Communicating irrigation system

Abstract

A communicating irrigation device (G1) adapted for mounting on a water supply pipe (S) by piercing said pipe and comprising a irrigation head (O) delivering the water, a valve (V) connected to the head, a flow meter (D), a communication module (MC), and a processing unit (CU), characterized in that the processing unit (CU) is configured to: - calculate a program (Ot) for opening the valve (V), based on --an instruction (It) relating to a watering volume, received from a terminal (T) via the communication module (MC), --a flow measurement (Dt) delivered by the flow meter, - control the opening of the valve (V) according to the calculated opening program, the program (Ot) and the measurement (Dt) being sent to the terminal (T) via the communication module (MC). Figure for the abbreviation: (Fig. 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Communicating watering device Field of invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of the Internet of Things and automated watering devices.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a watering solution, simple to install and use, aimed at limiting the quantity of watering liquid used for watering (plants, agricultural areas, etc.) by guaranteeing the volume of liquid distributed and making it possible to optimize watering times. Prior art

[0003] Climatic and ecological developments, standards of mechanization and automation as well as changes in lifestyles, impact uses at the level of watering plants and irrigation of soils in general. These changes give rise to needs concerning automated, efficient and easy-to-use irrigation / watering solutions.

[0004] Several drip irrigation solutions are already known, such as self-piercing drippers that attach to a conventional garden hose. These devices, although easy to install, must be manually adjusted by their user in order to adjust the drip frequency. Adjusting such installations is therefore time-consuming and tedious.

[0005] Furthermore, these drippers do not allow you to know precisely the volume of irrigation liquid actually delivered. This equipment also does not provide a solution to certain malfunctions in irrigation installations (blocked drippers, pierced or bent pipes, etc.).

[0006] Another limitation of these devices concerns installations with several drippers on the same supply pipe where the adjustment of each dripper is made more complex due to the interdependence between the different drippers and the general flow rate of the irrigation liquid supply pipe: the more drippers there are connected to the pipe, the more the pressure in it drops and the more it is necessary to open the drippers to compensate for the drop in pressure in the pipe.

[0007] Another known solution is based on the use of solenoid valves, some of which can be controlled remotely and make it possible to adjust the flow of watering liquid distributed to the pipes which are connected at the outlet.

[0008] These solutions nevertheless have certain limitations. Their installation is more complex and requires cutting the pipes on which the solenoid valves must be inserted or using screw systems.

[0009] Furthermore, when used in conjunction with perforated pipes or pipes equipped with drippers, solenoid valves are not capable of controlling the flow rate at multiple locations in the pipes.

[0010] Finally, even in the case of a combination of a solenoid valve and self-piercing drippers mounted on a garden hose, these installations cannot guarantee that the volume of watering liquid is delivered in accordance with the needs of the targeted plants or agricultural areas defined by the user, nor prevent malfunctions linked to clogged drippers or flow problems within the garden hose.

[0011] Object and summary of the invention

[0012] One of the aims of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks highlighted by the aforementioned state of the art by proposing a communicating watering device capable, following simple installation, without tools and without complex adjustment, of allowing watering according to one or more criteria (watering periods, volume of liquid to be distributed, etc.) set by the user, while ensuring that losses of watering liquid are limited and using as little human intervention as possible.

[0013] To this end, an object of the present invention relates to a communicating watering apparatus adapted to be mounted on a watering liquid supply pipe, by piercing said pipe, said apparatus comprising: - a watering head delivering the watering liquid, - a valve to which the head is connected, - a flow meter, - a communication module, - a calculation unit, characterized: - in that the computing unit is configured to: — calculate a valve opening program / schedule, from —an instruction received from a terminal via the communication module, said instruction relating to a watering volume to be used, and —a flow measurement delivered by the flow meter, — control the opening of the valve in accordance with the calculated opening program / schedule, - and in that the communication module sends to said terminal the calculated opening program and said flow measurement.

[0014] This device has the advantage of being simple to install and not requiring manual adjustment while guaranteeing that the area to be watered, such as for example agricultural land or a plant, will be watered according to a precise volume of watering liquid. (e.g. water, fertilizer, etc.), i.e. neither too much nor too little, as deemed useful by the user.

