AT520773B1 - Sprinkler with multifunctional nozzle for clamping from the side with nozzle bearing clip and associated tools - Google Patents

Abstract

A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body with a water flow passage connected to a water source. The sprinkler body has a recess. A nozzle insert is received in the recess and can be positioned in several positions in the recess. The nozzle insert includes a nozzle bore that extends therethrough and can be aligned with the water flow passage in at least one of the multiple positions. The nozzle insert may also include a handle with an opening therein. A nozzle clip has a proximal end that is attachable in the handle opening, and in one embodiment, a replacement nozzle is attached to a distal end of the nozzle clip. In some variations, a spring insert supports a spring in the recess.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

SPRINKLER WITH MULTI-FUNCTIONAL NOZZLE TO CLAMP IN FROM THE SIDE WITH NOZZLE BEARING CLIP AND RELATED TOOL

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 977,204, filed April 9, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

INFORMATION ON RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT FUNDED BY THE FEDERATION (NOT APPLICABLE)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to sprinklers particularly suitable but not limited to agricultural sprinklers used in rotary irrigation machines, and more particularly to an irrigation sprinkler with a multi-nozzle insert holder or clip and associated tool.

Rotary irrigation machines include large frames that are carried on turrets that rotate about a central support. Many sprinklers are mounted on the frame combinations over the length of the combination, either directly on these or suspended from rigid or flexible drip hoses on the frame.

Since sprinklers of this type (and in particular the sprinkler nozzles) are frequently exposed to unfiltered or poorly filtered water, which contains sand, dirt, residues, etc., the individual sprinklers, including the holes in the sprinkler nozzles, must be cleaned or flushed regularly. At the same time, it is necessary to install nozzles of different opening sizes over the length of the frame combination in order to obtain the desired flow speed in view of the different circle diameters, which the individual sprinklers follow when the machine rotates around its center support. Flushing and / or changing the nozzle size generally requires at least partially removing the sprinkler (and possibly shutting down the machine), which, multiplied by tens or even hundreds of sprinklers, is labor intensive, time consuming and therefore costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiments seek to simplify nozzle replacement and / or flushing operations by providing a multifunctional side clamping nozzle insert that is easy to install and remove, which simplifies nozzle replacement. In addition, the nozzle insert can be easily rotated between different operating positions. Another feature is to provide a clip for holding at least one and up to two additional nozzle inserts on the sprinkler body so that the user can easily change the nozzle size / flow rate as desired, along with a hand-operated hand tool designed for the purpose is to simplify the removal of the nozzle inserts from the clip.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body with a water flow passage and a recess. A nozzle insert is received in the recess and can be positioned in the recess in several positions. The nozzle insert includes a nozzle bore that extends through the nozzle insert

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can be aligned with the water flow passage in at least one of the multiple positions. The nozzle insert also includes a handle with an opening therein, the sprinkler assembly further comprising a nozzle clip with a proximal end that can be attached to the handle opening and a replacement nozzle attached to a distal end of the nozzle clip.

The sprinkler body may include a protective device that at least partially surrounds the recess. The protection device may extend outwardly from the sprinkler body by an amount equal to or greater than a depth of the handle.

[0008] The multiple positions may include IN, ON, OFF, RINSE and LINE RINSE. The sprinkler body may include a label that identifies each of the multiple positions. The handle can include a label that provides instructions for inserting the nozzle insert.

There can be an Hl flow indicator attached to the nozzle clip next to a larger one of the nozzle insert and the replacement nozzle. A nozzle opening of the replacement nozzle can be arranged facing an opposite direction of a nozzle opening of the nozzle insert, the nozzle insert and the replacement nozzle being attached to the nozzle clip. The opening in the nozzle insert can be positioned centrally in the handle. The assembly may also include a tool that is designed to detach the nozzle insert and replacement nozzle from the nozzle clip. The nozzle clip is preferably flexible.

A spring insert may be engageable with the sprinkler body, and the structure may also include a spring attached to the spring insert. In this context, the spring is arranged in the recess and counteracts the insertion of the nozzle insert. In one embodiment, the spring insert is clipped onto the sprinkler body.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having a water flow passage coupled to a water source and having a recess; a nozzle insert received in the recess and positionable in the recess in a plurality of positions, the nozzle insert including a nozzle bore extending therethrough and alignable with the water flow passage in at least one of the plurality of positions; a spring insert that can be engaged with the sprinkler body; and a spring which is attached to the spring insert, the spring being arranged in the recess and counteracting the insertion of the nozzle insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects and advantages are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sprinkler body and nozzle insert in accordance with a first exemplary but not limiting embodiment, showing the nozzle insert removed from the sprinkler body and oriented in an INSTALLATION position; Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the nozzle insert shown in FIG. 1 from the right side; Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the nozzle insert shown in FIG. 2 from the left side; [0016] FIG. 4 FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the nozzle insert shown in FIG. 2 from the right side; FIG. [0017] FIG. 5 Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the nozzle insert shown in Figure 2 from the right side;

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Figure 6 Figure 3 is an enlarged partial front elevation of the sprinkler body with the nozzle insert removed; Figure 7 Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 but with the nozzle insert installed in the sprinkler body in the INSTALLATION position; Fig. 8 FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial end view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 7; Figure 9 5 is an enlarged partial rear view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 5; Figure 10 Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 9 but partially sectioned to remove the struts at the rear end of the sprinkler body; Fig. 11 FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert (with the water baffle removed) with the nozzle insert rotated clockwise from the INSTALL position to the nozzle ON position; Fig. 12 11 is an enlarged partial rear view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 11; Fig. 13 FIG. 11 is a partial vertical cross section as seen from the front of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 11; Fig. 14 FIG. 11 is a partial vertical cross section seen from the right side of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 11; 15 11 is a front elevation similar to FIG. 11, but with the nozzle insert rotated clockwise 45 degrees from the ON position to an intermediate position between the ON position and the OFF position; Fig. 16 FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial rear sectional view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 15; Figure 17 Figure 11 is a front elevation similar to Figures 11 and 15, but with the insert rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the intermediate position shown in Figure 15 to the OFF position; Fig. 18 FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 17 from the rear left; Figure 19 FIG. 17 is a partial vertical cross section seen from the right side of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 17; Fig. 20 17 is an enlarged partial rear sectional view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 17, but with the insert rotated clockwise slightly less than or about 45 degrees from the OFF position to an intermediate position between the OFF position and the NOZZLE RINSE position; Fig. 21 Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 20 but with the insert rotated clockwise a few degrees; Fig. 22 15 is an enlarged partial end view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 15, but with the nozzle insert rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the OFF position to the NOZZLE RINSE position; Fig. 23 Figure 22 is a partial vertical cross section of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in Figure 22 as seen from the right side; Figure 23A Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 23 but rotated to show another peripheral portion of the sprinkler body seal relative to the nozzle insert in the NOZZLE RINSE position;

