GB2597259A - Garden sprinkler flow controllers - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a garden sprinkler flow controller 1 comprising an inlet 14, a first outlet 15 for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet 16 for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve 11 moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a flow activated countdown arrangement which is arranged to be triggered by flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state so closing the first flow communication path and opening the second flow communication path after a countdown period following triggering by flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path. The flow controller may comprise a reset mechanism for returning the valve to the first state from the second state when at least one predetermined condition is met, which may be the absence of water flow in the second communication path. Also disclosed is a garden sprinkler flow controller and a garden sprinkler having a chamber for receiving water,

Description

Garden Sprinkler Flow Controllers This invention relates to garden sprinkler flow controllers and garden watering systems including gardening sprinkler flow controllers.

Garden sprinklers can work effectively for watering a moderately large size of garden lawn without constant human intervention. However an issue arises wherein the area of lawn to be watered exceeds that that may be covered by the sprinkler in one operation. In such a case it becomes necessary for the user to io move the sprinkler around to different positions around the lawn to achieve watering over the whole of the lawn.

Initially it might be thought that this issue can be resolved by installing a number of sprinklers at different strategically chosen locations for watering the whole area.

is However, if this approach is chosen, a new problem arises which is that typically the coverage given by any one sprinkler in such an array will be reduced by the limit of domestic water pressure available to the user.

Therefore it would be desirable to provide a system which facilitates the watering of 20 a large area of lawn while continuing to minimize the amount of human intervention needed during such watering.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a garden sprinkler flow controller comprising an inlet, a first outlet for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a flow activated countdown arrangement which is arranged to be triggered by flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state so closing the first flow communication path and opening the second flow communication path after a countdown period following triggering by flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.

This can allow watering by a first sprinkler outlet for the countdown period before 5 flow is diverted towards a second sprinkler outlet. Further this can be achieved in response to water flow towards the first sprinkler outlet without the need to send electronic control signals to the controller.

In one set of embodiments the countdown period may be a predetermined time period. In another set of embodiments the length in time of the countdown period may be determined by other factors. The length in time of the countdown period, may for example, be determined by a flow rate into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.

is The length in time of the countdown period may be determined by the length of time taken to one of: i) sense the passage of; and ii) collect, a predetermined volume of water.

The flow activated countdown arrangement may comprise a flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path. The flow sensor may be arranged to output a triggering signal upon sensing of flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.

In some embodiments the flow sensor may comprise a Hall effect flow sensor.

The flow activated countdown arrangement may comprise an electronic controller. The electronic controller may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the first 30 state to the second state in dependence on at least one input from the flow sensor.

The electronic controller may comprise a timer. The electronic controller may be arranged to receive triggering signals from the flow sensor and may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state after a predetermined time period has elapsed following receipt of a triggering signal from the flow sensor.

The flow sensor may be arranged to measure flow rate and output signals dependent on flow rate to the electronic controller.

The flow sensor and electronic controller may be arranged to determine a volume of water which has flowed into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state after a predetermined volume is determined to have flowed into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.

The flow activated countdown arrangement may be water flow driven.

The flow activated countdown arrangement may comprise a chamber for receiving water as water flows in the first flow communication path and a piston disposed in the chamber, the piston being arranged to be driven from a first position towards a second position under action of water entering the chamber and the flow controller zo being arranged so that movement of the piston to the second position moves the valve to the second state.

Thus in this case the countdown period is controlled by the time taken for water flowing into the chamber to drive the piston to the second position. This can thus 25 be a mechanical system with no need for electronic components or electrical power.

The flow controller may comprise a reset mechanism for returning the valve to the first state from the second state when at least one predetermined condition is met.

The at least one predetermined condition may comprise the elapse of a predetermined reset period.

The reset mechanism may comprise the electronic controller, the electronic controller may be arranged to cause returning of the valve to the first state from the second state after the predetermined reset period.

Where the electronic controller comprises a timer, the timer may be used to determine when the predetermined reset period has elapsed.

The at least one predetermined condition may comprise the absence of water flow in the second flow communication path. This may be implemented in a mechanical 10 system or in a system including an electronic controller.

The reset mechanism may comprise a reset flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the second flow communication path and the at least one predetermined condition may comprise sensing of absence of water flow in the second flow communication path.

