Irrigation system

The invention relates to a sprinkler system especially for crops with one about a substantially vertical axis in a horizontal angle range pivotable sprinkler, exiting the front a water jet.

Such sprinkler systems are already known and are already in practice employed, often a winding drum via a hose a movable sprinkler trolley pulls on which in turn the sprinkler is pivotably mounted. Also shows the international patent application WO00 / 13486, such a sprinkler system. In such systems, the Sprinkler trolley together with the hose pulled for example by means of a tractor, wherein the water hose from the winding drum unwinds. In actual Operation then pulls the hose winding drum on the sprinkler trolley to be said a swinging left and right sprinkler a predetermined sector watered by a sprinkler arm emerging from the water jet. At the free End of the sprinkler arm can be provided a jet sub Bracher, who alternately engages the waterjet and these fans out, so that a substantially the whole sector bewässernder "water curtain" results. The beam interrupter can also function as a beam deflection taking, the thereby generated Torque can be used. to the Beregnerarm about a vertical axis to to swivel a horizontal angle. It requires no separate drive for this horizontal movement on the irrigation sector. Rather, one can exploit water power to do so.

Older versions of such irrigation systems are very inflexible in use. They usually allow only a basic setting, ie that of a single sprinkler predefined sector sweeps. A change is possible but relatively consuming and has been from users frequently when the sprinkler made, which in view of the high-pressure water jet a great danger represents. Such a change is for example necessary if the end of the to irrigated land a road passes, which must not be watered. Then the irrigation sector has for example a semicircle to the winding drum be oriented towards. After a certain retraction is then a changeover needed in the irrigation sector is changed to the effect that he by the Winding drum has gone.

The above-mentioned WO00 / 13486 already shows a sprinkler system, in which the by Sprinkler swept sector during threading through the winding drum, So during irrigation, without manual intervention is variable. However, the local structure very complex and still inflexible. It must on with a plate fastened mechanical pencils turning points are defined, the each specify the end of a sector. can then respectively over control one of those defined by mechanical endpoints sectors are selected.

In addition, there is also the possibility of the sprinkler arm about a fixed axis to pivot or to store them at the end of a large rotary irrigation arm.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved irrigation system of the above creating genus mentioned that easily extending the irrigation requirements can adapt existing surface. In addition, there should be the possibility of external Parameters such as wind direction, wind speed and / or the water pressure during irrigation continuously to take account automatically.

This is achieved by an electronic control device according to the invention, via which the swept by sprinkler horizontal angle range is adjustable. Advantageously, the control device has an electronic memory, in which Values ​​for two or more horizontal angle regions are digitally storable, and a programmable sequence control, via which a sequence of stored is horizontal angle ranges fixed.

The inventive electronic controlled irrigation system allows numerous different irrigation sectors (from the jet of water from the sprinkler arm swept horizontal angle regions) in a simple manner in the electronic Memory for storing in advance. The definition of such a horizontal angle range For example, by storing the respective inflection points on the edge done such a horizontal angle range, where are the sprinkler its pivot direction reverses about a vertical axis. The sprinkler pivots So then in operation between the two each by a programmable Sequencer currently selected reversal points in the current Horizontal angle range back and forth and watered while the land. But it is also possible for the horizontal angle regions "indirectly" to save, for example, in The form of parameters, from which then control the reversal points only calculated. Finally, provision is preferably made that the control of a GPS receiver having a memory for storing a plurality of terrain points. This allows the horizontal angle regions of the stored terrain points calculate and define.

Going beyond the aforementioned programmable sequence control allows the Horizontal angle field change in a simple manner during operation. This can under "normal conditions", for example, depending on the retraction of the Water hose to the winding drum, done. For this purpose, the are detected rotation state of the winding drum. But there are also time-dependent sequential control quite conceivable and possible.

