Off-grid, solar powered, battery-free irrigation control unit, in particular faucet irrigation control unit

Abstract

An off-grid, solar powered, battery-free irrigation control unit for automatically irrigating plants, gardens and the like using irrigation lines, comprising: at least one inlet (3); at least one outlet (4); the valve device (A; a, B); a logic control unit (15); for driving the valve device (A; a programmable device (21, 22, 23) of the plurality of sensors (A, B); at least one photovoltaic panel (2); a supercapacitor (12); and a first switched capacitor (14). The first switched capacitor is configured and / or dimensioned to selectively turn on the logic control unit (15) when a first predetermined turn-on voltage threshold (VACC) is reached. Upon reaching a second predetermined operating voltage threshold (VRUN), the logic control unit (15) is programmed to electrically connect the photovoltaic panel (2) and the supercapacitor (12) and to activate the programmable drive means (21, 22, 23).

Description

[0001] Specification Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of irrigation fittings, and particularly to an off-grid, solar-powered, battery-free irrigation control unit for automatic irrigation of gardens, plants, green spaces, etc.

[0003] Definitions

[0004] In this document, the expression "irrigation control unit" or its derivatives are used to indicate an irrigation control unit that can be connected to a water supply device, which is also referred to as an irrigation programmer or timer.

[0005] In this document, the expression "faucet irrigation control unit" or its derivatives are used to indicate an irrigation control unit that can be directly connected to a water supply faucet, which is also referred to as an irrigation programmer.

[0006] In this document, the expression "irrigation pipeline" or its derivatives are used to indicate at least one hose or pipe suitable for conveying water from a faucet control unit to a point to be irrigated. Fittings, nozzles, sprinklers, end plugs, or similar accessories can be connected to at least one hose or pipe in a manner known per se.

[0007] In this document, the expression "off-grid" or its derivatives in relation to an element are used to indicate that the mentioned element is not physically connected to an electrical appliance via cables, wires, pipes, etc.

[0008] In this document, the expression "battery" or its derivatives are used to indicate a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through an oxygen reduction reaction.

[0009] In this document, the expression "supercapacitor" or its derivatives are used to indicate a capacitor having the following characteristics: the amount of charge it accumulates is much larger than that of a traditional capacitor, usually up to 1000 times. "Supercapacitor" is also referred to as "supercap", and can be identified by the abbreviation EDLC.

[0010] In this document, the expression "first switched capacitor" or its derivatives are used to indicate a conventional capacitor that is appropriately sized to allow the logic control unit of the control unit to be turned on for the first time within a relatively short time and with a minimum light intensity. Background Art

[0011] Irrigation control units are known, which have functions such as allowing the programming of the irrigation of gardens, plants (e.g., arranged on a terrace), green spaces, etc. in the absence of the user. Generally, such a control unit is connected to an irrigation water supply device such as a faucet, and an irrigation pipeline such as a drip irrigation pipeline known per se.

[0012] Among such irrigation control units, the solar-powered irrigation control units are particularly notable because they allow reducing the environmental impact of the mentioned control units. For this purpose, such control units are equipped with photovoltaic panels, which convert solar energy into the power voltage of the control unit in a manner known per se.

[0013] Obviously, the size of the photovoltaic panel in the irrigation control unit must be small, which causes the following problems: to overcome the periods when solar energy is unavailable, such as at night or in the case of long periods of bad weather, or when the control unit is switched on or re-switched on for the first time after a period of non-use.

[0014] For this purpose, for example, in the documents US5229649 and EP2946656 representing the relevant applicant, solar-powered faucet irrigation control units provided with batteries are disclosed, and the batteries allow powering the control unit when solar energy is unavailable or scarce.

[0015] However, due to the handling requirements of the battery, the presence of the battery increases the environmental impact of the control unit and is generally inconvenient for the user. The user will have to replace the battery when it runs out, and this may occur, for example, when the user is away for a long time (such as on vacation) or in any case at the beginning of each season.

[0016] Last but not least, the battery is a cost for the user.

[0017] In addition, it is well known that one cannot predict the exact time when the battery runs out. Therefore, either the user replaces the battery more frequently than necessary, resulting in greater costs and environmental impact; or the user may be unable to use it for a long time, which may damage the area to be irrigated, especially in summer. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a powerful and affordable solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery-free solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit that can ensure correct operation even in the case of the least available solar energy and / or at night.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit with the least environmental impact.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit that is particularly easy for the user to use and manage.

[0023] These and other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit, a software program installed or installable in a logic control unit, and / or a logic control unit described, illustrated, and / or claimed herein.

