EP2953723B1 - Sprinkler with brake assembly - Google Patents
Sprinkler with brake assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2953723B1 EP2953723B1 EP14749231.8A EP14749231A EP2953723B1 EP 2953723 B1 EP2953723 B1 EP 2953723B1 EP 14749231 A EP14749231 A EP 14749231A EP 2953723 B1 EP2953723 B1 EP 2953723B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- nozzle
- sprinkler
- deflector
- brake
- socket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
- B05B3/02—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
- B05B3/04—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
- B05B3/0486—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet the spray jet being generated by a rotary deflector rotated by liquid discharged onto it in a direction substantially parallel its rotation axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
- B05B15/14—Arrangements for preventing or controlling structural damage to spraying apparatus or its outlets, e.g. for breaking at desired places; Arrangements for handling or replacing damaged parts
- B05B15/18—Arrangements for preventing or controlling structural damage to spraying apparatus or its outlets, e.g. for breaking at desired places; Arrangements for handling or replacing damaged parts for improving resistance to wear, e.g. inserts or coatings; for indicating wear; for handling or replacing worn parts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
- B05B3/003—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with braking means, e.g. friction rings designed to provide a substantially constant revolution speed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
- B05B3/003—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with braking means, e.g. friction rings designed to provide a substantially constant revolution speed
- B05B3/005—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with braking means, e.g. friction rings designed to provide a substantially constant revolution speed using viscous dissipation, e.g. a rotor movable in a chamber filled with oil
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
- B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
- B05B1/3006—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling element being actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
Definitions
- This invention relates to irrigation sprinklers and, more particularly, to rotary sprinklers.
- sprinkler constructions used for irrigation purposes, including impact or impulse drive sprinklers, motor driven sprinklers, and rotating reaction drive sprinklers. Included in the category of rotating reaction drive sprinklers are a species of sprinklers known as spinner or a rotary sprinklers which are often used in the irrigation of agricultural crops and orchards.
- spinner type sprinklers comprise a stationary support structure or frame which is adapted to be coupled with a supply of pressurized water, and a rotatable deflector supported by the frame for rotation about a generally vertical axis.
- Most rotary type sprinklers employ either a rotating reaction drive nozzle or a fixed nozzle which ejects a stream of water vertically onto a rotating deflector. The deflector redirects the stream into a generally horizontal spray and the deflector is rotated by a reaction force created by the impinging stream from the fixed nozzle.
- a viscous brake device is used to control rotation of the deflector.
- the viscous brake device utilizes drag produced by rotation of a brake rotor within a viscous fluid. While suitable for some sprinklers, the viscous brake device may not provide constant rotation speed when the ambient temperature or supply pressure changes.
- Rotary-type sprinklers often have two typical types of failures that require the sprinkler to be removed from the water supply in order to be fixed.
- the first type of failure occurs when the nozzle becomes plugged with debris from the water supply.
- the nozzle is installed from the underside of the sprinkler such that the sprinkler needs to be removed from the water supply in order to remove and clean the nozzle.
- the second type of failure occurs when the deflector of the sprinkler stops rotating or spins out of control. In this case, the braking system has failed and the entire sprinkler will be replaced.
- Some prior sprinklers utilize viscous braking to control the rotational speed of the deflectors of the sprinklers.
- One problem with this approach is that the viscosity of the working fluid changes inversely with temperature. As a result, the deflector rotates faster as temperature increases, and slower as the temperature decreases. This change in rotational speed may negatively affect the area that is covered by the sprinkler, or it may cause the deflector to stall during low temperature conditions when coupled with low pressure operation.
- a sprinkler comprising: a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion; a rotatable deflector of a spinner assembly, coupled to the upper portion; a nozzle socket defined by the lower end portion of the frame; a nozzle configured to be received in the nozzle socket; interlocking portions of the nozzle and nozzle socket configured to releasably connect the nozzle in the nozzle socket; and the spinner assembly releasably connected to the frame upper portion with a deflector disposed above the nozzle and rotatable relative to the upper frame portion, the spinner assembly configured to be removed from the frame upper portion to permit removal of the nozzle from the nozzle socket, wherein the nozzle socket has an outer wall and the interlocking portions comprise a portion of the outer wall.
- an improved rotary sprinkler 10 having a fitting 12 for connecting to a standpipe or other fluid supply conduit, such as by using threads 13.
- the sprinkler 10 has a frame 14 with an upper portion 16 and a lower portion 18 connected to the fitting 12.
- a spinner assembly 15 is connected to the frame upper portion 16 and a nozzle 20 is removably connected to a socket 21 defined by the frame lower potion 18.
- the nozzle 20 is secured to the frame 14 by a pair of releasable connections 23 and can be replaced with another nozzle 20 having flow characteristics desired for a particular application. Fluid travels through the fitting 12, into the nozzle 20, and is discharged from the nozzle 20 as a jet.
- the spinner assembly 15 includes a deflector 22 disposed above the nozzle 20 which receives the jet of fluid from the nozzle 20.
- the spinner assembly 15 further includes a brake device 24 removably coupled to the frame upper portion 16 and configured to limit the rate of rotation of the deflector 22.
- the brake device 24 is secured to the frame 14 with a pair of releasable connections 25. It should be noted that although the sprinkler 10 is illustrated as being disposed in an upright position, the sprinkler can also be mounted in, for example, an inverted position.
- the frame 14 comprises a pair of horizontal lower support members 26 extending radially from opposite sides of the nozzle socket 21.
- a pair of upper support members 28 are attached in a similar manner to the upper portion 16 as those attached to the lower portion 18.
- the support members 26 outwardly terminate at arms or supports 29 of the frame 14.
- the upper portion 16 has a yoke 27 with opening 30 defined by a wall 32 of the yoke 27, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the brake device 24 is disposed within the opening 30 and is supported by the support members 28.
- the upper and lower portions 16 and 18, members 26 and 28, and supports 29 forming the frame 14 are formed as a single unit, such as by molding the frame 14 from a suitable plastic material.
- the frame 14 is illustrated with two supports 29, the frame 14 may alternatively have one, three, four, or more supports 29 as desired.
- the fitting 12 defines an inlet 34 through which fluid flows into the sprinkler 10.
- the inlet 34 leads to an opening 36 of the nozzle 20 defined by a nozzle inner wall 38.
- the nozzle inner wall 38 has a tapered configuration that decreases in thickness until reaching an upstream lip 37 of the nozzle 20.
- the fitting 12 includes a cup portion 41 with a tapered surface 43 that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 52 of the sprinkler 10.
- the upstream lip 37 of the nozzle 20 is advanced in direction 45 into nozzle socket 21 until the upstream lip 37 engages the tapered surface 43 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). This engagement causes the fitting tapered surface 43 to slightly compress the upstream lip 37, which provides a positive leak-proof seal between the nozzle 20 and the fitting 12.
- the nozzle 20 has a nozzle body 40 that houses a nozzle portion 42, defining a fluid passageway 44 through the nozzle portion 42, and terminating at a nozzle exit 46.
- the nozzle portion 42 increases the speed of the fluid as it travels through the passageway 44.
- the fluid leaves the nozzle 20 through the exit 46 as a jet and travels into an inlet opening 47 of the deflector 22 and along a channel 48 of the deflector 22, before exiting the deflector 22 through a deflector outlet opening 50.
- the exiting fluid causes the deflector 22 to rotate about a longitudinal axis 52 of the sprinkler 10 and disperses the fluid outward from the sprinkler 10, as discussed in greater detail below.
- the brake device 24 connects the deflector 22 to the frame 14 and permits rotational and vertical movement of the deflector 22 within an opening 14a of the frame 14.
- the brake device 24 utilizes friction between surfaces to restrict and control the rate of rotation of the deflector 22.
- the brake device 24 is formed as a self-contained module which is releasably and removably attached to the frame 14 so that the brake device 24 can be easily replaced.
- the brake device 24 is top serviceable and can be removed from above the sprinkler 10 while the frame 14 and lower end fitting 12 remain connected to the fluid supply.
- the brake device 24 This simplifies maintenance of the sprinkler 10 and permits the brake device 24 to be easily removed from the frame 14, such as if the brake device 24 locks up and prevents rotation of the deflector 22 or if the brake device fails and permits the deflector 22 to spin out of control.
- Another advantage provided by the brake device 24 is that the deflector 22 can be easily replaced or serviced by removing the brake device 24 from the frame 14. Further, the removable brake device 24 provides access to the nozzle 20 for removal and maintenance, such as cleaning the nozzle 20.
- the brake device 24 includes a housing cap 54, a brake member 56, a brake plate 58, a brake shaft 60, and a base member 62, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 .
- the cap 54 has a body 63 with a sleeve 64 extending longitudinally downward and defining a recess 66 for receiving components of the brake device 24, shown in FIGS. 7-8a . Inside of the recess 66, the cap 54 has a lower cap surface 67, a groove 68, and a blind bore 70.
- the brake device 24 and frame upper portion 16 have interlocking portions that permit the brake device 24 to be releasably secured to the upper portion 16.
- the interlocking portions form a bayonet-style connection between the brake device 24 and the frame upper portion 16.
- the interlocking portions include a pair tabs 72 depending from opposite sides of the body 63, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 .
- the tabs 72 have a protrusion 74 and a detent 76 that engage corresponding features of the frame 14.
- a pair of coupling members 122 are disposed on opposite sides of the upper portion 16 of the frame 14.
- Each coupling member 122 has a recess 124 and an opening 126 adapted to frictionally engage the detent 76 and protrusion 74, respectively, of the brake device 24 and restrict turning and longitudinal movement of the brake device 24 relative to the frame upper portion 16.
- a distal end 77 of the cap 54 (see FIG. 5 ) is advanced into the frame opening 30, with the cap 54 rotationally positioned about the axis 52 so the depending tabs 25 do not pass over the coupling members 122, but are instead positioned laterally to the coupling members 122.
- the cap 54 and tabs 72 thereof are turned in direction 130 to a locked position, which causes the protrusion 74 to slide into the opening 126 (see FIGS. 1 and 19 ).
- the detents 76 cam over the coupling members 122, which causes the tabs 72 to bias outward, and engage the recesses 124.
- the biasing action produces a reaction force that maintains the detents 76 in the recesses 124 against unintentional dislodgement.
- the opening 126 has walls 126A, 126B that engage the protrusion 74 and restrict longitudinal movement of the brake device 24 along the axis 52.
- the brake device detents 76 have convex outer surfaces 76A that engage complimentary concave surfaces 124A of the frame recesses 124 (see FIGS. 8A and 19 ). The engagement between the detents 76 and the recesses 124 restricts rotary movement of the tabs 72 away from the locked position.
- the cap 54 restricted from rotary or longitudinal displacement, is thereby releasably secured to the frame 14.
- the cap 54 is turned in direction 132 which unseats the detents 76 from the recesses 124 and disengages the brake device tabs 72 from the frame coupling members 122 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the nozzle 20 is releasably coupled to the lower portion 18 of the frame 14 with interlocking portions of the nozzle 20 and the frame nozzle socket 21.
- the interlocking portions of the nozzle 20 and the nozzle socket 21 are similar to the releasable connection of the brake device 24 to the frame upper portion 14.
- the nozzle 20 is connected to the nozzle socket 21 in a manner similar to the process of installing the brake device 24 on the frame upper portion 16.
- the nozzle 20 has a collar 140 with depending tabs 142 configured to engage coupling members 144 disposed on an outer wall 146 of the nozzle socket 21 (see FIGS. 2 and 19 ).
- the deflector 22 is positioned above and closely approximate the nozzle 20.
- the brake device 24 may be disengaged from the frame 14 (and the deflector 22 moved upwardly) to provide clearance for removal of the nozzle 20. It will be appreciated that both the brake device 24 and the nozzle 20 are top serviceable and can be removed without removing the sprinkler 10 from the fluid supply.
- the sprinkler 10 may be configured to receive different nozzles 20 having a variety of flow rates, etc. for a desired sprinkler application.
- the collar 140 and depending tabs 142 are similar between the different nozzles 20 in order to permit the different nozzles 20 to be releasably engaged with the nozzle socket coupling member 144.
- the brake assembly 24 includes a brake member 56 and a clamping device, such as a brake plate 58 and a brake surface 67, which clamp the brake member 56 and slow the rotation of the deflector 22 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the brake plate 58 is positioned below the brake member 56 and is coupled to a shaft 60 which carries the deflector 22 such that the brake plate 58 turns with rotation of the deflector 22.
- the brake surface 67 is disposed on an underside of the cap 24 (on an opposite side of the brake member 56 from the brake plate 58) and is stationary relative to the rotating brake member 56.
- fluid striking the deflector 22 rotates the deflector 22 and brake plate 58, shifts the brake plate 58 upward, and compresses the brake member 56 between the brake plate 58 and the brake surface 67. This produces frictional resistance to turning of the deflector 22.
- the brake member 56 may be conically shaped and defined by a lower friction surface 78 and an upper friction surface 80 (see FIGS. 7 , 10 , 11 ).
- the surfaces 78 and 80 each have grooves 82 extending radially outward from a central opening 84 (which receives the shaft 60 therethrough), with each groove 82 having an inner recess 86 and an outer recess 88 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- the grooves 82 may function to direct dirt and debris that become lodged between the brake member 56, brake plate 58, and brake surface 67 radially outward and away from the shaft 60. This operation inhibits the dirt and debris from gumming up the rotation of brake plate 58 (and deflector 22 connected thereto).
- a lubricant such as grease may be used within the brake assembly 24 to increase the ease with which the deflector 22 can rotate.
- the grooves 82 serve to trap excess grease that could affect the frictional quality of the contact surfaces.
- the brake member 56A is substantially similar to the brake member 56 and includes upper and lower friction surfaces 80A, 78A with grooves 82A thereon.
- the brake member 56A is flat rather than the conical shape of brake member 56.
- the brake plate 58 has an upper plate portion 90 with a friction surface 91 for engaging the brake member 56 and a socket 92 extending longitudinally downward from the plate portion 90.
- the socket 92 has a hexagonal shaped opening 94 and a through-opening 96 for receiving the shaft 60 therethrough.
- the shaft 60 has an upper portion 98, a lower portion 100, a hexagonal collar 102, and splines 104 of the lower portion 100.
- the upper portion 60 resides within the openings 84 and 96 of the brake member 56 and the brake plate 58, respectively.
- the socket 92 has a mating, hexagonal configuration to engage the shaft hexagonal collar 102 and restrict rotary movement therebetween.
- An upper surface 102A of the collar 102 faces a bottom 92A of the socket 92, so that upward, longitudinal movement of the shaft 60 engages the upper surface 102A of the shaft collar 102 with the socket bottom 92A and shifts the brake plate 58 upward.
- the shaft 60 has a lower end portion 100 sized to fit within a recess 105 of the deflector 22.
- the shaft lower end portion 100 has splines 104 that engage cooperating splines in the recess 105. The interengagement of the splines keeps the deflector 22 mounted on the shaft lower end portion 100 and restricts relative rotary motion of the deflector 22 about the shaft lower end portion 100.
- the recess 105 has a smooth bore and the shaft lower end portion 100 is press-fit therein.
- the brake base 62 has resilient tabs 112 that releasably connect the brake base 62 within the brake cap 54.
- the resilient tabs 112 are upstanding from a disc 110 and include protuberances 114 which bear against an internal surface 54A of the brake cap 54 (see FIG. 8 ) and deflect the tabs 112 radially inward as the base 62 is inserted into the cap 54 and the tabs 112 are advanced into the brake cap recess 66.
- the protuberances 114 snap into the groove 68 of the brake cap 54 to secure the brake base 62 within the brake cap 54.
- the brake base 62 may be ultrasonically welded or adhered to the brake cap 54 rather than utilizing resilient tabs 112.
- the brake base 62 may be permanently connected to the brake cap 54 using structures that make disassembly nearly impossible without damaging the sprinkler 10.
