GB2340055A

GB2340055A - Sprinkler head

Info

Publication number: GB2340055A
Application number: GB9814413A
Authority: GB
Inventors: I-Shun Chih
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-07-04
Filing date: 1998-07-03
Publication date: 2000-02-16
Also published as: GB9814413D0; DE19829677A1

Description

2340055 SPRINKLER HEAD This invention relates to an improved sprinkler

head.

More specifically the invention relates to a sprinkler head and above that there are a net like water spray outlet, whole water outlet, and other water patterns outlets for those water pattern nozzles those are circulating the sprinkler head. Furthermore, these outlets extended toward inside with a proper length of panel wall became a connector body with the same number of outlets as those of surrounding sprinkler head, and becomes a corresponding pairs of outlet tube set that can connect together. When the sprinkler head connected with the connector body it has sp ecific position for each outlet. According to the order a piece of spring cooperates with the connector to rotate around to select a right position to settle down. However, the water outlet deviates from the center line and against the water inlet nearby the bottom of cylinder set of the connector. Special features: some of the water patterns designed for those outlets in the connector extended toward the sprinkler head may combine with the circulating outlet of the sprinkler pieces to be performed. Also the outlets in the connector are separated into two water outlet chambers by dividers. Further a concave trough is created in the middle of several outlet set that are extending toward the sprinkler head. Then on the trough a prcDerly designed water channel connector that can coordinate the circulating water patterns as well as according to the order to connect the net like water spray, and a whole water outlet. Because of this invention, it is possible to operate sprinkler with so many water spray patterns and break through the past constraint of performing only one pattern at a time, but now it is feasible to perform 2 or more different or 2 same water spray patterns simultaneously.

An object of the invention is to provide an improvement with respect to conventional water sprinkler heads that can only provide one water pattern at a time, in spite of the fact having many circulating water patterns available. A further object of the invention is to provide a sprinkler head in which it is possible to make two or more water nozzles of those available patterns perform simultaneously.

There are many types of different water sprinklers of different structures available in the market, the complexity of the structure varying with the number of water patterns generated.

One known water sprinkler head structure which can generate many complex water patterns is shown in Figure 1. Its structure consists of; a body ii comprising a handle and main body portion 1, a connected water channel 12 being provided inside the main body, and a valve rod 13 being disposed inside the channel 12. The end of the valve rod 13 extends outside the main body and has attached thereto a screw and a pressure board 14. The front end of the channel 12 is a narrowed valve point 15. Valve rod 13 can seal off valve point 15 so that water under pressure in channel 12 is prevented from passing through outlet 16. If the valve rod 13 is withdrawn due to pressure applied by the pressure board 14, water in channel 12 pass through the outlet 16. A sDrinkler head 17 having several nozzles is rotatably mounted on the main body 11 by means of a screw 18 which extends through through the combination hole to connect to the centre post 181 of the main body 11. In this embodiment, the sprinkler head has fcur nozzles, each one different from the others. For example the nozzle configuration can be selected from an opened fan, water p-- 'llars, flat fan, or a nozzle spreading in all directions. Also there are a special structure 19 and a 3 positioning groove 172 inside of the sprinkler head wall, and therefore when the sprinkler head rotate only match position groove 17 to a special structure 19 to find the nozzle 171 of the sprinkler 17 that will match the water outlet 16.

Although the structure of the aforementioned conventional sprinkler is very simple, and can be used to generate complex water spray patterns, it suffers from a number of disadvantages.

Firstly, the sprinkler head 17 uses a screw 18 to connect the head 17 to the centre post 181 of the main body 11. A problem with the screw connection is that if the screw 18 is screwed too tightly, it is difficult to rotate the sprinkler 17 so that the desired nozzle 171 can be brought into register with the water outlet 16. On other hand, if the screw 18 is not screwed tightly into the centre post to hold the sprinkler head firmly against main body 11, water will leak out between the sprinkler head and the main body.

A further problem is that the screw connection represents a point of weakness which in time will give away and consequently the sprinkler will need to be scrapped.

Moreover, in this type of sprinkler, if the pressure control board 14 is pressed to withdraw the valve rod 13 and let water pass through valve 15, and at this moment the sprinkler head 17 is rotated to bring nozzle 171 into register with the water outlet 16 to produce the spray water pattern, the water cf the outlet 16 will leak out or spill from the outlet. This is well known defect of the conventional sprinkler head. Unless the sprinkler 15 is shut off, the sprinkler 17 will not wcrk properly.