[0024] The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0025] Specifically, the solar-powered off-grid irrigation control unit according to the invention may include:

[0026] - at least one inlet capable of being connected to an external irrigation water supply device;

[0027] - at least one outlet capable of being connected to an external irrigation pipeline;

[0028] - valve means, such as one or two solenoid valves, for controlling the irrigation water flow between the valve means;

[0029] - a logic control unit, such as a microprocessor;

[0030] - a programmable device for driving the valve means, the programmable device being operatively connected to the logic control unit and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit;

[0031] - at least one photovoltaic panel;

[0032] - at least one supercapacitor operatively connected to the photovoltaic panel;

[0033] - at least one first switched capacitor for the logic control unit, the at least one first switched capacitor being operatively connected to the photovoltaic panel;

[0034] - a first device for monitoring the charging voltage of the first switched capacitor;

[0035] - means for electrically connecting the supercapacitor and the logic control unit to each other; and

[0036] - a second device for monitoring the charging voltage of the supercapacitor, the second device being operatively connected to the logic control unit and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit.

[0037] The first switched capacitor may be configured and / or sized to selectively turn on the logic control unit in response to a first predetermined on-voltage threshold detected by the first monitoring device, depending on the characteristics of the logic control unit.

[0038] Suitably, the capacitance of the first switched capacitor is low enough to be rapidly charged even with little energy received from the photovoltaic panel, and the capacitance of the first switched capacitor is high enough to be able to provide an initial peak current requested by the logic control unit and then keep the logic control unit active until the supercapacitor reaches the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold.

[0039] In addition, in response to the second monitoring device detecting the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold, the logic control unit may be programmed to:

[0040] - selectively activate the electrical connection device by electrically connecting the logic control unit to the supercapacitor;

[0041] - selectively activate the programmable drive device to allow the user to activate irrigation and / or program irrigation.

[0042] Due to these characteristics, the control unit can be battery - free and, compared with the control units of the prior art, is simpler and more straightforward to manage for the user and has less impact on the environment.

[0043] Advantageously, the control unit may further include means for signaling to the user the power - on of the logic control unit and the attainment of the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold. The signaling means may be of any type, such as an LCD display, a simple LED color code, one or more sound signals, or a BLE communication system that can be connected to a smartphone.

[0044] In fact, the signaling means preferably may include a transmitting means, such as a BLE radio equipped with an antenna, which is operatively connected to and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit and is configured to send at least one first data D1 regarding the power - on of the logic control unit, the time required to reach the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold, and / or the attainment of the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold to an external smartphone on which software or an APP suitable for displaying the at least one first data D1 is installed or can be installed.

[0045] This enables the user to understand the status of the control unit and use it after the supercapacitor is fully charged.

[0046] To this end, the logic control unit may be programmed to activate the signaling means immediately after being switched on by the first switched capacitor.

[0047] Irrigation can be activated / deactivated and / or programmed in any way, such as manually activated / deactivated and / or programmed through a button panel, and advantageously, can be activated / deactivated and / or programmed through the same smartphone.

[0048] To this end, the programmable drive device may include a receiving device, which may be defined by the above BLE system or may be configured differently, and which is operatively connected to and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit, and is configured to receive at least one second data D2 regarding the instantaneous activation and / or deactivation of the valve device and / or the time programming of the activation / deactivation via an external smartphone, which may be the above smartphone or a different smartphone, on which the above-mentioned or different software or APP is installed or may be installed, and which is adapted to allow the user to set at least one second data D2.

[0049] In this way, the management of irrigation can be particularly simple for the user.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit may preferably include a non-volatile storage unit, in which at least one second data D2 may be inserted. In this way, the input program can be stored for a long time, and the control unit can be set to collect at least one second data D2 from the non-volatile storage unit so as to perform irrigation.

[0051] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, once switched on by the first switched capacitor, the logic control unit can be programmed to:

[0052] - read the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor; and

[0053] - if such an initial charging voltage value of the supercapacitor is less than a third predetermined start-of-season threshold, control the selective activation of the programmable drive device only after reaching at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold.

[0054] Suitably, the logic control unit can be programmed to store at least one third data related to the supercapacitor reaching at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold in a non-volatile storage unit (the non-volatile storage unit may be the above unit or a unit separate from the above unit). In this way, the control unit will store in the memory the fact that the supercapacitor has been fully charged.

[0055] The third predetermined start-of-season threshold can be selected to indicate the fact that the supercapacitor has been substantially depleted and that this requires its full charge, which will occur at at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold.

[0056] Therefore, if the initial charging voltage value of the supercapacitor is below the third predetermined start-of-season threshold, the logic control unit deletes at least one third data from the non-volatile storage unit - even if it has been input previously - in order to allow the re-entry of the third data at the end of a new full charge.

[0057] Therefore, it is advantageous that once activated by the first switched capacitor and after reading the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor, if such a value is greater than a third predetermined season start threshold, the logic control unit can read the non-volatile memory cell to verify the existence of the above-mentioned third data.

[0058] If such third data does not exist, i.e., the supercapacitor has not been fully charged recently, the logic control unit controls the selective activation of the programmable drive means when reaching at least one of the above-mentioned second predetermined operating voltage thresholds. That is to say, the logic control unit waits until the supercapacitor is fully charged and then controls the start of operation of the solenoid valve.

[0059] Conversely, if the third data exists, that is to say, the supercapacitor has been fully charged recently, the logic control unit can control the selective activation of the programmable drive means when reaching a fourth predetermined operating voltage threshold less than at least one of the second predetermined operating voltage thresholds.

