CN113164991B

CN113164991B - Sprinkler device

Info

Publication number: CN113164991B
Application number: CN201980079326.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赖纳·考普; 托比亚斯·斯赫莱赫尔
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2019-02-25
Filing date: 2019-12-09
Publication date: 2022-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-09
Also published as: TW202031364A; CA3119888A1; EP3930912B1; EP3930912A1; FI3930912T3; CA3119888C; PL3930912T3; CN113164991A; WO2020173594A1

Abstract

A sprinkler device (100) includes a base member (102), a plurality of nozzles (212), a guide member (214), and at least one control member (220, 222). The sprinkler device (100) further includes at least one engagement member (306, 308) disposed on one of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222). The sprinkler device (100) further includes a groove portion (402, 404) disposed on the other of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222). At least one engagement member (306, 308) is adapted to engage with the recessed portion (402, 404) such that the at least one control member (220, 222) is adapted to selectively move the guide member (214) along the first lateral axis (Y-Y ') to selectively tilt at least one of the plurality of nozzles (212) relative to the second lateral axis (Z-Z'). The at least one control member (220, 222) is adapted to selectively pivot about the axes (A-A ', B-B ') such that the axes (A-A ', B-B ') are substantially parallel relative to the first lateral axis (Y-Y ').

Description

Sprinkler device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a sprinkler device, and more particularly to operational aspects of the sprinkler device.

Background

Typically, sprinkler devices are used to emit a plurality of fluid jets in a predetermined spray pattern in a space such as a lawn, garden, or the like. In many cases, the sprinkler device can include an oscillating mechanism to oscillate the sprinkler device about a predetermined axis. In this way, the spray range of the spray pattern can be increased relative to a fixed type sprinkler device, so that a larger area is covered with the spray pattern. However, the swing range of the sprinkler may be operationally limited, thereby limiting the spray range of the spray pattern.

In many cases, the sprinkler device can include an array of flexible nozzles. Each nozzle may be inclined relative to a predetermined axis of the sprinkler device. In this case, the guide bar may be used to tilt each nozzle in order to increase the width and thereby the total spray range of the spray pattern in combination with the oscillating movement of the sprinkler device. However, the mechanism for operating the guide bar and tilting each nozzle may be complex, inefficient, difficult to operate, user-unintuitive, and may have a limited range of adjustment, as desired. More often, it may be difficult to identify the actual spray pattern with the mechanism and may depend on the user to identify and set the desired spray pattern and spray range.

WO 2018/118485 a1 describes a sprinkler with a row of flexible nozzles that allows changing the irrigation pattern. To this end, the nozzle is connected to two slides, each of which can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler via an associated controller. The two controls are pivotally mounted to the sprinkler and cause one of the slides to move linearly as its associated control pivots. Since the inclination of the nozzle is related to the inclination of the pivotable slider, the user can intuitively know the generated spray pattern even when no water leaves the sprinkler.

