ITRE20080047A1 - SPRINKLER - Google Patents

Abstract

An irrigator comprises a base (2) and a spray tube (3) rotatably connected to the base (2) and destined to rotate about a rotation axis (X), the spray tube (3) directing a flow of the fluid towards a portion of terrain to be irrigated. The irrigator further comprises an intermediate element (10) fixed to the base (2) and having a cylindrical lateral surface (10b) on which a collar (11) is contactingly engaged. The collar (11) is solidly constrained to the spray tube (3) and rotated by the spray tube (3) about the rotation axis (X) in order to drag on the lateral surface (10b) of the intermediate element (10). The irrigator further comprises braking means (10, 11a), acting between the spray tube (3) and the base (2) by dragging in order to reduce the rotation velocity of the spray tube (3) about the rotation axis (X), and means for regulating (11c, 17, 20), commanded by the rotation of the spray tube (3) about the rotation axis (X) and acting on the braking means (10, 11a) in order to vary a braking force exerted by the braking means (10, 11a) according to an angular position assumed by the spray tube (3) about the rotation axis (X).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION having the title

"IRRIGATOR"

The present invention relates to an irrigator, in particular a mobile irrigator of the type suitable for irrigating land of any shape such as agricultural fields or football fields, rugby and the like.

It is known to use mobile sprinklers comprising a launch tube mounted on a trolley and connected, by means of a flexible pipe, to a water dispenser generally located outside the ground to be irrigated. These sprinklers are made to move back, for example by traction exerted directly on the flexible pipe by means of a reel, while directing a jet of water on a portion of land placed in front of the sprinkler. In fact, the sprinkler moves following a prevailing direction of development of the land, while distributing a flow of water over the surrounding areas of the land itself.

The spout is generally made to rotate around a vertical axis under the action of the same water delivered, and the rotation of the spout is such as to sweep an angle sufficient to irrigate the portion of land the sprinkler faces. The rotation therefore assumes an alternating trend, that is to say in outward and in return, and is controlled by commonly known devices for reversing the rotation of the launch tube.

Furthermore, at the start of irrigation, the spout is turned towards the winder, so as to initially irrigate those marginal areas of the soil that would not otherwise be irrigated by the circular path of the jet. Subsequently, the traction exerted on the flexible pipe by the reel winder causes a return on the sprinkler which tends to rotate it, bringing it to the operating position which is the mirror image of the one just described. Once this position has been reached, the sprinkler delivers a jet of water in front of itself, moving back towards the winder under the traction action exerted by the latter.

Disadvantageously, it has been noted that in the case of irrigation of rectangular or in any case irregularly shaped soils with a traditional sprinkler, in some areas of the soil and in particular in the lateral areas of the soil (in correspondence with which the direction of rotation is reversed of the spout) the water supply is lower than in the central area of the soil, resulting in uneven irrigation. In particular, an excessive supply of water is obtained in the central area of the irrigated surface and this is particularly disadvantageous.

In fact, during irrigation, the central area receives a greater quantity of water than the lateral areas and the sprinkler, together with its support trolley, moves in the muddy central area with the consequent risk that the sprinkler, together with its own support cart, it could get stuck or even get stuck there. This would lead to the risk of breaking the flexible pipe, which would be kept under the traction action by the reel, while the sprinkler would not be able to move.

In addition, through the adoption of rain gauges, i.e. means used to measure the quantity of water delivered to the field to be irrigated in a predetermined unit of time, it was possible to measure the unit of water delivered by the long sprinkler in traditional sprinklers. the field to be irrigated.

Figure 1 illustrates a pluviometry graph of traditional sprinklers known to the market.

The curve obtained in the graph in Figure 1, showing the millimeters of water measured by each rain gauge in ordinates and the number of rain gauges adopted in the abscissas, presents a bell-like trend that demonstrates the non-uniformity of water supplied by the irrigator along the irrigated field.