Furthermore, the water spray efficiency of this sprinkler type is limited by the structure. Unless the nozzle 1711 is 4 correctly aligned with the water outlet 16, some water will leak out.

An improvement to the aforementioned sprinkler is disclosed in Taiwan patent application number 80210749 filed on November 11, 1991. A sprinkler of the type disclosed in the Taiwan application is shown in Figure A2. As can be seen from Figure 2, sprinkler head 26 has an upper rotating nozzle 261 which has extending inwardly thereof a length of wall. On the inner wall surface inside mouth edge are disposed several convex hook points 262 equally spaced by the angle to nozzle 261, and also a positioning groove 263. A connecting portion 27 has a water channel 271 therein, the channel 271 narrowing to form a valve point 272. A water outlet 273 deviating from the centre line extends into the other side of a divider panel 274. The diameter of the divider panel 274 is little larger than the assembly seat 211 of the main body 21, and the same size of the inside diameter of the sprinkler head 26. The divider panel 274 has a washer groove 275 in which is disposed a washer 276 to prevent leaking.

The sprinkler head has a main body 21. The front end is the assembly seat 211 of the Main Body 21, at the proper position an elliptic ring chuck 212 is installed and a positioning hole 213 is right under the assembly seat 211. When the chuck ring 212 of the main body 21 and sprinkler head 21 through the hook points 262 are connected, various combinations of water patterns can be created. Furthermore, it possible to another connector 27 between them so that sprinkler head 26 can utilize water pressure from the outlet 27 of the added connector 27 to generate strong or weak water pressures from the nozzle 261 and or to perform the water net pattern previously prepared at the nozzle 264.

The improvments embodied in the spray head of Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c overcome some of the drawbacks of the spray head of Figure 1. Thus by deviating the channel 271 inside of the connector 27 from the center line to cross over to the other side of divider panel and form a small diameter valve 272, so that when the sprinkler head 26 is rotating the valve 272 can connect to the nozzle 261 and spray water as well as use the over head net like spray nozzle 264 to perform net like pattern spray.

Both of the aforementioned known types of sprinkler suffer from the disadvantage that only one nozzle of a given pattern or net like design can be connected with the valve outlet at any one time. It is an object of this invention to overcome this problem and to provide a spray head which provides a plurality of spray patterns.

In this context, the inventor based on his long years experiences in horticultural work, such as assembling and applying various sprinkler systems, has deeply felt the need for overcoming this inconvenience. Therefore, he positively studied and researched very hard and finally succeeded in providing a solution to the problem. After several tests, it has been confirmed that the created structure works well as hoped.

The main objective of this invention is to provide an improved adjusting structure for a water sprinkler head: that has a water outlet and install net like nozzle on the top and rotating several water pattern nozzles and let the nozzles extend a considerable length of extension wall panels to make a connector and extend to the sprinkler outlet the same number of nozzle holes to make tight connection. Once the whole sprinkler head is united with the connector nozzles there are fixed positions for each nozzle and a piece of spring coordinating with the connector to make the rotation to select the position. However, the water outlet deviates from the center line and 6 matches to the water inlet located in the bottom of the connector, and assembled together with the sprinkler body. The main feature of this invention is that among the extended rotation nozzle pipes may design the water pattern associated with the one sprinkler to produce. Then separate some nozzle pipes by divider panel to form two water chambers. Then in the space among those extended toward sprinkler head rotating water outlets form a concave trough to connect a designed connector piece so that the rotating water pattern nozzles outside can connect to this piece of connector and by order it may connect to the net like outlet or whole water outlet and create relative rotating channel. Furthermore, the above combinations it offers those rotating various water pattern nozzles above the sprinkler head and by this invention it break through the old constraint of only one outlet water sprav condition and attain several same or different water patterns spraying simultaneously.

