Garden watering flowmeter

Abstract

A garden watering flow meter 2 comprising: an inlet 21a for receiving water; an outlet 21b for outputting water; a flow communication path 22 between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow sensor 26 for sensing flow into, into or out of the flow communication path 22. The flow meter 2 further comprises control means 23, 24, 25 for controlling the flow between the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b. The control device comprises: a valve 23 movable between an open state allowing flow in the flow communication path 22 between the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b and a closed state blocking flow in the flow communication path 22 between the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b; a driving means 24 for driving the valve 23 between the open and closed states, and a control unit 25 that controls the operation of the driving means in accordance with the output from the flow sensor 26.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a garden watering flow meter. Background Art

[0002] Garden watering flow meters are used in home watering arrangements to provide an indication of the amount of water being delivered via a particular watering arrangement, such as a sprinkler.

[0003] These provide useful information on water usage, but there are limitations to their effectiveness in saving water because they only inform the user of the instantaneous actual flow or cumulative flow, not the necessary water usage that has an impact.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide devices that can offer enhanced water conservation options. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garden watering flow meter, the garden watering flow meter comprising: an inlet for receiving water; an outlet for outputting water; a flow communication path between the inlet and the outlet; and a flow sensor for sensing flow into, into or out of the flow communication path. The flow meter further comprises: a control device for controlling the flow between the inlet and the outlet, the control device comprising: a valve capable of moving between an open state and a closed state, the open state allowing flow in the flow communication path between the inlet and the outlet, and the closed state blocking flow between the inlet and the outlet; a drive device for driving the valve between the open state and the closed state, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive device according to the output from the flow sensor.

[0006] This may allow the delivery of water to be controlled based on the flow rate and / or level of flow detected by the flow meter.

[0007] The control means may be arranged to use the output of the flow sensor to determine the volume of fluid (typically water) delivered by the flow meter.

[0008] The control means may be arranged to control operation of the drive means in dependence upon the volume of fluid delivered by the flow meter as determined by the controller arrangement using the flow sensor.

[0009] The control unit may be arranged to receive an input defining a user selected volume of fluid for delivery.

[0010] The control unit may be arranged to determine the volume of fluid delivered by the flow meter after the starting point and to cause the drive means to drive the valve to a closed state when the determined volume of fluid delivered reaches or exceeds a user selected fluid volume specified by the received input.

[0011] This provides clear visibility and control over the amount of water delivered to better enhance water conservation and improve water usage efficiency.

[0012] The starting point can be defined by moving the valve to the open position.

[0013] The starting point may be defined by receiving a start input at the control unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the garden watering flow meter may include a manually operable control, such as a button, which may be used by a user to provide an initiation input to the control unit.

[0015] The flow meter may be arranged to receive an initiation input when the valve is closed to cause the valve to open to commence delivery of water through the flow meter.

[0016] In this case, on the other hand, if the valve is open when the start input is received, receiving the start input may cause the valve to remain open and reset the measurement of the volume of delivered water.

[0017] In some such cases, the manually operable control may also be used as an "on-off" control.

[0018] In some embodiments, the garden watering flow meter may include a manually operable control that is movable between a plurality of positions (such as a dial or knob) and that can be used by a user to provide input to the control unit for delivering a selected volume of fluid, each of the plurality of positions corresponding to a respective selected volume of fluid for delivery.

[0019] The volume units indicated for selection by the user may be presented in conventional volume units (eg, liters or gallons), or in some cases in a more intuitive form - such as indicating a number of watering cans.

[0020] Each of the plurality of positions may correspond to a respective quantity for delivering the tank fluid.

[0021] The garden watering flow meter may include a display screen for indicating information to a user. The display screen may also be arranged to receive user input.

[0022] The control unit may be arranged to receive an input via the display screen defining a user selected volume of fluid for delivery.

[0023] The display screen may be arranged to display and receive input defining a corresponding quantity for delivering the tank fluid.

[0024] The control unit may be arranged to receive an initiation input received via the display screen.

[0025] The display screen may be arranged to indicate one or more of the following:

[0026] Instantaneous flow rate;

[0027] Cumulative usage (i.e. volume) per use, and

[0028] Usage to date (i.e. volume).

[0029] The garden water flow meter may be arranged to receive a reset input arranged to restart the water delivery process if required. A reset control may be provided to allow the reset input to be generated. The reset control may include a manual control (such as a button) arranged on the device. The reset control may be arranged on the display screen.