The graph shows a greater quantity of water collected by the rain gauges arranged in the central area of the field and a smaller quantity of water collected by the rain gauges arranged in the peripheral areas. The technical task of the present invention is to propose an irrigator which is free from the drawbacks mentioned above.

Within the scope of this technical task, the object of the invention is to propose an irrigator which provides uniform irrigation on soils having a square or rectangular shape or, more generally, having an irregular shape.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a sprinkler which has a high reliability and safety of use.

The specified aims, and others besides, are substantially achieved by an irrigator in accordance with what is expressed in claim 1 and / or in one or more of the claims dependent on it.

The description of a preferred embodiment of an irrigator in accordance with the attached figures is now reported, by way of example but not exclusively, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a pluviometry diagram, showing the quantity of water measured in millimeters in ordinates and the number and position of the rain gauges in the abscissa, of the traditional field sprinklers of the prior art

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an irrigator according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a part of the sprinkler of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a section view, according to a vertical plane, of a part of the sprinkler of Figure 2;

figure 5 shows a side view of the sprinkler portion of figure 4; figure 6 shows a perspective view of a detail of the sprinkler of figure 2, according to a first embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the detail of Figure 6, in accordance with a second embodiment.

Figure 8 illustrates a pluviometry diagram, showing in ordinates the quantity of water measured in millimeters and in abscissa the number and position of the rain gauges, of an irrigator according to the present invention.

In accordance with the figures shown, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates an irrigator according to the present invention.

The sprinkler 1 comprises a base 2 and a spout 3. The spout 3 is internally crossed by a through channel "C" and is rotatably coupled to the base 2 to rotate around a vertical axis of rotation "X". The launch tube 3 has a lower portion 3 a which extends along the axis of rotation "X", and an upper portion 3b, connected to the lower portion 3a, which extends away from the axis of rotation "X ". The upper portion 3b has a nozzle 4 for dispensing a jet of water and is connected to means 5, 6 of the rotation of the launch tube 3. The inversion means 5, 6, of a substantially known type, comprise a rod control element 5 and an interception element 6, interconnected to each other and active on a diverter element 7 active in correspondence with the nozzle 4. The interception element 6 is able to come into contact with stop elements 8, arranged in correspondence with of extreme positions reached by the interception element 6 during the operational rotation of the launch tube 3, and following contact with the stop elements 8 the interception element 6 switches the diverter 7 by inverting the direction of rotation of the launch tube 3. The spout 3 is rotated by the jet of water delivered by the nozzle 4 and colliding with the deflector element 7.

Figure 3 shows in detail the structure of the sprinkler 1. In particular, the sprinkler 1 comprises a flange 9, an intermediate element 10, a clamp 11 and a cover element 12. The four elements just described are arranged around the axis of rotation "X" and in a centered position with respect to it, to achieve an operating operation which will be described below.

The flange 9 is stably fixed to the base 2, for example by means of a plurality of screws, and the intermediate element 10 is stably fitted on the flange 9, for example by means of the same fixing screws of the flange 9. Preferably, the flange 9 is made in metal, for example aluminum, plastic or steel, while the intermediate element 10 is made of plastic or other material.

The intermediate element 10 has a base portion 10a which serves to fix the entire intermediate element 10 to the base 2, and a cylindrical wall 10b having a vertical development which starts away from the base wall. The cylindrical wall 10b has a circular section and is arranged coaxially to the aforementioned axis of rotation "X".

The band 11 comprises a curved sheet 11a, preferably metallic, arranged along an open circular profile and having two end portions 11b which can be connected to each other by means of clamping means 11 le. The curved lamina I la is substantially counter-shaped to the aforementioned cylindrical side wall 10b of the intermediate element to be fitted onto the cylindrical side wall 10b itself. The band 11 also comprises a hooking portion 1 ld defining a seat "S", preferably arranged on the side diametrically opposite to the clamping means 11 c and even more preferably arranged externally to the circular profile along which the curved sheet I la extends.