The next objective of this invention is to offer structure improvements for the sprinkler head. Some of the rotating nozzles extended toward sprinkler head may be separated by a piece of divider panel to form two water chambers. Then in the space among those set of water pipes extended toward sprinkler head create a concave trough to connect a designed connector piece so that the rotating water pattern nozzles outside can be connected to this piece of connector. Moreover, when the space surrounded by the extended water pipe is separated by a divider to create two water chambers make two water outlets so that on one hand the main body water outlet that deviate from the center line corresponds to the water supply of the water inlet in ---he bottom can directly to supply the connected nozzle to perform single pattern spray or on the other hand go through the connector to supply war-er to more nozzles contacted. Thus a new performance of simultaneous two or more nozzles spray is attained. Likewise the original input water pressure supply can be controlled to different spray patterns to cover wider area.

7 The invention will now be illustrated, but not limited by reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure A is a sectional elevation of one known type of sprinkler head; Figure B-I is a sectional elevation of another known type of sprinkler head; Figure B-2 is a side view of an end portion of a sprinkler head; Figures C3-1, C3-2 and C3-3 are views of the spray nozzle of the sprinkler head of Figure 2; Figure 1 is an exploded view in longitudinal section of a sprinkler head according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front view and a right side sectional elevation of the sprinkler head of Figures I and 2; Figure 4 shows a rear view and right side sectional elevation of a connector part of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a partially sectioned isometric view of the sprinkler head and connector part of figures 3 and 4 showing cross section of the whole invention ( Semi-cross section view showing front portion of the water outlet tube case that matches the sprinkler fan shape water spray nozzle, and rear section tube that water outlet space has opening to connect the connector extend toward the sprinkler head direction to get into several outlet tube cases to form a depressed trough. When the water flow into the outlet of the sectioned chamber, the water flow through inlet of that section into the central trough in coordination with the channel in the connector. Finally the sprinkler has a design to let two flat fan shape nozzles working at the same time).

Figure 6 is another partially sectioned isometric view corresponding to figure 5 and showing the cross section view of 8 this invention (Whole cross section view. Using dividing panel to divide between the front section and the sprinkler head to contact the tilted fan like nozzle, and the outlet space of the rear section f orm opening to connect the extended several cutlet pipe of the rotating water pattern to form a concave trough. The water inlet of that sectioned water outlet space will against the main body Is inlet. When water flow into the outlet space of the rear section it flow through the center trough into a proper water channel of the connector. Finally the sprinkler has a design of two flat fan pattern nozzles work at the same time.) Figure 7 is a further partially sectioned isometric elevation of the embodiment of Figures I to 6 and showing the cross section view of this invention ( Whole cross section view. Using dividing panel to divide between the front section and the sprinkler head to contact the tilted flat fan like nozzle, and the outlet space of the rear section form opening to connect the extended several outlet pipe of the rotating water pattern to form a concave trough. The water inlet of that sectioned water outlet space will against the main body I s inlet. When water flow into the outlet space of the rear section it flow through the whole water outlet that is connecting rotating water pattern nozzles. Finally the water sprout through the rotating water:)attern nozzle through the whole water outlet.) Figure 8-Al is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of the whole- water outlet cf the sprinkler head; Figure 8-A2 is another sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of the whole water outlet of the sprinkler head; Figure 8-B is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of the diffusion pattern of the rotating nozzle; Figure 8-C1 is a sectional elevation showina the configuration for spraying of two tilted fan pattern nozzles of the sprinkler; 9 Fig-ure S-C-2 is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of two tilted fan pattern nozzles of the sprinkler; Figure 8-D is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of pillar pattern nozzle of the sprinkler; Figure 8-El is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of net like pattern nozzle of the sprinkler; Figure 8-E2 is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of net like pattern nozzle of the sprinkler; Figure 8-FI is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of two flat fan pattern nozzles of the sprinkler; Figure 8-F2 is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of two flat fan pattern nozzles of the sprinkler; Figure 8-GI is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of mist pattern nozzle at the sprinkler centre; and Figure 8- G2 is a sectional elevation showing the configuration for spraying of mist pattern nozzle at the sprinkler centre.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, a sprinkler gun according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a spray head 3 having an array of holes 31 to create a net-like water pattern, a whole water outlet 32, mist holes 33 and rotating nozzles of different spray patterns (for instance, tilted fan shape 341, 3411, diffusion nozzle 342, water pillar 343, closed type 344, and flat fan shape 345, 3451.) Further extend those nozzles with wall toward inside to a proper length to make a connector 4. To the direction of sprinkler head 3 extend pipes of the same number of nozzles sprinkler head has and form a water outlet tube case 41. Once the connector 4 connected with the entire nozzles of sprinkler head 3, there is a positioning seat 51 provides a Position device 52, and a piece of spring 53, and by order connect with the connector 4 to select appropriate rotating nozzle to settle down (since it is similar to those of conventional one we will stop explaining here). The outlet 54 deviates from the centerline and with the water inlet 114 located in the bottom of water outlet tube case 41 on the connector 4 and the sprinkler itself 4 are the main structural parts. The most important features of the invention are: the connector 4 extended water outlet tube case 41 to include several patterns of rotating nozzles in it. To corresponding to the water patterns the sprinkler head plan to produce, a divider panel 412 is used to segregate those pattern nozzles from the other to make two water outlet chambers and also form a concave trough 413 in the center among those extended tube in the direction of the sprinkler 3. At the concave trough 413 a connector 6 with appropriately arranged channels 61 which will match the rotating water pattern nozzles of sprinkler head 3 and by order also to the net like pattern nozzle, and whole water outlet 32 to connect the channels 414, 414.

