Branching device system and recovery method

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of suppressing costs when installing a branching device on a floating body on the sea. [Solution] The branching device system 1 comprises a branching device 20 including an inlet pipe 22a through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes 22b through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe 22a flows out, and a float that is floated on the sea outside the fish pen and on which the branching device 20 is placed, and the outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes 22b face horizontally.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a branching device system and a recovery method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In the field of aquaculture, a branching device has been conventionally used to distribute feed to, for example, fish cages.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a branching device can be used in a feed conveying device that selectively conveys feed to multiple fish pens as destinations and feeds the fish and shellfish in each pen. Patent Document 1 also discloses that the branching device can be installed on a raft on the sea. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-141801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not consider in detail the installation of the branching device on a floating body (for example, a raft) on the sea.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a technology that can reduce costs when installing a branching device on a floating body at sea. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A branching device system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a branching device including an inlet pipe through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe flows out, and a floating body on the sea outside the fish pen on which the branching device is placed, wherein the outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes face horizontally. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a technology that can reduce costs when installing a branching device on a floating body at sea. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship when a feed tank and a fish pen are connected via a branching device system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a floating body included in the branching device system of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a branching device system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a branching device system using a revolver-type branching device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a branching device system using a three-way valve type branching device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a branching device system during the on-season. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a branching device system during the off-season. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout relationship when a feed tank and a fish pen are connected via a plurality of branching device systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. When a branching device is installed on a floating structure at sea, the area available for installing the equipment on the floating structure is limited. Also, since the fish pens are installed at sea at a certain distance from the feed tank, the length of the supply pipes required to connect the fish pens to the feed tank increases, which can increase installation costs. For example, in an aquaculture facility equipped with multiple fish pens 200, feed may be distributed from a single feed tank 100 installed on land, an offshore platform, a ship, or the like to multiple fish pens 200 installed at sea via a supply pipe 300. In this case, the feed tank 100 may be installed in a location (e.g., on land) that allows easy access for workers to replenish feed and perform maintenance. However, a feed tank 100 installed in such a location that is easily accessible to workers may be located a relatively long distance from the fish pens 200 installed at sea.

[0011] The feed tank 100 and the fish pen 200 are connected by, for example, a supply pipe 300. If the distance between the feed tank 100 and the fish pen 200 is long, the length of the required supply pipe 300 increases. Furthermore, if, for example, multiple fish pens 200 are installed, and each fish pen 200 is directly connected to the feed tank 100 via the supply pipe 300, the length of the supply pipe 300 required corresponds to the distance between the fish pen 200 and the feed tank 100 multiplied by the number of fish pens 200. This increases the required length of the supply pipe 300, which can increase installation costs.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship when a feed tank 100 and a fish pen 200 are connected via a branching device system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the branching device system 1 of this embodiment is installed on the sea, and relays the transportation of feed between, for example, the feed tank 100 installed on land and a plurality of fish pens 200.

[0013] Specifically, one first supply pipe 310 connected to the feed tank 100 is connected to the branching device 20. The branching device 20 branches the supply pipe 300 at a location closer to the plurality of fish pens 200 than the feed tank 100, and the branching device 20 and each of the fish pens 200 are connected by one second supply pipe 320. In the illustrated example, the branching device 20 is connected to four fish pens 200. Therefore, a total of four second supply pipes 320 are arranged from the branching device 20 to the fish pens 200, one for each fish pen 200. The number of fish pens 200 and the number of feed tanks 100 are not limited. In the following, a case will be described in which the branching device system 1 relays the transport of feed, but the object transported by the branching device system 1 may be any powdered or granular material and is not limited to feed.

[0014] 1, by using the branching device system 1 of this embodiment, one first supply pipe 310 connected to the feed tank 100 is connected to the branching device 20, and the branching device 20 branches the supply pipe 300 at a location closer to the plurality of fish pens 200 than the feed tank 100, and the second supply pipe 320 distributes feed to the plurality of fish pens 200. In particular, when the branching device 20 is placed on the sea, the supply pipe 300 can be branched at a position closer to the fish pens 200, and the total length of the supply pipe 300 required to connect the feed tank 100 and the fish pens 200 can be shortened.

