distinguish between the drain plugs 200-1, 200-2A, and 200-2B, they will be referred to as drain plug 200.

[0019] The water management system of this embodiment further includes a gateway GW, which is connected to a network NT, and a water management server 500 is connected to the network NT.

[0020] In this embodiment, the water supply taps 100 and drain taps 200 of each field FM each have a network communication function compatible with wireless LAN, which allows the water supply taps 100 and drain taps 200 of each field FM to communicate with the water management server 500 via the gateway GW and the network NT.

[0021] The field owner terminal 600-1 is a network terminal device used by the field owner (farmer) of field FM-1. The field owner terminal 600-1 is, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal owned by the field owner of field FM-1. Similarly, the field owner terminal 600-2 is a network terminal device used by the field owner of field FM-2. In the following explanation, when there is no need to distinguish between the field owner terminals 600-1 and 600-2, they will be referred to as the field owner terminal 600. The farm owner controls each water supply valve 100 and drain valve 200 by operating the farm owner terminal 600-1, for example.

[0022] The valve device 40 of this embodiment is provided as a water supply valve 100 and a drain plug 200. The following description will be given taking as an example the valve device 40 used as a water supply valve 100. As shown in Figure 2, the valve device 40 used as the water supply faucet 100 opens and closes the water supply pipe 63. The water supply pipe 63 is a pipe member that is led from the open channel OC (see Figure 1) to a predetermined position in the cultivated area. The water supply pipe 63 stands approximately perpendicular to the ground. The valve device 40 is provided at the upper end of the water supply pipe 63.

[0023] The water supply pipe 63 is covered horizontally by a manhole 64. The manhole 64 is formed in a C-shape when viewed from above (see also Figure 5). In other words, the manhole 64 has an opening 65 that opens horizontally. The farmer can reach into the manhole 64 through the opening 65, for example, when operating the valve device 40 on the water supply pipe 63.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the valve device 40 includes a valve mechanism 41 and a drive mechanism 42. As shown in Figure 3, valve mechanism 41 is provided at the upper end opening of water supply pipe 63. Valve mechanism 41 has valve port 44h. Valve mechanism 41 opens and closes valve port 44h. Valve port 44h communicates with water supply pipe 63. Valve mechanism 41 opens and closes water supply pipe 63 by opening and closing valve port 44h.

[0025] The valve mechanism 41 includes a valve seat 44 , a yoke 48 , a valve stem 49 , a valve body 46 , and a handle 43 . The valve seat 44 has a valve port 44h. The valve seat 44 includes a first frame portion 44a in which the water supply pipe 63 is disposed, a second frame portion 44d fixed to the upper surface of the first frame portion 44a, and bolts 44g and nuts 44i that fix the first frame portion 44a and the second frame portion 44d together.

[0026] The first frame 44a and the second frame 44d are both annular in shape in a plan view. A circular valve port 44h is formed in the center of the second frame 44d, penetrating vertically. The upper surface of the second frame 44d forms a seat on which the valve body 46 can be seated in a liquid-tight manner.

[0027] In this embodiment, the axis of the valve port 44h and the axis of the valve stem 49 are positioned on a common axis. Hereinafter, this common axis will be referred to as axis O. The direction of axis O is the up-down direction. The bolts 44g are arranged at intervals in a direction circumferentially around the axis O (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the circumferential direction). A nut 44i is fitted onto the shaft of each bolt 44g. The head of the bolt 44g and the nut 44i sandwich the first frame portion 44a and the second frame portion 44d in the direction of the axis O.

[0028] The yoke 48 is fixed to the valve seat 44. The yoke 48 supports the valve shaft 49 so that it can move in the direction of the axis O. The yoke 48 includes a support 44b extending vertically upward from the first frame portion 44a, a holding portion 44c provided on the support 44b, and a female screw member 44p held by the holding portion 44c.

[0029] A plurality of support pillars 44b are provided. Two support pillars 44b are provided with a gap in the left-right direction, which is one of the horizontal directions. The support pillars 44b sandwich the valve opening 44h in the left-right direction. The lower end of each support pillar 44b is fixed to the first frame portion 44a by, for example, welding.

[0030] A first through-hole 44e is provided in each support column 44b. The first through-hole 44e penetrates each support column 44b in the horizontal direction. The first through-hole 44e penetrates each support column 44b in the front-rear direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction within the horizontal direction. A plurality of first through-holes 44e are provided in each support column 44b at intervals in the up-down direction.

[0031] The holding portion 44c is disposed by a plurality of support columns 44b at a predetermined height above the valve seat 44. The holding portion 44c faces the valve port 44h in the axial O direction. The female screw member 44p is held by the holding portion 44c so as to be rotatable in a direction around the axis O. The female screw member 44p is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the female screw member 44p is held by the holding portion 44c. A female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the female screw member 44p.

[0032] The valve shaft 49 extends in the vertical direction and passes through the female thread member 44p of the yoke 48 in the vertical direction. An external thread portion 49n that screws into the inner peripheral surface (female thread) of the female thread member 44p is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft 49. This allows the valve shaft 49 to move (move up and down) in the vertical direction (direction of axis O, extension direction of the water supply pipe 63) while maintaining an engaged state with the yoke 48.

[0033] The valve element 46 is fixed to the lower end (first end) of the valve shaft 49. This allows the valve element 46 to move up and down together with the valve shaft 49. The valve element 46 is provided so as to be able to move towards and away from the second frame portion 44d of the valve seat 44 in the up and down direction (direction of axis O) as the valve shaft 49 moves up and down. The valve element 46 is disk-shaped in plan view. The lower surface of the outer periphery of the valve element 46 abuts against the upper surface (seat surface) of the second frame portion 44d, thereby closing the valve orifice 44h. The valve element 46 moves upward away from the upper surface of the second frame portion 44d, thereby opening the valve orifice 44h. In this way, the valve element 46 is detachably seated on the valve seat 44 to open and close the valve orifice 44h.

