CN113893961A

CN113893961A - Sprinkler device

Info

Publication number: CN113893961A
Application number: CN202110755153.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 史蒂文·E·克劳福德; 安德鲁·B·海利; 克雷格·B·尼尔森
Original assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corp
Current assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corp
Priority date: 2020-07-06
Filing date: 2021-07-05
Publication date: 2022-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-05
Also published as: EP3936237A1; AU2021203304B2; CN113893961B; IL283498A; CN216779130U; AU2021203304A1

Abstract

A sprinkler includes a pop-up deflector engageable with a brake assembly in an extended position. The brake module is secured to the sprinkler body and includes a rotatable connector coupled with the brake assembly. A pop-up baffle is disposed proximate the nozzle and engages the rotatable connector in an extended position.

Description

Sprinkler device

Technical Field

This application is a partial continuation of pending U.S. patent application No. 16/521,785 (CIP) filed on 25/7/2019, U.S. patent application No. 16/521,785 is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 15/365,461 filed on 30/11/2016, U.S. patent application No. 15/365,461 was granted on 3/9/2019, now U.S. patent No. 10,399,108, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a modular industrial sprinkler including a pop-up deflector, and more particularly, to a selectively configurable sprinkler assembly having a pop-up deflector operable as a rotator or spinner.

Background

Industrial sprinklers having exposed nozzles can be prone to clogging due to debris that may collect in or around the nozzles. Clogged nozzles can adversely affect sprinkler patterns and result in time consuming cleaning and maintenance. Debris may similarly collect around the rotating baffle, which may slow or clog the baffle.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to desirably provide a sprinkler assembly that includes a pop-up deflector (p-up deflector) that protects the spray nozzles during periods of non-use. It is also desirable to incorporate the pop-up baffle in a rotator assembly that includes a brake or the like to better control the sprinkler pattern during use. It is also desirable to construct sprinkler assemblies using modular components that can be selectively configured to achieve different characteristics of the sprinkler assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, a sprinkler includes a sprinkler body, a braking module secured to the sprinkler body and including a rotatable connector coupled to the braking assembly, a nozzle module mateable with the sprinkler body and including a nozzle, and a deflector mateable with the nozzle module and disposed adjacent the nozzle. The baffle is movable in the nozzle module between a retracted position and an extended position. The baffle includes a flow deflection surface, a torque shaft, and a connecting member, wherein the connecting member engages the rotatable connector in an extended position.

The connecting member may comprise a lug on the side of the baffle facing the rotatable connector. The rotatable connector may comprise at least one notch, wherein the lug may engage the at least one notch in the extended position. The connecting member may comprise a plurality of lugs on a side of the baffle facing the rotatable connector. In this case, the rotatable connector may comprise a plurality of recesses, and the lugs may engage the recesses in the extended position.

In some embodiments, in the retracted position, the connecting member may be spaced apart from and disengaged from the rotatable connector.

The rotatable member may include a channel, and the torque shaft may be disposed in the channel in the extended position. The channel may be an open channel or a closed channel.

The nozzle module may include a nozzle top coupled with the nozzle base, and the baffle may be movable in the nozzle top between a retracted position and an extended position. The rotatable connector may be positioned to act as a stop for the baffle in the extended position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a sprinkler includes a sprinkler body, a braking module secured to the sprinkler body and including a rotatable connector coupled with the braking assembly, a nozzle, and a pop-up baffle disposed in a path of a flow emitted from the nozzle and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The pop-up baffle engages the rotatable connector in the extended position and the pop-up baffle includes a connection structure that securely engages the rotatable connector in the extended position and disengages the rotatable connector in the retracted position.

The connection structure may comprise one of a torque shaft and a lug on a side of the pop-up baffle facing the rotatable connector.

The connecting structure comprises a lug on a side of the pop-up baffle facing the rotatable connector.

The rotatable connector includes at least one notch, and the lug engages the at least one notch in the extended position.

The connecting structure comprises a plurality of lugs on a side of the pop-up baffle facing the rotatable connector.

The rotatable connector includes a plurality of notches, and the lugs engage the notches in the extended position.

The sprinkler further includes a nozzle module secured to the sprinkler body and including a nozzle base including the nozzle and a nozzle top, the pop-up deflector being movable in and out of the nozzle top to and from the extended position.

The rotatable connector is positioned to act as a stop limit for the pop-up baffle in the extended position.