It also allows the inventive electronic irrigation system, of the "Normal conditions" different states to be considered automatically. To includes in particular the influence of the wind, the escaping from the water arm Waterjet deflects and thus no correction irrigated another area, as this to the desired set sector (horizontal angle) corresponds.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, is a device for detecting the wind speed and / or direction of the wind available, the electrical Signals to the electronic control device outputs, which are then the current Horizontal angle range varied to compensate for the influence of the wind. It can also advantageously, the vertical angle, that is the height adjustment of the Sprinkler arm, about a horizontal axis to be adjusted.

Also a control of the water pressure is possible to pressure fluctuations in the to compensate transmission system, to maintain the desired air throw accurately and / or to possibly wind effects by changing the droplet size compensate.

Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following Brief Description explained.<sl><li>The FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a sprinkler system in a highly schematic side view,</li><li>FIG. 2 shows a corresponding plan view,</li><li>FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of such a sprinkler system in Operation, wherein depending on the retraction of the water hose to the Winding drum different horizontal angle regions (sectors) are irrigated,</li><li>FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a portion of an inventively trained sprinkler trolley.</li><li>FIG. 5 shows a detail of such a sprinkler trolley, namely in the region of the Axial mounting of the sprinkler arm, not shown.</li><li>Fig. Figure 6 shows the automatic compensation of the irrigation sector at a Wind influence</li><li>Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the vertical angle or the Height adjustment of the variable Beregnerarmes variant</li><li>FIG. 8 shows the electronic control device of an embodiment of Sprinkler invention in a block diagram,</li><li>FIGS. 9 and 10 show further embodiments of such an electronic Control means,</li><li>FIG. 11 shows an example with a large rotatable Bewässerungsarm a Side view.</li><li>Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic plan view of an example of FIG. 11,</li><li>FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of an electronic control device, which by a GPS receiver with a memory for storing a plurality of Terrain points is supplemented,</li><li>FIG. 14 shows an example of a field with a beregnendes to be sprinkled Area A1 and a knock out area A2, which by means of a GPS system detected surface points are defined.</li></sl>

The sprinkler illustrated in Fig. 1 for crops has a on a Winding drum 1 can be wound hose 2. At the end of Water hose 2 is arranged a movable sprinkler trolley 3, by Winding the water hose 2 can be retracted in the arrow direction. 4 Of the Sprinkler trolley 3 has one about a vertical axis 5 in a Horitzontalwinkelbereich pivotable on sprinkler. 6 The sprinkler 6 has forward a jet interrupter and -ablenker on the one hand a fanned Waterjet results and on the other hand to move the sprinkler arm (pivot can be used on the position to be irrigated sector). Fig. 2 shows a Plan view of the Fig. 1

Likewise a plan view, FIG. 3, wherein the four arbitrarily different Positions (feeder routes of the water hose 2) are exemplified. It is be seen that the sprinkler arm in these various positions of the collection Water hose each in width and orientation different Horizontal angle regions (irrigation sectors) sweeps. The horizontal angle is designated by α. Here, for example an at Land End running past road are recessed from the irrigation. By means of a small Horizontal angle range, for example, an existing building of the Watering be exempted. Taken overall, so that the irrigation optimize and reduce water consumption.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a sprinkler trolley according to the invention in greater detail. The sprinkler trolley shown schematically on a Frame shown 8 movable on wheels 9, by train at Water hose 2 in the direction 4. The winding drum that winds the hose 2 and thus the entire sprinkler trolley 3 moves, is not shown in Fig. 4. Of the Sprinkler trolley 3 has a sprinkler 6, which at about a vertical axis 5 a Angle α is pivoted to a horizontal angle range α a sprinkling make. The drive for this horizontal pivoting movement is carried out by Deflection of the water jet in the combined beam interrupter and -ablenker. 7 It is adjustable via the electronic control device 10 via an actuator 11, so that the swing direction is reversible. The actuator 11, thereby moving the Beam interrupter and -ablenker 7 so that the immersion end in the beam Deflector 7a optionally slightly left or right offset from the center of the beam passes. So that a torque on the sprinkler 3 is exerted, and this is pivoted in the desired direction. It is used the water power to the Horizontal angle field to sweep. It is of course alternatively the opportunity to actively employ an electric servo motor or stepper motor the pivoting about the vertical axis to obtain (angle α). The However, horizontal movement by taking advantage of the water jet is already prior Technology, so that when such a use, no conversion is necessary. Also can this variant, which is shown in Fig. 4. with robust components realize.

