FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sensor device for sensing the humidity rate in the soil. The invention relates in detail to a sensor device for monitoring the irrigation requirement of agricultural soil.

PRIOR ART

Monitoring the amount of humidity and minerals in the soil in agricultural activities is very important for the development of the crop to be cultivated in the soil in question and the crop to be harvested. The excess or incomplete humidity and mineral content in the soil reduce the amount and quality of crops to be harvested. Meanwhile, excessive irrigation causes both depletion of water resources and cost. Therefore, the humidity and mineral levels in the soil should be monitored with soil humidity sensors and appropriate actions should be taken.

Soil humidity sensors are used to measure humidity and mineral levels in the soil. Technically, the soil humidity sensors measure the dielectricity of the soil using a capacitive member, forming an electric field in the soil. In the present art, LC oscillator circuits are used to measure the dielectricity of the soil. The relationship between the operating frequency (resonant frequency) of the LC oscillators, the inductance of the inductor forming the circuit, and the capacitance of the capacitor is shown below.

Here; f resonant frequency

£ the inductance of the oscillator tank circuit c the capacitance of the oscillator tank circuit

The capacitor in the sensor circuit is soil. As the humidity of the soil changes, the resonance frequency of the LC circuit changes with the humidity of the soil as the permeability coefficient (e), and consequently the capacitance of the soil will change. In the European Patent Office (EPO) application No. EP2089697 in the state of the art, a sensing member is provided with conductors on a flexible sheet structured in the form of a cylindrical tube. The sensing member mentioned herein refers to capacitors arranged at regular intervals on the flexible printing circuit (PCB). It comprises edge guides for arranging the said flexible sensing members in a uniform cylindrical form in the tube. Thus, the flexible printed circuit is placed in the tube by bringing it into a cylindrical form using manpower.

In general, flexible printing circuits or cylindrical capacitors are used to provide capacitors in cylindrical form within soil humidity sensors. Mounting cylindrical capacitors on the circuit causes production difficulties and time costs. Flexible pressure circuits are shaped by manpower. For this reason, flexible printing circuits cause both difficulties and time costs in terms of production and cause calibration errors since the cylindrical form cannot be provided uniformly in every product.

All the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the related technical field as a result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sensor device to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and bring new advantages to the related technical field.

An object of the invention is to provide a sensor device with improved measurement consistency.

Another object of the invention is to provide an accelerated production of humidity sensors.

Another object of the invention is to prevent human-induced errors in the production of sensors for sensing the soil humidity rate.

Another object of the invention is to ensure that the electrodes of the sensors for sensing the soil humidity rate are uniform and to make them suitable for mass production.

The present invention is a sensor device comprising a tubular sensing body and a sensor module having a ring electrode and a sensing circuit associated with the said ring electrode for sensing at least one parameter of an environment surrounding the said sensing body to realize all the objects that are mentioned above and will emerge from the following detailed description. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises a module card in which the said sensing circuit is located; the said ring electrode comprises a first part and a second part independent of each other; the said first part is provided in a way that partially covers a first face of the said module card and the said second part is provided in a way that partially covers a second face of the said module card on the opposite side of the said first face to complete the ring form. Thus, the mounting of the ring electrode is facilitated and the ring electrodes in the sensor device are produced uniformly and consistent measurement is taken.