Drawings

These and other aspects and advantages are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views of a sprinkler assembly according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the sprinkler assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the deflector in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively;

FIGS. 5-8 show a sprinkler assembly, including variations that are available due to the modular construction of the sprinkler assembly;

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a rotor variation of the sprinkler assembly;

FIGS. 13-16 show a pendant type rotator version of the assembly;

figures 17 and 18 show a sprinkler assembly including a short radius breaker tab for limiting the range of throw/dispensing of the sprinkler;

FIG. 19 shows a variation wherein the baffle includes a lug that engages a notch in the rotatable connector;

FIG. 20 shows a variation of FIG. 19, with the baffles in a retracted position;

figures 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views of the variants shown in figures 19 and 20, respectively;

fig. 23 and 24 are perspective views of an exemplary rotatable connector;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views of an exemplary baffle;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary rotatable connector with a closed channel and a baffle with a plurality of lugs;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the variation shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows a variation of FIG. 27, with the baffle in a retracted position;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 29;

fig. 31-33 show a rotatable connector; and

fig. 34 and 35 are perspective views of an exemplary baffle having a plurality of lugs.

Detailed Description

The sprinkler of the described embodiments results in a less costly pop-up sprinkler that can be configured as a rotator (i.e., incorporating a brake to control the rotational speed) or a rotator (i.e., free spinning). The sprinkler includes modular components so that the nozzle, deflector and braking functions can vary according to customer specifications. In the rotator configuration, the pop-up baffle may engage the brake assembly in an extended position. The brake module is secured to the sprinkler body and includes a rotatable connector coupled with the brake assembly. A pop-up baffle is disposed proximate the nozzle and engages the rotatable connector in an extended position. The brake assembly is interchangeable with the rotator assembly by modular construction. Further, the nozzle module may or may not be provided with flow control structures, and similarly may be interchanged with alternative nozzle modules. Still further, the baffles may be interchanged with alternate baffles to reflect the desired sprinkler pattern.

Fig. 1-4 illustrate exemplary configurations. The sprinkler includes a sprinkler body 10 that serves as a connecting structure for modular components of the assembled sprinkler. Sprinkler body 10 includes a first compartment 12 for securing a brake module 14 and a second compartment 16 for securing a nozzle module 18. The nozzle module 18 may be connected to the sprinkler body 10 by a snap fit. A sprinkler body arm 20 extends between the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 16.

The nozzle module 18 includes a nozzle tip 22 that engages a nozzle base 24. In some embodiments, the nozzle tip 22 couples with the nozzle base 24 in a snap-fit manner. The nozzle top 22 includes a baffle receiving passage 25. The nozzle base 24 may include an integral nozzle 26 through which the water stream is ejected through the integral nozzle 26. A flow washer 28 may be included to provide flow control from the nozzle 26.

A baffle 30 may be engaged with the nozzle module 18 and disposed adjacent the nozzles 26. The baffle includes a shaft portion 31 sized to fit within the baffle receiving passage 25 of the nozzle tip 22. The water flow through the nozzles 26 is directed to a baffle 30, which baffle 30 is provided with a flow deflecting surface 32 for diverting and distributing the water flow. The flow deflecting surface 32 is shaped to rotate the baffle 30 when impacted by water flow from the nozzle 26. The deflector 30 moves within the nozzle tops 22 of the nozzle modules 18 between a retracted position (as shown in fig. 2 and 4) and an extended position (as shown in fig. 1 and 3). The baffle 30 also includes a torque shaft 34 extending from a side of the baffle 30 opposite the side facing the nozzle 26.

The brake module 14 is secured in the first compartment 12 and includes a shaft 36 coupled with a rotatable connector 38. The brake module may be of any type suitable for the intended purpose. In some embodiments, the brake module is a viscous brake assembly that includes a rotor attached to the shaft 36 and disposed in a pool of viscous fluid 42. The rotor 40 and viscous fluid 42 serve to resist rotation of the shaft 36. The viscous brake assembly may also include a bearing 44 in which the shaft 36 is rotatable, as well as a seal 46 and a retainer 48 to enclose and secure the assembly. Other types of braking assemblies may be incorporated into the braking module 14.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 3, the torque shaft 34 is engaged with the rotatable connector 38 in the extended position. Engagement between the torque shaft 34 and the rotatable connector 38 enables mutual torque exchange between the torque shaft 34 and the rotatable connector 38. That is, the rotatable connector 38 may include a channel having a cross-sectional shape, wherein the torque shaft 34 is shaped to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the channel to engage the channel and transfer torque between the baffle 30 and the rotatable connector 38. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the cross-sectional shape includes ridges, wherein the torque shaft 34 includes splines engageable with the ridges. In fig. 3 and 4, the cross-sectional shape is square, and the shape of the torque shaft 34 is adapted to the square. Any combination of cross-sectional shape and torque shaft shape may be used and the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to the variations shown. Other shapes and/or connection types may be used to achieve the desired functionality.