[0060] In other words, if the supercapacitor has been fully charged recently, the operation of the solenoid valve can start at a charging voltage lower than the voltage required for the supercapacitor to be fully charged, assuming that in this case, it can be determined that the supercapacitor has retained some remaining charging voltage. Thanks to this solution, the start of operation of the solenoid valve may be faster than the speed required for the supercapacitor to be fully charged.

[0061] After being activated by the first switched capacitor and verifying the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor, the logic control unit can continuously monitor the charging voltage of the supercapacitor to verify its possible drop.

[0062] In the case where it is detected that the charging voltage of the supercapacitor drops below a fifth predetermined first warning threshold lower than the second predetermined operating voltage threshold and the fourth predetermined operating voltage threshold, the logic control unit can be programmed to:

[0063] - Control the programmable drive means to close the valve means; and

[0064] - Deactivate the programmable drive means except for the timer function, keeping the timer function active.

[0065] In this way, the control unit enters an energy-saving mode while maintaining the timer function, i.e., time measurement. In other words, in this mode, the control unit will maintain both the time function and the calendar function so that when returning to the normal operation mode, the irrigation will be carried out according to the program set by the user.

[0066] If the detected charging voltage of the supercapacitor further drops below a sixth predetermined second warning threshold lower than the above value, the logic control unit is automatically reset, which results in the selective deactivation of the electrical connection means.

[0067] Therefore, when the first switched capacitor will be able to connect to the logic control unit again, the control unit will resume correct operation and repeat the above cycle.

[0068] On the other hand, the present invention may relate to a software or firmware program including instructions that is installed in or can be installed in a logic control unit for operating the above irrigation control unit. Such a software or firmware program may cause the logic control unit to perform the following steps once it is put into use:

[0069] - Activate the signal device;

[0070] - Read the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor; and alternatively

[0071] - If the value of the initially read supercapacitor charging voltage is lower than a third predetermined start-of-season

[0072] start threshold:

[0073] - When reaching at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold, control the selective activation of the electrical connection device and the programmable drive device;

[0074] - Control the storage of at least one third data D3 in the non-volatile storage unit; or

[0075] - If the value of the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor is greater than the third predetermined start-of-season threshold, read the non-volatile storage unit; and alternatively

[0076] - If the non-volatile storage unit does not contain at least one third data D3, control the selective activation of the electrical connection device and the programmable drive device when reaching at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold, and control the storage of at least one third data D3 in the non-volatile storage unit; or

[0077] - If the non-volatile storage unit contains at least one third data D3, control the selective activation of the electrical connection device and the programmable drive device when reaching a fourth predetermined operating voltage threshold that is lower than at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold;

[0078] - After reading the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor, continuously monitor the charging voltage of the supercapacitor; and

[0079] - If the charging voltage of the supercapacitor drops below a fifth predetermined first warning threshold that is lower than the second predetermined operating voltage threshold and the fourth predetermined operating voltage threshold:

[0080]

[0081] - Control the programmable drive device to close the valve device; and

[0082] - Deactivate programmable drive devices other than the timer;

[0083] And

[0084] - If the charging voltage of the supercapacitor drops from a fifth predetermined first warning threshold to a sixth predetermined second warning threshold below the fifth predetermined first warning threshold, reset the logic control unit and selectively deactivate the electrical connection device.

[0085] On the other hand, the present invention may relate to a logic control unit on which the above software or firmware program is installed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0086] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the present invention illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0087] Figure 1 Basically shows an irrigation control unit in combination with a smart phone 5 according to the present invention, the smart phone 5 having an APP for managing it;

[0088] Figure 2 Illustrates an embodiment of a single-way control unit according to the present invention in a three-dimensional view;

[0089] Figure 3 Illustrates the same embodiment of the single-way control unit in a side view;

[0090] Figure 4 Shows in a plane Figure 3 And taken on a longitudinal plane perpendicular to and passing through the connection of the inlet 3 and the outlet 4, the same embodiment of the single-way control unit;

[0091] Figure 5 Illustrates an embodiment of a two-way control unit according to the present invention in a three-dimensional view;

[0092] Figure 6 Shows the same embodiment of the two-way control unit taken on a plane including the longitudinal axis connecting the inlet 3 and the outlet 4;

[0093] Figure 7 Shows a block diagram of the internal circuit system of the single-way or two-way control unit according to the present invention;

[0094] Figure 8 Shows a schematic diagram of the operating mode of the control unit;

[0095] Figure 9 Shows another embodiment of the irrigation control unit 1, the irrigation control unit 1 having two parts 6, 7 that can be removably decoupled from each other. Detailed implementation manners

[0096] Referring to the accompanying drawings, described herein is a battery - free solar - powered off - grid irrigation control unit 1 for automatic irrigation of plants, gardens, etc.

[0097] Specifically, the irrigation control unit 1 is designed to be connected to an irrigation water supply device such as a faucet, and to an irrigation pipeline such as a drip irrigation pipeline. Neither the water supply device nor the irrigation pipeline is shown in the figure as they are known per se.