[0015] The branching device system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The branching device system 1 of this embodiment includes a branching device 20, a floating body 10, a control device 30, and a power supply device 40.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the floating body 10 in this embodiment. The floating body 10 is floated on the sea outside the fish pen 200. The floating body 10 of this embodiment is a raft (barge) and includes a raft structure 12 on which the branching device 20 can be mounted, and a float 11 for floating the raft structure 12 on the sea surface. Note that the floating body 10 is not limited to the above example as long as it can be floated on the sea and has a structure on which the branching device 20 can be mounted.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram of the branching device system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the branching device system 1 of this embodiment, a branching device 20, a control device 30, and a power supply device 40 are mounted on a floating body 10 (barge). In this embodiment, the branching device 20, the control device 30, and the power supply device 40 have their respective undersides fixed to a base plate 50, and the base plate 50 is placed on the floating body 10. The base plate 50 may be omitted. If the base plate 50 is omitted, the branching device 20, the control device 30, and the power supply device 40 may be placed directly on the floating body 10.

[0018] The branching device 20 relays the transport of feed between the feed tank 100 and the multiple fish pens 200. The branching device 20 includes an inlet pipe 22a through which the feed flows, and multiple outlet pipes 22b through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe 22a flows out. A first supply pipe 310 that transports feed from the feed tank 100 to the branching device 20 is connected to the inlet of the branching device 20, and a second supply pipe 320 that transports feed from the branching device 20 to each fish pen 200 is connected to the outlet. The outlets of the multiple outlet pipes 22b face horizontally. It is preferable that the inlet of the inlet pipe 22a face horizontally. The control device 30 controls the branching device 20. The control device 30 may be, for example, a software circuit using a PLC 30a (Programmable Logic Controller), or may be a hardware circuit using a relay circuit 30b. The power supply device 40 supplies power to the control device 30. The power supply device 40 may be, for example, a storage battery, a power generation device, or a relay box 40a that relays power supplied from an external source. The power generation device may be, for example, a solar power generation panel 40b.

[0019] The branching device 20 can be a revolver type or a three-way valve type depending on the application and the scale of the aquaculture facility. 4 and 5, the branching device system 1 will be described in the case where a revolver-type branching device 20 is used and in the case where a three-way valve-type branching device 20 is used. Note that the floating body 10 may be the same as that described above, and therefore will not be illustrated or described here.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a branching device system 1 using a revolver-type branching device 20A. The revolver-type branching device 20A includes a main pipe 23 to which powder and granular material are supplied together with conveying air, a movable body 24 connected to the tip of the main pipe 23, a base 25 arranged opposite the movable body 24, a plurality of branch pipes 26 connected to the base 25, and a base 27 that supports these. The branching device 20A also includes a compressor 21 that is an air source that supplies compressed air to the movable body 24. A plurality of through holes and outflow pipes 22b extending from the plurality of through holes are provided in the base 25. The number of through holes (the number of outflow pipes 22b) provided in the base 25 is not limited as long as it is plural. The main pipe 23 includes a first pipe 23a, a second pipe 23b, and a rotary joint 23c connecting the first pipe 23a and the second pipe 23b. The first pipe 23a is arranged along a predetermined rotation axis C1. The second pipe 23b has an S-shape that curves outward from the rotation axis C1. The rotation axis C1 is an imaginary axis that is arranged vertically and passes through the center of the base plate 50.

[0021] The branching device 20A rotates the second pipe 23b along the rotation axis C1, aligns the moving body 24 with the desired through-hole (outlet pipe 22b), and transports the feed supplied from the inlet pipe 22a to the desired outlet pipe 22b. Note that the operation of the branching device 20A may be similar to the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, and therefore details thereof will be omitted here. The operation of the branching device 20A is controlled by the control device 30, for example.

[0022] In the branching device system 1 of this embodiment, the control device 30 that controls the revolver-type branching device 20A is, for example, a PLC 30a. The control device 30 controls various operations of the branching device 20A and distributes a desired amount of feed to a desired cage 200. The control device 30 is supplied with power from a power supply device 40 .

[0023] The revolver-type branching device 20A consumes relatively large amounts of power. Therefore, in the branching device system 1 of this embodiment, the power supply device 40 that supplies power to the control device 30 is a relay box 40a that relays power supplied from an external source. The branching device system 1 of this embodiment further includes a cable 42 that supplies power and signals to the power supply device 40 (relay box 40a) and can be connected to the power supply device 40. The relay box 40a is connected to, for example, a land-based power source via the cable 42. Note that even when the revolver-type branching device 20A is used, the power supply device 40 may be a storage battery or a power generation device and is not limited to the relay box 40a.