The electronic controller may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the second state to the first state in dependence on at least one input from the reset flow sensor. This may be the absence of at least one input, that is the electronic zo controller may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the second state to the first state in the absence of at least one input from the reset flow sensor.

Preferably the flow controller comprises one flow sensor that acts both as said flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and as said reset flow sensor. The flow sensor may most conveniently be arranged for sensing flow into the first flow communication path and into the second flow communication path.

The flow activated countdown arrangement may comprise a return means for 30 biasing the valve towards the first state.

The flow activated countdown arrangement may comprise an exhaust channel for allowing water to leave the chamber when there is no flow in the second flow communication path facilitating return of the piston towards the first position. In turn this can allow the return means to drive the valve towards the first position so reopening the first flow communication path.

In some cases the first sprinkler outlet may be provided in a separate sprinkler device to which the sprinkler flow controller is connected.

In other cases the first sprinkler outlet may be provided together with the sprinkler flow controller in a combined device.

As alluded to above in one set of embodiments the garden sprinkler flow controller is arranged to operate without the need for electronic communication from any remote location outside of the controller.

In another set of embodiments the garden sprinkler flow controller comprises a communication unit for electronic communication between the controller and a remote location outside of the controller.

The communication unit may be arranged for wireless communication. This may be zo communication back to a local hub -say at a user's house, or communication over a mobile telecommunications network such as a public 30, 40, 50 or similar network.

The garden sprinkler flow controller may be arranged to receive signals via the communication unit for setting a parameter which controls the countdown period. This parameter may for example represent a length of time to which the countdown period should be set, or represent a volume of water to be sensed or collected to determine that the countdown period has expired.

The signals to be received at the garden sprinkler flow controller may result from user interaction with for example an App on a mobile device, or other computer device, or may result from user interaction with for example a central control unit provided for use with the garden sprinkler flow controller or a plurality of such controllers.

The garden sprinkler flow controller may be arranged to allow use of a plurality of 5 such controllers in a chain -what might be termed a daisy chain.

According to another aspect there is provided a garden watering system comprising at least two garden sprinkler flow controllers as defined above connected to each other in a chain where the second outlet of a first controller in the chain is connected to the inlet of a next controller in the chain.

In such a garden watering system a sequence of individual watering periods, one per flow controller, can be achieved across the system, with flow of water acting as the communication channel for controlling operation of each flow controller. That is, co-ordinated watering can be achieved without the need for sending electronic communication signals between the watering controllers. This can alleviate or remove problems of connectability, reliability, battery replacement and so on.

A first sprinkler outlet may be connected to the first outlet of the first controller and zo a second sprinkler outlet may be connected to the first outlet of the second controller.

In some cases the second outlet of a last sprinkler flow controller in such a chain may be capped off with a blanking plug.

The garden watering system may comprise a main water controller for controlling supply of water to the at least two garden sprinkler flow controllers. The main water controller may comprise a main valve and may comprise a control system for holding the main valve open for an overall watering period and closing the main valve at the end of the overall watering period.

The main water controller may be arranged for mounting on a water supply tap (or faucet). The main water controller may be a tap mounted water computer.

The local hub used in communications may be provided in the main water controller.

The main water controller may be arranged to send control signals to each flow controller including a respective parameter to control the countdown period at each flow controller.

The main water controller may comprise a user interface arranged to accept user input at the main water controller for use in determining the control signals to be sent to each flow controller.

The main water controller may comprise a receiver for receiving instructions from a remote location based on user input at the remote location for use in determining the control signals to be sent to each flow controller. So for example the main water controller may be arranged to receive instructions based on user input entered via an App on a mobile device or other computer device.

zo In such a case, in at least some instances, the App may be considered as part of the garden watering system.

The garden watering system may be arranged to determine the overall watering period in dependence on the countdown periods of the at least two flow controllers.

The overall watering period may be selected to be at least as long as the aggregate length of the countdown periods, or at least as long as an estimate of the aggregate length of the countdown periods.

The garden watering system may comprise a reset device which is connected to 30 the second outlet of the last flow controller in the chain and arranged to interrupt flow to the inlet of the first flow controller in the chain in reaction to flow out of the second outlet of the last flow controller in the chain.

In such a case where each flow controller comprises a reset mechanism for returning the valve to the first state from the second state when there is an absence of water flow in the second flow communication path, interruption of flow into the inlet of the first flow controller in the chain will cause resetting of all of the flow controllers such that the valve in each flow controller is returned to the first state.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a garden sprinkler flow controller comprising an inlet, a first outlet for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and an electronic controller arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state in dependence on at least one input from the flow sensor.

