TW201536422A - Modular water application device - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular water application device may include a main body graspable along a portion thereof by an operator, an operable member and an applicator head. The main body may house a flow control assembly configured to enable the device to execute a control function relative to flow of water through the device. The operable member may be attachable to the main body to interface with the flow control assembly to alternately start and stop flow based on a position of the operable member. The applicator head may be attachable to an outlet portion of the main body to apply water passing through the applicator head based on an application characteristic of the applicator head. The main body may include a plurality of attachment portions in addition to the outlet portion. The attachment portion may be configured to receive a rear panel or front panel having different functional or ergonomic characteristics.

Description

Modular sprinkler

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to watering equipment, and more particularly to a sprinkler having a modular design.

As with many other activities, gardening and yard maintenance can be made easier and more enjoyable for landscapers when using the right tools to handle the work. Every garden or yard needs a suitable and efficient watering method. When nature does not cooperate, or for covered areas, it must rely on watering equipment to provide sufficient water supply.

Watering equipment includes hoses, hose reels, spray guns, spray heads, booms, faucets (or outdoor sprinklers) and other similar equipment. These devices are commonly used to apply water from faucets to gardens, plants or other objects, and are often used with hoses and some form of sprinkler (for example, water sprays such as spray guns, nozzles or booms) Device). However, in different specific situations, the landscaper often feels the need for different kinds of tools. Therefore, the gardener needs a sprinkler with different characteristics.

In order to meet the above requirements, manufacturers have created a sprinkler with different characteristics according to the different structural features of each sprinkler. For example, some sprinklers are used to provide specific sprinkler characteristics (eg, water flow, spray, spray, spray, etc.), and some sprinklers have different ergonomic properties (eg, have Gun handle or flat grip). In addition, there are other sprinklers that provide the option for the user to adjust to different sprinkling characteristics. However, manufacturing a variety of different devices with different characteristics increases the cost and complexity of their process.

For the above reasons, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a modular sprinkler design that can simply replace structurally and functionally different components. Thus, the present invention can provide sprinklers with a variety of different ergonomic designs and functions at a lower cost.

Hereinafter, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a modular sprinkler apparatus is provided. The modular sprinkler device can include a body for an operator to hold along a portion of the body, an operating member, and a showerhead. The body houses a water flow control assembly configured to cause the modular sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler. The operating member is connectable to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately activate or deactivate the flow of water depending on the position of the operating member. The spray head is coupled to an outlet portion of the body to spray water flowing through the spray head in accordance with a spray characteristic of the spray head. The body further includes a plurality of connections in addition to the outlet portion, the connections being configured to receive a rear panel or a front panel having different functional or ergonomic characteristics.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of providing a modular sprinkler is provided. The method includes selecting a body from a plurality of different bodies each having a connection portion that is accessible to an operator along a portion thereof. The body housing a water flow control assembly can be configured to cause the modular sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler. The body further includes one or more connections for connection to a showerhead in addition to an outlet. The method may further include manufacturing a plurality of different front panels and a plurality of rear panels, the front panels and the rear panels being respectively connected to the respective connecting portions, each of the front panels and the rear panels Have different functional characteristics or ergonomic characteristics. The method may further comprise the step of selecting a front panel having a desired functional or ergonomic characteristic and a back panel to assemble a product.