A somewhat similar sprinkler is described in EP 0970752B 1. Here, instead of using two separate slides, only one slide is controlled at both ends. Since there is only a single slide, the controller will move the slide across the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler. This does not interfere between the two slides, but rather keeps one slide in its selected position while the other moves. Further, the figures show a controller that moves linearly along the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler, and the specification describes alternatives to the controller. For example, a pivoting linear coupling that converts pivotable movement of the controller into linear movement of the slider. Accordingly, several types of suitable couplings are known to those skilled in the art.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to find a reliable working coupling. This object is at least partly achieved by a sprinkler device according to an embodiment of the invention. The sprinkler device includes a base member defining a longitudinal axis, a first lateral axis, and a second lateral axis. Each of the longitudinal axis, the first lateral axis, and the second lateral axis are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another. The sprinkler device includes a plurality of nozzles disposed on the base member. Each of the plurality of nozzles is adapted to be selectively tilted with respect to the second lateral axis. The sprinkler device includes a guide member disposed on or above the base member. The guide member is adapted to selectively move along a first lateral axis. The guide member includes a plurality of slots disposed therein. Each of the plurality of slots is disposed in spaced relation to one another. Each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive each of the plurality of nozzles, respectively. The sprinkler device comprises at least one control member movably arranged in association with the guide member. The sprinkler device also includes at least one engagement member disposed on one of the guide member and the at least one control member. The sprinkler device further includes a groove portion disposed on the other of the guide member and the at least one control member. The at least one engagement member is adapted to engage the recessed portion such that the at least one control member is adapted to selectively move the guide member along the first lateral axis to selectively tilt at least one of the plurality of nozzles relative to the second lateral axis within the plurality of slots, respectively. Moreover, the at least one control member is adapted to selectively pivot about an axis such that the axis is substantially parallel relative to the first lateral axis. In this way, fluid emissions from nozzles adjacent to the at least one control member move in parallel relative to the at least one engagement member, thereby providing the user with intuitive operation of the sprinkler device. Moreover, the at least one control member provides a simple and effective method of controlling the position of the guide member via the at least one engagement member and thereby controlling the spray pattern of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a plane comprising the at least one engagement member (306, 308) is arranged substantially equal to a plane comprising the second lateral axis. Thus, the nozzle is bent by the guide member substantially along the longitudinal axis of the base member. In this way, fluid emissions from the outermost nozzles move in parallel relative to the at least one engagement member, thereby providing the user with intuitive operation of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one engagement member is connected to one of the guide member and the at least one control member using a rod member. In this way, the lever member provides a strong and durable connection between the guide member and the at least one control member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one engagement member comprises a friction member provided on the at least one engagement member. In this way, the friction member provides a secure and non-slip connection between the at least one engagement member and the at least one control member, thereby providing a reliable operation of the sprinkler device for a user. Furthermore, the friction members also provide positional stability so that the angle of inclination of any one of the control members remains relatively stable to prevent any tendency to accidentally move out of its position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the friction member is arranged obliquely on the at least one engagement member. In this way, the friction member provides maximum surface contact with respect to the at least one control member, thereby improving usability.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide member comprises a first engagement member or groove portion and a second engagement member or groove portion. Each of the first and second engagement members or groove portions are disposed distally relative to each other along a longitudinal axis of the guide member. In this way, the guide member can be adjusted from the distal end of the sprinkler device, thereby improving the usability and overall spray range of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one control member comprises a first control member and a second control member. Each of the first and second control members is provided in association with each of the first and second engagement members, respectively. In this way, the guide member can be adjusted from the distal end of the sprinkler device, thereby improving the usability and overall spray range of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one engagement member or groove portion is provided on or in the first end of the guide member. The second end of the guide member is pivotally coupled to the base member. The second end is distal with respect to the first end. In this way, the sprinkler device can be easily adjusted from the first end of the guide member, thereby reducing complexity and improving usability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the groove portion has a substantially raised configuration. In this way, the groove portion may provide an optimized interaction with the associated engagement member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of slots is disposed at an angle relative to the first lateral axis. In this way, each of the plurality of slots can provide an improved tilt range for each of the plurality of nozzles, thereby improving the overall spray range of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one control member is pivotally coupled to the base member. In this way, the pivotal movement of the at least one control member provides the user with intuitive control of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one engagement member is arranged in association with the at least one control member along the pivot axis. In the case where the engagement member is fixed to the guide member and the groove portion is located on the control member, it is advantageous that the groove having the groove portion exhibits radiation approximately at its distance from the engagement member when the control member is tilted. Thus, the height of the groove portion can be constant over the entire length of the groove portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sprinkler device comprises a fluid inlet. The fluid inlet is disposed on the base member. A fluid inlet is disposed in fluid communication with each of the plurality of nozzles. In this way, the fluid inlet provides a simple plug and play type connection of the sprinkler device to an external fluid source.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sprinkler device comprises a fluid driver. The fluid driver is coupled to the base member. A fluid driver is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The fluid driver is adapted to oscillate the base member about the longitudinal axis. The oscillating movement of the base member provides an improved spray range of the sprinkler device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sprinkler device comprises a cover member. The cover member is provided on the base member. The cover member is adapted to at least partially enclose the guide member and the at least one control member within the cover member. Thus, the cover member provides a simple, effective and aesthetically pleasing package of the components of the sprinkler device.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a sprinkler device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a guide member of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4A shows an inverted perspective view of the first control member of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4B shows an inverted perspective view of the second control member of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 5 shows a partially cut-away perspective view of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 6 illustrates another partially cut-away perspective view of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 7A shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 7B illustrates a partial cross-sectional top view of a portion of the sprinkler device of fig. 7A according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 8A shows another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 8B illustrates a partial cross-sectional top view of a portion of the sprinkler device of fig. 8A according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 9A shows another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the sprinkler device of fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 9B shows a partial cross-sectional top view of a portion of the sprinkler device of fig. 9A according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be used in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upward", "downward", "forward", "rearward", "sideward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "parallel", "oblique", "close", "near", "far", "radial", "circumferential", and the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1, a perspective view of a portion of a sprinkler device 100 is shown. The sprinkler device 100 will hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as "sprinkler 100". The sprinkler 100 is adapted to dispense a fluid, such as water, in a controlled spray configuration in a space around the sprinkler 100. The sprinkler 100 can be used to spray fluid in a space such as a field, lawn, park, garden, playground, fountain, and the like. The sprinkler 100 may be used for various activities such as gardening, agriculture, decorative water displays, and the like.

