ES2647503T3 - Sprinkler with two axes - Google Patents

Abstract

A sprinkler (100) comprising: a baffle (104) rotatably disposed in an upper region of said sprinkler to divert water away from said sprinkler; a drive mechanism driven by a flow of water in said sprinkler; a flow adjustment mechanism (112) at least partially disposed within said sprinkler and which can be adjusted in an upper cover (102) of said sprinkler; characterized by a first shaft (114) coupled to the drive mechanism and said deflector, to thus drive the rotation of said deflector; and a second shaft (116) coupled to said flow adjustment mechanism; wherein said second axis is disposed within said first axis.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Two-axis sprinkler Related applications Background of the invention

Rotating jet sprinklers, also known as minichorro sprinklers, supply a plurality of rotating jets to the surrounding terrain. The jets are achieved by directing the water against a rotating baffle plate having a plurality of blades on its lower surface. As the baffle plate rotates, these jets move in a predetermined irrigation arc set by the user.

The plurality of jets emanating from the sprinkler provides a visually attractive water dispersion. In addition, the plurality of jets provides greater wind resistance and a more uniform distribution across the surrounding lawn.

Due to their normally small size, the configuration of the irrigation arc and the irrigation radius of the rotating jet sprinklers can be difficult to adjust. In addition, the rotating baffles of most prior art rotary jet sprinklers are driven by the force of the water, which hits the sloping surfaces on the baffle. Thus, it can be difficult to control the speed of rotation of the baffle plate.

Examples of minichorro sprinklers can be found in US Patent Nos. 5,148,990; Re33,823; 4,842,201; 4,898,332; 4,867,379; 4,967,961; 5,058,806; 5,288,022; 6,135,364; 6,244,521; 6,499,672; 6,651,905; 6,688,539; 6,736,332; 6,814,304; 6,883,727; 6,942,164; 7,032,836; 7,086,608; 7,100,842; 7,143,957; and 7.1 59,795.

Summary of the invention

The invention is defined in claim 1.

In a preferred embodiment, a sprinkler is provided having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved baffle. A second axis is disposed inside the first axis, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism, and an adjustment region on top of the deflector. The first axis transmits the rotating movement from the drive mechanism to the grooved baffle on the top of the sprinkler. The second axis rotates with the first axis during normal operation thanks to a friction clutch inside the sprinkler. When the user wishes to adjust the water flow (i.e. the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by turning the second shaft, increasing the openings of the flow passages inside the sprinkler body. In this sense, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the baffle rotates.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a sprinkler in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the sprinkler of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1 having the arc adjustment assembly uninstalled;

Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a flow adjustment mechanism of the sprinkler of Figure 1;

Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the flow adjustment mechanism of Figure 6;

Figure 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the flow adjustment mechanism of Figure 6;

Figure 9A illustrates a top perspective view of a flow adjustment plate in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

Figure 9B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the flow adjustment plate of Figure 9A;

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Figure 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a rotary drive plate according to a preferred embodiment;

Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1 along lines 11-11;

Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1 along lines 12-12;

Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1 along lines 13-13;

Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of an arc adjustment assembly according to an embodiment

preferred;

Figure 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a stationary arc adjustment element according to a preferred embodiment;

Figure 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a movable arc adjustment element according to a preferred embodiment;

Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a central protuberance according to a preferred embodiment;

Figure 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1 along lines 18-18;

Figure 19 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1 along lines 19-19;

Figure 20 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1;

Figure 21 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a portion of the sprinkler deflector of Figure 1;

Figure 22 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1; Y,

Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Figure 1.

Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a rotating jet sprinkler 100 in accordance with the present invention. The sprinkler 100 includes a ribbed deflector plate 104 that distributes the jets of water from the channels 104A while rotating. The sprinkler arc is adjusted by rotating the arc adjustment element 106 and the flow (ie, the distance or radius of the water flow) is adjusted by rotating the flow adjustment element 112 in the upper cover 102. The outer element 108 of the base includes a thread 108A for screwing into an appropriate sprinkler elevator and thus mounting the sprinkler 100. Note that although the thread 108A is oriented outward from the sprinkler 100 (a male connector), other thread orientations may be possible, such as an inwardly oriented thread (female connector).