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Figure 24 FIG. 20 is an enlarged partial end view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in FIG. 20, but with the nozzle insert rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the NOZZLE RINSE position to a LINE RINSE position; Fig. 25 Figure 24 is a partial vertical cross section of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in Figure 24 seen from the right side; Fig. 26 Figure 12 is a partial right rear perspective view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert shown in Figure 25; Fig. 27 FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a seal inserted between the sprinkler body and the nozzle insert in the first exemplary embodiment; FIG. Fig. 28 Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the seal shown in Fig. 27, but showing a shape of the seal when installed; Fig. 29 FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a sprinkler body and a seal retention bushing used in the sprinkler body shown in FIGS. 1 through 26; Figure 30 Fig. 27 is a top perspective view of the sprinkler body shown in Fig. 27 with the seal retainer removed; Fig. 31 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a double nozzle insert clip for use with the sprinkler and nozzle insert assemblies described herein; Fig. 32 FIG. 14 is a perspective perspective view of a nozzle insert modified to receive the nozzle insert clip shown in FIG. 31; Fig. 33 FIG. 31 is a sectional perspective view of the nozzle insert clip shown in FIG. 31 with a pair of nozzle inserts removably attached thereto; Fig. 34 Figure 13 is an uncut perspective view of the nozzle insert clip shown in Figure 31 with a pair of nozzle inserts removably attached thereto; Fig. 35 14 is a perspective view of a sprinkler with one of the pairs of nozzle inserts attached to the nozzle insert clip shown in FIG. 34 installed in the sprinkler body; Fig. 36 Figure 35 is a perspective view similar to Figure 35, but with the installed nozzle insert rotated to a different operating position within the sprinkler body; Fig. 37 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a nozzle insert clip according to another exemplary but non-limiting embodiment; Fig. 38 Figure 4 is another perspective view of the nozzle insert clip shown in Figure 37; Fig. 39 Figure 38 is a perspective view of the nozzle insert clip of Figures 38 and 39 with one of the nozzle inserts installed in the sprinkler body; Fig. 40 Figure 4 is a side elevation of a tool suitable for facilitating removal of a nozzle insert from the nozzle clips of Figures 31 and 37; Fig. 41 40 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 40 in position to facilitate removal of the nozzle insert from the associated clip; Fig. 42 [0056] FIG. 43 Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 41 but from a different perspective; shows a sprinkler assembly of an alternative embodiment;

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian Patent Office [0057] FIG. 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 48, 49, 50 shows the sprinkler assembly of Figure 43 in a different nozzle position; Figure 43 is a rear perspective view of the sprinkler assembly of Figure 43; Figure 4 is a close-up view of portions of the sprinkler body;

is a detailed view of the nozzle handle;

the nozzle clip shows how it carries two nozzles and an HI indicator; Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the nozzle clip; and shows a tool for removing the nozzles from the nozzle clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates a sprinkler assembly 10 that includes a sprinkler body 12 and a nozzle insert 14 that is receivable in a side-facing, complementary recess 16 provided in the sprinkler body 12. A conventional adapter 18 is attached to the sprinkler body via a screw coupling at the upstream end 20 of the sprinkler body 12. A plurality of support struts 22 are provided at the downstream end 24 of the sprinkler body, the support struts being connected to a mounting ring 26 which is adapted to secure a conventional water baffle or distribution plate 28 formed with grooves 30 which typically cause it to the plate rotates when it is hit by a jet from the sprinkler nozzle. Plate 28 may include an otherwise conventional viscous brake or speed slowing device 32.

Before the nozzle insert 14 and sprinkler body 12 are described in detail, it is important to note that all references to relative terms such as "upper" "lower", "left", "right", "front" and "rear" “, Concern the sprinkler body and nozzle insert as they are oriented in the various figures, and are not intended to be in any way limiting since the sprinkler can take on other orientations in use. However, since the sprinkler will generally assume the orientation shown in FIG. 1 or a reverse orientation, it is appropriate to refer to the nozzle insert 14 as a nozzle insert that is clamped from the side.

Still referring to FIG. 1, but in particular also to FIGS. 2 to 5, the nozzle insert 14 is designed as an essentially cylindrical body (or simply “insert body”) 34, which is preferably made of a hard plastic material such as PVC (or other suitable plastic or metal material) is injection molded. The insert body 34 has a central longitudinal axis A (FIG. 2), which is also referred to here as the “insert axis” or “insert rotational axis”, which, when installed in the sprinkler body, is perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis B (FIGS. 1 and 7) of the sprinkler body lies, which is also referred to here as the "sprinkler axis".

The insert body 34 is formed with a nozzle bore 36 which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends from an inlet end 38 to an outlet end or a nozzle outlet opening 40 transversely to the insert axis or axis of rotation A. As best seen in Figures 4 and 13, the nozzle bore 36 consists of a straight section 42 of relatively larger diameter that extends from the inlet end 38 and an inwardly tapering section 44 that extends from one location extends approximately midway between the inlet end and the outlet end and leads to the nozzle opening 40 with a smaller diameter. It should be noted that due to the shape of the internal nozzle bore, the outer nozzle bore wall 49 is radially spaced from the opening 40 at the outlet end of the nozzle bore, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 to 3, 13, 23 and 23A.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, a “flushing groove” 46 extends over a first, axially extending, continuous circumferential section 48 of the insert body essentially parallel to the nozzle bore 36 in the illustrated embodiment

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian patent office form. The flushing groove 46 is defined by the nozzle bore wall 49, a first side wall 50 and a second side wall 52 which intersects and is extended by a rear end wall 54 of the cylindrical insert body 34. The purge groove 46 communicates with a sprinkler body flow channel when the nozzle insert is rotated to the NOZZLE RINSE position, as will be described further herein, to direct and thus to remove any residue in the sprinkler body flow channel laterally from the sprinkler body prevent such residues from getting into the nozzle bore.

A second axially extending continuous peripheral portion 56 (Fig. 3) of the insert body 34 is circumferentially spaced from and preferably diametrically opposed to the first continuous peripheral portion 48 and is formed with a round concave surface 58 to reduce sealing resistance when the insert body is rotated. When the nozzle insert 14 is rotated to the OFF position (see FIG. 19), a seal 154 engages the continuous circumferential portion 56 that surrounds the concave surface 58, as will be described further herein.

