Agricultural water supply system and method for draining the water therefrom

Abstract

To provide a water supply system that is economical and energy-efficient, can be implemented at low cost, and can be easily applied to farms without electrical facilities by enabling the reliable and automatic discharge of all residual water.SOLUTION: A branch pipe open / close valve 5... is configured as an open / close function valve in which a valve body part 5v... is displaced by operating an actuator 5h... to open and close a branch pipe Ps.... Inside the valve body part 5v..., a sub-valve mechanism 6 is provided which switches the valve body part 5v... at a closed position Zc to a closed side Zpc at a predetermined water pressure Fw or more in a branch pipe Psi on the upstream side of the valve body part 5v..., and switches the valve body part 5v... at the closed position Zc to an open side Zpo at a pressure less than the predetermined water pressure Fw. After the water supply from a water supply source S is stopped at the time of water drainage, the residual water in a main pipe Pm and the branch pipes Ps... can be drained from a drain valve 3 by switching the drain valve 3 to the open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural water supply system including a main pipe water supply section supplied with water from a water supply source and a plurality of branch pipe water supply sections branched from the main pipe water supply section, and a water draining method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, large-scale farmlands and the like often have corresponding water supply facilities installed. In particular, water supply facilities installed in cold regions are equipped with a water draining function to prevent freezing of residual water. Specifically, a main pipe is connected to a water supply source, and a plurality of branch pipes are installed at predetermined intervals on this main pipe for joint use by a plurality of agricultural workers. In addition, each branch pipe has a water supply port connected to an on-off valve (tap) at the tip side, and an anti-freezing water drain plug (see Patent Document 1) is connected at an intermediate position of each branch pipe. However, since each branch pipe is managed by individual agricultural workers, there are not a few cases where water draining by operating the water drain plug is forgotten during cold weather, leading to damage to the branch pipe due to freezing. Therefore, there is a demand for a method (means) to more reliably drain water from all branch pipes.

[0003] Conventionally, one means of meeting such demands is a device that centrally controls multiple drain valves (electric valves) from a control panel, as described in Patent Document 2, which is a device for preventing freezing of water pipes in multiple houses. The device for preventing freezing of water pipes in multiple houses aims to provide a device that can reliably drain water with simple operation, is easy to maintain and manage, and has the lowest possible installation cost. Specifically, it comprises multiple main valves, electric diverter valves connected downstream thereto, an electric suction device for one house connected to the drain outlets of the multiple electric diverter valves via a drain pipe and capable of sucking up both air and water, a control panel for the device, and multiple operation panels. By turning on the switch on each operation panel, the electric suction device is activated via the control panel to forcibly drain the water in the pipes to the outside. In addition, the main valves are electric, and by turning on the switch on each operation panel, the main valves are closed, then the electric diverter valves are opened, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the electric suction device is activated in a sequence control. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-060097 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-275953 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the conventional anti-freezing devices described above had the following problems.

[0006] In other words, since it requires electrical equipment, it is difficult to apply to farms and other areas without electrical facilities. Even if electrical equipment exists, the installation cost would be significant if it were to be installed in a large outdoor area. On the other hand, this type of system (device) can be relatively easily implemented by adopting a centralized management system that combines computer systems and communication systems to control all controlled objects from one location, but this tends to lead to further increases in overall costs, making it impractical to adopt.