The electronic controller may comprise a timer. The electronic controller may be zo arranged to receive triggering signals from the flow sensor and may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state after a predetermined time period has elapsed following receipt of a triggering signal from the flow sensor.

The flow sensor may be arranged to measure flow rate and output signals dependent on flow rate to the electronic controller.

The flow sensor and electronic controller may be arranged to determine a volume of water which has flowed into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and may be arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state after a predetermined volume is determined to have flowed into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a garden sprinkler flow controller comprising an inlet, a first outlet for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a chamber for receiving water as water flows in the first flow communication path and a piston disposed in the chamber, the piston being arranged to be driven from a first position towards a second position under action of water entering the chamber and the flow controller being arranged so that movement of the piston to the second position moves the valve to the second state.

Thus in this case the countdown period is controlled by the time taken for water 15 flowing into the chamber to drive the piston to the second position. This can thus be a mechanical system with no need for electronic components or electrical power.

Note that, in general terms and with any necessary modifications in wording, all of the further features defined above following any aspect of the invention above are zo applicable as further features of all other aspects of the invention defined above. These further features are not restated after each aspect of the invention merely for the sake of brevity.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example 25 only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 to 7 show a garden watering system including three garden sprinkler flow controllers shown in highly schematic form and illustrating the system in different states; Figure 8 schematically shows in more detail one of the garden sprinkler flow controllers of Figures 1-7; Figure 9 is a cutaway view of the sprinkler flow controller shown in Figure 8 schematically showing some of the internal components of the flow controller; Figure 10 schematically shows a second garden watering system comprising three 5 garden sprinkler flow controllers of a second kind; Figures 11A to 11D schematically show different states of operation of a flow controller of the type shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cutaway schematic view of an implementation of a flow controller of the type shown in Figures 10 and 11; and Figures 13A to 13C show a reset device of the garden watering system shown in Figure 10 in different operative states.

Figure 1 schematically shows a garden watering system comprising three garden sprinkler flow controllers 1 connected in a chain and each controlling a respective garden sprinkler 2. The garden sprinklers 2 are connected via hose H back to a mains water tap outlet 3 which in this embodiment is provided with a tap mounted zo water computer 4 for controlling the overall provision of water to the garden watering system.

The provision of a water computer 4 in the present type of garden watering system is optional but useful. Such water computers are well known and understood in the area of garden watering. These units include a valve (not shown) which is operated under the control of a timer or other control device which allows a supply of water via the hose H when in an "on" state and stops supply of the water via the hose in an "off" state. This means the tap 3 may be left in an "on" position and the control of water into the garden watering system is controlled by the valve in the water computer 4.

In a normal garden watering scenario with a simple hose and sprinkler arrangement, the water computer 4 may be set to cause the sprinkler to water for a predetermined time such as half an hour. With more sophisticated water computers, the control of this watering may be set to occur at specific times of day, perhaps in response to environmental conditions and daylight and so on. All of this functionality can still be used with the present type of garden watering system but is not of particular pertinence to the present invention and thus will not be discussed in more detail herein.

As shown in Figure 1 each garden sprinkler flow controller 1 comprises a three-way valve 11, a drive system 12 for operating the valve 11 and a flow sensor 13 for sensing flow into the garden sprinkler flow controller 1. The output of the flow sensor 13 is used for controlling the drive system 12 and hence controlling operation of the valve 11. Each garden sprinkler flow controller 1 has an inlet 14 and two outlets 15 and 16.

is In the case of the first garden sprinkler flow controller 1 (that nearest to the tap 3), the inlet 14 is connected to the tap 3 via the water computer 4 via an appropriate length of hose H. Further a first of the outlets 15 is a connected by another length of hose H to a first sprinkler 2. This first sprinkler 2 has its operation controlled by the first garden sprinkler flow controller 1. A second of the outlets 16 is connected zo via length of hose H to the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1.

The second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 again has the same construction as the first flow controller 1 and the hose H from the first garden sprinkler flow controller 1 is connected to the inlet 14 of the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 and the first outlet 15 of the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 is connected a respective sprinkler 2. The second outlet 16 of the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 is connected to the inlet 14 of the third garden sprinkler flow controller 1.