The insert body 34 is also formed with a front disc-like end surface or wall 60, which in the exemplary embodiment is round in shape and has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the rest of the insert body 34 (including the rear end wall 54) , The front end wall 60 is formed with a relatively narrow but easy-to-grip rotary knob 62 or is provided on the outside thereof with one which extends centrally over the end wall 60 and through the insert axis A. As shown, the knob 62 tapers at one end to a rounded point 64 and thus also serves as a pointing device which indicates the rotational position of the nozzle insert 14, as indicated by the position signs, e.g. B. ON, OFF, NOZZLEWÜHLUNG and RINSE, is displayed on the sprinkler body 12 at locations corresponding to the four operating positions of the nozzle insert. (It should be noted that the RINSE indicator on the sprinkler body is also referred to as the LINE RINSE position here in order to distinguish it more clearly from the NOZZLE RINSE position). To reinforce this positional aspect of the knob 62, an arrow-like indicator 66 may be formed within or on the knob, which is oriented to be aligned with the pointing direction of the knob. Because the indicator 66 is formed as a slot in the illustrated embodiment, it can accept a standard flat-blade screwdriver in situations where additional torque may be required due to jammed sand, etc. A reference number 68 for the nozzle opening size (see, for example, Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8) can also be provided on the button 62 above the arrow-like indicator 66, which gives the user a clear indication of the nozzle opening size. It will be appreciated that the number of nozzle opening sizes could be located at any easily visible location on the nozzle insert 14, but preferably on the outward surface of the front end wall 60 or on the button 62 itself (as shown). The nozzle inserts can also be color-coded according to the opening size. In addition, both the arrow-like indicator 66 and the reference number 68 of the nozzle opening size could be provided in the form of separately applied adhesive labels or the like.

It can also be seen that since the front end wall 60 has a larger diameter than the insert body 34, this serves to protect the user from water splashes that can be directed to the user when the nozzle insert is rotated between its operating positions or if the nozzle insert is in the NOZZLE RINSE or LINE RINSE position.

It is also apparent that other fiducial marks or signs can be placed on the face of the insert body 34. For example, a sprinkler number corresponding to a sprinkler installation location along a frame assembly could be placed on one side of the knob 62 (or other suitable location) to aid in installing sprinklers with correct nozzle sizes in the desired order along a rotating frame assembly or the like. In this regard, sprinklers, as described here, can be delivered to the customer in such a way that they are in a proposed

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Installation order is slidably attached to a cord or wire, which can be verified by the position numbers on the sprinklers. For this purpose, openings in the insert body 34 can be used to line up a row of nozzle inserts.

A stop tab 70 projects radially from the front end wall 60 in radial alignment with the tapered rounded point 64 on the button 62. This stop tab supports the alignment of the insert 14 relative to the sprinkler body 12 for installation and also serves as a stop that prevents rotation of the nozzle insert 14 in one of two directions of rotation from the installation position and a further rotation in the other of the two directions of rotation at an opposite end of the Rotational range of the nozzle insert prevented, as will be further described here.

As indicated above, the insert body 34 has a rear disc-shaped end wall 54 with a smaller diameter than the front end wall 60, but of substantially the same diameter as the continuous, diametrically opposed peripheral portions 48, 56. A hollow, substantially cylindrical extension 72, which is concentric with the insert body 34 and the insert axis A, extends from the rear end wall 54. Four index tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82 are attached to the distal end 74 of the substantially cylindrical extension 72 (best shown in the figures 3 and 4) extending radially outward at 90 degree intervals around the distal end 74 of the substantially cylindrical extension 72. Each tab is, as seen in plan view, a rounded U-shape including an end face 84 and a pair of spaced apart, generally parallel and rearwardly extending webs 86, 88. For simplicity, reference numerals 84, 86 and 88 will be used for each of the latching tabs, it being noted that the separate numbers for the four latching tabs per se simplify the description of the rotation of the nozzle insert 14 from the INSTALLATION position via four additional indicated operating positions. It should be noted that all locking tabs have similar width dimensions as defined by the end faces 84 and similar cross-sectional shapes. Two of the locking tabs, namely the diametrically opposite tabs 76 and 80, have a different geometry than the other two tabs. In particular, the ridges 88 and 86 (see FIG. 2) of the tabs 76 have larger radial length dimensions, and these elongated ridges are oriented substantially radially, as best seen in FIG. 3. As will be described further below, the elongated webs, in combination with suitable insert slots formed in the sprinkler body, ensure an absolutely secure installation of the nozzle insert 14 in the sprinkler body 12, which is only possible in one direction.

By arranging the locking tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82 at the distal end 74 of the substantially cylindrical portion 72, an axial gap 90 (see Figures 4 and 5) between the locking tabs and the rear end wall 54 is established. It should also be noted that the latching tab 76 is aligned with the stop tab 70.

Between the front end wall 60 and the rear end wall 54 there are various structural surfaces which serve to reinforce the insert body and / or provide the bearing surfaces when the nozzle insert 14 is installed in the recess 16 in the sprinkler body 12. For example, with particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, at the nozzle bore inlet 38, the nozzle bore wall 49 is reinforced by radially extending ribs 92, 94 that extend over substantially the entire length of the nozzle bore on either side of a central web 96 that extends located behind and adjacent to the front end wall 60, extend between the rear end wall 54 and the disk-shaped wall 98 of similar size. The rib 94 and continuous peripheral portions 48, 56 extend beyond the wall 98 and are connected to the rear of the front end wall 60. It should be noted that the sides 50 and 52 of the flushing groove 46 also extend from the nozzle bore wall 49 over the length of this wall and reinforce it. The rear end wall 54 and wall 98 of similar size and shape, along with the peripheral portions 48, 56, provide bearing surfaces for the insert 14 as it rotates within the sprinkler body 12, as further described herein. It is understood that the position and configuration of the various reinforcing ribs is at least partially determined by aspects of the

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Production are determined, especially if the insert consists of a molding compound construction, and the reinforcing ribs as such are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Openings created between the front end wall 60 and the wall 98, further defined by the rib 94 and the peripheral wall portions 48, 56, allow multiple nozzle inserts to be strung together, as mentioned above.