[0034] The handle 43 is provided on the center of the holding portion 44c. The handle 43 rotates around the axis O in conjunction with the female screw member 44p. In other words, the relative rotation between the handle 43 and the female screw member 44p around the axis O is restricted. As a result, by turning the handle 43, the valve stem 49 can be moved up and down.

[0035] The drive mechanism 42 includes a base 50, a main body 70, and an adjustment unit 10. The base 50 is fixed to the valve mechanism 41. The base 50 includes a base portion 51 and legs 52. The base portion 51 supports the main body 70. The base portion 51 is disposed above the valve shaft 49. The base portion 51 is formed in a plate shape facing the axis O direction (up and down direction).

[0036] 6, a first hole 51a and an adjustment hole 51b are formed in the base portion 51. The first hole 51a penetrates the base portion 51 in the direction of the axis O. The first hole 51a is disposed coaxially with the axis O. The adjustment holes 51b are circular in plan view. A plurality of the adjustment holes 51b (three on each side in the illustrated example) are arranged on both sides of the first hole 51a in the left-right direction, which is the width direction of the base portion 51. The plurality of adjustment holes 51b are arranged symmetrically in the left-right direction with the first hole 51a as the center. The plurality of adjustment holes 51b are arranged on the same circle centered on the axis O. In other words, the plurality of adjustment holes 51b are arranged at intervals in the direction circumferentially around the axis O.

[0037] Here, of the three adjustment holes 51b provided symmetrically in the left-right direction with the first hole 51a as the reference, the three adjustment holes 51b located on one side of the first hole 51a in the left-right direction are referred to as a first set of adjustment holes 51b, and the three adjustment holes 51b located on the other side of the first hole 51a in the left-right direction are referred to as a second set of adjustment holes 51b. In both the first set of adjustment holes 51b and the second set of adjustment holes 51b, the three adjustment holes 51b are lined up in the front-to-rear direction while being shifted in the left-to-right direction.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the legs 52 extend downward from the base 51. The legs 52 are provided at the left and right ends of the base 51. The legs 52 are fixed to the yoke 48. The number of legs 52 provided is the same as the number of support columns 44b. The legs 52 are fixed to the support columns 44b. Support pieces 52a are fixed to the legs 52. The support pieces 52a are placed on the support columns 44b (yoke 48). The legs 52 are supported by the valve mechanism 41 via the support pieces 52a.

[0039] The leg 52 (part of the frame 50) is disposed so as to overlap the yoke 48. The leg 52 is disposed so as to overlap the portion of the yoke 48 where the first through-hole 44e is formed. In the example shown in the figure, the lower end of the leg 52 is disposed so as to overlap the upper end of the support 44b of the yoke 48. The lower end of the leg 52 is disposed so as to face the upper end of the support 44b in the direction in which the first through-hole 44e opens (i.e., the front-rear direction).

[0040] A second through hole (not shown) is formed in the lower end of the leg portion 52. The second through hole passes through the lower end of the leg portion 52. When the leg portion 52 is placed on top of the yoke 48, the second through hole overlaps with the first through hole 44e. The yoke 48 and the frame 50 are fixed via a first fastener 48a. The first fastener 48a passes through the yoke 48 and the frame 50. The first fastener 48a is disposed in the first through-hole 44e and the second through-hole 44e. The first fastener 48a may be, for example, a combination of a bolt and a nut, or a so-called knock pin.

[0041] The main body 70 is fixed to the stand 50. The main body 70 moves the valve stem 49 in the direction of the axis O (up and down direction). The main body 70 includes a housing 45 having a housing opening 45f formed therein, a lid 47 for opening and closing the housing opening 45f, a drive unit 20 housed in the housing 45, a control unit 80 for controlling the drive unit 20, and a power supply unit 90 for supplying power to the drive unit 20 and the control unit 80.

[0042] The housing 45 includes a bottom plate 45a, side plates 45b, 45c, and 45d, and a top plate 45e. The bottom plate 45a is rectangular in plan view and is disposed above the base portion 51 (mounting stand 50). The side plates 45b and 45c extend upward parallel to each other from both ends of the width direction (left-right direction) of the bottom plate 45a. The side plate 45d extends upward from the rear end of the bottom plate 45a and closes the space between the side plates 45b and 45c. The top plate 45e is rectangular in plan view and is provided on the side plates 45b, 45c, and 45d. This gives the housing 45 a box-like shape that is open forward. The opening facing forward in the housing 45 is the housing opening 45f.

[0043] A pair of limit switches (open limit switch 28a and close limit switch 28b) are provided at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart in the vertical direction on side plate 45c of housing 45. Limit switches 28a and 28b set upper and lower limit positions of the movement range of support member 22, which moves up and down along guide support pillar 21, which will be described later. When limit switches 28a and 28b are pressed by position detection piece 22h of support member 22 and turn on, an electric signal is output to control unit 80.

[0044] Limit switches 28a and 28b are detachably attached to side plate 45c. Side plate 45c is provided with mounting member 45c1. Mounting member 45c1 extends in the vertical direction. Limit switches 28a and 28b can be detachably attached to mounting member 45c1 at any height. This allows the upper and lower limit positions detected by limit switches 28a and 28b to be changed as desired.

