IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an irrigation system for crop irrigation, and especially a centre-pivot irrigation system. The system comprises: a pivot assembly comprising a frame supporting an inlet pipe assembly for inlet of water from a water supply to the irrigation system, and a span assembly for connection to the pivot assembly to extend radially therefrom across a field. The inlet pipe assembly comprises an upper pipe segment and a lower pipe segment. The upper pipe segment is mounted in the frame for rotation about a pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment. The span assembly comprises a distribution pipeline for fluid connection with the inlet pipe assembly to convey the water along the span assembly for distributing the water to a plurality of sprinkler heads located along the span assembly for applying the water to the field.

Claims

1. A pivot assembly for an irrigation system, especially for a centre-pivot irrigation system, the pivot assembly comprising: a frame providing a supporting structure; and an inlet pipe assembly supported by the frame for inlet of water from a water supply to the irrigation system; wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an upper pipe segment and a lower pipe segment, and wherein the upper pipe segment is mounted in the frame for rotation about a pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment.

2. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment comprise substantially straight pipe lengths and extend substantially coaxially with one another, wherein the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment are arranged upright and extend substantially vertically, and wherein the pivot axis about which the upper pipe segment is mounted for rotation relative to the lower pipe segment is a common axis of the pipe segments.

3. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, wherein a lower end region of the upper pipe segment is received within an upper end region of the lower pipe segment, or alternatively, wherein the upper end region of the lower pipe segment is received within the lower end region of the upper pipe segment.

4. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of the upper pipe segment is in the range of about 300 mm to about 1000 mm, and wherein the length of the lower pipe segment is in the range of about 500 mm to about 1500 mm.

5. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes a bearing arrangement for mounting and/or supporting the upper pipe segment for rotation about the pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment, the bearing arrangement comprising a first bearing part that is fixed in the frame and a second bearing part for secure or rigid attachment to the upper pipe segment, wherein the second bearing part is configured to seat and/or bear against the first bearing part during rotation of the upper pipe segment about the pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment.

6. A pivot assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first bearing part includes a support member fixed in the frame which is configured to receive and support the inlet pipe assembly extending through the support member, wherein the support member encompasses or surrounds the upper pipe segment.

7. A pivot assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second bearing part comprises a contact member configured to be fixed at or on a periphery of the upper pipe segment for movement therewith, wherein the contact member is configured to seat or bear against an upper face of the first bearing part.

8. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower pipe segment is mounted or supported substantially fixed in the frame, and a lower end region of the lower pipe segment is configured for fluid connection to the water supply.

9. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one or both of the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment of the inlet pipe assembly is/are comprised of a polymer plastic material, selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (e.g., PP-R), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

10. A pivot assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a conduit that extends within and/or through the upper and lower pipe segments, substantially centrally thereof, for accommodating cables or lines that may provide power and/or control pathways to an associated span assembly of the irrigation system.

11. An irrigation system for crop irrigation, the system comprising: a pivot assembly comprising a frame supporting an inlet pipe assembly for inlet of water from a water supply to the irrigation system, wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an upper pipe segment and a lower pipe segment, and wherein the upper pipe segment is mounted in the frame for rotation about a pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment; and a span assembly for connection to the pivot assembly to extend radially therefrom across a field, the span assembly comprising a distribution pipeline for fluid connection with the inlet pipe assembly to convey the water along the span assembly for distributing the water to a plurality of sprinkler heads located along the span assembly for applying the water to the field, wherein the span assembly is configured to rotate about the pivot axis together with the upper pipe segment.

12. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment of the inlet pipe assembly extend substantially coaxially with one another, wherein the pivot axis about which the upper pipe segment is mounted for rotation relative to the lower pipe segment is a common axis.

13. An irrigation system according to claim 12, wherein the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment of the inlet pipe assembly are arranged to extend substantially vertically, and wherein a lower end region of the upper pipe segment is received within an upper end region of the lower pipe segment.

14. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment is comprised of a substantially straight length of pipe, wherein the length of the upper pipe segment is in the range of about 400 mm to about 1000 mm, and the length of the lower pipe segment is in the range of about 500 mm to about 1500 mm, more preferably about 800 mm to 1200 mm.

15. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the frame includes a bearing arrangement for mounting the upper pipe segment for rotation about the pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment, wherein the bearing arrangement comprises a first bearing part which is fixed in the frame and a second bearing part for rigid attachment to the upper pipe segment, wherein the second bearing part is configured to seat or bear against the first bearing part during rotation of the upper pipe segment about the pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment.