It should be noted that the sides 50 and 52 of the flushing groove 46 also extend from the nozzle bore wall 49 over the length of this wall and reinforce it. The rear end wall 54 and wall 98 of similar size and shape, along with the peripheral portions 48, 56, provide bearing surfaces for the insert 14 as it rotates within the sprinkler body 12, as further discussed herein. It is understood that the position and configuration of the various reinforcing ribs are at least partially determined by aspects of manufacture, particularly if the insert consists of a molding compound construction, and the reinforcing ribs as such are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Again with reference to FIG. 1 and with additional reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, the recess 16 of the sprinkler body is defined by an essentially cylindrical wall 100 which is concentric with the axis of use or axis of rotation A (see FIG. 2). The recess 16 is open at a front end 102, as seen in FIG. 1, and partially closed at a rear end 104 by four equally spaced, radially aligned struts 106, 108, 110 and 112, which are joined together in a central hub 114 (Fig. 9). An internal radial flange or collar 116 is adjacent to the struts 106, 108, 110 and 112, but axially spaced from them. The flange 116 is substantially axially aligned with a distal end of a substantially cylindrical spring support 118 (FIG. 10) that extends forward from the center hub 114. The flange 116 is formed with four radially aligned insert slots 120, 122, 124 and 126, which are spaced and aligned in such a way that they match the four latching or indexing tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82 on the insert body 34 and these take up. It should be noted that the shapes of the slots 120 and 124 match the shapes of the locking tabs 76 and 80, each of which has rods with elongated radial length dimensions. As noted above, with this arrangement, the installation of the insert body 34 into the recess 16 of the sprinkler body can only be achieved in one orientation of the insert body, namely in which the tabs 76, 80 are aligned with the insert slots 120 and 124. This orientation of the nozzle insert 14 relative to the sprinkler body 12 is referred to here as the INSTALLATION position. Once installed, the axial gap 90 between the locking tabs and the rear end wall 54 can receive the flange 116, and the gap between the flange 116 and the struts 106, 108, 110 and 112 allows the locking tabs 76, 78, 80 and turn 82 behind flange 116.

On the back of the flange 116 (ie the side facing the struts 106, 108, 110 and 112) there are four substantially identical locking notches 128, 130, 132 and 134 (Fig. 9) which are located on the Circumference between the insert slots 120, 122, 124 and 126 and are dimensioned so that they can receive any of the locking tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82. As described in more detail below, after installation, the nozzle insert 14 can be rotated from the INSTALL position to any of four additional operating positions, as defined by the positions of the detent notches 128, 130, 132 and 134. It can be seen that the locking tabs and locking notches can be reversed in other variants, so that the tabs are located on the flange 116 and the notches are located, for example, on front surfaces of radial projections formed on the cylindrical section 72.

Within the recess 16 there are a pair of substantially parallel elongated ribs 136, 138 which extend inside along the wall 100 parallel to the axis A. These ribs provide bearing surfaces for the insert body 34 during installation and subsequent rotation of the nozzle insert 14 between its various operating positions. As can be seen, the ribs 136, 138 also help center or align the insert 14 within the recess 16, with additional surface friction

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian patent office is minimized during the rotation.

As indicated above, a generally cylindrical spring support 118 extends forward from the center hub 114. A coil spring 140 is received over the spring support and lies on the insert axis A. The front end of the spring 140 engages in the central section of the rear end wall 54 in the substantially cylindrical section 72 and thus exerts a force on the insert body 34 in one direction opposite to the installation direction. It can be seen that various resilient / holding arrangements and other types of springs can be used and are within the scope of the invention.

13 and 14, an inlet end of the sprinkler body 12 is formed with a flow channel 142 which forms a first opening 144 concentric with the sprinkler body axis B and opens into the wall 100 to align with the nozzle bore 36 when the nozzle insert 14 is in the ON position. An outlet end of the sprinkler body is formed with an opening 146 that is axially aligned with the opening 144 that is aligned with the nozzle opening 40 when the nozzle insert is in the same ON position.

The sprinkler body 12 is also formed with nozzle bore access openings 148, 150 (see B.. B. Figures 1, 13, 18, 26), preferably on diametrically opposite sides of the wall 100, transversely to both the axis of use A and Sprinkler axis B, as described in more detail below. When the nozzle insert 14 is either in the OFF position or in the LINE FLUSHING position, the nozzle bore 36 is aligned with the openings 148, 150 and thus provides easy access to the nozzle bore for manual cleaning if residues are wedged in the nozzle bore that cannot be rinsed out in the NOZZLE RINSE position.

A seal retention bushing 152 is mounted in the flow channel 142 and cooperates with the edge of the opening 144 to assemble a relatively soft, rounded seal 154 which engages the contoured edge of the bore wall 49 at the inlet end 38 of the nozzle bore 36 can be, as it is further described here (see Figures 13 and 14). FIGS. 27 and 28 show the seal 154 in isolation. FIG. 27 shows a side elevation of the seal 154 in a normal, non-installed state, the otherwise flexible seal assuming a substantially planar orientation. Seal 154 can be characterized as a "double O-ring" seal that includes mated inner and outer ring portions 156, 158 that allow more secure attachment around outer ring 158 while allowing inner ring portion 156 to bend around conform to the surface of the insert body 34, d. H. the surface surrounding the nozzle bore 36 at the inlet end 38. 28 illustrates the shape assumed by the seal in the installed state, which corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the insert body 34. In addition, the "double O-ring" configuration is particularly advantageous in that when the nozzle insert body 34 rotates over the seal, the inner ring portion 156 conforms to the surface of the nozzle insert body, while the rounded shape of the inner ring portion increases the likelihood of reduces excessive friction that can otherwise lead to cracks or other undesirable surface abrasion. At the same time, the relatively soft, flexible material offers an effective seal with only a slight compression force. In conventional ball and plug valves, hard seals are used which require high compression loads to effect the seal, which leads to a further need for a relatively large and otherwise undesirable handle to overcome the friction.

Fig. 29 shows the seal retainer 152 mounted in the flow channel 142 in the sprinkler body. The seal retainer 152 supports the seal 154 around its outer peripheral edge 158 (see Figures 13, 14, 19, 23 and 25) and effectively clamps the seal 154 between the lower edge of the seal retainer 152 and a radial flange 160 that surrounds the opening 144 and Are defined. It should be noted that the lower end of the seal retention bushing is also shaped to mate with the inlet end 38 of the nozzle bore 36. As noted above, this arrangement allows the inner Ab

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian Patent Office cuts 156 the seal as it is necessary to adapt to the curvature of the insert body 34. 30 shows the interior of the sprinkler body 12, and in particular the flow channel 142 including a flat 162 that mates with a corresponding flat 164 on the retainer 152, which facilitates proper alignment and installation of the seal retainer within the flow channel 142. It should be noted that the retainer bush 152 is held in place by the adapter 18 and that an additional ring seal 166 (e.g., an O-ring seal) can be inserted into a groove 168 in the seal retainer bushing, thereby causing leakage at the Interface between socket and adapter is prevented.

