GB2242107A - Rotary sprinkler - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotary irrigation sprinkler comprises a base member 18, a deflector member 16 loosely seated within the base member, a cover member 14 covering the base member through which an upper section of the deflector member extends, and a sprinkler member 12 affixed thereto above the cover member. The base member is provided with means for forming a jet of water. The deflector member and sprinkler member are configured so that upon application of irrigation water, the deflector member lifts up within the base and cover member assembly, and deflects the water jet to the sprinkler member, where at the water jet is further directed in an outwardly extending radial direction to spin the sprinkler and deflector members as a unitary body within the base and cover member assembly. When no irrigation water is applied, the deflector member retracts into the cover member allowing the sprinkler member to cover the cover member thereby sealing the entire sprinkler assembly against penetration of dirt and insects. <IMAGE>

Description

ROTARY SPRINKLER The present invention relates to rotary sprinklers, and in particular to high speed rotating, miniature sprinklers.

High speed rotary sprinklers spray the water in the form of a radial jet or jets at a rotation frequency of more than one rotation per second (normally up to about 10 rotations per second). The jet or jets are usually directed at an angle of about 300 above horizontal.

Conventional sprinklers of this type usually comprise a bridge member to which a perpendicular nozzle is connected. A deflector above the nozzle is mounted to rotate freely about its axis and spray water via one or more channels in the form of one or more jets. The channels are shaped at their outlets so as to divert the water in a horizontal plane, creating a reaction force to rotate the diverter. A spin axle extends from the diverter axis and is received in a hub fixed on the bridge member, limiting both the horizontal and vertical movements of the diverter.

The known in the art sprinklers so described suffer from a number of disadvantages. The axle at the upper part of the deflector tends to stick to the hub at the bridge member whenever dirt particles or insects penetrate the hub. The axle frequently bends or deforms during dismantling of the sprinkler for regular maintenance, or whenever even slight sidewise force is applied on the sprinkler. Such deformation or bending of the axle causes non-uniform rotation of the deflector, sometimes to the point of preventing rotation altogether.

The bridge member blocks the water spray at a small sector of the rotation of the deflector resulting in irrigation not covering the entire 360" radius. As a result, the water hitting the bridge member accumulates and drips down, concentrating in the near surroundings of the sprinkler. Particularly in hilly areas the sprinkler requires frequent and costly maintenance which usually must be performed during irrigation time.

We will describe a miniature high E peed rotary sprinklers which overcome the above mentioned and other disadvantages of conventional sprinklers.

We will describe a rotary sprinkler of more rugged construction than conventional sprinklers.

We sill describe a rotary sprinkler without an upper spin axle and supporting bridge, irrigating in a full circle and requiring less maintenance.

We will describe a rotary sprinkler less sensitive to dirt particles and insects infiltrating from the surroundings, and/or from the water supply.

We will describe a rotary sprinkler wherein the nozzle and deflector are self-closing at the end of the operation.

We will describe a rotary sprinkler enabling variable irrigation ranges and distribution patterns.

The present invention provides a rotary sprinkler comprising a base, member having an inlet and a centrally located, jet forming outlet; a solid, generally cylindrical deflector member loosely seated within the base member, comprising abutment means at a lower portion of the member; fastening means at an upper portion of the member, and a deflecting, axially directed, curved recess extending from its bottom to an intermediate portion, located below the upper portion thereof; a cover member comprising an opening for freely passing the upper portion and a part of the intermediate portion of the defletor member, counter means configured to co-act with the deflector member abutment means for delimiting the displacement of the deflector member in the direction of the cover member, and a smooth lip surrounding the said opening; means for affixing the cover member and the base member to each other; and a sprinkler member affixed to the deflector member by the said fastening means, the sprinkler member comprising at least one radially directed jet passage portion, an axially extending diverting wall portion formed inside the passage portion, adapted to be impinged upon by at least a part of the deflected jet to rotate the sprinkler and the deflector members as a unitary body while the said abutment and counter means slidingly engage each other, a hub portion, and an annular portion surrounding the hub, adapted to become seated and seal against the said lip.

These and additional constructional features and advantages of the present invention, and its contribution to the art, will be better understood and appreciated in light of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a general, schematic, three-dimensional view of the sprinkler according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the sprinkler member or element employed in the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a cover member employed in the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional view of the deflecting member employed in the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional view of the base member employed in the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a three dimensional view of the stand of the sprinkler employed in the embodiment of Fig. 1; Figs. 7a, 7b, and 7c are, respectively, cross sectional, front, and bottom views of the sprinkler member of Fig. 2;; Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c, are, respectively, crosssectional, front and bottom views of the cover member of Fig. 3; Figs. 9a, 9b and 9c are, respectively, crosssectional, front and bottom views of the deflector member of Fig. 4; Figs. 10a, lOb, and lOc, are, respectively, crosssectional, front and bottom views of the base member of Fig. 5; Fig. 11 is a general, cross-sectional view of the sprinkler assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is modified embodiment of the sprinkler of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a partly cross-sectional view relating to a modified embodiment of the sprinkler member.