10,300‧‧‧Modular sprinkler

20, 110, 110’ ‧ ‧ subjects

22, 119‧‧ ‧ grip

24. 112‧‧ Export Department

26. 114‧‧‧ Entrance Department

30‧‧‧Operating parts

40‧‧‧ nozzle

50‧‧‧Water flow control components

52‧‧‧Switch control components

54‧‧‧Flow Control Components

60‧‧‧Connecting Department

70‧‧‧ rear panel

72‧‧‧ front panel

116‧‧‧Quick coupling

118‧‧‧ axis

120, 122, 124‧‧ ‧ sprinklers

126‧‧‧gun assembly

128‧‧‧Tubular section

130‧‧‧Connecting/front connection

132‧‧‧Connecting/rear connection

140‧‧‧First trigger

142‧‧‧second trigger

144‧‧‧Locker

146‧‧‧Lock

150‧‧‧First cover assembly

152, 152'‧‧‧ second cover assembly

160‧‧‧ Receiving Department

162‧‧‧Water flow control rod

164‧‧‧ valve stem

166‧‧‧Control rod receiving slot

310‧‧‧ first part

320‧‧‧ second part

400, 410, 420, 430‧ ‧ steps

After describing the invention in general terms, the following will be accompanied by The drawings illustrate the contents of the present invention, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a modular sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; A side exploded view showing a modular sprinkler having a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a view showing another modularization with a connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A side view exploded view of the sprinkler device; FIG. 4 includes a 4A and 4B, showing an example of modularity of the body in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5A is a view showing a Schematic diagram of the water flow control rod of the exemplary embodiment before being inserted into the control rod receiving groove; FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing the water flow control rod and the control rod receiving groove being fixed to each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; A schematic diagram showing a series of alternative spray heads that may be replaced with a spray head in certain exemplary embodiments of the invention; FIG. 7 is a view showing a different selected body that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments of the invention. A schematic diagram of a series of alternative nozzles used; FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view showing a modular sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8B is a view showing an assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Side view of a modular sprinkler device; FIG. 8C is a perspective view showing a cover assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from a rear perspective; and FIG. 9 is a view showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention A flow chart of a method of providing a modular sprinkler.

Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail in conjunction with the drawings and the elements of the invention. The embodiments are described. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Conversely, the present invention provides the exemplary embodiments primarily to enable the content of the present specification to conform. Applicable legal provisions. Throughout the specification, the same component symbols represent the same components. Moreover, the word "or" as used herein shall be interpreted as a logical operator to obtain the result of the establishment of any one or more of its connected. Here, operational coupling is to be understood as a direct or indirect connection relationship, and in both cases, the elements that are operatively coupled to each other are functionally interconnected.

Here, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an improved design of a sprinkler device. The exemplary embodiments enable components having different functional or ergonomic designs to be manufactured; however, the components are manufactured in a manner that is interchangeable with a particular mounting portion on the body component. Thus, a variety of different types of sprinklers can be comprised of different and interchangeable components, thereby providing a user with a variety of unique product options while reducing overall manufacturing cost and complexity. The device of the present invention has modular features and can be comprised of a kit of components or a complete set of components to produce a product having the desired characteristics.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a modular sprinkler device 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modular sprinkler device 10 can include a body 20, an operating member 30, and a showerhead 40. The body 20 is for an operator to hold along a portion thereof. In some cases, the grippable portion defines a grip portion 22 of the body 20, and the grip portion 22 can be disposed between an outlet portion 24 and an inlet portion 26. The body 20 can house a water flow control assembly 50 that is configured to cause the modular sprinkler 10 to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler 10 (for example, from the entrance Portion 26 flows to outlet portion 24). In certain embodiments, the water flow control assembly 50 can include a switch control assembly 52 and a flow control assembly 54.

The operating member 30 can be coupled to the body 20 for interfacing with the water flow control assembly 50 whereby the flow of water through the modular sprinkler 10 is alternately activated or stopped depending on the position of the operating member 30. Thus, in some cases, the operating member 30 can be opened or closed (partially or completely) in the flow control assembly 50 as a valve body or other water flow control The operating element of the component. The operating member 30 can interface, inter alia, with the switch control assembly 52 in the water flow control assembly 50. In some cases, the water flow control assembly 50 can further have a flow control function such that it can adjust the flow of water to a certain extent in accordance with operator control in addition to opening and closing the flow of water. Flow control component 54 may be an example of a structure that performs the functions described above.

The showerhead 40 can be coupled to the outlet portion 24 of the body 20 to spray water flowing through the showerhead 40 in accordance with the spray characteristics of the showerhead 40. In some cases, the showerhead 40 can be a showerhead selected from a number of different sprayheads, and each of the different sprayheads has a different configuration and/or configuration to accommodate different sprays. Demand or expectation.

