EP3482833A1 - Adjusting equipment and method for producing a pivoting angle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device (18) for adjusting a swivel angle range (71, 72) of a sprinkler (10) with a sprinkler arm (11) pivotable about a substantially vertical axis (13) in a horizontal angle range. The adjusting device (18) comprises: - A first stop (20) and a second stop (21), wherein the sprinkler arm (11) between the two stops (20, 21) is pivotable, and the stops (20, 21) the pivoting angle range (71, 72) of the sprinkler arm (11) determine - At least one drive (22, 23) for variably adjusting an angular position of the first stop (20) with respect to the vertical axis (13) and for variably adjusting an angular position of the second stop (21) with respect to the vertical axis (13) . a control device for controlling the drive (22, 23), wherein the angular position of the first stop (20) and the angular position of the second stop (21) are independently adjustable. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for adjusting a pivoting angle range (71, 72) of a sprinkler (11).

Description

The invention relates to an adjusting device and a method for adjusting a pivoting angle range of a sprinkler.

A sprinkler typically includes a sprinkler arm pivotable about a vertical axis from which a jet of water emerges from the front. Due to the pivoting movement of the sprinkler, a circular area or a sector-shaped area around the sprinkler can be irrigated. Sprinklers are used in particular for irrigation of large areas and are used for example in agriculture and gardening and landscape management. Sprinklers can also be used on sports, golf or tennis courts. Further, with sprinklers instead of plant crops also coal dumps or ore dumps can be irrigated.

Said sprinkler is usually designed as part of a sprinkler with a winding drum and a water hose. Often, the winding drum pulls on the water hose a movable sprinkler, on which in turn the sprinkler arm is pivotally mounted. In such irrigation systems, the sprinkler carriage including the hose is pulled out, for example, with the aid of a tractor, wherein the water hose unwinds from the winding drum. In actual operation, the winding drum on the hose then pulls the sprinkler trolley toward it, with a sprinkler arm pivoting left and right irrigating a predetermined circular sector by means of a water jet emerging from the sprinkler arm. At the free end of the sprinkler arm, a jet breaker may be provided, which alternately engages and fanning the water jet, resulting in a substantially "water curtain" irrigating the entire circular sector. The beam interrupter can also function as a beam deflector, wherein the torque generated thereby can be used to pivot the sprinkler arm about a vertical axis about a horizontal angle. So it usually requires no separate drive for this horizontal movement over the irrigation sector. Rather, the water energy can be used.

Older variants of such irrigation systems are very inflexible in operation. They usually allow only a basic setting, in which the sprinkler arm sweeps over a single predefined sector. A conversion of the sector is possible but relatively expensive and was often made by the users with the sprinkler on, which may pose a threat in view of the high-pressure water jet. Furthermore, a user may have to take relatively long stretches to the irrigation system to change the sector, and to know exactly when the sector should be converted. Such a change is necessary, for example, if, for example, at the end of the property to be rained, there is a road or railroad tracks which may not be irrigated. Then the sprinkling sector, for example, must be aligned semicircular to the winding drum. After a certain intake path then a change is necessary, in which the irrigation sector is changed so that it points away from the winding drum.

In the publication EP 1 576 872 A2 a sprinkler system is shown in which an orientation and a size of the sector to be frosted can be adjusted. In this case, an angular position of the sprinkler arm is detected. When reaching a certain angle, a water jet deflector is controlled by an electric motor. The water jet deflector then exerts a torque on the sprinkler arm, causing it to pivot in a desired direction. The disadvantage here is that the Wasserstrahlablenker must be controlled each time again by the electric motor when a change of direction of the sprinkler arm is needed. As a result, the irrigation system can be prone to failure; In addition, the power consumption of the sprinkler system is relatively high.

The object of the invention is at least partially to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

This object is achieved by an adjustment according to the main claim and a method according to the independent claim. Further developments are described by the following description and the dependent claims.

• einen ersten Anschlag und einen zweiten Anschlag, wobei der Regnerarm zwischen den beiden Anschlägen schwenkbar ist, und die Anschläge den Schwenkwinkelbereich des Regnerarms festlegen,
• mindestens einen Antrieb zur variablen Verstellung einer Winkelposition des ersten Anschlags und zur variablen Verstellung einer Winkelposition des zweiten Anschlags,
• eine Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung des Antriebs,

wobei die Winkelposition des ersten Anschlags und die Winkelposition des zweiten Anschlags unabhängig voneinander verstellbar sind.The present application proposes an adjusting device for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler. The sprinkler in this case has a sprinkler arm pivotable about a substantially vertical axis in a horizontal angle range. The adjusting device comprises:

• a first stop and a second stop, wherein the sprinkler arm is pivotable between the two stops, and the stops define the pivot angle range of the sprinkler arm,
• at least one drive for the variable adjustment of an angular position of the first stop and for the variable adjustment of an angular position of the second stop,
• a control device for controlling the drive,

wherein the angular position of the first stop and the angular position of the second stop are independently adjustable.

The proposed adjustment allows an independent and controlled, ie automatic, adjustment of the angular positions of the attacks. The adjusting device is typically characterized by a simple and robust construction and can be implemented in particular in existing systems. So existing sprinklers can be retrofitted in a simple way with the adjustment.

The stops can be configured to lock the angular position. For this purpose, a mechanism for detecting the attacks can be provided. For example, the stops can initially be adjusted by the drive to a desired angular position. After adjustment, the stops can be locked so that the respective stop remains in the desired angular position. In case of failure of the electronics or power supply, the stops thus remain in their respective angular positions. An equipped with this adjustment sprinkler can then work like a conventional sprinkler without automatic adjustability of the attacks and thus ensure greater reliability. This adjustment further has the advantage that only energy is needed or power is consumed when an adjustment of one of the aforementioned attacks or both stops actually takes place.