16. An irrigation system according to claim 15, wherein the first bearing part includes a support member, like a collar, which is fixed in the frame and is configured to receive and support the inlet pipe assembly which extends there-through, the support member encompassing the upper pipe segment.

17. An irrigation system according to claim 16, wherein the second bearing part comprises a contact member, e.g. a flange with depending sleeve, configured to be fixed at a periphery of the upper pipe segment for movement therewith, the contact member being configured to seat or bear against an upper face of the support member.

18. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the lower pipe segment of the inlet pipe assembly is mounted or suspended substantially fixed in the frame of the pivot assembly, and wherein a lower end region of the lower pipe segment is configured for fluid connection to the water supply.

19. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein at least one or both of the upper pipe segment and the lower pipe segment of the inlet pipe assembly is/are comprised of a polymer plastic material, selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (e.g., PP-R), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

20. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the span assembly comprises an elongate framework, such as a truss, which extends radially from the pivot assembly, wherein the distribution pipeline is mounted or suspended on the elongate framework.

21. An irrigation system according to claim 20, wherein the elongate framework or truss has a generally triangular cross-sectional configuration having a central, radially extending structural member arranged at an apex of that configuration, wherein the distribution pipeline is mounted below and/or suspended from the elongate structural member.

22. An irrigation system according to claim 19, wherein the distribution pipeline is comprised of a polymer plastic material, selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (PP-R), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

23. An irrigation system according to claim 22, wherein the distribution pipeline comprises a series of coaxially arranged pipe lengths in fluid connection with one another via expandable joints.

24. An irrigation system according claim 20, wherein an end region of the elongate framework of the span assembly is configured to be securely fastened to an upper part of the inlet pipe assembly for rotation with the upper pipe segment about the pivot axis relative to the lower pipe segment.

25. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the upper pipe segment of the inlet pipe assembly is connected in fluid communication with the distribution pipeline of the span assembly via a connector pipe, such as a goose neck connector pipe.

26. An irrigation system according to claim 20, wherein the span assembly includes at least one motorised ground-engaging drive unit for driven movement of the span assembly about the pivot axis, at an opposite end region of the elongate framework of the span assembly.

27. An irrigation system according to claim 11, wherein the inlet pipe assembly has a conduit extending through the upper and lower pipe segments, substantially centrally thereof, for accommodating cables or lines that provide electrical power and/or control pathways to the span assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the invention and advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an irrigation system according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a frame of the pivot assembly of the irrigation system shown in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connection between the pivot assembly and the span assembly of the irrigation system shown in FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a front view of the inlet pipe assembly of the irrigation system shown in FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view of the inlet pipe assembly of the irrigation system shown in FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inlet pipe assembly of the irrigation system taken in the direction of arrows A-A shown in FIG. 5;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inlet pipe assembly shown in FIGS. 4 to 6;

[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the inlet pipe assembly shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the bearing arrangement for supporting the inlet pipe assembly in the frame of the pivot assembly of an irrigation system as shown FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an elongate framework in the span assembly of the irrigation system shown in FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a portion of the span assembly in an irrigation system as shown in FIG. 1; and

[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bracket for mounting the distribution pipeline to the framework of the span assembly in an irrigation system as shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0040] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] With reference firstly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a centre-pivot irrigation system 1 according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated schematically. The irrigation system 1 comprises a pivot assembly 10 which is designed to remain stationary or substantially fixed in a field F, and a span assembly 40 which is connected to the pivot assembly 10 and extends radially therefrom across the field F. The pivot assembly 10 has a frame 11 comprising a base 12 and a plurality of structural elements, e.g. legs 13 and struts 14, interconnected to form a substantially rigid pyramidal structure that supports an inlet pipe assembly 20 for inlet of water from a water supply (not shown) to the irrigation system 1. FIG. 2 of the drawings shows the frame 11 of the pivot assembly 10 in greater detail. The span assembly 40 seen in FIG. 1 comprises an elongate framework 41 in the form of a truss which extends radially from the pivot assembly 10. The truss 41 has a generally triangular transverse cross-sectional shape and includes numerous structural members including a central, radially extending member 42 at an apex of the triangular cross-section and supporting struts 43 extending from that central member 42. The structure of the framework 41 will be described in more detail later. Further, the span assembly 40 includes a distribution pipeline 45 supported by the elongate framework 41 for fluid connection with the inlet pipe assembly 20 in the pivot assembly 10. Thus, the distribution pipeline 45 conveys the water along the span assembly 40 for distributing the water to a plurality of sprinkler heads (not shown) located along the span assembly for applying the water to the field F. In this regard, the sprinkler heads are typically suspended at intervals from the distribution pipeline on their own sprinkler lines (not shown), with each sprinkler line being in fluid connection with the distribution pipeline 45. An end region 46 of the span assembly 40 remote or distal from the pivot assembly 10 includes a motorised drive unit 50 with ground-engaging wheels 51 driven (e.g., by electric motors 52) for driven movement of the span assembly 40 about a pivot axis X of the pivot assembly 10.

