SELF-PROPELLED IRRIGATION DEVICE FOR AGRICULTURAL AREAS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorized irrigation device for agricultural land. It further relates to an irrigation method using said device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Irrigation is a crucial step for agricultural crops. Various devices exist, including stationary and mobile systems.

[0003] Stationary systems involve sprinklers connected either directly to a partially buried water source along a field or connected to the water source via a hose, allowing the sprinkler to be positioned away from the water source. In the latter case, the hose can be stored on a reel mounted on a cart without any means of propulsion, specifically without a motor.

[0004] However, these systems need to be moved by the farmer along the side of a field or within the field, covering each section in order to irrigate the entire area. These operations are time-consuming for farmers. Furthermore, this irrigation method can lead to excessive local water consumption.

[0005] This type of irrigation cart includes a hose reel motor. Similar to the motorized version, the hose of this cart must be connected to the water source. The user then pushes or pulls the cart to the area to be irrigated, with the hose running in a straight line between the water source and the cart, positioned between the cart's wheels at the hose reel. During irrigation, the hose reel motor automatically engages to wind the hose and simultaneously move the irrigation cart closer to the water source. This type of irrigation cart allows for the irrigation of multiple areas along a straight path. The user must then push or pull the cart again along a new straight path to irrigate adjacent areas and manually restart the hose reel motor.

[0006] There are also known mobile irrigation systems that autonomously traverse agricultural fields while remaining permanently connected (while operational) to a water source, such as a hydrant or valve. A supply hose connects the water source to the irrigation system. The system includes a chassis that carries a reel extending along a horizontal axis. This reel is designed to store the supply hose and allows it to be unwound on the field when moving away from the water source, and wound back up when approaching it. The reel is located in the center of the chassis. Furthermore, this type of system may include a hose guide positioned under the chassis and between the rear wheels of the system, so that the water supply hose is located behind the chassis.This type of system also includes a boom extending transversely to the direction of travel and on either side of the frame, equidistant or symmetrically with respect to the frame. The boom carries water distribution means to deposit water in the furrows of the agricultural field located below the boom. In operation, this system follows the same path both when the hose is extended away from the water source and when it is retracted towards the water source.

[0007] Although satisfactory, this system has the disadvantage of a double pass, one on the way there and one on the way back, of the wheels in the same furrows, which can cause damage to the plantings or crops of the irrigated field.

[0008] In addition, depending on the configuration of the field to be irrigated, for example the direction of the furrows, and / or the number of water sources on the one hand and / or the placement of the water source(s) on the other hand, the farmer must disconnect the supply pipe from the water source, move said system and reconnect the supply pipe to a water source.

[0009] US documents 4 522 338 A, GB 2 103 462 A and US 2020 / 288654 A1 disclose state-of-the-art mobile irrigation systems.

[0010] The invention aims to remedy these problems by proposing an automotive irrigation device that limits damage to crops and reduces the duration of irrigation compared to known prior art systems. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes an automotive irrigation device for traversing agricultural land from a fixed water source, as defined in claim 1.

[0012] The irrigation system according to the invention allows a field to be irrigated without making multiple trips back and forth, thus avoiding traveling the same path twice. This reduces the risk of damaging crops. Furthermore, by making a U-turn at the end of the first path corresponding to the outward journey, and returning via a second path, the system reduces the time required to irrigate farmland compared to prior art systems.

[0013] For the purposes of the preceding and subsequent descriptions, the following definitions apply: lateral, with regard to a part, a direction, a face, a side, an area or extent projecting substantially radially by an angular deflection of 180 degrees horizontally and / or vertically, extreme limits (0 and 180 degrees excluded) with respect to the point considered, such as a hemisphere, for example horizontally or perpendicularly with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the direction of movement of the device; cantilever, a part which is above the void, that is to say without immediate support, or at least continuous support, below said part; water, the water available at the outlet of a spring, a tap or a valve installed in or on the edge of agricultural land, said water being potable or not;Furthermore, in combination with a water distribution system or framework, water means the water drawn and conveyed via the supply pipe or said water mixed with products or solutions, for example, to promote crop growth or limit the appearance of pests; means of transport means the means for carrying and / or moving the entire irrigation device; a U-turn means the action of making a trajectory with an angular displacement of 180 degrees, along any radius of curvature, around a fixed point. In the case of means of transport comprising wheels, the distal end of the offset arm is located in lateral cantilever of the outer faces of the wheels on one lateral side of the irrigation device.