In one embodiment, the stops can be decoupled from the drive. In a further embodiment, the angular positions of the stops are manually adjustable. This design can be advantageous if irrigation according to a certain predetermined pattern is not necessary and thus a specific control of the attacks can be omitted.

The stops are typically rotatably supported about the vertical axis. In a further embodiment, the first stop is mounted on a first rotatable ring. Further, the second stop may be mounted on a second rotatable ring. The adjustment of the angular positions of the stops can be done in this case by rotation of the corresponding rings.

The rings may be arranged concentrically, for example. In this case, the stops in the radial and / or vertical direction with respect to the vertical axis may be spaced from each other. Alternatively or additionally Also be provided that the first ring is arranged in the vertical direction over the second ring. It can be provided, for example, that the first stop and the second stop are spaced apart in the vertical direction and / or in the radial direction. This may favor the independent adjustability of the attacks.

In one embodiment, the first ring is a first sprocket. Further, the second ring may be a second sprocket. The sprockets may e.g. be designed as rigid gears, flexible gears, flexible chains, rigid chains or sprockets. The drive may include means for engaging the first sprocket and / or the second sprocket, e.g. a pinion, a worm, a planetary gear and / or a rack. This is a way to turn the attacks. Furthermore, by means of this embodiment, the above-described locking of the attacks can be realized. Typically, the drive comprises a stepping motor, a servomotor or an electromagnet for adjusting the at least one stop. In this case, the stepping motor, the servomotor or the electromagnet can be controlled by the control device. In a preferred embodiment, the first stop is adjusted by a first drive and the second stop is adjusted by a second drive. For the design of the two drives, reference is made to the above statements on the at least one drive.

Optionally, the first stop and / or the second stop are designed to be hinged by means of a hinge, such that the first stop and / or the second stop act as a stop only in a pivoting direction of the sprinkler arm.

In one embodiment, at least one position sensor for detecting the current angular position (actual value of the angular position) of the first stop and / or the current angular position (actual value of the angular position) of the second stop is present. The position sensor is usually connected to the control device. For example, a position of the stops or the above-mentioned rings can be determined optically, magnetically, inductively or via a position switch.

By adjusting the stops can be adjusted in particular an orientation of the swivel angle range. The orientation of the swivel angle range here means an average orientation of the water jet leaving the sprinkler arm; So if the sprinkler arm is in an angular position exactly between the two angular positions of the stops. Thus, the orientation of the swivel angle range (irrigation direction) toward an edge of a surface to be watered or in the opposite direction, i. away from the edge, show. By adjusting the orientation of the swivel angle range, surfaces with irregular shapes can be better watered. In addition, by adjusting the orientation of the swivel angle range (sprinkling direction), an area in the corners can be fully outraged without exceeding the area boundaries. In addition, areas on the surface that are not intended to be irrigated can be precisely wetted.

The adjusting device may comprise fastening means for fastening the adjusting device to the sprinkler. The fastening means is preferably a releasable attachment of the sprinkler with the adjusting device. For example, can be provided as a fastening means a releasable pipe clamp, which is able to fasten the adjustment with a water pipe or a standpipe of the sprinkler. However, the invention is not limited to a particular fastener. The adjusting device may comprise a pipe section and / or be attached to the pipe section, which can be arranged between the sprinkler arm and a supply line of the sprinkler arm. A longitudinal direction of the pipe section typically runs along the vertical direction. When installed, the pipe section thus usually forms an extension of the sprinkler in the vertical direction. The pipe section may have at least one first flange, which is connectable to a flange of the sprinkler arm. Further, the pipe section may have a second flange which is connectable to a flange of the supply line. The rings or sprockets are preferably rotatably mounted around the pipe section. The embodiment described makes it possible to retrofit existing sprinklers particularly well with the adjusting device.

The adjusting device or at least parts of the adjusting device, such as the drives, can be arranged in a watertight housing.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one wind sensor may be provided, which is designed to measure a wind force and / or wind direction. The wind sensor may e.g. be an anemometer. The control device can control the drive as a function of signals or data detected by the wind sensor. When there is no wind, a fairly even distribution of irrigation water over a surface can be assumed. Even at relatively low wind speeds with speeds, there may be an uneven distribution of the irrigation water on the surface. Thus, the irrigated area can move to a leeward side. Above all, problems can arise when there is a drift of water on roads. By adjusting the swivel angle range taking into account the signals or data detected by the wind sensor, these problems can be avoided or mitigated. For example, the angular positions of the stops can be adjusted in dependence on the data or signals of the wind sensor. Thus, the swivel angle range can be corrected on the leeward side.

In a further embodiment, a pressure sensor for detecting a water pressure can be provided. In this case, the control device can control the drive as a function of signals or data detected by the pressure sensor.

In addition, a flow sensor for detecting a water flow can be provided. In this case, the control device can control the drive as a function of signals or data detected by the flow sensor.

It can be provided that there is a communication unit connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the drive as a function of signals or data received by the communication unit. The communication unit may be connected to one or more of the above-mentioned sensors (eg wind sensor, pressure sensor or flow sensor). The connection of the control device and / or the sensors to the communication unit can be done by cable or wirelessly.

The communication unit can be designed to transmit and / or receive position data (location data). Thus, the communication unit may be configured as a GPS receiver module, the position data then being GPS data received from at least one satellite. The position data may include a current position (actual position or actual location) of the communication unit or the sprinkler. The control device can control the drive depending on the position data.