At this third garden sprinkler flow controller 1, the first outlet 15 is connected to its respective sprinkler 2 and the second outlet 16 is blanked off. In this instance a piece of hose H is connected to the second outlet 16 of the third garden sprinkler flow controller 1 and the end of this piece of hose H is blanked off. In alternatives a blanking plug may be applied directly to the outlet 16 of the third garden sprinkler flow controller 1. As may be appreciated by the reader, in a further alternative a special version of garden sprinkler flow controller unit might be provided to act as the last flow controller in the chain, it having only one outlet, but this causes an unnecessary complication in manufacturing.

Each of the garden sprinkler flow controllers 1 is arranged to sense when flow begins into the inlet 14, that is to say, the flow sensor 13 is arranged to sense when such flow begins. When this flow begins, a predetermined countdown period starts during which the valve 11 is in a first position connecting the inlet 14 to the first outlet 15 and thus feeding water to the sprinkler 2 connected to the flow controller 1. When this predetermined period elapses the valve 11 is driven by the drive system 12 to a second position in which the inlet 14 is connected to the second outlet 16 and thus flow is fed out of this outlet 16 onwards to the appropriate location.

Thus in the case of the first garden sprinkler flow controller 1, after its predetermined countdown period has elapsed, flow is provided from the second outlet 16 to the inlet 14 of the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1. At this zo point the flow into the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 can be sensed by its flow sensor 13. This begins a predetermined period for watering by the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 with its valve 11 in the first position. When the predetermined watering period of the second garden sprinkler flow controller 1 elapses, the valve 11 is moved to the second position blocking off flow to the second sprinkler 2 and allowing flow out of the second outlet 16.

At this stage the flow progresses to the third garden sprinkler flow controller 1 where the flow can be sensed by the flow sensor 13 of the third garden sprinkler controller 1, so commencing watering operation of the third sprinkler 2. After the predetermined period of the third garden sprinkler flow controller 1 has elapsed the valve 11 is moved to the second position blocking off flow to the third sprinkler 2 and feeding water out of the second outlet 16 of the third garden sprinkler flow controller 1. In this case this outlet is blanked off. Thus at this stage flow through the whole system ceases.

Each of the garden sprinkler flow controllers 1 is arranged to reset its valve 11 to the first position connecting the inlet 14 to the first outlet 15 when flow ceases. Thus the whole garden watering system is reset at this point. This sequence of sprinkling from first the first sprinkler 2, then the second sprinkler 2, and then the third sprinkler 2 can be repeated whilst the water computer 4 is still allowing water to be fed into the system.

Thus, for example, the water computer 4 may be set to allow an hour of watering and each of the garden sprinkler flow controllers 1 may be set to water for five minutes before the valve 11 is caused to move from the first position to the second position. In such a case there may be five minutes watering from the first sprinkler 2, followed by five minutes watering from the second sprinkler 2, followed by five minutes from the third sprinkler 2 before the system resets and subsequent five minute watering periods are carried out by each of the sprinklers and so on.

Of course there is no reason in principle why the watering period at each garden zo sprinkler flow controller 1 should be the same as the others. Thus different watering periods may be set at each controller 1 if desired.

Control of the watering duration at each watering controller may be carried using a user interface panel provided on the flow controller 1 and/or more remotely either from a local hub provided in the system, say at the water computer 4, or via a remote computer system say, for example, via an app provided on a mobile communication device.

Note however that such independent remote communication with the garden 30 sprinkler flow controllers 1 is optional. Basic overall operation of the device is achieved without the need for any communication via electronic means between each garden sprinkler flow controller 1 and anything else. Rather it is the flow of water itself which is acting as a communication channel to trigger the operation and hence watering at each flow controller 1 and its associated sprinkler 2.

Note that in alternatives the garden sprinkler flow controller 1 might be built into the 5 sprinkler unit 2 itself rather than the sprinkler 2 being separate from the flow controller 1 as is the case in the present embodiment.

Whilst the overall operation has been described above in relation to Figure 1, Figures 2 to 7 help further understanding by schematically illustrating different 10 states of the system.

In Figure 1, the position is shown where the first garden sprinkler flow controller 1 is in its first state with its valve 11 in its first position so that water is fed to its respective sprinkler 2.

Figure 2 shows the situation where the first countdown period has expired and operation of the first sprinkler 2 has been ceased and now water is being fed by the first garden flow controller 1 to the second garden flow controller 1 which is in its first state and so is feeding water to its respective sprinkler 2.