A tab 170 extends axially from the front edge of the wall 100 and cooperates with the stop tab 70 to initially assist in the INSTALLATION position in aligning the nozzle insert 14 with the sprinkler body 12 and then also in rotating the insert 14 limit to a clockwise rotation from the INSTALLATION position through the four snap-in operating positions. In other words, at the fourth position (the LINE FLUSH position), the nozzle insert 14 cannot be rotated further clockwise and must be rotated counterclockwise to return to any of the other three operating positions and / or to return to the INSTALL position if this is desired to remove the nozzle insert 14 from the sprinkler body 12.

The sprinkler body is also provided with aligned openings 174, 176 which are flush with the flush groove 46 when the nozzle insert is rotated to the LINE FLUSH position.

Figure 1 illustrates the orientation of the nozzle insert 14 relative to the sprinkler body 12 that is required for installation (i.e., in the INSTALL position). When the insert body 34 is properly aligned with the stop tab 70 engaging the lower edge 172 of the tab 170 (Figures 7 and 8), the latch tab 76 is automatically aligned with the insert slot 120 (Figures 9 and 10), which results in an installation of the nozzle insert 14 in the sprinkler body 12, all locking tabs passing through respective insertion slots in the radial flange 116. The nozzle insert 14 is shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 completely inserted into the complementary recess 16 in the sprinkler body 12. In particular, and as best seen in FIG. 10, the extended tabs 76 and 80 have passed through the appropriate insert slots 120 and 124 while the tabs 78, 82 have passed through the remaining insert slots 122, 126 (FIG 10). It is understood that the spring 140 provides some resistance to insertion, but the resistive force is necessary to ensure that the locking tabs engage the respective locking notches 128, 130, 132 and 134 on the back of the flange 116 as is will be described below. Once the insert has been rotated slightly clockwise and the latching tabs engage the back of the radial flange 116, the insert 14 is held within the recess 16 so that it is not pushed out of the recess until the insert is returned to the INSTALLATION position , and only then.

It should be noted that the sprinkler body 12 is provided on its front wall 60 and / or on the wall 100 with signs that indicate the different operating positions of the nozzle insert 14. As best seen in Figures 1, 7 and 18, the operating positions are indicated by the characters "SLIDE & ROTATE" (for the INSTALLATION position), ON, OFF (Fig. 18), NOZZLE RINSE and RINSE (for the LINE RINSE position) is displayed.

Figures 11 to 14 show the nozzle insert 14 rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the INSTALLATION position to the ON position. In the ON position, the nozzle bore 36 is axially aligned with the openings 144, 146 in the sprinkler body, wherein leakage is prevented by the seal 154 at the inlet end 38 of the nozzle bore 36. As indicated above, the inner ring 156 of the seal engages the inlet 38 to the nozzle bore 36 and conforms to the contour of the bore wall 49, noting that the wall 100 is also cylindrical and that the inner ring 156 of the seal conforms to the shape of the wall 100 and the insert body 34 on the bore wall 49 (FIG. 13). No seal is necessary at the outlet opening 40 because the nozzle opening has a smaller diameter

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 has the Austrian patent office as the outlet opening 146 of the sprinkler body (FIG. 14), which offers enough space for a current output from the opening 40 so that it flows through the opening 146 and then the baffle plate 28 can act. It should also be noted that the spring 140 continues to exert a force in a direction opposite to the INSTALLATION direction, and in the ON position the spring urges the locking tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82 into the corresponding locking notches on the rear surface of the flange 116. In particular, the latching tab 76 lies in the latching notch 128; the locking tab 78 in the locking notch 134; the locking tab 80 in the locking notch 132 and the locking tab 82 in the locking notch 130 (see FIG. 12). It should be noted that since the latching tabs 76 and 80 are radially longer than the remaining latching tabs 78 and 82, the nozzle insert is held within the recess of the sprinkler body as it rotates between its various operating positions. In addition, since the nozzle insert 14 rotates between operating positions, the rotational movement itself is simplified by the beveled or angled edges of the locking notch webs that interact with the edges of the locking notches. The dimensions of the tabs and notches are such that the bevelled edges engage the notch edges, which prevents the tabs from fully seated within the notches and simplifies rotation from the operating positions even when the spring urges the latching tabs towards the latching notches.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the nozzle insert rotated 45 degrees clockwise beyond the ON position to an intermediate position between the ON position and the OFF position. Here, the locking tabs have been turned out of their respective locking notches and sweep over the insert slots, rotating counterclockwise, as can be seen in FIG. 16. It should be noted that the elongated webs on the locking tabs engage in the rear of the flange 116 and thus counteract the force of the spring 140, even if the shorter webs are aligned with the respective insertion slots. This arrangement also prevents the nozzle insert 14 from coming out of the recess 16.

Figures 17 to 19 illustrate the nozzle insert 14 rotated 45 degrees clockwise to the OFF position. In this position, and as best seen in FIG. 19, the fixed peripheral portion (FIG. 3) and concave surface 58 shut off flow through the sprinkler body flow channel 142 and the fixed peripheral portion 56 is sealed 154 sealed to prevent leakage. In this position, the locking tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82 are located in the locking notches 134, 132, 130 and 128, respectively (FIG. 18). In addition, the nozzle bore 36 is now aligned with the openings 148, 150 in the sprinkler body and thus enables the nozzle bore to be cleaned manually from any residues which have become stuck in the bore 36 and cannot be removed when the nozzle insert is in the NOZZLE RINSE position is rotated.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged, partially rear sectional view of the sprinkler body and nozzle insert, but the insert being slightly less than or approximately 45 degrees clockwise (viewed from the front) from the OFF position to an intermediate position between the OFF position and the NOZZLE RINSE position is turned. It can be seen that the locking tabs have been rotated out of their respective locking notches, as shown in FIG. 18, and also here the locking tabs brought out of alignment run over the rear side of the flange 116; and by the offset with respect to the insert slots, the nozzle insert is not pushed forward by the spring 140 when the locking tabs are circumferentially between the locking notches on the back of the flange 116.