[0098] In a preferred but non - exclusive embodiment, the irrigation control unit 1 can be a faucet irrigation control unit. Although the following will refer to a control unit of this type, it is obvious that, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims, the control unit can be of any type as long as it is of the battery - free solar - powered off - grid type.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit can be directly connected to the faucet or connected to the faucet through a suitable connecting device such as a flexible hose.

[0100] As Figure 1 shown in a highly schematic and concise manner, the single - way or two - way electronic control unit 1 according to the present invention can include a box - shaped body having a photovoltaic panel 2, an inlet connector 3 of a type such as having a female thread coupling for a faucet, and one or more outlet connectors 4 of a type such as having a male quick - coupling, and the single - way or two - way electronic control unit 1 is preferably functionally adapted to be associated (either alone or together with other similar control units) with a computer - managed application (referred to herein as an APP) present in a smart phone 5. The computer - managed application can be of any known type.

[0101] Although the following will refer to a control unit that can be functionally associated with an APP, it is obvious that, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims, the control unit can include or be operatively connected to any type of signal device, such as a low - power LCD display.

[0102] As Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 9 、 Figures 5 to 6 and Figure 9 shown in the embodiments of

[0103] In a preferred but non - exclusive embodiment, the two parts or components 6, 7 can preferably be removably coupled, that is to say, they can be separated from each other and then joined along a removable coupling line 8.

[0104] The valve assembly 6 may include an inlet connector 3, one or two outlet connectors 4, and a valve device, such as only one solenoid valve A( Figures 2 to 4 or Figure 9 ) or two solenoid valves A, B( Figures 5 to 6 ), which may be of various types known per se.

[0105] The control assembly 7 may externally include a photovoltaic panel 2 and a control panel 9 as Figure 7 shown in detail.

[0106] The control panel 9 may include: a circuit 10 for regulating the voltage of the photovoltaic panel 2, a circuit 11 for reading the voltage of the photovoltaic panel, a supercapacitor 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "supercapacitor") preferably having 10F@3V or 2mAh and powered by the photovoltaic panel 2 through the regulating circuit 10, means for monitoring the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12, such as a circuit 13 for reading the charging voltage, a first switched capacitor 14 powered by the photovoltaic panel 2 through the regulating circuit 10, and a logic control unit 15, which may include a microcontroller 15 with an integrated BLE radio 16 or consist of a microcontroller 15 with an integrated BLE radio 16.

[0107] Although a logic control unit of such a type will be referred to hereinafter, it is clear that, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims, the logic control unit may be of any type.

[0108] The control panel 9 may further include power supply means for the microcontroller 15, such as a suitable power circuit 17 operably connected to the supercapacitor 12, a power circuit 18 for the microcontroller 15 from the first switched capacitor 14, means 18 for monitoring the charging voltage of the first switched capacitor 14, a BLE antenna 19 for the BLE radio 16, and a circuit 20 for adapting the antenna.

[0109] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the circuit 18 may be configured to automatically enable the power supply voltage of the microcontroller when the first switched capacitor 14 reaches a predetermined turn-on voltage threshold V ACC , as outlined better hereinafter. In other words, the circuit 18 can serve both as a power circuit for the microcontroller 15 from the first switched capacitor 14 and as means 18 for monitoring the charging voltage of the first switched capacitor 14.

[0110] The control panel 9 may further include means for driving the valve device, such as a circuit 21 for driving the solenoid valve A, a circuit 22 for driving the solenoid valve B (only in a dual-channel control unit), and a circuit 23 controlled by the microcontroller 15 for generating the drive voltage of the solenoid valve, a manual control button 24 of the "touch" type preferably (also in Figure 2 andFigure 5 shown in), the multicolor LED assembly 25 (also shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown in), the LED drive circuit 26, and the timing reset circuit 27.

[0111] The manual control button 24 can allow for the manual activation of the solenoid valves A; A, B or the control of their timing operations, or allow for the reset of the control unit 1, which can occur by holding the button for a long period, such as 15 seconds to 30 seconds. Each operation mode of the manual button 24 can be associated with a color code provided by the LED 25.

[0112] As described above, the microcontroller 15 can include a BLE radio 16 operating according to the low-power Bluetooth standard, and the microcontroller 15 can be programmed to perform Figure 7 the various functions identified in the form of functional blocks in

[0113] Specifically, a function 28 of supplying power to the microcontroller from the first switched capacitor 14, a function 29 of reading the voltage of the photovoltaic panel, a function 30 of enabling the circuit for reading the voltage of the photovoltaic panel, a function 31 of enabling the power circuit of the microcontroller for the supercapacitor 12, a function 32 of reading the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12, a function 33 of driving the solenoid valve A, a function 34 of driving the solenoid valve B (only in a dual-channel control unit), a function 35 of reading the status of a possible rain sensor 36 located outside the control unit, a function 37 of reading the driving voltage of the solenoid valve, a function 38 of enabling the driving voltage of the solenoid valve, a function 39 of enabling the drive circuit of the solenoid valve, a function 40 of turning on the LED assembly 25 through the LED drive circuit 26, a function 41 of reading the status of the control button 24, and a reset function block 42 can be provided.