In some embodiments, the torque shaft 34 is engaged with the rotatable connector 38 in both the extended position and the retracted position. By this engagement, the baffle 30 and rotatable connector 38 are connected prior to the water stream being ejected through the nozzle 26. In an alternative embodiment, the torque shaft 34 is disengaged from the rotatable connector 38 in the retracted position (see discussion below with reference to fig. 5-8). In this case, the baffle 30 begins to rotate freely at startup until the torque shaft 34 engages the rotatable coupling 38. Such a configuration may be desirable when forced for a particular application. The rotating baffles can provide some momentum and kinetic energy to overcome potentially difficult starts before engaging the rotatable connector 38.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, the baffle 30 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in the nozzle tip 22. As shown, the rotatable connector 38 is positioned to act as a stop for the baffle 30 in the extended position. That is, the extent of ejection of baffle 30 is defined by the seat on nozzle top 22, on which baffle 30 engages in the retracted position (see fig. 2), and the depth of rotatable connector 38, in which torque shaft 34 is located in rotatable connector 38 in the extended position (see fig. 1). The baffle 30 can thus be simply placed in the nozzle top 22 during assembly without the need for active connections.

To assemble the sprinkler, the nozzle module 18 can be snapped into the second compartment 16 of the sprinkler body 10 and the deflector 30 is disposed in the nozzle top 22. The brake module 14 may be secured in the first compartment 12 using any suitable connector, such as a quarter-turn lock. This known type of lock can be used to connect plastic parts and secure the parts by a quarter turn lock or twist lock using tabs and ridges. The brake module 14 is mounted such that the rotatable connector 38 engages or aligns with the torque shaft 34.

A similar quarter-turn lock or the like may be used to secure the assembly to the base unit 50. The base unit 50 includes a connection structure connectable to a source of pressurized water. In some embodiments, the base unit 50 includes a stake adapter (kick adapter) or the like that may be connected by a quarter turn lock. Alternatively, the base unit 50 may be threaded using a threaded Acme connector or may be press-fit and glued.

When in use, the deflector 30 is in its retracted position by gravity, as shown in figures 2 and 4, before the water stream passes through the nozzle 26. As water flows through the nozzle 26, the water impacts the flow deflecting surface 32 and moves the deflector 30 from the retracted position to the extended position, as shown in fig. 1 and 3. The hair spray also causes the baffle 30 to rotate due to the shape of the flow deflection surface 32. In the extended position, the baffle 30 is prevented from freely rotating by engagement between the torque shaft 34 and the rotatable connector 38, which in turn is coupled with the brake module 14, the rotatable connector 38. By interchanging one brake module with another, the amount of braking can be controlled depending on the intended application. Alternative brake modules may include a fluid having a lower viscosity or no brake at all (forming a rotator configuration).

Fig. 5-8 illustrate variations of the sprinkler assembly. In the illustrated variation, the torque shaft 34 is tapered such that the torque shaft 34 disengages the rotatable connector 38 in the retracted position. The variation shown in fig. 5-8 also includes an alternative nozzle base 24 and standard nozzle 26, without the flow control gasket 28 shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 9-12 show a variant in which the brake module 14 is replaced by a rotator module 114. In this variant, the baffle 30 is freely rotatable. As shown in fig. 10, the rotator module 114 may include a jewel cup bearing 52 mounted in the rotatable connector 38, and/or a ball bearing 54 disposed at the distal end of the torque shaft 34 and engaged with the jewel cup bearing 52 when the deflector is in the extended position. The

bearings

52, 54 may be used together or separately.

Bearings

52, 54 may reduce wear and extend the life of the sprinkler in a rotator configuration. Fig. 9-12 include a threaded Acme adapter as the base unit 50.