[0042] With reference now to FIGS. 2 to 9 of the drawings, the pivot assembly 10 of the irrigation system 1 will be described in more detail. As noted above, the pivot assembly 10 includes an inlet pipe assembly 20 (as illustrated separately in FIGS. 4 to 8) which is supported in the frame 11, as will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 9.

[0043] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 8, the inlet pipe assembly 20 comprises an upper pipe segment 21 and a lower pipe segment 22. Both the upper pipe segment 21 and the lower pipe segment 22 are arranged upright, i.e. extending substantially vertically, and coaxial with one another. The lower pipe segment 22 of the inlet pipe assembly 20 is mounted or suspended substantially fixed in the frame 11 of the pivot assembly 10 via a ring-shaped holder 15 and via vertical and horizontal struts 16 connected to the structural elements 13, 14 of the substantially rigid pyramidal frame structure 11. To this end, the lower pipe segment 22 comprises two parts rigidly connected together by a bolted flange coupling 23 and the inlet pipe assembly 20 is assembled such that the ring-shaped holder 15 is arranged to encompass and support the lower pipe segment 22 below the bolted flange coupling 23. In this way, the ring-shaped holder 15 engages with the bolted flange coupling 23 and supports the lower pipe segment 22 therein via the struts 16 and the structural elements 13, 14. The frame 11 may optionally include alternative and/or further supporting structure for the lower pipe segment 22. A bottom end region of the lower pipe segment 22 includes a water inlet 24 that is configured for fluid connection to a water supply. An upper end region of the lower pipe segment 22 has a widened opening 25 for receiving a lower end of the upper pipe segment 21. With reference to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the upper pipe segment 21 is mounted in the frame 11 via a bearing arrangement 30 for rotation about the vertical axis X relative to the lower pipe segment 22. In this regard, the vertical pivot axis X is the common axis or central axis of the coaxial upper and lower pipe segments 21, 22.

[0044] Similar to the lower pipe segment 22, the upper pipe segment 21 comprises two parts rigidly connected together by a bolted flange coupling 26. This flange coupling 26 not only connects the two pipe parts of the upper pipe segment 21 together, but also integrates with the upper pipe segment 21 a support bracket 18 for interconnecting the pivot assembly 10 with the span assembly 40 and part of the bearing arrangement 30 for rotatably mounting the upper pipe segment 21 in the frame 11. As will be apparent from drawing FIG. 6, the bottom end region of the upper pipe segment 21 is received in the widened opening 25 at the top of the lower pipe segment 22. While O-ring seals 27 in this opening 25 seal against the upper pipe segment 21 and prevent water leakage, the upper pipe segment 21 may still rotate about the pivot axis X relative to the lower pipe segment 22, which is fixed in the frame 11. The top end region of the upper pipe segment 21 includes an outlet 28 through which the water passes to the distribution pipeline 45 of the span assembly 40. In this example, a goose-neck connector pipe 29 is provided for connecting the outlet 28 from the upper pipe segment 21 of the inlet pipe assembly 20 in fluid communication with the distribution pipeline 45. It will be noted that the inlet pipe assembly 20 includes a conduit C extending substantially centrally through the upper and lower pipe segments 21, 22. This conduit C is for accommodating cables and/or hydraulic lines (not shown) that may provide electric or hydraulic power and/or control pathways to the span assembly 40, especially for the operation and/or control of valves (not shown) that regulate water flow to the sprinkler heads, as well as for the operation and/or control of each motorised drive unit 50.