[0045] A second hole 45g is formed in the middle of the bottom plate 45a in the front-rear direction. The second hole 45g is located in the middle of the bottom plate 45a in the width direction (left-right direction). The second hole 45g has a circular shape in a plan view and penetrates the bottom plate 45a from top to bottom. The second hole 45g is located coaxially with the axis O. The second hole 45g is in communication with the first hole 51a.

[0046] The lid 47 is provided to close the housing opening 45f, which is an opening on the front surface of the housing 45. The lid 47 is provided on one side plate 45c in the width direction so as to be able to open and close via a hinge or the like (not shown). The lid 47 is provided on the other side plate 45b in the width direction so as to be able to be locked in the closed state by a locking metal fitting or the like (not shown). When the lid 47 is locked, the inside of the housing 45 can be accessed by unlocking the lock, but careless access to the inside of the housing 45 is prevented. As a result, while ensuring the performance of maintenance, the theft of parts inside the housing 45, for example, is prevented.

[0047] The main part of the drive unit 20 is housed in a housing 45. The drive unit 20 moves a valve shaft 49 up and down to open and close the valve mechanism 41. The drive unit 20 mainly includes a guide support 21, a support member 22, a motor 23, and a connecting member 24.

[0048] The guide pillar 21 is provided on one widthwise side (side plate 45c side) inside the housing 45. The guide pillar 21 extends in the vertical direction. The guide pillar 21 is fixed to the housing 45. In the example shown in the figure, the lower end of the guide pillar 21 is fixed to the bottom plate 45a of the housing 45 via a first bracket 21c. The guide pillar 21 has grooves extending in the vertical direction at multiple locations around the periphery.

[0049] The support member 22 includes a movable member 22a that can move vertically along the guide support 21, a motor support bracket 22b that extends from the movable member 22a toward the center in the width direction and supports the motor 23, and a position detection piece 22h that protrudes from the movable member 22a toward the side panel 45c in the width direction.

[0050] The movable member 22a is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. Convex portions that engage with grooves in the guide support 21 are formed at multiple locations on the inner peripheral surface of the movable member 22a in the circumferential direction. The convex portions engage with the grooves, allowing the support member 22 to slide vertically along the guide support 21 while being restricted from rotating around the central axis of the guide support 21. A motor 23 is fixed on the motor support bracket 22b. The position detection piece 22h moves up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the motor 23, which will be described later, and presses the limit switches 28a and 28b to turn them on. The position detection piece 22h is located between the pair of limit switches 28a and 28b in the up and down direction.

[0051] The motor 23 (motor unit) is housed in a housing 45. The motor 23 includes a motor body 23a, a gear box 23b, and a drive shaft 23c. The motor body 23a rotates an operating shaft (not shown). The rotation of the operating shaft is transmitted to the drive shaft 23c via the gear box 23b. In other words, the drive shaft 23c is rotated by the motor body 23a of the motor 23. The drive shaft 23c passes through the motor support bracket 22b and extends downward. The drive shaft 23c has, for example, a D-shaped cross section with a part of its circumference cut out into a flat surface.

[0052] The connecting member 24 connects the valve shaft 49 and the drive shaft 23c. The connecting member 24 penetrates the bottom plate 45a of the housing 45 and the base portion 51 of the stand 50 in the direction of the axis O (vertical direction). The connecting member 24 is disposed in the second hole 45g and the first hole 51a. The upper end of the connecting member 24 is connected to the drive shaft 23c in a state where rotation about the axis O is restricted. The lower end of the connecting member 24 is connected to the handle 43 in a state where rotation about the axis O is restricted.

[0053] The connecting member 24 includes a first member 24a and a second member 24b. The first member 24a and the second member 24b are both rectangular (square) in cross section and have a rectangular cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the drive shaft 23c is inserted into the upper end of the first member 24a. When the drive shaft 23c rotates, the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 23c catches on the inner peripheral surface of the first member 24a. This transmits the rotational force of the drive shaft 23c to the first member 24a. The lower end of the first member 24a is disposed on the valve shaft 49. The first member 24a is supported from below by the valve shaft 49.

[0054] The second member 24b has a multi-stage rectangular cylindrical shape. An upper end 24c of the second member 24b is thinner than the remaining portion of the second member 24b. The first member 24a is fitted into this upper end 24c so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis O. When the first member 24a rotates, the outer peripheral surface of the first member 24a catches on the inner peripheral surface of the second member 24b (upper end 24c). This transmits the rotational force of the first member 24a to the second member 24b. The lower end of the second member 24b is supported by the handle 43. The lower end of the second member 24b is prevented from rotating relative to the handle 43 via a rotation prevention mechanism (not shown). In other words, the rotational force of the connecting member 24 is transmitted to the handle 43.

[0055] The control unit 80 receives signals transmitted from the irrigation water management server 500 or the farm owner's terminal 600 and controls the drive unit 20. The control unit 80 includes a control box 81 housed in the housing 45 and an antenna 82 located outside the housing 45. The control box 81 houses various components for controlling the motor 23, such as a microcomputer. In the illustrated example, the front of the control box 81 is an operation panel 81a. The farm owner (worker) can drive the motor 23 by operating the operation panel 81a, for example. The antenna 82 is connected to the control box 81. The antenna 82 is used for wireless communication with the irrigation water management server 500 and the farm owner's terminal 600.

[0056] The power supply unit 90 includes a solar panel 91 and a battery 92 (cell, storage battery, rechargeable battery) that receives power from the solar panel 91. The solar panel 91 is attached to the main body 70. The solar panel 91 is a solar battery that generates solar power. The solar panel 91 is provided on the top plate 45e of the housing 45. The battery 92 (with a voltage of, for example, about 6 V) is housed within the housing 45. The electricity generated by the solar panel 91 is stored in the battery 92 through wiring (not shown). The battery 92 is connected to the control unit 80.