[0114] The first switched capacitor 14 can be configured and / or sized to selectively turn on the microcontroller 15 in response to a predetermined turn-on voltage threshold V ACC (which can be, for example, 2.5 V).

[0115] Suitably, assuming that the microcontroller 15 requires a peak current at the start, the capacitance of the first switched capacitor 14 can be low enough to be quickly charged even with a small amount of energy received from the photovoltaic panel 2, but the capacitance of the switched capacitor 14 can be high enough to be able to supply the initial peak current required by the microcontroller 15 and then keep the microcontroller 15 active relying only on the energy provided by the photovoltaic panel 2. Obviously, the first switched capacitor 14 can be configured and / or sized according to the characteristics of the microcontroller 15.

[0116] By way of example, the first switched capacitor 14 may be configured and / or dimensioned such that when the photovoltaic panel 2 is irradiated with light having an irradiance of 10 W / m 2 , within a maximum of 10 seconds, preferably within a maximum of 5 seconds, the capacitance value reaches at least 150 μF, preferably at least 200 μF. This will allow ensuring that the microcontroller 15 can be quickly turned on and maintain its function even in the presence of very little light.

[0117] Once the microcontroller 15 is turned on, it is programmed to provide a possible combination of a start step 51 and an "operation" step 52 for controlling the operation of the solenoid valve and uploading to the management application APP in the smartphone 5. These two steps are shown in the Figure 8 block diagram.

[0118] In particular, during the turn-on step, the microcontroller 15 may be programmed to activate the function 32 of reading the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12, and once the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12 has reached a predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN (which may be 2.45 V for example), then the "operation" step is activated by controlling the activation of the function 31 of enabling the power circuit of the microcontroller 15 from the supercapacitor 12 and the functions 37 of reading the drive voltage of the solenoid valve, 38 of enabling the drive voltage of the solenoid valve, and 39 of enabling the drive circuit of the solenoid valve. A timer function 60 may also be set to allow the user to program the irrigation.

[0119] The predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN may be calculated to ensure an extended operating period of the control unit even in the case of, for example, no light due to bad weather or at night.

[0120] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the microcontroller 15 may be programmed such that once turned on by the first switched capacitor 14, the microcontroller 15 reads the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12, and only when the value of the initial charging voltage of the read supercapacitor 12 is lower than a predetermined start-of-season threshold V NS (which may be 0.8 V for example), the activation of the above functions is controlled at the above predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN .

[0121] In fact, such a value ensures the fact that the supercapacitor 12 has been substantially depleted, which is an event that occurs when the control unit is turned on for the first time when new, or at the start of the season, or after a long period of no light (e.g., due to non-use or long-term bad weather), which is an event that requires a full charge of the supercapacitor 12.

[0122] In fact, by its very nature, in the supercapacitor 12, it takes a given period of time for the charge to enter it. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN will ensure that the supercapacitor 12 is fully charged and the charge has entered it.

[0123] Therefore, in another preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the microcontroller 15 can be programmed such that once it is turned on by the first switched capacitor 14 and when reading the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12, if the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12 is higher than the above-mentioned season start threshold V NS , then whether there is data D3 regarding the supercapacitor 12 reaching the above-mentioned predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN is read from a suitable non-volatile storage unit 70 that is operatively connected to the microcontroller 15 and / or at least partially integrated in the microcontroller 15, that is, whether the control unit was recently in the above-mentioned "running" step.

[0124] In fact, in this case, the initial charging voltage value of the supercapacitor 12 higher than the above-mentioned season start threshold V NS will ensure that the control unit is not in the above conditions, so the control unit will not be like new when it is first turned on, nor will it be like new when it is turned on again at the start of the season or after a long period without light.

[0125] Therefore, under these conditions, the control unit may potentially have been more or less recently in the "running" step, and thus, it may have accumulated a given amount of charge in it, that is, it is partially charged.

[0126] The presence of the non-volatile storage unit 70 and the presence or absence of the above-mentioned relevant data D3 in it indicate that such an event will definitely occur because when the supercapacitor 12 reaches the above-mentioned predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN , the microcontroller 15 writes the data D3 to the non-volatile storage unit 70.

[0127] Therefore, if the microcontroller 15 reads such data D3, it can be determined that the supercapacitor 12 is partially charged, and when it reaches a predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN lower than the predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN,VEL (which can be, for example, 2.1V), the microcontroller 15 can control the activation of the above-mentioned functions.

[0128] In this way, the start of the "running" step will occur in the shortest possible time, less than the time required to reach the predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN .

[0129] Advantageously, the microcontroller 15 can be programmed such that after reading the initial charge voltage of the supercapacitor 12, the microcontroller 15 continuously monitors the charging of the supercapacitor 12.

[0130] In fact, if the light suddenly dims, for example if the photovoltaic panel 2 is accidentally covered by a towel, the supercapacitor 12 may start to discharge.