[0045] With particular reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 9 of the drawings, the structure and operation of the bearing arrangement 30 will be explained. The bearing arrangement 30 is configured for mounting the upper pipe segment 21 of the inlet pipe assembly 20 for rotation about the axis X relative to the lower pipe segment 22. To this end, the bearing arrangement 30 includes a first bearing part 31, which is fixed in the frame 11, and a second bearing part 32 which is securely attached to the upper pipe segment 21. In this regard, the second bearing part 32 is configured to seat or bear against the first bearing part 31 during rotation of the upper pipe segment 21 about the pivot axis X relative to the lower pipe segment 22. The first bearing part 31 and the second bearing part 32 are structural or load-bearing elements comprised of a metal, such as steel. In particular, the first bearing part 31 comprises a generally cylindrical collar member 33 that is fixed in the frame 11 between the frame legs 13 via connecting webs 17 at the top of the pyramidal structure. It is configured to receive and support the inlet pipe assembly 20 which extends through the cylindrical collar member 33. In particular, the collar member 33 surrounds or encompasses the upper pipe segment 21, which extends through it. The second bearing part 32, on the other hand, includes a contact member comprising a projecting flange 34 and a depending sleeve 35, which are fixed at and around an outer periphery of the upper pipe segment 21 (in this case, via the bolted flange coupling 26 described above) for movement with it about the pivot axis X. In this embodiment, the depending sleeve 35 is configured and arranged to fit neatly (but with play) within the collar member 33 and the projecting flange 34 is configured to seat or bear against an upper edge or face 36 of the collar member 33 as the upper tube segment 31 pivots or rotates about the axis X. Naturally, lubricating grease or oil may be provided between the first and second bearing parts 31, 32 to promote ease of relative movement and, to this end, grease nipples 37 may be provided in the collar member 33. It will be noted that, during use, water will enter and travel from the inlet 24 vertically upwards through the inlet pipe assembly 20 under pressure. As such, the water pressure will apply an upward force on the inlet pipe assembly 20 which will counteract some of the self-weight of the upper pipe segment 21 acting on the bearing 30. For this reason, the loads on the bearing 30 are relatively low.

[0046] In any case, this configuration of the pivot assembly 10 results in the upper and lower pipe segments 21, 22 themselves not being structural or significant load-carrying components of the centre-pivot irrigation system 1. As a result, the first and second pipe segments 21, 22 of the inlet pipe assembly 20 may be comprised of a polymer plastic material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (e.g., PP-R) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This results in a centre-pivot irrigation system 1 that is highly resistant to corrosion, even when used with bore water that may have a relatively high salt content. In this embodiment, the upper pipe segment 21 has a length of about 600 mm and the lower pipe segment 22 has a length of about 1200 mm. The upper and lower pipe segments 21, 22 have a diameter of about 150 mm.

[0047] With reference now to FIGS. 10 to 12 of the drawings, the span assembly 40 will be described in greater detail. FIG. 10 illustrates a full length of the elongate framework or truss 41 of the span assembly 40 and in this drawing the generally triangular shape formed by the central member 42 at an apex and the supporting struts 43 is clearer than in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the span assembly 40 has an overall length of about 48 meters. One end region 47 of the elongate framework 41 is configured for connection to the pivot assembly 10 via the coupling bracket 18, and the opposite end region 46 of the framework 41 remote from the pivot assembly 10 is configured for connection to a motorised drive unit 50 (shown in FIG. 1) for driven movement of the span assembly 40 about the pivot axis X of the pivot assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 11, the distribution pipeline 45 of the span assembly 40 is mounted on the framework 41 suspended below the central structural member 42. To this end, mounting brackets 48 are provided with which the pipeline 45 is supported. The angle section of the bracket 48 complements and nests within the profile of the central member 42, to which it is fixed via bolts though holes h, as seen in FIG. 11. In this regard, the bracket 48 may also serve to interconnect lengths of angle section beams making up the central member 42. That is, central member 42 comprises four lengths of angle section (each 12-metres) interconnected end-to-end via the brackets 48. Further, the bracket 48 includes a plate member 49 with a semi-circular recess for receiving the pipeline 45 which is then fixed and held to plate member 49 via a U-shaped pipe connector, as seen in FIG. 11. In this way, the distribution pipeline 45 also need not perform any structural role within the span assembly 40. The distribution pipeline 45 may therefore also be comprised of a polymer plastic material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (e.g. PP-R), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In particular, the distribution pipeline 45 comprises a series of pipe lengths 45′ arranged joined coaxially in fluid connection with one another via expandable joints J, such as rubber ring joints. In this way, a differential in the thermal expansion of the plastic pipeline 45 compared to the steel framework 41 on which the pipeline 45 is mounted can be accommodated.

[0048] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that each exemplary embodiment is an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0049] It will also be appreciated that the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, used in this document are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to those features, integers, parts, elements, or steps recited but may include other features, integers, parts, elements, or steps not expressly listed and/or inherent to such process, method, device, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects. In addition, reference to positional terms, such as “lower” and “upper”, used in the above description are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee in the appropriate context.