- the resilient tabs 112 could have protuberances 114 with sharp profiles that permit the tabs 112 to snap into brake cap 54 in an insertion direction but require deformation of the protuberances 114 in a reverse direction.
- the brake base 62 With the brake base 62 mounted within the brake cap 54, the brake base 62 is secured to the frame 14 during operation of the sprinkler 10.
- the brake base 62 has a sleeve 108 with a through opening 106 sized to receive the shaft 60, as shown in FIGS. 7 , 14 , 15 .
- the sleeve 108 permits both rotational and longitudinal movement of the sleeve 108 within the opening 108.
- the sleeve has an upper end 108A which contacts the bottom of the shaft collar 102 and restricts downward longitudinal movement of the shaft 60 beyond a predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the sleeve upper end 108A functions as a lower stop for the shaft 60.
- the channel 48 of the deflector 22 may have an open configuration with an opening 48A extending along a side of the channel 48.
- the channel 48 has walls 118 on opposite sides of the channel 48, with one of the walls 118A having an axially inclined surface 116 to direct the flow of fluid through the deflector 22 and the other wall 118B having a ramp 120 that directs the flow tangentially from the outlet 50 of the deflector 22.
- a reaction force tangent to the axis of rotation 52 of the deflector 22 is created, causing the deflector 22 and the attached shaft 60 to rotate relative to the frame 14 in direction 150 (see FIGS. 1 and 21 ).
- the channel 48 also has a curved surface 122 that redirects an axial flow of fluid from the nozzle 20 into a flow travelling radially outward from the deflector 22.
- the inclined surface 116 directs the fluid flow towards the wall 118B as the fluid travels along the curved surface 122.
- the inclined surface 116 and the curved surface 122 operate to direct fluid toward the ramp 120 and cause the fluid to exit the deflector outlet 50 at a predetermined angle sufficient to cause the deflector 22 to turn.
- the shape of the surfaces of the channel 48, including surfaces 116, 120, and 122, can be modified as desired to provide a desired, uniform fluid stream as it leaves the deflector 22. It will be appreciated that the channel 48 can have one, two, three, or more flat surfaces, as well as other features such as one or more grooves, in order to achieve a desired fluid distribution uniformity from the deflector 22.
- a deflector 500 is shown having an inner channel 502, steps 504, and grooves 506 extending along an interior surface of the channel 502.
- the grooves 506 near the upper end direct the upper portion of the fluid flow to provide far-field watering 508 while the steps 504 near the lower end direct the lower portion of the fluid flow to provide near-field watering 510.
- the deflector 500 can be used with the sprinkler 10, and is generally shown in operation in FIG. 39 . By directing the upper portion of the flow farther, the deflector 500 restricts the upper portion of the flow from pushing the lower portion of the flow downward. This functions to increase the throw distance and spray uniformity of the sprinkler 520.
- the flat brake member 56A provides a similar increase in braking force with increased impact force of the fluid against the curved surface 122 of the deflector 22. More specifically, the frictional engagement between the brake upper frictional surface 80A, the brake surface 67, and the brake member 58 is increased with an increase in fluid flow against the curved surface 122 (see FIG. 7 ). This increase occurs because frictional force is a function of the force applied in a direction normal to the friction surface 67, with the normal force in this case resulting from the impact of fluid against the curved surface 122 of the deflector 22.
- the sprinkler 10 has additional features that improve efficiency of the sprinkler 10.
- the sprinkler 10 has supports 29 with an airfoil-shaped cross section that minimizes the shadow created by the supports 29 in the spray pattern of the sprinkler 10. More specifically, the supports 29 have a leading end portion 170, an enlarged intermediate portion 172, and a tapered trailing end portion 174. The leading and trailing end portions 172, 174 gradually divert fluid flow 169 from the deflector 22 around the supports 29 and cause the fluid flow 169 to re-join near the trailing end 174. The fluid flow 169 then continues radially outward from the supports 29 substantially uninterrupted by the presence of the supports 29, which reduces the shadow of the supports 29 over conventional sprinklers.
- the supports 29 have cross-sectional midlines 180 that are oriented at an angle 182 relative to a radius 184 of the sprinkler 10. As shown in FIG. 21 , fluid 169 travels outwardly from the deflector 22 tangentially to the deflector outlet opening 50 due to the fluid 169 striking the ramp 120.
- the support midlines 180 are oriented substantially parallel to this tangential direction of fluid travel, which causes the fluid 169 traveling outward from the deflector outlet opening 50 to contact the leading end portion 170 head-on. This maximizes the ability of the support cross-section to redirect flow 169 around the support 29 and rejoin the flow 169 once it reaches the trailing end portion 174.
- the components of the sprinkler 10 are generally selected to provide sufficient strength and durability for a particular sprinkler application.
- the brake shaft 60 may be made of stainless steel
- the brake member 56 may be made of an elastomeric material
- the remaining components of the sprinkler 10 may be made out of plastic.
- a sprinkler 200 is shown that is similar to the sprinkler 10.
- the sprinkler 200 has a nozzle 210 integrally formed with a frame 212 of the sprinkler 200, rather than the removable nozzle 20 of the sprinkler 10.
- the sprinkler 200 may cost less to manufacture and be desirable over the sprinkler 10 in certain applications, such as when a removable nozzle 20 is not needed.
- FIGS. 24-29 another sprinkler 300 is shown.
- the sprinkler 300 is similar in many respects to the sprinkler 10 such that differences between the two will be highlighted.
- One difference is that the sprinkler 300 includes a body 302 having a base portion 304 rotatably mounted on a nozzle 306, a support portion 308 to which a spinner assembly 310 is connected, and arms 312 connecting the base potion 304 to the support portion 308.
- the body 302 and spinner assembly 310 can thereby rotate relative to the nozzle 304 during use, whereas the frame 14 and spinner assembly 15 of sprinkler 10 are generally stationary during use.
- the body 300 can rotate about the nozzle 306, fluid flow from a deflector 320 of the spinner assembly 310 strikes the arms 312 and causes the body 302 to rotate incrementally a short distance about the nozzle 306. This incremental rotation of body 302 moves the arms 312 to a different position each time the deflector 320 travels by the arms 312 which continually moves the spray shadow produced by the arms 312. In this manner, the sprinkler 300 has an uninterrupted spray pattern over time.
- the body base portion 304 includes a collar 330 with an opening 332 sized to fit over a neck 334 of a retention member such as a nut 336.
- a retention member such as a nut 336.
- the nut 336 has a flange 342 and a sleeve 344 that capture the collar 330 on the nozzle 306 between the flange 342 and a support 350 of the nozzle 306.
- the nut 336 has wings 354 that may be grasped and used to tighten the nut 336 onto the nozzle 306.
- the collar 330 has internal teeth 351 with grooves 353 therebetween and the neck 334 of the nut 336 has a smooth outer surface 355.
- the teeth 351 slide about the outer surface 355.
- the grooves 353 direct dirt and debris caught between the body 302 and the nut 336 downward and outward from the connection between the body 302 and the nut 336. This keeps dirt and debris from gumming up the connection and keeps the body 302 rotatable on the nut 336.
- the spinner assembly 310 includes a brake device 360 releasably connected to the body support portion 308 in a manner similar to the brake device 24 and frame upper portion 16.
- the brake device 360 includes a cap 362 with depending tabs 364 having different coupling features than the tabs 72.
- the tabs 364 have rounded members 370 that engage coupling members 371 of the body support portion 308 and restrict longitudinal and rotational movement of the brake device cap 362. More specifically, the tab rounded member 370 has an inclined outer surface 372 that is rotated into engagement with inclined surface 374 of the coupling member 371, in a manner similar to turning the brake cap 54 to lock the cap 54 to the frame upper portion 16.
- the tab rounded member 370 also has a convex surface 376 which engages a concave surface 378 of the coupling member 371.
- the engagement of the surfaces 372, 374 and 376, 378 restricts rotary and longitudinal movement of the cap 362 away from its locked position.
- the sprinkler 300 could alternatively utilize the locking mechanisms of sprinkler 10.
- the sprinkler 300 has arms 312 with cross-sections shaped to produce rotary movement of the arms 312 in response to fluid striking the arms 312.
- water flow 380 from the deflector 320 travels toward an inner portion of the arm 312, strikes a curved intermediate surface 384, and is redirected outward from an outer portion 386 of the arm 312.
- the impact of the water flow 380 against the curved surface 384 imparts a force offset from the radial direction which creates a torque on the arm 312 and the body 302. This torque advances the body 312 in direction 390, which is generally opposite the direction of rotation of the deflector 320.
- the fluid stream 380 strikes the arm 312 only momentarily before the rotation of the deflector 320 moves the fluid stream 380 out of alignment with the arm 312. Eventually, the fluid stream 380 strikes the other arm and a similar torque is applied to further incrementally rotate the body 302 and arms 312.
- the deflector 320 moves at a generally constant speed (due at least in part to brake assembly 360) in direction 392 while the body 302 and arms 312 rotate intermittently and incrementally in direction 390 when the fluid stream 380 contacts either one of the arms 312.
- a sprinkler 1000 is shown that is similar in a number of ways to the sprinkler 300 of FIGS. 24-29 .
- the sprinkler 1000 has a nozzle 1002 with a lower threaded portion 1004 for mounting to a water supply line and an upper threaded portion 1006 for engaging a retention member such as a nipple 1008.
- the nozzle 1002 has two protuberances 1010, 1012 that can be used to hand tighten/loosen the sprinkler 1000.
- the sprinkler 1000 is different from the sprinkler 300 in that the sprinkler 1000 has a rotator 1020 with a stationary deflector 1022 mounted thereon.
- the sprinkler includes a snap-in feature 1023 that releasably connects the deflector 1022 to the rotator 1020.
- the deflector 1022 diverts a jet of water from the nozzle 1002 and redirects it at two angles. One angle turns the stream from vertical to horizontal and spreads the jet for even watering. As discussed below, redirecting the stream imparts a vertical force to the deflector 1022 which causes the rotator 1020 to compress a brake 1032 and slow rotation of the rotator 1020.
- the deflector 1022 imparts a second angle channels the jet of water sideways creating a moment arm about an axis of rotation 1033 causing the rotator 1020 to turn clockwise (as viewed from above the sprinkler 1000).
- the shapes and configurations of the nozzle 1002 and deflector 1022 can be varied to produce different throw distances and volumes.
- the nipple 1008 has clips 1030 that are configured to permit the brake 1032 and the rotator 1020 to be pressed onto the nipple 1008. However, once the brake 1032 and the rotator 1020 are mounted on the nipple 1008, the clips 1030 restrict the brake 1032 and the rotator 1020 from sliding off of the nipple 1008 even if the nozzle 1002 has been removed from the nipple 1008.
- the brake 1032 is a compactable rubber dual-contact O-ring which when compressed will result in an increased frictional force which keeps the rotator 1020 from rotating ever faster.
- the impact force from the water shifts the rotator 1020 away from the nozzle 1002 and causes the rotator 1020 to compress the brake 1032 between brake surfaces 1040, 1042 of the rotator 1020 and nipple 1008.
- the rotator 1020 has a collar 1050 with internal teeth 1052 that slide along a smooth outer surface 1054 of the nipple 1008.
- the teeth 1052 direct dirt and other debris along grooves 1056 between teeth 1052 and outward from the connection between the rotator 1020 and the nipple 1008. This reduces the likelihood of the sprinkler 1000 stalling due to debris gumming up the connection between the rotator 1020 and the nipple 1008.
- a sprinkler 1200 having a brake assembly 1202 that is responsive to environmental conditions is shown.
- the sprinkler 1200 is substantially similar to the sprinkler 10 discussed above such that differences between the two will be highlighted.
- the brake assembly 1202 has a cap 1204 that forms a sealed chamber 1210 in conjunction with a brake base member 1212, as shown in FIG. 47 .
- the chamber 1210 houses a fluid 1214 and a brake shaft 1216 connected to a deflector 1218 of the sprinkler 1200.
- the chamber 1210 can include a seal between the brake shaft 1216 and a shaft bearing surface 1213 of the brake base member 1212 to seal the fluid 1214 within the chamber 1210, as shown in FIG. 47 .
- the brake rotor 1230 includes a reactive brake device 1232 that is configured to change the braking force applied to the deflector brake shaft 1216 in response to changes to the environment in which the sprinkler 1200 is located.
- the reactive brake device 1232 may include a bi-material coil 1240 that has two sheets of material laminated together.
- FIG. 46 a cross-section of the coil 1240 is shown.
- the coil 1240 includes an active component 1250 having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion and a passive component 1252 having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. As the environmental temperature increases, the active component 1250 expands more than the passive component 1252 such that the coil 1240 expands.
- the coil 1240 has a fixed end 1260 engaged in a slot of the brake shaft 1216, such as by welding, and a free end 1262 disposed radially outward from the fixed end 1260.
- the coil 1240 is shown in a fully contracted position at a low environmental temperature where the sections of the coil 1240 are in a tightly wrapped orientation around each other.
- the coil 1240 is shown in a fully expanded configuration at an elevated temperature. When the coil 1240 is in the expanded configuration, the winds of the coil 1240 are spaced apart by larger gaps 1270 than when the coil 1240 is at the low temperature.
- the change in the coil 1240 from the fully contracted to the fully expanded configuration increases the resistant torque generated by the coil 1240 as the coil 1240 rotates within the fluid 1214. More specifically, the resistant torque generated by the expanded coil 1240 is higher than the torque generated by the contracted coil. This increase in torque tends to offset the decrease in the viscosity of the fluid 1214 due to the increase in environmental temperature. Thus, the coil 1240 can provide a more consistent torque and resulting speed of rotation of the deflector 1218 despite changes in the temperature of the surrounding environment.
- the fully expanded coil has a larger moment of inertia than the contracted coil 1240. Stated differently, the coil 1240 is more difficult to turn when it is fully expanded than when it is fully contracted. This increase in the moment of inertia also helps to offset the decrease in viscosity of the fluid 1214 due to elevated environmental temperatures.
- the fluid 1214 may be a silicone-based grease of a desired viscosity.
- metals or metal alloys with a high coefficient of thermal expansion may be used including non-ferrous metals such a copper, brass, aluminum, or nickel.
- ferrous alloy such as stainless steel may be used.
- FIG. 48 another reactive brake device 1290 is shown including a coil 1292 having a fixed end 1294 connected to the brake shaft 1216.
- the coil 1292 is similar to the coil 1240, except that the coil 1292 has a relaxed configuration (see FIG. 48 ) and a stressed configuration (see FIG. 49 ) where the coil 1292 has an undulating shape.
- the undulating profile of the coil 1292 when the coil 1292 is in the stressed configuration increases the drag of the coil 1292 through the fluid 1214 in the brake chamber 1210.
- the reactive brake device 1300 includes a beam 1302 extending radially outward from the brake shaft 1216 when the reactive brake device 1300 is at a low environmental temperature. Increasing the temperature, however, causes the beam 1302 to bend, as shown in FIG. 51 .
- the bent beam 1302 produces a higher amount of drag as the beam 1302 travels in direction 1304 within the fluid 1214 in the chamber 1210.
- the reactive brake device 1300 provides another approach for compensating for the decrease in viscosity of the fluid 1214 as the environmental temperature changes.
- the reactive brake device 1300 could include one, two, three, or more beams 1302 depending on the amount of resistance needed for a particular application.
- FIG. 52 another coil 1400 is shown.
- the coil 1400 is similar to the coil 1240 except that the coil 1400 has an outwardly projecting lip 1402 that can magnify the resistant torque generated by the expanded coil 1400.
- the brake assembly 1500 may be releasably connected to a sprinkler frame, such as a frame 1203 (see FIG. 40 ) in place of the brake assembly 1202.
- the brake assembly 1500 includes a housing 1502 having a chamber 1504 filled at least partially with a viscous fluid 1507 (see FIG. 54 ) and a rotor 1506 disposed in the chamber 1504.
- the rotor 1506 has a drum shape
- the chamber 1504 is filled with the viscous fluid
- the drum-shaped rotor 1506 is completely submerged in the viscous fluid within the chamber 1504.