[0015] Installing this device on the supply pipe does not require any special tools. It is sufficient to pierce the supply tube, for example a flexible garden hose or a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) tube directly with the watering device.

[0016] The adjustment of the latter is advantageously controlled remotely by an application installed in a terminal (smartphone, tablet, etc.), via the communication module of the device. The user defines himself or with the assistance of the application, the volume of irrigation liquid to be used over a given period. The communicating irrigation device then automatically adjusts the opening of its valve according to an instruction received from the terminal and including the volume of irrigation liquid to be used, as well as the flow rate recorded by the flow meter.

[0017] Thanks to this particular configuration, this communicating watering device makes it possible to address problems linked to possible leaks, pressure variations at the watering liquid inlet or in the pipe (for example in the case where the pipe is above or below a water source or if the pipe were to be bent or compressed), which guarantees delivery of neither more nor less than the volume of watering liquid intended by the user.

[0018] Finally, the dynamic control of the valve of the communicating watering device based in particular on the calculation of the watering program / schedule, makes it possible to distribute the watering liquid at the most favorable times of the day, for example at the end of the day, in order to limit the evaporation of the watering liquid or at any other time chosen by the user. By optimizing the watering times, the communicating watering device therefore contributes to reducing the overall volume of watering liquid required compared to that which would have been delivered with a non-adjustable device or whose adjustment would have been too tedious or time-consuming to be carried out satisfactorily.

[0019] This communicating watering device also takes into account the possible interdependencies which may exist when several watering devices are mounted on the same source of watering liquid.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the opening program of the valve of the communicating watering device is further calculated from at least one operating parameter from at least one other communicating watering device mounted on the same supply pipe.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, this operating parameter belongs to the group comprising any one of the following parameters: - an instruction provided by at least one other communicating watering device, - flow rate information provided by at least one other communicating watering device, - information relating to a program for opening a valve of at least one other communicating watering device, provided by the at least one other communicating watering device.

[0022] The consideration by the communicating watering device of the presence of at least one other communicating watering device connected to the same supply pipe makes it possible to address the question of the interdependence of the watering devices mounted on the same pipe, with respect to the pressure within the supply pipe and each of the valve opening programs of the different watering devices. By synchronizing to alternate the opening of their respective valve, the communicating watering devices can in particular resolve problematic situations where the pressure within the pipe is insufficient to supply watering liquid to all of the devices connected to it.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the opening program of the valve of the communicating watering device is further calculated from data acquired by at least one sensor associated with said device.

[0024] Information related to the ambient humidity around the watering device (hygrometry data), the sunshine phases in the case where the watering device is not perpetually in the shade (brightness data) and temperature (temperature data) provide information on the level of evaporation of the watering liquid and on the importance of the watering liquid requirement of the area to be watered (e.g.: plant, agricultural land, etc.). Access to this data makes it possible to set up conditional instructions which will impact the calculation of the valve opening program and more generally the volume of watering liquid delivered by the watering device. Under certain conditions, for example in the case of low sunshine or high humidity, the integration of this data makes it possible to reduce the volume of watering liquid to be delivered.

[0025] According to another embodiment, said at least one sensor belongs to the group comprising any one of the following sensors: - a hygrometry sensor, - a brightness sensor, - a temperature sensor.

[0026] Adding data from this or these sensors makes it possible to optimize the action of the valve by more finely adjusting its opening program. This configuration of the watering device has the advantage of making it possible to modify the volume of watering liquid actually delivered by the watering device, not only according to instructions transmitted by the application but also based on data from the environment of the watering device.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the communicating watering device, said at least one sensor is included in said device.

[0028] The integration of this or these sensors into the watering device has two advantages. On the one hand, it ensures ease of use, since no additional installation or configuration step is required on the part of the user. On the other hand, it guarantees the use of environmental data specific to each device and therefore a calculation of the valve opening program as close as possible to the watering liquid requirements as indicated in the instructions received by the watering device.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the communicating watering device comprises a removable end piece adaptable to the type of watering liquid supply pipe on which said device is mounted.