Fig. 13-16 illustrate a variation suitable for use as a suspended spinner. In this variation, the base unit 50 is top mounted as shown. The nozzle module is shown with a flow control nozzle 26 and a flow control gasket 28. A spring 56 is disposed on the torque shaft 34 and acts between the rotatable coupling 38 and the baffle 30. As shown in fig. 14 and 16, the spring 56 biases the baffle 30 toward the retracted position. The spring constant is selected so that the water stream ejected from the nozzle 26 impacts the baffle 30 and extends the baffle 30 from the retracted position to the extended position against the force of the spring 56. When water flow is interrupted, the spring 56 pulls the baffle 30 back to the retracted position. In this embodiment, it may be desirable to use a brake module with a reduced braking force (e.g., by using a fluid with a lower viscosity) so that the baffle 30 rotates faster during use. Faster rotation may be required in suspension variants so that the sprinkler can maintain its center.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 17 and 18, it may be desirable to incorporate separate diffusion tabs on the baffle 30. The diffusion tab 58 is used to distribute water closer to sprinklers for smaller plants and the like. As the plant grows, the breakaway diffusion tab 58 can be easily removed from the baffle 30. Alternatively, the baffles 30 may be easily interchanged with different baffles due to the modular construction of the sprinkler.

Fig. 19-35 illustrate variations of sprinkler assemblies that include alternative positive engagements between a deflector and a rotatable connector. The components and general structure of the sprinkler assembly shown in fig. 19-35 are substantially the same as the previously described embodiments, and the details of the corresponding structural components will not be repeated.

Referring to fig. 19-22, the sprinkler of this embodiment includes a sprinkler body 110 serving as a connecting structure for assembling modular members of the sprinkler. The brake module 214 is secured to the sprinkler body 110 and includes a rotatable connector 138, the rotatable connector 138 being coupled with a brake assembly contained in the brake module 214. The assembly also includes a nozzle module 118 supporting a nozzle 126. The pop-up baffle 130, which is disposed in the path of the stream ejected from the nozzle 126, is movable between a retracted position (fig. 20 and 22) and an extended position (fig. 19 and 21). As shown, the pop-up baffle 130 engages the rotatable connector 138 in the extended position.

The nozzle module 118 includes a nozzle tip 122 that engages a nozzle base 124. The baffle 130 is movable in the nozzle top 122 between a retracted position and an extended position. As shown, rotatable connector 138 is positioned to act as a stop for baffle 130 in the extended position.

As with each of the embodiments described, the pop-up baffle 130 includes a connection structure that securely engages the rotatable connector 138 in the extended position. In the embodiment shown in fig. 19-35, the pop-up baffle 130 is configured to disengage from the rotatable connector 138 in the retracted position.

The baffle 130 is provided with a flow deflecting surface 132 for diverting and distributing the water flow. The flow deflecting surface 132 is shaped to rotate the baffle 130 when impacted by water flow from the nozzle 126. The baffle 130 also includes a torque shaft 134 extending from a side of the baffle 130 facing the rotatable connector 138.

With continued reference to fig. 19-22, the baffle 130 is further provided with a connecting member that engages the rotatable connector 138 in the extended position. In some embodiments, the connection members are in the form of lugs 160 on the side of the baffle 130 facing the rotatable connector 138. Rotatable connector 138 is provided with at least one notch 162, notch 162 being sized to receive lug 160 such that lug 160 engages at least one notch 162 in the extended position. In the retracted position, the connecting member or lug 160 is spaced apart and disengaged from the rotatable connector 138.

Fig. 23 and 24 are perspective views of the rotatable connector 138, the rotatable connector 138 including two notches 162 that are 180 degrees apart. Fig. 25 and 26 are perspective views of baffle 130 showing attachment members or lugs 160. In use, for the illustrated construction, as water flows through the nozzle 126, the water flow impacts the flow deflecting surface 132 and moves the deflector 130 from the retracted position to the extended position, as shown in fig. 19 and 21. The emitted flow also causes the baffle 130 to rotate due to the shape of the flow deflecting surface 132. As the baffle 130 extends and rotates, the lug 160 engages one of the notches 162, and the baffle 130 is thereby prevented from free rotation by the engagement between the lug 160 and the notch 162 of the rotatable connector 138, which in turn is coupled with the brake module 214. The amount of braking may be controlled by the interchange of one brake module with another brake module depending on the intended application. Alternative brake modules may include a fluid with a lower viscosity or no braking at all (to achieve a rotator configuration).

In some embodiments, the connection member may comprise a plurality of lugs on a side of the baffle 130 facing the rotatable connector 138. Fig. 27-30 and 34-35 illustrate a baffle 130' that includes three lugs 160. The rotatable connector 138' shown in fig. 31-33 provides three notches 162 for receiving the lugs 160. The plurality of lugs 160 and notches 162 provide a more secure engagement between baffle 130 'and rotatable connector 138'.