[0007] Moreover, since this type of system (anti-freezing device) is rarely used except during the cold winter months, its cost-effectiveness is a significant drawback. In short, there are currently no proposed systems in the field of agricultural water supply systems that allow for easy and reliable draining of all branch pipes, while avoiding unnecessary maintenance and running costs, and achieving economical and energy-efficient drainage.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an agricultural water supply system and a method for draining water therefrom that solve the problems present in the background technology described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the agricultural water supply system 1 according to the present invention comprises a main pipe water supply section Mm that supplies water from a water source S containing water W to a main pipe Pm connected to a sludge discharge valve 3, and a plurality of branch pipes Ps... that branch off from a plurality of different positions X1, X2...Xn in the main pipe Pm, with water inlets 4... provided at the end of each branch pipe Ps... exposed to at least the ground G, and a plurality of branch pipe water supply sections Ms... that connect at least a branch pipe on-off valve 5... at an intermediate position in each branch pipe Ps..., wherein the branch pipe on-off valve 5... has an on-off function that opens and closes the branch pipe Ps... by displacing the valve body 5v... through the operation of the operating part 5h... The valve is configured as a valve and is equipped with a sub-valve mechanism 6 inside the valve body 5v... such that when the water pressure Fw is above a predetermined level in the branch pipe Psi upstream of the valve body 5v... the ball valve body 9 rises and closes the valve seat 8 positioned above it, switching the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the closed position Zpc, and when the water pressure Fw is below a predetermined level, the ball valve body 9 moves away from the valve seat 8 and opens the valve seat 8, switching the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the open position Zpo. This mechanism is characterized by having the function of stopping the water supply from the water source S and switching the sludge discharge valve 3 to the open position, thereby enabling the discharge of residual water from the main pipe Pm and multiple branch pipes Ps... through the sludge discharge valve 3.

[0010] On the other hand, the draining method for the agricultural water supply system 1 according to the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and includes a main pipe water supply section Mm that supplies water from a water source S containing water W to a main pipe Pm connected to a sludge discharge valve 3, and a plurality of branch pipe water supply sections Ms... which are branched off from a plurality of different positions X1, X2...Xn in the main pipe Pm, with water inlets 4... provided at the end of each branch pipe Ps... exposed to at least the ground G, and at least branch pipe shut-off valves 5... connected at intermediate positions in each branch pipe Ps.... When draining the agricultural water supply system 1, the branch pipe shut-off valves 5... are opened and closed by displacing the valve body 5v... through the operation of the operating section 5h... The valve is configured as an on / off valve, and is equipped with a sub-valve mechanism 6 inside the valve body 5v... such that when the water pressure Fw is above a predetermined level in the branch pipe Psi upstream of the valve body 5v... the ball valve body 9 rises and closes the valve seat 8 positioned above it, switching the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the closed position Zpc, and when the water pressure is below a predetermined level Fw the ball valve body 9 separates from the valve seat 8 and opens the valve seat 8, switching the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the open position Zpo. This mechanism allows for the discharge of residual water from the main pipe Pm and multiple branch pipes Ps... through the sludge discharge valve 3 after stopping the water supply from the water source S during draining.

[0011] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a series-connected drain valve 7 can be provided at an intermediate position upstream of the branch pipe on-off valve 5 in the branch pipe Ps.... In addition, a water supply pump Sp can be provided in the water source S to supply water W to the main pipe Pm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the agricultural water supply system 1 and its drainage method of the present invention, the following remarkable effects are achieved.

[0013] (1) The branch pipe shut-off valve 5... is configured as a shut-off valve in which the valve body 5v... is displaced by the operation of the operating unit 5h... to open and close the branch pipe Ps..., and a sub-valve mechanism 6 is provided inside the valve body 5v... which switches the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the closed position Zpc when the water pressure Fw or higher in the branch pipe Psi upstream of the valve body 5v... is above a predetermined water pressure Fw, and switches the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the open position Zpo when the water pressure is below a predetermined water pressure Fw. As a result, this can be implemented at low cost by simply improving the branch pipe shut-off valve 5..., and a water supply system 1 with excellent economy and energy saving can be provided.

[0014] (2) By operating only the sludge discharge valve 3, all residual water in the main pipe Pm and multiple branch pipes Ps... can be reliably discharged, and this can be done automatically and easily even in farms and other places without electrical equipment.

[0015] (3) In constructing the sub-valve mechanism 6, a ball valve body 9 is provided that rises to close the valve seat portion 8 located above when the water pressure Fw is above a predetermined level, and separates to open the valve seat portion 8 when the water pressure Fw is below a predetermined level. As a result, the sub-valve mechanism 6 can be smoothly opened and closed in response to the predetermined water pressure Fw. This allows for implementation in an optimal form from the viewpoint of ensuring reliable water drainage.

[0016] (4) In a preferred embodiment, if a drain valve 7... is installed in series at an intermediate position upstream of the branch pipe on-off valve 5... in the branch pipe Ps..., water can be drained individually from each branch pipe Ps..., which provides excellent usability and convenience, for example, by allowing each agricultural worker to drain water at their discretion.