[0030] The control means may be arranged to control the operation of the drive means in accordance with a flow rate determined by a controller arrangement using a flow sensor and may be arranged to: delay moving the valve to an open state; and / or move the valve from an open state to a closed state if the determined flow rate is below a predetermined threshold level.

[0031] This can facilitate alternation or delay of water delivery to a more appropriate time, ie, when a greater flow rate is possible.

[0032] In some embodiments, the garden watering flow meter may include a communication module for allowing communication between the controller and the separate device. The communication module may generally be a wireless communication module for facilitating wireless communication with the garden flow meter.

[0033] The communication module may include a transceiver, and the communication module may include an antenna.

[0034] The communication module may be arranged for communicating with the hub and onwardly connected to or connectable to a network of the internet. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module may be arranged for communicating with a local remote control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module may be arranged for communicating directly via a public mobile phone network (e.g. a 4G or 5G network).

[0035] The control unit may be arranged to receive, via the communications module, an input defining a user selected volume of fluid for delivery.

[0036] The control unit may be arranged to receive an initiation input received via the communication module.

[0037] The control unit may be arranged to receive a reset input received via the communication module.

[0038] The control unit may be arranged to receive a delay watering input received via the communications module. This may be used to delay the opening of the valve or cause the closing of the valve where appropriate.

[0039] The garden watering flow meter may be arranged to be tap mountable. The garden watering flow meter may be a tap mountable garden watering flow meter.

[0040] In this case, the garden watering flow meter may include a first connector portion arranged to be mounted on a tap and a second connector portion arranged to receive a hose end. In this case, the hose end may be received at the garden watering flow meter directly or via a hose fitting.

[0041] The garden watering flow meter may be arranged to be connectable in series, ie between two lengths of hose. The garden watering flow meter may be an in-line garden watering flow meter. The garden watering flow meter may comprise a pair of hose connector parts.

[0042] The garden watering flow meter may be arranged as a hose end component for arrangement at the end of a hose and comprising a hose connector portion on which the hose can be mounted.

[0043] The garden watering flow meter may be arranged as a hose fitting comprising a hose connector portion to which the hose can be mounted and a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

[0044] In any of the above cases, the or each hose connection portion may comprise:

[0045] a hose receiving portion having a sleeve disposed therein for receiving an end of a length of hose; and

[0046] The clamping device includes a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws, which surround the sleeve and are arranged to be driven to contact the hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut, so that the carried hose can be clamped between the claws and the sleeve.

[0047] The connector mounting portion may include a portion of a push-fit connector system for receiving and retaining a portion of a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting. The connector mounting portion may include a female header of a push-fit connector system, such as a "quick connect" system widely used in Europe and elsewhere, for receiving a corresponding male header on another component.

[0048] In a quick connect connection system, one component is a male head and carries at least one O-ring seal, and the other component is a female head and includes a hole, which is arranged to receive a male head with an O-ring seal against the wall of the hole. The female head also includes a plurality of engagement fingers, which are arranged to elastically move between an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position is used to capture the male head, and the retracted position allows the male head to be inserted and removed in the receiving hole. When the male head is introduced into the receiving hole, the engagement fingers are driven to the retracted position and return to the extended position once the two parts are fully engaged. A release mechanism is provided for releasing the two parts. When operated, the release mechanism retracts the engagement fingers so that the male head can be removed.

[0049] The accessory may include a female portion of a quick connect connection system, namely at least one of:

[0050] a hole arranged to receive the male head;

[0051] a plurality of engagement fingers arranged to resiliently move between an extended position for capturing the male head and a retracted position for allowing the male head to be inserted and removed from the receiving hole, and

[0052] A release mechanism is provided for releasing the two parts, and when the release mechanism is operated, the release mechanism retracts the engagement fingers so that the male part can be removed.

[0053] In an alternative, the connector mounting portion may comprise a threaded connector portion for connection with a corresponding threaded connector portion on another component.Such a system is more commonly used in the United States, for example.

[0054] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a garden watering flow meter device comprising a garden watering flow meter as defined above and a hub which is connectable to an external network on the one hand and arranged for wireless communication with the garden watering flow meter on the other hand.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garden watering flow meter device, the garden watering flow meter device comprising:

[0056] A garden watering flow meter as defined above;

[0057] A client device is arranged, under the control of the software, for communicating with the garden watering flow meter via the network and for receiving user input causing control of the garden watering flow meter.