The covering element 12 comprises a concave body 12a mounted with a concavity facing downwards and in particular adapted to include under it the flange 9, the intermediate element 10 and the band 11. More in detail, the concave body 12a has a tubular extension 12b extending internally to the concavity and insertable internally to the flange 9. As shown in Figure 4, between the tubular extension 12b and a lateral portion 12c of the concave body 12a thus forms an annular housing "A" within which the intermediate element 10, fitted on the flange 9, and the clamp 11 are arranged. In accordance with the view of figure 3, moreover, the concave body 12a has a lateral protuberance 13 internally defining an extension of the aforementioned annular housing "A" and in which the aforementioned clamping means I 1 and of the band 11 are inserted.

The covering element 12, which is integral with the launch tube 3, is also made integral with the clamp 11 by means of a partially threaded pin "G" which engages in an opening of the concave body 12a and at the same time engages the aforementioned seat "S "of clamp 11.

A connection element 14 is fitted inside the extension 12 and is adapted to define a downward extension of the aforementioned channel "C". The connection element 14 passes through the intermediate Memento 10, the flange 9 and the clamp 11 and connects to an inlet opening "N" made in the base 2. The aforementioned inlet opening "N" is in turn placed in fluid communication with a water source not shown.

The connection element 14 is supported with respect to the base 2 by means of a bearing 15 whose inner ring is fitted externally to the connection element 14 and whose outer ring is abutting to the base 2.

Sealing gaskets "T" are also provided interposed between the rotating connection element 14 and the fixed base 2.

The sprinkler 1 further comprises a guide element 16 stably fixed to the base 2, for example by means of screws, and having a guide surface 17 defining a cam. The guide surface 17, which is preferably defined by a vertical wall 17a supported by a horizontal plate 17b, extends around the axis of rotation "X" for an angular width equal to or greater than the angular width traveled by the launch tube. 3 during its rotation. As can be seen in figures 6 and 7, the sprinkler 1 comprises a control bar 18, or screw, passing through the two end portions 1 1b of the clamp 11, and a nut screw 19 connected by thread to the screw 18.

The aforementioned clamping means 11c comprise a first element 23 stably connected to a first terminal portion 11b of the strap 11, and a second element 24 which can be abutted to the first element 23 along an inclined surface 25 which extends at least partially transversely in one direction of mutual approach between the two elements 23, 24. The two elements 23, 24 are aligned with each other and, when approached at the minimum distance, they define a cylindrical external dimension. The aforementioned surface 25 causes a reciprocal rotation of the second element 24 rotating with respect to the first fixed element 23 to cause a reciprocal approaching / moving away between the elements 23, 24, i.e. a screwing movement of the second element 24 with respect to the first element 23.

Said first fixed element 23 and said second rotating element 24 being preferably defined respectively by a left-hand helix and a right-hand helix.

The aforementioned nut screw 19 is connected to the second terminal portion 11 b of the clamp 11, while the screw 18 also passes through the two elements 23, 24 (preferably by means of play, therefore decoupled with respect to them) and ends, according to the embodiments illustrated, with a 'knurled handle. In accordance with a first embodiment, illustrated in Figure 6, two nuts 27 are arranged side by side on the screw 18, defining a stable stop element. In the mounted configuration visible in Figure 6, the aforementioned elements 23, 24 are interposed between the nuts 27 and the nut screw 19, pushed towards each other by means of a spring 26 having a first end connected, directly or indirectly, to the second element 24, and the the other end abuts to one of the two nuts 27. In this configuration, the compressed spring 26 keeps the second element 24 and the nuts 27 apart from each other and, therefore, compacts the two elements 23, 24 one against the other forcing them to assume a predetermined reciprocal angular orientation, defined by the conformation of the surface 25.

In accordance with the embodiment of Figure 7, however, in the mounted configuration, the screw 18 also passes through an abutment portion 28 defined by a protrusion of the launch tube 3 and, in more detail, by a protrusion of the concave body 12a. This protrusion, which is shaped like a slot, defines a stop element for the spring 26. The spring 26, also compressed in this case, pushes the first and second elements 23, 24 towards each other, forcing them to assume a reciprocal angular orientation predetermined, defined by the conformation of the surface 25.