[0131] In this case, the microcontroller 15 can be programmed such that if the charge voltage value of the supercapacitor 12 drops below a predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN and V RUN,VEL to a predetermined first warning threshold V ALL1 (which can be, for example, 1.9 V), then the microcontroller 15 controls the closing of solenoid valves A; A, B and the deactivation of the associated drive functions 37, 38 and 39 except for the operation of the timer 60.

[0132] This allows ensuring that there is no overflow and waste of water and that the control unit 1 consumes the least amount of energy while maintaining the timer function 60, so as not to miss the possible programming set by the user over time, which can be written, for example, in the non-volatile memory 70.

[0133] Suitably, the microcontroller 15 can be programmed such that if the charge voltage value of the supercapacitor 12 further drops below a predetermined second warning threshold V ALL1 of the predetermined first warning threshold V ALL2 (which can be, for example, 1.67 V), then the microcontroller 15 selectively deactivates the function 31 that powers the supercapacitor 12 from the photovoltaic panel 2 and deactivates the timer 60 so that the above cycle can start again.

[0134] In the non-volatile memory 70, a possible set of irrigation programs and possible data D3 can be retained, and these data can be deleted only when the reading of the initial charge voltage of the supercapacitor 12 is below the value V NS .

[0135] Basically, once the microcontroller 15 is activated by the first switched capacitor 14, the software or firmware program installed in the microcontroller 15 can perform the following operating steps:

[0136] - Activate the signaling means, and in particular activate the BLE radio 16;

[0137] - Read the initial charge voltage of the supercapacitor 12; and alternatively:

[0138] - If the read initial charge voltage value is below a predetermined start-of-season threshold V NS , then control according to the charge value V RUNActivate the "Run" step and store the achievement of this step (data D3) in the non-volatile storage unit 70; or

[0139] - If the initially read charging voltage value is higher than the predetermined start-of-season threshold V NS , then read the non-volatile storage unit 70; and alternatively

[0140] - If the non-volatile storage unit 70 does not contain data D3, i.e., if the control unit has not recently been in the "Run" step, then control the movement towards reaching the predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN , and control the storage of data D3 related to reaching this step in the non-volatile storage unit 70; or

[0141] - If the non-volatile storage unit 70 contains data D3, i.e., if the control unit has recently been in the "Run" step, then when reaching the predetermined operating voltage threshold V RUN,VEL , control the movement towards such a step faster than in the case of needing to reach value V RUN ;

[0142] - After reading the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12, continuously monitor the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12; and

[0143] - If the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12 drops to the predetermined first warning threshold V ALL1 :

[0144] - Control the solenoid valve A; the closing of A, B; and

[0145] - Deactivate the devices for driving the solenoid valve A; A, B except for the timer 60;

[0146] And

[0147] - If the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12 drops to another predetermined second warning threshold V ALL2 , then reset the microcontroller 15 by deactivating the "Run" step and moving to the "Start" step.

[0148] As described above, the start step 51 is required when first using the control unit, at the start of each season, or in the case of long-term non-use. This start step can provide the advertising mode 53 and the scan response 54 mode.

[0149] In the advertising mode, the BLE radio 16 can send short data packets D1 to the APP of the smart phone 5 at a preset interval, preferably sending a 16-byte packet every 2 seconds, for example, including the brand, model, and unique identifier of the control unit. These are just identifier data that allow the APP to identify the control unit. Under these conditions, the power consumption of the BLE radio is very low and can be compatible with the low-intensity conditions of the photovoltaic panel. The manual button 24 is inoperative and the LED assembly 25 is turned off. The operator does not need to take any action.

[0150] After the association of the APP - control unit is performed through the identification code of the control unit, the APP of the smart phone can send a scan request to the control unit, which switches the control unit, and especially the BLE radio, to the scan response mode, in which the BLE radio 16 provides information data about the status of the control unit, and especially information data about the charge state of the supercapacitor 12. Preferably, this is a 6 - byte packet to minimize power consumption. Also in this step, the operator does not need to take any action, and if needed, the operator can also receive a notification through the control unit.

[0151] Obviously, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims, the "advertising" mode 53 and the scan response mode 54 can also be performed simultaneously.

[0152] In other words, the data D1 sent by the BLE radio 16 can take into account both the identification data of the control unit and the charge state of the supercapacitor 12.

[0153] During the start - up step, the charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12 is read by the functional block 32 of the microcontroller 15, and the read charging voltage is compared with the previously read charging voltage to update the aforementioned information data at a preset time interval, preferably every minute.

[0154] The difference between two read voltages at 1 - minute intervals from each other by the microcontroller 15 and the comparison of such a difference with the difference between the maximum charging operating voltage V of the supercapacitor 12 RUN or V RUN,VEL and the latest reading of the current charging voltage of the supercapacitor 12 are used to extract the expected remaining time transmitted to the APP whenever the APP requests (preferably every minute). As described above, when the supercapacitor 12 reaches the operating charging voltage V RUN or V RUN,VEL the start - up step 51 is completed.