Figure 3 shows the situation where the countdown period for the second flow controller 1 has passed and as such water is being fed through the first and second flow controllers 1 onto the third flow controller 1 and from there to its respective sprinkler 2 causing watering operation at its sprinkler 2.

Figure 4 shows the situation where the countdown period of the third flow controller has expired so the valve 11 in the third flow controller has been moved to its second position such that the flow communication path from the tap 3 leads through the first, second and third flow controllers 1 to the blanking cap. At this point the flow sensors 13 in each flow controller 1 sense a cessation in flow and as shown in Figure 5 the valves 11 in each of the flow controllers 1 are returned to their first position such that flow from the tap 3 is again fed through the first flow controller 1 to its respective sprinkler 2.

Figure 6 illustrates a situation where the water supply is turned off. This might be because the tap 3 is turned off, there is some interruption in supply, or the period of watering allowed by the water computer 4 has expired and thus the valve in the water computer itself turns off. In this situation flow in the system will cease. This will be sensed by the flow sensors 13 and as such any of the flow controllers 1 which have their valve in the second position directing water towards the second outlet 16 will reset to the first position such that the controller's valve 11 connects its inlet 14 to its first outlet 15 so resetting the whole system. This then leads to the 10 whole system being reset as shown in Figure 7 for when flow recommences.

Figures 8 and 9 schematically show one of the garden water flow controllers 1 in more detail. Figure 8 is a schematic view of the overall device with an outer shown partially transparent such that internal components can be seen and Figure 9 is a 15 cutaway view showing more detail of some of the internal components.

As mentioned above each flow controller 1 comprises a valve 11, a drive system 12 for operating the valve 11 and a flow sensor 13. Parts of these components can be seen in Figures 8 and 9.

In the present embodiment the valve 11 is a 3-way ball valve and this is shown in section in Figure 9. The drive system 12 comprises a motor 12a and gearbox 12b for transferring drive from the motor 12a to the valve 11. An electronics control unit 17 is provided for controlling operation of the device and in particular controlling operation of the drive system 12. The electronics control unit 17 comprises an LCD screen 17a and user input controls 17b including in this embodiment a number of buttons. A user may use these buttons 17b in combination with information displayed on the screen 17a to input the desired watering duration (that is the countdown period) to be used by this garden sprinkler flow control unit.

The flow controller 1 in the present embodiment is powered by batteries 18. The above mentioned components are housed within a waterproof housing 19 having external connectors that act as the input 14 and two outputs 15, 16.

In alternatives the electronics control unit 17 may include a communication unit for allowing communication between the garden sprinkler flow controller 1 and other components for example one or more of: communication with other garden sprinkler flow controllers 1, communication with a central hub, and communication via a mobile communications network. Each of these can facilitate control of the unit via remote computer system, for example via an app provided on for example, a mobile communications device.

The above described garden watering system makes use of electromechanical flow controllers 1. Each controller is arranged to determine when to move its valve 11 from the first position to the second position on the basis of time (in particular a time from when flow is sensed by the flow sensor 13). To enable this the flow sensor 13 may be arranged to issue a trigger signal as flow starts and the electronics control unit 17 may comprise a timer, which is arranged to start running in response in receipt of the trigger signal. The electronics control unit 17 may be software controlled.

The amount of watering which occurs in the arrangement described above is determined by a predetermined time period set in the flow controller 1 -this might zo also be termed a user selected time period. In an alternative the flow sensor 13 may be used to measure an amount of water which is provided to each sprinkler 2. For example a flow rate may be determined from an output of the flow sensor 13 and from this, an amount of water delivered may be determined by the electronics control unit 17 as time elapses at this flow rate. The unit may then move the valve to stop the sprinkler when a predetermined volume of water has been delivered. Again in such a case the amount of water might be selectable by the user, and the device arranged to allow such selection (locally and/or remotely) -say in units such as litres or gallons, or in some other measure -say number of watering cans, or a scale such as "light", "medium", and "heavy", or settings of 1 -10 and so on. A device may be provided which is arranged to operate where the countdown period is based on a time period and where the countdown period is based on a volume of water and which provides the user the option of whether to control operation and the countdown period based on a time period and/or volume of water.