[0017] (5) In a preferred embodiment, if a water supply pump Sp is provided in the water supply source S to supply water W to the main pipe Pm, the water W from the water supply source S can be forcibly supplied using the water supply pump Sp, so that even if the water pressure being supplied is low, water can be reliably supplied to each branch pipe water supply section Ms... [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Overall system diagram of the agricultural water supply system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 2] Flowchart for explaining the processing procedure and processing action of the water draining method of the agricultural water supply system, [Figure 3] Cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the branch pipe on-off valve of the agricultural water supply system, [Figure 4] Operation explanatory diagram when the branch pipe on-off valve is operated to the closed side, [Figure 5] Operation explanatory diagram when the branch pipe on-off valve is operated to the open side, [Figure 6] Operation explanatory diagram during water draining when the water pressure of the branch pipe on-off valve decreases, [Figure 7] Cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the sludge discharge valve of the agricultural water supply system, [Figure 8] Cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the faucet post of the agricultural water supply system,

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Next, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be given and described in detail based on the drawings.

[0020] First, the overall system configuration of the agricultural water supply system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0021] In the agricultural water supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1, S indicates a water supply source that stores water W. The example shows a storage pond, but it may be a river or the like. Also, a water supply pump Sp is installed near the water supply source S. The suction port of the water supply pump Sp is connected to the water supply source S via a pipe, and the discharge port of the water supply pump Sp is connected to one end (inlet) of the main pipe Pm. This main pipe Pm has a relatively large diameter and a length that, for example, extends underground over several tens to several hundreds of meters. A sludge discharge valve 3 is connected to the tip (outlet) of this main pipe Pm. An example of this sludge discharge valve 3 is shown in FIG. 7.

[0022] The above configuration constitutes the main pipe water supply section Mm, which supplies water from the water source S to the main pipe Pm via a water supply pump Sp. While the example shows the case where a water supply pump Sp is provided, if the water source S is located at a relatively high position (location) relative to the main pipe Pm, such as on a mountain or hill, sufficient water pressure can be secured by the difference in elevation, and therefore, the water supply pump Sp is not necessarily required.

[0023] On the other hand, multiple branch pipes Ps... are connected to multiple different positions X1, X2...Xn in the main pipe Pm. One branch pipe Ps (and the other branch pipes Ps... as shown in Figure 1) that branches off from position X1 passes underground after branching off from the main pipe Pm, with the tip of the branch pipe Ps exposed above ground G, and a water inlet 4 is provided at the tip. In this example, a part of the branch pipe Ps has a vertical section Psv that stands vertically from above ground G, and a horizontal section Psh that extends horizontally from the upper end of this vertical section Psv. Therefore, the portion of the branch pipe Ps from the branching point of the main pipe Pm to the horizontal section Psh is made of rigid pipe. Furthermore, the upper end of a flexible pipe Psf is connected to the tip of the horizontal section Psh, and this flexible pipe Psf is suspended downwards, with the aforementioned water inlet 4 provided at the tip of this flexible pipe Psf.

[0024] Furthermore, a branch pipe shut-off valve 5, which constitutes the main part of the present invention, is connected in series to the intermediate portion of the vertical section Psv. An example of this branch pipe shut-off valve 5 is shown in Figure 3. This branch pipe shut-off valve 5 is positioned at a predetermined height above the ground G. This allows each agricultural worker to easily operate it by hand. In addition, a drain valve 7 is connected in series to an intermediate position in the branch pipe Ps section buried underground, located upstream of the branch pipe shut-off valve 5. An example of this drain valve 7 is shown in Figure 8. In Figure 1, B is a vertical drain valve housing hole provided in the ground, and the drain valve 7 is installed inside this drain valve housing hole B.

[0025] Thus, each branch pipe Ps... that branches off from each position X1, X2...Xn in the main pipe Pm, and the drain valves 7... and branch pipe shut-off valves 5... connected to each branch pipe Ps... constitute a plurality of branch pipe water supply sections Ms..., each capable of using water W individually. Although the drain valves 7... connected to intermediate positions in each branch pipe Ps... are not essential components in relation to the agricultural water supply system 1 of the present invention, connecting a drain valve 7... to each branch pipe Ps... allows for individual draining of each branch pipe Ps..., thus offering superior usability and convenience, for example, allowing each agricultural worker to drain water at their discretion.