Alternatively or additionally, the control means may drive according to terrain data, e.g. geographic information system data, GIS data. The terrain data specifies a surface to be irrigated, for example, depending on geographical conditions. By means of a small swivel angle range, e.g. an existing building will be exempted from irrigation. By adapting the swivel angle range to the geographical conditions, irrigation can thus be further improved and water consumption can be reduced. The control device and / or the communication unit may include a memory for storing the terrain data.

The control device can in particular be designed to set the orientation of the swivel angle range as a function of the detected sensor data, the terrain data and / or the position data.

The communication unit may form part of a network or be connected to a network. The communication unit usually comprises an M2M modem (machine-to-machine modem). In a further refinement, the communication unit is designed to communicate with a server, the communication unit being configured, current angular position data (actual angular position data) of the attacks, terrain data (see below), position data of the communication unit or of the sprinkler and / or sensor data to the server to convey. The transmission of the data from the communication unit to the server can in particular be wirelessly via radio.

The communication unit can thereby send data to the server and / or configured to receive data from the server. The server can be designed to send data to the communication unit and / or to receive data from the communication unit. The data exchange (transmission and / or reception of data) between the server and the communication unit can take place at regular time intervals, eg every minute, every 10 minutes or every hour.

In one embodiment, the communication unit is configured to transmit and / or receive terrain data, typically including a surface to be rainblown and a surface to be dried. The control device can be configured to control the drive depending on the terrain data.

Further, the communication unit may be configured to receive target angular position data of the strokes from the server.

For supplying power to the adjusting device, the control device, the communication unit, the drive and / or the above-mentioned sensors, at least one energy store, such as a battery, a rechargeable battery or a capacitor, may be provided. The energy store can be designed to be rechargeable. For example, the energy storage device can be connected to a solar module. The communication unit may be configured to transmit a state of charge of the energy store to the server.

Further, a system for adjusting a swing angle range can be provided. The system can in this case include the adjusting device described above and a server, such as the server mentioned above.

The server may be configured to evaluate current sensor data, terrain data and / or position data and to determine a desired angular position of the first stop and / or the second stop depending on the sensor data, terrain data and / or position data. Thus, by comparing the position data with the terrain data, the server can close on a region to be watered and determine the swivel angle range. The server is configured to set the desired angular positions of the first stop and / or the second stop to communicate to the communication unit. The communication unit is designed, for example, to receive the desired angular positions of the first stop and / or of the second stop and forward them to the control device.

Furthermore, the server may be configured to determine a mean orientation of the sprinkler (mean irrigation direction). Under a mean orientation of the sprinkler is to understand an orientation of the sprinkler arm in an angular position, which lies exactly in the middle of the two stops. The mean orientation of the sprinkler may, for example, point in the direction of a reel (see below) or in the direction of an edge of the surface to be watered. The server may transmit a target orientation of the sprinkler to the communication unit.

The system may further include at least one mobile electronic device configured to communicate wirelessly with the server and / or the communication unit. Examples of such a mobile electronic device include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a computer, a laptop, a notebook or a tablet PC mentioned here.

The mobile electronic device may include input means for entering irrigation parameters. The irrigation parameters here include, for example, wind direction, type of plants to be covered, type of surface to be covered, outside temperature, humidity, wind force, water pressure, water flow rate, limits of a surface to be covered, position data, pivot angle positions of the stops or a take-up speed of a reel (see below) , The irrigation parameters entered on the mobile electronic device can be taken into account, for example, in the determination of the angular positions of the stops, the swivel radius, the orientation of the swivel angle range or the reel speed of the reel by the server or by the control device. The mobile electronic device may be configured to communicate the irrigation parameters to the server or to the communication unit. The server can in turn forward the irrigation parameters to the communication unit. Alternatively, the communication unit may forward the irrigation parameters to the server.

• einen um eine im Wesentlichen vertikale Achse in einem Horizontalwinkelbereich schwenkbaren Regnerarm,
• eine an dem Regnerarm angeordnete Regnerdüse,
• die zuvor beschriebene Verstelleinrichtung, welche durch Befestigungsmittel an dem Regner befestigt ist,
• einen Umkehrmechanismus, welcher derart mit den Anschlägen zusammenwirkt, dass die Schwenkrichtung des Regnerarms änderbar ist.

Furthermore, a sprinkler is provided with the present application. The sprinkler includes

• a sprinkler arm pivotable about a substantially vertical axis in a horizontal angle range,
• a sprinkler nozzle disposed on the sprinkler arm,
• the adjusting device described above, which is fastened by fastening means to the sprinkler,
• a reversing mechanism which cooperates with the stops such that the pivoting direction of the sprinkler arm is changeable.

For the purposes of the present specification, the term sprinkler is intended to include in particular the terms lawn sprinkler, sprinkler, sprinkler gun and lawn sprinkler.

The pivoting direction here is the direction of rotation of the pivot arm about the vertical axis and can be done for example to the left or right. The pivoting of the sprinkler arm can be done by water power. As a rule, water power is used to cover the horizontal area. The person skilled in various mechanisms for rotating the sprinkler arm are familiar. For example, a turbine driven by water can drive a series of gears that can cause rotation of the sprinkler arm. Another possibility is to effect rotation of the sprinkler arm by means of a jet interrupter which is connected to the sprinkler arm and interrupts a water jet at regular time intervals. When the water jet is interrupted by the jet breaker, the water jet exerts a torque on the jet breaker, causing the sprinkler arm to rotate through a certain angular range.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are various reversing mechanisms for sprinklers which cooperate with stops to change a pivoting direction of the sprinkler arm. For example, be mentioned here a rocker arm. When the rocker arm touches one of the two stops, the direction of rotation of the sprinkler arm changes until the rocker arm changes each other Touched stop. Another reversing mechanism is, for example, in the publication EP 0 097 985 B1 described. The invention is not limited to any particular reversing mechanism.