The use of the above electro-mechanical system has some attractions and leads to the production of devices which are relatively simply to manufacture and should be reliable. However these systems still rely on electrical power in the controller 1 and in an alternative, a fully mechanical system can be envisaged. In such a system each garden sprinkler flow controller can be arranged to operate under no other source of power than that other than in the flow of water itself. Figures 10 to 13 described below relate to such a system.

Figure 10 shows a second garden watering system which is set up to operate similarly to that described above in relation to Figures 1 to 9 but which makes uses of a different form of garden sprinkler flow controller, in particular a mechanical form of flow controller. The system again comprises a plurality and, in this case again, three flow controllers 100 each for controlling a respective sprinkler 2 and connected via lengths of hose H to a tap 3 having a tap mounted water computer 4.

In the present system is there also a mechanical reset device 5, although it should be noted that the provision of a reset device 5 is not essential. Overall operation of zo this garden watering system of Figure 10 is much the same as that described above. That is to say each flow controller 100 is arranged to provide water to its respective sprinkler 2 for a time before watering moves onto the next sprinkler 2 and so on until all of the sprinklers have been operated. After this, the system resets, and the cycle can begin again. Again an overall watering period is controlled by the water computer 4.

What is different here is the operation of the garden sprinkler flow controllers 100. Figures 11A to 11B schematically show operation of one of the garden sprinkler flow controllers 100 as will be described in more detail below.

As shown in Figure 10 each garden sprinkler flow controller 100 comprises a housing 19 as in the flow controllers 1 above and this housing 19 has an inlet 14 for accepting water into the controller 100, a first outlet 15 for supplying water out of the controller 100 to its respective sprinkler 2 and a second outlet 16 for supplying water out of the controller 100 onto another location say onto another garden sprinkler flow controller 100. Beyond these similarities with the flow controllers 1 described above in relation to Figures 1 to 9 the flow controllers 100 of Figures 10 to 12 are rather different.

Referring now to Figures 11A to 11D, each controller 100 comprises a main chamber 101 which houses a plunger 102 and has an inlet 101a connected to the inlet 14 of the controller 100 as well as a first outlet 101b connected to the first outlet 15 of the controller 100 and a second outlet 101c connected to the second outlet 16 of the controller 100. The plunger 102 carries a spaced pair of 0-rings 102a, 102b and is arranged to move within the main chamber 101 such that in a first position the inlet 101a is connected to the first outlet 101b and in a second position the inlet 101a is connected to the second outlet 101c. Thus in this first position the inlet of the controller 14 is connected to the first outlet 15 whereas in the second position the inlet 14 is connected to the second outlet 16. Thus as the plunger 102 moves from the first position to the second position the controller switches the feed of water from the first outlet 15 to the second outlet 16.

zo The controller 100 further comprises a needle valve chamber 103 which is fluidly connected via a channel 104 to a cylinder 105 which houses a piston 106 provided on the plunger 102. A return spring 107 is provided to bias the plunger 102 towards the first position where the inlet 14 of the controller is connected to the first outlet 15. As water flows through the controller 100 an amount of water from the inlet 14 is diverted into the needle valve chamber 103 and from here via the connecting channel 104 into the cylinder 105. Thus as water is flowing from the inlet 14 through the device and out of the outlet 15, a small amount of water is tapped off into the cylinder 105. As this fills, this drives the plunger 102 against the action of the return spring 107 and moves the plunger 102 from the first position towards the second position. At a certain point where enough water has flowed into the cylinder 105, the plunger 102 moves to the second position so blocking off exit of water via the first outlet 101b and hence the first outlet 15 of the controller and rather allows water out of the second outlet 101c of the chamber 101 and hence out of the second outlet 16 of the controller 100.

Figure 11A shows the situation where water flow through the controller has just begun. In Figure 11B some water has begun to fill the cylinder 105 and the plunger 102 has begun to move in the chamber 101. However at this point the inlet 14 of the controller 1 is still connected to the first outlet 15.

Figure 11C shows the position after a longer period where more water has flowed io into the cylinder 105 pushing the plunger 102 further upwards to the point that exit out of the first outlet 101b to the first outlet 15 of the controller 100 has been blocked and instead fluid flowing into the inlet 14 leaves the main chamber 101 via the second outlet 101c and flows out of the second outlet 16.

is This state will then persist until something acts to cause a reset. This occurs if water flow into the device ceases. At this point due to reduction in pressure within the device the return spring 107 can drive the piston 106 back down to the position shown in Figure 11A so returning the device to the initial state with the inlet 14 of the controller connected to the first outlet 15.