[0057] The adjustment unit 10 adjusts the orientation of the main body 70 relative to the pedestal 50. The adjustment unit 10 adjusts the orientation of the main body 70 relative to the pedestal 50, thereby adjusting the orientation of the housing opening 45f. The adjustment unit 10 adjusts the orientation of the main body 70 relative to the pedestal 50 in a direction rotating around the axis O. That is, the orientation of the housing opening 45f is adjusted in a direction rotating around the axis O.

[0058] The adjustment unit 10 includes a fixing plate 11, a bolt 13, and a nut 14. The fixed plate 11 is disposed between the base 50 and the main body 70. The base 50 and the main body 70 are fixed via the fixed plate 11. The main body 70 is fixed to the fixed plate 11. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 45a of the housing 45 is fixed to the upper surface of the fixed plate 11. There is no particular limitation on the method of fixing the fixed plate 11 and the bottom plate 45a.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5, the fixed plate 11 protrudes from the housing 45 (bottom plate 45a) on both sides in the width direction (left and right direction). As shown in Fig. 7, the fixed plate 11 is formed with a third hole 12a and a fixed hole 12b. The third hole 12a is arranged coaxially with the axis O. The connecting member 24 is arranged in the third hole 12a. The fixed holes 12b are formed in both portions of the fixed plate 11 that protrude from the bottom plate 45a.

[0060] 3, bolt 13 penetrates fixing plate 11 and base portion 51 of mount 50 in the direction of axis O. The shank of bolt 13 is disposed in fixing hole 12b and adjustment hole 51b. The head of bolt 13 and nut 14 sandwich fixing plate 11 and base portion 51 in the direction of axis O.

[0061] In the valve device 40 described above, when the motor 23 is operated by power supplied from the battery 92, the rotational force of the drive shaft 23c is transmitted to the handle 43 via the connecting member 24 (first member 24a, second member 24b). The rotational force transmitted to the handle 43 in this manner is converted into vertical movement of the valve shaft 49 in accordance with the engagement between the female threaded member 44p and the male threaded portion 49n of the valve shaft 49. At this time, the motor 23 is supported by the valve shaft 49 via the first member 24a of the connecting member 24, and when the valve shaft 49 rises, the motor 23 is pushed up, and when the valve shaft 49 descends, the motor 23 descends following the valve shaft 49 due to its own weight.

[0062] 3 and 4, when the valve device 40 is closed, i.e., when water is not being supplied from the valve device 40, the valve stem 49 is pulled down and the lower surface of the outer periphery of the valve body 46 abuts (closes) against the upper surface of the second frame portion 44d. This blocks the valve port 44h, resulting in a closed valve state. When the lower close limit switch 28b of the pair of limit switches 28a, 28b presses the moving member 22a (position detection piece 22h) to turn it on, the driving of the motor 23 in the direction that lowers the valve stem 49 is restricted.

[0063] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the valve device 40 is opened, i.e., when water is being supplied from the valve device 40, the valve stem 49 is pulled up and the valve element 46 moves upward away from the upper surface of the second frame portion 44d. At this time, the valve stem 49 rises relative to the handle 43, pushing up the first member 24a of the connecting member 24 and entering the second member 24b. This opens the valve port 44h, resulting in an open valve state. Note that when the open limit switch 28a, which is located on the upper side of the pair of limit switches 28a, 28b, presses the moving member 22a (position detection piece 22h) to turn it on, driving of the motor 23 in the direction that raises the valve stem 49 is restricted.

[0064] Next, the valve closing control of the valve device 40 of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, "valve closing" refers to closing the valve to stop the discharge of water from the valve device 40. The state in which the valve mechanism 41 is closed and the discharge of water is stopped is referred to as the "closed state." The control for closing the valve is referred to as "valve closing control." In the following description, the direction in which the valve mechanism 41 is driven to increase its opening is referred to as the "opening direction," and the direction in which the valve mechanism 41 is driven to decrease its opening is referred to as the "closing direction." The flow rate of water discharged from the valve device 40 varies depending on the valve opening. In other words, the amount of water discharged increases as the distance between the valve body 46 and the valve port 44h (second frame portion 44d) increases and the valve opening increases.

[0065] When close limit switch 28b (an example of a detection unit) is in the on state, valve mechanism 41 is set to a position corresponding to the closed valve state by drive unit 20. However, even when close limit switch 28b is in the on state, due to the water pressure of the water in water supply pipe 63, deterioration over time, etc., the valve may not be in a completely closed state, and water may leak from valve mechanism 41. Therefore, in the valve device 40 of this embodiment, when controlling the valve closing, the valve mechanism 41 can be further tightened by driving the valve mechanism 41 in the closing direction from the state in which the close limit switch 28b has changed from off to on.

[0066] For example, there are cases where the valve mechanism 41 is opened slightly from a state in which the valve device 40 is closed to stop drainage, thereby discharging water at a small flow rate. However, when the valve mechanism 41 is opened slightly in this manner, factors such as the stroke of the close limit switch 28b may cause the close limit switch 28b to remain on even though water is being discharged. In this case, even if a command to close the valve is received from a higher-level device such as the irrigation management server 500 or the farm owner's terminal 600 while the valve is slightly open as described above, the close limit switch 28b remains on. As a result, the control unit 80 of the valve device 40 recognizes that the valve mechanism 41 is already in a closed state, and the control unit 80 does not perform valve closing control. As a result, a problem occurs in which drainage does not stop despite the command to close the valve. When a command to close the valve is issued and the close limit switch 28b is in the on state, it is conceivable that the valve device 40 will continue to tighten the valve retightening operation to stop the drainage. However, when the close limit switch 28b is in the on state, the valve mechanism 41 may already be in the closed state. If retightening is performed in this state, the valve may be overtightened, and the valve may not be able to open normally even if valve opening control is performed thereafter. For this reason, it is not preferable to retighten the valve when the close limit switch 28b is in the on state.