[0024] In the branching device system 1, devices such as the control device 30 and the power supply device 40 mounted on the floating body 10 are preferably disposed in positions that do not hinder the operation of the branching device 20A and do not interfere with the inlet pipe 22a and the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20A and the supply pipe 300. A position that does not interfere with the inlet pipe 22a and the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20A and the supply pipe 300 may be, for example, a position that does not block the paths of the inlet pipe 22a and the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20A and the supply pipe 300. Specifically, for example, the control device 30 and the power supply device 40 are preferably disposed in positions that do not overlap the branching device 20A or that protrude from the branching device 20A when viewed along the direction in which the inlet pipe 22a and the multiple outlet pipes 22b are aligned.

[0025] In the branching device system 1 shown in FIG. 4, the control device 30 and the power supply device 40 are disposed at positions that do not block the paths of the inlet pipe 22a and the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20A and the supply pipe 300, and do not hinder the rotation of the second pipe 23b about the rotation axis C1. A position that does not block the path of the inlet pipe 22a of the branching device 20A refers to, for example, a position where another device does not overlap the inlet pipe, which is the opening of the inlet pipe 22a, when viewed along the pipe axis direction. A position that does not block the path of the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20A refers to, for example, a position where another device does not overlap the outlet pipe, which is the opening of the outlet pipe 22b, when viewed along the pipe axis direction. A position that does not block the path of the supply pipe 300 refers to, for example, a position where another device does not obstruct the placement of the supply pipe 300 connected to the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

[0026] As described above, the second pipe 23b has an S-shape that curves outward from the rotation axis C1. Because the second pipe 23b rotates, it is necessary to arrange the control device 30, the power supply device 40, and the like in positions that do not interfere with the rotation of the second pipe 23b about the rotation axis C1, taking into consideration, for example, a case in which the second pipe 23b is located at the position shown by the dotted line in Fig. 4. A position that does not interfere with the rotation of the second pipe 23b about the rotation axis C1 refers to, for example, a position that does not overlap with the trajectory of the second pipe 23b when it is rotated once around the rotation axis C1 when the branching device system 1 shown in Fig. 4 is viewed from above.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the branching device system 1 when a three-way valve type branching device 20B is used. The three-way valve type branching device 20B includes a main pipe 23 to which powder and granular material are supplied together with conveying air, a three-way valve 28 disposed on the main pipe 23 and switching the flow path of the feed, and an outflow pipe 22b extending from the three-way valve 28. From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption and costs, the three-way valve 28 is preferably air-driven. The three-way valve 28 in this embodiment is air-driven. The branching device 20B further includes a cylinder 21 which is an air source that supplies compressed air to the three-way valve 28.

[0028] The three-way valve type branching device 20B of this embodiment has three three-way valves 28: a first valve 28a, a second valve 28b, and a third valve 28c. The number of three-way valves 28 included in the branching device 20B is not limited as long as there is more than one. The branching device 20B of this embodiment has a total of four outlets: three outlets of outlet pipes 22b (branch pipes) extending from each three-way valve 28 and one of two openings of the main pipe 23, the opening opposite the inlet. Hereinafter, the branch pipe extending from the first valve 28a will be referred to as the first outlet pipe 29a, the branch pipe extending from the second valve 28b as the second outlet pipe 29b, the branch pipe extending from the third valve 28c as the third outlet pipe 29c, and the main pipe 23 extending from the third valve 28c as the fourth outlet pipe 29d. The main pipe 23 (fourth outflow pipe 29d) may be connected to the fish pen 200, or may be connected to another branching device 20. In the following, an example will be described in which the main pipe 23 (fourth outflow pipe 29d) is connected to the fish pen 200.

[0029] Although details of the operation of the branching device 20B will be omitted, the branching device 20B can switch to which of the outlet pipes 22b the feed supplied from the inlet pipe 22a (main pipe 23) is supplied by switching the flow path using the three three-way valves 28. Specifically, by switching the flow path using the three three-way valves 28, the feed is transported to some or all of the first outlet pipe 29a, the second outlet pipe 29b, the third outlet pipe 29c, and the fourth outlet pipe 29d. The operation of the branching device 20 is controlled by, for example, a control device 30.