Fig. 21 is a view similar to that of Fig. 20, but with the insert rotated clockwise a few degrees (counterclockwise as seen in Fig. 21). It should be noted that the latching tabs 76, 80 with the extended lands do not match the extended insert slots 124, 120 when the nozzle insert rotates away from the position shown in FIG. 20. Thus, the latching tabs can only move into one position through the insert slots, namely into the INSTALLATION position shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 22 to 23A show the nozzle insert rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the OFF position shown in FIG. 17 to the NOZZLE RINSE position. Here is the Düsenboh / 67

AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian patent office 36 reversed relative to its orientation in the ON position; and although this is not shown, it is understood that the latching tabs 76, 78, 80 and 82 now lie in latching notches 132, 130, 128 and 134, respectively. When the nozzle bore 36 is reversed, the bore's flushing is facilitated by the widening diameter of the bore in the direction of flow, i. H. from the opening 40 with a smaller diameter to the inlet end 38 with a larger diameter. In the NOZZLE RINSE position there is a large gap 161 between the seal 154 and the nozzle bore wall 49 which varies around the circumference of the interface between the seal and the bore wall (see FIGS. 23 and 23A). Running out of the nozzle opening 40 via the bore wall 49 through the gap 161 provides the user with a visible indication, even from a great distance, that the nozzle is not in the ON position. This is important because, with some nozzle sizes, the user can inadvertently leave the nozzle in the NOZZLE RINSE position, creating a misdirected flow and improper flow rate that, if not quickly recognized, can result in crop damage.

FIGS. 24 to 26 show the nozzle insert 14 rotated clockwise by a further 90 degrees from the NOZZLE RINSE position to the LINE RINSE position. Here, water from the sprinkler body flow channel 142 is introduced directly into the flushing groove 46, and the water exits at the aligned openings 174, 176 (Figures 1, 7) on either side of the sprinkler body, thereby flushing the flow channel 142. It should also be noted that in the LINE FLUSHING position, the nozzle bore 36 is again aligned with the openings 148, 150 in the sprinkler body, allowing manual access and cleaning of the bore as described above.

[0097] In the LINE RINSE position, the nozzle insert cannot be rotated further clockwise because the stop tab 70 is engaged with the tab 170. However, the nozzle insert 14 can be rotated counterclockwise to any of the NOZZLE WASH, OFF, ON, or INSTALL positions. Rotation back to the INSTALL position allows easy removal (using spring 140) and replacement of the nozzle insert with one that has, for example, a larger or smaller nozzle opening size.

An important feature of the illustrated embodiment is the manner in which the various structural features described are combined to accurately align the nozzle insert 14 in the ON position. In particular, the centerline of the nozzle bore 36 must be positioned within ± 0.005 ”of the centerline of the sprinkler body flow channel in the left to right and front to back directions, and must be rotatable about the axis A within ± 0.5 ° , The combination of water pressure and seal compression forces urges insert 14 (and thus insert body 34) against ribs 136 and 138, thereby centering from left to right. The arrangement of the tab / trigger / spring effects centering from front to back and rotational centering. There is also a very fine balance that needs to be maintained in terms of stability and ease of use. For example, the nozzle insert must be positioned securely so that it is not inadvertently moved from the desired operating position when it is struck by crops such as corn stalks. At the same time, however, the nozzle insert must be relatively easy to insert and rotate by hand (perhaps hundreds of times a day when an initial swivel package is built or systems in the field are replaced). It is also important for the user / operator to know with certainty that the nozzle is positioned correctly. This is achieved in that the user can feel or hear the latching or snapping the latching tabs in the latching notches through the axial force exerted by the spring 140. When changing operating positions, the user can push and turn the nozzle insert 14 (easier option) or just rotate (requires greater torque) until the rotation begins. Then, when the user continues to rotate without pressing, the nozzle insert body 34 snaps into the next set of notches. This twist and spring action positions the nozzle insert precisely as long as the nozzle insert is sufficiently free to move axially and rotatably, thereby allowing the spring 140 to fully seat the locking tabs in its

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Brings home position (i.e. when the chamfered locking tab surfaces are in full contact with the chamfered locking notch surfaces).

To ensure the required freedom of movement of the nozzle insert, generous gaps are maintained between the nozzle insert and the sprinkler body, if possible (such gaps cause the aforementioned water jet to be shielded by the front end wall 60). Further, in this regard, the nozzle insert itself is designed to allow water to leak past the seal 154 during position changes to rinse out jammed sand, etc.

In a further embodiment, a nozzle insert clip that can hold a pair of nozzle inserts is provided. Generally, the clip is designed to releasably hold a nozzle insert at each of the two opposite ends of the clip so that a desired one of the two nozzle inserts can be installed in the sprinkler body as described above, with the second nozzle insert being held on the clip. It is understood that the nozzle openings of the respective inserts would have different diameters, which enables the user to quickly and easily replace the nozzle inserts to adapt to irrigation requirements in localized areas.

Referring to Fig. 31, the clip 180 has a strip 182 of tough, rubberized plastic (or other suitable material) which is permanently bent at an angle of about 20 degrees in one place at half the length 184, wherein mounting portions or arms 186, 188 extend substantially at right angles from opposite distal ends 190, 192 of the strip. It is understood that the 20 degree angle is measured relative to a horizontal reference plane when the clip is viewed in side elevation. In other words, the portions of the strip that extend from center position 184 define an aperture angle of approximately 140 degrees.

Each mounting section or arm is generally rectangular in shape with offset shoulders 194, 196 approximately halfway along the length of the respective arm. The shoulders are made possible by tapered surfaces 198 and 200, respectively, which extend along opposite inner surfaces 202, 204 of the mounting arms, with the inward taper located on all beginning adjacent distal ends 206, 208 of the mounting arms. Elongated slots 210, 212 are located substantially centrally along the length of arms 186 and 188 and provide flexibility to the arms which can be squeezed to attach or release a pair of nozzle inserts as discussed below. Signs such as "HI" (high) and "LO" (low) can be attached to opposite ends of the clip in any suitable manner to differentiate the nozzle inserts according to, for example, flow rate, opening diameter, etc.

Before describing how a pair of nozzle inserts 14 can be attached to clip 180, it should be noted that the sprinkler body and nozzle inserts, except for minor modifications to the nozzle inserts, remain as described above. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals will be used in the following description to describe the sprinkler body and nozzle insert, but new reference numerals will be introduced where necessary. Thus, as described above, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 32, the knob 62 has been shown to have a recess 206 at its blunt end 208 that is generally aligned with the arrow-shaped indicator slot 66. For this alternative embodiment, the web or “bottom” 210 of the recess 206 is removed, so that the recess 206 opens into the display slot 66. As a result, the recess 206 in the modified nozzle insert 14A now extends from the blunt end 208 of the button 62 to the narrowed or pointed end 210 of the indicator slot 66. For the sake of simplicity and taking into account that the recess 206 and the slot 66 are now merged, reference is simply made to the “extended display slot” 66. This modification is best seen in FIG. 32, and it is noted that the top of the expanded display slot 66 descends

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 provides the Austrian patent office set 212, which interacts with paragraphs 194, 196 of the fastening arms 186, 188 of the nozzle insert clip, as described below.