As seen in the cross-sectional views of Figures 3-5, the sprinkler 100 includes a drive shaft 114 that drives the rotary motion of the baffle plate 104 and a flow adjustment shaft 116 that adjusts the mechanism of flow adjustment.

The drive shaft 114 includes a passage that extends through its body and ends at each end of the shaft 114. The passage is sized to contain the flow adjustment shaft 116 that is placed within the passage. As described in more detail below, this dual axis design allows the flow adjustment shaft 116 to rotate with the drive shaft 114 during normal operation. However, during the flow adjustment (i.e. the radius), the flow adjustment axis 116 can rotate with respect to the drive axis 114 to adjust the water flow without stopping the rotating movement of the deflector plate 104.

Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 (which do not present the arc adjustment assembly to make it clearer), an upper end of the flow adjustment shaft 116 is fixed to the flow adjustment element 112. However, the upper cover 102 and the baffle plate 104 are not fixed (but may be in contact, for example, by an O-ring 107) to the shaft 116 or to the adjustment element 112. Thus, the axis 116 or the adjustment element 112 can rotate independently of the deflector plate 104 and the top cover 102.

As best seen in Figure 3, 5, 6 and in Figure 19, the sprinkler 100 is driven by a turbine 134 and a gearbox 136. Water flows around the gearbox 136 and into the openings 132B on the lateral surface of the stator 132, causing the turbine 134 to rotate the gear shaft 135 and therefore drive the gears 131 inside the gearbox 136. Preferably, the openings 132B are directed

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towards an angle tangent to the turbine 134, so that it directs the incoming water against the blades of the turbine 134. Since the turbine 134 is located at the top of the gearbox 136, mostly surrounded by the stator 132, the water directed to the turbine 134 can be controlled or limited better. Therefore, the speed of the turbine can be controlled better than if the turbine 134 were placed in the lower part of the gearbox 136, as is the case in many prior art designs.

A central gear structure 137 is coupled to the gears 131 inside the gearbox 136 and is fixed and does not rotate with respect to a lower part of the sprinkler 100. The rotating gear shaft is fixed to a plurality of drive gears 131B, which are each geared to gears 131A. The gears 131A are also engaged in an internal meshed surface 136A of the gearbox 136. Therefore, when the turbine 134 rotates, the external housing of the gearbox 136 rotates. Since the gearbox 136 is also coupled to a stator 132, the stator 132 rotates in a similar manner.

As best seen in Figure 3, the speed of the turbine 134 is regulated by a bypass valve that includes a plunger 126. The plunger 126 is deflected by spring thanks to the spring 128 (arranged against the spring retainer 129) and sealed against the stationary element 127. As the water flow moves through the sprinkler 100, all the water passes through the openings 132B of the stator 132 (preferably at least 2 openings 132B). As the water flow pressure increases, it pushes the deflected plunger 126 upward, then deriving the openings 132B and the turbine 134. As the pressure increases further, the plunger 126 opens a larger amount, allowing more water draw the turbine. In this sense, the diverted plunger 126 provides a variable bypass valve that helps regulate the flow of water in the turbine 134, and therefore, ultimately, the rotational speed of the deflected plate 104.

Turning to Figures 6-8 and 10, a drive plate 124 connects the stator 132 with the drive shaft 114. The reverse side of the drive plate 124 includes arms 124A that are positioned adjacent to the top of the stator 132, and therefore, they engage the external diameter 132A engaged (which is best seen in Figure 7) of the stator 132. Similarly, the reverse of the drive plate 124 is engaged to a lower end of the drive shaft 114 (by example, locking structures 124C and 114A or with adhesives). In this sense, the rotating movement of the turbine 134 and the gearbox 136 is transmitted to the deflector plate 104 through the drive plate 124 and the drive shaft 114.

As discussed above, the flow adjustment mechanism adjusts the flow of water through the sprinkler 100 and is best seen in Figures 6-13. When the flow is not adjusted by the user, the flow adjustment mechanism rotates with the drive shaft 114, the drive plate 124 and the deflector plate 104. When the user adjusts the flow, the flow adjustment mechanism rotates with respect to to drive shaft 114, drive plate 124 and baffle plate 104.