[0058] The garden watering flow meter system may comprise a hub which is on the one hand connectable to an external network and on the other hand arranged to communicate wirelessly with the garden watering flow meter.

[0059] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a client device arranged, under software control, for communicating via a network with a garden watering flow meter as defined above and for receiving user input causing control of the garden watering flow meter.

[0060] The client device may be arranged to receive user input indicating a volume of water delivered through the flow meter.

[0061] The volume indicated for selection by the user may be presented in conventional volume units (eg, liters or gallons), or in some cases in a more intuitive form - such as indicating a number of watering cans.

[0062] The client device may be arranged, under control of the software, to display and receive input defining a corresponding quantity for delivery of tank fluid by the flow meter.

[0063] The client device may be arranged to receive user initiated input for delivery to the garden watering flow meter for at least one of:

[0064] i) define a starting point for measuring the volume of water delivered through the flow meter, and

[0065] ii) Start delivering water through the flow meter.

[0066] The client device may be arranged to receive a user reset input for delivery to the garden watering flow meter and arranged to restart the water delivery process if necessary.

[0067] The client device may be arranged, under control of the software, to indicate to a user the volume of water delivered through the flow meter.

[0068] The client device may be arranged, under control of the software, to indicate to the user the volume of water delivered through the flow meter since the starting point.

[0069] The client device may be arranged, under the control of the software, to indicate to the user the volume of water delivered through the flow meter over a predetermined period of time, such as a day, week, month or year.

[0070] The client device may be arranged to receive input indicating the unit cost of water and indicate to the user the cost of water delivered by the flow meter under control of the software. This may be, for example, since a starting point or over a predetermined period of time - such as a day, week, month or year.

[0071] The client device may be arranged to receive data from the flow meter under the control of the software for display to a user via the client device.The client device may be arranged to send control signals to the flow meter under the control of the software to control the operation of the flow meter based on user input received at the client device.

[0072] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising code portions which, when loaded and run on a computer, causes the computer to operate as a client device as defined above.

[0073] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine-readable data carrier, such as a computer program product, carrying a computer program as defined in the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0074] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a client device, the client device being arranged, under software control, to control a garden watering flow meter, the method comprising the following steps:

[0075] communicating with a garden watering flow meter as defined above via a network;

[0076] receiving, at a client device, user input that causes control of the garden watering flow meter; and

[0077] A programming data signal is sent to the garden watering flow meter.

[0078] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garden watering flow meter system, comprising:

[0079] A first garden watering flow meter as hereinbefore defined; and

[0080] At least one of the following:

[0081] i) at least one further garden watering flow meter as defined above, and

[0082] ii) A flow sensor device arranged separately from the first garden watering flow meter.

[0083] The garden watering flow meter system may be arranged such that the control means of the first garden watering flow meter is arranged to control the operation of the drive means of the first garden watering flow meter in dependence on a flow rate determined by one of:

[0084] i) a control device for at least one further garden watering flow meter, which uses the flow sensor of the at least one further garden watering flow meter; and

[0085] ii) A flow sensor arrangement provided separately from the first garden watering flow meter.

[0086] In this case, the control device of the first garden watering flow meter can be arranged to: delay moving the valve of the first garden watering flow meter to an open state; and / or move the valve of the first garden watering flow meter from an open state to a closed state if the flow rate determined at at least one further garden watering flow meter or flow sensor device is below a predetermined threshold level.

[0087] Similarly, in this case, the control device of the first garden watering flow meter can be arranged to: receive a delayed watering input signal if the flow rate determined at at least one further garden watering flow meter or flow sensor device is below a predetermined threshold level, thereby delaying the movement of the valve of the first garden watering flow meter to an open state; and / or moving the valve of the first garden watering flow meter from an open state to a closed state.

[0088] This can allow alternating or delayed watering in systems with multiple flow sensors (eg, multiple garden watering flow meters) where there is insufficient flow to supply all outlets simultaneously.

[0089] It should be noted that, generally speaking, all further features of any of the above aspects of the invention can be taken as further features of all other above aspects of the invention, mutatis mutandis, and for the sake of brevity, these further features are not repeated after each aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0091] Figure 1 A garden watering arrangement is schematically shown.