The sprinkler 100 has a substantially elongated configuration. The sprinkler 100 includes a base member 102. The base member 102 has a substantially elongated configuration. The base member 102 includes a first side 104 and a second side 106. The second side 106 is spaced apart from and opposite the first side 104. The base member 102 defines a longitudinal axis X-X ', a first lateral axis Y-Y ', and a second lateral axis Z-Z '. A longitudinal axis X-X' extends between the first side 104 and the second side 106. Each of the longitudinal axis X-X ', the first lateral axis Y-Y ', and the second lateral axis Z-Z ' are substantially perpendicular with respect to each other.

The sprinkler 100 includes a cover member 108. The cover member 108 has a substantially elongated configuration. The cover member 108 is mounted on the base member 102. The cover member 108 is adapted to enclose one or more components of the sprinkler 100 (discussed later) mounted on or above the base member 102. The cover member 108 includes a plurality of openings, such as a first opening 110, a second opening 112, and a third opening 114. In other embodiments, the cover member 108 may include a single or multiple openings based on application requirements. Each of the first, second, and third openings 110, 112, 114 is adapted to provide access to one or more components (discussed later) of the sprinkler 100 mounted on the base member 102.

Referring to fig. 2, a partially exploded view of the sprinkler 100 is shown. The sprinkler 100 includes a fluid inlet 202. A fluid inlet 202 is provided on the base member 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid inlet 202 is disposed on the first side 104 of the base member 102. In other embodiments, the fluid inlet 202 may be disposed on the second side 106 of the base member 102. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid inlet 202 is disposed in axial alignment relative to the longitudinal axis X-X'. In other embodiments, the fluid inlet 202 may be disposed in any orientation, such as being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis X-X ', axially parallel relative to either of the first and second lateral axes Y-Y ' and Z-Z ', etc. The fluid inlet 202 is adapted to receive a flow of fluid, such as water, from an external fluid source (not shown).

The sprinkler 100 includes a fluid driver 204. The fluid driver 204 is coupled to the base member 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid driver 204 is disposed on the first side 104 of the base member 102 adjacent to the fluid inlet 202. In other embodiments, the fluid driver 204 may be disposed on the second side 106 of the base member 102. A fluid driver 204 is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 202. The fluid driver 204 is adapted to receive a fluid flow from the fluid inlet 202 and oscillate the base member 102 about the longitudinal axis X-X' based on the fluid flow. The fluid driver 204 can be any fluid driver used in an oscillating sprayer.

The sprinkler 100 includes one or more support members, such as a first support member 206 and a second support member 208. The first support member 206 is coupled to the base member 102 on the first side 104. The second support member 208 is coupled to the base member 102 on the second side 106. As such, each of the first and second support members 206, 208 are disposed distally relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X-X'. Each of the first and second support members 206, 208 is adapted to support the sprinkler 100 on a ground surface. In other embodiments, the sprinkler 100 can include a single or multiple support members based on application requirements.