A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said first part and the said second part are in the form of a semi-cylindrical tube. Thus, it is ensured that the first part and the second part are mutually associated and take the ring electrode structure.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said first part and the said second part are connected to the module card. Thus, the first part and the second part are associated with the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said first part and the said second part are connected in such a way as to provide electrical conductivity between each other. Thus, the first part and the second part form a ring electrode.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said first part and the said second part are soldered to each other.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least a part of the said first part and the said second part have a flat surface to be held by the vacuum handle of the typesetting machine. Thus, the typesetting machine is allowed to hold the electrode parts.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said flat surface is provided around the center of gravity of the first part and the second part. Thus, the first part or the second part, which is held by a handle of the typesetting machine, is kept in balance.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said flat surface is the base of a slot provided in the body of the first part and the second part. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one limiting wall provided on the inner face of the first part to limit the movement of the first part towards the module card. Thus, the movement of the parts in the direction of insertion is limited while placing them on the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said limiting wall is provided in two so that they are opposite to each other around two edges of the first part that contact the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one limiting wall provided on the inner face of the second part to limit the movement of the second part towards the module card. Thus, the movement of the parts in the direction of insertion is limited while placing them on the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said limiting wall is provided in two so that they are opposite to each other around two edges of the second part that contact the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a tab provided on its edges that contact the module card to limit the outward movement of the first part from the module card. Thus, the second part is fixed to the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the edges of the first part and the second part in which they are connected are compatible with each other in shape. Thus, the first part and the second part are structured in such a way that they are mutually intertwined.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the module card is a multilayer circuit board. Thus, multiple functional electronic circuits can be provided in the module card.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of sensor modules. Thus, sensor modules in different locations can measure the soil humidity rate in their location.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises data transmission bodies provided between the sensor modules to enable the signals generated in the sensor modules related to the parameter to be transferred to a control unit. Thus, the signals received from the sensor modules are transmitted to the control unit through the data transmission body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said sensor modules are positioned on the said data transmission body. Thus, the sensor modules are connected to the data transmission body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a communication end to which the said control unit is provided. Thus, the control unit is insulated from the external environment through the communication end.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a penetration end for enabling the sensing body to move through the environment. Thus, the penetration end allows the sensing body to be positioned in the soil by proceeding in the soil in a way that will split the soil.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said environment is soil. Thus, the sensor device positioned in the soil senses the humidity rate in the soil where it is positioned.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said parameter is humidity. Thus, the irrigation requirement of the soil where the sensor device is located can be monitored.

The invention is also a sensor device comprising a tubular sensing body and a sensor module having a ring electrode and a sensing circuit associated with the said ring electrode for sensing at least one parameter of an environment surrounding the said sensing body. Accordingly, it is a production method for producing a sensor device in which it comprises a module card in which the said sensing circuit is located; the said ring electrode comprises a first part and a second part independent of each other; the said first part is provided in a way that partially covers a first face of the said module card and the said second part is provided in a way that partially covers a second face of the said module card on the opposite side of the said first face to complete the ring form. Accordingly, it comprises the following steps

- holding one of the first part or the second part by a handle of a typesetting machine,

- placing the held part on one side of the card,

- holding another from the first part and the second part, - placing the held part on the other side of the card in such a way as to form a ring electrode with the part placed on the other side of the card,

- connecting the first part and the second part.

Thus, a sensor device for measuring the soil humidity rate is made suitable for mass production. In addition, human-induced errors in the production of the sensor device are prevented.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the connecting process in the step of “connecting the first part and the second part” is soldering. Thus, the first part and the second part are electrically connected.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps

- placing the sensing body comprising one of the sensor modules obtained by the step of “connecting the first part and the second part” or end-to-end sensor modules into an injection pool,

- injecting the epoxy resin into the injection pool.

Thus, the sensor device is produced uniformly and protected against external factors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A representative cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sensor device in the environment is given in Figure 1 .

A representative perspective view of the inner part of the sensor device is given in Figure 2.

A representative perspective view of the first part or the second part is given in Figure 3a.

A representative cross-sectional view of the first part or the second part is given in Figure 3b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The sensor device (10) according to the invention is explained with examples that do not have any limiting effect only for a better understanding of the subject in this detailed description. The invention relates to a sensor device (10) for measuring at least one parameter of the environment (20) in which it is located. The environment (20) mentioned herein refers to soil suitable for agricultural use. The said parameter refers to the humidity rate in the soil. The said sensor device (10) technically determines the humidity rate in the soil by measuring the dielectric coefficient of the soil.