[0092] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 Garden watering flow meter for the garden watering arrangement shown.

[0093] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 The internal components of a garden watering flow meter.

[0094] Figure 4 Schematically shows that it can be arranged in Figure 2 and 3 An alternative user interface portion on a garden watering flow meter of the type shown.

[0095] Figure 5A A first alternative garden watering flow meter is schematically shown as part of a first alternative garden watering arrangement.

[0096] Figure 5BA second alternative garden watering flow meter is schematically shown as part of a second alternative garden watering arrangement.

[0097] Figure 6 Schematically shown is a part of a garden watering flow meter system comprising two garden watering flow meters and a client device arranged for controlling the garden watering flow meters under the control of software.

[0098] Fig. 7A and 7B User input and data display screens at a client device are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a garden watering arrangement comprising a hose H, to which a water supply source is in this example a tap T, connected via a hose fitting 1 a and a water outlet portion, in this example a second hose fitting 1 b .

[0100] The garden watering arrangement further comprises a garden watering flow meter 2 connected in series in the hose H.

[0101] The garden watering flow meter 2 is arranged for measuring and controlling the flow in a garden watering arrangement, in particular the flow through the hose H in this embodiment.

[0102] Figure 2 and 3 A garden watering flow meter 2 is shown in more detail.

[0103] The garden watering flow meter 2 comprises a first hose connection portion 21 a and a second hose connection portion 21 b , each of which is adapted to receive a respective end of a hose H. As shown in FIG.

[0104] Details of the hose connection parts 21a, 21b are omitted from the accompanying drawings, but each hose connection part may include: a hose receiving part, in which a sleeve for receiving the end of a section of hose is arranged; and a clamping device, which includes a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws, which surround the sleeve and are arranged to be driven to contact the hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut, so that the carried hose can be clamped between the claws and the sleeve.

[0105] like Figure 3 As shown, the garden watering flow meter 2 is arranged between the hose connection parts 21a, 21b via the fluid communication path 22, so that one of the hose connection parts serves as an inlet and the other serves as an outlet.

[0106] The flow meter includes a valve 23 and a drive unit 24, wherein the valve 23 is used to control the flow through the fluid communication path 22 between the hose connection parts, and the drive unit 24 is configured to drive the valve 23 between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position allows flow through the fluid communication path (i.e., through the flow meter) and the closed position blocks such flow.

[0107] The flow meter comprises a control unit 25 to control the overall operation of the flow meter, including the drive unit 24 and thus the valve 23 .

[0108] The flow sensor 26 is provided to sense and measure the flow through the fluid communication path 22. The output of the flow sensor 26 serves as an input to the control unit 25.

[0109] The flow meter includes an input portion 27 for receiving external control input from a user.

[0110] The valve 23 , the drive unit 24 , the control unit 25 , the flow sensor 26 , and the input portion 27 collectively serve as a control device for controlling the flow rate through the fluid communication path 22 .

[0111] In this embodiment, the control input is from a control provided on the flow meter, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0112] In alternative solutions, such as Figure 3 As shown by the dashed lines in , external input can be received via physical means, such as a wired connection 27a, or wirelessly via an antenna 27b.

[0113] In this embodiment, the flow meter 2 includes an on / off switch and start button 28 and a knob or dial 29 for the volume of liquid to be delivered.

[0114] Although not shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that the flow meter 2 also includes a power source such as a battery.

[0115] In operation, the user can use the flow meter 2 to control the volume of water that is delivered through the flow meter 2 and thus through the Figure 1 The arrangement of the hose H conveying.

[0116] In this embodiment, the knob 29 can be moved between 6 positions, each position corresponding to a different volume of water for delivery. In this embodiment, the volume at each position is schematically represented as a multiple of the basic unit for delivering water. The basic unit can be, for example, 1 liter, 5 liters or 1 gallon.

[0117] In an alternative, the symbol used on the dial could be a watering can symbol with position one corresponding to a delivery of one watering can of water (e.g. 5 litres), position two corresponding to a delivery of two watering cans etc. This could provide a very simple and intuitive control for the user.

[0118] The switch and start button 28 can be used to turn on the flow meter 2 and start measuring the delivery of water.