[0030] This solution allows the communicating watering device to adapt to a greater number of watering configurations, particularly relating to: - the types of watering liquid sources to be drilled: pointed or threaded tips may be more suitable depending on whether the watering device is intended to be mounted on a flexible pipe or a rigid PVC pipe, - temperature conditions: temperature variations can alter the rigidity of the coolant sources in the event of very high or very low temperatures, - pressure conditions within the supply pipe: in the event of high pressure within the supply pipe, an assembly using an unsuitable end piece can even more likely cause a leak at the perforation of the pipe.

[0031] The use of suitable end pieces therefore makes it possible to simplify the installation of watering devices and to limit the volume of liquid leaks linked to defective connections to the source of watering liquid.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the communication module of the communicating watering device is configured to establish communication with said at least one sensor or said at least one other communicating watering device.

[0033] This functionality advantageously simplifies the installation of one or more other communicating devices such as humidity, brightness or temperature sensors, etc., when these devices are too far from an access point to the user's home network or another network access point (4G, Bluetooth, etc.). According to this functionality, these devices can use the communicating watering device as a network access point or communicate directly the data captured at the watering device, via the watering device's communication module.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the communicating watering device comprises a power supply module connected to an energy generator.

[0035] This functionality simplifies the use of the communicating watering device since it is no longer necessary to recharge it or connect it to a wired power source.

[0036] The various embodiments or characteristics mentioned above can be added independently or in combination with each other to the communicating watering device defined above.

[0037] The embodiments refer to the terms “module” or “unit” which can correspond in this document to a software component, a hardware component or a set of hardware and software components. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading particular embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0039] [Fig.1A] represents a sectional view of a communicating watering device, in a particular embodiment.

[0040] [Fig.1B] shows a sectional view of a communicating watering apparatus in another embodiment.

[0041] [Fig.1C] represents a sectional view of a communicating watering device, according to another embodiment.

[0042] [Fig.2] represents a watering configuration in which the watering apparatus is implemented, according to a particular embodiment.

[0043] [Fig. 3] represents a watering configuration implementing several communicating watering devices, according to a particular embodiment.

[0044] [Fig.4] represents an embodiment implementing a communicating watering device and at least one sensor.

[0045] [Fig.5] represents a sectional view of a communicating watering device, according to another embodiment.

[0046] [Fig.6] represents a watering configuration implementing several communicating watering devices, according to a particular embodiment.

[0047] [Fig.7] represents a sectional view of a communicating watering device, according to another embodiment. Detailed description

[0048] Description of the communicating watering device in one embodiment

[0049] The first figure [Fig.lA] represents the structure of a watering device or communicating sprinkler Gi according to a sectional view, said device comprising a body C, for example of tubular or conical shape, pierced through and through in order to: - receive, through a watering liquid inlet opening OE pierced at its base, a watering liquid, for example water, a hydroponic solution etc. and - distribute, through a watering liquid outlet opening OS pierced at its top, said liquid.

[0050] This communicating watering device Gi is provided at its top with a watering head O connected to the opening OS, to deliver a watering liquid.

[0051] In the example shown, this sprinkler head is provided with multiple perforations Pb ..., Pn allowing the sprinkler liquid to be distributed / evacuated in the form of a shower of droplets. Depending on the context or the sprinkler configuration envisaged, the sprinkler head can of course have different shapes from that shown, as well as a varied distribution and number of perforations.

[0052] According to certain embodiments, the sprinkler head O is removable, for example by screwing or by clipping, and is interchangeable with other sprinkler heads having types of perforations which may differ depending on the nature of the target to be sprinkled from a point of view of shape, size, etc. and correspond to different maximum sprinkler flow rates.