Referring to Figure 1 , the sensor device (10) comprises a sensing body (100). The said sensing body (100) comprises at least one sensor module (110) for sensing at least one parameter of the environment (20) in which it is located. The said sensor module (110) comprises a module card (120) comprising a sensing circuit. The said module card (120) is a multilayer circuit board in a possible embodiment of the invention. The module card (120) is preferably selected as a 4- or 6-layer printed circuit. The sensor module (110) has at least one ring electrode (140) associated with the module card (120). The signals received by the ring electrode (140) are sensed by the sensing circuit and processed on the module card (120). The sensing body (100) comprises a data transmission body (150) to which the module card (120) is to be inserted. The said data transmission body (150) is a circuit board for connecting the electrical components of the sensor device (10).

Referring to Figure 2, the sensor module (110) comprises a first part (141 ) and a second part (142) independent of each other. The said first part (141) and the second part (142) are made of electrically conductive material. The first part (141) and the second part (142) are preferably made of copper or aluminum material. The first part (141 ) or the second part (142) may be made of a tin-like material. The first part (141) and the second part (142) are configured in the form of a semi-cylindrical tube. Thus, the first part (141) and the second part (142) take the form of a ring when electrically associated. The first part (141 ) and the second part (142) take a ring electrode (140) structure to remain within the module card (120). Each sensor module (110) comprises two ring electrodes (140) in a preferred embodiment of the invention. With the ring electrodes (140) being electrically conductive and the environment (20) outside the ring electrodes (140) being dielectric earth, the two ring electrodes (140) form a capacitive member. The said capacitive member and the sensor module (110) measure the dielectric coefficient of the environment (20). Thus, the sensor device (10) can determine the humidity rate in the soil where it is located.

The first part and the second part (142) will be referred to in this section as parts. Referring to Figure 3a, the parts are configured to have at least a partly flat surface (145) to be held by the vacuum-holding end of a typesetting machine. The said flat surface (145) is configured as the base of a slot provided in the body of the parts. The flat surface (145) is provided around the center of gravity of the parts in the preferred embodiment. The flat surface (145) may comprise a projection in a possible embodiment of the invention. The said typesetting machine enables the electrical circuit members to be arranged on a board. Since the operation of the typesetting machine is known in the art, it is not detailed here. The parts are placed on the module card (120) via the typesetting machine. Thus, the mass production of the sensor device (10) with the typesetting machine is made possible. In addition, standardization is provided in production with the parts arranged by the typesetting machine. Referring to Figure 3b, at least one limiting wall (143) is provided on the inner face of the parts to limit the movement of the parts towards the module card (120). The said limiting wall (143) is provided in the form of a projection from the inner face of the part to the inner part of the part. The limiting wall (143) ensures that the parts are attached at a certain limit during placement thereof in the module card (120). Thus, the parts are placed with a certain standard on the module card (120). The parts comprise two limiting walls (143) configured to be opposite to each other in the preferred embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, the parts comprise a tab provided on their edges that contact the module card (120) to limit outward movement from the module card (120). The said tabs (144) engage the module card (120) and enable the two mutually provided parts to be associated with each other. The tabs (144) of the parts are configured to be compatible with each other in shape in the preferred embodiment.

The sensor device (10) comprises a plurality of sensor modules (110) in a possible embodiment of the invention. Each sensor module (110) measures the dielectricity of the soil around it. Multiple sensor modules (110) are arranged at regular intervals on the sensing body (100). Accordingly, humidity and mineral levels of the soil at different depth levels can be determined. Thus, after irrigation, the downward movement of the water from the soil surface can be monitored. In this way, the fact that the lower parts of the soil, whose upper surface looks dry, contain water prevents faulty irrigation.

The sensor device (10) comprises a communication end (200) to be out of the soil. The said communication end (200) comprises a control unit (210) associated with the sensor modules (110). The sensor device (10) comprises the data transmission body (150) for enabling the said control unit (210) to exchange data with the sensor modules (110). The said data transmission body (150) provides electrical communication between the sensor modules (110) and the control unit. The data transmission body (150) serially connects the module cards (120) contained in the sensor module (110). The communication end (200) may wirelessly transmit data to a central station in a possible embodiment of the invention. The data transmission between the said central station and the communication end (200) can be made by any wireless communication protocol known in the art. The communication end (200) communicates with the central station via the LORA protocol in the preferred embodiment. LORA protocol is preferred in terms of having low power consumption in a wide area. In this way, the central station is made possible to work with solar panels by positioning it relatively high in the coverage area of the sensor device (10) or the sensor devices (10). The data received by the central station may be sent to a mobile or internet application or a cloud server in a possible embodiment of the invention. In this way, the user with the sensor devices (10) can monitor the data received from the sensor devices (10) from the mobile device or any device that can be connected to the internet.