[0030] In the branching device system 1 of this embodiment, the control device 30 that controls the three-way valve type branching device 20B is, for example, a relay circuit 30b. The control device 30 controls various operations of the branching device 20B to distribute a desired amount of feed to a desired fish pen 200. The control device 30 is supplied with power from a power supply device 40 .

[0031] The three-way valve type branching device 20B consumes relatively little power. Therefore, in the branching device system 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable to use a power generation device (solar power generation panel 40b) as the power supply device 40 that supplies power to the control device 30. Even when the three-way valve type branching device 20B is used, the power supply device 40 may be a storage battery or a relay box 40a, and is not limited to a power generation device.

[0032] In the branching device system 1, it is preferable that devices such as the control device 30 and power supply device 40 mounted on the floating body 10 are positioned so as not to interfere with the operation of the branching device 20B and not to block the inlet pipe 22a and outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20B, as well as the path of the supply pipe 300. Specifically, for example, it is preferable that the control device 30 and the power supply device 40 are arranged in a position that does not overlap with the branching device 20B or that protrudes from the branching device 20B when viewed along the direction in which the inlet pipe 22a and the plurality of outlet pipes 22b are aligned. The branching device system 1 of this embodiment has a solar power generation panel 40b as the power supply device 40, and by arranging the control device 30 below the solar power generation panel 40b, the area occupied by the device on the floating body 10 is reduced.

[0033] In the branching device system 1 shown in FIG. 5, the control device 30 and the power supply device 40 are arranged in positions that do not block the inlet pipe 22a and the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20B and the path of the supply pipe 300. A position that does not block the path of the inlet pipe 22a of the branching device 20B refers to, for example, a position where another device does not overlap the inlet pipe, which is the opening of the inlet pipe 22a, when viewed along the pipe axis direction. A position that does not block the path of the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20B refers to, for example, a position where another device does not overlap the outlet pipe, which is the opening of the outlet pipe 22b, when viewed along the pipe axis direction. A position that does not block the path of the supply pipe 300 refers to, for example, a position that does not obstruct the placement of the supply pipe 300 connected to the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

[0034] The above-described branching device system 1 may be configured to set the destination of feed by an external operation. In this case, the control device 30 may control the operation of the branching device 20 according to the setting, thereby distributing feed to the desired pens 200. For example, a user on land may instruct the control device 30 via a terminal to feed a specific pen 200, thereby distributing feed to the desired pen 200.

[0035] Next, a recovery method for the branching device system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In aquaculture, there may be an off-season during which the operation of the aquaculture equipment is stopped. In such a case, for example, in order to prevent damage or deterioration of the branching device system 1, the branching device system 1 may be recovered, pulled onto land, and stored during the off-season.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the branching device system 1 in the on-season. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the branching device system 1 in the off-season. In Figs. 6 and 7, the illustration of the feed supply pipe 300 that transports feed is omitted.

[0037] 6, in the on-season, the branching device system 1 is deployed offshore. At this time, for example, a cable 42 that supplies power and signals from a relay box 41 on land to a relay box 40a of the branching device system 1 connects the relay box 41 on land with the relay box 40a of the offshore branching device system 1.

[0038] 7, in the off-season, the branch device system 1 is stored, for example, on land. In this case, a method for recovering the branch device system 1 includes a removal step, a leaving step, and a transportation step.

[0039] In the removal process, the cable 42 is removed from the relay box 40a of the branching device system 1. In the leaving process, the cable 42 removed in the removal process is left on the seabed. Note that, from the viewpoint of facilitating raising the connection part 42a of the cable 42 left on the seabed to the sea surface when the branching device system 1 is relocated on the sea, it is preferable to leave the cable 42 on the seabed with the buoy 43 connected to the connection part 42a. In the transportation process, the branching device system 1 from which the cable 42 was removed in the removal process is transported to land. The branching device system 1 transported to land is stored, for example, in a warehouse 110.

[0040] Furthermore, when the on-season resumes, the branching device system 1 is transported from land to the sea again and installed. At this time, in an installation method for the branching device system 1, the branching device system 1 is transported from land to an installation position on the sea. The cable 42 left on the seabed is pulled up to the sea surface. The pulled-up cable 42 is attached to the relay box 40a of the branching device system 1, thereby completing the installation of the branching device system 1. Note that if a buoy 43 is connected to the connection portion 42a of the cable 42, the connection portion 42a of the cable 42 can be pulled up to the sea surface using the buoy 43 as a landmark, for example, by pulling up the rope 44 connected to the connection portion 42a of the cable 42.