[0053] The body C is provided with a cavity CAV which comprises: - a valve V connected to the sprinkler head O and provided, in the example shown, with a piston PS whose movement in the body of the valve V is controllable to allow more or less sprinkler liquid to circulate between the inlet opening OE and the outlet opening OS, - a flow meter D connected to valve V and continuously measuring the volume of liquid distributed by the sprinkler, - a nozzle E of substantially conical shape, by which said communicating watering device is mounted on a source of watering liquid, said nozzle E being perforated to allow the watering liquid to circulate from the source of watering liquid and being connected to the flow meter D, at the base of the watering device. The watering device is mounted on the source by piercing the source of watering liquid with the pointed portion of the nozzle E.

[0054] According to the embodiments envisaged, the valve V and the flow meter D can be connected to each other by a screw system, by welding or be initially manufactured in a single piece, for example of metal, plastic, etc. In addition, the valve can be of a different type than that shown, for example a flap valve, a butterfly valve, etc.

[0055] In body C, are housed: - a communication module MC compatible with wireless communication networks, for example GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), WIFI (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, etc. - a computing unit UC including a memory storage space (not shown) capable of processing and storing information received by the communication module or generated by the valve V and the flow meter D of the communicating sprinkler, - a power supply module MA (for example a battery, a lithium battery or any other power supply device known to those skilled in the art), supplying electricity to the communication module MC, the calculation unit UC, the valve V and the flow meter D.

[0056] A PO port, for example a USB (Universal Serial Bus) type B or C port, placed on the outer wall of the body C, is connected to said power supply module MA and allows it to be recharged.

[0057] According to different possible embodiments, the sprinkler head O, the body C and the nozzle E can constitute the same part or on the contrary be, in whole or in part, elements which can be dismantled by screwing or by clipping. These elements can be constructed from different materials or combinations of materials (plastic, aluminum, etc.).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the electronic components such as the computing unit or the communication module as well as the power supply device are sealed, for example by wall systems or by seals (not shown).

[0059] According to certain embodiments, the end piece E can be removed by screwing or clipping and is interchangeable with other end pieces adapted to the type of source of watering liquid on which the watering device is to be mounted (for example a flexible watering hose or a rigid PVC pipe etc.).

[0060] The profiles and materials used for these tips can vary depending on the context or the watering configuration envisaged and correspond to all the profiles or materials known to those skilled in the art (aluminum, plastic, etc.).

[0061] Description of the communicating watering apparatus in another embodiment

[0062] Figure [Fig.lB] represents the structure of a watering device according to figure [Fig.lA] but with an end piece EB having a different profile.

[0063] Description of the communicating watering apparatus in another embodiment

[0064] Figure [Fig.lC] represents the structure of a watering device according to figure [Fig.lA] but with an EC nozzle having a different profile.

[0065] Description of an embodiment of a watering configuration in which the watering apparatus is implemented

[0066] The second figure [Fig.2] represents a watering configuration in which the watering device is implemented, according to a particular embodiment.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the communicating watering device Gi illustrated in [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] or [Fig.lC] is configured to communicate, via its communication module MC, with a communication terminal T, via a communication network R.

[0068] The terminal T is for example a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, etc. the network R is for example of the GSM, WIFI, Bluetooth type, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, the communicating watering device Giest is mounted on a source of watering liquid S via the nozzle E, EB or EC.

[0070] In the example shown, the source S is a pipe made of a flexible material and the end piece E (respectively EB, EC) has a pointed portion, such that the assembly of the watering device Gi simply consists of piercing the pipe S with the pointed portion of the end piece E (respectively EB, EC).

[0071] Within this device Gi, the calculation unit UC communicates with the flow meter D, the valve V and the communication module MC.

[0072] The computing unit UC of the Giest watering device is configured to: - receive instructions It, via the network R, from the terminal T, said instructions It defining the volume of watering liquid to be distributed, over a given duration, by the device Gp. Such a volume is for example expressed in liters / second or in m3 / day, etc. According to different possible embodiments, the instructions It can be defined directly by a user or suggested by an application installed in the terminal T, which is capable of associating a target to be watered, for example a type of plant or crop, with a given instruction It, -receive, from the flow meter D, data Dt relating to the flow rate of irrigation liquid actually distributed by the device Gp. Said data are produced by the flow meter D and are for example expressed in liters / second or m3 / h, etc., - dynamically calculate an opening program Ot of the valve V according to the instructions It and the data Dt. - control valve V so that it is opened according to said opening program Ot.