The sprinkler can be controlled depending on the data or signals from the sensors. In particular, the sprinkler may be controlled in response to data sent by the server and data received by the communication unit. So the server can send a message to the communication unit if the wind has a certain strength or direction. In particular, the sprinkler may be turned off when the wind force measured by the wind sensor exceeds a predetermined magnitude, or when there are pulse-like gusts. Further, in this case, a user may be informed by means of a message, e.g. in the form of a text message or e-mail, be notified that the sprinkler has been turned off. For this purpose, the server sends the mobile electronic device a corresponding message.

The pressure sensor may be configured to detect the water pressure at the sprinkler. The flow sensor can be integrated into a supply line of the sprinkler to detect a water flow in the direction of the sprinkler. The wind sensor can be mounted on the sprinkler.

In a further embodiment, an adjusting unit is provided for changing a jet inclination angle, wherein the adjusting unit is connected to the control device. Here, the angle may e.g. be varied continuously between 5 ° and 45 °, preferably between 10 ° and 30 °. The sprinkler arm can be mounted for this purpose in terms of height pivotally about a substantially horizontal axis. A flat parachute of the water jet reduces wind drift in windy weather, which can significantly increase the efficiency of irrigation. The beam tilt angle is thus usually controllable by the control device as a function of signals or data of the wind sensor.

The beam tilt angle can be adjusted, for example, depending on the terrain data. Thus, the beam angle can be lowered when a swing radius is to be limited.

• eine flexible Wasserleitung, dessen Ende mit dem Regner verbunden ist,
• eine Haspel zum Aufwickeln der flexiblen Wasserleitung,
• einen Haspelantrieb zum Antreiben der Haspel,
• eine Steuerelektronik zum Steuern der Haspelantriebes,

wobei der Regnerwagen durch Aufwickeln der flexiblen Wasserleitung in Richtung Haspel ziehbar ist.Furthermore, an adjusting device for a sprinkler system is proposed, which may comprise the above-described sprinkler and the previously described adjusting device. The sprinkler usually has a movable sprinkler on which the sprinkler is located. The sprinkler system usually also includes

• a flexible water pipe, the end of which is connected to the sprinkler,
• a reel for winding up the flexible water pipe,
• a reel drive for driving the reel,
• an electronic control unit for controlling the reel drive,

wherein the sprinkler carriage can be pulled by winding the flexible water pipe in the direction of the reel.

In addition, the invention provides the said sprinkling system with the adjusting device.

The reel drive may be, for example, a water driven turbine. The flexible water pipe may be, for example, a water hose or a flexible pipe, such as a flexible polyethylene pipe.

The adjusting device can cooperate with the control electronics for controlling the reel drive. In one embodiment, the control electronics for controlling the reel drive set a retraction speed of the flexible water pipe. As a rule, the control electronics of the reel drive is designed to set a retraction speed of the flexible water pipe as a function of the current swivel angle range and / or the swivel radius of the swivel arm. If the swivel angle range and / or the swivel radius, for example due to terrain data (roads, railways, etc.) is reduced, the intake speed can be increased, in particular at constant water flow to use a constant amount of water per irrigated area. Conversely, with an increase in the swivel angle range or the swivel radius, the feed speed can be reduced. The setting of the feed speed can be made further depending on the evaluated position data, sensor data and / or terrain data.

Further, the communication unit may be connected to the control electronics, wherein the control electronics controls the reel drive, in particular the feed rate of the flexible water pipe, depending on signals or data received by the communication unit.

• Auswerten von Positionsdaten, Geländedaten und/oder Sensordaten,
• Verstellen einer Winkelposition des ersten Anschlags und/oder des zweiten Anschlags in Abhängigkeit von den ausgewerteten Daten.

In addition, the present invention proposes a method for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler with a sprinkler arm pivotable about a substantially vertical axis in a horizontal area. The sprinkler arm is pivotable between two stops, and the stops set the slewing angle range of the sprinkler arm. The method comprises the steps:

• Evaluation of position data, terrain data and / or sensor data,
• Adjusting an angular position of the first stop and / or the second stop depending on the evaluated data.

In a further embodiment of the method, e.g. the above-mentioned retraction speed is set or changed depending on the evaluated position data, sensor data and / or terrain data.

The evaluation may be e.g. by the above-mentioned control device and / or the above server. For the processing and / or processing of the signals and / or the data of the above-mentioned sensors, the control device and / or the server may have a microcontroller, a processor, a microprocessor and / or a digital signal processor. In this case, a digital signal processor (DSP) can be designed for continuous processing of digital signals, for example digital signals of the above-mentioned sensors. It may further be provided that the control device is designed to control one or more of the said sensors.

Furthermore, the control device and / or the server may have one or more memories, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, a magnetic storage medium and / or an optical drive. A program may be stored in the memory, for example software for processing or processing the data and / or the signals of one or more of the sensors mentioned above.

In one embodiment, the position data, terrain data and / or sensor data are received by the above-mentioned communication unit. An evaluation of the data is then carried out e.g. by the control device, wherein the control device then controls the drive, and the drive changes the angular position of the first stop and / or the second stop with respect to the vertical axis. It is also possible that the above-mentioned server receives the position data, terrain data and / or sensor data and then evaluates. The server may then transmit desired angular positions to the communication unit. The control device can then control the drive for adjusting the angular position of the first stop and / or the second stop.

In particular, the method can have one or more steps which have been described above in the explanation of the adjusting device for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler. The method may e.g. implemented as code, for example in the form of a computer program on a computer-readable medium, such as a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

The method can be carried out in particular with the adjustment device described above for adjusting a pivoting angle range of a sprinkler. The method can also be carried out with the above-described system for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler. The above-mentioned irrigation system with the adjusting device and the above sprinkler with the adjusting device are also suitable for carrying out the method described.