[0026] Next, we will explain the specific configurations of each component: the branch pipe shut-off valve 5, the sludge discharge valve 3, and the drain valve 7.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a branch pipe on-off valve 5 which constitutes the main part of the present invention. This branch pipe on-off valve 5 is equipped with a valve base 11 having a first connection port 12d at its lower end and a second connection port 12u at its upper end, and the space between the first connection port 12d and the second connection port 12u inside the valve base 11 is a water passage 11r.

[0028] An inclined partition wall 13 is integrally provided at an intermediate position inside the valve base 11, and a valve seat portion 14 is formed on this partition wall 13. Furthermore, an inclined valve body support portion 11p is provided on the side wall of the valve base 11 located diagonally above and opposite to the partition wall 13, and the valve body unit 15 is supported by this valve body support portion 11p. The valve body unit 15 integrally comprises a shaft portion 17 with a threaded portion 16s formed on its outer surface that screws into a threaded hole 16n provided in the valve body support portion 11p, a valve body portion 5v attached to the internal tip of the shaft portion 17, and an operating handle portion 18 attached to the outer end of the shaft portion 17. The operating handle portion 18 becomes an operating portion 5h that can be rotated manually.

[0029] In this case, the first connection port 12d of the valve base 11 is connected to the branch pipe Psi, which is located upstream (downward in Figure 3) of the valve body 5v and is indicated by a dashed line, while the second connection port 12u is connected to the branch pipe Pso, which is located downstream and is indicated by a dashed line.

[0030] Furthermore, the valve body 5v is formed in a conical shape that tapers towards the tip, and a ring-shaped valve pressure contact portion 19, integrally formed from rubber material, is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 5v at its intermediate position. As a result, when the operating handle 18 is rotated and the valve body unit 15 is advanced, the valve body 5v enters the valve seat 14, and the valve pressure contact portion 19 presses against the valve seat 14. This pressed position becomes the closed position Zc of the valve body 5v shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0031] On the other hand, by rotating the operating handle 18 and retracting the valve body unit 15, the valve body 5v separates from the valve seat 14, and the valve seat 14 is opened. This separated position is the open position Zo of the valve body 5v shown in Figure 5.

[0032] Furthermore, a sub-valve mechanism 6 is provided inside the valve body 5v that switches the valve body 5v from the closed position Zc to the closed side Zpc shown in Figure 3 when the water pressure Fw in the upstream branch pipe Psi is above a predetermined level relative to the valve body 5v, and switches the valve body 5v from the closed position Zc to the open side Zpo shown in Figure 6 when the water pressure is below a predetermined level Fw. The example sub-valve mechanism 6 is constructed by forming a housing recess 21 that constitutes the valve body at the tip of the valve body 5v, housing a spherical ball valve body 9 made of, for example, a metal material inside the housing recess 21, attaching a cover 22 to the tip of the housing recess 21 to prevent the ball valve body 9 from falling out, and attaching a valve seat 8 made of rubber material to the bottom surface located above the housing recess 21. The cover 22 is formed with a plurality of water passage holes 22s…. Furthermore, a first water passage 23 is provided that connects the inside of the housing recess 21 to a predetermined intermediate position Xm of the valve body 5v, from the center position of the valve seat portion 8 to the intermediate position Xm, and a plurality of second water passages 24 are provided between the intermediate position Xm and the upper outer surface of the valve body 5v, that is, between the outer surface facing downstream with respect to the valve seat portion 14.

[0033] As a result, when the water pressure in the upstream branch pipe Psi rises to a predetermined water pressure Fw or higher, the water pressure causes the ball valve body 9 to rise and, as shown in Figure 3, to abut against the valve seat portion 8 located above it, thereby closing the valve seat portion 8. When the water pressure is less than Fw, the ball valve body 9 falls due to its own weight and separates from the valve seat portion 8.