- the viscous fluid 1507 may be grease or another fluid having a viscosity in the range of approximately 450,000 cP to approximately 970,000 cP.
- the viscous fluid 1507 may be dampening grease having a viscosity in the range of approximately 450,000 cP to approximately 550,000 cP. Companies like Nusil and Shin-Etsu sell grease that may be used as viscous fluid 1507.
- the housing 1502 has a cap 1503 similar to the cap 1204 (see FIG. 40 ), which encloses the chamber 1504 and includes depending tabs 1505 for connecting to a sprinkler frame.
- an upper portion of the cap 1503 is not shown in FIG. 53 in order to show the internal components of the brake assembly 1500.
- the cap 1204 in FIG. 40 illustrates the upper portion of the cap 1503. More specifically, the rotor 1506 is connected to a shaft 1510 at one end of the shaft 1510, and a deflector 1512 is connected to an opposite end of the shaft 1510. In response to the deflector 1512 receiving fluid, the deflector 1512 and shaft 1510 rotate which rotates the rotor 1506 in the chamber 1504.
- the viscous fluid 1507 in the chamber 1504 produces drag on the rotor 1506, slowing the rotation of the rotor 1506 to produce a rotational velocity of the rotor 1506 generally within a predetermined range as the fluid strikes the deflector 1512.
- the brake assembly 1500 further includes a reactive brake device 1520 that, in one form, includes bimetallic fins 1522 submerged at least partially in the viscous fluid 1507 of the chamber 1504.
- the fins 1522 have free ends 1552 separated from the rotor 1506 by openings or gaps 1524, as shown in FIG. 54 .
- the viscous fluid 1507 in the chamber 1504 travels through the gaps 1524 in direction 1580.
- the fin free ends 1552 change position within the chamber 1504 in response to changes in temperature of the bimetallic fins 1522, which changes the size of the gaps 1524 through which the viscous fluid 1507 travels.
- the changes in the temperature of the bimetallic fins 1522 may be due to changes in ambient temperature in the environment about the brake assembly 1500.
- the changes in ambient temperature may change the temperature of the viscous fluid 1507 in which the bimetallic fins 1522 are at least partially submerged, which changes the temperature of the fins 1522.
- the temperature of the viscous fluid 1507 may change in response to rotation of the rotor 1506 in the viscous fluid 1507 (e.g., the friction of the rotor 1506 rotating in the fluid 1507 at a high speed for a long period of time may increase the temperature of the fluid 1507).
- changes in ambient temperature is the primary driver of temperature change in the bimetallic fins 1522 while changes in the temperature of the fluid 1507 in response to rotation of the rotor 1506 in the fluid 1507 contributes only slightly to temperature change of the fins 1522.
- a portion of the bimetallic fins 1522 may be exposed to the surrounding environment such that changes in the ambient temperature directly change the temperature of the fins 1522 and the positions of the fin free ends 1552.
- the viscous fluid 1507 in the chamber 1504 generally travels in direction 1580 through the gaps 1524 along a path 1584 as the rotor 1506 rotates.
- the free ends 1552 shift toward the rotor 1506 in direction 1525 which narrows the gaps 1524 (as shown in the movement of the fins 1522 from their positions in FIG. 54 to their positions in FIG. 55 ).
- This causes the viscous drag produced by the fluid 1507 in the narrowed gaps 1524 to increase which compensates for the decreased viscosity of the viscous fluid 1507 due to the higher ambient temperature.
- the free ends 1552 shift away from the rotor 1506 in direction 1527 and toward a stator 1530 (see FIG. 53 )) of the brake housing 1502 which widens the gaps 1524 (as shown in the movement of the fins 1522 from their positions in FIG. 55 to their positions in FIG. 54 ).
- This causes the viscous drag produced by the fluid 1507 to decrease which compensates for the increased viscosity of the fluid 1507 due to the lower ambient temperature.
- the temperature-dependent movement of the bi-metallic fins 1522 therefore functions to maintain a more consistent rotational velocity of the rotor 1506 and deflector 1512 connected thereto despite changes in ambient temperature.
- the brake housing 1502 includes pockets 1540 and openings 1542 in the stator 1530 that open into the pockets 1540.
- Each fin 1522 has a curved end 1544 rigidly mounted in a respective cylindrical pocket 1540.
- the fin curved end 1544 is held tightly in the housing pocket 1540 by frictional engagement between the curved end 1544 and the pocket 1540.
- the fin curved end 1544 may be secured in the pocket 1540 using welds, fasteners, or adhesives, for example.
- the fin curved ends 1544 may be molded into the stator 1530 during molding of the housing 1502.
- Each fin 1522 extends outward from its respective pockets 1540 through the opening 1542 and into the chamber 1504.
- Each fin 1522 has a base portion 1550 engaged with the pocket 1540 and the fin free end portion 1552 is positioned in the brake housing chamber 1504.
- the fins 1522 have a shape complimentary to the rotor 1506 such that the fins 1522 avoid interfering with the rotor throughout the operating range of ambient temperatures experienced by the sprinkler 1500.
- the fins 1522 may have concave inner surfaces 1560 with curvatures similar to a convex outer surface 1562 of the rotor 1506, as shown in FIGS. 54 and 55 .
- the reactive brake device 1520 may have a variety of forms.
- the fins 1522 may be configured to move between a first position where the fin free end portions 1552 are spaced from the rotor 1506 when the sprinkler 1500 is at a low ambient temperature (similar to the position in FIG. 54 ) and a second position where the free end portions 1522 come in close proximity or even directly contact the rotor 1506 to slow rotation of the rotor 1506 when the sprinkler 1500 is at a high ambient temperature.
- the brake housing stator 1530 positions the fins 1522 about the housing 1502 so that there are openings 1590 between adjacent fins 1522 which open into slots 1592 between the fins 1522 and the brake housing stator 1530, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 .
- the fin free end portions 1552 shift toward the rotor 1506, the fins 1522 shift away from the housing stator 1530 which draws fluid 1507 into the slots 1592 in direction 1594.
- the fin free end portions 1552 shift away from the rotor 1506, the fins 1522 shift toward the housing stator 1530 which squeezes fluid 1507 outward from the slots 1592.
- the deflector 1600 may be used with the brake assembly 1200 and the brake assembly 1500, for example.
- the deflector 1600 includes an inlet 1602 for receiving fluid from a sprinkler nozzle and an outlet 1604 for discharging the fluid outwardly from the sprinkler as the deflector 1600 rotates.
- the deflector 1600 includes a body 1606 having an outlet opening 1608 and a channel 1620 that includes a duct 1610.
- the duct 1610 redirects a portion of the fluid received at the inlet 1602 laterally from the deflector 1600 to cause rotation of the deflector 1600.
- the fluid discharged from the duct 1610 additionally provides close-in and intermediate watering of the surrounding terrain, as discussed in greater detail below.
- the deflector 1600 discharges the remaining fluid outward from the outlet opening 1608 with a spray pattern defined by the channel 1620 and the outlet opening 1608.
- the fluid discharged from the outlet opening 1608 provides far-away watering of the surrounding terrain as defined by the configuration of the channel 1620 and the outlet opening 1608.
- the deflector channel 1620 has an inner surface 1622 that redirects fluid received in a first direction 1624 toward a transverse second direction 1626.
- the deflector channel 1620 maximizes the throw of the fluid outward from the outlet opening 1608 by providing a smooth redirection of fluid flow within the deflector 1600.
- the channel inner surface 1622 is configured to minimize turbulence imparted to the fluid stream as it travels from the inlet 1602 to the outlet opening 1608.
- the reduced turbulence provided by the channel 1620 increases the efficiency of the re-redirection of the stream from direction 1624 to direction 1626 and provides the maximized throw distance because less energy in the fluid stream is lost to turbulence. This improved efficiency permits the sprinkler 1600 to water a larger area of surrounding landscape with a smaller volume of fluid supplied to the sprinkler than in some prior approaches.
- the duct 1610 includes an opening 1630 that permits fluid to travel in direction 1632 into the duct 1610.
- the duct 1610 further includes a close-in watering ramp 1640 and an intermediate watering ramp 1642.
- the duct 1610 siphons a portion of the fluid stream traveling between the inlet 1602 and the outlet opening 1608 and the ramps 1640, 1642 redirect the portion of the fluid stream laterally which widens the spray pattern of the deflector 1600 and permits the deflector 1600 to water a greater range of locations about the sprinkler.
- the ramps 1640, 1642 redirect the fluid laterally which causes the fluid traveling along the ramps 1640, 1642 to travel outwardly a shorter distance than fluid exiting the outlet opening 1608 and provides intermediate and close-in watering from the deflector 1600.
- the close-in watering ramp 1640 curves laterally a greater amount than the intermediate watering ramp 1642.
- the greater lateral curvature of the close-in watering ramp 1640 imparts a greater lateral redirection to the fluid traveling along the ramp 1640 than the lateral redirection imparted by the ramp 1642.
- the water exiting the duct 1610 along the ramp 1640 does not travel as far outward from the deflector 1600 as does the water traveling along the intermediate watering ramp 1642.
- the deflector 1600 thereby provides close-in and intermediate watering by directing fluid along the ramps 1640, 1642. In this manner, the ramps 1640, 1642 and outlet opening 1608 provide varying throw distances for the fluid exiting the deflector 1600.
- the portion of the fluid stream siphoned by the duct 1610 has a lower velocity compared to the remainder of the fluid stream because the fluid stream portion was traveling near a wall 1643 of the deflector 1600 before entering the duct 1610. Due to the viscosity of the fluid (which may be water), the fluid stream has a lower velocity near the wall 1643 and a higher velocity away from the wall 1643.
- the lower initial velocity of fluid entering the duct 1610 contributes to lower fluid velocities as the fluid exits the ramps 1640, 1642 than the fluid exiting the outlet 1608 and reduces the throw distance of fluid exiting the ramps 1640, 1642.
- the sprinkler 1700 includes a frame 1702 having an upper socket 1704 that receives a brake assembly 1706 and a lower socket 1708 that receives a nozzle 1710.
- the sprinkler 1700 further includes a deflector 1712 mounted on a shaft 1714 of the brake assembly 1706.
- the deflector 1712 has an inlet 1750 for receiving fluid from the nozzle 1710, an outlet opening 1724 for discharging the fluid outward from the deflector 1712, and a channel 1720 connecting the inlet 1750 to the outlet opening 1724.
- the deflector 1712 includes a funnel 1752 that functions to direct fluid from the nozzle 1710 into the channel 1720 of the deflector 1712 and eventually outward from the outlet opening 1724.
- the channel 1720 has steps or ramps 1722 that function to impart different throw distances and patterns to different portions of the water exiting the outlet opening 1724, as shown in FIG. 61 .
- the ramps 1722 provide a more even distribution of water from the outlet opening 1724 to the surrounding landscape which improves efficiency by reducing overwatering or underwatering of the surrounding landscape.
- the ramps 1722 include fan watering ramps 1730, 1732 on opposite sides of the outlet opening 1734.
- the close-in watering ramps 1730, 1732 cause the fluid exiting the opposite sides of the deflector opening 1734 to fan laterally outward and provide even watering of the surrounding landscape.
- the ramps 1722 also include a primary flow channel 1740 that directs fluid generally straight outward with a relatively small component of tangential motion.
- the ramps 1722 include an intermediate watering ramp 1742 that causes fluid to fan slightly laterally (but less laterally than the ramps 1730, 1732) and contribute to even watering from the deflector 1712.
- the deflector 1700 provides an even distribution of fluid to regions of the surrounding environment which improves efficiency by reducing overwatering and underwatering.
- the primary flow channel 1740 is configured to provide a partially vertical trajectory to the fluid stream traveling along the channel 1740 and outward from the outlet opening 1724.
- the fluid traveling along the channel 1740 has a trajectory in the range of approximately 5 to approximately 24 degrees relative to the horizon upon installation of the sprinkler 1700 (with the fluid flow out of the nozzle 1710 being vertical).
- the deflector 1700 redirects a vertical fluid stream from the nozzle 1710 to a more horizontal stream traveling outward from the deflector 1712.
- the channel 1720 of the deflector 1712 curves generally along an arc between the inlet 1750 and the outlet 1722.
- this forced change in the direction of the fluid stream causes portions of the fluid stream to disperse toward walls 1755, 1757 of the channel 1720 (which include the ramps 1722).
- the ramps 1730, 1732, 1742 capture the dispersed fluid and redirect the fluid laterally outward relative to the deflector outlet opening 1724, as shown in FIG. 61 .
- the ramps 1722 include an initial ramp 1745 and a drive ramp 1747 that produce rotation of the deflector 1712 as fluid travels through the channel 1720. More specifically, the initial ramp 1745 receives at least a portion of the fluid from the inlet 1750 and directs the fluid against the drive ramp 1747.
- the drive ramp 1747 is oriented so as to generate a reaction torque as the fluid impacts the drive ramp 1747. This impact causes the deflector 1712 to rotate.
- the deflector 1712 has a fin 1749 configured to limit objects in the surrounding environment, such as long grass, from becoming lodged in a gap 1751 between the frame 1702 and the deflector 1712 and inhibiting rotation of the deflector 1712.
- the fin 1749 has a height (as shown in FIG. 59 ) that narrows the gap 1751 which reduces the potential items that can fit into the gap 1751.
- the fin 1749 has an angled nose 1753 that may push away objects such as long grass trapped between struts 1754A, 1754B of the frame 1702.
- the brake assembly 1706 includes a rotor 1760 connected to or even integral with the shaft 1714 and a housing 1762 to which the rotor 1760 is mounted.
- the rotor 1760 rotates inside of a chamber 1764 defined by the housing 1762 filled with a viscous fluid 1766.
- the viscous fluid 1766 inside the chamber 1764 imparts a drag force on the rotor 1760 to establish a predetermined rotational speed of the rotor 1706 (and connected deflector 1712) within a particular range of supply line pressures for the sprinkler 1700.
- the brake assembly 1706 has a seal 1770 that seals the viscous fluid in the chamber 1766 and provides protection from debris entering a bearing surface between the bearing plate 1772 and the shaft 1714 while permitting rotation of the shaft 1714.
- the seal 1770 is mounted to the bearing plate 1772, which is in turn secured to a wall 1774 of the housing 1762.
- the seal 1770 may be made of silicone rubber, and the housing 1762, may be made of plastic.
- the viscous fluid 1766 is positioned in the chamber 1764, the rotor 1760 advanced into the chamber 1764, an opening 1771 of the seal 1770 (which is mounted on the bearing plate 1772) passed along the shaft 1714, and the bearing plate 1772 secured to the wall 1744.
- the bearing plate 1772 may be secured to the wall 1744 using, for example, adhesive, fasteners, snap-on or ultrasonic welding techniques.
- the brake housing 1762 includes a cylindrical wall 1780 defining in part the chamber 1764 and supports 1782 extending outwardly that connect the wall 1780 to the housing wall 1774. In this manner, the brake housing 1762 provides a rigid and durable environment for the rotor 1760 and the viscous fluid 1766, while facilitating an efficient assembly process.
- the sprinkler 1700 has a locking mechanism 1784 for releasably securing the nozzle 1710 in the frame lower socket 1708.
- the lower socket 1708 includes a wall 1786 with coupling members 1788 extending outwardly therefrom.
- Each coupling member 1788 has an underside with a cam portion 1790, a stop portion 1792, and a recessed portion 1794 formed on an underside of the coupling member 1788.
- the nozzle 1710 has a cap 1796 with a skirt 1798 and a tube 1800 depending from the cap 1796.
- the skirt 1798 has members 1802 (see FIG.
- the skirt 1798 has projections 1804 extending outwardly that provide gripping surfaces for a user to grasp the nozzle 1710 as the user inserts and turns the nozzle 1710 in the lower socket 1708.