[0014] The offset arm allows the supply pipe to be offset or shifted laterally relative to the chassis and / or the means of movement of said device. The offset arm allows the supply pipe to be positioned beyond the width of the chassis, beyond the track of the means of movement, or beyond the swept area between the means of movement. In alternative embodiments, the offset arm allows the supply pipe to be positioned beyond the water distribution system, or directly above the distal end of the water distribution system when the latter is arrow-shaped. According to the invention, the offset arm is inclined from the chassis towards the ground.

[0015] For example, the distal end of the offset arm is located at mid-height relative to the height of the proximal end connected to the chassis, said height being defined by the distance between the point of application of a means of movement on the ground on the one hand, and the point of connection of the proximal end on the chassis on the other hand, the distance measurements being carried out on a flat ground.

[0016] In one embodiment, the proximal end of the offset arm can be located at a height between 1 meter and 3 meters from the ground. The distal end of the offset arm can be located at a height between 50 centimeters and 1.5 meters.

[0017] In yet another example, the offset arm is a fixed element relative to the chassis.

[0018] According to another example, the offset element arm is an element with an arc-shaped form.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the offset arm projects laterally from the chassis and includes at least one segment articulated relative to the chassis, each segment including at least one frame delimiting a space into which the supply pipe is inserted.

[0020] According to another embodiment the offset arm projects laterally from the chassis and comprises a fixed segment connected to and projecting laterally from the chassis and at least one segment articulated relative to the fixed segment, each segment comprising at least one frame delimiting a space into which the supply pipe is inserted.

[0021] The presence of at least one articulated segment allows the supply hose to be offset or shifted laterally relative to the frame and / or the means of movement of said device, and to guide the portion of the supply hose between the reel and the distal end of the offset arm. For example, the portion of hose between the reel and the distal end of the offset arm has a radius of curvature at least equal to the radius of curvature of the reel's receiving cylinder.

[0022] For example, the support arm includes a fixed segment and three articulated segments connected one after the other.

[0023] Preferably, in any embodiment, each frame includes at least one freely rotating roller.

[0024] For example, each side of the frame includes one freely rotating roller. In another example, each frame includes four freely rotating rollers.

[0025] The water distribution system allows water to be distributed to crops, for example by sprinkling over the foliage and / or by distributing it at ground level in the agricultural field. In one embodiment, the hydraulic pressure is supplied by the water source. The distribution system may also include a pump, either additionally or alternatively.

[0026] In one embodiment, the water distribution system is a water distribution frame extending on each lateral side of the frame, the frame having two distal ends such that each distal end of the frame is located at a non-zero distance, referred to as the frame distance, from the frame. The offset element projects from the frame and extends laterally on one side of the frame such that the distal end of said offset element is located at a distance greater than or equal to the frame distance.

[0027] In another embodiment, the water distribution system is a water distribution frame extending along each lateral side of the chassis. The frame comprises two sections, a first section and a second section, each section having a distal end located at a non-zero distance from the chassis. Preferably, the distance of the distal end of the first section from the chassis, referred to as the first section distance, is less than the distance of the distal end of the second section from the chassis. The offset element projects from the chassis and extends laterally along one side of the chassis containing the first section of the frame, such that the distal end of said offset element is located at a distance greater than or equal to the first section distance. This embodiment, in particular, helps to balance the system.

[0028] According to the two previous embodiments, the water distribution framework extends on either side of the chassis and cantilevers over the chassis and / or means of movement.