[0073] An opening program indicates in particular the periods / ranges of opening of the valve V (for example from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or a cycle alternating ranges of 10 minutes then 50 minutes) and the degree / amplitude of opening of the valve V (for example 80% of the maximum opening of the valve).

[0074] According to the embodiments, two examples of which are described below, the calculation unit UC calculates Ot according to various models.

[0075] Example 1: The watering device Gi receives the instruction It to distribute 1 liter of watering liquid per day every day. The UC calculation unit establishes that this objective can be achieved using an opening program Ot of valve V consisting of alternating an opening phase of 10% of the maximum opening of valve V for 10 minutes, followed by a closing phase (0% of the maximum opening amplitude) of valve V for 50 minutes. At the end of a control period, the calculation unit UC makes a comparison between the target volume of irrigation liquid initially defined by It and that actually distributed by the communicating sprinkler. This volume actually distributed is calculated from the flow rate Dt measured by the flow meter D, multiplied by the duration of the control period. By control period duration, we mean a time interval between two iterations of Ot calculation. If, on the basis of the extrapolation of the volume actually dispensed over the control period, the calculation unit UC establishes that the opening program Ot of the valve V tends to result in the volume of irrigation liquid actually dispensed being less than the volume indicated by It, then the calculation unit UC recalculates / adapts Ot (for example by lengthening the opening periods of the valve V or by increasing the opening amplitude, or both). On the contrary, if the measured volume is greater than that expected over the period, the calculation unit UC recalculates Ot by reducing the opening amplitude of the valve or the duration during which it is open or both.

[0076] Example 2: The watering device Gi receives the instruction It to distribute 1 liter of watering liquid per day. The UC calculation unit calculates / produces a first opening program Ot corresponding to an opening of the valve V to 100% of its maximum amplitude for 30 seconds then to a complete closing. The calculation unit UC measures the volume actually distributed by the irrigation device Gi based on the flow rate Dt, measured by the flow meter D, during the 30 seconds of opening. The calculation unit UC then establishes / calculates that an opening program Ot consisting of a constant opening at 3% of the amplitude of the maximum opening of the valve V makes it possible to achieve the objective set by It. If the volume of irrigation liquid actually distributed, calculated in real time by the calculation unit UC on the basis of the data Dt reported by the flow meter D, exceeds that required by the instruction It, for example if 1 liter of irrigation liquid has already been distributed in 22 hours, then the calculation unit UC recalculates Ot in order to order an opening amplitude of 0% of the maximum opening of the valve V over the last 2 hours so that the volume of irrigation liquid distributed over 24 hours does not exceed that indicated by the instruction It.

[0077] Beyond these two examples, the method of calculating Ot can take different forms depending on the embodiments envisaged. These calculations can include or be based on: - predefined tables of period and amplitude of opening of the valve V according to volumes of irrigation liquids to be distributed over a given period of time, - self-learning mechanisms (for example neural networks or polynomial functions etc.), adjusting the ranges / periods and the amplitude of opening of the valve V according to the history of calculations and corrective calculations of the opening programs Ot, - the frequency with which: — the flow meter D must send Dt to the calculation unit UC, — the UC calculation unit must verify that the volume actually distributed corresponds to the volume objective defined by It, — recalculate Ot, - specific instructions included in It prescribing or prohibiting watering during certain time slots (for example by restricting night watering or limiting watering between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., etc.), - the type of sprinkler head O mounted on the communicating sprinkler, this may involve an opening program Ot including a small opening of the valve V over long periods as for a drop-by-drop type distribution or larger openings of the valve V over shorter periods as in the case of misting, These parameters are cited as examples and do not cover the exhaustiveness of the different calculation modes that can be used by the UC calculation unit to calculate Ot.

[0078] The information Ot and Dt is sent to the terminal T via the communication module MC. According to the embodiments envisaged, the reception of this information can provide information on the operation or malfunction of the communicating watering device or of one of the other elements involved in the aforementioned watering configuration, such as the watering liquid supply source, the watering hose, etc.