[0067] Therefore, the valve device 40 of this embodiment is configured, as will be described below, to be able to perform valve closing control to properly close the valve even if the close limit switch 28b is in the on state when a valve closing command is issued.

[0068] 10 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 80 in the valve device 40, which corresponds to the valve closing control of this embodiment. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 etc. are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 80 in the figure includes an operation panel 81a, an antenna 82, a communication unit 83, and a control unit 84. The functions of the communication unit 83 and the control unit 84 are realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the control unit 80 executing a program.

[0069] The communication unit 83 is capable of network communication compatible with, for example, a wireless LAN. The communication unit 83 performs wireless communication with the irrigation management server 500 and the farm owner terminal 600 via the antenna 82. The communication unit 83 may be capable of communicating with the farm owner terminal 600 located in a short distance via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0070] The control unit 84 executes valve closing control. The control unit 84 includes a drive control unit 841. The drive control unit 841 executes drive control so that the valve mechanism 41 is opened or closed in response to the valve closing control. The drive control unit 841 executes drive control by controlling the motor drive circuit 23A that drives the motor 23 to control the rotation of the motor 23. Depending on the rotation direction of the motor 23, the drive unit 20 drives the valve mechanism 41 in the opening direction or the closing direction. Furthermore, the drive control unit 841 determines whether the close limit switch 28b is in the on state during valve closing control. The fact that the close limit switch 28b is in the on state corresponds to the state in which the valve mechanism 41 is in a specified position corresponding to the valve closed state.

[0071] An example of a processing procedure executed by the valve device 40 in relation to valve closing control will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Step S101: The control unit 84 waits for a valve close trigger to occur in the valve device 40. The valve close trigger occurs in response to receipt of a valve close command from the management server 300, or receipt of a valve close command from the farm owner terminal 600, or a valve close instruction operation performed on the operation panel 81a.

[0072] Step S102: When a valve closing trigger occurs, the drive control unit 841 starts driving the motor 23 in the rotation direction corresponding to the closing direction. Step S103: The drive control unit 841 disables overload detection for the motor 23 for a certain period of time (for example, several hundred milliseconds) from the timing when the drive of the motor 23 in the closing direction is started in step S102. The drive control unit 841 is capable of detecting an overload state of the motor 23 (overload detection) based on the motor current supplied to the motor 23 by the motor drive circuit 23A or based on the operation of the overload protection circuit of the motor 23. When the drive of the motor 23 starts, an inrush current flows into the motor 23. If the drive control unit 841 performs overload detection while an inrush current is flowing, there is a possibility that the inrush current will be erroneously detected as an overload state. Therefore, by disabling overload detection for a certain period of time in step S103, it is possible to prevent the drive control unit 841 from erroneously detecting the inrush current as an overload state. Step S104: When the certain time corresponding to step S103 has elapsed, the drive control section 841 sets overload detection to be valid.

[0073] Step S105: The drive control unit 841 determines whether the close limit switch 28b is currently in the ON state. The determination in step S105 is made several hundred milliseconds after the drive of the motor 23 (energization of the motor 23) is started in step S102. In this way, several hundred milliseconds after the drive of the motor 23 is started, the movement of the valve mechanism 41 in response to the rotation of the motor 23 is significantly small, and the position state of the valve mechanism 41 can be considered to be approximately the same as the state before the rotation of the motor 23 is started. Therefore, the processing in step S105 determines whether the close limit switch 28b is in the ON state at the time when the valve-closing trigger is generated.

[0074] Step S106: If it is determined in step S105 that the close limit switch 28b is in the ON state, the drive control unit 841 drives the motor 23 to rotate in the rotation direction corresponding to the opening direction for a certain period of time (an example of first drive control). As a result, the valve mechanism 41 is opened so that the close limit switch 28b is reliably in the OFF state. In the processing of step S106, the drive control unit 841 may drive the motor 23 in the open direction while the close limit switch 28b is in the on state, rather than driving the motor 23 in the open direction for a certain period of time, and may control the motor 23 to stop when the close limit switch 28b is in the off state.

[0075] Step S107: Next, the drive control unit 841 starts driving the motor 23 by reversing the rotation direction corresponding to the closing direction (an example of starting the second drive control).

[0076] Step S108: In a state in which the motor 23 is being driven in the closing direction in step S107, the drive control section 841 determines whether or not the close limit switch 28b has changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0077] Step S109: If it is determined in step S108 that the close limit switch 28b has not changed from the OFF state to the ON state, the drive control section 841 determines whether or not an overload warning state has occurred. An overload warning state is, for example, a state in which the motor current reaches a threshold value that is less than the current amount corresponding to an overload state, but greater than the current amount when the motor 23 is rotating normally. If it is determined in step S109 that an overload warning state exists, it means that the motor 23 is being driven with the valve mechanism 41 in an open state, but for some reason the valve mechanism 41 is not operating normally in the closing direction.

[0078] Step S110: If it is determined in step S109 that the overload warning state is not present, the drive control section 841 determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the drive of the motor 23 corresponding to the closing direction in step S107 was started. If it is determined that the certain time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S108.