Figure 12 shows more detail of a way in which a system operating on the basis described above in relation to Figures 11A -11D may be implemented.

This shows the inclusion of an adjustable flow regulator 108 for controlling the rate at which water may feed from the needle valve chamber 103 into the cylinder 105 (so adjusting an amount of watering before the flow switches) and an exhaust valve 109 for allowing water to be expelled from the cylinder 105 under action of the spring 107 during reset.

As mentioned above the present system optionally includes a reset device 5. Without the inclusion of a reset device 5 the system will function with only one watering instance for each sprinkler 2. That is to say, each of the controllers 100 may move from its first state to its second state once and then will reset only when the water supply is turned off. Thus, for example, if the water computer 4 is set for "a perfect" period of watering which exactly matches that required by each of the controllers 100 all of the watering time can be used. Say a total of 30 minutes with 10 minutes being used by each of the sprinklers 2. However it can be desirable to provide a system which can cope where such perfect periods are not set and for example the water computer 4 is set to water for 30 minutes but each of the controllers 100 has carried out its allotted amount of watering (as determined by progress of water into the cylinder 105 of each of the units) before this 30 minutes has expired.

Thus for this type of circumstance the reset device 5 is provided as shown in more detail in Figures 13A to 13C. This reset device is provided to allow an interruption of the water supply to the controllers 100 to allow these to reset even though the water computer 4 is still in an on position.

The reset device 5 has a first main inlet 51 and a main outlet 52. The main inlet 51 is arranged for connection to the water supply On this arrangement the output of the water computer 4) and the main outlet 52 is arranged for feeding into the start of the chain of water controllers 100. A piston rod 53 carrying a pair of 0-rings is zo provided in a chamber 54 in a water flow path between the inlet 51 and the outlet 52. The piston rod 53 is movable between a first position where flow is allowed between the inlet 51 and the outlet 52 and a second position where this flow is obstructed. The reset device 5 has second inlet 55 which is arranged for connection to the end of the chain of water controllers 100 -that is, to the second outlet 16 of the last controller 100 in the chain. This second inlet 55 feeds into a piston chamber 56 in which is disposed a piston 57 mounted to the piston rod 53. The piston 57 is biased by a return spring 58 to a position which drives the piston rod to the first position which allows flow from the inlet 51 to the outlet 52. However when water feeds into the piston chamber 56 from the second inlet 55 this tends to drive the piston 57 against the action of the spring 58 and so moves the piston rod 53 to the second position where flow from the inlet 51 to the outlet 52 is obstructed. Thus as water from the last flow controller 100 in the chain is fed towards the reset device 5 this gradually moves the piston 57 and hence piston rod 53 towards the second position shutting off supply to the chain of water controllers 100. This is in turn causes the water controllers 100 to reset to their start position such that when flow into the controllers 100 starts again, water can initially be fed to the first sprinkler 2 under control of the first controller 100 and so on.

It will be appreciated that as the reset device 5 moves to position where flow therethrough is cut off by the piston rod 53, this also means that the flow into the piston chamber 56 ceases. In turn this allows the return spring 58 to drive the piston 57 back to its initial position so moving the piston rod 53 back to its initial position and reopening the flow through the reset device 5.

In the present embodiment a slide linkage 59 is provided between the piston 57 and the piston rod 53. This means that an initial axial movement of the piston 57 relative to the piston rod 53 is possible before the piston 57 engages with and begins to drive the piston rod 53. This means that there is a small delay before movement of the piston 57 starts to drive movement of the piston rod 53 during the closing phase and also means that there is a time delay before movement of the piston 57 under action of the return spring 58 begins to move the piston rod 53 in the reverse direction during reopening of the flow path. This time delay helps allow zo sufficient time for the water controllers 100 to reset before the water supply is recommenced. A small bleed hole 55a may be provided in the region of the second inlet 55 to allow fluid to be expelled from the system as the piston 57 is returned to its starting position under action of the spring 58.

Note that an 0-ring 01 on the piston rod 53 has a larger diameter than an 0-ring 02 provided inside the piston chamber 56. This means that in the closed position where the mains water pressure is acting on the piston rod 53 at the 0-ring 01 in the piston rod chamber 54, there is net force acting on the piston rod 53 which tends to keep it in the closed position.