In addition to the outlet portion 24, the body 20 can further include a plurality of connectors 60. The connector 60 can be a recess or other attachment point configured to receive a rear panel 70 or a front panel 72 having different functional or ergonomic properties. To this end, the rear panel 70 and/or the front panel 72 can have different shapes to provide different ergonomic characteristics. In some cases, the rear panel 70/front panel 72 can enlarge the diameter of the body 20 when coupled to the connector 60; in other instances, it can highlight various lines, grooves, or other body features of the body 20. To enhance the aesthetic appearance of the modular sprinkler device 10. In addition, in other cases, the rear panel 70/front panel 72 may have features that facilitate gripping (eg, different surface treatments, sheets, textures) to enhance the modular sprinkler 10 for the operator to hold. ability. In some cases, the body 20 itself may be a replaceable element to change its ergonomic properties by changing shape. Thus, for example, in some cases, the modular sprinkler 10 can be placed in the nozzle, spray gun, and/or boom by replacing the body 20, the showerhead 40, and/or the rear panel 70/front panel 72, and the like. Make changes between configurations.

In an exemplary embodiment, as an alternative or an outlier solution to ergonomics, the back panel 70/front panel 72 may be designed as a structure having different functional characteristics. For example, in some cases, the operating member 30 can be implemented as a front panel 72, and the operating member 30 can be configured with or without locking elements or other functional components. Thus, between an example of an operating member having a locking element and another alternative example of an operating member having no locking element (and being an interchangeable example) Has different functional characteristics. To this end, the front panel 72 can interface directly with the switch control assembly 52 of the water flow control assembly 50 as an alternative to starting and stopping the flow of water to the modular sprinkler 10.

In another exemplary embodiment, an example of the rear panel may have a flow control member (or at least the rear panel 70 may be a cover having a flow control member). Another example of a rear panel may be an example without a flow control member (or without an opening that can accommodate a flow control member). Thus, the rear panel 70 can have elements that interface directly with the flow control assembly 54 (or can be interfaced with the flow control assembly 54) to control the flow of water through the modular sprinkler 10.

Accordingly, the ergonomic characteristics and/or functional characteristics of the modular sprinkler 10 can be simply changed by selecting the rear panel 70/front panel 72 inserted into each of the connecting portions 60. The connection between the rear panel 70/front panel 72 and the connecting portion 60 may be a snap-fit manner, or the bonding between the two may be enhanced by soldering, an adhesive, or a fixing member such as a screw or the like. Thus, while the body 20 and the water flow control assembly 50 are configured to support different functions, certain examples of the rear panel 70/front panel 72 may have accessibility and operability of one or more functions, while the rear panel 70/front Other examples of panel 72 may block, inhibit, mask, or prevent accessibility and operability of one or more functions. Thus, the ergonomic design and function of the modular sprinkler can be changed by selecting different panels having the desired characteristics. However, since the entire components that make up the components of the modular sprinkler 10 are interchangeable or modular components, there is no need to separately provide different production lines for different end products. Alternatively, the production line can be provided for all interchangeable components, and different products can be manufactured according to the components selected for assembly of the individual products. Therefore, the cost and complexity of product manufacturing can be reduced.

2 and 3 show an alternative exemplary embodiment illustrating that each of the front panel 72 and the rear panel 70 can be replaced by a replacement component that can be easily coupled to the connector 60 to change the modular watering The function of the device 10. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 110 is the same as the example of the main body 20 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the main body 110 has the same as the one in the first figure The outlet portion 24 and the outlet portion 112 and the inlet portion 114 of the inlet portion 26 are exemplified. The inlet portion 114 can have a threaded engagement that can engage a quick coupling joint 116, and the quick coupling joint 116 can be coupled to a hose connector. In another aspect, the outlet portion 112 can be configured to mate with one of the plurality of spray heads. The showerhead 120 is a specific example of the showerhead 40 shown in FIG. 1 and is one of a plurality of showerheads that can be engaged with the outlet portion 112.

The body 110 can be made of molded plastic, composite material, metal, or any other suitable material that is sufficiently rigid, and can be formed to receive a member that defines a flow path that allows water to flow from the inlet portion 114 to the outlet portion 112, Parts and / or components. The flow passage may extend along an axis 118 of one of the grip portions 119 of the body 110. However, in some embodiments, the outlet portion 112 can have an angle with respect to the axis 118. In addition, different angles between the axis 118 of the grip portion 119 and the axis of the outlet portion 112 can be defined by different body structures, thereby achieving different ergonomic characteristics. To this end, an additional aspect in certain exemplary embodiments is that the subject itself may have a modular nature. Therefore, not only can different panels be selected for use with a selected body, but different bodies can be selected for use with the same corresponding different panels.