[0155] Preferably, the frequency of sending data can be relatively high before the control unit-APP association and then increased after the association to save energy. For example, before the control unit-APP association, data can be sent once every two minutes, and after the association, it can be sent once every 30 seconds.

[0156] Once the supercapacitor 12 has reached the operating charge state, this information is transmitted to the APP, and the control unit switches to the operation or "running" step. In the case where the control unit is in the "running" step, the application APP can be used to send data D2 related to the programming and activation of subsequent running operations of the control unit, especially data D2 related to the activation / deactivation and / or time programming of the operation of solenoid valves A; A, B.

[0157] In this step, the BLE radio 16 can send short computer data packets to the APP. The packets are still sent at an interval of 2 seconds but are only updated once every 30 seconds to reduce power consumption.

[0158] The start step of the control unit may last from 20 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the exposure of the solar panel and the light intensity received by the panel, which in turn depends on the way the panel is exposed and the atmospheric conditions. Obviously, the greater the light intensity, the shorter the initial charging time.

[0159] Therefore, the separability of the control assembly 7 from the valve assembly 6 can allow the photovoltaic panel 2 to be temporarily arranged in the position most suitable for receiving the maximum solar intensity during the start step, while the valve assembly remains installed on the faucet.

[0160] After completing the start step 51, the control assembly 7 can be repositioned on the valve assembly 6 to which it is screwed onto the faucet, and the control unit can be rotated to the angular position most suitable for receiving solar radiation.

[0161] In summary, it is obvious that the present invention has achieved the preset purpose.

[0162] The present invention can be modified and varied in many ways, and all modifications and variations fall within the protection scope of the appended claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to needs, but all do not exceed the protection scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An off-grid, solar-powered, battery-free irrigation control unit, especially a faucet irrigation control unit, for automatically irrigating plants, gardens, etc. by means of an irrigation pipeline, comprising: - at least one inlet (3) which can be connected to an irrigation water supply device; - at least one outlet (4) which can be connected to the irrigation pipeline; - valve means (A; A, B) provided between the at least one inlet (3) and the at least one outlet (4) for controlling the irrigation water flow between the at least one inlet (3) and the at least one outlet (4); - a logic control unit (15); - a programmable device (21, 22, 23) for driving the valve means (A; A, B), the programmable device (21, 22, 23) being operatively connected to the logic control unit (15) and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit (15); - at least one photovoltaic panel (2); - at least one supercapacitor (12) operatively connected to the photovoltaic panel (2); - at least one first switched capacitor (14) for the logic control unit (15), the first switched capacitor (14) being operatively connected to the photovoltaic panel (2); - a first device (18) for monitoring the charging voltage of the first switched capacitor (14); - means (17, 31) for electrically connecting the supercapacitor (12) and the logic control unit (15) to each other; - a second device (13, 32) for monitoring the charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12), the second device (13, 32) being operatively connected to the logic control unit (15) and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit (15); Wherein, the first switched capacitor (14) is configured and / or dimensioned to selectively turn on the logic control unit (15) in response to a first predetermined turn-on voltage threshold (V ACC ) detected by the first monitoring device (18), and the logic control unit (15) is programmed to: in response to at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ) detected by the second monitoring devices (13, 32). - selectively activating the electrical connection means (17, 31); - selectively activating the programmable driving means (21, 22, 23).

2. The control unit according to claim 1 further comprises means (16) for signaling to the user the switching on of the logic control unit (15) and the attainment of the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ), the logic control unit (15) being programmed to activate the signaling means (16) once switched on by the first switched capacitor (14).

3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein, The signal device includes transmitting means (16, 19, 20) operatively connected to and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit (15), the transmitting means (16, 19, 20) being configured to transmit at least one first data (D1) related to the activation of the logic control unit (15) and / or the attainment of the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ) to a smartphone (5) on which software (APP) capable of displaying the at least one first data (D1) is installed or can be installed.

4. The control unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The programmable driving means (21, 22, 23) further comprises receiving means (16, 19, 20) which are operatively connected to the logic control unit (15) and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit (15), the receiving means (16, 19, 20) being configured to receive at least one second data (D2) from a smartphone (5) regarding the instantaneous activation / deactivation of the valve means (A; A, B) and / or the time programming of the activation / deactivation, a software (APP) for allowing the user to set the at least one second data (D2) being installed or capable of being installed on the smartphone (5), and the control unit preferably further comprises a non-volatile storage unit (70), wherein the non-volatile storage unit (70) can be input with the at least one second data (D2) regarding the time programming of the activation / deactivation of the valve means (A; A, B).

5. The control unit according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein, The capacitance of the first switched capacitor (14) is low enough to be quickly charged even with little energy received from the photovoltaic panel (2); and the capacitance of the first switched capacitor (14) is high enough to be able to provide an initial peak current requested by the logic control unit (15) and subsequently keep the logic control unit (15) active until the supercapacitor (12) reaches the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ).