[0041] The above describes the removal, leaving behind, and installation of the cable 42 during the on-season and off-season, but when recovering and installing the branching device system 1, the first supply pipe 310 connecting the on-land feed tank 100 and the branching device 20 of the branching device system 1 may also be removed, left behind, and installed in the same manner.

[0042] The arrangement of the land-based feed tank 100, the branching device system 1, and the fish pens 200 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. For example, a plurality of branching device systems 1 may be provided between the land-based feed tank 100 and a plurality of fish pens 200.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship when a feed tank 100 and a fish pen 200 are connected via a plurality of branching device systems 1. In the example shown in Fig. 8, a branching device system 1 equipped with a three-way valve type branching device 20B and a branching device system 1 equipped with a revolver type branching device 20A are installed on the sea, and relay the transportation of feed between, for example, a feed tank 100 installed on land and a plurality of fish pens 200.

[0044] Specifically, one first supply pipe 310 connected to the feed tank 100 is connected to the branching device 20B. The branching device 20B causes the supply pipe 300 to branch at a location closer to the plurality of fish pens 200 than the feed tank 100, and the branching device 20B is connected to two branching devices 20A by one third supply pipe 330. The two branching devices 20A are further connected to the fish pens 200 by one second supply pipe 320, respectively. In the illustrated example, the branching device 20B is connected to two branching devices 20A, and the branching device 20A is connected to four fish pens 200. Note that the number of fish pens 200, the number of feed tanks 100, and the number of branching devices 20 are not limited. Furthermore, the type of branching device 20 is not limited. For example, all branching devices 20 may be three-way valve type branching devices 20B, or all branching devices 20 may be revolver type branching devices 20A. In the example shown in Figure 8, a case is described in which one feed tank 100 is connected to three branching device systems 1, but the number and arrangement of the connected branching device systems 1 are not limited to the example shown.

[0045] As described above, the branching device system 1 of the present disclosure is a branching device system 1 comprising a branching device 20 including an inlet pipe 22a through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes 22b through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe 22a flows out, and a float 10 floating on the sea outside the fish pen 200 and on which the branching device 20 is placed, and the outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes 22b face horizontally. For example, feed may be distributed from a single feed tank 100 installed on land or an offshore platform to multiple fish pens 200 installed at sea. In this case, if each fish pen 200 and the feed tank 100 are directly connected via a supply pipe 300, the length of the supply pipe 300 must be equal to the distance between the fish pen 200 and the feed tank 100 multiplied by the number of fish pens 200. In particular, since the fish pens 200 are installed at sea at a certain distance from the feed tank 100, the required length of the supply pipe 300 increases, which can increase installation costs. With the above configuration, one supply pipe 300 connected to the feed tank 100 is connected to the branching device 20, and the branching device 20 branches the supply pipe 300 at a location closer to the plurality of fish pens 200 than the feed tank 100, allowing feed to be distributed to the plurality of fish pens 200. Therefore, by disposing the branching device 20 on the sea, the total length of the supply pipes 300 required to distribute feed to the fish pens 200 can be shortened. Furthermore, since the outlets of the multiple outlet pipes 22b face horizontally, it is easy to connect the supply pipe 300 to the outlets, and the length of the supply pipe 300 leading to the fish tank 200 can be shortened compared to when the outlets of the outlet pipes 22b do not face horizontally. Therefore, the branching device system 1 can be configured to reduce costs.

[0046] The inlet of the inflow pipe 22a may also face horizontally. With this configuration, the inlet of the inflow pipe 22a faces horizontally, making it easy to connect the supply pipe 300 to the inlet. This makes it easy to supply feed from the feed tank 100 installed on a land or offshore platform to the branching device 20, and also makes it possible to shorten the length of the supply pipe 300 connecting the feed tank 100 and the branching device 20 compared to when the inlet of the inflow pipe 22a does not face horizontally. Therefore, the branching device system 1 can be configured to reduce costs.

