Bistable electromagnetic inductor methods and devices for solenoid valves and connected electrical circuits, with very low electrical consumption; with application to automatic watering controlled by the water requirements of the plants at the desired depth

摘要

The invention relates to a set of electromagnetic methods and devices, providing two possible stable states, with positional locking, for the core plunger of a solenoid valve, without requiring electrical holding energy. This locking can be performed magnetically, mechanically, or as a combination of the two, or alternatively in the form of catch locking; there being a wide variety of variants. For some of these, internal modifications to the solenoid valve in question are provided, but they in no way disturb its conventional fluid operation. Connected electronic circuits, indispensable with this type of operation, have been created, specifically, with ultra-low continuous electrical consumption in several variants. The inductor devices preferably operate at low voltage, for example 3 to 6 volts. The overall electrical consumption is such that, in the application to automatic watering, the assembly can operate for one year without requiring the least intervention for changing of the low-capacity batteries. This is because such an assembly requires only less than 1 watt-hour, in total, for this minimum duration of one year. In the principal application envisaged, the presence of a photoelectric cell and an appropriate thermistor prohibits watering in full sunlight and during very cold spells. No electric current is delivered for holding the solenoid valve open or closed, and the current required for the monitoring and control circuits never exceeds 30 millionths of an amp at 6 volts, i.e. 180 microwatts maximum. 38 figures in 10 plates; numerous claims. IMAGE