The invention described in more detail below electronic control means may also via a servomotor 12, the altitude, so the angular position to a horizontal axis 13 (angle β) of the sprinkler arm 6 Set. Finally, the electronic control means via a control line 14, a pressure control valve 15 (Schematically represented in base 16) drive to influence the Throw to achieve with otherwise identical parameters.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is the electronic Controller 10 via antennas 17 in radio contact with an optionally spatially separately mounted branch 18. This, together with the Wind turbine 19 and the wind direction blade 20 is a means for detecting the Wind direction and / or the wind strength. In addition, this office in Combination with the pressure sensor 21 is a means for detecting the Water pressure is.

The Fig. 8 now shows a schematic block diagram of a first Embodiment of an electronic controller of the invention Sprinkler. The control means 10 includes a programmable Sequence control 22, via which a sequence of stored is horizontal angle ranges fixed. This horizontal angle spaces for example, by their endpoints α_MAX and α_MIN defined and in electronic Memory 23 stored. The electronic flow control is for example a exte rnes programmer 24 (such as a personal computer) via a Line 25 and an interface 26 programmable, this means 24 and the horizontal angle ranges can be stored in the memory 23rd

The sequence controller 22 of the electronic control device 10 preferably controls the horizontal angle by driving the beam deflector 7 through the line 27 and the actuator 11, namely conveniently carried out in dependence on the on the Means 28 detected position of the sprinkler trolley 3 relative to the winding drum 1, So depending on the retraction of the hose 2. The entire device very flexible. There can be numerous horizontal angle regions in the Controller and then drop from the sequencer 2 in any manner Select and order.

As an alternative to dependence on the retraction, the sequence control course purely time-dependent, ie in accordance with a time signal from a (in practice preferably integrated) clock 29 occur. The programming included the Passing the horizontal angle regions defining turning points α_MAX and α_MINcan in the memory 3, and of course in other ways than via a data line 15 and an external programming device 24 take place, for example, by an integrated Keyboard 30 with display 31, as shown in Fig. 9. However, it is also possible for example, provide a portable smart card that is programmed externally and loaded and then in the sprinkler trolley or its electronic control device is inserted.

In FIG. 8 is another means 32 for detecting the actual value of the current Horizontal angle (α_IS) Of the sprinkler arm 6 is provided, said means 32 via a line 33 an electrical signal to the electronic control device 10, more specifically write to the sequencing 22nd This then adjusted via the Actuator 11 by the beam deflector 7 the horizontal angle, until the currently current reversal point α_MAX or α_MIN is reached. Thus, slchergestellt are that the sprinkler 6 precisely between the two currently active Horizontal angle turning points α_MAX and α_MIN swings back and forth. The said Angles are measured with respect to the sprinkler trolley. 3

It is understood that the memory 23 and the electronic summarized scheduler 22 in a common microprocessor unit can be.

FIG. 5 shows the bearing region of the sprinkler arm 6, for the sake of clarity, itself is not shown. He is attached to the flange 34th Rotationally fixed to the Undercarriage of the sprinkler trolley is a disc 35, which in Gray code coded recesses 36 having radially oriented by a series Hall sensors in the control box 37 can be read. The control box 37 or not Hall sensors shown in greater detail are rotatably connected to the flange 34 for the sprinkler connected. Thus, this means the actual value of the horizontal angle of detected sprinkler arm and transmitted to the electronic control device 10 will. This design is particularly robust and at the harsh conditions adjusted operating such a sprinkler. Of course, other Means for detecting the actual value of the current horizontal angle possible, for example via a toothed belt driven angle encoder or . like