[0079] Example 1: Based on the data relating to the flow rate Dt sent by the flow meter D, the calculation unit UC calculates that the volume of irrigation liquid actually distributed by the device Gi is included in an interval delimited by the target volume / time defined by It, modulo a margin of error defined by It. According to this embodiment, the terminal T does not generate a visual or audible alert to the user to indicate the correct operation of the communicating watering device. By correct operation here, we mean the fact of dispensing a volume of watering liquid in accordance with what is indicated by the user via It.

[0080] Example 2: Based on the flow rate data Dt sent by the flow meter D, the calculation unit UC calculates that the volume of irrigation liquid actually distributed by the device Gi is less than the target volume / time defined by the instruction It. Analysis, by terminal T, of the data Dt and the opening program Ot makes it possible to notice that despite a command to increase the opening amplitude of the valve, the measured flow rate does not increase, which may result from a malfunction of the valve, a leak in the irrigation liquid supply pipe, a cut in the irrigation liquid supply, a blockage of the pipe, etc. The T terminal then signals a malfunction to the user via a visual or audible notification.

[0081] Description of an embodiment implementing several communicating watering devices

[0082] The third figure [Fig.3] represents an embodiment in which: - at least two communicating watering devices marked Gi and Gn, as described in figure [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] or [Fig.lC], are mounted on the same source of watering liquid S, - said devices communicate with each other via their communication module, respectively MC and MCn, via the communication network R, - said devices also communicate with the terminal T according to the embodiment as described in [Fig.2].

[0083] According to the embodiments of the invention, the at least two watering devices can communicate directly with each other via their respective communication modules MC, MCn, or by using the terminal T as a communication relay.

[0084] The communicating watering device Gi receives, via its communication module MC, operating parameters Ptn from at least one other communicating watering device Gn.

[0085] Said operating parameters Ptn belong to the group comprising any one of the following parameters: - an Itn instruction, provided by at least one other communicating watering device Gn or by the terminal T, - information relating to the flow rate Dtn provided by the at least one other communicating watering device Gn, Dtn being measured by the flow meter Dn according to the same methodology as that described in the example of [Fig.2], - information relating to the opening program Otn provided by at least one other communicating watering device Gn, Otn having been calculated by the calculation unit UCn according to the same methodology as that described in the example of [Fig.2].

[0086] The communicating watering device Gi calculates, via its calculation unit UC, the opening program Ot of the valve V by integrating both: - the instructions It received by the terminal T, - the data Dt from the flow meter, - and said operating parameters Ptn.

[0087] Taking into account, by the communicating watering device Gb, said at least one other watering device Gn mounted on the same supply pipe S, makes it possible to implement methods of calculating Ot which can take various forms, two examples of which are described below.

[0088] Example 1: The calculation unit UC receives information relating to the flow rate Dt measured and sent by the flow meter D and notes a variation in the flow rate while, according to the opening program Ot, the valve V is open according to a constant and non-zero opening amplitude. According to one embodiment, the calculation unit searches for the origin of this variation and analyzes the flow rate variations observed by its flow meter D by comparing them to the opening instructions Otn received by the calculation unit UC from the terminal T or from the sprinkler Gn, said instructions Otn having been applied by the sprinkler Gn. If the fluctuations in the flow rate Dt are concomitant with the opening commands Otn of the sprinkler Gn, the calculation unit UC establishes that the variation in flow rate Dt is attributable to the operation of the communicating sprinkler Gn. The calculation unit UC also establishes that its own program for opening Ot of the valve V of the sprinkler Gi impacts the pressure within the source of irrigation liquid S. The calculation unit UC then recalculates the opening program Ot of the valve V with smaller opening amplitudes but over longer periods in order to reduce the impact of the opening of its valve V on the pressure within the source S. Via the communication module MC, the calculation unit UC sends the data relating to this new opening program Ot to the communicating sprinkler Gn, so that the calculation unit UCn integrates Ot into the calculation of the opening program Otn of its valve Vn.