An example of a body having a modular nature in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. Figure 4A shows the body 110' having different angles between the axes described above to provide different ergonomic characteristics. Also shown in Fig. 4A is a body 110' having an alternative showerhead 122. However, the same front and rear panels used in the examples of Figs. 2 and 3 can also be used in the example shown in Fig. 4A. Figure 4B shows an embodiment of a spray gun which is also one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the showerhead 122 is replaced by a spray gun assembly 126. The spray gun assembly 126 is configured to have a tubular portion 128 that extends the length of the spray gun head prior to the nozzle of the spray gun assembly 126.

The connecting portions 130 and 132 are examples of the connecting portion 60 in Fig. 1, and the connecting portions 130 and 132 may be provided at the front and the rear of the main body 110, respectively. The front connection 130 can be configured to receive a first trigger 140 (see Figure 2) or A second trigger member 142 (see FIG. 3), and both the first trigger member 140 and the second trigger member 142 are examples of operating member bodies having different functional and/or ergonomic properties or capabilities. The first trigger member 140 and the second trigger member 142 are interchangeably coupled to the front connection portion 130 between the outlet portion 112 and the inlet portion 114. Alternatively, the rear attachment portion 132 can be configured to receive a first cover assembly 150 (see FIG. 2) or a second cover assembly 152 (see FIG. 3). Both the first cover assembly 150 and the second cover assembly 152 are examples of connectors having different functional and/or ergonomic properties or capabilities.

In some cases, the first trigger member 140 or the second trigger member 142 can be pivotally coupled to the body 110. In the examples shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the pivoting points of the first triggering member 140 and the second triggering member 142 are located at one end of the first triggering member 140 and the second triggering member 142 , and the first triggering member The end of the 140 and the second trigger member 142 is disposed at a position close to the inlet portion 114. However, it should be noted that the pivot point may also be disposed at the other end of the first trigger member 140 and the second trigger member 142 (in other words, the pivot point is located at an axis 18 and an exit portion 112 adjacent to the grip portion 119). The angle between the axes is transformed). One end of the first triggering member 140 or the second triggering member 142 with respect to the pivotal point may be urged toward the body 110 and extend away from the body 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first trigger member 140 has a locking member 144 that can be configured to mate with a locking head 146 on the body 110. However, it is worth mentioning that the lock 144 can also be disposed on the main body 110, and the lock 146 can also be disposed on the first trigger 140. When the first trigger 140 is pushed toward the body 110, the lock 144 and the lock 146 will engage and disengage with each other, and the lock 144 will be in the locked state (or the locked position). On the other hand, when the lock 144 is in the unlocked state (or the unlocked position), even if the first trigger member 140 is pushed, the lock 144 and the lock 146 do not engage each other. As described above, the first trigger 140 represents a triggering option (in other words, locked in position) that is configured to perform a function.

In an alternate embodiment, the second trigger member 142 does not have a lock. To this end, in some examples, the operating member can be at least two interchangeable operations One of the component bodies (eg, the first triggering member 140 and the second triggering member 142), and one of the at least two interchangeable operating member bodies includes a functional component to perform a control function, and the at least The other of the two interchangeable operating member bodies is configured to be unable to perform the control function. More specifically, according to the example shown in the drawings, the first trigger member 140 serves as a functional member for holding the trigger member at a position close to the main body 110, and the second trigger member 142 does not have any similar capability or the like. Features. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fastener 144 is moved in the horizontal direction in the first triggering member 140 (in other words, substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first triggering member 140 extends, and substantially in the locked state) The direction in which the direction in which the axis 118 extends is reversed when the unlocked state is switched). In addition, the first trigger member 140 and the second trigger member 142 may have different shapes or sizes, thereby creating different ergonomic characteristics depending on the shape and size used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first cover assembly 150 and the second cover assembly 152 represent interchangeable connections and are respectively different cover assemblies that can be coupled to the rear connection 132 to change the module The ergonomic characteristics and/or functional characteristics of the sprinkler device as a whole and/or the grip portion 119. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first cover assembly 150 and the second cover assembly 152 may be disposed on the main body 110 and the operating member (eg, the first trigger member 140 or the second trigger member 142). The opposite side of the side mates with the body 110. Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the first trigger member 140 is used with the first cover assembly 150 and the second trigger member 142 is used with the second cover assembly 152, it should be noted that these components are It may be provided in any of the alternative configurations not shown in Figures 2 and 3 (e.g., first trigger member 140 is associated with second cover assembly 152, or second trigger member 142 is disposed with first cover assembly 150 ).