- a user inserts the nozzle tube 1800 in direction 1810 into an opening 1812 of the socket 1708 until a cap underside surface 1814 (see FIG. 67 ) seats against a rim 1816 of the socket wall 1786. Then, the user turns the nozzle 1710 in direction 1820 which engages the nozzle members 1802 and detents 1803 thereof with the socket coupling members 1788. Initially, each detent 1803 engages the cam portion 1790 of a respective coupling member 1788 and shifts downwardly in direction 1810 with turning of the nozzle in direction 1820 due to the camming engagement of the detent 1803 and the cam portion 1790.
- the detents 1803 are generally held against the recessed portion 1794 between the stop portion 1792 and the cam portion 1790 of the respective coupling members 1788.
- the engagement of the detents 1803 and the coupling members 1788 holds the cap underside surface 1814 tightly against the socket rim 1816 and functions to seal the nozzle 1710 in the socket 1708.
- the nozzle detents 1803 and socket recessed portions 1794 are configured to engage and resist turning of the nozzle 1710 in direction 1830.
- the user grasps the cap 1796 and turns the nozzle 1710 in direction 1830 which overcomes the engagement of the detents 1803 and recessed portions 1794. Turning of the nozzle 1710 in direction 1830 slides the detents 1803 out of the recessed portions 1794 and along the cam portion 1790 of the respective coupling member 1788 until the detents 1803 are clear of the coupling members 1788. The user may then remove the nozzle 1710 from the socket 1708 by lifting the nozzle 1710 upward in direction 1832 which withdraws the tube 1800 from within the socket 1708.
- another sprinkler 2000 is shown having a deflector 2002, a frame 2004, a socket 2006 of the frame 2004, and a nozzle 2008 releasably secured in the socket 2006.
- the nozzle 2008 is threadingly engaged with the socket 2006 such that the nozzle 2008 may be readily connected and disconnected from the socket 2006.
- the sprinkler 2000 may be packaged with several nozzles 2008, each having a different flow rating, so that the sprinkler 2000 may be readily tailored to a particular application.
- the socket 2006 includes an opening 2010 for receiving the nozzle 2008 and a wall 2012 extending about the opening 2010, as shown in FIG. 70 .
- the wall 2012 has outer threads 2014 formed thereon with multiple leads 2016.
- the nozzle 2008 includes a cap 2030 (see FIG. 71 ) having a skirt 2032 with inner threads 2034 and multiple leads 2036.
- the socket threads 2014 have four leads 2016, and the nozzle cap threads 2034 have six leads 2036.
- the sprinkler 2000 has a higher strength for holding the nozzle 2008 in place within the socket 2006 during high pressure conditions in an associated supply line.
- the fewer number of leads 2016 on the socket 2006 is attributable to flats 2040 on the wall 2012.
- the flats 2040 are diametrically opposed across the opening 2010 and interrupt the threads 2014.
- the flats 2040 provide a gripping area for a wrench so that a user may connect a wrench to the socket 2006 and turn the frame 2004 to thread the sprinkler 2000 on to a stand pipe, for example.
- the flats 2040 are optional and may be used to improve the ease of molding.
- the sprinkler 2000 includes a sealing mechanism 2050 for forming a watertight seal between the socket 2006 and the nozzle 2008.
- the sealing mechanism 2050 includes an annular protrusion 2052 that extends inwardly from an inner surface 2054 of the socket wall 2012, as shown in FIG. 72 .
- the protrusion 2052 defines a narrower diameter 2056 across the opening 2012 than a diameter 2058 across the opening 2012 immediately downstream of the protrusion 2052.
- the nozzle 2008 includes a tube 2060 with an upstream end portion 2062 having a diameter 2064 thereof. The upstream end portion diameter 2064 of the nozzle 2008 is larger than the diameter 2056 defined by the protrusion 2052 within the socket 2006.
- the larger diameter 2064 of the nozzle tube 2060 and the smaller diameter 2056 of the socket protrusion 2052 makes an interference fit between the nozzle tube 2060 and the socket protrusion 2052.
- the interference fit functions to form a watertight seal between the nozzle tube 2060 and the socket protrusion 2052 when the nozzle 2008 is secured in the socket 2006.
- the seal between the nozzle tube 2060 and the socket protrusion 2052 is generally not affected by high supply line pressures or by the plastic deformation (or material set, or creep) that a material undergoes when it is under continuous preload.
- the user first positions the nozzle tube 2060 in the socket opening 2012 and advances the nozzle tube 2060 in direction 2066 into the socket 2006 until the nozzle threads 2034 reach socket threads 2014 (see FIGS. 72 and 73 ).
- the user turns the nozzle 2008 to engage the nozzle and socket threads 2014, 2034 and continues turning the nozzle 2008 to fully tighten the nozzle 2008 into the socket 2006.
- the engagement between the threads 2014, 2034 draws the nozzle 2008 farther in direction 2066 into the socket 2006.
- turning the nozzle 2008 advances the nozzle tube upstream end 2062 in direction 2066 into contact with the annular protrusion 2052 within the socket 2006.
- the nozzle 2008 is preferably made from a polymer-based material, and has resilient properties that tend to resist the compression of the tube 2060 due to the protrusion 2052 and bias the tube upstream end portion 2062 outwardly in directions 2074, 2076. This operation firmly engages the nozzle tube 2060 with the socket wall protrusion 2052, forms an interference fit between the socket 2006 and the nozzle 2008, and functions to form a seal between the nozzle tube 2060 and the protrusion 2052.
- the tube 2060 presses outward in direction 2074, 2076 with greater force, which increases the sealing pressure.
- the nozzle 2100 includes a flow controller 2110 having an opening 2112 with a diameter that changes in response to changes in fluid pressure within an upstream area 2114 of the nozzle 2100.
- the flow controller 2110 is configured to compensate for variation in supply line pressure by constricting the opening 2112 (at higher supply line pressure) or enlarging the opening 2112 (at lower supply line pressure) which adjusts the volume flow rate of fluid striking the deflector 2002 and causes the deflector 2002 to rotate at a generally constant rotational velocity despite variation in the supply line pressure.
- the supply line pressure varies within the range of fifteen pounds per square inch and fifty pounds per square inch during operation of the sprinkler 2000.
- the nozzle 2100 includes a cap 2102 with a rim 2104 and a grommet 2116 having an outer region 2118 engaged with the nozzle rim 2104.
- the grommet 2116 has an inner region 2120 with the opening 2112 formed therein.
- the grommet 2116 permits outward flexing of the inner region 2120 in response to pressure increases within the upstream area 2114.
- the fluid pressure upstream of the nozzle 2008 increases, the increased fluid pressure causes the grommet inner region 2120 to bow downstream to a position 2122 generally as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 74 .
- the inner region 2120 has an opening 2112A with a constriction having a smaller diameter than the opening 2112 when the grommet inner region 2120 is in the undeflected position shown in solid in FIG. 74 .
- the constricted opening 2112A permits a reduced volume of fluid to exit the opening 2112 in direction 2130.
- This operation of the grommet 2116 functions to compensate for increases in supply line pressure by reducing the volume of fluid that strikes the associated deflector, such as deflector 2002.
- the grommet 2116 responds by bowing downstream, which forms a constriction in the opening 2112 and the volume of water impacting the deflector 2002 such that the deflector 2002 continues to rotate at a generally constant speed despite the higher upstream water pressure.
- the grommet 2116 may be made of a flexible material, such as a silicone rubber having a durometer range of about 50 to about 70 Shore A.
- the nozzle 2200 includes a cap 2202 with a rim 2204 and a tube 2206 depending from the cap 2202.
- the nozzle tube 2206 has an upstream area 2210 sized to permit an elastomeric disc 2212 to be inserted in direction 2214 and seated against an underside 2216 of the rim 2204.
- the tube 2206 further includes an annular recess 2220 extending about the tube 2206 upstream of the elastomeric disc 2212 and a ring 2224 configured to snap into the tube recess 2220 and retain the elastomeric disc 2212 within the nozzle 2200. As shown in FIG.
- the disc 2212 has an opening 2230 and the disc 2212 deflects to a position 2232 in response to increased fluid pressure in the upstream area 2210.
- the disc 2212 In the deflected position 2232, the disc 2212 has an opening 2230A with a constriction having a smaller diameter than opening 2230 which reduces the flow rate through the disc 2212 in response to the increased supply line pressure upstream of the nozzle 2200.
Description
- This invention relates to irrigation sprinklers and, more particularly, to rotary sprinklers.
- There are many different types of sprinkler constructions used for irrigation purposes, including impact or impulse drive sprinklers, motor driven sprinklers, and rotating reaction drive sprinklers. Included in the category of rotating reaction drive sprinklers are a species of sprinklers known as spinner or a rotary sprinklers which are often used in the irrigation of agricultural crops and orchards. Typically, such spinner type sprinklers comprise a stationary support structure or frame which is adapted to be coupled with a supply of pressurized water, and a rotatable deflector supported by the frame for rotation about a generally vertical axis. Most rotary type sprinklers employ either a rotating reaction drive nozzle or a fixed nozzle which ejects a stream of water vertically onto a rotating deflector. The deflector redirects the stream into a generally horizontal spray and the deflector is rotated by a reaction force created by the impinging stream from the fixed nozzle.
- One shortcoming that has been encountered with rotary-type sprinklers is that due to a very high rate of rotation of the rotary devices, the distance the water is thrown from the sprinkler may be substantially reduced. This has created a need to control or regulate the rotational speed of the deflector and thereby also regulate the speed at which the water streams are swept over the surrounding terrain area. A relatively slow deflector rotational speed is desired to maximize throw-distance, and therefore a variety of brake devices have been developed to accomplish this end.
- In one approach, a viscous brake device is used to control rotation of the deflector. The viscous brake device utilizes drag produced by rotation of a brake rotor within a viscous fluid. While suitable for some sprinklers, the viscous brake device may not provide constant rotation speed when the ambient temperature or supply pressure changes.
- Another shortcoming encountered with rotary-type sprinklers is that the sprinklers have frame supports that interfere with the water stream after it has been redirected by the deflector. There have been a number of attempts to minimize this interference including utilizing supports with different cross-sectional shapes. However, even with these approaches, the water stream still impacts the supports every time the deflector completes a rotation. This produces a reduced, but still present, shadow in the spray pattern of the sprinkler.
- Yet another shortcoming of some prior rotary-type sprinklers is the serviceability of the sprinkler. Rotary-type sprinklers often have two typical types of failures that require the sprinkler to be removed from the water supply in order to be fixed. The first type of failure occurs when the nozzle becomes plugged with debris from the water supply. For some sprinklers, the nozzle is installed from the underside of the sprinkler such that the sprinkler needs to be removed from the water supply in order to remove and clean the nozzle. The second type of failure occurs when the deflector of the sprinkler stops rotating or spins out of control. In this case, the braking system has failed and the entire sprinkler will be replaced.
- Some prior sprinklers utilize viscous braking to control the rotational speed of the deflectors of the sprinklers. One problem with this approach is that the viscosity of the working fluid changes inversely with temperature. As a result, the deflector rotates faster as temperature increases, and slower as the temperature decreases. This change in rotational speed may negatively affect the area that is covered by the sprinkler, or it may cause the deflector to stall during low temperature conditions when coupled with low pressure operation.
- During examination before the EPO,
US 5 224 653 A was cited as disclosing a modular sprinkler assembly. - According to the present invention, there is provided a sprinkler comprising: a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion; a rotatable deflector of a spinner assembly, coupled to the upper portion; a nozzle socket defined by the lower end portion of the frame; a nozzle configured to be received in the nozzle socket; interlocking portions of the nozzle and nozzle socket configured to releasably connect the nozzle in the nozzle socket; and the spinner assembly releasably connected to the frame upper portion with a deflector disposed above the nozzle and rotatable relative to the upper frame portion, the spinner assembly configured to be removed from the frame upper portion to permit removal of the nozzle from the nozzle socket, wherein the nozzle socket has an outer wall and the interlocking portions comprise a portion of the outer wall.