It should be emphasized at this point that features which have been mentioned only with reference to the adjustment device for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler can also be claimed for the mentioned method for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler and vice versa. It should be further emphasized that features which have been mentioned only in relation to the system for adjusting a swivel angle range of a sprinkler, also for the said method for adjusting a swivel angle range a sprinkler can be claimed and vice versa.

Overall, can be with the proposed adjustment and the proposed method to optimize irrigation and reduce water consumption.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht eines Regners mit einer Verstelleinrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine Aufsicht auf den Regner gemäß der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 mit einer Kommunikationseinheit;

Fig. 3

eine Verstelleinrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4

die Verstelleinrichtung gemäß der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung;

Fig. 5

eine weitere Verstelleinrichtung mit einem klappbaren Anschlag;

Fig. 6

die Verstelleinrichtung gemäß der Ausführungsform der Fig. 5 mit zwei Antrieben;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Beregnungsanlage;

Fig. 8

die Beregnungsanlage der Fig. 7 sowie ein Beispiel eines zu bewässernden Feldes mit eingezeichneten Schwenkwinkelbereichen; und

Fig. 9

eine weitere Verstelleinrichtung, welche auf einem Rohrstück befestigt ist.

The invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures show:

Fig. 1

a side view of a sprinkler with an adjustment;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the sprinkler according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 with a communication unit;

Fig. 3

an adjusting device according to another embodiment;

Fig. 4

the adjusting device according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view;

Fig. 5

another adjustment with a hinged stopper;

Fig. 6

the adjusting device according to the embodiment of Fig. 5 with two drives;

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a sprinkler system;

Fig. 8

the sprinkler system of Fig. 7 and an example of a field to be watered with marked pivoting angle ranges; and

Fig. 9

a further adjusting device which is fastened on a pipe section.

In the following, recurring or functionally identical features are provided with the same reference numerals.

First, on the Fig. 7 Referenced. The Fig. 7 shows a sprinkler system 1 with a sprinkler 10 for watering plants. The sprinkler 1 has a on a reel 2 (drum) wound up, flexible water hose 3. At one end 4 of the water hose 3, a feed line 39 is provided, which is fastened with a rigid water pipe 5. At least the water pipe 5 is arranged on a sprinkler carriage 6, which can be pulled by winding the water hose 3 in the arrow direction. Incidentally, the water hose 3 can also be designed as a supply line 39, so that the end 4 of the water hose 3 is connected directly to the water pipe 5. The reel 2 is driven by a reel drive 7, wherein the reel drive 7 can move the hose 3 on the reel 2 by means of different, adjustable feed speeds. A control of the reel drive 7 is effected by a corresponding control electronics 8, which is arranged for example on the reel 2. The reel drive 7 can be driven, for example, electrically or by water power.

On the water pipe 5, a pivotable sprinkler arm 11 is disposed with a sprinkler nozzle 12, which can fan out a water jet to a field to be irrigated. The sprinkler arm 11 is pivotally mounted about a substantially vertical axis 13 in a horizontal region. In principle, the sprinkler arm 11 can make a revolution of 360 °. However, the freedom of movement of the sprinkler arm 11 is often limited in practice by a first stop 20 and a second stop 21. The sprinkler arm 11 is then pivotable between the two stops 20, 21, the stops 20, 21 defining a pivoting angle range 71, 72 of the sprinkler arm 11.

On the sprinkler arm 11 is further an adjusting device 18 for adjusting a pivoting angle range 71, 72 of the sprinkler 10 is attached. The adjusting device 18 includes the aforementioned stops 20, 21, a drive 22 for variably adjusting an angular position of the first stop 20 with respect to the vertical axis 13 and a drive 23 for variably adjusting an angular position of the second stop 21 with respect to the vertical axis 13 , and a control device, not shown, for controlling the drives 22, 23. The adjusting device 18 is designed such that the angular positions of the stops 20, 21 are independently adjustable or adjustable. The adjusting device 18 is in the Figures 1-6 better recognizable.

The Fig. 1 shows an enlarged view of the sprinkler arm 11 of the irrigation system 1 of Fig. 7 , The sprinkler arm 11 comprises a reversing mechanism 14, which cooperates with the two stops 20, 21 in such a way that a pivoting direction of the sprinkler arm 11 can be changed. The reversing mechanism 14 is in the illustrated embodiment, a rocker arm 14, which brings about a change of direction of the Regner arm 11 upon contact of one of the two stops 20, 21 (for example, clockwise instead of previously left or vice versa).

The Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the sprinkler arm 11 of Fig. 1 , It can be seen in the Fig. 2 in that the sprinkler arm 11 is pivotably mounted within a swivel angle range defined by the stops 20, 21. The sprinkler arm 11 can furthermore be mounted so as to be pivotable in height relative to a substantially horizontal axis, as a result of which a jet inclination angle can be changed. By changing the beam tilt angle, a swing radius (throw distance) of the water jet can be adjusted or adjusted. The adjustability about the horizontal axis is not shown in the figures.

The stops 20, 21 are each arranged on a rotatable ring 24, 25. The stops 20, 21 in this case extend from the rings 24, 25 first in the vertical direction and then radially inwardly, wherein the stops 20, 21 are radially spaced from the water pipe 5 in. Upon rotation of the rings 24, 25, the stops 20, 21 should preferably not touch to allow the independent adjustability of the stops 20, 21. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 . 4 . 5 and 6 the rotatable rings 24, 25 are spaced in the vertical direction and are thus arranged one above the other on a fastening device 19. The fastening device 19 may, for example, form a detachable pipe clamp 19 between the adjusting device 18 and the water pipe 5 of the sprinkler arm 11. Alternatively, the rotatable rings 24, 25 may also be arranged concentrically with each other on the sprinkler arm 11, s. Fig. 3 , This shows the Fig. 3b a side view of the adjusting device 18 and the Fig. 3a shows a cross section of the adjusting device 18. In the Fig. 3a a fixed ring 29 is shown between the two Rotary rings 24, 25 is arranged and the assembly of the rotary rings 24, 25 is used. In the embodiments shown the Figures 1-6 are the rotary rings 24, 25 as sprockets 24, 25, such as rigid chains or flexible chains formed.