After understanding the structure shown in the above we may proceed to refer further to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8- Al, 8A2, 8 B, 8-C1, 8- C2, 8-D, 8- El, 8-E2, 8-Fl: which illustrate practical application examples.

The first example use the rotary spray head 3 makes the water outlet tube case 41 of the connector 4 that is separated into front and rear chambers with the divider nanel 412. The front chamber connected with the flat fan shape nozzle 345 while the rear chamber connects with the opening 415 and the connector 4 and extending towards sprinkle head 3 and connect with several nozzles of rotating ones tube case 41, and the outside circulating channel 414 connected with whole water outlet 32 of the sprinkle head 3. When the water inlet 411 of the rear chamber outlet space and the water outlet 54 at the end of the main body 5 are connected the water flows through the outlet space of the rear chamber and pass through tube case 41 of the connector 4 and also the whole water outlet 32 of the sprinkler 3 to circulating channel 414, and finally spray at the outlet 32 of the sprinkler head 3 (See Figures 8-Al and 8-A2). When the rotary sprinkler head 3 let the water outlet tube case 41 of the connector 4 directly connect to the diffusion nozzle 342 connected by the water inlet 411 of the outlet tube case 41 and the outlet 54 of the main body 5, the water flows in directly from the outlet space to diffusion nozzle 342 of the sprinkler head 3 to spray (See Figure 8B). If provided that the water outlet 41 of the connector 4 directly connected with a single outlet space to tilt fan shape nozzle 341 of the sprinkler head 3, and at the upper section of outlet space 41 make opening 415 to connect to the concave trough 413. Then the water flows from the inlet space 411 to outlet 54 of the main body 5 through the above mentioned opening 415 and pass the concave trough 413. It also corresponding to the channel 61 of the center connector 6, and finally spray out at tilt fan shape nozzle 3411 with twin fan shape spray and increase the area covered. (See Figures 8-C1, and 8-C2).

If provided that the water outlet 41 of the connector 4 directly connected with a single outlet space to water pillar shape nozzle 343 of the sprinkler head 3, and the inlet 411 of the at the upper section of outlet space 54 are connected the water come out of the water pillar nozzle effectively ( See Figure 8- D). When using rotary sprinkler head 3, if provided that the water outlet tube case 41 divided by dividing panel 412 and front connect with the fan shape nozzle 345 while the rear section install opening 417 in the water outlet space and the connector 4 then extend to sprinkler head direction 3 to have 12 several outlet tubes in the tube case 41. The outside circulating channel is designed to connect net hole nozzle 31 of sprinkler head 3 through circulating channel 414. When the and outlet 54 are connected the water flow through the rear section of outlet water space, connector 4, and outlet tube case 41 inlet 411, net hole nozzle 31 and outside circulating channel 414, and finally spray through net hole nozzle 32 effectively See Figures 8-El and 8- E2).