[0034] Thus, when configuring the sub-valve mechanism 6, if a ball valve body 9 is provided that rises to close the valve seat portion 8 positioned above when the water pressure Fw is above a predetermined level, and moves away to open the valve seat portion 8 when the water pressure Fw is below a predetermined level, the opening and closing of the sub-valve mechanism 6 can be performed smoothly in response to the predetermined water pressure Fw, and this can be implemented as the optimal configuration from the viewpoint of ensuring reliable water drainage.

[0035] Figure 7 shows an example of a sludge discharge valve 3. The illustrated sludge discharge valve 3 includes a valve base 31 having a first connection port 32f at its left end and a second connection port 32s at its right end, with a water passage 31r between the first connection port 32f and the second connection port 32s. A valve body unit 33 is rotatably disposed at an intermediate position inside the valve base 31. This valve body unit 33 integrally comprises a disc-shaped valve body 34 positioned in the water passage 31r, a shaft 35 connected to the upper end of the valve body 34, and an operating handle 36 attached to the upper end of the shaft 35.

[0036] As a result, by rotating the operating handle 36 and displacing the valve body 34 to a position (angle) that blocks the water passage 31r, the sludge discharge valve 3 can be switched to the closed position shown in Figure 7. On the other hand, by rotating the operating handle 36 90° from the closed position and displacing the valve body 34 to the position (angle) indicated by the dashed line in Figure 7 where the water passage 31r is opened, the sludge discharge valve 3 can be switched to the open position.

[0037] Figure 8 shows an example of a drain valve 7. The example drain valve 7 has a valve base 41 having a first connection port 42f at the left end and a second connection port 42s at the right end, and the space between the first connection port 42f and the second connection port 42s inside the valve base 41 is a water passage 41r. A partition wall 43 with a valve seat 42 formed on its horizontal surface is provided at an intermediate position inside the valve base 41. This partition wall 43 divides the water passage 41r into an upstream water passage 41rf and a downstream water passage 41rs.

[0038] Furthermore, an opening is provided on the upper surface of the plug base 41 at an intermediate position, and a drain block 44 is fixed to this opening. The area around the drain block 44 is covered by the lower end of an outer cylinder portion 45 that is raised upward to a predetermined height, and the upper end of this outer cylinder portion 45 is closed by a ring-shaped cover 45c. Inside the outer cylinder portion 45, an inner cylinder portion 46 is arranged coaxially, the lower end of the inner cylinder portion 46 is connected to the drain block 44, and the upper end of the inner cylinder portion 46 is connected to the cover 45c.

[0039] Furthermore, a valve body unit 47 having an axis in the axial direction is disposed at the center of the inner cylinder portion 46. The valve body unit 47 comprises a shaft portion 48 disposed inside the inner cylinder portion 46, an operating handle portion 49 attached to the upper end of the shaft portion 48, and a valve body portion 50 attached to the lower end of the shaft portion 48. In this case, since the shaft portion 48 passes through a through hole provided in the center of the drain block 44, a screw hole portion 51n is formed on the inner circumferential surface of this through hole, and a screw portion 51s that screws into the screw hole portion 51n is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 48.

[0040] The valve body 50 comprises a drain valve body plate 53 fixed to the shaft 48 and a shut-off valve body plate 52 positioned below the drain valve body plate 53. The shut-off valve body plate 52 and the drain valve body plate 53 are connected via a spring (coil spring) not shown. In this case, the lower surface of the shut-off valve body plate 52 is provided with a pressure contact surface made of rubber material facing the aforementioned valve seat 42, and the upper surface of the drain valve body plate 53 is provided with a pressure contact surface made of rubber material facing the drain port 44e of the drain block 44.

[0041] As a result, when water is flowing, rotating the operating handle 49 and displacing the shaft 48 upward causes the valve body 50 to rise. Consequently, the drain valve body plate 53 is displaced upward and presses against the drain block 44, thereby closing the drain port 44e. Simultaneously, the shut-off valve body plate 52 is displaced via the spring to the upper position shown by the solid line, separating from the valve seat 42, and the drain plug 7 becomes a water-flowing state.