To adjust the angular positions of the stops 20, 21, two drives 22, 23 are provided, which usually include stepper motors, electromagnets or servomotors. In particular, stepper motors and servomotors allow a precise adjustment of the angular positions of the stops 20, 21. The drives 22, 23 further have means 26, 27 for engaging in the sprockets 24, 25. Suitable means are, for example, a pinion 26, 27, a worm, a planetary gear and / or a rack. Other means are also conceivable. Thus, the sprockets 24, 25 start to rotate upon rotation of the pinions 26, 27, whereby the angular positions of the stoppers 20, 21 can be changed.

In the FIGS. 5 and 6 the means for engaging in the sprockets 24, 25 as pinions 26, 27 are formed. Here, only one pinion 26, 27 per sprocket 24, 25 driven. An advantage of the sprockets 24, 25 in conjunction with the drives 22, 23 and the pinions 26, 27 is that the stops 20, 21 are locked in their angular positions. In the event of a power failure of the drives 22, 23 or other failure of the drives 22, 23 remain sprockets 24, 25 and thus the stops 20, 21 in their last set angular positions, whereby reliability of the irrigation system 1 can be increased. The stops 20, 21 can also be decoupled from the drives, so that a manual adjustment of the stops 20, 21 in case of failure of the drives 22, 23 is ensured. There are further gears 28 are provided which allow a horizontal fixation and stabilization of the sprockets 24, 25 and the stops 20, 21, with respect to the water pipe 5.

A control device (not shown) is connected to the drives 22, 23 for controlling the drives 22, 23. The control device is connected to angular position sensors, not shown, which each detect a current angular position of the two stops 20, 21. The detection of the angular position of the two stops 20, 21 can also indirectly by detection an angular position of the sprockets 24, 25 done. The control device can compare an actual angular position with a desired angular position, and if the desired angular position deviates from the actual angular position, the control device can control the drives 20, 21 accordingly.

In the Fig. 5 it can be seen that at least the second stop 21 is designed hinged by means of a hinge. As a result of this design, the second stop 21 acts as a stop only in a pivoting direction of the sprinkler arm 11, whereas the sprinkler arm 11 in the opposite direction of the load is not limited by the second stop 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment of the Fig. 5 a direction of rotation of the sprinkler arm 11 takes place only when the rocker arm 14 touches the second stop 21 during a rotation of the sprinkler arm 11 in the counterclockwise direction. Alternatively or additionally, the first stop 20 may be designed to be foldable by means of a hinge.

The Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of an adjusting device 18, in which the adjusting device 18 is fixed to a pipe section 35 which can be arranged between the sprinkler arm 11 and a feed line 39 of the sprinkler arm 11. The feed line 39 is in turn usually connected to the end 4 of the water hose 3. When installed, the pipe section 35 typically forms an extension of the sprinkler 10 in the vertical direction. The pipe section 35 may have at least one first flange 36 which is connectable to a flange 37 of the sprinkler arm 11. The flange 37 may be attached to the water pipe 5, for example. Further, the pipe section 35 may have a second flange 38 which is connectable to a flange of the supply line 39, not shown. The sprockets 24, 25 are rotatably mounted around the pipe section 35. The drives 22, 23 may be arranged in a watertight housing 41. In addition, the drives 22, 23 pinions 26, 27 have, which are connected by means not shown toothed belt 42 with pulleys. The pulleys 42 are located on drive shafts 43, which are connected via other gears with the sprockets 24, 25. For example, instead of the timing belts and pulleys 42, chains and gears or other means for connecting the drives 22, 23 to the drive shafts 43 may be used.

In all embodiments of the Figures 1-7 and 9 For example, various sensors such as a pressure sensor 30 for detecting a water pressure, a flow sensor 31 for detecting a water flow, and a wind sensor 32 for detecting a wind force and / or wind direction may be provided. The control device is connected to the sensors 30, 31, 32, evaluates sensor data by means of a processor designed for this purpose, and controls the drives 22, 23 as a function of signals or data acquired by the sensors 30, 31, 32. The flow sensor 31 may, for example, be integrated in the feed line 39 of the sprinkler 10.

Optionally, the adjusting device 18 has a communication unit 40. The communication unit 40 is connected to the sensors 30, 31, 32, the control device and the control electronics 8 via corresponding lines. The communication unit 40 may include a GPS module capable of receiving position data from satellites. In this case, the position data comprise a current location of the communication unit 40 or the sprinkler 10. A memory or a plurality of memories may be provided in which or in which current angular positions of the stops, current sensor data, terrain data and position data are stored. The control device can control the drives 22, 23 on the basis of the position data, the terrain data and the sensor data.

The communication unit 40 may be configured to communicate with an external server 50. The communication unit 40 is usually configured to transmit current actual angular positions of the two stops 20, 21, sensor data of the sensors 30, 31, 32 and position data of the sprinkler 10 to the server 50. Further, the communication unit 40 is configured to receive target angular positions of the stoppers 20, 21 from the server 50. The communication unit 40 may be further connected to the control electronics 8 of the reel 2, whereby the control electronics 8, the retraction speed of the water hose 3 depending on evaluated by the server 50 and sent data can set.