Fig. 14 is a section taken along line XIV-XIV of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a section taken along line XV-XV of Fig.

13; and Fig. 16 is a partly cross sectional view of the sprinkler assembly according to a still further modified embodiment of the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TKE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to Fig. 1, the sprinkler assembly, generally denoted 10, comprises the following components; a rotary sprinkler member denoted 12, a cover member 14,; a deflector member 16 (only a top portion of it being seen); and a base member 18. The base member is seated on a bracket 20 of a conventional design, and connected to a hose 22 for the supply of irrigation water to the sprinkler 10.

As will be described in greater detail below, the irrigation water causes the rotational movement of the sprinkler member 12 in the direction of the arrow 24, as well as the lifting thereof to a certain extent as shown in broken lines; furthermore, the cover member 14 is affixed to the base member 18 by a Bayonet-type arrangement denoted 26 provided on at least at one side of the respective members.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 7a-7c, the sprinkler member 12, being preferably made of molding injected plastic, is generally circular having a flattened top 30 with a centrally located projection 32 and a depending lip or rib 34 extending therearound -- but for a radially extending, somewhat upwards directed channel or chute 36.

The chute 36 is of an inverted U-shaped cross-section, comprising one, smooth linear side-wall portion 38, the opposite wall portion 40 being of a width which gradually increases as it aproaches the opening of the chute, thus forming a reaction surface 42 to cause rotation of the sprinkler member when water jet impinges thereupon.

Projection 32 is formed with a through-going, profiled opening 44 -- of a rounded rectangular cross-section in the example shown.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 8a-8c, the cover member 14 has a flat, disc-like portion 50 with a socket 52, carrying a circular lip portion 54 around a central opening 56. Preferably, the upper surface 54a of the lip 54 is smooth to ensure a sealed closing of the opening 56 when the surface of the sprinkler member 12 rests thereupon.

Further provided in the cover member 14 are a pair of diametrically opposite, hook-like detents 58 serving as a one part of the "Bayonet" arrangement 26.

The deflector member 16 shown in Figs. 4 and 9a-9c is a substantially cylindrical solid plastic body, having a profiled elongated pin 60 conforming the inner cross-section of the opening 44 (see Fig. 2) so as to allow the press-fitting of the sprinkler member 12 to the deflecting member 16. Moreover, the angular orientation of these two members is pre-set for a reason to be explained below.

The deflector member 16 has lower, flanged portion 62 and an intermediate portion 64. A generally axial slot 66 is formed, defining a curved deflecting surface 68 merging from the bottom of the lower, flange portion 62 (denoted 62a) up to point 68a located in the side-surface of the intermediate portion 64, near to its top.

The base member 18 is generally cup-shaped, having a cylindrical wall 70 of an inner diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the flange 62 (Fig. 4) so that the deflecting member 16, when placed into the base member 18, is loosely seated there- inside. The member 18 is provided with an inlet tubular portion 72 merging into a jet forming projection 74. A pair of lugs 76 project at both sides of the base member, co-acting with the Bayonet projections 58 of the member 14. Side walls 78 are provided as safeguard for the Bayonet locking arrangement 26.

It will be further noted that the cover member 14 is centrally seated over the base member 18 between a recess 50a and projection 70a, to further seal the interior of the base member in the inoperative state of the sprinkler against penetration of dirt and other foreign matter.

Finally, the mounting bracket 20 is used in the conventional manner which need not be further described.

The assembly, as well as the operation of the sprinkler so far described will be now understood with reference to Fig. 11. Hence, the assembly procedure of the sprinkler is carried on in the following manner: first, the deflecting member 16 is connected by pressfitting the pin 60 into the profiled opening 44, after being passed through the opening 56 of the cover member 14. Because of the relative orientation of the chute 36 and the directional opening 44 on the one hand, and alignment of the slot 66 with respect to the profiled pin 60 on the other hand -- it is assured that a deflected water jet, denoted W in Fig. 11, is directed through the chute 36 with at least part of the jet impinging on the reaction surface 42 and causing, by a reaction force, the rotation of the sprinkler 12 together with the deflecting member 16, as a unified body.

Next comes the mounting and fastening of the cover member 14 onto the base member 18, using the Bayonet arrangement 26.

Due to the relative larger inner diameters of the base member 18, with respect to the flange 62 of the deflector member 16, as well of the diameter of the opening 56 relative to the diameter 60 of the intermediate portion 64 of the deflector member 16, a loose, or free seating of the assembly, comprised of the sprinkler 12 and the deflector member 16, relative to the cover and base members is attained; in other words, the deflector member is not only allowed to effect the unimpeded rotation of the sprinkler member, but also to wobble in various directions during such rotation.