- To enable a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view ofFIG. 6 showing a brake device of the sprinkler; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cap of the brake device ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8A-8A inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a brake member of the brake device ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the brake member ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of an alternative form of a brake member for the brake device; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the brake member of theFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a brake plate of the brake device ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the brake plate ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a brake base member of the brake device ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the brake base member ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a deflector of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the deflector ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the deflector ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of a sprinkler frame of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a nozzle of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 inFIG. 2 showing the cross-sectional shape of the supports of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 23-23 inFIG. 22 -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 24 -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a frame of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view taken across line 28A-28A inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 ofFIG. 28 showing the cross-sectional shape of arms of the frame; -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 30 ; -
FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of the of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 30 ; -
FIG. 33 is a is a front elevational view of the of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 30 ; -
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 32 ; -
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 32 ; -
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C inFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another deflector; -
FIG. 38 is a schematic view of fluid being emitted from the deflector ofFIG. 37 ; -
FIG. 39 is a schematic view of a water spray pattern of a sprinkler having the deflector ofFIG. 37 ; -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the sprinkler ofFIG. 40 with a cap of a brake assembly of the sprinkler removed; -
FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the sprinkler ofFIG. 41 showing a coil of the brake assembly; -
FIG. 43 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 41 showing the coil in an expanded configuration; -
FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the sprinkler ofFIG. 43 ; -
FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the coil of the brake assembly; -
FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the coil; -
FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional view taken across line 47-47 inFIG. 40 ; -
FIG. 48 is a schematic view of another coil showing the coil in a relaxed configuration; -
FIG. 49 is a schematic view of the coil ofFIG. 48 showing the coil in a stressed configuration; -
FIG. 50 is a schematic view of a beam extending outwardly from a brake shaft; -
FIG. 51 is a schematic view similar toFIG. 50 showing the beam in a bent configuration; and -
FIG. 52 is a perspective view of another coil having an outwardly projecting lip. -
FIG. 53 is a perspective view of another brake assembly for a rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 54 is a schematic view of fins of the brake assembly in a first configuration about a rotor of the brake assembly; -
FIG. 55 is a schematic view similar toFIG. 54 showing the fins shifted to a second configuration about the rotor; -
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another deflector for a rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 57 is an end elevational view of the deflector ofFIG. 56 ; -
FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 58-58 inFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 59 is an elevational view of another rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a deflector of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 59 ; -
FIG. 61 is an end elevational view of the deflector ofFIG. 60 ; -
FIG. 62 is a bottom plan view of the deflector ofFIG. 60 ; -
FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 63-63 inFIG. 61 ; -
FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a brake assembly of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 59 ; -
FIG. 65 is a bottom perspective view of a brake housing of the brake assembly ofFIG. 64 ; -
FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a frame of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 59 ; -
FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a nozzle of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 59 ; -
FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 68-68 inFIG. 67 ; -
FIG. 69 is a perspective view of another rotary sprinkler; -
FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a frame of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 69 ; -
FIG. 71 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle of the rotary sprinkler ofFIG. 69 ; -
FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 72-72 inFIG. 70 showing a socket of the frame; -
FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 72 showing the nozzle ofFIG. 71 received in the frame socket; -
FIG. 74 is a schematic view of a nozzle having a flow controller; and -
FIG. 75 is a schematic view of another nozzle having a flow controller. - With reference to
FIGS. 1-5 , an improvedrotary sprinkler 10 is provided having a fitting 12 for connecting to a standpipe or other fluid supply conduit, such as by usingthreads 13. Thesprinkler 10 has aframe 14 with anupper portion 16 and alower portion 18 connected to the fitting 12. Aspinner assembly 15 is connected to the frameupper portion 16 and anozzle 20 is removably connected to asocket 21 defined by the framelower potion 18. In one approach, thenozzle 20 is secured to theframe 14 by a pair ofreleasable connections 23 and can be replaced with anothernozzle 20 having flow characteristics desired for a particular application. Fluid travels through the fitting 12, into thenozzle 20, and is discharged from thenozzle 20 as a jet. Thespinner assembly 15 includes adeflector 22 disposed above thenozzle 20 which receives the jet of fluid from thenozzle 20. Thespinner assembly 15 further includes abrake device 24 removably coupled to the frameupper portion 16 and configured to limit the rate of rotation of thedeflector 22. Thebrake device 24 is secured to theframe 14 with a pair ofreleasable connections 25. It should be noted that although thesprinkler 10 is illustrated as being disposed in an upright position, the sprinkler can also be mounted in, for example, an inverted position. - The
frame 14 comprises a pair of horizontallower support members 26 extending radially from opposite sides of thenozzle socket 21. A pair ofupper support members 28 are attached in a similar manner to theupper portion 16 as those attached to thelower portion 18. Thesupport members 26 outwardly terminate at arms or supports 29 of theframe 14. Theupper portion 16 has ayoke 27 with opening 30 defined by a wall 32 of theyoke 27, as shown inFIG. 5 . Thebrake device 24 is disposed within theopening 30 and is supported by thesupport members 28. Preferably, the upper andlower portions members frame 14 are formed as a single unit, such as by molding theframe 14 from a suitable plastic material. Although theframe 14 is illustrated with twosupports 29, theframe 14 may alternatively have one, three, four, ormore supports 29 as desired. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and6 , the fitting 12 defines aninlet 34 through which fluid flows into thesprinkler 10. Theinlet 34 leads to anopening 36 of thenozzle 20 defined by a nozzleinner wall 38. The nozzleinner wall 38 has a tapered configuration that decreases in thickness until reaching anupstream lip 37 of thenozzle 20. The fitting 12 includes acup portion 41 with atapered surface 43 that is inclined relative to thelongitudinal axis 52 of thesprinkler 10. During assembly, theupstream lip 37 of thenozzle 20 is advanced indirection 45 intonozzle socket 21 until theupstream lip 37 engages the tapered surface 43 (seeFIGS. 5 and6 ). This engagement causes the fitting taperedsurface 43 to slightly compress theupstream lip 37, which provides a positive leak-proof seal between thenozzle 20 and the fitting 12. - The
nozzle 20 has anozzle body 40 that houses anozzle portion 42, defining afluid passageway 44 through thenozzle portion 42, and terminating at a nozzle exit 46. Thenozzle portion 42 increases the speed of the fluid as it travels through thepassageway 44. The fluid leaves thenozzle 20 through the exit 46 as a jet and travels into aninlet opening 47 of thedeflector 22 and along achannel 48 of thedeflector 22, before exiting thedeflector 22 through a deflector outlet opening 50. The exiting fluid causes thedeflector 22 to rotate about alongitudinal axis 52 of thesprinkler 10 and disperses the fluid outward from thesprinkler 10, as discussed in greater detail below. - Referring to
FIGS. 5-15 , thebrake device 24 connects thedeflector 22 to theframe 14 and permits rotational and vertical movement of thedeflector 22 within an opening 14a of theframe 14. Thebrake device 24 utilizes friction between surfaces to restrict and control the rate of rotation of thedeflector 22. More specifically, thebrake device 24 is formed as a self-contained module which is releasably and removably attached to theframe 14 so that thebrake device 24 can be easily replaced. Thebrake device 24 is top serviceable and can be removed from above thesprinkler 10 while theframe 14 and lower end fitting 12 remain connected to the fluid supply. This simplifies maintenance of thesprinkler 10 and permits thebrake device 24 to be easily removed from theframe 14, such as if thebrake device 24 locks up and prevents rotation of thedeflector 22 or if the brake device fails and permits thedeflector 22 to spin out of control. Another advantage provided by thebrake device 24 is that thedeflector 22 can be easily replaced or serviced by removing thebrake device 24 from theframe 14. Further, theremovable brake device 24 provides access to thenozzle 20 for removal and maintenance, such as cleaning thenozzle 20. - The
brake device 24 includes ahousing cap 54, abrake member 56, abrake plate 58, abrake shaft 60, and abase member 62, as shown inFIGS. 5 and7 . Thecap 54 has abody 63 with asleeve 64 extending longitudinally downward and defining arecess 66 for receiving components of thebrake device 24, shown inFIGS. 7-8a . Inside of therecess 66, thecap 54 has alower cap surface 67, agroove 68, and ablind bore 70. Thebrake device 24 and frameupper portion 16 have interlocking portions that permit thebrake device 24 to be releasably secured to theupper portion 16. In one form, the interlocking portions form a bayonet-style connection between thebrake device 24 and the frameupper portion 16. The interlocking portions include apair tabs 72 depending from opposite sides of thebody 63, as shown inFIGS. 3 and8 . Thetabs 72 have aprotrusion 74 and adetent 76 that engage corresponding features of theframe 14. Referring toFIGS. 19 and20 , a pair ofcoupling members 122 are disposed on opposite sides of theupper portion 16 of theframe 14. Eachcoupling member 122 has arecess 124 and an opening 126 adapted to frictionally engage thedetent 76 andprotrusion 74, respectively, of thebrake device 24 and restrict turning and longitudinal movement of thebrake device 24 relative to the frameupper portion 16. - To connect the
brake device 24 to theframe 14, adistal end 77 of the cap 54 (seeFIG. 5 ) is advanced into theframe opening 30, with thecap 54 rotationally positioned about theaxis 52 so the dependingtabs 25 do not pass over thecoupling members 122, but are instead positioned laterally to thecoupling members 122. When theprotrusions 74 of thebrake device 24 are axially aligned with the openings 126 of thecoupling members 122, thecap 54 andtabs 72 thereof are turned in direction 130 to a locked position, which causes theprotrusion 74 to slide into the opening 126 (seeFIGS. 1 and19 ). Thedetents 76 cam over thecoupling members 122, which causes thetabs 72 to bias outward, and engage therecesses 124. The biasing action produces a reaction force that maintains thedetents 76 in therecesses 124 against unintentional dislodgement. The opening 126 haswalls 126A, 126B that engage theprotrusion 74 and restrict longitudinal movement of thebrake device 24 along theaxis 52. Further, thebrake device detents 76 have convexouter surfaces 76A that engage complimentaryconcave surfaces 124A of the frame recesses 124 (seeFIGS. 8A and19 ). The engagement between thedetents 76 and therecesses 124 restricts rotary movement of thetabs 72 away from the locked position. Thecap 54, restricted from rotary or longitudinal displacement, is thereby releasably secured to theframe 14. To disengage thebrake device 24 from theframe 14, thecap 54 is turned in direction 132 which unseats thedetents 76 from therecesses 124 and disengages thebrake device tabs 72 from the frame coupling members 122 (seeFIG. 1 ). - With reference to
FIGS. 5 and19 , thenozzle 20 is releasably coupled to thelower portion 18 of theframe 14 with interlocking portions of thenozzle 20 and theframe nozzle socket 21. In one form, the interlocking portions of thenozzle 20 and thenozzle socket 21 are similar to the releasable connection of thebrake device 24 to the frameupper portion 14. Further, thenozzle 20 is connected to thenozzle socket 21 in a manner similar to the process of installing thebrake device 24 on the frameupper portion 16. Thenozzle 20 has acollar 140 with dependingtabs 142 configured to engagecoupling members 144 disposed on anouter wall 146 of the nozzle socket 21 (seeFIGS. 2 and19 ). - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thedeflector 22 is positioned above and closely approximate thenozzle 20. Thebrake device 24 may be disengaged from the frame 14 (and thedeflector 22 moved upwardly) to provide clearance for removal of thenozzle 20. It will be appreciated that both thebrake device 24 and thenozzle 20 are top serviceable and can be removed without removing thesprinkler 10 from the fluid supply. - The
sprinkler 10 may be configured to receivedifferent nozzles 20 having a variety of flow rates, etc. for a desired sprinkler application. Thecollar 140 and dependingtabs 142 are similar between thedifferent nozzles 20 in order to permit thedifferent nozzles 20 to be releasably engaged with the nozzlesocket coupling member 144. - The
brake assembly 24 includes abrake member 56 and a clamping device, such as abrake plate 58 and abrake surface 67, which clamp thebrake member 56 and slow the rotation of thedeflector 22 as shown inFIG. 7 . Thebrake plate 58 is positioned below thebrake member 56 and is coupled to ashaft 60 which carries thedeflector 22 such that thebrake plate 58 turns with rotation of thedeflector 22. Thebrake surface 67 is disposed on an underside of the cap 24 (on an opposite side of thebrake member 56 from the brake plate 58) and is stationary relative to therotating brake member 56. As discussed in greater detail below, fluid striking thedeflector 22 rotates thedeflector 22 andbrake plate 58, shifts thebrake plate 58 upward, and compresses thebrake member 56 between thebrake plate 58 and thebrake surface 67. This produces frictional resistance to turning of thedeflector 22. - The
brake member 56 may be conically shaped and defined by alower friction surface 78 and an upper friction surface 80 (seeFIGS. 7 ,10 ,11 ). Thesurfaces grooves 82 extending radially outward from a central opening 84 (which receives theshaft 60 therethrough), with eachgroove 82 having an inner recess 86 and an outer recess 88 as shown inFIGS. 9 and10 . Thegrooves 82 may function to direct dirt and debris that become lodged between thebrake member 56,brake plate 58, andbrake surface 67 radially outward and away from theshaft 60. This operation inhibits the dirt and debris from gumming up the rotation of brake plate 58 (anddeflector 22 connected thereto). In one approach, a lubricant such as grease may be used within thebrake assembly 24 to increase the ease with which thedeflector 22 can rotate. In this approach thegrooves 82 serve to trap excess grease that could affect the frictional quality of the contact surfaces. - With reference to
FIG. 10A , anotherbrake member 56A is shown. Thebrake member 56A is substantially similar to thebrake member 56 and includes upper and lower friction surfaces 80A, 78A with grooves 82A thereon. Thebrake member 56A, however, is flat rather than the conical shape ofbrake member 56. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 ,7 ,12 , and13 , thebrake plate 58 has anupper plate portion 90 with afriction surface 91 for engaging thebrake member 56 and a socket 92 extending longitudinally downward from theplate portion 90. The socket 92 has a hexagonal shapedopening 94 and a through-opening 96 for receiving theshaft 60 therethrough. Referring toFIGS. 5 and7 , theshaft 60 has an upper portion 98, alower portion 100, ahexagonal collar 102, and splines 104 of thelower portion 100. Theupper portion 60 resides within theopenings 84 and 96 of thebrake member 56 and thebrake plate 58, respectively. The socket 92 has a mating, hexagonal configuration to engage the shafthexagonal collar 102 and restrict rotary movement therebetween. An upper surface 102A of thecollar 102 faces a bottom 92A of the socket 92, so that upward, longitudinal movement of theshaft 60 engages the upper surface 102A of theshaft collar 102 with the socket bottom 92A and shifts thebrake plate 58 upward. - The
shaft 60 has alower end portion 100 sized to fit within a recess 105 of thedeflector 22. The shaftlower end portion 100 hassplines 104 that engage cooperating splines in the recess 105. The interengagement of the splines keeps thedeflector 22 mounted on the shaftlower end portion 100 and restricts relative rotary motion of thedeflector 22 about the shaftlower end portion 100. In another approach, the recess 105 has a smooth bore and the shaftlower end portion 100 is press-fit therein. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7 ,14 , and15 , thebrake base 62 hasresilient tabs 112 that releasably connect thebrake base 62 within thebrake cap 54. Theresilient tabs 112 are upstanding from a disc 110 and includeprotuberances 114 which bear against aninternal surface 54A of the brake cap 54 (seeFIG. 8 ) and deflect thetabs 112 radially inward as thebase 62 is inserted into thecap 54 and thetabs 112 are advanced into thebrake cap recess 66. Theprotuberances 114 snap into thegroove 68 of thebrake cap 54 to secure thebrake base 62 within thebrake cap 54. - In another approach, the