In an exemplary embodiment, a receiving portion 160 for receiving the water flow control rod 162 may be disposed in the first cover assembly 150. The flow control lever 162 can interface with the valve stem 164 when inserted into the receiving portion 160, and the valve stem 164 can be operatively coupled to the flow control assembly 54. In some cases, the water flow control lever 162 can engage the valve stem 164 by snapping, screwing, or adhesively when inserted into the receiving portion 160. The valve stem 164 (in the receiving portion 160) can terminate at the lever receiving slot 166, As shown in FIG. 5, the lever receiving groove 166 is snap-engaged with the water flow control lever 162. 5A and 5B are included, showing a state after the water flow control lever 162 is inserted before the lever receiving groove 166, and the water flow lever 162 and the lever receiving groove 166 are engaged. The flow control lever 162 can have different shapes and sizes. To this end, for example, one of a plurality of different and interchangeable water flow control levers can be selected as the water flow control lever 162 that engages the control rod receiving slot.

As an alternative to the first cover assembly 150, a second cover assembly 152 can be used. The second cover assembly 152 can be manufactured in a form that does not have any receiving portion. Therefore, although the valve stem 164 is provided therein, it cannot be accessed because it is covered. Thus, the second cover assembly can represent a second connector and the second connector can be configured to prevent operation of the flow control valve of the flow control assembly 54 when the cover assembly is mounted on the body 110. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the same body as the main body 110 shown in Fig. 2 is used. Therefore, it is still provided with a lock head 146 and a valve stem 164. However, the second cover assembly 152 and the second trigger member 142 may have a structure that prevents or inhibits access of the lock head 146 and the valve stem 164; and by changing the corresponding panel (ie, the front shown in FIG. 1) The panel 72 and the rear panel 70, respectively represented by the second trigger member 142 and the second cover assembly 152 shown in Fig. 3, can easily change the functional (or ergonomic) characteristics of the device in which they are assembled. Thus, a completely different product line can be assembled by the required combination between the interchangeable components. In this way, the cost and complexity of product production can be reduced.

As noted above, the showerhead 120 can be replaced by a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable showerheads. A series of alternative nozzles (including the showerhead 120 (shown in Figures 2 and 3), nozzle 122, which may be used on selected bodies (e.g., body 110) in some embodiments, are shown in FIG. (as shown in Figure 4) and the nozzle 124). Each spray head can have its corresponding different water spray characteristics. However, each of the spray heads (the spray gun assembly 126 is also included therein) can also be used with other bodies (e.g., body 110'), as shown in the example of Figure 7.

Including 8A, 8B, and 8C, Figure 8 A schematic diagram of various components of a modular sprinkler 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. 8A is an exploded perspective view of the modular sprinkler 300, and FIG. 8B is a side view showing the assembled modular sprinkler. On the other hand, Fig. 8C shows a perspective view of the cover assembly viewed from the rear view (instead of the perspective view from the front perspective in Fig. 8A and the side view in Fig. 8B). In the device shown in Fig. 8, the first trigger member 140 having the locking member 144 is coupled to the lock head 146, but since it includes a second body member 152 different from that shown in Fig. 3, The second cover assembly 152' of the engineering characteristics, the device shown in Fig. 8 does not have the ability to control flow. The second cover assembly 152' can thus have different sizes, shapes, surface treatments, or other features to alter the grip of the user holding the grip portion of the modular sprinkler 300. Among them, as best seen in Fig. 8C, the second cover member 152' may have two or more members. The first component 310 can be engaged with any selected body portion (e.g., body 110 in this example). On the other hand, the first component 310 can be joined to the second component 320, and the second component 320 has a different ergonomic characteristic than the first component 310. In some cases, the second component 320 is inserted into the first component and bonded thereto by way of soldering, gluing or snapping. However, both the second component 320 and the first component 310 may not be combined without the second component 320 being fully inserted into the first component 310. In any case, for example, the second component 320 can have a texture formed by applying different materials (eg, a soft plastic instead of the first plastic component used in the first component 310), or can have different ergonomics. characteristic.

Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a method of providing a modular sprinkler in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In step 400, the method can select a body that can be held by an operator along a portion thereof. The body can house a water flow control assembly that is configured to cause the modular sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler. The body further includes one or more connections for connection to a showerhead in addition to an outlet. In step 410, the method can manufacture a plurality of different front panels and a plurality of rear panels, the front panels having different functions from each of the rear panels Sexual or ergonomic features, and the front panels and the rear panel members are interchangeably insertable into respective ones of the respective connected portions of the selected body. In step 420, the method can further include selecting a front panel having a desired functional or ergonomic characteristic and a rear panel, and inserting the panels into the corresponding connectors to assemble a product. In some cases, the method can further have an optional step 430 of configuring the one or more connections to interchangeably receive the selected one of the first connectors and the second connection Pieces (both are examples of such panels as described above). The first connector can be used to facilitate execution of the control function and the second connector can be used to prevent execution of the control function. In some embodiments, the step of selecting a body can include selecting the body from a plurality of different bodies each having a similarly shaped connection. Accordingly, all aspects of the device manufactured in accordance with an exemplary embodiment can have a modular nature from the body itself to the nozzles and panels to which it is attached.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a modular sprinkler may be provided. The modular sprinkler can include a body, an operating member, and a spray head that are positionable by an operator along a portion thereof. The body can house a water flow control assembly that is configured to cause the modular sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler. The operating member is connectable to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately activate or deactivate the flow of water depending on the position of the operating member. The spray head can be coupled to an outlet portion of the body to spray water flowing through the spray head in accordance with a spray characteristic of the spray head. The body further includes a plurality of connections in addition to the outlet portion, the connections being configurable to receive a rear panel or a front panel having different functional or ergonomic characteristics.

A modular sprinkler having features in certain embodiments of the invention may have any of the following additional features or may have a combination of the following features. For example, in some embodiments, (1) at least one connecting portion can be configured to interchangeably receive the selected first connector and second connector. The first connector can facilitate the execution of the control function, while the second connector can prevent the execution of the control function. In some cases, (2) the outlet portion is disposed at one end of the body, and an inlet portion is disposed at the other end of the body opposite the outlet portion, wherein the operating member is The mouth and the inlet are connected to the main body. In an exemplary embodiment, (3) both the first connector and the second connector are operating member bodies. The operating member can include a selected at least two interchangeable operating member bodies, wherein one of the at least two interchangeable operating member bodies includes a functional component for performing the control function, and the at least two are interchangeable The other of the operational member bodies can be configured to be unable to perform the control function. In some embodiments, (4) the first connector includes a first trigger member, and the second connector includes a second trigger member, the first trigger member having a function of holding the first trigger member at a position close to the main body. The component, while the second trigger does not have a functional component. In some cases, the (5) functional component includes a lock that moves upwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction in which the operating member extends to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state.

In some embodiments, the modular sprinkler may have features of any or all of (1) through (5) in addition to the selective improvements or additional functions described below. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the attachment portions can have a cover assembly mounting portion that is configured to mate with the body on a side of the body opposite the side on which the operating member is disposed. Alternatively or additionally, the first connector includes a cover assembly having a receiving portion configured to receive a flow control lever. Alternatively or additionally, the first connector includes a cover assembly having a receiving portion configured to receive one of a plurality of interchangeable water flow control levers. Alternatively or additionally, the second connector includes a cover assembly configured to prevent operation of a water flow control valve when mounted to the body. Alternatively or additionally, the spray head is one selected from a plurality of different spray heads, and the different spray heads each have different spray characteristics.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and other embodiments of the present invention are capable of various advantages as described hereinabove and shown in the drawings. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification, and various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing and the drawings have described examples of the present invention in a specific combination of specific elements and/or functions. The various embodiments of the present invention will be understood to be an alternative embodiment of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different combinations of elements and/or functions that are different from those mentioned above are also reviewed and described in certain sub-items. The advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems are described in the present invention, but the advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems are applicable to certain exemplary embodiments and are not necessarily applicable to all of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems described in the specification are not to be construed as a critical, essential, or necessary condition in the scope of the embodiments. The vocabulary is used in the specification and is not intended to limit the invention.