[0029] According to the two previous embodiments, the offset arm has a length at least equal to the reinforcement distance or the distance of the first reinforcement section.

[0030] In another embodiment, the water distribution system is a water distribution armature extending at least on one lateral side of the frame, the armature having a distal end located at a non-zero distance from the frame. For example, the distribution armature may comprise a single armature section extending on only one lateral side of the support frame. The offset arm may extend on the same side as the distribution armature, or it may extend on the opposite side.

[0031] Preferably, the water distribution system includes at least one water distribution conduit and extends along said system. Said at least one conduit is connected to the supply pipe.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the distribution frame includes spray holes spaced apart from each other.

[0033] In one embodiment, the water distribution frame comprises vertical extensions spaced apart, these extensions being arranged to deposit water a few centimeters above the ground or directly onto the ground. For example, the vertical extensions have a length less than or equal to the height of the frame above the ground. Preferably, the vertical extensions are spaced apart by a distance equal to the spacing of the furrows in the agricultural field. The vertical extensions may also be fixed or movable relative to the distribution frame. In another embodiment, the ends of the vertical extensions may include rollers arranged to be in contact with the ground so as to support the distribution frame.

[0034] Preferably, the water distribution frame extends perpendicularly to the chassis and / or perpendicularly to the direction of travel.

[0035] For example, the distribution reinforcement is of the arrow type and / or of the lattice type.

[0036] In one embodiment, the irrigation system may further include at least one reservoir for products or solutions, for example, products that promote crop growth or limit pests. For example, the system may include one reservoir for each treatment product or solution. Each reservoir may be connected to at least one distribution line to treat several furrows simultaneously, or connected to each hole or vertical extension to treat one or more specific furrows. Valves, fittings, and possibly pumps of known types may be used to connect the at least one reservoir.

[0037] Optionally, the offset arm includes a support element positioned between its proximal and distal ends and bearing on the ground. For example, the support element includes a support wheel whose axis of rotation is connected to the middle of the support arm via a support leg. The support element is not a means of propulsion.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least one distal end of the reinforcement includes an offset arm stop. For example, a distal end of the first section includes an offset arm stop.

[0039] In particular, the stop provides a stop at the distal end of the offset arm.

[0040] Preferably, the reel has a vertical axis. The reel has a vertical winding axis.

[0041] For example, the unwinding and winding means include a motor connected to the winder's rotating shaft. For example, the motor is an electric motor.

[0042] In one embodiment, the means of locomotion comprise at least three wheels, or at least two tracks, means of propulsion and steering, and means for independent control of propulsion and steering in order to maintain a predetermined trajectory during use. In another embodiment, the means of locomotion comprise tracks.

[0043] These means allow the irrigation system to be self-propelled and autonomous.

[0044] For example, the means of propulsion are electric motors, preferably arranged respectively on the wheel shafts.

[0045] Preferably, the irrigation system includes batteries to store a quantity of electrical energy, giving it autonomy of a few hours.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the device further includes an electricity generating system arranged to recharge the batteries.

[0047] In a first example, the electricity generation system comprises a turbine and an alternator. The turbine can be connected to the water supply or distribution circuit in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The turbine / alternator system recharges the device's batteries during irrigation. Pressurized water rotates the turbine, which is connected to the alternator via a mechanical transmission system, preferably a belt and pulley system. The alternator continuously recharges the batteries, ensuring the device never runs out of power.

[0048] In a second example, the power generation system comprises a heat engine and an alternator. The heat engine / alternator system recharges the device's batteries during use, particularly while in motion. The heat engine drives a mechanical conversion system, preferably a belt and pulley system connected to the alternator. The alternator continuously recharges the batteries, ensuring the device never runs out of power.

[0049] In both cases, the alternator is the same.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the irrigation device includes an electricity generating system comprising at least one turbine, at least one heat engine, an alternator, and a rotation transmission system between at least one turbine, at least one heat engine and the alternator, so as to recharge the batteries during movement and during water distribution.