The sprinkler 100 includes a control valve 210. A control valve 210 is disposed in fluid communication with each of the fluid inlet 202 and the fluid driver 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the control valve 210 is disposed on the first support member 206. In other embodiments, the control valve 210 may be disposed at any other location on the sprinkler 100, such as on the base member 102. The control valve 210 is adapted to control the flow of fluid received through the fluid inlet 202. The control valve 210 may be any fluid control valve, such as a gate valve, a ball valve, or the like.

The sprinkler 100 includes a plurality of nozzles 212. Each nozzle 212 is disposed on the base member 102 along the longitudinal axis X-X'. Each nozzle 212 is disposed spaced apart from and adjacent to each other. Each nozzle 212 is disposed to extend substantially parallel relative to the second lateral axis Z-Z'. Each nozzle 212 is adapted to be selectively tilted with respect to the second lateral axis Z-Z'. Each nozzle 212 is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 202 via the fluid driver 204. Thus, each nozzle 212 is adapted to distribute a flow of fluid in the space surrounding the sprinkler 100. More specifically, each nozzle 212 is adapted to distribute a fluid flow via a third opening 114 provided on the cover member 108.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the sprinkler 100 includes a guide member 214. The guide member 214 has a substantially elongated configuration. The guide member 214 includes a first end 216 and a second end 218. The second end 218 is spaced apart from and opposite the first end 216. The guide member 214 is movably disposed on the base member 102 along the longitudinal axis X-X'. More specifically, the first end 216 is disposed adjacent to the first side 104 of the base member 102, and the second end 218 is disposed adjacent to the second side 106 of the base member 102. In the assembled position of the sprinkler 100, the guide member 214 is partially enclosed by the cover member 108. The guide member 214 is adapted to be selectively moved along a first lateral axis Y-Y', and will be described in more detail later.

The guide member 214 includes a plurality of slots 302. Each slot 302 is disposed between the first end 216 and the second end 218. Each slot 302 is disposed in spaced relation to and adjacent to each other. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each slot 302 is disposed on a substantially raised and curved portion 304 of the guide member 214. Moreover, each slot 302 is disposed at an angle "A" relative to the first lateral axis Y-Y'. In the illustrated embodiment, angle "A" is measured at about 45 degrees (°). In other embodiments, the actual value of angle "A" may vary based on application requirements. Each slot 302 is adapted to movably receive each nozzle 212, respectively.

It should be understood that the guide member 214 may have a different shape (e.g., have a flat surface) and/or the slot 302 may be disposed on the guide member 214 differently than the depicted example.

The guide member 214 also includes one or more engagement members, such as a first engagement member 306 and a second engagement member 308. The first engagement member 306 is disposed on the first end 216 of the guide member 214. The second engagement member 308 is disposed on the second end 218 of the guide member 214. As such, each of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 are disposed distally relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X-X'. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 has a substantially spherical configuration. In other embodiments, one or more of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 may have any other configuration, such as an oval shape.

Each of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 is fixedly coupled to the guide member 214 using first and second rod members 310, 312, respectively. Each of the first and second rod members 310, 312 extends away and is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X'. Thus, each of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 is disposed substantially parallel relative to the second lateral axis Z-Z'. It should be noted that each of the first and second rod members 310, 312 described herein are merely exemplary and optional and may vary based on application requirements. For example, in other embodiments, one or more of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 may be disposed directly on the guide member 214. In this case, one or more of the first and second lever members 310 and 312 may be omitted.

Each of the first and second engagement members 306, 308 includes a first friction member 314 and a second friction member 316. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second friction members 314 and 316 is obliquely disposed on each of the first and second engagement members 306 and 308, respectively. More specifically, each of first friction member 314 and second friction member 316 are inclined at an angle "B" relative to longitudinal axis X-X'. In the illustrated embodiment, angle "B" measures approximately 45. In other embodiments, the actual value of angle "B" may vary based on application requirements. In other embodiments, one or more of first friction member 314 and second friction member 316 may be disposed parallel with respect to longitudinal axis X-X' such that angle "B" may measure 0 °.