[0119] Example operation modes / button press patterns could be:

[0120] i) Press button 28 so that the unit is closed (e.g. long press) - valve 23 opens - no measurement or control takes place;

[0121] ii) the button 28 is pressed, the unit is switched on (e.g. long press) - the valve 23 opens - the measurement starts by the control unit 25 which receives the input from the flow sensor 26 and calculates the volume delivered. Watering continues until the volume delivered reaches the volume indicated via the knob 29, then the control unit 25 closes the valve 23 and the delivery of water stops;

[0122] iiia) If the button 28 is pressed in this state to close the unit (e.g. long press), the valve 23 reopens and the unit closes;

[0123] iiib) If the button 28 is pressed in this state for resetting (eg short press), the valve 23 reopens and the delivery of water continues at this stage in the volume indicated via the knob 29 .

[0124] Figure 4 A modified version of the flow meter 2' is shown in FIG. This version of the flow meter 2' may include Figures 1 to 3 The flow meter 2 has all the features and functions, and also includes a display screen 210, such as an LCD display screen, for giving instructions to the user.

[0125] These instructions may include, for example, one or more of the following:

[0126] Instantaneous flow rate,

[0127] The cumulative volume since the last boot,

[0128] Cumulative volume over the previous day, week, month, year, or other selected period,

[0129] Unit cell level,

[0130] Valve open / closed status.

[0131] In some cases, the display screen 210 may also be arranged to receive user input which can be fed to the input portion 27. In this case, if desired, the knob 29 and / or button 28 may be omitted, i.e. the device may be arranged to allow input via the display screen regarding one or more of: on-off, start, reset, selected amount of water for delivery, etc.

[0132] The above-mentioned garden watering flow meters 2, 2' are designed as in-line flow meters provided within the length of the hose H, but this is not necessary, and the concept and principle of the present invention are equally applicable to garden watering flow meters arranged in different forms.

[0133] Figure 5A and 5B Two alternative garden watering arrangements are shown. In these alternative arrangements garden watering flow meters 2", 2"' are provided. These may have the same overall arrangement, components and function as any of the flow meters 2, 2' described above (and therefore a detailed description of these parts is omitted), but they are arranged for provision in different locations in the garden watering arrangement.

[0134] Figure 5A An alternative to the Garden Watering Flow Meter 2" is a flow meter that is able to be mounted on a tap. This can be arranged to be mounted directly to the tap T or mounted via a suitable adapter.

[0135] Figure 5B An alternative to the garden watering flow meter 2"' arrangement is the flow outlet flow meter. This can be arranged to be mounted directly to the end of a hose or mounted via a suitable adapter.

[0136] Figure 5A Alternative garden watering flow meter 2" and Figure 5B Either or both of the alternative garden watering flow meters 2"' may be built into an integral hose S fitting. That is, a hose connector including a flow meter of the present type may be provided. Although not shown in detail, such a hose connector may include a hose connector portion, on which a hose may be mounted, and a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose connector.

[0137] In this case, in some examples, the hose connection portion includes:

[0138] a hose receiving portion having a sleeve disposed therein for receiving an end of a length of hose; and

[0139] The clamping device includes a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws, which surround the sleeve and are arranged to be driven to contact the hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the claws and the sleeve.

[0140] In this case, in some examples, the connector mounting portion will include a portion of a push-fit connector system for receiving and retaining a portion of a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting. The connector mounting portion may include a female header of a push-fit connector system, such as a "quick connect" system widely used in Europe and elsewhere, for receiving a corresponding male header on another component.

[0141] Thus, such an accessory may include a female portion of a quick connect connection system, namely at least one of:

[0142] a hole arranged to receive a male head;

[0143] a plurality of engagement fingers arranged to resiliently move between an extended position for capturing the male head and a retracted position for allowing the male head to be inserted and removed from the receiving hole, and

[0144] A release mechanism is provided for releasing the two parts, and when the release mechanism is operated, the release mechanism retracts the engagement fingers so that the male part can be removed.

[0145] As defined above, in some cases the garden watering flow meter 2, 2', 2", 2'" may be arranged for wireless connection to an external device.

[0146] Figure 6 A garden watering system is schematically shown comprising two garden watering flow meters 602 , 602 ′ of the type described above and arranged for wireless communication with a client device 604 via one or more networks 603 .