The power supply of the communication unit 40, the drives 22, 23, the adjusting device, and the sensors 30, 31, 32 can be carried out, for example, via at least one rechargeable battery connected to a solar module.

The adjusting device 18 may be part of a system 80 for adjusting the pivoting angle range 71, 72. The system 80 may further include the named server 50. The server 50 evaluates by means of at least one processor position data, terrain data and / or sensor data to calculate target angular positions of the stops 20, 21. The server 50 may e.g. based on the current location of the sprinkler 10 on geographic environment data or terrain data, which determines the server 50 by comparing the location of the sprinkler 10 with a corresponding database. By comparing the current location of the sprinkler 10 with the environmental data or terrain data, the server 50 may determine the pan angle range 71, 72 and the corresponding angular positions of the stoppers 20, 21. The desired angular positions are then transmitted to the communication unit 40, which forwards the desired angular positions to the control device. The control device then controls the drives 22, 23 in accordance with the desired angular positions, whereby the stops 20, 21 are moved from their actual angular positions to their desired angular positions. The server 50 may also take into account the data acquired by said sensors 30, 31, 32 when calculating the desired angular positions.

Instead of the server 50, the control device can also be designed to determine the desired angular positions as a function of the terrain data, the sensor data and the position data. For this purpose, the terrain data may be stored in advance in the memory and / or provided by the server 50.

With a reduction or enlargement of the swivel angle range 71, 72, it is advantageous if the feed speed of the reel 2 is increased or decreased. This ensures that the amount of water dispensed per area remains constant. For this purpose, the control electronics 8 of the reel 2 can be connected to the communication unit 40. The server 50 and / or the electronic control unit 8 can then additionally determine a desired retraction speed of the reel 2, and control the reel drive 7 accordingly.

The system 80 may further include a mobile electronic device 60, such as a laptop, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet computer, notebook, or the like. The mobile electronic device 60 and the server 50 can communicate with each other via a wireless connection, i. by a bidirectional communication signals and messages exchange with each other. Further, the server 50 may direct the mobile electronic device 60 to the location of the sprinkler 10, impact limits (see below), a current wind force, current wind direction, the current slew angle range 71, 72, a current pressure on the sprinkler 10, a measured flow rate, a state of charge of the battery, the actual swivel angle positions, and / or the current take-up speed of the reel 2 (irrigation parameters). A farmer who has the mobile electronic device 60 can then, at a glance, capture all the parameters that are important for the irrigation of the area without having to be in the vicinity of the sprinkler 10. The mobile electronic device 60 may include input means for entering sprinkling parameters. When a user inputs the irrigation parameters to the mobile electronic device 60, he / she can transmit the irrigation parameters to the server 50. The server 50 may in turn forward the irrigation parameters to the communication unit 40 so that the irrigation parameters are taken into account when adjusting the angular positions of the stoppers 20, 21.

The server 50 may be configured to transmit a warning message to the mobile electronic device 60 if sensor data is outside a tolerance interval. For example, the server 50 may send a message to the mobile electronic device 60 if the wind force exceeds a first threshold. The server 50 may also be configured to stop or stop irrigation by the irrigation system 1 if the wind force exceeds a second threshold greater than the first threshold. If the wind speed falls below the first limit, the server 40 can tell the irrigation system 1 that the irrigation can be resumed.

• Auswerten von Positionsdaten, Geländedaten und/oder Sensordaten,
• Verstellen einer Winkelposition des ersten Anschlags 20 und/oder des zweiten Anschlags 21 in Bezug auf die vertikale Achse 13 in Abhängigkeit von den ausgewerteten Daten.

The invention also provides a method for adjusting a swivel angle range 71, 72. The method comprises at least the steps:

• Evaluation of position data, terrain data and / or sensor data,
• Adjusting an angular position of the first stop 20 and / or the second stop 21 with respect to the vertical axis 13 in dependence on the evaluated data.

The evaluation of the data is preferably carried out by the server 50 and / or the control device. The adjustment of the angular positions takes place here by the adjusting device 18th

The procedure should be based on the Fig. 8 be clarified. In the Fig. 8a the irrigation system 1 is the Fig. 7 shown with two different locations of the sprinkler 10. Here, the locations of the sprinkler 10 depend on a time of irrigation, since the sprinkler 10 is pulled by the reel 2 at a speed of about 25 m / s towards reel 2. In the illustration on the far right, the location of the sprinkler 10 at the start time of the irrigation is shown. In this position of the sprinkler 10, the sprinkler arm 11 points in the direction of the reel 2; An irrigation direction is here in the FIG. 8a indicated by arrows. In the other position of the sprinkler 10, the sprinkling direction has changed, whereby the sprinkler arm 11 points in a direction away from the reel 2.

In the Fig. 8b For example, a field boundary 70 of a field to be wetted 73, which may also be referred to as an impact boundary, a swivel angle range 71 at the start time of sprinkling, a swivel angle range 72 at the time of rotation of the irrigation direction, the stops 20, 21, and angular positions of the stops 20, 21 are shown ,

With the start of the irrigation, the location of the sprinkler 10 (GPS position) and the location of the impact limits 70 (terrain data) are known. The start time of the sprinkling is detected by the pressure sensor 30 or the flow sensor 31.

The server 50 determines the angular positions for setting the first stop (in the example 176 °) and the second stop (in the example 76 °), after which the server 50, the angular positions to the communication unit 40th transmitted. Basis for the determination here are location of the sprinkler 10 and throw (swivel radius) of the sprinkler 10 and the impact limits 70 (base GIS data of the blow). The communication unit 40 transmits these two angles to the control device. Subsequently, the stops 20, 21 driven by the drives 22, 23 to the corresponding angular position. Thus, the swivel angle range 71 is set for the start.

