MXPA96003395A - Issuer of irrigation by go - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drip irrigation emitter, characterized in that it comprises a housing for joining a line of conduit, the housing includes a flat interior surface at the bottom of a cavity, a flexible, flat, flexible membrane suspended on its perimeter on a platform above the cavity, the upper side of which is exposed to the pressure of fluid flow within the duct line, a central opening in the surface perpendicular to it and leading to the outside, a groove in the surface that it extends radially outwardly from the opening to an edge of the surface, a second opening in the edge of the front surface through a plurality of labyrinths that reduce the pressure, which return the flow of the fluid within the line of duct and a slot in the central opening, where it connects with the slot, so as the pressurized fluid is introduced from the line of In the inside of the emitter, the membrane presses into the cavity and against the surface, groove, cut or groove and central opening so it restricts the flow of the emitter at a constant speed through a very low pressure range to very high

Description

DRIP IRRIGATION EMITTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to drip irrigation and in particular, to a drip irrigation emitter, controlled in the pressure and an apparatus capable of maintaining a constant drip rate over a wide range of pressure. 2. Description of the Prior Art Various different varieties of drip irrigation emitters are known in the art. All drip irrigation emitters are associated in some way with a line of conduit through which a pressurized fluid can flow. The fluid can be anything, but it is usually water for plants in cultivation, either by itself or with dissolved additives such as fertilizers or nutrients. Drip irrigation emitters can be attached to the end of a conduit line, attached along the outside of a conduit line, or inserted into a conduit line, where there is a tiny hole that allows the fluid reach the outside. In each drip irrigation emitter, there is some means to allow the fluid within the line to reach the outside at a very slow speed.

One of the most common and useful applications of drip irrigation is uneven, steep terrain. This is because the methods of irrigation by sprinkling or normal flooding does not work or are very lacking in scarce water. It is also very common in the drip irrigation industry for irrigation duct lines, which are several hundred meters long or larger, linked to a single source of water. These common applications of drip irrigation have several problems, the most serious is related to pressure. At low pressure, the fluid simply flows through some drip irrigation emitters. The emitters, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,113,180 and 3,779,468, require pressure within the duct line, to reach a certain level of height before the emitters in the line stop the flow and begin to "drip." The different gradients in steep terrain usually cause a drip irrigation line to have different pressure levels in different places. A drip irrigation line, which is several hundred meters long, even if it is on a level ground, requires significant pressure to activate all drip irrigation emitters along its length. This problem is formed in uneven, steep terrain.

To answer these problems, different types of drip irrigation emitters have been developed. These include, devices such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,307,841 and 4,687,143. In each of these devices, a flexible, flat meme is provided on a platform. One side of the meme is in contact with the fluid in the line, the other side is pressed against a flat surface with an opening to the outside. A shallow, elongated slot is provided on the flat surface under the meme that leads from the opening to the edge of the surface. The fluid in the line presses the meme against the surface and the opening, such that at a very low pressure, only a minute amount of fluid is allowed to escape through the opening. As the pressure increases, the opening closes and only by means of the slot the fluid is allowed to escape. However, when the pressure becomes too high, the meme tends to completely close the opening and the groove, preventing any fluid from flowing through the opening. Usually very high pressure is required at the beginning of a line of conduit to ensure that at least some pressure reaches the entire line. The longer the line, the higher the initial pressure required. Also, in uneven terrain, the lower locations on the line, naturally they will have more pressure than the higher locations. Due to the way in which currently developed emitters are designed, they are not useful in lines where high pressure will be used (for example, near the beginning of the line or at a low point) because such pressures tend to slow down of flow or close it completely. Therefore, it is advantageous to have a drip irrigation emitter that not only operates at relatively low pressures, but which has a constant flow rate through a wide range of pressures, including very high pressures, without dropping the speed of flow or the emitter is interrupted completely. Due to the high cost of materials, it is also advantageous to be able to construct smaller drip irrigation emitting units, which provide the same flow rates as the larger units. The smaller units may be lower priced than the larger units and have the advantage that they can be used in small or large diameter lines. This becomes especially important, where thousands of transmitters are connected to thousands of conduit lines. When a pressure to a drip irrigation line is removed, a backflow or siphon can occur that results in the removal of dirt and debris in the drip irrigation emitters along the line. To avoid plugging caused by this situation, it is also advantageous to provide a shape for such drip irrigation emitters to wash them with discharge of water from the dirt and debris. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the interruption problems associated with high pressure in drip irrigation lines, by providing a small drip irrigation emitter, which is capable of providing a constant flow rate over a wide range of pressures in the low and high fluid line. The present invention provides a small drip irrigation emitter, which can be used with a small or large diameter line. The emitter can be placed inside or attached to the outside of the line. The emitter has a flexible, flat, relatively soft inner membrane, suspended around its perimeter on the platform having a central cavity therein. The membrane covers the cavity and is able to be flexed within it. One side of the membrane is in contact with the flow of the main fluid and the pressure of the drip irrigation line and the other side is exposed to the lower pressure fluid, which has moved through a series of labyrinths and Turbulent flow conduits.