[0051] Preferably, the rotation transmission system is a common pulley-belt system comprising at least one turbine pulley, at least one engine pulley, and at least two alternator pulleys, with at least one first alternator pulley connected to at least one turbine pulley and at least one second alternator pulley connected to at least one engine pulley. Each alternator pulley is mounted on the alternator shaft. The transmission system further comprises at least one selective coupling system for the at least two alternator pulleys such that at least one first or at least one second alternator pulley is arranged to drive the alternator in rotation. For example, when the turbine is operating, the associated alternator pulley drives the alternator shaft in rotation, while the alternator pulley associated with the internal combustion engine will be freewheeling with respect to the alternator shaft.

[0052] Ideally, each alternator pulley should be a freewheel pulley, also known as a decoupling pulley. This type of pulley is common in the automotive industry.

[0053] Preferably, the predetermined trajectory is a straight line or follows the furrows of the agricultural land.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the control means include sensors to detect the position of the device relative to its environment and / or the position of the reel and / or the position of the offset arm, when it is mobile, and / or the position of the wheels.

[0055] In one embodiment, the device includes at least one field sensor arranged to measure the condition of the agricultural land or detect anomalies in which it is located, particularly regarding crop condition and / or the presence of pests, such as fungi or pests. Preferably, it detects the presence or absence of moisture, pests, diseases, water stress, and fertilizer deficiencies. The mobile base allows for the acquisition of daily data on the field condition and enables intervention as needed.

[0056] In one embodiment, the sensor(s) are optical sensors. Preferably, these sensors are located at the front or on a front face of the irrigation system. The sensors can have various shapes (including optical). The sensors can be located at the front of the robot or along the boom.

[0057] Optionally, the irrigation system may include a winding system to guide the winding or unwinding of the supply hose.

[0058] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a method for irrigating agricultural land as defined in claim 13.

[0059] Initially, the supply hose is connected to the fixed water source. The self-propelled irrigation system can then begin a first circuit comprising the first path, called the outward journey, the U-turn and the second path, called the return journey, as described above in order to sweep or cover a first part or area of ​​an agricultural field.

[0060] These steps are repeated in such a way as to irrigate all parts and thus the total area of ​​said agricultural land.

[0061] Preferably, irrigation is stopped during the U-turn.

[0062] In one embodiment, the irrigation device is stopped halfway through the turn, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of travel. The device can move forward and backward to irrigate the headlands of the field. Then, the device can complete the turn and proceed in the second direction of travel.

[0063] Preferably, the process may also provide for measuring or detecting the condition of the agricultural land, in particular the condition of the crops and / or the presence of pests, via at least one field sensor, and distributing at least one product or at least one treatment solution via a water distribution system during movement.

[0064] The monitoring systems record measurements and location within the agricultural field to map its condition. For example, these systems allow for real-time action upon detection of an anomaly or for recording anomalies and their location to facilitate action on subsequent visits. The irrigation system automates the distribution of water and water containing treatment products or solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0065] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the attached figures, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a front view of an automotive irrigation device according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is an enlarged top view of a vehicle irrigation device conforming to the figure 1showing in particular an offset arm whose distal end is in contact with the distal end of a first section of a water distribution system, a second section of the water distribution system not being visible; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle irrigation system conforming to the figure 2 ; Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle irrigation system conforming to the figure 2 , the supply pipe not being visible on the offset arm; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 schematically represents an irrigation process using a vehicle irrigation device according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a perspective view of an electricity generating system according to an embodiment for a motor vehicle irrigation device; [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7is a perspective view of an electricity-generating system conforming to the figure 6 .

[0066] For clarity, identical or similar elements of the different embodiments are identified by identical reference symbols across all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] In relation to figures 1 to 5 , a motorized irrigation device 1 is described, arranged to traverse an agricultural area 100, from a fixed water source 200 (see figure 5 ) placed on or bordering said land, and to deliver or irrigate the water taken from said source onto the agricultural land.