[0047] The floating body 10 may further include a control device 30 that controls the branching device 20 and is mounted on the floating body 10, and the control device 30 may be positioned so as not to overlap with the branching device 20 when viewed along the direction in which the inlet pipe 22a and the multiple outlet pipes 22b are aligned. With this configuration, the branching device 20 can be controlled by the control device 30. Furthermore, the control device 30 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the branching device 20 when viewed along the direction in which the inlet pipe 22a and the plurality of outlet pipes 22b are aligned. Therefore, even when the control device 30 is mounted on the floating body 10, it is possible to prevent the control device 30 from blocking the inlet pipe 22a and the outlet pipe 22b of the branching device 20, as well as the paths of the supply pipe 300. Therefore, even when the control device 30 is mounted on the floating body 10, it is easy to connect the supply pipe 300 to the inlet pipe 22a and cause feed to flow into the inlet pipe 22a, and to connect the supply pipe 300 to the outlet pipe 22b and cause feed to flow out of each of the plurality of outlet pipes 22b.

[0048] The floating body 10 may further include a power supply unit 40 that supplies power to the control device 30 and is mounted on the floating body 10, and the power supply unit 40 may be positioned so as not to overlap with the branching device 20 when viewed along the direction in which the inlet pipe 22a and the multiple outlet pipes 22b are aligned. With this configuration, even if the power source is placed on the floating body 10, it is easy to connect the supply pipe 300 to the inlet pipe 22a and to cause feed to flow into the inlet pipe 22a, and it is also easy to connect the supply pipe 300 to the outlet pipe 22b and cause feed to flow out of each of the multiple outlet pipes 22b.

[0049] The system may further include a base plate 50 to which the lower surfaces of the control device 30 and the branching device 20 are fixed, and the base plate 50 may be placed on the floating body 10. With this configuration, the control device 30 and the branching device 20 can be fixed onto the base plate 50 and placed together on the floating body 10, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0050] The branching device 20 may also include a three-way valve 28 . With this configuration, the feed sent from the feed tank 100 can be distributed to each cage 200 by control using the three-way valve 28, which has a relatively simple structure. This simplifies the mechanism and reduces costs.

[0051] The three-way valve 28 may be further provided with a cylinder 21 placed on the floating body 10 for supplying air to the three-way valve 28, and the three-way valve 28 may be of an air-driven type. With this configuration, the three-way valve 28 driven by the air supplied from the cylinder 21 can be used to reduce power consumption.

[0052] The power supply device 40 may further include a cable 42 that supplies power and signals to the power supply device 40 and is connectable to the power supply device 40, and the power supply device 40 may be a relay box 40a. With this configuration, power and signals can be easily and reliably supplied to the relay box 40a from outside the branching device system 1 at low cost.

[0053] The recovery method of the present disclosure is a recovery method for a branching device system 1, and includes a removal process for removing the cable 42 from the relay box 40a, a leaving process for leaving the cable 42 removed in the removal process on the seabed, and a transporting process for transporting the branching device system 1 to land after the removal process. With this configuration, by removing the cable 42 from the relay box 40a, the branching device system 1 can be easily stored on land during the off-season. Also, by leaving the cable 42 removed in the removal process on the seabed, the branching device system 1 can be easily installed when the on-season begins.

[0054] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and configuration changes, combinations, deletions, etc. are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0055] For example, the layout relationship of the devices included in the branching device system 1 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS.

[0056] (Addendum) The branching device system and the recovery method thereof according to the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0057] <1> A branching device system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a branching device including an inlet pipe through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe flows out, and a floating body on the sea outside the fish pen on which the branching device is placed, wherein the outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes face horizontally.

[0058] <2> the above <1> In the branching device system described above, the inlet of the inlet pipe may face horizontally.

[0059] <3> the above <2> The branching device system described above further includes a control device that controls the branching device and is mounted on the floating body, and the control device may not overlap with the branching device or may extend beyond the branching device when viewed along the direction in which the inlet pipe and the multiple outlet pipes are aligned.

[0060] <4> the above <3> The branching device system described above further includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the control device and is mounted on the floating body, and the power supply unit may not overlap with the branching device or may extend beyond the branching device when viewed along the direction.

[0061] <5> the above <4> The branching device system described above may further include a base plate to which the lower surfaces of the control device and the branching device are fixed, and the base plate may be placed on the floating body.

[0062] <6> the above <4> or <5> In the branching device system described in , the branching device may include a three-way valve.

[0063] <7> the above <6> The branching device system described in 2. above may further include a cylinder that supplies air to the three-way valve and is placed on the floating body, and the three-way valve may be air-driven.