At rest, the membrane is suspended on a perimeter platform above the cavity, which has a flat surface at the bottom. The bottom surface has an outlet hole at or near the center and an annular opening around its edges. The annular opening leads back to the fluid in the line, through a series of labyrinths that reduce the pressure and turbulent flow trajectories located in the body of the emitter. A groove is provided in the lower surface leading radially outward from the central outlet hole to the annular opening in the edge of the lower surface. An open, small slot that has a slightly rounded corner is provided in the hole where the slot is located. The groove is generally parallel to the outlet hole and perpendicular to the groove. The slot gives the hole the appearance of a keyhole when viewed directly from above. The opposite end of the groove at the edge of the surface communicates with the fluid of reduced pressure from the annular opening. Since the pressure is provided in the conduit line, the suspended membrane is first pressed into the cavity against the lower surface having an outlet hole, the groove and a cut in it. This limits the amount of fluid that can escape, which originates from the annular opening, by moving through the groove in the surface and outwardly through the outlet orifice. As the pressure increases, most of the exit orifice (except for the cut or groove) is closed by the membrane; however, long after the exit hole has been closed, the slot and keyhole cut allow the trickle of stable fluid to continue to escape. It requires an extremely high pressure in the fluid in the line, to close both the hole and the groove of the present invention. The height of the cavity between the bottom surface and the perimeter support for the membrane is large enough to allow the initial fluid flow within the emitter to wash away any dirt or debris before the membrane begins to flex downward and Close the exit hole. A relatively soft or soft membrane is required in a small emitter to flex down into such a deep cavity. In larger emitters, the height of the cavity in relation to the larger surface of the membrane is less significant, allowing a harder membrane to be effectively used in larger emitters. Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a drip irrigation emitter which provides a drip at a constant speed over a wider range of high fluid pressures than is currently possible. It is another important object of the present invention to provide a drip irrigation emitter, which drips at a constant velocity from a relatively low to relatively high fluid pressure. It is another important object of the present invention to provide a drip irrigation emitter, which drips at a constant speed, from a relatively low to a very high fluid pressure, the interior of which includes a flat surface with an opening in it, a slot that leaves the opening to the edge of the surface and a slot cut into the opening where it meets the slot. It is another object of the present invention to provide a small drip irrigation emitter in which a relatively smooth membrane having a small surface area is included, provided over a relatively high cavity having a flat bottom surface with an opening to the outside, where the opening is connected to a slot and a cut or slot is provided in the opening where it meets the slot, to allow the first wash of debris and then provide a constant drip rate across a wide range of fluid pressures, including very high pressure, without interruption.