[0079] Step S111: The valve shaft 49 and the drive shaft 23c are connected by the connecting member 24. However, since the connecting member 24 is simply fitted to the valve shaft 49 and the drive shaft 23c, the connecting member 24 may get caught on the drive shaft 23c and become floating. When the connecting member 24 is floating in this way, the valve mechanism 41 cannot operate normally in the closing direction. If it is determined in step S110 that a certain period of time has elapsed, it can be assumed that the connecting member 24 is in a floating state. Therefore, in this case, the drive control unit 841 reverses the rotation direction of the motor 23 corresponding to the closing direction, and drives the motor 23 for a certain period of time in a rotation direction corresponding to the opening direction. This makes it possible to eliminate the floating state of the connecting member 24. After the processing of step S111, the processing returns to step S107.

[0080] If it is determined in step S108 that the close limit switch 28b has changed from an OFF state to an ON state, the process proceeds to the processing corresponding to the retightening shown in FIG. 12 (steps S201 to S206 (an example of the third drive control)) as follows. Step S201: The drive control unit 841 starts driving the motor 23 for retightening. As the processing of step S201, the drive control unit 841 may change the motor current to be larger than when driving the motor 23 started from step S107, thereby increasing the torque of the motor 23. By step S201, the valve mechanism 41 starts operating in the closing direction with even greater torque. In other words, retightening is started. Note that, for example, if the torque of the motor 23 already set in step S107 is strong, the drive control unit 841 may simply continue the drive of the motor 23 that started in step S107 as the process of step S201.

[0081] Step S202: After the driving of the retightening-compatible motor 23 is started in step S201, the drive control unit 841 waits for an overload warning state to be entered. In this embodiment, retightening is performed multiple times. The wait for the overload warning state in step S202 is for a state in which it is acceptable to complete the first retightening. The determination of the overload warning state in step S202 is performed after a waiting time of, for example, several hundred milliseconds has elapsed since the start of driving the retightening motor 23 in step S201. This makes it possible to avoid erroneous determination of the overload warning state due to an inrush current caused by the start of driving the retightening motor 23 in step S201.

[0082] Step S203: If it is determined in step S202 that an overload warning state has occurred, the drive control unit 841 stops the driving of the motor 23 for a certain period of time (for example, about 0.5 seconds). In this way, the first retightening is completed.

[0083] Step S204: When a certain time has elapsed since the driving of the motor 23 was stopped in step S203, the drive control section 841 again drives the motor 23 for retightening. That is, a second retightening is performed. Step S205: In a state in which the motor 23 for retightening is being driven in step S201, the drive control section 841 determines whether or not an overload warning state has occurred.

[0084] Step S206: When it is determined in step S205 that an overload warning state has occurred, the drive control unit 841 determines whether the number of times that the overload warning state has been determined in step S205 so far has reached a specified number, based on the determination of the overload warning state in this step S205. If it is determined that the specified number of times has not yet been reached, the process returns to step S203, and the first and second series of retightening operations are repeated.

[0085] Step S207: On the other hand, if it is determined that the tightening has been performed the specified number of times, the drive control unit 841 stops driving the motor 23 and ends the process in the same figure. That is, the valve closing control including the tightening is ended.

[0086] The determination of the overload warning state in step S205 is made at time intervals of, for example, several ms to several tens of ms. Therefore, depending on the setting of the specified value used in step S206, the time elapsed since the overload warning state was triggered is set. By setting such a time elapsed since the overload warning state was triggered, retightening can be stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, rather than stopping immediately after the overload warning state is triggered. In other words, setting the specified value is equivalent to setting the degree of retightening. The larger the specified value, the longer retightening will continue after the overload warning state is triggered, and therefore the greater the degree of retightening. In addition, in step S206, after it is determined in step S205 that an overload warning state has occurred, it may be determined whether the overload warning state has continued for a certain period of time, and if it has continued for the certain period of time, the driving of motor 23 may be stopped in step S207.

[0087] If it is determined in step S109 of Fig. 11 that an overload warning state exists, it is determined that some kind of failure has occurred and that the valve mechanism 41 is not operating in the closing direction even though the motor 23 is being driven. In this case, the process proceeds to the processing of Fig. 13 (steps S301 to S306) for dealing with the failure.

[0088] Step S301: The drive control unit 841 determines whether an overload abnormality has occurred. An overload abnormality is a state in which the motor current has increased to a current amount corresponding to an overload state (greater than the threshold corresponding to an overload warning state). If it is determined in step S301 that an overload abnormality has occurred, it means that the fault has not been resolved.

[0089] Step S302: If it is determined that an overload abnormality has occurred, the drive control unit 841 drives the motor 23 in the opening direction for a certain period of time (for example, about 20 seconds). The driving of the motor 23 in step S302 is a control (fault resolution control) that operates the valve mechanism 41 to resolve the fault. For example, if the cause of the fault is that dirt or the like has become stuck in the valve mechanism 41 or a portion of the valve mechanism 41 has become stuck due to rust, the fault may be resolved by operating the valve mechanism 41 in the opening direction through the fault resolution control.

[0090] Step S303: Next, the drive control unit 841 determines whether or not the number of times that an overload abnormality has been determined in step S301 up to this point has reached a specified number, based on the current determination of an overload abnormality in step S301.

[0091] Step S304: If it is determined in step S302 that the overload abnormality determination in step S301 has been performed the specified number of times, it means that the fault resolution control has been executed the specified number of times but the fault has not been resolved. Therefore, in this case, the drive control unit 841 stops the drive of the motor 23 that has been performed in accordance with the fault resolution control. Step S305: In this case, the control unit 84 also transmits an overload abnormality notification to the irrigation water management server 500 and the farm owner terminal 600. Upon receiving the overload abnormality notification, the irrigation water management server 500 and the farm owner terminal 600 notify the user that an overload abnormality (i.e., a fault) has occurred in a valve device 40. The overload abnormality notification also includes information notifying the user where in the field FM the valve device 40 in which the overload abnormality has occurred is installed. The notification to the user may be made as a display on the irrigation water management screen, or by push notification, email, etc.