brake base 62 may be ultrasonically welded or adhered to thebrake cap 54 rather than utilizingresilient tabs 112. In yet another approach, thebrake base 62 may be permanently connected to thebrake cap 54 using structures that make disassembly nearly impossible without damaging thesprinkler 10. For example, theresilient tabs 112 could haveprotuberances 114 with sharp profiles that permit thetabs 112 to snap intobrake cap 54 in an insertion direction but require deformation of theprotuberances 114 in a reverse direction. - With the
brake base 62 mounted within thebrake cap 54, thebrake base 62 is secured to theframe 14 during operation of thesprinkler 10. Thebrake base 62 has asleeve 108 with a through opening 106 sized to receive theshaft 60, as shown inFIGS. 7 ,14 ,15 . Thesleeve 108 permits both rotational and longitudinal movement of thesleeve 108 within theopening 108. Further, the sleeve has an upper end 108A which contacts the bottom of theshaft collar 102 and restricts downward longitudinal movement of theshaft 60 beyond a predetermined position, as shown inFIG. 7 . The sleeve upper end 108A functions as a lower stop for theshaft 60. - Referring to
FIGS. 16-18 , thechannel 48 of thedeflector 22 may have an open configuration with anopening 48A extending along a side of thechannel 48. Thechannel 48 haswalls 118 on opposite sides of thechannel 48, with one of thewalls 118A having an axially inclined surface 116 to direct the flow of fluid through thedeflector 22 and the other wall 118B having aramp 120 that directs the flow tangentially from the outlet 50 of thedeflector 22. As a result of water flow through thechannel 48 and against theramp 120, a reaction force tangent to the axis ofrotation 52 of thedeflector 22 is created, causing thedeflector 22 and the attachedshaft 60 to rotate relative to theframe 14 in direction 150 (seeFIGS. 1 and21 ). - The
channel 48 also has acurved surface 122 that redirects an axial flow of fluid from thenozzle 20 into a flow travelling radially outward from thedeflector 22. The inclined surface 116 directs the fluid flow towards the wall 118B as the fluid travels along thecurved surface 122. The inclined surface 116 and thecurved surface 122 operate to direct fluid toward theramp 120 and cause the fluid to exit the deflector outlet 50 at a predetermined angle sufficient to cause thedeflector 22 to turn. The shape of the surfaces of thechannel 48, includingsurfaces deflector 22. It will be appreciated that thechannel 48 can have one, two, three, or more flat surfaces, as well as other features such as one or more grooves, in order to achieve a desired fluid distribution uniformity from thedeflector 22. - With reference to
FIGS. 37-39 , a deflector 500 is shown having an inner channel 502,steps 504, and grooves 506 extending along an interior surface of the channel 502. The grooves 506 near the upper end (as viewed inFIG. 37 ) direct the upper portion of the fluid flow to provide far-field watering 508 while thesteps 504 near the lower end direct the lower portion of the fluid flow to provide near-field watering 510. The deflector 500 can be used with thesprinkler 10, and is generally shown in operation inFIG. 39 . By directing the upper portion of the flow farther, the deflector 500 restricts the upper portion of the flow from pushing the lower portion of the flow downward. This functions to increase the throw distance and spray uniformity of the sprinkler 520. - When fluid travels into the
deflector 22 from thenozzle 20, the fluid strikes thecurved surface 122 and shifts thedeflector 22 andshaft 60 connected thereto upward through a short stroke. The upward movement of theshaft 60 shifts the upper friction surface 91 (seeFIG. 5 ) of thebrake plate 58 into engagement with thelower friction surface 78 of thebrake member 56. Thebrake member 56 is also shifted axially upwardly through a short stroke sufficient to move theupper friction surface 80 of the brake member 56 (seeFIG. 7 ) into engagement with thebrake surface 67 of thecap 54. With this arrangement, thebrake member 56 is axially sandwiched between the rotatably drivenbrake plate 58 and thenonrotating brake surface 67. Thebrake member 56 frictionally resists and slows the rotational speed of thebrake plate 58 and thedeflector 22 connected to it. - The higher the fluid flow through the
nozzle 20, the greater the impact force of the fluid against thecurved surface 122 of thedeflector 22. This translates into a greater upward force being exerted on thedeflector 22 andshaft 60 andbrake plate 58 connected thereto. As the fluid flow increases, this upward force causes thebrake member 56 to gradually flatten out and bring alarger portion 160 of the brakemember friction surface 80 into engagement with thecap brake surface 67, as shown inFIG. 7 . Further, flattening out of thebrake member 56 also causes alarger portion 162 of the brake memberlower friction surface 78 to engage thebrake plate 58. Thus, rather than thedeflector 22 spinning faster with increased fluid flow from thenozzle 20, thebrake device 24 applies an increasing braking force to resist the increased reaction force on thedeflector ramp 120 from the increased fluid flow. - The
flat brake member 56A provides a similar increase in braking force with increased impact force of the fluid against thecurved surface 122 of thedeflector 22. More specifically, the frictional engagement between the brake upper frictional surface 80A, thebrake surface 67, and thebrake member 58 is increased with an increase in fluid flow against the curved surface 122 (seeFIG. 7 ). This increase occurs because frictional force is a function of the force applied in a direction normal to thefriction surface 67, with the normal force in this case resulting from the impact of fluid against thecurved surface 122 of thedeflector 22. - With reference to
FIG. 21 , thesprinkler 10 has additional features that improve efficiency of thesprinkler 10. In one form, thesprinkler 10 hassupports 29 with an airfoil-shaped cross section that minimizes the shadow created by thesupports 29 in the spray pattern of thesprinkler 10. More specifically, thesupports 29 have a leading end portion 170, an enlargedintermediate portion 172, and a tapered trailingend portion 174. The leading and trailingend portions fluid flow 169 from thedeflector 22 around thesupports 29 and cause thefluid flow 169 to re-join near the trailingend 174. Thefluid flow 169 then continues radially outward from thesupports 29 substantially uninterrupted by the presence of thesupports 29, which reduces the shadow of thesupports 29 over conventional sprinklers. - The supports 29 have
cross-sectional midlines 180 that are oriented at anangle 182 relative to aradius 184 of thesprinkler 10. As shown inFIG. 21 ,fluid 169 travels outwardly from thedeflector 22 tangentially to the deflector outlet opening 50 due to the fluid 169 striking theramp 120. The support midlines 180 are oriented substantially parallel to this tangential direction of fluid travel, which causes the fluid 169 traveling outward from the deflector outlet opening 50 to contact the leading end portion 170 head-on. This maximizes the ability of the support cross-section to redirectflow 169 around thesupport 29 and rejoin theflow 169 once it reaches the trailingend portion 174. - The components of the
sprinkler 10 are generally selected to provide sufficient strength and durability for a particular sprinkler application. For example, thebrake shaft 60 may be made of stainless steel, thebrake member 56 may be made of an elastomeric material, and the remaining components of thesprinkler 10 may be made out of plastic. - With reference to
FIGS. 22 and23 , asprinkler 200 is shown that is similar to thesprinkler 10. Thesprinkler 200, however, has anozzle 210 integrally formed with aframe 212 of thesprinkler 200, rather than theremovable nozzle 20 of thesprinkler 10. Thesprinkler 200 may cost less to manufacture and be desirable over thesprinkler 10 in certain applications, such as when aremovable nozzle 20 is not needed. - With reference to
FIGS. 24-29 , anothersprinkler 300 is shown. Thesprinkler 300 is similar in many respects to thesprinkler 10 such that differences between the two will be highlighted. One difference is that thesprinkler 300 includes abody 302 having abase portion 304 rotatably mounted on anozzle 306, asupport portion 308 to which aspinner assembly 310 is connected, andarms 312 connecting thebase potion 304 to thesupport portion 308. Thebody 302 andspinner assembly 310 can thereby rotate relative to thenozzle 304 during use, whereas theframe 14 andspinner assembly 15 ofsprinkler 10 are generally stationary during use. Because thebody 300 can rotate about thenozzle 306, fluid flow from adeflector 320 of thespinner assembly 310 strikes thearms 312 and causes thebody 302 to rotate incrementally a short distance about thenozzle 306. This incremental rotation ofbody 302 moves thearms 312 to a different position each time thedeflector 320 travels by thearms 312 which continually moves the spray shadow produced by thearms 312. In this manner, thesprinkler 300 has an uninterrupted spray pattern over time. - More specifically, the
body base portion 304 includes acollar 330 with an opening 332 sized to fit over aneck 334 of a retention member such as anut 336. During assembly, thecollar 330 is slid onto theneck 334 and theneck 334 is threaded onto an upstanding outer wall 340 of thenozzle 306. Thenut 336 has aflange 342 and a sleeve 344 that capture thecollar 330 on thenozzle 306 between theflange 342 and a support 350 of thenozzle 306. Further, thenut 336 has wings 354 that may be grasped and used to tighten thenut 336 onto thenozzle 306. - The
collar 330 hasinternal teeth 351 with grooves 353 therebetween and theneck 334 of thenut 336 has a smoothouter surface 355. When thebody 302 rotates relative to thenut 336 and thenozzle 306, theteeth 351 slide about theouter surface 355. The grooves 353 direct dirt and debris caught between thebody 302 and thenut 336 downward and outward from the connection between thebody 302 and thenut 336. This keeps dirt and debris from gumming up the connection and keeps thebody 302 rotatable on thenut 336. - With reference to
FIGS. 28 and28A , thespinner assembly 310 includes abrake device 360 releasably connected to thebody support portion 308 in a manner similar to thebrake device 24 and frameupper portion 16. However, thebrake device 360 includes acap 362 with dependingtabs 364 having different coupling features than thetabs 72. Thetabs 364 have roundedmembers 370 that engagecoupling members 371 of thebody support portion 308 and restrict longitudinal and rotational movement of thebrake device cap 362. More specifically, the tab roundedmember 370 has an inclinedouter surface 372 that is rotated into engagement withinclined surface 374 of thecoupling member 371, in a manner similar to turning thebrake cap 54 to lock thecap 54 to the frameupper portion 16. The tab roundedmember 370 also has aconvex surface 376 which engages aconcave surface 378 of thecoupling member 371. The engagement of thesurfaces cap 362 away from its locked position. However, it will be appreciated that thesprinkler 300 could alternatively utilize the locking mechanisms ofsprinkler 10. - Another difference between the
sprinklers sprinkler 300 hasarms 312 with cross-sections shaped to produce rotary movement of thearms 312 in response to fluid striking thearms 312. With reference toFIG. 29 ,water flow 380 from thedeflector 320 travels toward an inner portion of thearm 312, strikes a curvedintermediate surface 384, and is redirected outward from anouter portion 386 of thearm 312. The impact of thewater flow 380 against thecurved surface 384 imparts a force offset from the radial direction which creates a torque on thearm 312 and thebody 302. This torque advances thebody 312 indirection 390, which is generally opposite the direction of rotation of thedeflector 320. - It will be appreciated that the
fluid stream 380 strikes thearm 312 only momentarily before the rotation of thedeflector 320 moves thefluid stream 380 out of alignment with thearm 312. Eventually, thefluid stream 380 strikes the other arm and a similar torque is applied to further incrementally rotate thebody 302 andarms 312. Thus, thedeflector 320 moves at a generally constant speed (due at least in part to brake assembly 360) indirection 392 while thebody 302 andarms 312 rotate intermittently and incrementally indirection 390 when thefluid stream 380 contacts either one of thearms 312. - With reference to
FIGS. 30-36 , asprinkler 1000 is shown that is similar in a number of ways to thesprinkler 300 ofFIGS. 24-29 . Thesprinkler 1000 has anozzle 1002 with a lower threadedportion 1004 for mounting to a water supply line and an upper threadedportion 1006 for engaging a retention member such as anipple 1008. Thenozzle 1002 has twoprotuberances sprinkler 1000. - The
sprinkler 1000 is different from thesprinkler 300 in that thesprinkler 1000 has arotator 1020 with astationary deflector 1022 mounted thereon. The sprinkler includes a snap-infeature 1023 that releasably connects thedeflector 1022 to therotator 1020. Thedeflector 1022 diverts a jet of water from thenozzle 1002 and redirects it at two angles. One angle turns the stream from vertical to horizontal and spreads the jet for even watering. As discussed below, redirecting the stream imparts a vertical force to thedeflector 1022 which causes therotator 1020 to compress a brake 1032 and slow rotation of therotator 1020. Thedeflector 1022 imparts a second angle channels the jet of water sideways creating a moment arm about an axis ofrotation 1033 causing therotator 1020 to turn clockwise (as viewed from above the sprinkler 1000). The shapes and configurations of thenozzle 1002 anddeflector 1022 can be varied to produce different throw distances and volumes. - The
nipple 1008 hasclips 1030 that are configured to permit the brake 1032 and therotator 1020 to be pressed onto thenipple 1008. However, once the brake 1032 and therotator 1020 are mounted on thenipple 1008, theclips 1030 restrict the brake 1032 and therotator 1020 from sliding off of thenipple 1008 even if thenozzle 1002 has been removed from thenipple 1008. - The brake 1032 is a compactable rubber dual-contact O-ring which when compressed will result in an increased frictional force which keeps the
rotator 1020 from rotating ever faster. When water from thenozzle 1002 strikes thedeflector 1022, the impact force from the water shifts therotator 1020 away from thenozzle 1002 and causes therotator 1020 to compress the brake 1032 betweenbrake surfaces 1040, 1042 of therotator 1020 andnipple 1008. - The
rotator 1020 has a collar 1050 withinternal teeth 1052 that slide along a smoothouter surface 1054 of thenipple 1008. Theteeth 1052 direct dirt and other debris alonggrooves 1056 betweenteeth 1052 and outward from the connection between therotator 1020 and thenipple 1008. This reduces the likelihood of thesprinkler 1000 stalling due to debris gumming up the connection between therotator 1020 and thenipple 1008. - With reference to
FIGS. 40-47 , asprinkler 1200 having abrake assembly 1202 that is responsive to environmental conditions is shown. Thesprinkler 1200 is substantially similar to thesprinkler 10 discussed above such that differences between the two will be highlighted. Thebrake assembly 1202 has acap 1204 that forms a sealedchamber 1210 in conjunction with abrake base member 1212, as shown inFIG. 47 . Thechamber 1210 houses a fluid 1214 and abrake shaft 1216 connected to adeflector 1218 of thesprinkler 1200. Thechamber 1210 can include a seal between thebrake shaft 1216 and ashaft bearing surface 1213 of thebrake base member 1212 to seal thefluid 1214 within thechamber 1210, as shown inFIG. 47 . - With reference to
FIG. 41 , thecap 1204 is removed to show a brake rotor 1230 of thebrake assembly 1202. The brake rotor 1230 includes areactive brake device 1232 that is configured to change the braking force applied to thedeflector brake shaft 1216 in response to changes to the environment in which thesprinkler 1200 is located. For example, thereactive brake device 1232 may include abi-material coil 1240 that has two sheets of material laminated together. With reference toFIG. 46 , a cross-section of thecoil 1240 is shown. Thecoil 1240 includes anactive component 1250 having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion and apassive component 1252 having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. As the environmental temperature increases, theactive component 1250 expands more than thepassive component 1252 such that thecoil 1240 expands. - With reference to
FIGS. 41 and42 , thecoil 1240 has a fixedend 1260 engaged in a slot of thebrake shaft 1216, such as by welding, and afree end 1262 disposed radially outward from thefixed end 1260. With reference toFIGS. 41 and42 , thecoil 1240 is shown in a fully contracted position at a low environmental temperature where the sections of thecoil 1240 are in a tightly wrapped orientation around each other. With reference toFIGS. 43 and44 , thecoil 1240 is shown in a fully expanded configuration at an elevated temperature. When thecoil 1240 is in the expanded configuration, the winds of thecoil 1240 are spaced apart bylarger gaps 1270 than when thecoil 1240 is at the low temperature. - The change in the
coil 1240 from the fully contracted to the fully expanded configuration increases the resistant torque generated by thecoil 1240 as thecoil 1240 rotates within thefluid 1214. More specifically, the resistant torque generated by the expandedcoil 1240 is higher than the torque generated by the contracted coil. This increase in torque tends to offset the decrease in the viscosity of the fluid 1214 due to the increase in environmental temperature. Thus, thecoil 1240 can provide a more consistent torque and resulting speed of rotation of thedeflector 1218 despite changes in the temperature of the surrounding environment. - Another impact of the change in the shape of the
coil 1240 from the contracted expanded configuration is that the fully expanded coil has a larger moment of inertia than the contractedcoil 1240. Stated differently, thecoil 1240 is more difficult to turn when it is fully expanded than when it is fully contracted. This increase in the moment of inertia also helps to offset the decrease in viscosity of the fluid 1214 due to elevated environmental temperatures. - With reference to
FIGS. 46 and47 , the fluid 1214 may be a silicone-based grease of a desired viscosity. For theactive component 1250, metals or metal alloys with a high coefficient of thermal expansion may be used including non-ferrous metals such a copper, brass, aluminum, or nickel. For thepassive component 1252, ferrous alloy such as stainless steel may be used. - With reference to