It is another important object of the present invention to provide a drip irrigation emitter, which can be used to provide a constant drip flow rate in drip irrigation systems, which have different fluid pressures in different locations within the same system . The additional objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed descriptions and claims herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an enlarged, cross-sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing in detail the area around the exit opening. Figure 2 is an end view, in cross section along the line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a detailed view of a separate, perspective, very enlarged cut of the interior of the irrigation emitter by drip of the present invention, showing the internal cavity without the membrane in the vicinity of the exit opening. Figure 4 is a fragmented, slightly enlarged perspective view of the interior of the drip irrigation emitter of the present invention, in the vicinity of the exit opening.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the outlet opening in the lower surface of the internal cavity of the drip irrigation emitter of the present invention, showing its keyhole appearance. Figure 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional side view of the outlet cavity of Figure 1 showing the flexible membrane of the present invention suspended above the opening without any pressure applied thereto. Figure 7 is the enlarged, cross-sectional side view of Figure 6, showing the flexible membrane of the present invention flexed as the pressure is applied thereto. Figure 8 is a comparison chart showing the difference in flow velocity of the present invention with and without the keyhole slot and the cut or groove. The comparisons are in liters per hour (gallons per hour) at different pressures in kilograms per square centimeter (pounds per square inch). Figure 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional side view of the exit cavity of an alternative embodiment of Figure 1, showing the flexible membrane of the present invention, suspended above the opening without any pressure applied thereto.

Figure 10 is a detailed view of the separate, perspective, very enlarged cut away of the interior of the alternative embodiment of Figure 9, showing the internal cavity without the membrane in the vicinity of the exit opening. In this mode, there is no vertical slot. Figure 11 is the enlarged, cross-sectional side view of Figure 9 showing the flexible membrane in the alternative embodiment of the present invention, flexing as pressure is applied. Figure 12 is a top plan view of the outlet opening in the lower surface of the internal cavity of the alternative embodiment of the drip irrigation emitter shown in Figures 9-11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference to the drawings , in which like reference numbers designate similar parts or corresponding parts in all the various views and with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is noted that the invention includes a drip irrigation emitter, generally 10, inserted in a line of conduit 9. The emitter includes a housing 11 with a central outlet hole 12 therein. The orifice 12 allows the fluid to pass from the interior of the emitter 10 through a series of channels 26 to the holes 27 in the conduit line 9 leading to the outside (see Figure 2). It is seen in Figure 2 in the dimension "A" that the housing 11 has a low internal profile of less than three and a half millimeters (3.5 mm) greater than the thickness of the tube 10. This allows less friction with the fluid in the line 9 resulting in less pressure loss due to the presence of the emitters 10 in the line. The central internal cavity 20 is provided above the exit orifice 12. At the bottom of the cavity 20 there is a flat surface 19, which surrounds the hole 12. An opening 23 is provided around the perimeter of the surface 19. The opening 23 leads back to the interior of the emitter through a series of labyrinths and turbulent flow paths 24 in the emitter housing 11. These labyrinths and turbulent flow paths 24 carry back and forth through and around the emitter 10 to reduce the pressure of the fluid flowing through it, as is well known in the art. A shallow horizontal slot 15 is provided on the surface 19, which extends radially outwardly from the outlet orifice 12 to the opening of the perimeter 23 at the edge of the surface 19. A slot 17 can be provided in the outlet hole. 12, where it meets the groove 15. The groove 17 is generally perpendicular to the surface 19 and parallel to the opening 12 and provides a space 18 between the end of the groove 15 and the edge of the opening 12. The space 18 of the slot 17 increases the surface area of the opening 12, as shown in the top view of Figure 5. The inner corner 28 of the slot 17 may be slightly rounded. A flexible membrane 21 is provided above the cavity 20 and suspended around its perimeter on a platform 29 as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6. The membrane 21 covers the opening and is capable of flexing therein. The distance between the surface 19 and the platform 29 defines the cavity 20 and provides a membrane below a space 21 that is large enough to allow dirt and other potentially plugged debris particles to exit the water discharge through the orifice. output 12 at very low fluid pressure, such as when the fluid is first introduced into or out of the emitter. As the fluid pressure is increased inside the emitter 10, the membrane 21 flexes down into the cavity 20 as shown in Figure 7, partially covering the outlet 12 except for the slot 15 and the space 18 formed by the slot 17. This causes the emitter 11 to drip steadily, but a very small trickle of fluid is let out or • escaped through the slot 15 and the slot 17 through the outlet port 12. Custom which increases the fluid pressure above the membrane 21, it will be pressed inside and will begin to fill and close the outlet orifice 12 moving from the inside of the orifice 12 outwards. In existing emitters which do not have the space 18 formed by the slot 17 of the present invention, a fluid pressure above 4.21 kg / cm2 (sixty (60) pounds per square inch (psi)) is usually sufficient to close the exit orifice (12), reducing and eventually stopping the flow from such an emitter. However, the space formed by the vertical slot 17 of the present invention prevents the membrane 21 from closing the opening 12, the opening 15 and the perpendicular cutting 17 until a very high pressure of at least 6.32 kg / cm2 is reached. (ninety (90) psi). This occurs because the membrane 21 must be pressed firmly into all three areas to cover the emitter: the opening 12, the slot 15 and the space 18 of the slot 17. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 9, 10. and 11. In this embodiment, the slot 17 is omitted and the inner rim 28 of the slot 15 is rounded downwardly within the opening 12, which results in a space above the edge 28. This tapered bottom edge 28 of the slot 15 allows the emitter to operate in the same manner as described above without using slot 17. The alternative mode is not closed until a very high pressure of at least 6.32 kg / cm2 (ninety (90) psi is reached). ). This is achieved, because a very high fluid pressure is required to press the membrane 21 firmly against the space formed by the downward inclined edge 28 of the groove 15. Deeper and steeper the slope of the edge 28, the pressure required to interrupt the emitter is greater. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the preferred embodiment, the emitter of the present invention is made of a rigid, strong material, such as plastic. The emitter is small enough to fit within an irrigation line, which has a diameter of 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) or smaller, but may be of a larger size, if desired. Small emitter is preferred because it provides a wide range of applications in smaller environments, while also functioning exactly as a large emitter in larger environments.The lower cavity and the membrane of the preferred small version of the emitter, have each one a correspondingly small surface area Due to its small size, it is important that the membrane be made of a relatively soft material having a Shore hardness of between 40 and 50, to allow it to flex more easily into the cavity under pressure of the fluid in the line, the stiffer membranes should only be used in major versions of the invention, where the surface and the cavity to be covered they are larger and more surface areas of the membrane are available for the fluid to put pressure on it. In the preferred embodiment, the slot 17 is provided in the outlet hole 12. The corner 28 of the slot 15 goes down to the slot, preferably it must be rounded down in the outlet orifice, although this is not required. The groove or cut facilitates a trickle of fluid flow at very high pressures, defining a space between the end of the groove 15 and in the outlet opening 12. The preferred embodiment provides a cavity 20 having a distance of about one millimeter (1 mm) between the surface 19 and the platform 29 that suspend the flexible membrane. This distance provides enough space to allow dirt and debris to be washed by discharge of water from the emitter at very low pressure by or to prevent plugging. A smooth membrane is required in the small versions of the invention, so that they are flexible enough to easily close this space and make contact with the surface 19. In the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the vertical slot 17 is omitted. In contrast, the edge of the slot 15 within the opening 12 is tapered downwardly 28 until it is flush within the opening 12 (see Figure 10). The membrane 21 presses against the surface 19 and the groove 15 in the same manner as the preferred embodiment. The tapered inner edge 28 of the slot 15 acts in the same manner as the slot 17 of the preferred embodiment, delaying the interruption of the emitter, until a very high pressure is reached - sufficient to push the membrane firmly against the edge 28 of the slot 15. If the corner between the slot 15 and the hole 12 is at or near a ninety degree (90 °) angle, the membrane will be pressed against it by more easily cutting the fluid flow earlier and at lower pressure. In another alternative embodiment, a larger emitter having a larger surface 19, a wider platform 29 and a stiffer membrane 21 can be provided. A cavity 20 of height of only 1 millimeter (1 mm) between the surface 19 and the platform 29 still provide a sufficient cavity for waste discharge with water. Because the larger areas of the membrane 21 and the surface 19 are coupled with a cavity of approximately 1 mm in height, a less flexible membrane will still close the space between the platform 29 and the surface 19. In yet another alternative embodiment, The emitter can be designed to be attached to the outside of the conduit line, instead of being inserted into the line. Such a modality implies a self-contained unit, which has an external appearance of a shell on the contrary to a cylinder. The fluid flow ratios for the membrane 21, cavity 20, platform 29, surface 19, groove 15 and opening 12 within the housing 11 are the same as with the insertable emitter; however, labyrinths and turbulent flow paths are located within the shell of the emitter. Changes and adjustments can be made in the size and / or shape of the labyrinths 24, the cavity 20, the slot 15, the cut or slot 17, the opening 12, the membrane 21, the surface 19 and / or the platform 29 , to obtain a desired flow velocity in a desired range of fluid pressures for a line of conduit having a desired diameter. It should be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention can be made, without departing from the scope thereof. It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in light of the above specification.