[0092] Step S306: If it is determined in step S301 that no overload abnormality has occurred, the overload abnormality is resolved. In this case, the control unit 84 may transmit an overload warning to the irrigation water management server 500 and the farm owner's terminal 600, and then proceed to the process for retightening shown in FIG. 12. The overload warning notification in step S306 notifies the user that no failure corresponding to an overload abnormality notification has occurred in the valve device 40, but that a malfunction has occurred to the extent that an overload warning state has occurred in the valve closing control. In this case, the overload warning notification also includes information notifying the user where in the field FM the valve device 40 for which an overload warning state has occurred is installed. In this case, the notification to the user may be made as a display on the water management screen, or by push notification, email, or the like.

[0093] In the valve closing control of this embodiment, retightening does not necessarily have to be performed. For example, due to the structure of the valve mechanism 41, when the close limit switch 28b detects that the valve mechanism 41 is in a specified position corresponding to the valve closed state, retightening during the valve closing control can be omitted if drainage is reliably stopped. Furthermore, in the first drive control, depending on the control amount set at this time, when the operation of the valve mechanism 41 in the opening direction is completed, the limit switch 28b may remain in the on state.

[0094] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configurations of the water management system, the valve device 40, the control unit 80, etc. in this embodiment may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The valve device 40 performs valve opening control to drive the valve mechanism 41 in the opening direction in response to the occurrence of a valve opening trigger. The valve opening trigger may be generated in response to receipt of a valve opening command from the management server 300, or receipt of a valve opening command from the farm owner terminal 600, or an operation to issue a valve opening instruction via the operation panel 81a.

[0095] When the valve device 40 performs valve opening control in response to the occurrence of a valve opening trigger, the valve mechanism 41 may be tightly fastened, causing an overload on the motor 23. In this case, an overload abnormality notification is issued as a result of the execution of the valve opening control, and further valve opening control cannot be performed.

[0096] Therefore, the valve device 40 of this embodiment performs valve opening control in response to the occurrence of a valve opening trigger as described below, thereby making it possible to avoid overload abnormality notification and to properly open the valve.

[0097] In the valve device 40, the control unit 84 waits for a valve-opening trigger to occur, for example, with the open limit switch 28a on and the valve mechanism 41 in a closed state. When the valve-opening trigger occurs, the drive control unit 841 of the control unit 84 first executes an opening preparation operation to gradually loosen the valve mechanism 41 as described below, and after the opening preparation operation, controls the drive of the motor 23 to set the valve mechanism 41 in an open state with a specified opening degree (specified open state).

[0098] As the opening preparation operation, first, the drive control unit 841 starts driving the motor 23 in a rotation direction corresponding to the opening direction. At this time, the drive control unit 841 drives the motor 23 with a predetermined torque. The drive control unit 841 disables overload detection for the motor 23 for a certain period of time (for example, 500 milliseconds) from the timing when the drive of the motor 23 starts in the open direction. By disabling overload detection for a certain period of time in this manner, it is possible to avoid erroneously detecting an overload state due to an inrush current flowing into the motor 23 at the timing when the drive of the motor 23 starts. After the fixed time period during which overload detection is disabled has elapsed, drive control unit 841 continues driving motor 23 in the open direction, and then, at fixed time intervals (for example, 15 milliseconds), determines whether motor 23 is in an overload warning state (overload warning determination). The overload warning state here is a state in which the measured value of the current flowing through motor 23 (measured current value) is greater than a predetermined current value (overload warning current value) that is determined in accordance with the overload state flowing through motor 23. While the overload warning determination is being made at regular time intervals as described above, if it is determined at a certain stage that an overload warning state exists, the drive control unit 841 stops driving the motor 23. Next, the drive control unit 841 starts driving the motor 23 in the opening direction again and performs an overload warning determination at regular intervals in the same manner as above. Then, if it is determined again that an overload warning state exists by the overload warning determination at a certain stage, the drive control unit 841 stops driving the motor 23 again.

[0099] In this way, the drive control unit 841 performs the following as the opening preparation operation: (Step 1) Start driving the motor 23 in the opening direction (disable overload detection for a certain period of time after starting driving) (Step 2) Determine overload warning at regular intervals, (Step 3) Stopping the driving of the motor 23 in response to the determination that an overload warning state has occurred This sequence is repeated up to a specified maximum number of times. This preparatory opening operation is an operation in which a force is gradually applied to the valve mechanism 41 in the opening direction, gradually loosening the degree to which the valve mechanism 41 is closed. In addition, the upper limit number of times that the sequence from step 1 to step 3 is repeated in the opening preparation operation is at least 1 time, and is not particularly limited. As an example, the upper limit number of times that the sequence from step 1 to step 3 is repeated can be set to about 10 times.

[0100] Then, when the drive control unit 841 completes the above-described opening preparation operation, it drives the motor 23 in the opening direction to achieve the designated open state. The torque for driving the motor 23 at this time may be different from or the same as the torque used during the opening preparation operation. In this case, the drive control unit 841 may disable overload detection for a certain period of time after the start of driving the motor 23, thereby avoiding erroneous detection of an overload state due to inrush current.