[0042] In contrast, when shutting off or draining water, rotating the operating handle 49 displaces the shaft 48 downward, causing the valve body 50 to also descend. As a result, the shut-off valve plate 52 is displaced to the downward position shown by the dashed line and presses against the valve seat 42, thereby shutting off the water from the drain plug 7. From this shut-off state, further rotation of the operating handle 49 displaces the second valve plate 53 downward against the elasticity of the spring, causing the second valve plate 53 to separate from the drain block 44, opening the drain port 44e and allowing water to be drained to the outside through this drain port 44e, resulting in a drained state.

[0043] Next, the overall usage method and operation of the agricultural water supply system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained in accordance with the flowchart in Figure 2, with reference to Figures 1, 3-8.

[0044] In the agricultural water supply system 1 shown in Figure 1, the main water supply section Mm is managed by a designated manager (e.g., a facility manager), and each branch water supply section Ms... is managed by individual users (e.g., individual agricultural workers).

[0045] Currently, the water supply system 1 is assumed to be in non-use mode. In non-use mode, all branch pipe shut-off valves 5... are switched to the closed position, all drain valves 7... are switched to the open position, the sludge discharge valve 3 is in the closed position, and the water supply pump Sp is in the off position (step S1).

[0046] On the other hand, let's consider the case where the system needs to be switched from this non-use mode to use mode (step S2). In this case, the administrator first turns on the water supply pump Sp (step S3). If the water supply pump Sp does not exist, the administrator can simply open the main valve or similar cock. As a result, the water W from the water source S is sent by the water supply pump Sp and flows into the main pipe Pm, as well as into the upstream branch pipes Psi... leading to the branch pipe shut-off valves 5..., causing the water pressure in the main pipe Pm and the upstream branch pipes Psi... to rise (step S4).

[0047] In this case, when the water pressure is low (including negative pressure) and below the predetermined water pressure Fw, the sub-valve mechanism 6 is in the open position Zpo (position in Figure 6), that is, the ball valve body 9 falls due to its own weight and is in the lower open position Zpo, separated from the valve seat 8. However, when water W flows in and the water pressure rises to above the predetermined water pressure Fw, as shown in Figure 4, the water pressure from the upstream side causes the ball valve body 9 to be displaced upward and press against the valve seat 8, thereby switching the sub-valve mechanism 6 to the closed position Zpc (step S5). As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the incoming water W stops upstream of the valve body 5v, resulting in a water stop state. Note that in Figure 4, arrows D1... indicate the flow state of water W.

[0048] In this water-stopped state, individual users (farmers) can supply water W using a designated branch pipe water supply section Ms (step S6). For example, a farmer using a speed sprayer moves the speed sprayer to the designated branch pipe water supply section Ms, inserts the water inlet 4 provided at the end of the branch pipe Ps (flexible pipe Psf) into the chemical tank of the speed sprayer, and switches the corresponding branch pipe on / off valve 5 to the water supply side.

[0049] In other words, by rotating the operating handle portion 18 of the branch valve 5 toward the water supply side, the valve body portion 5v separates from the valve seat portion 8 as shown in Figure 5, and the valve body portion 5v in the branch valve 5 is switched to the open position Zo shown in Figure 5 (step S7). As a result, the water passage 11r of the branch valve 5 is opened, and the water W on the upstream side flows in the direction of the arrow D2... in Figure 5, and the water W is discharged from the water inlet 4, allowing the desired replenishment to be carried out (step S8).

[0050] Once the intended water supply (replenishment) is complete, the branch pipe shut-off valve 5 is switched to the shut-off side (steps S9, S10). In this case, when the operating handle 18 is rotated to the shut-off side, the valve body 5v presses against the valve seat 14, closing the valve seat 14, that is, the valve body 5v is displaced to the closed position Zc, and as in the case of Figure 4, the water pressure upstream of the branch pipe shut-off valve 5 reaches water pressure Fw, so the sub-valve mechanism 6 is also switched to the closed position Zpc as shown in Figure 4.

[0051] Next, we will explain the cold season. During the cold season, the system can be switched to drain mode to prevent freezing (step S11). In conventional water supply systems of this type, a drain valve 7 was connected to each branch water supply section Ms…, so each farm worker switched the drain valve 7… to the drain state at their own discretion. However, because the management of this method was left to individual farmers, they often forgot to drain the water using the drain valve 7… during the cold season, which resulted in problems such as damage to the branch pipes Ps due to freezing.