10‧‧‧Modular sprinkler

20‧‧‧ Subject

22‧‧‧ grip part

24‧‧‧Exports Department

26‧‧‧ Entrance Department

30‧‧‧Operating parts

40‧‧‧ nozzle

50‧‧‧Water flow control components

52‧‧‧Switch control components

54‧‧‧Flow Control Components

60‧‧‧Connecting Department

70‧‧‧ rear panel

72‧‧‧ front panel

Claims (14)

A modular sprinkler apparatus includes: a body for an operator to hold along a portion of the body, the body accommodating a water flow control assembly, the water flow control assembly being configured to cause the modular sprinkler Performing a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler; an operating member coupled to the body for interfacing with the flow control assembly to alternately activate or deactivate water flow depending on the position of the operating member And a nozzle coupled to an outlet portion of the body to spray water flowing through the nozzle according to a spray characteristic of the nozzle; wherein the body further comprises one or more connections in addition to the outlet portion The connections are configured to receive a rear panel or a front panel having different functional or ergonomic characteristics. The modular sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting portion is configured to interchangeably receive the selected one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the first connection The means is for facilitating execution of the control function, and the second connector is for preventing execution of the control function. The modular sprinkler device of claim 2, wherein the outlet portion is disposed at one end of the body, and an inlet portion is disposed at the other end of the body opposite the outlet portion, and wherein An operating member is coupled to the body between the outlet portion and the inlet portion. The modular sprinkler device of claim 3, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are both operating member bodies, wherein the operating member comprises at least two interchangeable operations One of the component bodies, wherein one of the at least two interchangeable operating member bodies includes a functional component for performing the control function, and the other of the at least two interchangeable operating component bodies is configured This control function cannot be performed. The modular sprinkler device of claim 4, wherein the first connecting member comprises a first triggering member, and the second connecting member comprises a second triggering device And the first trigger member has the functional component that holds the first trigger member at a position close to the main body, and the second trigger member does not have the functional component. The modular sprinkler according to claim 5, wherein the functional component comprises a lock member that moves upward in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the operating member extends, to be locked in a lock. Switch between status and an unlocked state. The modular sprinkler of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the connecting portions includes a cover assembly mounting portion configured to receive a cover assembly, The cover assembly is configured to mate with the body on a side of the body opposite the side on which the operating member is disposed. The modular sprinkler of claim 7, wherein the first connector comprises the cover assembly, the cover assembly having a receiving portion for receiving a water flow control lever. The modular sprinkler of claim 7, wherein the first connector comprises the cover assembly, the cover assembly having a plurality of interchangeable water flow levers configured to receive One of the receiving parts. The modular sprinkler device of claim 7, wherein the second connector comprises the cover assembly, the cover assembly being configured to prevent a water flow control valve when mounted on the body operating. The modular sprinkler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sprinkler is one of a plurality of different sprinklers, the different sprinklers respectively having different sprays characteristic. A method of providing a modular sprinkler apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a body that can be held by an operator along a portion thereof, the body housing a water flow control assembly configured to cause the mold The component sprinkler performs a control function associated with the flow of water through the modular sprinkler, the body further including one or more connections for connection to a showerhead in addition to an outlet; manufacturing a plurality of different numbers a front panel and a plurality of rear panels, the front panels and the rear panels are respectively connected to the corresponding connecting portions, the front panels and the same Each of the rear panels has different functional or ergonomic characteristics; and one of the front panels and one of the rear panels having the desired functional or ergonomic characteristics are selected to assemble a product. The method of providing a modular sprinkler according to claim 12, further comprising configuring the one or more connections to interchangeably receive the selected one of the first connectors and the second connection The first connector is for facilitating execution of the control function, and the second connector is for preventing execution of the control function. A method of providing a modular sprinkler according to claim 12, wherein the step of selecting the body comprises selecting the body from a plurality of different bodies each having a similarly shaped connection.