As noted above the arrangement of the second garden watering system, and in particular the design of the controllers 100, allows the provision of a controlled, or sequenced, set of sprinkler operation in a coordinated fashion without the use of any electronics or electrical power in any of the water flow controllers 100 or the reset device 5. That said, even in the arrangement of Figures 1 to 9, electrical power is needed only to control/drive the valves and not for communication (unless that option is chosen).

As will be appreciated although three water controllers 1, 100 are shown in each of the examples described above it is possible, in alternatives, to have differing numbers of water flow controllers 1, 100 in a chain operated from one water supply. Thus in some systems only say two controllers 1, 100 might be provided in the chain or in other systems four, five, six or even more sprinklers could be provided in an appropriate chain depending on user requirements.

Claims (20)

1. Claims 1. A garden sprinkler flow controller comprising an inlet, a first outlet for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a flow activated countdown arrangement which is arranged to be triggered by flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state so closing the first flow communication path and opening the second flow communication path after a countdown period following triggering by flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.
2. 2. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 1 in which the countdown period is determinable based on a predetermined time period.
3. 3. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the length in time of the countdown period is determinable by the length of time zo taken to one of: i) sense the passage of; and ii) collect, a predetermined volume of water.
4. 4. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to any preceding claim in which the flow activated countdown arrangement comprises a flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.
5. 5. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 4 in which the flow sensor is arranged to output a triggering signal upon sensing of flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path.
6. 6. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to any preceding claim in which the flow activated countdown arrangement comprises an electronic controller which is arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state in dependence on at least one input from the flow sensor.
7. 7. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 6 in which the electronic controller comprises a timer and the electronic controller is arranged to receive triggering signals from the flow sensor and is arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state after a predetermined time period has elapsed following receipt of a triggering signal from the flow sensor.
8. 8. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the flow activated countdown arrangement is water flow driven.
9. 9. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 8 in which the flow activated countdown arrangement comprises a chamber for receiving water as water flows in the first flow communication path and a piston disposed in the chamber, the piston being arranged to be driven from a first position towards a second position under action of water entering the chamber and zo the flow controller being arranged so that movement of the piston to the second position moves the valve to the second state.
10. 10. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to any preceding claim in which the flow controller comprises a reset mechanism for returning the valve to the first 25 state from the second state when at least one predetermined condition is met.
11. 11. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 10 in which the at least one predetermined condition comprises the elapse of a predetermined reset period.
12. 12. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 10 or claim 11 in which the at least one predetermined condition comprises the absence of water flow in the second flow communication path.
13. 13. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 12 in which the reset mechanism comprises a reset flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the second flow communication path and the at least one predetermined condition comprises sensing of absence of water flow in the second flow communication path.
14. 14. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to claim 13 in which the flow controller comprises one flow sensor that acts both as said flow sensor for sensing 10 flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and as said reset flow sensor.
15. 15. A garden sprinkler flow controller according to any preceding claim in which the flow activated countdown arrangement comprises a return means for biasing is the valve towards the first state.
16. 16. A garden watering system comprising at least two garden sprinkler flow controllers according to any preceding claim connected to each other in a chain where the second outlet of a first controller in the chain is connected to the inlet of zo a next controller in the chain.
17. 17. A garden watering system according to claim 16 in which a first sprinkler is connected to the first outlet of the first controller and a second sprinkler is connected to the first outlet of the second controller.
18. 18. A garden watering system according to claim 16 or claim 17 which comprises a main water controller for controlling supply of water to the at least two garden sprinkler flow controllers.
19. 19. A garden sprinkler flow controller comprising an inlet, a first outlet for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the first flow communication path and an electronic controller arranged to cause the valve to move from the first state to the second state in dependence on at least one input from the flow sensor.
20. 20. A garden sprinkler flow controller comprising an inlet, a first outlet for feeding water to a first sprinkler outlet, a second outlet for feeding water to a second sprinkler outlet and a valve moveable between a first state which allows flow in a first flow communication path between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second state which allows flow in a second flow communication path between the inlet and the second outlet, wherein the flow controller further comprises a chamber for receiving water as water flows in the first flow communication path and a piston disposed in the chamber, the piston being arranged to be driven from a first position towards a second position under action of water entering the chamber and the flow controller being arranged so that movement of the piston to the second position moves the valve to the second state.