The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 an electronic control device 10 corresponds to various components of the embodiment of Fig. 8, which bear the same reference numerals and will therefore not be described again. is different, as mentioned above, the integrated control unit with a keyboard 30 and a display 31 for programming the sequencer 22 or Store the desired switching points for the horizontal angle range in Memory 23. In addition, the device according to FIG. 9, a device 38 for recording on the wind speed and wind direction. This device gives electric Control signals via line 39 to a correction unit 40 from the course in can be integrated to the electronic flow control. Thus, the originally (No wind) to irrigated horizontal angle range (dotted sector in FIG. 6 Reference numeral 41) are moved depending on the wind direction and speed, as in Fig. 6 is shown with reference numeral 42. Along with the wind influence results then essentially turn the irrigation of the desired dot Face 41st

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 for the sake of clarity, the Programming and operating means not shown. You can, for example, so be formed, as mentioned above. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the memory for the reversal points of the horizontal angle regions integrated in the flow control 22nd Otherwise, this embodiment in turn, some of the components on that match with the previous examples and therefore need not be explained again here. In this Embodiment, in addition to a change in the horizontal angle range (α) also the elevation angle β will vary depending on wind. Around To perform this in the sense of precise control, a device 41 β for determining the actual value of the current elevation angle_IS be provided. Depending on the wind influence can be the elevation angle over a Corrector 42, the course in electronic sequencer 22 may be integrated, be varied. For example, it is possible, the elevation angle lower bit as shown in Fig. 7 (of illustration exaggerated for) is shown. This enables a flatter curve beam and a lower Suggestibility through - achieved wind influences - particularly lateral.

Moreover, it is possible to regulate the water pressure, for which purpose a means 21 for Determining the actual value of the water pressure is provided. The water pressure can be used to controlled adjustment of the throw and to compensate for pressure fluctuations , whereby the electronic control device 10 outputs a signal via line 14 to a pressure control valve 15 (see. also FIG. 4) outputs. In addition, also provided be to correct the water pressure depending on the influence of wind, For example, in the unit 43 in electronic sequencer 22 can be integrated.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the sprinkler 6 at the free end a large pivoting irrigation arm is mounted 42nd This large Bewässerungsarm about an axis 43 (horizontal angle α₁) By an unspecified Drive illustrated movable. Such irrigation systems come to Irrigation of large plant crops. They run on wheels 44 to and distribute water through nozzles 45th

The sprinkler 6 is large relative to the Bewässerungsarm 42 about a vertical axis 5 (angle α) pivotally mounted.

This results in the situation shown in Figure 12., For example, for irrigation a square plot 46. The big Bewässerungsarm 42, by Twisting through the angle α₁ mainly irrigate the circular area 47th The would be between the corners of the square and the circle lying surfaces normally remain unirrigated. Given now is the end of the great Irrigation arm 42 mounted rotatable sprinkler arm 6, in addition, the area 48 can irrigate. In this case, by reducing the water pressure and / or the Pressure altitude even possible to ensure that no surface 49 outside the square 46 is irrigated, if such would interfere with irrigation. In general, it is but not about very precise limits, but rather the Areas between the circle and the square at the corners by the Sprinkler 6 optimally irrigate under the greatest possible water savings.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the control device 10 is by a GPS receiver 50 adds. This GPS receiver 50 includes a memory for storing a plurality terrain points to what in more detail below is received. Such a GPS receiver comprises an antenna 51, a display 52 and a keyboard 53. He is able, as a GPS system (Global Positioning System) satellite data to determine its location accurately.

In the illustrated embodiment, the GPS receiver 50 from a single console 54, with which it is in connection via plug-in contacts, designed to be removable. In order to is an operation possible, which will be described in more detail below. they essentially consists in that one removed with the GPS receiver going in to beregnendes field at the boundaries and defining the field Vertices inputs. These are then stored in memory of the GPS receiver itself stored. The terrain data via line 55 either in a Memory of the controller 10 or loaded in the memory of the GPS receiver 50 remain, in which case the sequence controller 22 accesses this data. During the actual irrigation process are the GPS receiver upper line 56 continuously position data to the control device 10 further. A separate Device 28, as was described in the earlier embodiments, may therefore be deleted.