[0068] The automotive irrigation system 1 includes: a support frame 10, means of movement 6 connected to the frame 10 for moving said device on the agricultural land in a direction of movement, a water distribution system 3 for distributing water on the soil of the agricultural land, a supply pipe 5 connecting to the fixed water source (see figure 5) to the distribution system, a reel 2 arranged on the frame 10, the reel being configured to receive and store the supply hose, unwinding and winding means (not visible in the figures) connected to the reel so as to unwind the hose when moving away from the water source and to wind it up when moving towards the water source, an offset arm 4 configured to guide a portion of the supply hose 5 between the reel 2 and the ground. The offset arm is configured to position the supply hose outside the path defined by the means of movement, for example wheels, and / or the width of the frame and / or the span of the distribution system.

[0069] The support frame is designed to carry the components for irrigation or, more generally, the distribution of water or a solution containing water. According to the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 3The support frame 10 comprises a quadrilateral base 10a, in particular trapezoidal in shape, and is composed of beams. According to other embodiments, the frame may be rectangular in shape.

[0070] The base 10a of the chassis is designed to be in a position substantially parallel to the ground, for example, horizontal on a level surface. The winder 2 rests on the base 10a of the chassis. The means of movement, in particular the wheels 61, are connected to the base 10a of the support chassis. The support chassis 10 includes a structure 10b projecting from the base 10a. With reference to the figures 2 and 3 Structure 10b comprises two vertical beams spaced apart and extending from the base 10a of the chassis. With reference to the figure 3Structure 10b carries the water distribution system 3. In addition, structure 10b includes two support bars for the axis of rotation of the reel 2. Each bar extends from a vertical beam of the structure to the axis of rotation of the reel 2.

[0071] The means of locomotion 6 comprise, according to the embodiment shown, four wheels 61, of which two are front wheels and two are rear wheels, the track of the front wheels being narrower than the track of the rear wheels. Preferably, the rear wheels are drive wheels and the front wheels are steer wheels. According to an alternative embodiment, the front wheels may also be drive wheels. In one example, the means of locomotion include one motor per drive wheel. The means of locomotion include mechanical steering means, but these are not shown in the figures.

[0072] The water distribution system 3 comprises a water distribution frame extending on either side of the support frame 10. In particular, viewed from the front as the figure 1 or seen from above like the figure 2 The water distribution reinforcement comprises two reinforcement sections, a first reinforcement section 31 and a second reinforcement section 32, the first section 31 extending to the left of the Figures 1 And 2 and to the right of the direction of movement illustrated by an arrow V1 pointing downwards figure 2 In reference to figures 2 to 5 , the water distribution framework 3 extends in a straight line.

[0073] According to an embodiment shown in the figure 5The water distribution frame 3 extends symmetrically with respect to the irrigation device frame 1. The first frame section 31 has the same length as the second frame section 32. For example, with reference to the figure 2 The length of the first reinforcement section 31 corresponds to the distance between the end 31a connected to the vertical beam of the frame structure 10b on the one hand, and the distal end 31b. For example, the first and second sections measure between 4 and 6 meters, preferably 5 meters, preferably 5.4 meters.

[0074] According to another embodiment represented in the figure 1The water distribution frame 3 is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the frame 10. The distance from the distal end 31b of the first section 31 to the frame 10, called the first section distance, is less than the distance from the distal end 32b of the second section 32 to the frame 10. For example, the first section measures between 3 and 4 meters, preferably 3.6 meters, and the second section measures between 6 and 8 meters, preferably 7.2 meters.

[0075] The water distribution system also includes 33 vertical extensions arranged to distribute water a few centimeters above the ground or directly onto the soil of the agricultural land. The vertical extensions are spaced at a distance approximately equal to the distance between two furrows (not shown) of the agricultural land.

[0076] With reference to figures 1 to 4The reel 2 of the supply hose 5 has a substantially vertical axis of rotation 2a. Preferably, the reel 2 is cylindrical in shape, the circumference of which is axially delimited by two radially extending rings. The reel 2 is arranged to store the supply hose 5. The irrigation device may further include a winding system to distribute the supply hose along the circumference of the reel.