Water flow through the sprinkler 100 is adjusted by aligning the spaces or openings 130A formed by the throttle plate 130 with the openings 124B of the drive plate 124. The cross-sectional view of Figures 12 and 13 best illustrates the alignment of these openings 130A and 124B. Therefore, the greater alignment of the openings 130A and 124B increases the flow out of the sprinkler 100, while the lower alignment of the openings 130A and 124B decreases the flow.

The throttle plate 130 is located below the drive plate 124 and includes a central opening 130B that engages the lower end 116A of the flow adjustment shaft 116. In this sense, the rotation of the adjustment axis of the Flow 116 also rotates the throttle plate 130 with respect to the drive plate 124.

The throttle plate 130 is frictionally engaged to the bottom of the drive plate 124, rotating the throttle plate 130 with the drive plate 124. For example, this friction gear could be produced by great proximity (contact) between the entire upper surface of the throttle plate 130 and the lower surface of the drive plate 124. In addition, the flow of water through the sprinkler 100 may cause slight movement and pressure of the throttle plate upwardly facing the drive plate 124, further increasing friction. The friction or clutch force between the throttle plate 130 and the drive plate 124 is such that it can be overcome when the user adjusts the flow adjustment element 112, and therefore, the flow of the sprinkler 100. Alternatively, the friction clutch of the throttle plate 130 can be achieved by contact with the upper end of the stator 132.

As best seen in Figure 12, the throttle plate 130 includes internal spaces or openings 130C that have a generally curved shape. These openings are sized to allow the arms 124A of the drive plate 124 to pass through them. In this sense, the arms 124A act as seals for the throttle plate 130, limiting the rotational movement of the plate 130 with respect to the length of the openings 130C.

Figure 14 illustrates the arc adjustment mechanism of the embodiments of the sprinkler 100 according to the present invention, which increases or decreases the arc of the water scattered from the sprinkler 100. The arc is adjusted

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rotating a moving element of the arc 118 with respect to a stationary element of the arc 120 and a central protuberance 122.

The stationary element 120, which is best seen in Figure 15, includes a stepped helical internal surface 120B and an helical external surface 120A. Both surfaces 120A and 120B are oriented towards the top of the sprinkler 100.

The moving element of the arch 118, which is best seen in Figure 16, similarly includes a stepped helical internal surface 118A and a helical external surface 118B. Preferably, the slope or inclination of these surfaces 118A and 118B is opposite to the slope or inclination of surfaces 120A and 120B, however, different angles of each surface area are also possible.

The central protuberance 122 is positioned within the central opening of the stationary element 120 and includes a blade 122A that provides a stationary end to the arcuate nozzle passage, created between the moving element of the arch 118 and the stationary element of the arch 120.

As shown in Figure 18, surfaces 120A, 120B, 118A and 118B are positioned adjacent to each other, overlapping horizontally. When the smallest (i.e. the shortest) part of these surfaces 120A, 120B, 118A and 118B overlaps, a gap is created through which water flows. When the largest (i.e. the longest) part of these surfaces 120A, 120B, 118A and 118B overlaps, the gap is reduced or even eliminated. In this sense, the rotation of the moving element of the arc 118 increases or decreases the arc-shaped hollow and, similarly, the irrigation arc of the sprinkler 100. The moving element of the arc 118 is preferably connected to the stationary element of the arc 120 by threads in both elements, allowing the rotation of each other.

To allow vertical movement of the moving element of the arc 118 during rotation (that is, when turning on the thread of the stationary element of the arc 120), the moving element of the arc 118 is "captured" by the adjustment element of the arc 106. In other words, the arc adjusting element 106 rotates the moving element of the arc 118 although it allows free vertical movement of the moving element of the arc 118. Preferably, this captured arrangement is achieved with a capture element 106A (seen in the Figure 23) which joins a channel 118C of the moving element of the arc 118 (see Figures 14 and 16). In this sense, the capture element 106A can rotate the moving element of the arc 118 as the channel 118C slides through the capture element 106A.