[0052] Therefore, in the water supply system 1 according to the present invention, the administrator can operate the sludge discharge valve 3 to the open position, thereby enabling the discharge of residual water remaining in the main pipe Pm and multiple branch pipes Ps... all at once from the sludge discharge valve 3.

[0053] First, if the administrator determines that it is necessary to drain the water, they turn off the water supply pump Sp to stop the water supply (step S12). If there is no water supply pump Sp, they can simply close the main valve or on / off cock. This stops the supply of water W by the water supply pump Sp, so they then switch the sludge discharge valve 3 from the closed position to the open position (step S13).

[0054] In other words, in the case of the sludge discharge valve 3 shown in Figure 7, the operating handle 36 is rotated to rotate the valve body 34, shown by the solid line, 90° to the position shown by the dashed line. This opens the water passage 31r and switches the sludge discharge valve 3 to the open position. With the valve body 34 switched to the open position, a draining process is performed in which residual water in the main pipe Pm shown in Figure 1, and furthermore, residual water in all the branch pipes Ps... are discharged from the sludge discharge valve 3 (step S14).

[0055] The water draining process reduces the water pressure upstream of the branch valve 5... (step S15). As a result, the water pressure upstream becomes at least below a predetermined water pressure Fw, and even becomes negative. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, even when the valve body 5v is in the closed position Zc, the ball valve body 9 of the sub-valve mechanism 6 falls due to its own weight and separates from the valve seat 8, and the sub-valve mechanism 6 is switched to the open position Zpo (step S16).

[0056] As a result, all residual water in each branch pipe Ps… on the upstream and downstream sides of each branch pipe shut-off valve 5… is discharged to the outside through the main pipe Pm and the sludge discharge valve 3 (step S17). The arrows D3… shown in Figure 6 indicate the residual water discharge path. Once all residual water has been discharged, the sludge discharge valve 3 is switched to the closed position (steps S18, S19). If further processing is required, the same process can be carried out (steps S20, S1, S2…).

[0057] In this embodiment of the water supply system 1, the entire system can be drained at once by simply operating the sludge discharge valve 3. However, since drain valves 7 are connected to each branch pipe Ps... at intermediate positions, it is also possible to drain each branch pipe Ps individually. Therefore, for example, even if the administrator determines that there is no need to drain the water, each agricultural worker can make an individual judgment based on the location of each branch pipe Ps... and if they determine that draining is necessary, they can drain the water at their discretion.

[0058] Therefore, according to the agricultural water supply system 1 and its draining method as described in this embodiment, the basic configuration (method) is such that the branch pipe on-off valve 5... is configured as an on-off function valve in which the valve body 5v... is displaced by the operation of the operating part 5h... to open and close the branch pipe Ps..., and a sub-valve mechanism 6 is provided inside the valve body 5v... which switches the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the closed position Zpc when the water pressure Fw or higher in the branch pipe Psi upstream of the valve body 5v... is above a predetermined water pressure Fw, and switches the valve body 5v... from the closed position Zc to the open position Zpo when the water pressure is below a predetermined water pressure Fw. During draining, the residual water in the main pipe Pm and the multiple branch pipes Ps... can be discharged from the sludge discharge valve 3 by switching the sludge discharge valve 3 to the open position. As a result, it can be implemented at low cost by only improving the branch pipe on-off valve 5..., and a water supply system 1 with excellent economy and energy saving can be provided. Moreover, by simply operating the sludge discharge valve 3, all residual water in the main pipe Pm and multiple branch pipes Ps... can be reliably discharged, and this can be done automatically and easily even in farms and other locations without electrical equipment.