The mounting arms 186, 188 of the clip 180 are sized to fit well into the expanded display slot 66 when inserted at the blunt end 208 of the knob 62. Since the mounting arms 186 and 188 are mirror images of each other, only the attachment / detachment from a nozzle insert on one of the mounting arms needs to be described. Accordingly, with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, for example, the user will select a nozzle insert 14A and slide the mounting arm 186 into the expanded indicator slot 66 at the blunt end 208 of the button 62. During installation, the inclined surface 198 of the mounting arm 186, due to the flexibility provided by the slot 210, engages the arm inwardly, allowing the protruding shoulder 194 to slide along the enlarged slot 66 until it snaps into its normal position when it does so Paragraph 212 happens. It should be noted that the lower or pointed end of the expanded indicator slot 66 does not interfere with the distal end 206 of the mounting arm. It should also be noted that, in order to reduce the friction between the mounting arms and the nozzle inserts, a rib (Figures 32 and 34) can be provided along the rear wall 214 of the extended indicator slot 66 to reduce the area contact area between the mounting arm and the slot wall , Alternatively, the back wall of the slot could be shaped to have a somewhat convex shape to achieve the same result.

Fig. 34 illustrates clip 180 holding a pair of nozzle inserts 14A and 14B so that the characters HI and LO match the flow rates of the respective nozzle inserts. By using generic and relative characters such as Hl and LO, the clip can be used with any pair of nozzle inserts with different opening sizes / flow rates. It should also be noted that the distal edges 191, 193 of the strip 182 can have different profiles as further indicators for differentiating the nozzle insert.

Figure 35 illustrates how one of the nozzle inserts 14A can be secured within the sprinkler body 12 while the other of the nozzle inserts 14B remains resiliently and cantilevered to the clip 180 from the sprinkler body. The fact that the clip 180 is freely movable around the center 184 of the strip 182 (see the curved arrows in FIG. 35), the access to the rotary knob 62 is retained, and damage to the stored or unused nozzle insert 14B is also avoided, when the sprinkler is moved through the field with an irrigation machine, where, depending on the height of the sprinkler above the ground and the height of the irrigated crops, repeated or continuous intervention with the crops can take place. 36 simply shows how the clip 180 and the stored or unused nozzle insert 14B rotate with the knob 62 when it moves between its operating positions as described above.

To replace the nozzle insert 14A with the nozzle insert 14B, the user simply needs to remove the nozzle insert 14A from the sprinkler body as described above, flip the clip over, and realign the nozzle insert 14B for insertion into the sprinkler body.

Figures 37 and 38 illustrate a second embodiment of a nozzle insert clip that can hold two additional nozzle inserts. In particular, clip 216 is provided with three strips 218, 220, and 222 that extend from a center or hub 224. The strips are spaced substantially equidistant at about 60-degree intervals around the center hub and are similarly bent upward at about 20-degree angles relative to the horizontal. The distal ends 226, 228 and 230 of the strips are provided with mounting arms 232, 234 and 236, respectively, which are otherwise identical to the mounting arms of clip 180 and extend substantially perpendicularly from their respective strips. As with the embodiment described above, clip 216 may be made of rubberized plastic or other suitable material that

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian patent office that gives the poor the necessary flexibility. As best seen in Fig. 38, the signs attached to the distal ends of the mounting arm can indicate flow rates HI, LO and MED (HIGH, LOW and MEDIUM), and again the distal edges of the strips can have differently profiled edges to provide additional differentiation. The type of attachment of the nozzle inserts to the clip remains as explained above in connection with FIGS. 31 to 36 and need not be repeated. Figure 39 shows the triple receptacle clip 216 with one of the nozzle inserts 14A installed in the sprinkler body 12 and with two additional nozzle inserts 14B and 14C attached to the clip and available for use with the sprinkler body when the flow speed of the sprinkler nozzle is changed should.

It will be appreciated that at different times it may be desirable to remove one or both of the nozzle inserts from the clip, for example when it is desired to replace a nozzle insert at one flow rate with a nozzle insert at a different flow rate or to damage one To replace insert. A plier-like tool to facilitate removal is shown in Figures 40-42. In particular, the tool 238 includes a pair of gripper arms 240, 242 pivotally attached via a pin 244 and crossing each other to provide opposing jaws 246 and 248 on opposite sides of the pin 244, respectively. The jaw 248 is formed with a pair of parallel prongs 250, 252 which are designed to fit into the adjacent through slots 254, 256 (Figures 4-5) on each side of the rib 94 behind the end wall 60 of the knob 62 as best seen in Fig. 41. The other jaw is formed with a flat head 258 that extends perpendicularly from the jaw 246 to the space between the tines 250, 252. Flat head 258 is designed to fit into the side (or front) opening of expanded indicator slot 66, as best seen in Figure 42. When the pliers are oriented as shown in Figures 41 and 42, the user squeezes the gripper arms 240, 242 with one hand so that the flat head 258 engages the mounting arm 186 of the clip 180 within the slot 66 and pushes (flexes) ) inward until the mounting arm shoulder 194 moves inward beyond the edge of the slot edge or shoulder 212, causing the user to pull the clip 180 out of the open slot 66 of the nozzle insert 14A with its other hand can. The tool 238 can be used in the same way with the triple pick clip 216.

Alternatively, the user can push a flat-head screwdriver into the expanded display slot 66 from the side (or front) of the slot, pushing the heel 194 inward beyond the edge of the heel 212, thereby pulling the clip out of the expanded slot can be.

Figures 43 to 50 show an alternative embodiment. The same reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts. 43 illustrates a sprinkler assembly 10 that includes a sprinkler body 12 and a nozzle insert 14 that is receivable in a side-facing, complementary recess 16 (FIG. 46) provided in the sprinkler body 12. A conventional adapter 18 is attached to the sprinkler body via a screw coupling at the upstream end of the sprinkler body 12. A plurality of support struts 22 are provided at the downstream end of the sprinkler body 12. The support struts 22 are connected to a mounting ring 26 which is adapted to attach a conventional water steering or distribution plate 28 formed with grooves 30 which typically cause the plate to rotate when it is jetted from the sprinkler nozzle Electricity is applied. Plate 28 may include an otherwise conventional viscous brake or speed slowing device 32.

The embodiments described above utilize a nozzle insert clip that is capable of holding an interchangeable pair of nozzle inserts. The clip is designed to releasably hold a nozzle insert on each of two opposite ends of the clip so that a desired one of the two nozzle inserts can be installed within the sprinkler body while holding the second nozzle insert on the clip. It understands

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AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian patent office states that the nozzle openings of the respective inserts would have different diameters, which enables the user to quickly and easily replace the nozzle inserts in order to be adapted to irrigation requirements in localized areas.