The rotatable connector 138 may define a channel in which the torque shaft 134 is received in the extended position. As shown in fig. 19-24, the channels may be open channels; alternatively, as shown in fig. 27-33, the channel may be a closed channel. The open channel facilitates water flow through the rotatable connector 138 during use to prevent sand and dirt build up, and also to prevent spiders and other insects from nesting. The closed channel provides a more secure connection to the torque shaft 134 and provides a more robust element.

The modular construction of the sprinkler facilitates assembly of the sprinkler into a variety of such variations that may be suitable for different intended functions. Thus, the assembly may include a plurality of brake modules having different braking characteristics, a plurality of nozzle modules having different flow characteristics, and a plurality of baffles having different flow distribution characteristics. Multiple braking modules, multiple nozzle modules, and/or multiple baffles can be selectively and independently attached to the sprinkler body. The varying braking characteristic extends from no braking to maximum braking as described above. The nozzle modules may include nozzles having different sizes to reflect different flow characteristics.

The sprinkler according to the described embodiment incorporates a pop-up baffle in the spinner assembly. Furthermore, the modular construction allows for a variety of variations to be used depending on the intended function.

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

Claims

1. A sprinkler, characterized in that the sprinkler comprises

A sprinkler body:

a brake module secured to the sprinkler body and including a rotatable connector coupled to a brake assembly;

a nozzle module mateable with the sprinkler body and including a nozzle; and

a baffle cooperable with the nozzle module and disposed proximate the nozzle, the baffle movable within the nozzle module between a retracted position and an extended position, the baffle including a flow deflection surface, a torque shaft, and a connecting member, wherein the connecting member engages the rotatable connector in the extended position.

2. A sprinkler according to claim 1, in which the connecting member includes a lug on the side of the deflector facing the rotatable connector.

3. The sprinkler of claim 2, wherein the rotatable connector includes at least one notch, and the lug engages the at least one notch in the extended position.

4. The sprinkler of claim 1, wherein the connecting member includes a plurality of lugs on a side of the deflector facing the rotatable connector.

5. The sprinkler of claim 4 wherein the rotatable connector includes a plurality of notches and the lug engages the notches in the extended position.

6. The sprinkler of claim 1, wherein in the retracted position, the connecting member is spaced from and disengaged from the rotatable connector.

7. The sprinkler of claim 1, wherein the rotatable connector includes a channel and the torque shaft is disposed in the channel in the extended position.

8. The sprinkler of claim 7, wherein the passageway is an open passageway.

9. A spraying device as claimed in claim 7, in which the passageway is a closed passageway.

10. The sprinkler of claim 1, wherein the nozzle module includes a nozzle tip coupled with a nozzle base, and the deflector is movable in the nozzle tip between a retracted position and an extended position.

11. A spraying device as claimed in claim 10, in which the rotatable connector is positioned to act as a stop for the deflector in the extended position.

12. A sprinkler, characterized in that the sprinkler comprises

A sprinkler body:

a nozzle; and

a pop-up baffle disposed in a path of a stream ejected from the nozzle and moving between a retracted position and an extended position, the pop-up baffle engaging the rotatable connector in the extended position, wherein the pop-up baffle includes a connection structure that securely engages with the rotatable connector in the extended position and disengages from the rotatable connector in the retracted position.

13. The sprinkler of claim 12, wherein the connection structure comprises one of a lug and a torque shaft on a side of the pop-up baffle facing the rotatable connector.

14. The sprinkler of claim 12, wherein the connecting structure comprises a lug on a side of the pop-up baffle facing the rotatable connector.

15. The sprinkler of claim 14 wherein the rotatable connector includes at least one notch and the lug engages the at least one notch in the extended position.

16. The sprinkler of claim 12, wherein the connecting structure comprises a plurality of lugs on a side of the pop-up baffle facing the rotatable connector.

17. The sprinkler of claim 16 wherein the rotatable connector includes a plurality of notches and the lug engages the notches in the extended position.

18. The sprinkler of claim 12 further comprising a nozzle module secured to the sprinkler body and including a nozzle base including the nozzle and a nozzle top, the pop-up deflector being movable in and out of the nozzle top to and from the extended position.

19. The sprinkler of claim 18, wherein the rotatable connector is positioned to act as a stop limit for the pop-up deflector in the extended position.