[0064] <8> the above <4> from <7> The branching device system according to any one of the above aspects may further include a cable that supplies power and signals to the power supply device and is connectable to the power supply device, and the power supply device may be a relay box.

[0065] <9> The recovery method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is <8> The method for recovering the branching device system described in the above includes a removal process for removing the cable from the relay box, a leaving process for leaving the cable removed in the removal process on the seabed, and a transporting process for transporting the branching device system to land after the removal process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Branching system 10 Floating Body 11 Float 12 Raft structure 20 Branching device 20A Branching Device (Revolver Type) 20B Branching Device (Three-Way Valve Type) 21 Compressors and cylinders 22a Inflow pipe 22b Outflow pipe 23 Main piping 23a 1st piping 23b 2nd piping 23c Rotary joint 24 Mobile 25 Foundation 26 Branch piping 27 Foundation 28 Three-way valve 28a First valve 28b Second valve 28c Third valve 29a 1st outflow pipe 29b 2nd outflow pipe 29c 3rd outflow pipe 29d 4th outflow pipe 30 Control device 30a PLC 30b Relay Circuit 40 Power supply 40a Relay box 40b Solar panels 41 Relay box (land) 42 Cable 42a Connection 43 Buoy 44 Rope 50 base plate 100 Feed Tank 110 Warehouse 200 fish tank 300 Supply pipe 310 1st supply pipe 320 2nd supply pipe

Claims

1. a branching device including an inlet pipe through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe flows out, a floating body that is floated on the sea outside the fish cage and on which the branching device is mounted; a control device that controls the branching device; a power supply device that supplies power to the control device; A branching device system comprising: The outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes face horizontally, the control device and the power supply device are mounted on the floating body, The control device and the power supply device are arranged on one side and the other side of the branching device on the floating body. A branching device system characterized by:

2. a branching device including an inlet pipe through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe flows out, a floating body that is floated on the sea outside the fish cage and on which the branching device is mounted; a control device that controls the branching device; a power supply device that supplies power to the control device; A branching device system comprising: The outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes face horizontally, the control device and the power supply device are mounted on the floating body, the control device and the power supply device are arranged on the same side of the floating body with respect to the branching device; A branching device system characterized by:

3. A branching device system that relays the transport of feed between a feed tank and a fish pen, a branching device including an inlet pipe through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe flows out, A branching device system comprising: a floating body that is floated on the sea outside the fish cage and on which the branching device is mounted; The outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes face horizontally, The feed tank is installed on land, The inlet pipe is connected to the feed tank installed on land via a supply pipe. A branching device system characterized by:

4. a branching device including an inlet pipe through which feed flows and a plurality of outlet pipes through which the feed flowing into the inlet pipe flows out, a control device that controls the branching device; a floating body that is floated on the sea outside the fish pen and on which the branching device and the control device are mounted; A branching device system comprising: The outlets of the plurality of outlet pipes face horizontally, a base plate to which the control device and the branching device are fixed; Further provided with The control device and the branching device are fixed on the base plate and can be mounted on the floating body in a combined state. A branching device system characterized by:

5. The inlet of the inlet pipe faces horizontally.

5. The branching device system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second terminals are connected to each other.

6. a control device that controls the branching device and is mounted on the floating body, 6. The branching device system according to claim 5, wherein the control device is arranged in a position that does not hinder the operation of the branching device and does not interfere with the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the branching device.

7. a power supply device that supplies power to the control device and is mounted on the floating body; The power supply device is disposed at a position that does not hinder the operation of the branching device and does not interfere with the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the branching device.

7. The branching device system according to claim 6.

8. a base plate to which the lower surfaces of the control device and the branching device are fixed, The base plate is placed on the floating body.

8. The branching device system according to claim 7.

9. The branching device includes a three-way valve.

8. The branching device system according to claim 7.

10. a cylinder that supplies air to the three-way valve and is placed on the floating body; The three-way valve is air-operated.

10. The branching device system according to claim 9.

11. a cable that supplies power and signals to the power supply device and is connectable to the power supply device; The power supply device is a relay box.

8. The branching device system according to claim 7.

12. The recovery method for a branching device system according to claim 11, a removing step of removing the cable from the relay box; a leaving step of leaving the cable removed in the removing step on the seabed; a transporting step of transporting the branching device system to land after the removing step.

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