[0077] With reference to figures 1 to 4 , the offset arm 4 protrudes laterally from the chassis, in particular from the base 10a of the chassis, and extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with respect to the direction of movement (V1 with reference to the figure 2 ) so as to position the supply pipe at least vertically above the distal end 31b of the distribution armature 3.

[0078] With reference to the figure 3The offset arm comprises two proximal ends 4a1, 4a2 connected to the base 10a of the chassis 10, and a distal end 4b located cantilevered from the wheels 61. According to the embodiment shown, the entire offset arm, or all parts of the offset arm, are cantilevered from the chassis 10.

[0079] The offset arm 4 comprises a fixed segment 40 consisting of two beams extending substantially horizontally from the base 10a and meeting at a point, see figures 2 and 3The fixed segment 40 further includes a first frame 42 through which the supply pipe can be inserted. The arm further includes three articulated segments 41, 43, 45 arranged one after the other. In one embodiment, each articulated segment comprises a frame and at least two rods, the at least two rods being connected to the frame via a first end and being connected to the preceding segment via a second end, opposite the first. The frames of the articulated segments are also arranged to allow the supply pipe to pass through them. The plurality of frames allows the supply pipe 5 to be supported and guided from the reel to the ground during the unwinding of the reel 2 and the movement of the irrigation device 1 away from the water source.

[0080] According to the embodiment described and with reference to the figure 4The offset arm 4 comprises four frames 42, 44, 46, and 48. Segment 41, carrying frame 44, is connected to the first frame 42. Segment 43, carrying frame 46, is connected to frame 44. Segment 45, carrying frame 48, is connected to frame 46. For example, each frame has a rectangular shape. Preferably, each articulated segment is connected to a preceding segment via a pivot joint formed between the other ends of the rods of said articulated segment and the frame of the preceding segment. Preferably, the axis of the pivot joints is vertical. In addition, each frame includes rollers mounted for free rotation within the space delimited by each frame. For example, each frame includes four rollers mounted for free rotation.

[0081] Optionally and with reference to the figure 4The irrigation system includes a stop 35 for the offset arm. The stop 35 is located at the distal end 31b of the distribution armature 3. The stop 35 is arranged to position the distal end 4b of the offset arm. According to the embodiment shown, a vertical extension extends from the distal end 31b of the armature. The supply pipe is placed in a irrigated furrow. In another example, the supply pipe is placed in the furrow adjacent to the last irrigated furrow.

[0082] According to alternative embodiments not visible in the figures, the offset arm includes means for angular deflection along a predetermined arc of a circle associated with at least one articulated segment.

[0083] According to a first variant, the vertical pivot joint between a frame of one segment and the rods of the adjacent segment includes pivoting stop means spaced along a circular arc at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, the frame and / or one or two of said rods have lugs or stops.

[0084] According to a second embodiment, the offset arm includes at least one pivoting cylinder connected to an articulated segment.

[0085] According to a third embodiment, the offset arm comprises an arrangement of cables and pulleys. For example, each articulated segment includes at least two pulleys: a drive pulley connected to an actuation system, and a driven pulley connected to the pivot shaft of the articulated segment. The drive pulley allows the articulated segment to pivot via the cable connecting the drive pulley to the driven pulley.

[0086] Preferably, the vehicle irrigation system includes batteries (not shown) and a power generator system 70 to increase the device's autonomy. According to the embodiment shown, the power generator system 70 includes a turbine 71, a heat engine 72, an alternator 73, and a rotation transmission system 74 between the turbine and the alternator and between the heat engine and the alternator, so as to recharge the batteries.