When using rotary sprinkler head 3, if provided that the water our-let tube case 41 divided by dividing panel 412 and front connect with the tilted fan shape nozzle 3411 while the rear section install opening 418 in the water outlet space and the connector 4 then extend to sprinkler head 3 direction to have several outlet tubes in the tube case 41. The central trough 413 and rear section inlet 411 and the water outlet 54 of the main body 5 are connected the water flow through outler space of the rear section through the central trough 413 and get into channel 611 of the connector 6 and finally spray two flat fan shape nozzles 345 and 345' installed on sprinkler 3 and spray simultaneously and cover wider area. (See Figures 8-F! and 8-F2).

When the rotary sprinkler head 3 is used and let the water outlet tube case 41 of the connector 4 make a simple outlet water space to connect directly shape nozzle 344, and make an opening 419 on the top of the outlet water space as well as connect the connector 4 also the outlet tube case 41, so that it connect the central trough 413 too. When the water inlet 411 of the outlet water chamber and the water outlet 54 at the end of the main body 5 are connected the water come through the opening 418 on the top of the outlet water chamber, then through the central trough 413 and coincide with the channel 6111, finallv, come out of the mist type nozzle 33 effectively (See Figures 8G-L and 8-G2).

The above demonstrates that under the new structure of this invention so many combinations of water patterns are feasible. Furthermore, because of this invention, it is possible to break through the barrier of spraying only a pattern at a time so that now it is possible to let two or more nozzles of different water patterns spraying simultaneously.

In summary, this invention surely has more practical value and can procure greater benefit for users than those of the conventional one. This is in line with the objective of setting up the patent.

It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the sprinkler heads shown in the accompanying drawings without departing from the principles underlying this invention and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

14

Claims

1 A sprinkler head comprising a main body portion, for receiving a liquid such as water from a source thereof; a spray head rotatably mounted on the main body portion; the spray head having a plurality of differently shaped openings therein for creating a plurality of spray patterns; channelling means for directing liquid to a selected one or more of said openings; thereby to create one or more selected spray patterns.

2. A sprinkler head according to claim I wherein the channelling means is configured so as to allow liquid to be directed to only a selected one of said openings at a time.

3. A sprinkler head according to claim I wherein the channelling means is configured so as to allow liquid to be directed to a plurality of selected differently shaped openings simultaneously.

4. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the channelling means comprises a connector member disposed between the spray head and the main body portion.

S. A sprinkler head according to claim 4 wherein the spray head has an annular array of openings at least some of which are differently shaped, and the connector member has an annular array of channels arranged so as to be capable of being brought into register with the openings in the spray head upon rotation of the spray head.

6. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the main body portion has water outlet for chanelling water to the channelling means, the water outlet is being offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler head.

7. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spray head has an annular array of smaller holes surrounding the said openings for dispensing a "netlike" spray.

8. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spray head has one or more holes disposed radially inwardly of the openings for dispensing a mist like spray.

9. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spray head is substantially as described with refererence to the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 8-G2.

10. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connector memeber is substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings Figures I to 8-G2.

ii. A sprinkler head having an improved structure of adjustable nozzles of a water sprinkler that include: a spray head, installed a piece of net holes on the top of the sprinkler head, a whole water outlet, mist and other water patterns nozzles those are rotating on the sprinkler top, and these nozzles extending inward with a wall, a connector, that extending the outlet tube case having the same number of outlets as that of rotating nozzles on the top of sprinkler head that would connect to the sprinkler head that has connected with the connector, and wherein optionally on the top of the tube case a positioning piece is installed to fix the position, (for example there is a piece of spring 16 in it to assist the rotation and selection of right nozzle to settle down); and optionally wherein the water outlet opening of the outlet tube case, is deviated from the center line, and connecst with the inlet at the bottom of the connector outlet tube case to consist the sprinkler body.

12. A sprinkler head according to claim 11 wherein the connector has extending therefrom a tube case with several water outlet tubes of circular arrangement inside to match the design of the water patterns on the top of the surinkler head.

13. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the having a divider which partitions outlet tubes into two sections and also create a trough in the center of the outlet tubes.

14. A sprinkler head according to claim 13 wherein the divider connects pre-designed channels of the connector piece to the trough so that the net like pattern, whole water and rotating water pattern outlets are in turn according to the order of the outlet water tube case arrangement activated.

15. A sprinkler head according to any one of the preceding claims wherein two or more nozzles spray simultaneously to increase spray pattern variability as well as the coverage area.

16. A sprinkler head substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 8-G2.