The sensor device (10) comprises a penetration end (300) for enabling the sensing body (100) to move through the soil. The said penetration end (300) is at least partially tapered in the direction of advancement from the sensing body (100). In this way, the penetration end (300) progresses in a way that the soil is split and the sensing body (100) is positioned in the soil.

The sensor device (10) comprises an energy storage member (220) to meet the energy needs of the electrical components therein. The said energy storage member (220) is positioned at the communication end (200) of the sensor device (10). The energy storage member (220) may be a storage member known in the art such as a cell, battery, etc. The sensor device (10) may comprise a wireless rechargeable battery in a possible embodiment of the invention. The sensor device (10) is powered by an AA-sized alkaline battery in the preferred embodiment.

The data transmission body (150) of the sensing body (100) is a circuit board in a possible embodiment of the invention. The said circuit board may be placed in a typesetting machine. Electrical components are placed on the data transmission body (150) placed in the typesetting machine. The said electrical components are held by a handle of the typesetting machine and placed on the data transmission body (150). The typesetting machine places the module cards (120) with the sensing circuit on the data transmission body (150). The typesetting machine places the first parts (141 ) at regular intervals on one side of the module cards (120). The typesetting machine places the second parts (142) so that they are opposite the first parts (141 ) placed. When the typesetting machine finishes placing the electrical components on the data transmission body (150), the data transmission body (150) is transferred to a furnace. The said furnace enables the electrical components to be electrically connected to the respective nodes. In this way, the first part (141 ) and the second part (142) take a ring electrode (140) structure. Thus, the connection of the sensor modules (110) and the electrical components on the data transmission body (150) is completed. The electrically processed data transmission body (150) is placed into an injection pool. It is ensured that the sensing body (100) is produced as a monolithic body by injecting epoxy resin into the said injection pool.

In an exemplary working scenario of the invention, an agricultural user positions the sensor device (10) so that the communication end (200) remains on the soil surface, and the sensing body (100) and the penetration end (300) remain in the soil and make a certain angle with the surface. There are sensor modules (110) arranged at certain intervals in the sensing body (100) remaining in the soil. Each first part (141 ) and the second part (142) positioned mutually within the sensor modules (110) take a ring electrode (140) structure. Each sensor module (110) comprises two ring electrodes (140). Both ring electrodes (140) form a capacitive member with the dielectric property of the soil remaining on their outer parts. The ring electrodes (140) are associated with a module card (120) in the sensor module (110). The electrical signal applied to the ring (140) electrodes is sensed by the sensing circuit within the module card (120). The signal sensed by the sensing circuit is processed on the module card (120) to determine the humidity rate in the soil. The soil humidity rate information is taken from the module cards (120) connected in series with the data transmission bodies (150) and transferred to the control unit (210) in the communication end (200). The soil humidity rate information is transmitted to a central station located in the external environment (20) through the control unit (210). The central station transfers soil humidity rate information from each sensor device (10) and each sensor module (110) to a mobile or internet application or cloud server to present to the user. Thus, the user can access soil humidity rate information through a mobile device or any device that can be connected to the internet.

The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the attached claims and cannot be limited to those explained for sampling purposes in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may exhibit similar embodiments in light of the above-mentioned facts without departing from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURES

10 Sensor device

100 Sensing body

110 Sensor module

120 Module card

140 Ring electrode

141 First part

142 Second part

143 Limiting wall

144 Tab

145 Flat surface

150 Data transmission body

200 Communication end

210 Control unit

220 Energy storage member

300 Penetration end

20 Environment