[0089] Example 2: The calculation unit UC receives information relating to the flow rate Dt sent by the flow meter D and notes that beyond a certain opening amplitude, the flow rate Dt no longer increases as a function of the opening amplitude of the valve V. The calculation unit UC deduces that the source S has a maximum flow rate which can be reached beyond this maximum opening amplitude of the valve V. The UC calculation unit receives, via the MC and MCn communication modules, the opening program Otn calculated by the UCn calculation unit of the communicating irrigation device Gn, analyzes this program and calculates Ot so that the valve V is only opened when the Vn valve of the Gn device is programmed to be closed. The UC calculation unit sends / shares, via the MC communication module, the new version of the Ot opening program so that the UCn calculation unit calculates Otn so that the opening periods of the Vn valve take place at different times from those of the V valve.

[0090] In the example of [Fig. 3], an identification of groups of communicating watering devices mounted on the same watering pipe S can be entered on the terminal T by the user or be the subject of automatic / automated detection by the watering device. Such an identification, two examples of implementation of which are mentioned below, corresponds to a pairing of the watering devices (for example the group comprising the watering devices Gi and Gn).

[0091] Example 1 - manual pairing information Via a graphical interface and for example a touch screen, the user indicates that the irrigation devices Gi and Gn are mounted on the same garden hose. This pairing information is sent by the terminal T to the computing units UCi and UCn via the respective communication modules MCi and MCn of the irrigation devices Gi and Gn.

[0092] Example 2 - automatic pairing information During an initialization phase, the watering devices Gi and Gn receive opening instructions involving a calculation of the opening programs Ot and Otn making it possible to measure possible interdependencies between the flow rate Dt and the opening program Otn and / or between Dtn and Ot. Interdependencies are for example identified when the flow meter D observes variations in flow rate Dt while the valve V is open at a constant amplitude and these variations in flow rate are synchronous with the opening commands of the valve Vn specified by the opening program Otn If the calculation unit UC calculates an interdependence between Dt and Otn, then it autonomously deduces that the sprinkler Gi is mounted on the same source of irrigation liquid as the sprinkler Gn and therefore that the sprinklers Gi and Gn are paired.

[0093] Description of an embodiment implementing a communicating watering device and at least one sensor

[0094] The fourth figure [Fig.4] represents another embodiment of the communicating watering device. This other embodiment is similar to that illustrated in [Fig.2] and is distinguished from the latter by the fact that said device Gi receives, via its communication module MC, information CAPt from at least one sensor denoted CAP.

[0095] In the example of [Fig.4], the communicating watering device Gi calculates, via its calculation unit UC, the opening program Ot of the valve V by integrating both: - the instructions It received by the terminal T, - the Dt data of the flow meter, - and CAPt data received by the CAP sensor.

[0096] Depending on the embodiments envisaged, the number and nature of the sensor(s) may vary. It may be one or more brightness sensors, thermometer(s), rain gauge(s), hydrometer(s), hygrometer(s) or any other environmental sensor known to those skilled in the art.

[0097] In this embodiment, the CAP sensor(s) take the form of devices external to the connected watering device Gp

[0098] Description of the communicating sprinkler in another embodiment

[0099] The fifth figure [Fig.5] represents an embodiment similar to that presented in [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] or [Fig.lC], in which the CAP sensor(s), instead of being external to the communicating watering device as in [Fig.4], are housed in the body C of the communicating watering device or attached to it.

[0100] The CAP sensor(s) can be connected to the UC computing unit by connection, welding or integrated into it from the design stage in a single element / circuit.

[0101] This configuration has the advantage of simplifying the problem of communication between the CAP sensor(s) and the UC calculation unit since these elements are directly connected to each other.

[0102] Description of an embodiment implementing at least two communicating watering devices and at least one sensor

[0103] The sixth figure [Fig.6] represents an embodiment of a watering configuration implementing several communicating watering devices denoted Gb Gn and Gn+i, of the same type as those described above, a communicating terminal T used to control said devices, such as that described above, and sensors denoted CAPi and CAPn of the aforementioned type.