FIG. 48 , anotherreactive brake device 1290 is shown including acoil 1292 having afixed end 1294 connected to thebrake shaft 1216. Thecoil 1292 is similar to thecoil 1240, except that thecoil 1292 has a relaxed configuration (seeFIG. 48 ) and a stressed configuration (seeFIG. 49 ) where thecoil 1292 has an undulating shape. The undulating profile of thecoil 1292 when thecoil 1292 is in the stressed configuration increases the drag of thecoil 1292 through the fluid 1214 in thebrake chamber 1210. - With reference to
FIGS. 50 and 51 , anotherreactive brake device 1300 is shown. Thereactive brake device 1300 includes abeam 1302 extending radially outward from thebrake shaft 1216 when thereactive brake device 1300 is at a low environmental temperature. Increasing the temperature, however, causes thebeam 1302 to bend, as shown inFIG. 51 . Thebent beam 1302 produces a higher amount of drag as thebeam 1302 travels indirection 1304 within the fluid 1214 in thechamber 1210. Thus, thereactive brake device 1300 provides another approach for compensating for the decrease in viscosity of the fluid 1214 as the environmental temperature changes. Although only onebeam 1302 is shown, thereactive brake device 1300 could include one, two, three, ormore beams 1302 depending on the amount of resistance needed for a particular application. - With reference to
FIG. 52 , anothercoil 1400 is shown. Thecoil 1400 is similar to thecoil 1240 except that thecoil 1400 has an outwardly projectinglip 1402 that can magnify the resistant torque generated by the expandedcoil 1400. - With reference to
FIGS. 53-55 , anotherbrake assembly 1500 is shown. Thebrake assembly 1500 may be releasably connected to a sprinkler frame, such as a frame 1203 (seeFIG. 40 ) in place of thebrake assembly 1202. Thebrake assembly 1500 includes ahousing 1502 having achamber 1504 filled at least partially with a viscous fluid 1507 (seeFIG. 54 ) and arotor 1506 disposed in thechamber 1504. In one form, therotor 1506 has a drum shape, thechamber 1504 is filled with the viscous fluid, and the drum-shapedrotor 1506 is completely submerged in the viscous fluid within thechamber 1504. Theviscous fluid 1507 may be grease or another fluid having a viscosity in the range of approximately 450,000 cP to approximately 970,000 cP. For example, theviscous fluid 1507 may be dampening grease having a viscosity in the range of approximately 450,000 cP to approximately 550,000 cP. Companies like Nusil and Shin-Etsu sell grease that may be used asviscous fluid 1507. - With reference to
FIG. 53 , thehousing 1502 has acap 1503 similar to the cap 1204 (seeFIG. 40 ), which encloses thechamber 1504 and includes dependingtabs 1505 for connecting to a sprinkler frame. However, an upper portion of thecap 1503 is not shown inFIG. 53 in order to show the internal components of thebrake assembly 1500. Thecap 1204 inFIG. 40 illustrates the upper portion of thecap 1503. More specifically, therotor 1506 is connected to ashaft 1510 at one end of theshaft 1510, and adeflector 1512 is connected to an opposite end of theshaft 1510. In response to thedeflector 1512 receiving fluid, thedeflector 1512 andshaft 1510 rotate which rotates therotor 1506 in thechamber 1504. Theviscous fluid 1507 in thechamber 1504 produces drag on therotor 1506, slowing the rotation of therotor 1506 to produce a rotational velocity of therotor 1506 generally within a predetermined range as the fluid strikes thedeflector 1512. - The
brake assembly 1500 further includes areactive brake device 1520 that, in one form, includesbimetallic fins 1522 submerged at least partially in theviscous fluid 1507 of thechamber 1504. Thefins 1522 havefree ends 1552 separated from therotor 1506 by openings orgaps 1524, as shown inFIG. 54 . As therotor 1506 turns indirection 1582 due to turning of thedeflector 1512, theviscous fluid 1507 in thechamber 1504 travels through thegaps 1524 indirection 1580. - The fin free ends 1552 change position within the
chamber 1504 in response to changes in temperature of thebimetallic fins 1522, which changes the size of thegaps 1524 through which theviscous fluid 1507 travels. The changes in the temperature of thebimetallic fins 1522 may be due to changes in ambient temperature in the environment about thebrake assembly 1500. The changes in ambient temperature may change the temperature of theviscous fluid 1507 in which thebimetallic fins 1522 are at least partially submerged, which changes the temperature of thefins 1522. Alternatively or in addition to the ambient temperature changes, the temperature of theviscous fluid 1507 may change in response to rotation of therotor 1506 in the viscous fluid 1507 (e.g., the friction of therotor 1506 rotating in the fluid 1507 at a high speed for a long period of time may increase the temperature of the fluid 1507). In some approaches, changes in ambient temperature (and the associated changes in the temperature of the fluid 1507) is the primary driver of temperature change in thebimetallic fins 1522 while changes in the temperature of the fluid 1507 in response to rotation of therotor 1506 in thefluid 1507 contributes only slightly to temperature change of thefins 1522. In yet another approach, a portion of thebimetallic fins 1522 may be exposed to the surrounding environment such that changes in the ambient temperature directly change the temperature of thefins 1522 and the positions of the fin free ends 1552. - With reference to
FIG. 54 , theviscous fluid 1507 in thechamber 1504 generally travels indirection 1580 through thegaps 1524 along a path 1584 as therotor 1506 rotates. When the temperature of thebimetallic fins 1522 increases such as due to increased ambient temperature, the free ends 1552 shift toward therotor 1506 in direction 1525 which narrows the gaps 1524 (as shown in the movement of thefins 1522 from their positions inFIG. 54 to their positions inFIG. 55 ). This causes the viscous drag produced by the fluid 1507 in the narrowedgaps 1524 to increase which compensates for the decreased viscosity of theviscous fluid 1507 due to the higher ambient temperature. When the temperature of thebimetallic fins 1522 decreases such as due to decreased ambient temperature, the free ends 1552 shift away from therotor 1506 indirection 1527 and toward a stator 1530 (seeFIG. 53 )) of thebrake housing 1502 which widens the gaps 1524 (as shown in the movement of thefins 1522 from their positions inFIG. 55 to their positions inFIG. 54 ). This causes the viscous drag produced by the fluid 1507 to decrease which compensates for the increased viscosity of the fluid 1507 due to the lower ambient temperature. The temperature-dependent movement of thebi-metallic fins 1522 therefore functions to maintain a more consistent rotational velocity of therotor 1506 anddeflector 1512 connected thereto despite changes in ambient temperature. - With respect to
FIG. 53 , thebrake housing 1502 includespockets 1540 and openings 1542 in thestator 1530 that open into thepockets 1540. Eachfin 1522 has acurved end 1544 rigidly mounted in a respectivecylindrical pocket 1540. In one form, the fincurved end 1544 is held tightly in thehousing pocket 1540 by frictional engagement between thecurved end 1544 and thepocket 1540. In other approaches, the fincurved end 1544 may be secured in thepocket 1540 using welds, fasteners, or adhesives, for example. In yet another approach, the fin curved ends 1544 may be molded into thestator 1530 during molding of thehousing 1502. - Each
fin 1522 extends outward from itsrespective pockets 1540 through the opening 1542 and into thechamber 1504. Eachfin 1522 has abase portion 1550 engaged with thepocket 1540 and the finfree end portion 1552 is positioned in thebrake housing chamber 1504. Thefins 1522 have a shape complimentary to therotor 1506 such that thefins 1522 avoid interfering with the rotor throughout the operating range of ambient temperatures experienced by thesprinkler 1500. For example, thefins 1522 may have concaveinner surfaces 1560 with curvatures similar to a convexouter surface 1562 of therotor 1506, as shown inFIGS. 54 and55 . - The
reactive brake device 1520 may have a variety of forms. For example, thefins 1522 may be configured to move between a first position where the finfree end portions 1552 are spaced from therotor 1506 when thesprinkler 1500 is at a low ambient temperature (similar to the position inFIG. 54 ) and a second position where thefree end portions 1522 come in close proximity or even directly contact therotor 1506 to slow rotation of therotor 1506 when thesprinkler 1500 is at a high ambient temperature. - The
brake housing stator 1530 positions thefins 1522 about thehousing 1502 so that there areopenings 1590 betweenadjacent fins 1522 which open intoslots 1592 between thefins 1522 and thebrake housing stator 1530, as shown inFIGS. 53 and54 . When the finfree end portions 1552 shift toward therotor 1506, thefins 1522 shift away from thehousing stator 1530 which draws fluid 1507 into theslots 1592 indirection 1594. When the finfree end portions 1552 shift away from therotor 1506, thefins 1522 shift toward thehousing stator 1530 which squeezes fluid 1507 outward from theslots 1592. - With reference to
FIGS. 56-58 , anothersprinkler deflector 1600 is shown. Thedeflector 1600 may be used with thebrake assembly 1200 and thebrake assembly 1500, for example. Thedeflector 1600 includes aninlet 1602 for receiving fluid from a sprinkler nozzle and anoutlet 1604 for discharging the fluid outwardly from the sprinkler as thedeflector 1600 rotates. Thedeflector 1600 includes abody 1606 having anoutlet opening 1608 and achannel 1620 that includes aduct 1610. Theduct 1610 redirects a portion of the fluid received at theinlet 1602 laterally from thedeflector 1600 to cause rotation of thedeflector 1600. The fluid discharged from theduct 1610 additionally provides close-in and intermediate watering of the surrounding terrain, as discussed in greater detail below. Thedeflector 1600 discharges the remaining fluid outward from theoutlet opening 1608 with a spray pattern defined by thechannel 1620 and theoutlet opening 1608. The fluid discharged from theoutlet opening 1608 provides far-away watering of the surrounding terrain as defined by the configuration of thechannel 1620 and theoutlet opening 1608. - With reference to
FIGS. 57 and58 , thedeflector channel 1620 has aninner surface 1622 that redirects fluid received in afirst direction 1624 toward a transversesecond direction 1626. Thedeflector channel 1620 maximizes the throw of the fluid outward from theoutlet opening 1608 by providing a smooth redirection of fluid flow within thedeflector 1600. Specifically, the channelinner surface 1622 is configured to minimize turbulence imparted to the fluid stream as it travels from theinlet 1602 to theoutlet opening 1608. The reduced turbulence provided by thechannel 1620 increases the efficiency of the re-redirection of the stream fromdirection 1624 todirection 1626 and provides the maximized throw distance because less energy in the fluid stream is lost to turbulence. This improved efficiency permits thesprinkler 1600 to water a larger area of surrounding landscape with a smaller volume of fluid supplied to the sprinkler than in some prior approaches. - With reference to
FIG. 58 , theduct 1610 includes anopening 1630 that permits fluid to travel indirection 1632 into theduct 1610. With reference toFIGS. 56 and58 , theduct 1610 further includes a close-inwatering ramp 1640 and anintermediate watering ramp 1642. Theduct 1610 siphons a portion of the fluid stream traveling between theinlet 1602 and theoutlet opening 1608 and theramps deflector 1600 and permits thedeflector 1600 to water a greater range of locations about the sprinkler. More specifically, theramps ramps outlet opening 1608 and provides intermediate and close-in watering from thedeflector 1600. As shown inFIG. 58 , the close-inwatering ramp 1640 curves laterally a greater amount than theintermediate watering ramp 1642. The greater lateral curvature of the close-inwatering ramp 1640 imparts a greater lateral redirection to the fluid traveling along theramp 1640 than the lateral redirection imparted by theramp 1642. Thus, the water exiting theduct 1610 along theramp 1640 does not travel as far outward from thedeflector 1600 as does the water traveling along theintermediate watering ramp 1642. Thedeflector 1600 thereby provides close-in and intermediate watering by directing fluid along theramps ramps outlet opening 1608 provide varying throw distances for the fluid exiting thedeflector 1600. - Further, the portion of the fluid stream siphoned by the
duct 1610 has a lower velocity compared to the remainder of the fluid stream because the fluid stream portion was traveling near a wall 1643 of thedeflector 1600 before entering theduct 1610. Due to the viscosity of the fluid (which may be water), the fluid stream has a lower velocity near the wall 1643 and a higher velocity away from the wall 1643. The lower initial velocity of fluid entering theduct 1610 contributes to lower fluid velocities as the fluid exits theramps outlet 1608 and reduces the throw distance of fluid exiting theramps - With reference to
FIG. 59 , anothersprinkler 1700 is shown. Thesprinkler 1700 includes aframe 1702 having anupper socket 1704 that receives abrake assembly 1706 and alower socket 1708 that receives anozzle 1710. Thesprinkler 1700 further includes adeflector 1712 mounted on ashaft 1714 of thebrake assembly 1706. With reference toFIG. 60 , thedeflector 1712 has aninlet 1750 for receiving fluid from thenozzle 1710, an outlet opening 1724 for discharging the fluid outward from thedeflector 1712, and achannel 1720 connecting theinlet 1750 to the outlet opening 1724. With reference toFIG. 62 , thedeflector 1712 includes afunnel 1752 that functions to direct fluid from thenozzle 1710 into thechannel 1720 of thedeflector 1712 and eventually outward from the outlet opening 1724. - The
channel 1720 has steps orramps 1722 that function to impart different throw distances and patterns to different portions of the water exiting the outlet opening 1724, as shown inFIG. 61 . Theramps 1722 provide a more even distribution of water from the outlet opening 1724 to the surrounding landscape which improves efficiency by reducing overwatering or underwatering of the surrounding landscape. Theramps 1722 includefan watering ramps outlet opening 1734. The close-inwatering ramps deflector opening 1734 to fan laterally outward and provide even watering of the surrounding landscape. Theramps 1722 also include aprimary flow channel 1740 that directs fluid generally straight outward with a relatively small component of tangential motion. Further, theramps 1722 include anintermediate watering ramp 1742 that causes fluid to fan slightly laterally (but less laterally than theramps 1730, 1732) and contribute to even watering from thedeflector 1712. In this manner, thedeflector 1700 provides an even distribution of fluid to regions of the surrounding environment which improves efficiency by reducing overwatering and underwatering. - The
primary flow channel 1740 is configured to provide a partially vertical trajectory to the fluid stream traveling along thechannel 1740 and outward from the outlet opening 1724. In one form, the fluid traveling along thechannel 1740 has a trajectory in the range of approximately 5 to approximately 24 degrees relative to the horizon upon installation of the sprinkler 1700 (with the fluid flow out of thenozzle 1710 being vertical). - As shown in
FIG. 59 , thedeflector 1700 redirects a vertical fluid stream from thenozzle 1710 to a more horizontal stream traveling outward from thedeflector 1712. To achieve this redirection, thechannel 1720 of thedeflector 1712 curves generally along an arc between theinlet 1750 and theoutlet 1722. With respect toFIG. 62 , this forced change in the direction of the fluid stream causes portions of the fluid stream to disperse towardwalls ramps FIG. 61 . - With reference to
FIG. 62 , theramps 1722 include aninitial ramp 1745 and adrive ramp 1747 that produce rotation of thedeflector 1712 as fluid travels through thechannel 1720. More specifically, theinitial ramp 1745 receives at least a portion of the fluid from theinlet 1750 and directs the fluid against thedrive ramp 1747. Thedrive ramp 1747 is oriented so as to generate a reaction torque as the fluid impacts thedrive ramp 1747. This impact causes thedeflector 1712 to rotate. - With reference to
FIGS. 59 and60 , thedeflector 1712 has afin 1749 configured to limit objects in the surrounding environment, such as long grass, from becoming lodged in agap 1751 between theframe 1702 and thedeflector 1712 and inhibiting rotation of thedeflector 1712. In one aspect, thefin 1749 has a height (as shown inFIG. 59 ) that narrows thegap 1751 which reduces the potential items that can fit into thegap 1751. Further, thefin 1749 has an anglednose 1753 that may push away objects such as long grass trapped betweenstruts 1754A, 1754B of theframe 1702. - The rotational speed of the
deflector 1712 relative to thesprinkler frame 1702 is controlled by thebrake assembly 1706 With reference toFIG. 64 , thebrake assembly 1706 includes arotor 1760 connected to or even integral with theshaft 1714 and ahousing 1762 to which therotor 1760 is mounted. Therotor 1760 rotates inside of achamber 1764 defined by thehousing 1762 filled with aviscous fluid 1766. Theviscous fluid 1766 inside thechamber 1764 imparts a drag force on therotor 1760 to establish a predetermined rotational speed of the rotor 1706 (and connected deflector 1712) within a particular range of supply line pressures for thesprinkler 1700. - The
brake assembly 1706 has aseal 1770 that seals the viscous fluid in thechamber 1766 and provides protection from debris entering a bearing surface between the bearingplate 1772 and theshaft 1714 while permitting rotation of theshaft 1714. Theseal 1770 is mounted to thebearing plate 1772, which is in turn secured to awall 1774 of thehousing 1762. Theseal 1770 may be made of silicone rubber, and thehousing 1762, may be made of plastic. To assemble thebrake assembly 1706, theviscous fluid 1766 is positioned in thechamber 1764, therotor 1760 advanced into thechamber 1764, anopening 1771 of the seal 1770 (which is mounted on the bearing plate 1772) passed along theshaft 1714, and thebearing plate 1772 secured to thewall 1744. Thebearing plate 1772 may be secured to thewall 1744 using, for example, adhesive, fasteners, snap-on or ultrasonic welding techniques. - With reference to
FIG. 65 , thebrake housing 1762 includes a cylindrical wall 1780 defining in part thechamber 1764 and supports 1782 extending outwardly that connect the wall 1780 to thehousing wall 1774. In this manner, thebrake housing 1762 provides a rigid and durable environment for therotor 1760 and theviscous fluid 1766, while facilitating an efficient assembly process. - With reference to