[0147] For the sake of brevity, this is not described Figure 6 The flow meters 602, 602' and Figure 1 5 , but it should be noted that these features exist unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0148] The first flow meter 602 is arranged similar to Figures 1 to 3 An in-line flow meter, however in this case, the control knob is omitted because user control is provided via the client device 604.

[0149] The second flow meter 602' is arranged similar to Figure 5BLikewise, since user controls are provided via the client device 604, a control knob is omitted.

[0150] exist Figure 6 In each case of the system, the flow meter 602, 602' includes an antenna 27b, and the input part 27 (at Figure 6 ) will include a communication module with a transceiver.

[0151] The flow meter 602, 602' includes an on-off button 28 as in the flow meter defined above, but no other "on-device" controls or display. Of course, a display and / or additional controls can be provided on the "device" if desired, but they are not required, and omitting these controls provides a simpler device and helps make the device smaller, which may be particularly useful in the case where the device is arranged as an accessory.

[0152] As defined above, in this case, control of each of the flow meters 602, 602' is provided via a client device 604. Typically, the client device 604 will be a mobile phone or other web enabled device running software that supports communications and provides a web client that allows control of the flow meters 602, 602' - such as a browser loaded with a web page delivered to allow control of the flow meters 602, 602', or an "App" installed on the client device 604 that is provided to allow control of the flow meters 602, 602'.

[0153] In this case, the client device 604 is arranged, under the control of the software, to allow a user to provide an input 604a indicating a selected amount of water for delivery and an input 604b to initiate water delivery.

[0154] Furthermore, the client device 604 is arranged, under the control of the software, to allow the user to provide input representing the unit cost of water and is arranged to display the volume of water delivered 604c and the cost of the water 604d (see Fig. 7A ). Additional displays can be set up (see Figure 7B ) is used to indicate the cost of water in the last day 604e, last week 604f, last year 604g, etc.

[0155] In a development of the inventive concept (not shown in the figures), a garden watering flow meter system may be provided, comprising:

[0156] A first garden watering flow meter 2 of the above type;

[0157] And at least one of the following:

[0158] i) at least one further garden watering flow meter 2 of the type described above; and

[0159] ii) A flow sensor arrangement provided separately from the first garden watering flow meter 2 for measuring the flow at a specific point in the system.

[0160] Typically a plurality of garden watering flow meters 2 may be arranged, perhaps each associated with a respective water outlet device (eg a sprinkler).

[0161] In such a situation, there may be difficulty, at least some of the time, in having sufficient flow to adequately supply each water outlet device (which may be desirable, for example to maximise the coverage given by the respective sprinkler).

[0162] Accordingly, a garden watering flow meter system may be arranged to accommodate this problem by allowing water delivery to be controlled based on the available flow rate.

[0163] One way of achieving this could be to control each garden watering flow meter 2 based on the flow rate sensed by each garden watering flow meter 2. A potentially more complex way of solving this problem is to control the garden watering flow meters 2 more cooperatively or centrally.

[0164] Thus, in some cases, the control means of the garden watering flow meter 2 may be arranged to control the operation of its drive means in dependence on a flow rate determined by the control means using a flow sensor, and may also be arranged to: delay moving the valve 23 to an open state; and / or move the valve 23 from an open state to a closed state if the determined flow rate is below a predetermined threshold level.

[0165] This can facilitate alternation or delay of water delivery to a more appropriate time, ie, when a greater flow rate is possible.

[0166] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 25 may be arranged to receive a delay watering input received via the communication module. This may be used to delay the opening of the valve 23 or to close the valve 23 where appropriate.

[0167] In a further alternative, then additionally or alternatively, the garden watering flow meter system may be arranged such that the control means of the first garden watering flow meter is arranged to control the operation of the drive means of the first garden watering flow meter in dependence on a flow rate, the flow rate being determined by one of:

[0168] i) a control device for at least one further garden watering flow meter, which uses the flow sensor of the at least one further garden watering flow meter; and

[0169] ii) A flow sensor device provided separately from the first garden watering flow meter.

[0170] In this case, the control device of the first garden watering flow meter can be arranged to: delay moving the valve of the first garden watering flow meter to an open state; and / or move the valve of the first garden watering flow meter from an open state to a closed state if the flow rate determined at at least one further garden watering flow meter or flow sensor device is below a predetermined threshold level.