[0087] The turbine 71 comprises a turbine shaft extending along a turbine axis T and a turbine pulley 81 mounted on the turbine shaft. The internal combustion engine 72 comprises a drive shaft extending along a drive axis M and a drive pulley 82 mounted on the drive shaft M. The alternator 73 comprises an alternator shaft extending along an alternator axis A and two disengageable alternator pulleys 83a and 83b mounted coaxially on the alternator shaft.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown, the three axes of the turbine T, motor M, and alternator A are parallel. The electricity generation system 70 includes a belt 9a connecting the motor pulley 82 to the alternator pulley 83a and a belt 9b connecting the turbine pulley 81 to the alternator pulley 83b, see figures 6 And 7 .

[0089] The engine and turbine pulleys are larger and engage in both directions of rotation (conventional pulleys), while the pulleys on the alternator shaft are smaller and engage in the alternator's direction of rotation. Each alternator pulley includes coupling and / or motion transmission means in the alternator's direction of rotation but is free in the opposite direction. Thus, the engine can drive the alternator without driving the turbine, and conversely, the turbine can drive the alternator without driving the engine.

[0090] We will now describe a process for irrigating agricultural land with reference to the figure 5 .

[0091] Initially, the supply pipe 5 of the automotive irrigation device 1 is connected to the water source 200 located at the edge of an agricultural field 100.

[0092] Through control means, including sensors and computer systems, and with reference to Part 1 of the figure 5The irrigation device 1 moves along the furrows of the agricultural land along a first path, called the "forward" path, in a first direction of movement V1, distributing water or a water-based solution. Simultaneously, the device 1 unwinds the supply pipe 5 as it moves away from the water source, laying it on the ground in a pipe direction VT parallel to the first direction of movement V1. The supply pipe is laid approximately directly above the distal end 31b of the distribution armature 3, via the offset arm. The distal end of the offset arm is, for example, positioned against the distal end 31b of the distribution armature. The offset arm extends laterally and cantilevered from the frame and wheels on the right side of the device. The offset arm has the shape of an arc due to the presence of articulated segments.The offset arm extends so that the distal end of the offset arm is located near the distal end of the water distribution frame 3. The distal end of the offset arm is oriented towards the rear.

[0093] With reference to part 2 of the figure 5 The irrigation device 1 continues its path along the direction of travel V1 until it reaches a predetermined point. For example, the determined point is the edge of the field, specifically the furrows as shown in part 2 of the figure 5 , or an obstacle. The device rotates around, keeping in place the part of the supply pipe 5 resting on the ground, the part 2 of the figure 5showing device 1 at the midpoint of the half-turn. During the half-turn, the offset arm has a radius of curvature that can increase. In one embodiment, the offset arm can be substantially parallel to the direction of pipe VT at the midpoint of the half-turn. During the half-turn, the irrigation device stops distributing water. The distribution system can also be raised.

[0094] Once the turnaround is complete, the device moves along a second path, called the return path, following a second direction of movement V2 which is distinct from and parallel to the first direction of movement, continuing the distribution of water or a water-based solution, see part 3 of the figure 5The second path is adjacent to the first path. Preferably, the second path runs parallel to the first path. During travel along the second direction, the supply pipe 5 is wound around the reel 2. The irrigation device 1 continues along the direction of travel V2 until it reaches a second predetermined point corresponding to the end of the furrows in the agricultural field 100. The offset arm is shaped like an arc. The articulated segments have pivoted in the opposite direction to the previous direction so that the distal end of the offset arm is oriented forward.

[0095] The vehicle irrigation device 1 can then reposition itself to irrigate another plot adjacent to the one that has just been irrigated.

[0096] The invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. Automotive irrigation device (1) for traveling over an agricultural terrain (100) from a fixed water source (200), the device comprising: - a support chassis (10), - movement means (6) connected to the chassis for moving said device over the agricultural terrain in a movement direction (V1, V2), - a water distribution system (3), - a feed hose (5) connecting the fixed water source to the distribution system, - a reel (2) disposed on the chassis, the reel being arranged to receive and store the feed hose, - unwinding and winding means connected to the reel for unwinding and winding said feed hose, characterized in that said device comprises an offset arm (4) inclined from the chassis toward the ground and arranged to guide a part of the feed hose (5) between the reel and toward the ground so as to put the feed hose on the ground, the offset arm comprising a proximal end (4a) connected to the chassis (10), and a distal end (4b) located laterally cantilevered relative to the movement direction (V1, V2) and relative to the movement means (6).

2. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the offset arm (4) projects laterally from the chassis (10) and comprises at least one articulated segment (41, 43, 45) relative to the chassis, each segment comprising at least one frame (42, 44, 46) delimiting a space into which the feed hose (5) is inserted.

3. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the offset arm (4) projects laterally from the chassis (10) and comprises a fixed segment (40) connected and projecting laterally to the chassis, and at least one articulated segment (41, 43, 45) relative to the fixed segment, each segment comprising at least one frame (42, 44, 46) delimiting a space into which the feed hose (5) is inserted.

4. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water distribution system is a water distribution framework (3) extending at least from one lateral side of the chassis (10), the framework having a framework distal end located at a non-zero distance from the chassis (10).

5. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water distribution system is a water distribution framework (3) extending from each lateral side of the chassis (10), the framework having two framework distal ends (31b, 32b) such that each framework distal end is located at a non-zero distance, called the framework distance, from the chassis (10), and the offset arm (4) projects from the chassis and extends laterally from one side of the chassis such that the distal end (4b) of said offset arm (4) is located at a greater or equal distance relative to the framework distance.

6. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water distribution system is a water distribution framework (3) extending from each lateral side of the chassis (10), the framework comprising two portions, namely a first portion (31) and a second portion (32), each portion having a framework distal end (31b, 32b) located at a non-zero distance from the chassis (10) such that the distance of the distal end (31b) of the first portion (31) relative to the chassis (10), called the first portion distance, is less than the distance of the distal end (32b) of the second portion (32) relative to the chassis (10), and wherein the offset arm (4) projects from the chassis and extends laterally from one side of the chassis having the first portion (31) of the framework and such that the distal end (4b) of said offset arm (4) is located at a greater or equal distance relative to the first portion distance.

7. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least one framework distal end comprises an offset arm stop.

8. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reel (2) has a vertical winding axis.

9. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement means (6) comprise at least three wheels (61, 62, 63), or at least two tracks, propulsion and steering means, independent propulsion and steering control means in order to maintain, while in use, a predetermined trajectory.

10. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising batteries for storing a quantity of electrical energy, and an electricity generating system comprising at least one turbine, at least one heat engine, an alternator, and a rotary transmission system between the at least one turbine, the at least one heat engine and the alternator, so as to recharge the batteries.

11. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotary transmission system is a common belt pulley system comprising at least one turbine pulley, at least one engine pulley, at least two alternator pulleys, at least one first alternator pulley being connected to at least one turbine pulley and at least one second alternator pulley being connected to the at least one engine pulley, each alternator pulley being mounted on the alternator shaft, the transmission system further comprising at least one system for selectively coupling the at least two alternator pulleys such that the at least one first alternator pulley or the at least one second alternator pulley is arranged to rotate the alternator.

12. Automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one terrain sensor arranged to measure the condition of the agricultural terrain or detect anomalies.

13. Method for irrigating an agricultural terrain, using an automotive irrigation device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - directing the device to a predetermined point along a first path, called the outward path, in a first movement direction (VI) and unwinding the feed hose (5) via the offset arm, so as to put the feed hose on the ground in a hose direction (VT) parallel to the first direction and spaced by a non-zero lateral distance with respect to the movement means, - turning the device around, holding in place the part of the feed hose lying on the ground, then - directing the device along a second path, called the return path, in a second movement direction (V2) which is separate from and parallel to the first movement direction, and winding the feed hose.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the steps of: - measuring or detecting the condition of the agricultural terrain, in particular the condition of crops and / or the presence of pests, by means of at least one terrain sensor, and - distributing at least one product or at least one treatment solution in the water distribution system (3) during the movement.