The cam follower 20 is eccentrically connected to the second element 24 by means of a connecting member 21, 22. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the connecting member comprises a first lateral arm 22a of a support bracket 22 which has a second lateral arm 22b, parallel to the first, engaged in support on the screw 18. In the embodiment of figure 7, the connecting member instead comprises a connecting rod 21 integral with the second element 24 and which extends transversely to an axis of rotation of the second element 24 itself, so that a raising or lowering of the cam follower 20 corresponds to a rotation of the second element 24 with respect to the first element 23.

The cam follower 20 is arranged in such a way as to roll along a curvilinear path which develops around the axis of rotation "X" of the launch tube 3 and which is defined by the aforementioned guide surface 17. For this purpose, the cam follower 20 is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation "Y" which preferably passes through an axis of reciprocal screwing of the two elements 23, 24 and assumes a variable orientation in order to finish the portion of the guide surface 17 engaged instantaneously by the cam follower 20. In other words, the cam follower 20 varies its position with respect to the launch tube 3, and in particular rotates around the reciprocal screwing axis of the two elements 23, 24 as a function of the angular position assumed by the launch tube 3 around the rotation axis "X ".

Figures 3 and 4 show, respectively in a continuous line and in a broken line, the extreme positions reached by the cam follower 20 during the rotation of the launch tube 3, which result in corresponding extreme inclinations of the rotation axis "Y" of the cam follower 20.

The guiding surface 17 has a wavy profile, that is to say having a dimension (measured along a direction parallel to the rotation axis "X" of the launch tube 3) which is continuously variable along the angular width covered by the launch tube 3 during its rotation. In other words, considering a rotation movement of the launch tube 3 between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, the guiding surface 17 has such a shape as to cause a progressive lowering of the cam follower 20 until it reaches an intermediate position between the said extreme positions, and such as to cause a subsequent lifting of the cam follower 20 from the intermediate position towards the second extreme position. This conformation of the guiding surface 17, which can be summarized in a depression of said guiding surface 17 in a central position of its own, determines a corresponding movement of the cam follower 20 which, in turn and in cooperation with the aforementioned surface 25 defined by the two elements 23, 24, causes the two elements 23, 24 to move away and / or to approach each other. This results in a variable clamping force on the end portions 11b of the clamp 11 and, consequently, a variable braking force on the spout 3. In in particular, a rotation of the second element 24 generates a compression of the spring 26 with consequent thrust on the nuts 27 away from the second element 24. This thrust tends to bring the two end portions 11b together with an increase in the clamping force on the band 11.

Furthermore, the presence of the spring 26 tends to keep the two elements 23, 24 always close to each other and this configuration corresponds to the central portion of the guide surface 17, that is to say the "depressed" portion, while the rise of the terminal portions of the surface guide 17 causes a rotation of the control member 21, 22, and therefore a rotation of the second element 24, opposed by the thrust of the spring 26. The spring 26 therefore keeps the cam follower 20 always pushed against the guide surface 17.

The sprinkler 1 described above can be advantageously installed on a trolley, not shown in the attached figures, to transfer the sprinkler 1 along a predetermined irrigation path. In particular, the trolley could be dragged by means of the same flexible pipe used to connect the sprinkler 1 to the water source, in particular to a dispenser. This can be achieved by winding the flexible tubing on a reel, and by programmed motorization of the reel to move its position at regular time intervals.

The present invention achieves the proposed aims, overcoming the drawbacks complained of in the known art.

The possibility of automatically varying the rotation speed of the spout allows to reduce the quantity of water delivered to the central areas of the soil to be irrigated (or, more properly, directed towards the central area of the angular sector covered by the rotation of the pipe of launch, which extends for about 180 degrees) and possibly increase the quantity delivered to the side areas. In particular, the intermediate element and the metallic lamina define sliding braking means, designed to reduce the braking action between the base and the launch tube. In turn, the guiding surface, the cam follower and the clamping means define means for continuously adjusting the braking action, and are directly active on the braking means to continuously vary the contact pressure between the lamina and the intermediate element and, hence, the rotational speed of the launch tube. This variation is obtained automatically, that is to say as a function exclusively of the angular position assumed by the launch tube around the rotation axis.