FIG. 59 , thesprinkler 1700 has alocking mechanism 1784 for releasably securing thenozzle 1710 in the framelower socket 1708. As shown inFIG. 66 , thelower socket 1708 includes awall 1786 with coupling members 1788 extending outwardly therefrom. Each coupling member 1788 has an underside with a cam portion 1790, astop portion 1792, and a recessedportion 1794 formed on an underside of the coupling member 1788. Turning toFIG. 67 , thenozzle 1710 has acap 1796 with askirt 1798 and atube 1800 depending from thecap 1796. Theskirt 1798 has members 1802 (seeFIG. 68 ) extending inwardly and havingdetents 1803 that are configured to engage the coupling members 1788 of the framelower socket 1708. Opposite themembers 1802, theskirt 1798 hasprojections 1804 extending outwardly that provide gripping surfaces for a user to grasp thenozzle 1710 as the user inserts and turns thenozzle 1710 in thelower socket 1708. - With reference to
FIG. 66 , a user inserts thenozzle tube 1800 indirection 1810 into anopening 1812 of thesocket 1708 until a cap underside surface 1814 (seeFIG. 67 ) seats against arim 1816 of thesocket wall 1786. Then, the user turns thenozzle 1710 in direction 1820 which engages thenozzle members 1802 anddetents 1803 thereof with the socket coupling members 1788. Initially, eachdetent 1803 engages the cam portion 1790 of a respective coupling member 1788 and shifts downwardly indirection 1810 with turning of the nozzle in direction 1820 due to the camming engagement of thedetent 1803 and the cam portion 1790. Because thecap underside surface 1814 rests upon thesocket rim 1816, the downward shifting of thedetent 1803 due to the camming engagement of thedetent 1803 and the cam portion 1790 applies tension to thenozzle skirt 1798 and compresses thecap underside surface 1814 against thesocket rim 1816. - Continued turning of the
nozzle 1710 in direction 1820 slides thedetent 1803 along the coupling member 1788 until thedetent 1803 contacts thestop portion 1792. The user then releases thenozzle 1710 and the tension in thenozzle skirt 1798 draws thedetent 1803 indirection 1832 against the recessedportion 1794 of the coupling member 1788 and seats thedetent 1803 against the recessedportion 1794. The recessedportions 1794 of the coupling members 1788 permit thedetents 1803 to shift upwardly slightly indirection 1832 which relieves some tension in theskirt 1798, although thecap underside surface 1814 remains compressed against thesocket rim 1816. At this point, thedetents 1803 are generally held against the recessedportion 1794 between thestop portion 1792 and the cam portion 1790 of the respective coupling members 1788. The engagement of thedetents 1803 and the coupling members 1788 holds thecap underside surface 1814 tightly against thesocket rim 1816 and functions to seal thenozzle 1710 in thesocket 1708. Further, thenozzle detents 1803 and socket recessedportions 1794 are configured to engage and resist turning of thenozzle 1710 indirection 1830. - To release the
nozzle 1710 from thesocket 1708, the user grasps thecap 1796 and turns thenozzle 1710 indirection 1830 which overcomes the engagement of thedetents 1803 and recessedportions 1794. Turning of thenozzle 1710 indirection 1830 slides thedetents 1803 out of the recessedportions 1794 and along the cam portion 1790 of the respective coupling member 1788 until thedetents 1803 are clear of the coupling members 1788. The user may then remove thenozzle 1710 from thesocket 1708 by lifting thenozzle 1710 upward indirection 1832 which withdraws thetube 1800 from within thesocket 1708. - With reference to
FIGS. 69-73 , anothersprinkler 2000 is shown having adeflector 2002, aframe 2004, asocket 2006 of theframe 2004, and anozzle 2008 releasably secured in thesocket 2006. Thenozzle 2008 is threadingly engaged with thesocket 2006 such that thenozzle 2008 may be readily connected and disconnected from thesocket 2006. Thesprinkler 2000 may be packaged withseveral nozzles 2008, each having a different flow rating, so that thesprinkler 2000 may be readily tailored to a particular application. - More specifically, the
socket 2006 includes anopening 2010 for receiving thenozzle 2008 and awall 2012 extending about theopening 2010, as shown inFIG. 70 . Thewall 2012 hasouter threads 2014 formed thereon withmultiple leads 2016. Similarly, thenozzle 2008 includes a cap 2030 (seeFIG. 71 ) having askirt 2032 withinner threads 2034 andmultiple leads 2036. In one form, thesocket threads 2014 have fourleads 2016, and thenozzle cap threads 2034 have six leads 2036. By utilizingmultiple leads sprinkler 2000 has a higher strength for holding thenozzle 2008 in place within thesocket 2006 during high pressure conditions in an associated supply line. - The fewer number of
leads 2016 on thesocket 2006 is attributable toflats 2040 on thewall 2012. Theflats 2040 are diametrically opposed across theopening 2010 and interrupt thethreads 2014. Theflats 2040 provide a gripping area for a wrench so that a user may connect a wrench to thesocket 2006 and turn theframe 2004 to thread thesprinkler 2000 on to a stand pipe, for example. Theflats 2040 are optional and may be used to improve the ease of molding. - With reference to
FIG. 73 , thesprinkler 2000 includes asealing mechanism 2050 for forming a watertight seal between thesocket 2006 and thenozzle 2008. In one form, thesealing mechanism 2050 includes anannular protrusion 2052 that extends inwardly from aninner surface 2054 of thesocket wall 2012, as shown inFIG. 72 . Theprotrusion 2052 defines a narrower diameter 2056 across theopening 2012 than adiameter 2058 across theopening 2012 immediately downstream of theprotrusion 2052. With reference toFIG. 71 , thenozzle 2008 includes atube 2060 with anupstream end portion 2062 having adiameter 2064 thereof. The upstreamend portion diameter 2064 of thenozzle 2008 is larger than the diameter 2056 defined by theprotrusion 2052 within thesocket 2006. Thelarger diameter 2064 of thenozzle tube 2060 and the smaller diameter 2056 of thesocket protrusion 2052 makes an interference fit between thenozzle tube 2060 and thesocket protrusion 2052. The interference fit functions to form a watertight seal between thenozzle tube 2060 and thesocket protrusion 2052 when thenozzle 2008 is secured in thesocket 2006. Unlike some conventional sprinkler seals, the seal between thenozzle tube 2060 and thesocket protrusion 2052 is generally not affected by high supply line pressures or by the plastic deformation (or material set, or creep) that a material undergoes when it is under continuous preload. - To secure the
nozzle 2008 in thesocket 2006, the user first positions thenozzle tube 2060 in thesocket opening 2012 and advances thenozzle tube 2060 indirection 2066 into thesocket 2006 until thenozzle threads 2034 reach socket threads 2014 (seeFIGS. 72 and73 ). The user turns thenozzle 2008 to engage the nozzle andsocket threads nozzle 2008 to fully tighten thenozzle 2008 into thesocket 2006. As the user turns thenozzle 2008, the engagement between thethreads nozzle 2008 farther indirection 2066 into thesocket 2006. Further, turning thenozzle 2008 advances the nozzle tubeupstream end 2062 indirection 2066 into contact with theannular protrusion 2052 within thesocket 2006. Continued turning of thenozzle 2008 causes theprotrusion 2052 to cam theupstream end portion 2062 inwardly indirections upstream end portion 2062. Thenozzle 2008 is preferably made from a polymer-based material, and has resilient properties that tend to resist the compression of thetube 2060 due to theprotrusion 2052 and bias the tubeupstream end portion 2062 outwardly indirections 2074, 2076. This operation firmly engages thenozzle tube 2060 with thesocket wall protrusion 2052, forms an interference fit between thesocket 2006 and thenozzle 2008, and functions to form a seal between thenozzle tube 2060 and theprotrusion 2052. Further, as the fluid pressure upstream of thenozzle 2008 increases (which increases pressure within acavity 2081 of thetube 2060, as shown inFIG. 73 ), thetube 2060 presses outward indirection 2074, 2076 with greater force, which increases the sealing pressure. - With reference to
FIG. 74 , anothernozzle 2100 is shown. Thenozzle 2100 includes a flow controller 2110 having an opening 2112 with a diameter that changes in response to changes in fluid pressure within an upstream area 2114 of thenozzle 2100. The flow controller 2110 is configured to compensate for variation in supply line pressure by constricting the opening 2112 (at higher supply line pressure) or enlarging the opening 2112 (at lower supply line pressure) which adjusts the volume flow rate of fluid striking thedeflector 2002 and causes thedeflector 2002 to rotate at a generally constant rotational velocity despite variation in the supply line pressure. In one approach, the supply line pressure varies within the range of fifteen pounds per square inch and fifty pounds per square inch during operation of thesprinkler 2000. - Specifically, the
nozzle 2100 includes acap 2102 with a rim 2104 and agrommet 2116 having an outer region 2118 engaged with the nozzle rim 2104. Thegrommet 2116 has an inner region 2120 with the opening 2112 formed therein. Thegrommet 2116 permits outward flexing of the inner region 2120 in response to pressure increases within the upstream area 2114. When the fluid pressure upstream of thenozzle 2008 increases, the increased fluid pressure causes the grommet inner region 2120 to bow downstream to a position 2122 generally as shown in dashed lines inFIG. 74 . In the deflected position 2122, the inner region 2120 has an opening 2112A with a constriction having a smaller diameter than the opening 2112 when the grommet inner region 2120 is in the undeflected position shown in solid inFIG. 74 . The constricted opening 2112A permits a reduced volume of fluid to exit the opening 2112 in direction 2130. This operation of thegrommet 2116 functions to compensate for increases in supply line pressure by reducing the volume of fluid that strikes the associated deflector, such asdeflector 2002. For example, if there is a spike in the upstream fluid pressure, thegrommet 2116 responds by bowing downstream, which forms a constriction in the opening 2112 and the volume of water impacting thedeflector 2002 such that thedeflector 2002 continues to rotate at a generally constant speed despite the higher upstream water pressure. Thegrommet 2116 may be made of a flexible material, such as a silicone rubber having a durometer range of about 50 to about 70 Shore A. - Another
nozzle 2200 is shown inFIG. 75 . Thenozzle 2200 includes a cap 2202 with a rim 2204 and a tube 2206 depending from the cap 2202. The nozzle tube 2206 has anupstream area 2210 sized to permit anelastomeric disc 2212 to be inserted indirection 2214 and seated against an underside 2216 of the rim 2204. The tube 2206 further includes anannular recess 2220 extending about the tube 2206 upstream of theelastomeric disc 2212 and a ring 2224 configured to snap into thetube recess 2220 and retain theelastomeric disc 2212 within thenozzle 2200. As shown inFIG. 75 , thedisc 2212 has anopening 2230 and thedisc 2212 deflects to aposition 2232 in response to increased fluid pressure in theupstream area 2210. In the deflectedposition 2232, thedisc 2212 has an opening 2230A with a constriction having a smaller diameter than opening 2230 which reduces the flow rate through thedisc 2212 in response to the increased supply line pressure upstream of thenozzle 2200. - While the foregoing description is with respect to specific examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations of the above that fall within the scope of the concepts described herein and the appended claims.
Claims (9)
- A sprinkler (10) comprising:a frame (14) having an upper portion (16) and a lower portion (18);a rotatable deflector of a spinner assembly (15) coupled to the upper portion;a nozzle socket (21) defined by the lower end portion of the frame;a nozzle (20) configured to be received in the nozzle socket;interlocking portions (142, 144) of the nozzle and nozzle socket configured to releasably connect the nozzle in the nozzle socket; andthe spinner assembly (15) releasably connected to the frame upper portion (16) with the deflector (22) disposed above the nozzle (20) and rotatable relative to the upper frame portion, the spinner assembly configured to be removed from the frame upper portion to permit removal of the nozzle from the nozzle socket,wherein the nozzle socket (21) has an outer wall (146) and the interlocking portions (144) comprise a portion of the outer wall.
- The sprinkler of claim 1 wherein the nozzle (20) has a lock member (140, 142) configured to engage the portion (144) of the nozzle socket outer wall (146).
- The sprinkler of claim 1 or 2 wherein the nozzle has a flange (140) with one or more tabs (142) and the interlocking portions include the one or more tabs.
- The sprinkler of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the lower portion (18) of the frame comprises arms (26, 29) extending outwardly from the nozzle socket outer wall (146).
- The sprinkler of any preceding claim wherein the nozzle (20) has an upstream end (37); the lower portion (18) of the frame includes an opening (21) sized to receive the nozzle (20); and
the frame lower portion has a cup portion (41) configured to engage and form a seal with the nozzle upstream end (37). - The sprinkler of any preceding claim wherein the nozzle socket (21) has a through opening sized to receive the nozzle (20) and an interior surface (43) extending about the through opening;
the nozzle (20) has an upstream end portion (37) with a fluid passageway (44) and a sidewall extending about the fluid passageway; and
an upstream end of the nozzle sidewall tapers outwardly to meet the nozzle socket interior surface (43) when the nozzle (20) is received in the nozzle socket (21). - The sprinkler of any preceding claim wherein the upper (16) and lower (18) portions of the frame (14) are rigidly connected to one another.
- The sprinkler of any preceding claim wherein the nozzle socket outer wall includes an outer surface (146) and the portion of the nozzle socket outer wall includes coupling members (144) extending outwardly from the outer surface.
- The sprinkler of any preceding claim wherein the nozzle socket outer wall includes an outer surface (146) and the nozzle (20) includes a skirt extending around the outer surface (146) with the nozzle (20) connected in the nozzle socket (21).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/763,487 US10350619B2 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2013-02-08 | Rotary sprinkler |
US13/829,142 US9492832B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2013-03-14 | Sprinkler with brake assembly |
PCT/US2014/015391 WO2014124314A1 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-02-07 | Sprinkler with brake assembly |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2953723A1 EP2953723A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 |
EP2953723A4 EP2953723A4 (en) | 2017-03-15 |
EP2953723B1 true EP2953723B1 (en) | 2018-10-31 |
Family
ID=51300170
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14749231.8A Active EP2953723B1 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-02-07 | Sprinkler with brake assembly |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2953723B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105307778B (en) |
AU (2) | AU2014214749B2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2709424T3 (en) |
IL (1) | IL240375B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014124314A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201505742B (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017021561A1 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2017-02-09 | Vyr-Valvuleria Y Riegos Por Aspersion, S.A. | Rotating sprinkler with adjustable speed of rotation |
US10322423B2 (en) | 2016-11-22 | 2019-06-18 | Rain Bird Corporation | Rotary nozzle |
CN106962142A (en) * | 2017-03-14 | 2017-07-21 | 周亚萍 | A kind of manufacture method of sprinkler tip and the sprinkler tip |
CN108812218B (en) * | 2018-07-05 | 2023-09-15 | 华维节水科技集团股份有限公司 | Pressure compensation micro-sprinkling irrigation water device |
US11406999B2 (en) | 2019-05-10 | 2022-08-09 | Rain Bird Corporation | Irrigation nozzle with one or more grit vents |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4660766A (en) * | 1985-09-18 | 1987-04-28 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Rotary sprinkler head |
US4705535A (en) * | 1986-03-13 | 1987-11-10 | The Dow Chemical Company | Nozzle for achieving constant mixing energy |
US5224653A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1993-07-06 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Modular sprinkler assembly |
US5372307A (en) * | 1993-08-10 | 1994-12-13 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Rotary sprinkler stream interrupter |
US6814304B2 (en) * | 2002-12-04 | 2004-11-09 | Rain Bird Corporation | Rotating stream sprinkler with speed control brake |
US7954731B2 (en) * | 2003-06-04 | 2011-06-07 | Rain Bird Corporation | Low flow sprinkler |
US7395977B2 (en) * | 2004-11-22 | 2008-07-08 | Senninger Irrigation Inc. | Sprinkler apparatus |
IT1390781B1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2011-09-23 | Arno Drechsel | DIFFUSER DEVICE OF LIQUIDS. |
CN102366734B (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2014-07-16 | 厦门松霖科技有限公司 | Water channel switching device |
CN102366733B (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2013-03-20 | 厦门松霖科技有限公司 | Waterway rectifying device |
CN102466061B (en) * | 2011-12-05 | 2013-10-16 | 厦门松霖科技有限公司 | Waterway switch valve group and shower head using same |
-
2014
- 2014-02-07 ES ES14749231T patent/ES2709424T3/en active Active
- 2014-02-07 CN CN201480013801.XA patent/CN105307778B/en active Active
- 2014-02-07 EP EP14749231.8A patent/EP2953723B1/en active Active
- 2014-02-07 WO PCT/US2014/015391 patent/WO2014124314A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-02-07 AU AU2014214749A patent/AU2014214749B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-08-05 IL IL240375A patent/IL240375B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-08-11 ZA ZA2015/05742A patent/ZA201505742B/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-05-22 AU AU2018203585A patent/AU2018203585B2/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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AU2018203585B2 (en) | 2019-08-22 |
IL240375B (en) | 2020-06-30 |
EP2953723A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 |
WO2014124314A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
ES2709424T3 (en) | 2019-04-16 |
CN105307778B (en) | 2017-08-22 |
CN105307778A (en) | 2016-02-03 |
AU2014214749A1 (en) | 2015-08-27 |
EP2953723A4 (en) | 2017-03-15 |
AU2018203585A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 |
IL240375A0 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
ZA201505742B (en) | 2019-08-28 |
AU2014214749B2 (en) | 2018-03-08 |
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