Each of first friction member 314 and second friction member 316 may be any friction-inducing material, such as a rubber strip, an O-ring, a sealing material, or the like. It should be noted that each of first friction member 314 and second friction member 316 described herein are merely exemplary and optional and may vary based on application requirements. For example, in some embodiments, a friction member may be disposed on either of the first engagement member 306 and the second engagement member 308. In still other embodiments, each of first friction member 314 and second friction member 316 may be omitted.

Referring to fig. 2, 4A and 4B, the guide member 214 includes a plurality of control members, such as a first control member 220 and a second control member 222, that are movably disposed in association with the guide member 214. The first control member 220 has a similar configuration to the second control member 222. In the assembled position of the sprinkler 100, each of the first and second control members 220, 222 is partially enclosed by the cover member 108. More specifically, the first control member 220 extends partially from the first opening 110 of the cover member 108, and the second control member 222 extends from the second opening 112 of the cover member 108.

The first control member 220 is disposed adjacent the first end 216 of the guide member 214. Further, the first control member 220 is pivotally coupled to the first side 104 of the base member 102 via a pair of first arms 406, 408 (shown in fig. 2). The second control member 222 is disposed adjacent the second end 218 of the guide member 214. Also, the second control member 220 is pivotally coupled to the second side 106 of the base member 102 via a pair of second arms 410, 412 (also shown in fig. 2). Accordingly, each of the first and second control members 220, 222 is adapted to selectively pivot about the axes A-A 'and B-B', respectively. Each of axis A-A ' and axis B-B ' is substantially parallel with respect to first lateral axis Y-Y '.

Each of the first and second control members 220, 222 includes a first groove portion 402 and a second groove portion 404. Each of the first and second groove portions 402 and 404 has a generally curved configuration. Each of the first and second groove portions 402, 404 is disposed at an angle "C" relative to each of the axes A-A 'and B-B', respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, angle "C" measures approximately 45. In other embodiments, the actual value of angle "C" may vary based on application requirements.

Each of the first and second control members 220, 222 is provided in association with each of the first and second engagement members 306, 308, respectively. More specifically, the first groove portion 402 of the first control member 220 is configured to be operably engaged with respect to the first engagement member 306 of the guide member 214. Moreover, the second groove portion 404 of the second control member 222 is disposed in operable engagement relative to the second engagement member 308 of the guide member 214.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, different partial perspective views of the sprinkler 100 are shown in a partially assembled position. The cover member 108 is omitted from the drawings for purposes of clarity and illustration. The operation of the sprinkler 100 will now be explained with reference to the first engagement member 306 and the first control member 220. It should be noted that the sprinkler 100 can also operate using the second engagement member 308 and the second control member 222 in a manner similar to that described below.

Referring to fig. 5, a first position of the first control member 220 is shown. In the first position, the first engagement member 306 is positioned adjacent to the first edge 502 of the first groove portion 402. During operation, the first control member 220 is adapted to selectively pivot about the axis A-A', as indicated by arrow 504. Moreover, the guide member 214 is adapted to move along a first lateral axis Y-Y 'based on the movement of the first control member 220 about the axis a-a', as indicated by arrow 506. Accordingly, each nozzle 212 is adapted to be selectively tilted relative to second lateral axis Z-Z 'within each slot 302, respectively, based on movement of guide member 214 along first lateral axis Y-Y', as indicated by arrow 508.

Referring to fig. 6, the second position of the first control member 220 is shown. In the second position, the first engagement member 306 is positioned adjacent to the second edge 602 of the first groove portion 402. When the first control member 220 is selectively pivoted about the axis a-a 'from the first position to the second position, as indicated by arrow 504, the guide member 214 moves along the first lateral axis Y-Y', as indicated by arrow 506. Accordingly, each nozzle 212 is selectively angled relative to second lateral axis Z-Z' within each slot 302, respectively, as indicated by arrow 508.