[0104] The watering devices Gi and Gn are mounted on a source of watering liquid S.

[0105] The watering device Gn+i is mounted on a source of watering liquid S'.

[0106] According to this embodiment, - the terminal T establishes wireless communication with the communicating watering device Gi via the communication module MC and through the network R. - the MC communication module of the Gi device establishes wireless communication with: — the communicating watering devices Gn, Gn+i, via their respective communication modules MCn and MCn+[ (not shown in the figure), via a network R' interconnected with the network R. This communication allows the watering device Gi to receive operating parameters Ptn and Ptn+i sent respectively by the devices Gn and Gn+i, via the networks R and R'. — the CAPi and CAPn sensors via the R' network. This communication allows the Gi watering device to receive the CAPt and CAPtn information sent respectively by the CAPi and CAPn sensors, via the R and R' networks.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the device Gi constitutes a communication relay making it possible to extend the range of the network R via the network R'.

[0108] Depending on the embodiments envisaged, the network R' may use different technologies such as Wifi, Bluetooth, etc. The technology used for the network R' may be similar to or different from that used for the network R.

[0109] This embodiment has the advantage of simplifying installations where watering devices or other communicating equipment connected to these watering devices are too far from the access gateways to pick up the nominal network of the installation (for example domestic Wi-Fi, Bluetooth network, etc.) represented by the network R in the figure.

[0110] Description of the communicating sprinkler in another embodiment

[0111] The seventh figure [Fig.7] represents a watering device Gi similar to that represented in figure [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] or [Fig.lC], except that it further comprises an energy generator GE connected to the power module MA.

[0112] According to the embodiments envisaged, said GE energy generator can take the form of a photovoltaic sensor, a wind turbine or any other form of energy generator known to those skilled in the art.

[0113] This embodiment makes it possible to advantageously solve the question of the power supply of communicating watering devices by making them more energy autonomous and by avoiding having to recharge them manually or connect them to power cables.

Claims

Claims

1. Communicating watering device (GJ) adapted to be mounted on a watering liquid supply pipe (S), by piercing said pipe with a nozzle (E), said device comprising: - said nozzle (E), - a watering head (O) delivering the watering liquid, - a valve (V) to which the head is connected, - a flow meter (D), - a communication module (MC), - a calculation unit (UC), characterized: - in that the calculation unit (UC) is configured to: — calculate a program (Ot) for opening the valve (V), from — an instruction (It) received from a terminal (T) via the communication module, said instruction relating to a watering volume to be used, — a flow measurement (Dt) delivered by the flow meter, and — at least one operating parameter (Ptn) from at least one other communicating watering device (Gn) mounted on the supply pipe (S), — control the opening of the valve (V) in accordance with the calculated opening program,- and in that the communication module sends to said terminal (T) the calculated opening program (Ot) and said flow measurement (Dt).,

2. Communicating watering device (GJ according to claim 1, in which the operating parameter (Ptn) belongs to the group comprising any one of the following parameters: - an instruction (Itn) provided by the at least one other communicating watering device (Gn), - flow rate information (Dtn) provided by the at least one other communicating watering device (Gn), - information relating to an opening program (Otn) of a valve of the at least one other communicating watering device, provided by the at least one other communicating watering device (Gn

3. )■ Communicating watering apparatus (GJ according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the opening program of the valve of said device is further calculated from data (CAPt) acquired by at least one sensor (CAP) associated with said device.

4. Communicating watering device (Gi) according to claim 3, wherein said at least one sensor (CAP) belongs to the group comprising any one of the following sensors: - a hygrometry sensor, - a brightness sensor, - a temperature sensor.

5. A communicating watering apparatus (Gi) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein said at least one sensor is included in said apparatus.

6. Communicating watering device (GJ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a removable end piece (E) adaptable to the type of watering liquid supply pipe (S) on which said device is mounted.

7. Communicating watering device (Gi) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication module (MC) is configured to establish communication with said at least one sensor or said at least one other communicating watering device.

8. Communicating watering apparatus (GJ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said apparatus comprises a power module (MA) to which an energy generator (GE) is connected.

Images