Furthermore, the wavy or curvilinear conformation of the guide surface, having very gradual variations in altitude, reduces the stresses to which your launch (and I will fake sprinkler) is subjected during the braking phases of the rotation. Moreover, the braking effort is distributed along the entire length of the band, which extends almost entirely along a rounded corner, with low wear of the band and / or the intermediate element below. The braking action is then continuously adjusted, thanks to the aforementioned curvilinear conformation of the guiding surface.

It should also be noted that the best distribution of the quantity of irrigated water allows the soil to be kept in ideal conditions, avoiding stagnation of water and therefore avoiding the formation of puddles and muddy areas. It follows that, if the trolley with the sprinkler were to pass over the previously irrigated land, there would be no obstacles to the advancement of the trolley itself, without therefore the risk of jamming in the ground or breakage of the sprinkler.

Figure 8 shows the pluviometry diagram of the sprinkler object of the present invention.

As can be seen in the figure, the curve obtained illustrates a flattening of the central area in favor of uniformity of irrigated water on the field.

This entails, as a further advantage, a reduction in water waste to the benefit of the vegetation present on the field,

In addition, avoiding or drastically reducing the water ratio in the central area, the formation of particularly muddy areas in the central area to be irrigated is limited, thus favoring the possibility of increasing the recall speed of the sprinkler, and of its support trolley, allowing cycles faster irrigation.

Claims (24)