The sprinkler 10 is now retracted from the drum 2 - the current location of the sprinkler 10, pressure, flow, position of the stops and wind parameters are measured at fixed (regular) intervals, e.g. every 15 minutes, every minute or every 10 seconds, sent to the server 50 and evaluated.

The server 50 determines the pivot point of the irrigation based on the throw (irrigation radius). Once this pivot point has been reached, the new angles of the first stop 20 (6 ° in the example) and the second stop (in the example 90 °) are transmitted to the communication unit 40. From here the adjustment of the stops 20, 21 is triggered. The rotation of the alignment of the sprinkler arm 11 takes place here in such a way that it does not rain over areas outside of the striking edge 70 (in the example, the turning point must turn "clockwise", otherwise a sprinkling swiveling would take place outside the striking edge 70).

As a result, adjustments to the angular positions and the swivel angle range 71, 72 are continuously made on the basis of the impact edge 70. Limit values / threshold values for determining changes in the swivel angle can be determined beforehand and adapted on an ongoing basis.

Furthermore, the adaptation of the angular positions to wind direction and wind force is taken into account. Both parameters are detected by the wind sensors 32 and periodically retrieved by the communication unit 40. Depending on the mean wind direction and the mean wind strength, the angular positions on the side away from the wind are corrected.

The described method can be used in particular with the one described above Device 18 and the system 80 are performed.

Features which have been mentioned only in connection with the method may be combined with features that are only associated with the device 18 and / or the system 80 and vice versa.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

sprinkler

2

reel

3

water hose

4

End of the water hose

5

water pipe

6

sprinkler trolley

7

reel drive

8th

control electronics

10

Regner

11

sprinkler

12

sprinkler

13

vertical axis

17

hinge

18

adjustment

19

pipe clamp

20

first stop

21

second stop

22

first drive

23

second drive

24

first sprocket

25

second sprocket

26

first pinion

27

second pinion

28

gears

29

fixed ring

30

pressure sensor

31

Flow Sensor

32

wind sensor

35

pipe section

36

first flange

37

flange

38

second flange

40

communication unit

41

waterproof housing

42

pulley

43

drive shaft

50

server

60

mobile electronic device

70

Sideline

71

Pivot angle range

72

Pivot angle range

73

field to be prayed

80

System for adjusting a swivel angle range

Claims (15)

Adjusting device (18) for adjusting a swivel angle range (71, 72) of a sprinkler (10) with a sprinkler arm (11), which can be pivoted about a substantially vertical axis (13) in a horizontal angle range, comprising: - A first stop (20) and a second stop (21), wherein the sprinkler arm (11) between the two stops (20, 21) is pivotable, and the stops (20, 21) the pivoting angle range (71, 72) of the sprinkler arm (11) determine at least one drive (22, 23) for the variable adjustment of an angular position of the first stop (20) and for the variable adjustment of an angular position of the second stop (21), a control device for controlling the drive (22, 23), wherein the angular position of the first stop (20) and the angular position of the second stop (21) are independently adjustable. Adjusting device (18) according to claim 1, wherein the stops (20, 21) are designed to lock the angular position lockable. Adjusting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stop (20) on a first rotatable ring (24) is fixed and the second stop (21) on a second rotatable ring (25) is attached. Adjusting device (18) according to claim 3, wherein the rings (24, 25) are arranged concentrically. Adjusting device (18) according to claim 3, wherein the first ring (24) in the vertical direction over the second ring (25) is arranged. Adjusting device (18) according to one of claims 3-5, wherein the first ring is a first toothed rim (24) and / or the second ring is a second toothed rim (25). An adjusting device (18) according to claim 6, wherein the drive comprises means (26, 27) such as a pinion, a worm, a planetary gear and / or a rack for engaging respectively in the first sprocket (24) and the second sprocket (25) , Adjusting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stop (20) and / or the second stop (21) are designed to be hinged by means of a hinge, such that the first stop (20) and / or the second Stop (21) act only in a pivoting direction of the sprinkler arm (11) as a stop. Adjusting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one position sensor for detecting the current angular position of the first stop (20) and / or the current angular position of the second stop (21), wherein the position sensor is connected to the control device. Adjusting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive (22, 23) comprises a stepping motor, a servomotor or an electromagnet. Adjusting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure sensor (30) for detecting a water pressure, a flow sensor (31) for detecting a water flow, a wind sensor (32) for detecting a wind force and / or wind direction, wherein the control means the drive (22, 23) depending on by the sensors (30, 31, 32) detected signals or data drives. Adjusting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a communication unit (40) connected to the control device, wherein the control device drives the drive (22, 23) in dependence on signals or data received by the communication unit (40). The adjusting device (18) according to claim 12, wherein the communication unit (40) is configured to transmit and / or receive position data which comprise a current position of the communication unit (40) or the sprinkler (10), wherein the control device controls the drive (22, 23) depending on the position data. An adjusting device (18) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the communication unit (40) is adapted to communicate with a server (50), the communication unit being configured to receive current angular position data of the stops (20, 21), position data of the communication unit (40 ) or the sprinkler (11) and / or sensor data to the server (50), wherein the communication unit (40) is configured to receive target angular position data of the stops (20, 21) from the server (50). Method for adjusting a swivel angle range (71, 72) of a sprinkler (10) with a sprinkler arm (11) pivotable about a substantially vertical axis (13) in a horizontal area, wherein the sprinkler arm (11) is pivotable between two stops (20, 21) and the stops (20, 21) define the pivot angle range (71, 72) of the sprinkler arm (11), comprising the steps of: - evaluation of position data, terrain data and / or sensor data, - Adjusting an angular position of the first stop (20) and / or the second stop (21) in dependence on the evaluated data.

Images