[0059] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the details of the configuration, shape, materials, quantity, numerical values, etc. can be arbitrarily changed, added, or deleted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] For example, the diagram shows a case where a drain valve 7... is connected in series at an intermediate position upstream of the branch pipe shut-off valve 5... in the branch pipe Ps..., but this is not an essential component in relation to the present invention. Furthermore, the diagram shows a case where a water supply pump Sp that sends water W to the main pipe Pm is provided at the water source S, but if the water source S is located at a relatively high position (location) relative to the main pipe Pm, etc., and sufficient water pressure can be secured, it is not necessarily required to provide a water supply pump Sp. On the other hand, the basic configuration of the sludge discharge valve 3, branch pipe shut-off valve 5..., and water tap post 7... is not limited to the example configuration, and can be replaced by other structures (methods) as long as they open and close the pipeline (water passage) and perform similar functions. In addition, although the sludge discharge valve 3, branch pipe shut-off valve 5..., and water tap post 7... are exemplified as manual types, they may also be operated by other methods (principles), such as electric or electromagnetic drive types. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] The agricultural water supply system and its drainage method according to the present invention can be used as a water supply facility for large-scale agriculture, etc., comprising a main water supply section supplied with water from a water source and multiple branch water supply sections branching off from this main water supply section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1: Agricultural water supply system, 3: Sludge discharge valve, 4…: Water inlet, 5…: Branch pipe shut-off valve, 5h…: Operating unit, 5v…: Valve body, 6: Sub-valve mechanism, 7: Drain plug, 8: Valve seat, 9: Ball valve body, S: Water source, Sp: Water supply pump, Pm: Main pipe, Ps…: Branch pipe, Mm: Main pipe water supply section, Ms…: Branch pipe water supply section, X1, X2…Xn: Multiple different positions on the main pipe, Zc: Closed position, Zpc: Closed side, Zpo: Open side, G: Ground level, Psi: Branch pipe upstream of the valve body, Fw: Predetermined water pressure

Claims

1. In an agricultural water supply system comprising a main pipe water supply section that supplies water from a water source containing water to a main pipe connected to a sludge discharge valve, and a plurality of branch pipe water supply sections comprising a plurality of branch pipes branching from a plurality of different positions in the main pipe, with the water inlet at the end of each branch pipe exposed above ground, and at least one branch pipe shut-off valve connected at an intermediate position in each branch pipe, the branch pipe shut-off valve is configured as a shut-off valve whose valve body is displaced by the operation of an operating part to open and close the branch pipe, and inside the valve body, An agricultural water supply system characterized by having a sub-valve mechanism which, when the water pressure in the upstream branch pipe exceeds a predetermined level, causes the ball valve body to rise and close the valve seat positioned above it, thereby switching the valve body from the closed position to the closed position, and when the water pressure falls below a predetermined level, causes the ball valve body to move away from the valve seat and open the valve seat, thereby switching the valve body from the closed position to the open position, thereby stopping the water supply from the water source and enabling the discharge of residual water from the main pipe and the plurality of branch pipes through the discharge valve by switching the sludge discharge valve to the open position.

2. The agricultural water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the branch pipes is provided with a drain valve connected in series at an intermediate position upstream of the branch pipe shut-off valve.

3. The agricultural water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water source comprises a water supply pump that delivers water to the main pipe.

4. A method for draining water from an agricultural water supply system comprising a main pipe water supply section that supplies water from a water source containing water to a main pipe connected to a sludge discharge valve, and a plurality of branch pipe water supply sections comprising a plurality of branch pipes branching from a plurality of different positions in the main pipe, with the water inlet provided at the end of each branch pipe exposed to the ground at least, and at least a branch pipe shut-off valve connected at an intermediate position in each branch pipe, wherein the branch pipe shut-off valve is configured as a shut-off function valve in which the valve body is displaced by the operation of an operating part to open and close the branch pipe, and inside the valve body, relative to the valve body, A method for draining an agricultural water supply system, characterized in that, when the water pressure in the branch pipe on the flow side exceeds a predetermined level, a ball valve body rises and closes the valve seat positioned above it, thereby switching the valve body from the closed position to the closed position, and when the water pressure falls below a predetermined level, the ball valve body moves away from the valve seat and opens the valve seat, thereby switching the valve body from the closed position to the open position, and when draining the water, after stopping the water supply from the water source, the residual water in the main pipe and the plurality of branch pipes can be discharged from the sludge discharge valve by switching the sludge discharge valve to the open position.

5. A method for draining water from an agricultural water supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that water is supplied from the water source to the main pipe by a water supply pump.

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