[0101] In this way, when the motor 23 starts to be driven in the opening direction to achieve the designated open state, the degree to which the valve mechanism 41 is closed has been weakened due to the preparatory rotation operation that was previously performed. Therefore, when the motor 23 is driven in the opening direction to achieve the designated open state, it is possible to smoothly open the valve mechanism 41 to the designated opening degree without an overload state.

[0102] Here, for example, because the degree of tightening of the valve mechanism 41 was not strong enough, the valve mechanism 41 may change to the open state and the open limit switch 28a may transition from on to off during the process of repeating the sequence of steps 1 to 3 in the opening preparation operation. In such a case, the drive control unit 841 may end the opening preparation operation in response to the transition of the open limit switch 28a from on to off, without repeating the sequence of steps 1 to 3 up to the upper limit number of times, and may then proceed to driving the motor 23 to set the specified open state.

[0103] Furthermore, for example, if the valve mechanism 41 is closed too tightly or if some kind of fault or malfunction has occurred, an overload state may be detected when the motor 23 is subsequently driven to achieve the designated open state, even if the sequence of steps 1 to 3 is repeated up to the specified maximum number of times. Alternatively, the open limit switch 28a may remain in the off state even after the motor 23 has been driven continuously for a certain period of time or more to achieve the designated open state. In such cases, the drive control unit 841 may issue an overload abnormality alert and stop driving the motor 23.

[0104] In addition, the valve closing control and valve opening control executed by the drive control unit 841 in each of the above embodiments may be executed by a higher-level device such as the water management server 500 via communication with the valve device 40.

[0105] Note that programs for implementing the functions of the valve device 40, irrigation management server 500, farm owner terminal 600, and other devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the functions of the devices. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), and a dedicated line. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, recording media storing programs may be non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs. Recording media also include internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the programs. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 40 valve device, 41 valve mechanism, 42 drive mechanism, 43 handle, 46 valve body, 49 valve stem, 80 control unit, 81a operation panel, 82 antenna, 83 communication unit, 84 control unit, 841 drive control unit, 100 water supply valve, 200 drain valve, 300 management server, 500 irrigation management server, 600 farm owner terminal

Claims

1. a drive control unit that executes a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing according to generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs closing of the valve mechanism in a valve device, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position, the drive control unit executes a third drive control to further drive the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the second drive control, The drive control unit stops the third drive control after the amount of current of the motor that drives the valve mechanism has remained above a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time after starting the third drive control.

2. a drive control unit that executes a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing according to generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs closing of the valve mechanism in a valve device, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position, the drive control unit executes a third drive control to further drive the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the second drive control, The drive control unit drives the valve mechanism in the closing direction with a torque greater than that in the second drive control during the third drive control.

3. The drive control unit executes the third drive control a plurality of times. The drive control unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a drive control unit that executes a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing according to generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs closing of the valve mechanism in a valve device, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position, The drive control unit drives the valve mechanism in the opening direction for a certain period of time if a certain period of time has passed since the start of the second drive control without the detection unit detecting that the valve mechanism is in a specified position.

5. a drive control unit that executes a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing according to generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs closing of the valve mechanism in a valve device, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position, The drive control unit a drive control unit that drives a motor that drives the valve mechanism in an opening direction in response to generation of a valve opening trigger that instructs the opening of a valve mechanism in a valve device, and that drives the motor in the opening direction to set the valve mechanism in an open state after an opening preparation operation that stops the driving in the opening direction in response to detection of an overload state of the motor while the motor is being driven in the opening direction.

6. The drive control unit The opening preparation operation can be repeatedly performed up to a predetermined number of times. The drive control unit according to claim 5 .

7. A valve device drive system comprising a drive control unit described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A valve gear drive control method in a valve gear drive system, comprising: a drive control step of executing a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in the valve device to close, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position. Including, the drive control step includes, after the second drive control, executing a third drive control for further driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction; The drive control step is a valve device drive control method in which, after starting the third drive control, the third drive control is stopped after the amount of current of the motor that drives the valve mechanism has remained above a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time.

9. A valve gear drive control method in a valve gear drive system, comprising: a drive control step of executing a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in the valve device to close, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position. Including, the drive control step includes, after the second drive control, executing a third drive control for further driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction; The drive control method for a valve device includes, in the drive control step, driving the valve mechanism in the closing direction with a torque greater than that in the second drive control.

10. A valve gear drive control method in a valve gear drive system, comprising: a drive control step of executing a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in the valve device to close, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position. Including, The drive control step is a valve device drive control method in which, if a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the second drive control without the detection unit detecting that the valve mechanism is in a specified position, the valve device is driven in an opening direction for a certain period of time.

11. A valve gear drive control method in a valve gear drive system, comprising: a drive control step of executing a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when a detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a valve closed state at a timing corresponding to the generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism in the valve device to close, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position. Including, The drive control step includes: A valve device drive control method comprising: driving a motor that drives a valve mechanism in an opening direction in response to generation of a valve opening trigger that instructs the opening of the valve mechanism; performing an opening preparation operation that stops the driving in the opening direction in response to detection of an overload state of the motor while the motor is being driven in the opening direction; and then driving the motor in the opening direction to set the valve mechanism in an open state.

12. A computer provided in the valve gear drive system, The drive control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A program to function as a

13. a valve mechanism; a detection unit that detects whether the valve mechanism is in a specified position corresponding to a closed valve state; a drive control unit that executes a first drive control for driving the valve mechanism in an opening direction by a predetermined control amount when the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position at a timing corresponding to generation of a valve closing trigger that instructs the valve mechanism to close, and a second drive control for driving the valve mechanism in a closing direction after the first drive control until the detection unit detects that the valve mechanism is in the specified position, the drive control unit being the drive control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A valve device comprising:

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