It should be noted that the horizontal placement of the surface 118A and 120A (ie, the gap created by these surfaces) can be modified to adjust the flow of water emitted from the sprinkler. For example, increasing the horizontal distance increases the total water flow emitted from the sprinkler 100, while decreasing the horizontal distance decreases the total flow. Therefore, the total water flow may increase or decrease (in addition to the above described, by user adjustable flow control).

Alternatively, the moving element of the arc 118 can be replaced by a stationary version that prevents a user from adjusting the irrigation arc. This allows the specific fabrication of popular preconfigured arcs for users or creating irrigation patterns with a non-arc design (for example, a square irrigation pattern). In addition, since the stationary element does not require a total helical internal surface 118A, compared to the mobile element of the arc 118 (since the stationary element does not rotate), the opening of the stationary element may be larger. This larger opening allows more water to be diverted from the deflector 104 and therefore distributed around the sprinkler 100.

As best seen in Figures 20 and 21, the sprinkler 100 further includes a drive washer 117 that couples the baffle plate 104 to the drive shaft 114. The drive shaft 114 preferably includes a shape 114A in square cross-section (which it is best seen in Figure 21) which fits inside the square opening 117B and, therefore, is "captured" by the square opening 117B. The baffle plate 104 is prevented from moving upwards thanks to an enlarged part 114B on top of the drive shaft 114. In addition, the washer 117 includes fins 117A that are placed in junction spaces 114B of the baffle plate 104 to prevent the sliding between the washer 117 and the baffle plate 104.

There is an O-ring 138 located below the washer 117. In addition, the O-ring 107 is located between the deflector plate 104 and the adjustment element 112. Preferably, the O-ring 138, as well as the O-ring 107, is composed of rubber, silicone or similar elastic and flexible material.

Since the o-ring 138 under the drive washer 117 and the o-ring 107 are composed of some flexible material, the deflector plate 104 may wobble (i.e., it may be tilted slightly or rotated misaligned from the shaft). In other words, the O-rings 138 and 107 allow some "elasticity" or compression, so that the deflector plate 104, if pushed by a force, can be tilted misaligned from its rotating axis. Although it is likely that this "wobble" is not present during normal operation, it will allow the baffle plate 104 to "wobble" over dirt or trapped debris between the baffle plate 104 and the moving element of the arc 118. In this way, debris that would otherwise have stopped or hindered the rotation of the baffle plate 104 may be overlooked, providing a greater chance that a mobile jet of

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water push debris out of sprinkler 100.

As best seen in Figures 21 and 22, the baffle plate 104 includes arc-shaped cavities 114C in which the lower arms 112A of the arc adjustment element 106 are placed. The elongated arc shape of the cavities 114C limits the degree of rotation of the arc adjustment element 112, preventing damage to other sprinkler components due to excessive rotation.

As seen in Figs. 3-6, the sprinkler 100 further includes a reflux stop bolt 123 forming a valve and thus preventing the flow of water to go to the stator 132 and the area surrounding the turbine 134 when the water supply to the sprinkler 100 is stopped. The reflux stop bolt 123 has a generally solid funnel shape and is placed over the upper opening of the stator 132. As shown in the figures, the reflux stop bolt 123 It is in an open position. However, when the water going to the sprinkler 100 is stopped, the reflux stop bolt 123 lowers against the stator 132, preventing the water from draining towards the stator 132. In this sense, the remains that can be prevented in the water they move towards stator 132 and hinder the performance of turbine 134.

In operation, water flows through filter 110 and into steps 132B, rotating turbine 134 (or alternatively bypassing the turbine through the bypass valve) and passing through openings 130A and 124B. Finally, water passes through the stationary element of the arc 120, the movable element of the arc 118 and deflects against the deflector plate 104, away from the sprinkler 100.

The rotating turbine 134 drives the rotation of gears 131A and 131B inside the gear assembly 136, rotating the outer housing of the gear assembly 136. The gear assembly 136 rotates the stator 132, which rotates the drive plate 124. The drive plate 124 rotates the drive shaft 114, which ultimately rotates the baffle plate 104. The channels 104A within the baffle plate 104 create multiple jets of water moving through the irrigation arc of the sprinkler 100.