[0171] Similarly, in this case, the control device of the first garden watering flow meter can be arranged to: receive a delayed watering input signal if the flow rate determined at at least one further garden watering flow meter or flow sensor device is below a predetermined threshold level, thereby delaying the movement of the valve of the first garden watering flow meter to an open state; and / or moving the valve of the first garden watering flow meter from an open state to a closed state.

[0172] This can allow alternating or delayed watering in a system with multiple water outlets and multiple flow sensors (eg, multiple garden watering flow meters) where there is insufficient flow to supply all outlets simultaneously.

[0173] The delayed watering input as defined above may be received from other garden watering flow meters 2, from the client device 604 and / or from the system central control unit. The input may be arranged as a cascade operation of the associated garden watering flow meters 2, i.e. closing the valve 23 in one flow meter and opening the valve 23 in the next flow meter. This in turn may help maximize the coverage from each associated water outlet (i.e. each of the plurality of sprinklers).

Claims

1. A garden watering flow meter, comprising: an inlet for receiving water; an outlet for outputting water; a flow communication path between the inlet and the outlet; a flow sensor for sensing flow into, into, or out of the flow communication path; as well as A control device, the control device is used to control the flow between the inlet and the outlet, the control device comprising: a valve movable between an open state allowing flow in the flow communication path between the inlet and the outlet and a closed state blocking flow between the inlet and the outlet; a drive device for driving the valve between the open state and the closed state; and A control unit is used to control the operation of the drive device according to the output from the flow sensor.

2. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: The control means is arranged to use the output of the flow sensor to determine the volume of fluid delivered by the flow meter.

3. A garden watering flow meter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control means is arranged to control operation of the drive means in dependence upon the volume of fluid delivered by the flow meter as determined by the controller arrangement using the flow sensor.

4. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control unit is arranged to receive an input defining a user selected volume of fluid for delivery.

5. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit is arranged to determine the volume of fluid delivered by the flow meter after a starting point and, when the determined delivered volume of fluid reaches or exceeds a user selected volume of fluid specified by the received input, cause the drive means to drive the valve to the closed state.

6. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 5, wherein: The starting point is defined by receiving a start input at the control unit.

7. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 6, wherein: The garden watering flow meter comprises a manually operable control, such as a button, which can be used by a user to provide an initiating input to the control unit.

8. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The garden watering flow meter includes a manually operable control that is movable between a plurality of positions, such as a dial or knob, and that can be used by a user to provide input to the control unit for delivering a selected fluid volume, each of the plurality of positions corresponding to a control for delivering a respective selected, mutually different fluid volume.

9. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 8, wherein: The volume indicated for selection by the user is presented in terms of the number of watering cans.

10. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The garden watering flow meter includes a display screen for indicating information to a user.

11. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 10, wherein: The display screen is arranged to receive user input.

12. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The garden watering flow meter includes a wireless communication module for allowing communication between the controller and the individual devices.

13. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 12, wherein: The control unit is arranged to receive, via the communication module, an input defining a user selected volume of fluid for delivery.

14. A garden watering flow meter according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The control unit is arranged to receive an initiation input received via the communication module.

15. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The garden watering flow meter is faucet mountable.

16. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The garden watering flow meter can be connected in series between two sections of hose.

17. A garden watering flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The garden watering flow meter is arranged as a hose end component for arrangement at the end of a hose and comprises a hose connector portion on which the hose can be mounted.

18. The garden watering flow meter according to claim 17, wherein: The garden watering flow meter is arranged as a hose fitting comprising a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

19. A garden watering flow meter system comprising: A garden watering flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 18; and A client device is arranged, under the control of software, for communicating with the garden watering flow meter via a network and for receiving user input causing control of the garden watering flow meter.

20. A client device arranged, under the control of software, to communicate via a network with a garden watering flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and to receive user input causing control of the garden watering flow meter.

21. The client device of claim 20, wherein: The client device is arranged to receive user input indicating a volume of water to be delivered through the flow meter.

22. The client device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The client device is arranged to receive user initiated input for transmission to the garden watering flow meter for at least one of: i) defining a starting point for measuring the volume of water delivered through said flow meter; and ii) Start delivering water through the flow meter.

23. The client device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The client device is arranged, under software control, to indicate to a user the volume of water delivered through the flow meter.

24. A computer program comprising code portions which, when loaded and executed on a network-enabled computer device, cause the computer device to operate as a client device according to any one of claims 20 to 23.

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