Detail the system works as follows

is on the sprinklers to the system controller 10 connected and detachable GPS receiver module 50 is mounted. In this receiver module is a memory for integrated storage of GPS points. Can preferably be a commercial Use GPS handset interface. However, it is possible to use a GPS module in incorporate their own housing.

In the first application of the device to a specific field or application on a new field, the user decreases the GPS module from the sprinkler and goes the boundaries from the field. From every corner of the field, the GPS data stored. To describe a field A1, any number of vertices be saved, but at least three points. In Fig. 14 there are P1 - P6. Being located inside the field areas or buildings or obstacles not to be irrigated, so the corners of the negative area are A2 in Figure 14 P7 -. P10 also stored accordingly.

The user attaches the module 50 back in place on the Sprinkler controller. The irrigation system is put into operation. The system know through the GPS where the sprinkler is. An algorithm which in the Control of the sprinkler is integrated, calculated using the current GPS position the sprinkler and the connecting lines of the previously stored key points the need to comply with and optimal rainout of the surface current Sector angle (horizontal angle α). The sector angle is applied to the control of the sent irrigation machines, which in turn to the respective sector angles corresponding retraction speed of the sprinkler to provide a constant calculated rainfall throughout the catchment range of the sprinkler and adjusts.

Meets the sprinkler on a surface, which are excluded from the irrigation is, then the sector angle is adjusted so that the area is circumscribed.

When calculating the collection rate is also taken into account whether the Regner a swept by water jet area irrigated twice. It happens, when the sprinkler its main orientation direction rotated by 180 °, as in the beginning, the End or at stages of the field.

It can also be adjusted depending on the GPS points the throw, if this is necessary.

In the Fig. 14, schematically some required sector angle for the complete Rainout of area A1 and the area A2 shown paraphrase.

The set-up positions of the irrigation system are chosen to the functional principle to explain, in practice, the distance between two positions of Beregnungsmaschine chosen so that an overlap of the irrigated area is achieved.

In center-pivot systems (such as in Fig. 12) can also be the Vertices of the surface to be sprinkled are stored, and the sprinkler will then irrigate only in this area. To here the water distribution constant to hold, it will be useful to the duty cycle of the sprinkler at the beginning and at the end of each sector to be irrigated to steuem.

Advantage of this GPS-controlled system is that the sprinkler from the Beregnungsmaschine no position data on its current position in the field needs and thus autonomous and independent to adhere to the field boundaries can calculate the required horizontal sector angle. There is no data transmission required, that is, that the so-equipped sprinkler on each irrigator, even the old can be retrofitted.

Another big advantage is that this system allows a field in the completely auszuregnen corners, without exceeding the field boundaries or in To precisely umregnen field located surfaces, which should not be irrigated able.

An additional improvement to the above independent system can be achieved, when the sprinkler its instantaneous horizontal sector angle of the control of the Beregnungsmaschine send (broadcast or cable). The irrigation system can then rules that govern retraction speed of the sprinkler so that the pro from the sprinkler Unit time given amount of water on the horizontal from the respective Sector angle limited area remains constant. This is a uniform Water distribution on the entire irrigated area guaranteed.

It can import data from any number of fields to be stored, the sprinkler automatically detects in which field and where the formation position Sprinkling machine in the field he is and adjusts the horizontal sector angle accordingly.

The GPS module can be removed from the sprinkler and for detecting the Corner points of the field are used, as has already been described.

As the above examples show, the sprinkler system of the invention can on numerous species are implemented. Of course, even more Embodiments are conceivable and possible. For example, instead of Nursery and also coal stockpiles or Erzhalden be irrigated. Also in the Abwasserverregnung the invention is used. It may in particular rotatable, but otherwise can not be displaced or moved mounted fixed sprinklers are used.