Moreover, the height measure of the intermediate portion 64 is such that the sprinkler member 12 with the deflector member 16 attached thereto, upon application of water to the device, becomes displaced to an upper, operative sprinkling position as shown in Fig. 11. When no water is applied, the sprinkler member assumes a lower resting position (not shown) whereby the sprinkler member 14 substantially becomes sealed and seals the interior of the sprinkler assembly 10 by the surface 30a resting against the upper, smooth circular surface denoted 54a in Fig. 8a.

It is this, two-fold unique feature of the present invention that assures proper and undisturbed operation of the sprinkler even under the most severe conditions, such as dusty or sandy surrounding and/or long pauses between successive working periods of the sprinkler, which is mainly attributable to the substantial leeway allowed between the moving and stationary parts thereof.

The constructional principles underlying the present invention lend themselves to further important diversifications. Hence, as shown in Fig. 12, the sprinkler assembly is made double sided in the sense that the sprinkler member 12' is provided with a second chute denoted 36', and the deflector member 16' has a second axial slot 66'. The water emerging from nozzle 74 will be split into two jets W and W', sprayed in a balanced fashion in opposite directions.

Another embodiement is exemplified in Figs. 13 - 15.

Hence, sprinkler member, designated 80, being press-fit mounted onto deflector member 82, is provided with a multiplicity of outlet chutes (six are illustrated in the exemplified embodiment).

In more detail, the sprinkler 80 is provided with chutes 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 and 94, each being of a different design with respect either to the configuration of their reaction surfaces 84', 86', ..., 94', as well as to the opposite channel wall 84'', ..., 94''. The deflector member 82 is provided with a mounting pin 96 of a sixtant cross section, adapted to be press-fitted into a complementary polygonal opening 98 as illustrated in Fig. 14. The mating sixtant shapped pin 96 and polygonal opening 98 are provided so that in the assembly stage of the sprinkler device, any of the outlet chutes 84, 86, ..., 94 may be placed in coordination with the deflector to attain the desired distinctive, different modes or patterns of sprinkling associated with the chosen chute.

In a still other embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16, the necessity of the Bayonet-type arrangement is negated.

The sprinkler member 12 and the deflector member 16 are mounted to a tubular shaped cover member 14'', the cover member 14'' being adapted to snuggly fit over the peripheral wall of a tubular shaped mating base member 18'' as illustrated.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that numerous changes, modifications and variations may readily be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinabove exemplified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in and by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A rotary sprinkler comprising: (a) a base member having an inlet and a centrally located, jet forming outlet; (b) a solid, generally cylindrical deflector member loosely seated within the base member, comprising: (i) abutment means at a lower portion of the member, (ii) fastening means at an upper portion of the member, and (iii) a deflecting, axially directed, curved recess extending from its bottom to an intermediate portion, located below the upper portion thereof; (c) a cover member comprising: (i) an opening for freely passing the upper portion and a part of the intermediate portion of the defletor member, and (ii) counter means configured to co-act with the deflector member abutment means for delimiting the displacement of the deflector member in the direction of the cover member; and (iii) a smooth lip surrounding the said opening; (d) means for affixing the cover member and the base member to each other; and (e) a sprinkler member affixed to the deflector member by the said fastening means, the sprinkler member comprising: (i) at least one radially directed jet passage portion; (ii) an axially extending diverting wall portion integrally formed inside the passage portion, adapted to be impinged by at least a part of the deflected jet to rotate the sprinkler and the deflector members as a unitary body while the said abutment and counter means slidingly engage each other; (iii) a hub portion; and (iv) an annular portion surrounding the hub, adapted to become seated and seal against the said lip.

2. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim l wherein the said abutment means are constituted by an outwards, radially projecting flange, and the said counter means are constituted by an inwards, radially directed shoulder, surrounding the the said opening.

3. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 1 wherein the fastening means comprise a profiled boss, adapted to snugly fit into a complementary profiled cavity formed in the hub portion of the sprinkler member, at a pre-set angular position with respect to each other.

4. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 3 wherein the said profile is polygonal.

5. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 4 wherein the sprinkler member comprises more than one diverting walls, the deflector member being adapted to be affixed in register with any one of the walls.

6. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 5 wherein each of the said walls is configured to attain different sprinkling operational characteristics.

7. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 1 wherein the said base member is cup shapped and the said affixing means include a Bayonet-type arrangement.

8. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 7 wherein the cover member is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite depending hook-like detents and the base member is provided with a complementary pair of radial ribs.

9. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 6 wherein the base member comprises an outer tubular wall adapted to snuggly fit an inner tubular wall of the cover member.

10. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 7 - 9 wherein the said passage portion is configured as an inverted chute merging from the said hub portion, the said chute having a top wall and two side walls, one of which being gradually thickened towards the free end of the chute to form the said diverting wall.

11. The rotary sprinkler according to Claim 10 wherein the chute extends at an angle with respect to the radial plane of the sprinkler member.

12. The rotary sprinkler substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.