[00113] In these alternative embodiments, the sprinkler body and the nozzle insert clip have been modified. In particular, the sprinkler body includes an extended protection device 302 that at least partially surrounds the sprinkler body recess 16, which serves to protect the nozzle from being accidentally knocked out of position. The protector 302 extends outward from the sprinkler body as shown by an amount equal to or greater than a depth of the nozzle handle 62. A changed label 304 around the nozzle handle (Fig. 47) and a label 306 next to the sprinkler body recess 16 (Fig. 46) give instructions on how to insert the nozzle and clarify index positions of the nozzle in the sprinkler body 12. In particular, the nozzle handle 62 includes this PRESS and ROTATE terms to provide instructions for inserting the nozzle into the sprinkler body. The sprinkler body 12 itself includes the terms IN, ON, OFF, RINSE and LINE RINSE.

Other changes include the addition of a separate part or spring insert 141 to hold the coil spring 140 to simplify mold manufacture and a modified bushing that holds the seal to simplify mold manufacture. The spring insert 141 can be fastened in a corresponding opening in the sprinkler housing by clipping on. If the spring insert 141 is a separate piece, it is much easier to construct the portion of the body mold that forms the required geometry at the inner end of the recess 16. The socket has a modified index feature (or an angular orientation feature) that matches a corresponding groove in the body. The changed body feature (the groove) considerably facilitates the attachment of a durable unwinding thread core in the body molding tool.

As shown in Figures 45 and 47, the handle 62 is provided with an opening 308 for receiving a modified double nozzle clip 310 (Fig. 49). The double nozzle clip 310 includes a flexible connector 312 that connects a rapid flow clip 314 at one end (the proximal end in FIG. 43) and an alternative flow clip 316 at an opposite end (the distal end in FIG. 43). The nozzle clip 310 can also be designed as a triple nozzle clip, which comprises a three-prong connector and three of the clips for fastening two replacement nozzles. The flow clips 314, 316 include flexible tab members 318 with shoulders 320 that engage a suitable chamber in each of the nozzles. The quick-flow clip 314 is also provided with a tab element 322, which receives an HI indicator 324 (FIGS. 43 and 48) by clipping on. Indicator 324 provides an improved identifier over the previous embodiment to help minimize errors. By placing this indicator near one of the nozzles, it provides a visual shape and color and nomenclature to identify which nozzle is larger, making it easier to instruct workers to install it properly and more easily, and even from a right one great distance. When the clip 310 and the handles 62 are modified so that the clip 310 is attached to the center of the handles 62, the structure is when the sprinkler is pulled through crops or the like and the replacement nozzle catches and pulls on the crops , less prone to rotating the operational nozzle out of position, and the replacement nozzle can be deflected down in such a way that it passes the crops more easily. In addition, as shown in Fig. 48, the water passage of the operating nozzle faces downward while the replacement nozzle faces upward. This makes it quicker and easier to switch from one nozzle in operation to another, and it is less likely that residues will block the water passage of the replacement nozzle.

It will be appreciated that at different times it may be desirable to remove one or both of the nozzle inserts from clip 310, for example when it is desired to replace a nozzle at one flow rate with a nozzle at a different flow rate, or one replace damaged nozzle. A plier-like tool 330 for

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Facilitation of removal is shown in FIG. 50. In particular, tool 330 includes a pair of gripper arms 332 pivotally mounted and crossed over one another via pin 334 to provide opposing jaws 336 on opposite sides of pin 334. The jaws 336 are each formed with a flat head or tab 338 that extends perpendicularly from the jaws 336. The flat heads or tabs 338 are designed to fit into the side openings 340 of the nozzles, which is best shown in FIGS. 44 and 48. If the pliers as shown in FIG. 50, the user squeezes the gripper arms 332 with one hand so that the flat heads or tabs 338 engage the flexible tab members 318 of the clip 314 or 316 in the slot and push them (flex) inward until the shoulders Attachment arm 320 move beyond the edge of the slot edge or heel into side openings 340, allowing the user to pull the clip out of opening 308.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is currently considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the scope of the listed To cover claims.

Claims (15)

1. sprinkler assembly, comprising: a sprinkler body (12) having a water flow passage connectable to a water source and having a recess (16), the recess having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the water flow passage; and a nozzle insert (14) received in the recess and positionable in the recess in a plurality of positions, the nozzle insert having a nozzle bore (36) extending therethrough and aligned with the water flow passage in at least one of the plurality of positions and wherein the nozzle insert includes a handle (62) with an opening (308) therein; a nozzle clip (310) having a proximal end that is attachable to the handle opening; and a replacement nozzle (14) attached to a distal end of the nozzle clip. 2. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sprinkler body has a protective device (302) which at least partially surrounds the recess. 3. The sprinkler assembly of claim 2, wherein the handle (62) of the nozzle insert (14) has a handle depth and wherein the protector (302) extends outwardly from the sprinkler body (12) by an amount equal to or greater than the handle depth is. 4. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of positions have IN, ON, OFF, RINSE and LINE RINSE. 5. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 4, wherein the sprinkler body (12) has a label (306) that identifies each of the plurality of positions. 6. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle has a label (304) that provides instructions for inserting the nozzle insert. 7. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an HI flow indicator (324) attached to the nozzle clip (310) adjacent to a larger one of the nozzle insert and the replacement nozzle. 8. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, wherein a nozzle opening of the replacement nozzle is disposed facing an opposite direction of a nozzle opening of the nozzle insert, the nozzle insert and the replacement nozzle being attached to the nozzle clip. 9. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the opening (308) in the nozzle insert is positioned centrally in the handle (62). 10. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tool (330) configured to detach the nozzle insert and replacement nozzle from the nozzle clip (310). 11. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle clip (310) is flexible. 12. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring insert (141) that is engageable with the sprinkler body, and a spring (140) attached to the spring insert, the spring being disposed in the recess and against the Inserting the nozzle insert works. 13. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 12, wherein the spring insert is attached to the sprinkler body by clipping. 14. Sprinkler assembly, comprising: a sprinkler body (12) having a water flow passage connectable to a water source and having a recess (16), the recess having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the water flow passage; and a nozzle insert (14) received in the recess and positionable in the recess in a plurality of positions, the nozzle insert comprising a nozzle bore (36) extending therethrough and in at least one of the plurality 18/67 AT 520 773 B1 2020-01-15 Austrian patent office Positions are alignable with the water flow passage; a spring insert (141) engageable with the sprinkler body; and a spring (140) attached to the spring insert, the spring being disposed in the recess and counteracting the insertion of the nozzle insert. 15. Sprinkler assembly according to claim 14, wherein the spring insert (141) is attached to the sprinkler body (12) by clipping.