The irrigation arc is adjusted by rotating the adjustment element of the arc 106, which rotates the mobile element of the arc 118 and therefore opens or closes a gap between the mobile element of the arc 118, the stationary element of the arc 120 and the element of central bulge 122.

The radius through which the water is dispersed from the sprinkler 100 (i.e., the flow of water through the sprinkler 100) is adjusted by rotating the flow adjustment element 112 (for example, manually or with an adjustment tool ). The flow adjustment element 112 rotates the flow adjustment axis 116, causing the throttle plate 130 to overcome friction with the drive plate 124. As the flow adjustment element 112 rotates with respect to the flow plate drive 124, openings 130A and 124B move in or out of alignment, adjusting the flow of water through sprinkler 100.

As mentioned above, the flow adjustment element 112, the flow adjustment axis 116 and the throttle plate 130 rotate with the drive plate 124, the drive shaft 114, the deflector plate 104 and the plug 102 of the sprinkler during normal operation. However, when the water flow is adjusted, as described above, these components move with respect to the drive plate 124, the drive shaft 114, the deflector plate 104 and the sprinkler plug 102, to as friction between the throttle plate 130 and the drive plate 124 is overcome.

Although a minichorro sprinkler has been specifically described, it should be understood that in other sprinkler designs, such as rotating nozzle designs, embodiments can also be used in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it should be noted that although it has been described that the flow adjustment shaft 116 is within the drive shaft 114, an alternative arrangement is contemplated in which the drive shaft 114 is positioned within a step of the adjustment shaft of the flow 116.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, a person skilled in the art, in the light of the present teaching, can create alternative embodiments and modifications without departing from the scope of the claimed invention, which is defined in the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that the drawings and descriptions of the present document are proposed by way of example to facilitate the understanding of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims.

Claims (13)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. A sprinkler (100) comprising: a baffle (104) rotatably disposed in an upper region of said sprinkler to divert water away from said sprinkler; a drive mechanism driven by a flow of water in said sprinkler; a flow adjustment mechanism (112) at least partially disposed within said sprinkler and which can be adjusted in an upper cover (102) of said sprinkler; characterized by a first shaft (114) coupled to said drive mechanism and said deflector, to thereby drive the rotation of said deflector; and a second shaft (116) coupled to said flow adjustment mechanism; wherein said second axis is disposed within said first axis. 2. The sprinkler of claim 1, further comprising a first element (124) coupled to a lower end of said first axis, and a second element (130) coupled to a lower end of said second axis. 3. The sprinkler of claim 2, wherein said first element and said second element are driven to rotate by said drive mechanism. 4. The sprinkler of claim 3, wherein said second element can be rotated by the user with respect to said first element. 5. The sprinkler of claim 4, wherein the movement of the user of said second element repositions the spaces in said second element with respect to said first element, in order to increase or decrease the flow of water through said first element and said second element. 6. The sprinkler of claim 5, wherein said baffle includes a plurality of grooves. 7. The sprinkler of claim 6, further comprising an arc adjustment mechanism comprising a movable arc element (118) having a first helical surface and a stationary arc element (120) having a second helical surface. 8. The sprinkler of claim 7, wherein said first helical surface is disposed adjacent to said second helical surface. 9. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising a clutch engaged between said first axis and said second axis, wherein said first axis and said second axis rotate together when said clutch engages, and in which said clutch can be disengaged by a user to cause the independent rotation of said first axis and said second axis. 10. The sprinkler of claim 9, wherein said first shaft is coupled to a turbine driven gear system (131A, 131B). 11. The sprinkler of claim 10, wherein said second axis is coupled to said flow adjustment mechanism and a tool element; said tool element being designed to engage a tool. 12. The sprinkler of claim 11, further comprising a bypass valve located to allow water to selectively derive said turbine driven gear system. 13. The sprinkler of claim 1, further comprising a drive washer (117) disposed around said first shaft and which is engaged to a deflector plate, and a flexible element disposed under said drive washer, so as to allow said baffle plate rotate misaligned from the shaft.