6. The control unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, Once activated by the first switched capacitor (14), the logic control unit (15) is programmed to: - Read the initial charge voltage of the supercapacitor (12); And - Only when the initial charging voltage value of the read supercapacitor (12) is less than a predetermined third-season start threshold (V NS ), the selective activation of the programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) is controlled when the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ) is reached.

7. The control unit according to the preceding claim further comprises a non-volatile storage unit (70), the non-volatile storage unit (70) being operatively connected to and / or at least partially integrated in the logic control unit (15), the logic control unit (15) being programmed to store in the non-volatile storage unit (70) at least one third data (D3) related to the supercapacitor (12) reaching the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ). Once the logic control unit (15) is turned on by the first switched capacitor (14), it is programmed to: if the read initial charging voltage value is higher than the third predetermined season start threshold (V NS ), read the non-volatile storage unit (70), and only if the non-volatile storage unit (70) does not contain the at least one third data (D3), control the selective activation of the programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) when reaching the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ).

8. The control unit according to the preceding claim, wherein, The logic control unit (15) is programmed to control the selective activation of the programmable driving devices (21, 22, 23) only when the non-volatile storage unit (70) contains the at least one third data (D3) and when a fourth predetermined threshold operating voltage value (V RUN ) lower than the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN,VEL ) is reached.

9. The control unit according to one or more of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) include a timer function (60), and once the logic control unit (15) is turned on by the first switched capacitor (14), it is programmed to continuously monitor the charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12) after reading the initial charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12). The logic control unit (15) is programmed in response to detecting that the charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12) drops below a fifth predetermined first warning threshold (V RUN ; V RUN,VEL ) of the second predetermined operating voltage threshold and the fourth predetermined operating voltage threshold (V ALL1 ) to: - Control the programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) to close the valve devices (A; A, B); and - Deactivate the programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) except for the timer function.

10. The control unit according to the preceding claims, wherein, The logic control unit (15) responds to detecting that the charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12) drops from the fifth predetermined first warning threshold (V ALL1 ) to a sixth predetermined second warning threshold (V ALL1 ) below the fifth predetermined first warning threshold (V ALL2 ) and automatically resets, thereby selectively deactivating the electrical connection device (17, 31).

11. The control unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising: A box-shaped body (6, 7) including the at least one inlet (3) and the at least one outlet (4), the box-shaped body (6, 7) internally including at least the valve device (A; A, B), the logic control unit (15), the supercapacitor (12), and the first switched capacitor (14), and the box-shaped body (6, 7) externally including the photovoltaic panel (2).

12. The control unit according to the preceding claim, wherein, The box-shaped body (6, 7) includes a first part and a second part (6, 7) removably coupled to each other, the first part (6) including the at least one inlet (3), the at least one outlet (4), and the valve device (A; A, B), and the second part (7) including the photovoltaic panel (2), the logic control unit (15), the high-capacity capacitor (12), and the first switched capacitor (14), thereby allowing the user to place the second part (7) in an area with high light intensity regardless of the position of the first part (6).

13. A software program installable in or installed in a logic control unit (15), the software program including instructions for operating an irrigation control unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, the software program causing the logic control unit (15) to perform the following steps once used: - Activate the signaling devices (16, 19, 20); - Read the initial charge voltage of the supercapacitor (12); and alternatively: - If the initial charging voltage value of the read supercapacitor (12) is lower than the fourth predetermined season start threshold (V NS ), then: - When at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ) is reached, control the selective activation of the electrical connection device (17, 31) and the programmable drive device (21, 22, 23); - controlling the storage of at least one third data (D3) related to reaching the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ) in the non-volatile memory cell (70); Or - If the initially charged voltage value of the supercapacitor (12) read is higher than the fourth predetermined season start threshold (V NS ), then read the non-volatile storage unit (70); And alternatively: - If the non-volatile memory cell (70) does not contain the at least one third data (D3), then when reaching the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ), control the selective activation of the electrical connection device (17, 31) and the programmable driving device (21, 22, 23), and control the storage of the at least one third data (D3) in the non-volatile memory cell (70); Or - If the non-volatile memory cell (70) contains the at least one third data (D3), then when a third predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN ) lower than the at least one second predetermined operating voltage threshold (V RUN,VEL ) is reached, selectively activate the electrical connection means (17, 31) and the programmable drive means (21, 22, 23); - Continuously monitor the charge voltage of the supercapacitor (12) after reading the initial charge voltage of the supercapacitor (12); And - If the charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12) drops below a fifth predetermined first warning threshold (V RUN ; V RUN,VEL ) of the second predetermined operating voltage threshold and the fourth predetermined operating voltage threshold (V ALL1 ), then: - Control the programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) to close the valve devices (A; A, B); and - Deactivate the programmable drive devices (21, 22, 23) except for the timer; And - If the charging voltage of the supercapacitor (12) drops from the fifth predetermined first warning threshold (V ALL1 ) to a sixth predetermined second warning threshold (V ALL1 ) that is lower than the fifth predetermined first warning threshold (V ALL2 ), it is automatically reset, thereby selectively deactivating the electrical connection device (17, 31).

14. A logic control unit (15) having installed thereon the software program according to the preceding claim.

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