Referring to fig. 7A and 7B, different cross-sectional views of the first control member 220 and the first engagement member 306 are shown in an assembled position. In the figures, the first control member 220 is disposed substantially parallel relative to the second lateral axis Z-Z' such that the first engagement member 306 is disposed adjacent to the first edge 502 of the first groove portion 402. Also, the first engaging member 306 is disposed along the axis A-A'. In this case, the height "H" of the first groove portion 402 may be substantially constant along the length "L" of the first groove portion 402 for all inclination angles of the first control member 220. Additionally, the base member 102 includes stop members 702, 703 (also shown in fig. 2, 5, 6). The stop member 702 is disposed adjacent to and abutting the first end 216 of the guide member 214. The stop member 703 is disposed adjacent and abutting the second end 218 of the guide member 214. The stop members 702, 703 limit movement of the guide member 214 along the longitudinal axis X-X ', as indicated by arrow 704, and allow movement along the longitudinal axis X-X', as indicated by arrow 706.

Referring to fig. 8A and 8B, different cross-sectional views of another location of each of the first control member 220 and the first engagement member 306 are shown. When the first control member 220 is moved in the direction as indicated by arrow 708, the first control member 220 is pivoted about the axis a-a' via the pair of first arms 406, 408. In the figures, the first control member 220 is pivoted about axis a-a' such that angle "D" measures approximately 10 °. Accordingly, the first engagement member 306 is moved along the first lateral axis Y-Y' as indicated by arrow 710 such that the first engagement member 306 is disposed substantially at the center of the first groove portion 402 between the first edge 502 and the second edge 602.

Referring to fig. 9A and 9B, different cross-sectional views of another location of each of the first control member 220 and the first engagement member 306 are shown. As the first control member 220 is moved further in the direction indicated by arrow 708, the first control member 220 is pivoted further about the axis a-a' via the pair of first arms 406, 408. In the figures, the first control member 220 is pivoted about axis a-a' such that angle "D" measures approximately 20 °. Accordingly, the first engagement member 306 is moved along the first lateral axis Y-Y' as indicated by arrow 710 such that the first engagement member 306 is disposed adjacent to the second edge 602 of the first groove portion 402.

During operation, each of the first and second control members 220, 222 may be independently adjusted relative to each other. Accordingly, each nozzle 212 may be selectively tilted with respect to the second lateral axis Z-Z' such that each nozzle 212 may have a unique tilt configuration that is different from each other. As such, each of the first and second control members 220, 222 is adjustable at varying positions between and including respective first and second positions to form various spray patterns by angularly orienting the guide member 214 in a plane (not shown) along the longitudinal axis X-X'.

It should be noted that the configuration of the sprinkler 100 described herein is merely exemplary and may vary based on application requirements. For example, in some embodiments, the guide member 214 may include a single engagement member, such as the first engagement member 306. In this case, each of the second engaging member 308 and the second control member 222 may be omitted. Accordingly, the second end 218 of the guide member 214 may be pivotally coupled to the second side 106 of the base member 102 using a suitable pivot connection (not shown). In other embodiments, the guide member 214 may include only the second engagement member 308. In this case, the first engaging member 306 and the first control member 220 may be omitted. Accordingly, the first end 216 of the guide member 214 may be pivotally coupled to the first side 104 of the base member 102 using a suitable pivot connection (not shown).

In addition, in the drawings, although the engagement member and the groove portion are shown on the guide member 214 and the control member, respectively, in some embodiments, the positions of the engagement member and the groove portion may be interchanged. For example, in some embodiments, the first engagement member 306 may be disposed on the first control member 220. In this case, the first groove portion 402 may be disposed on the first end 216 of the guide member 214. Additionally or alternatively, the second engagement member 308 may be provided on the second control member 222. In this case, the second groove portion 404 may be disposed on the second end 218 of the guide member 214. Regardless of the location of the interchangeable engagement members and groove portions, the overall function and operation of the sprinkler 100 can be similar to that described with reference to the drawings, arrangements and/or configurations of the various components of the sprinkler 100.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Component list

100 sprinkler device/sprinkler

102 base member

104 first side

106 second side

108 cover member

110 first opening

112 second opening

114 third opening

202 fluid inlet

204 fluid driver

206 first support member

208 second support member

210 control valve

212 nozzle

214 guide member

216 first end

218 second end

220 first control member

222 second control member

302 slot

304 part (A)