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS 1. A drip irrigation emitter, characterized in that it comprises a housing for joining a conduit line, the housing includes a flat interior surface at the bottom of a cavity, a flexible, flat, flexible membrane suspended on its perimeter on a platform by above the cavity, the upper side of which is exposed to the pressure of the fluid flow within the duct line, a central opening in the surface perpendicular to it and leading to the outside, a groove in the extending surface radially outwardly from the opening to an edge of the surface, a second opening in the edge of the front surface through a plurality of labyrinths that reduce pressure, which return the flow of fluid within the line of conduit and a slot in the central opening, where it connects with the slot, so as the pressurized fluid is introduced from the conduit line inside the emit or, the membrane presses into the cavity and against the surface, groove, cut or groove and central opening so it restricts the flow of the emitter at a constant speed through a very low to very high pressure range. The emitter according to claim 1, characterized in that the cut or groove is perpendicular to the groove and the corner between the cut and the groove is rounded. 3. The issuer in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the membrane is made of a relatively soft flexible material. 4. The issuer in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that the emitter is small enough to fit within a conduit line having a diameter of no more than 1.27 cm (one half inch). 5. The issuer in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the emitter is inserted inside a conduit line. 6. The issuer in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that the emitter is connected to the outside of a conduit line. The emitter according to claim 3, characterized in that a space is provided between the surface and the platform to allow flushing of the waste from the interior of the emitter by discharge of the initial low fluid pressure. The emitter according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance between the platform and the surface is approximately one millimeter. 9. The emitter according to claim 3, characterized in that the outer diameter of the membrane is not greater than eight millimeters (8 mm). The emitter according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing has a low profile height of no more than three and a half millimeters (3.5 mm). 11. A drip irrigation emitter characterized in that it comprises a housing for joining a line of conduit, the housing includes a flat interior surface at the bottom of a cavity, a flexible flexible flat membrane suspended on its perimeter on a platform above the upper side of the cavity of which is exposed to the pressure of fluid flow within the duct line, a central opening in the surface perpendicular to it and that already to the outside, a groove on the surface that extends radially outward from the opening to an edge of the surface, the slot has a rounded corner, where it meets the opening, a second opening at the edge of the front surface through a plurality of labyrinths of pressure reduction back to flow of fluid inside the conduit line, so the pressurized fluid is introduced from the conduit line inside the emitter, the membrane na presses between the cavity and against the surface, the groove, the rounded corner and the central opening, so it restricts the flow of the emitter at a constant speed through a very low pressure range at very high pressure. 12. The emitter according to claim 11, characterized in that the membrane is made of a relatively soft, flexible material. The emitter according to claim 11, characterized in that the emitter is inserted into a conduit line. 1 . The emitter according to claim 13, characterized in that the emitter is small enough to fit within a conduit line, having a diameter of no more than 1.27 cm (one half inch). 15. The emitter according to claim 11, characterized in that the emitter is connected to the outside of a conduit line. 16. The emitter according to claim 11, characterized in that a space is provided between the surface and the platform to allow flushing of the waste from the interior of the emitter at low fluid pressure. 17. The emitter according to claim 16, characterized in that the distance between the platform and the surface is approximately one millimeter.