CLAIMS 1. Sprinkler, comprising: - a base (2); - a launch tube (3) rotatably connected to the base (2) to rotate around an axis of rotation (X), said launch tube (3) being connectable to a source of fluid and having a nozzle (4) to direct a flow rate of said fluid towards a portion of land to be irrigated; - braking means (10, 11a), acting between the launch tube (3) and the base (2) by sliding to reduce the rotation speed of the launch tube (3) around said rotation axis (X); - adjustment means (1 le, 17, 20), controlled by the rotation of the launch tube (3) around the rotation axis (X) and active on the braking means (10, 1 la) to vary an exerted braking force by the braking means (10, 11a) in use of an angular position assumed by the launch tube (3) around said rotation axis (X). 2. Sprinkler according to claim 1, characterized in that said adjustment means (11e, 17, 20) act on the braking means (10, 11a) to continuously vary said braking force during the rotation of the spout (3) around the axis of rotation (X). 3. Sprinkler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, during rotation around the rotation axis (X), said spout (3) irrigates a horizontal angle lower than a round angle, and preferably equal to 180 degrees, said adjustment means (11le, 17, 20) causing a greater braking force as the launch pipe (3) approaches extreme angular positions of said horizontal angle swept by the launch pipe (3). 4. Sprinkler according to claim 1, characterized in that said braking means (10, I la) comprise an intermediate element (10) stably connected to the base (2) and having a lateral surface (10b), and a braking element ( I la) stably coupled to the launch tube (3) and slidingly engaged in contact relationship on said lateral surface (10b); said adjustment means (11a, 17, 20) acting on said braking element (11a) to determine a contact pressure between said braking element (11a) and said intermediate element (10). 5. Sprinkler according to claim 4, characterized in that said lateral surface (10b) of the intermediate element (10) has a cylindrical conformation with a circular section, said braking element (11a) having an arched conformation substantially counter-shaped to at least one angular portion of said lateral surface (10b) to adhere to said angular portion of the lateral surface (10b). 6. Sprinkler according to claim 5, characterized in that said braking element (I la) has an arched conformation substantially shaped to an entire angular development of said lateral surface (10b), said sprinkler (1) further comprising clamping means (I le) active on two end portions (11b) of the braking element (11a) to cause a tightening of the braking element (11a) around said lateral surface (10b) of the intermediate element (10); said adjustment means (11e, 17, 20) being directly active on said clamping means (11 le). 7. Sprinkler according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said braking element (11a) comprises a metal plate (11a). 8. Sprinkler according to claim 4, characterized in that said braking element (11a) has a coupling portion (1 ld) that can be taught by a pin (G), said pin (G) being stably coupled to the spout (3) to make the spout (3) and the braking element (I la) integral in rotation. 9. Sprinkler according to claim 6, characterized in that said clamping means (11a) comprise a first element (23) integral with a first terminal portion (11b) of the braking element (11a) and a second active element (24) on the second terminal portion (11b) and engaged in bearing relationship against the first element (23), said first and second elements (23, 24) being shaped in such a way that a reciprocal rotation of said elements (23, 24) generates a reciprocal approach and / or separation of said elements (23, 24); said adjustment means (11 le, 17, 20) being active on one of said elements (23, 24). 10. Sprinkler according to claim 9, characterized in that said first and second elements (23, 24) abut each other with respective ends substantially counter-shaped, said facing ends being abutable against each other along a surface ( 25) at least partially transversal with respect to a direction of mutual approach and / or separation of said elements (23, 24). 11. Sprinkler according to claim 10, characterized in that said surface determines a reciprocal screwing movement between said first and second element (23, 24) following the rotation of the second element (24) with respect to the first element (23); said adjustment means (11c, 17, 20) being active on said second element (24). 12. Sprinkler according to claim 1, characterized in that said adjustment means (11 le, 17, 20) comprise cam means (17, 20), driven directly by the rotation of the spout (3) around the axis of rotation (X) and acting on said braking means (10, 11a) to vary the braking force exerted by the braking means (10, 11a). 13. Sprinkler according to claim 12, characterized in that said cam means (17, 20) comprise a guide element (16) fixed to the base (2) and defining a guide surface (17), and a cam follower ( 20) rotatable around the rotation axis (X) together with the launch tube (3) and engaged by contact on said guide surface (17). 14. Sprinkler according to claim 13, characterized in that said cam follower (20) is engaged on said guide surface (17) by rolling around a respective axis of rotation (Y). 15. Sprinkler according to claim 14, characterized in that said axis of rotation (Y) of the cam follower (20) assumes a variable orientation during the movement of said cam follower (20) on said guide surface (17). 16. Sprinkler according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that said guide surface (17) has a curvilinear course to determine a change in orientation of said rotation axis (X) of the cam follower (20) during rotation of the spout (3) around its rotation axis (X). 17. Sprinkler according to claims 6 and 13, characterized in that it comprises a connecting member (21) connected to said clamping means (11c) and supporting said cam follower (20). 18. Sprinkler according to claims 11 and 17, characterized in that said connecting member (21) is connected to the clamping means (11le) in such a way that the change in orientation of said rotation axis (X) of the cam follower (20 ) determines a reciprocal rotation between said first and second elements (23, 24). 19. Sprinkler according to claim 18, characterized in that said connecting member (21) is stably connected to said second element (24). 20. Irrigator according to claims 9 and 13, characterized in that it comprises elastic means (26) active on the second element (24) to keep it abutting against the first element (23), counteracting a rotation of said second element (24), so such as to keep the cam follower (20) pressed against the guide surface (17). 21. Sprinkler according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a control bar (18) having a stop element (27) and integral with said second end portion (11b) of the braking element (10a); said elastic means (26) comprising a spring interposed between a portion of the second element (24), opposite to the first element (23), and said stop element (27) so that a mutual separation of said elements (23, 24 ) brings about an approach of said terminal portions (11b) of the braking element (10a). 22. Sprinkler according to claim 20, characterized in that said elastic means (26) comprise a spring interposed between a portion of the second element (24), opposite the first element (23), and a stop portion (28) integral with the spout (3). 23. Irrigator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said spout (3) is rotated by the flow rate of fluid delivered by the spout (3) itself. 24. Sprinkler according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a trolley associated with the base (2) to make the sprinkler (1) movable and / or draggable along a land to be irrigated.