306 first engagement member

308 second engagement member

310 first bar element

312 second shaft member

314 first friction member

316 second friction member

402 first groove part

404 second groove part

406 first arm

408 first arm

410 second arm

412 second arm

502 first edge

504 arrow head

506 arrow head

508 arrow head

602 second edge

702 stop member

703 stop member

704 arrow head

706 arrow head

708 arrow

710 arrow head

Angle A

Angle B

Angle C

D angle

Height H

Length of L

Axis A-A

Axis B-B

Longitudinal axis X-X

First lateral axis Y-Y

Second lateral axis Z-Z

Claims

1. A sprinkler device (100) comprising:

a base member (102) defining a longitudinal axis (X-X '), a first lateral axis (Y-Y'), and a second lateral axis (Z-Z '), each of the longitudinal axis (X-X'), the first lateral axis (Y-Y '), and the second lateral axis (Z-Z') being substantially perpendicular with respect to one another;

a plurality of nozzles (212) disposed on the base member (102), each of the plurality of nozzles (212) adapted to be selectively inclined with respect to the second lateral axis (Z-Z');

a guide member (214) disposed on or above the base member (102), the guide member (214) adapted to be selectively moved along the first lateral axis (Y-Y'), the guide member (214) including a plurality of slots (302) disposed in the guide member (214), each of the plurality of slots (302) disposed in spaced relation to one another, each of the plurality of slots (302) adapted to receive each of the plurality of nozzles (212), respectively; and

at least one control member (220, 222) movably arranged in association with the guide member (214);

the method is characterized in that:

at least one engagement member (306, 308) is provided on one of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222); and is

A groove portion (402, 404) is provided on the other of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222),

wherein the at least one engagement member (306, 308) is adapted to engage with the recessed portion (402, 404) such that the at least one control member (220, 222) is adapted to selectively move the guide member (214) along the first lateral axis (Y-Y ') to selectively tilt at least one of the plurality of nozzles (212) relative to the second lateral axis (Z-Z') within the plurality of slots (302), respectively, and

wherein the at least one control member (220, 222) is adapted to selectively pivot about an axis (A-A ', B-B ') that is substantially parallel with respect to the first lateral axis (Y-Y ').

2. A sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a plane including said at least one engagement member (306, 308) is arranged substantially equal to a plane including said second lateral axis (Z-Z').

3. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one engagement member (306, 308) is connected to one of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222) using a rod member (310, 312).

4. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one engagement member (306, 308) comprises a friction member (314, 316) provided on the at least one engagement member (306, 308).

5. A sprinkler device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the friction member (314, 316) is provided obliquely on the at least one engagement member (306, 308).

6. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide member (214) includes a first engagement member (306) or groove portion and a second engagement member (308) or groove portion, each of the first engagement member (306) or groove portion and the second engagement member (308) or groove portion being disposed distally relative to each other along a longitudinal axis of the guide member (214).

7. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one control member (220, 222) includes a first control member (220) and a second control member (222), each of the first control member (220) and the second control member (222) being provided in association with each of the first engagement member (306) and the second engagement member (308), respectively.

8. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one engagement member (306, 308) or groove portion is provided on a first end (216) of the guide member (214), and wherein a second end (218) of the guide member (214) is pivotally coupled to the base member (102), the second end (218) being distal with respect to the first end (216).

9. A sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove portions (402, 404) have a substantially curved configuration.

10. A sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said plurality of slots (302) is angularly arranged with respect to said first lateral axis (Y-Y').

11. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one control member (220, 222) is pivotally coupled to the base member (102).

12. A sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one engagement member (306, 308) is provided in association with said at least one control member (220, 222) along said axes (a-a ', B-B').

13. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fluid inlet (202) provided on the base member (102), the fluid inlet (202) being provided in fluid communication with each of the plurality of nozzles (212).

14. A sprinkler device (100) according to claim 13, further comprising a fluid driver (204) coupled to the base member (102), the fluid driver (204) being disposed in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (202), the fluid driver (204) being adapted to oscillate the base member (102) about the longitudinal axis (X-X').

15. The sprinkler device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cover member (108) provided on the base member (102), the cover member (108) being adapted to at least partially enclose the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222) within the cover member (108).