Adjustable arc, adjustable flow rate sprinkler

• US 20020139868A1
• Filed: 03/28/2001
• Published: 10/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hunter Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
• Inventors: Perkins, Lee A., Sesser, George
• Granted Patent: US 6,651,905 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/457
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/262 with fixed deflectors
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/304 the controlling element being a lift valve
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 15/74 driven by the discharged fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 3/005 using viscous dissipation, e.g. a rotor movable in a chamber filled with oil
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 3/021 with means for regulating the jet relative to the horizontal angular position of the nozzle, e.g. for spraying non circular areas by changing the elevation of the nozzle or by varying the nozzle flow-rate B05B3/0454 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 3/0486 the spray jet being generated by a rotary deflector rotated by liquid discharged onto it in a direction substantially parallel its rotation axis

Abstract

A sprinkler head includes a base having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end adapted for attachment to a sprinkler system component; an elongated stem supported within the base; a nozzle and a fixed deflector supported within the stem, the nozzle and deflector cooperating to define an adjustable arcuate orifice; a water distribution plate supported on a shaft extending upwardly from the stem, the water distribution plate having a plurality of water distribution grooves therein located in axially spaced relationship to the nozzle and adapted to be impinged by a stream emitted from the nozzle. An arc adjustment ring is rotatably mounted on the base, the arc adjustment ring operatively connectable with the nozzle for rotating the nozzle relative to the stem for adjustment of the arcuate discharge orifice. A throttle member is secured to the upstream end of the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the throttle to move relative to a portion of the stem, to thereby adjust flow rate through the nozzle.

Claims

1. A sprinkler head comprising a base;

a nozzle and a stream deflector supported within the base, said nozzle and stream deflector cooperating to define an adjustable arcuate discharge orifice;

a water distribution plate supported on a shaft extending upwardly from said base, and adapted to be impinged by a stream emitted from the nozzle; and

an arc adjustment ring rotatably mounted on said base, said arc adjustment ring operatively connectable with said nozzle for rotating said nozzle relative to said deflector for adjustment of said arcuate discharge orifice.

2. The sprinkler head of claim 1 wherein said base has a downstream end and an upstream end, said upstream end adapted for attachment to a pressurized water source.

3. The sprinkler head of claim 1 wherein said deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate discharge orifice adjustable between about 90°

and about 210°

.

4. The sprinkler head of claim 1 wherein said deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate discharge orifice adjustable between about 210°

and about 270°

.

5. The sprinkler head of claim 1 and further comprising a drive ring axially between said arc adjustment ring and said nozzle, with first cooperating drive elements between said arc adjustment ring and said drive ring, and second cooperating drive elements between said drive ring and said nozzle.

6. The sprinkler head of claim 5 wherein said first cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

7. The sprinkler head of claim 5 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

8. The sprinkler head of claim 6 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

9. The sprinkler head of claim 1 wherein said shaft is normally stationary and said rotor plate rotates relative to said shaft.

10. The sprinkler head of claim 9 wherein said water distribution plate is mounted for rotation about said shaft and formed with an interior chamber defined by upper and lower bearings through which said shaft extends, and an interior surface of the water distribution plate;

a stator fixed to the shaft and located within the chamber; and

wherein said chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid.

11. The sprinkler head of claim 10 including an upper seal mounted on said shaft above said upper bearing, and a lower seal mounted on said shaft below said lower bearing.

12. The sprinkler head of claim 11 including a retainer secured to said water distribution plate above said upper seal to thereby secure said upper bearing and upper seal to said rotor plate.

13. The sprinkler head of claim 1 wherein an elongated stem is supported within said base and said sprinkler component comprises a pop-up sprinkler assembly including a fixed housing and an extendable tube, said base located on said extendable tube;

and wherein said stem, nozzle, deflector, shaft and water distribution plate are movable axially relative to said base from an inoperative retracted position where said water distribution plate is seated on said arc adjustment ring, to an operative extended position where said water distribution plate is axially spaced from said base.

14. The sprinkler head of claim 13 including a first coil spring radially outward of a stream emitted from the nozzle, said first coil spring having one end engaging a downstream end of said stem and an opposite end engaging said arc adjustment ring.

15. The sprinkler head of claim 14 wherein said first coil spring biases said water distribution plate toward said inoperative retracted position.

16. The sprinkler head of claim 13 wherein said arc adjustment ring is operatively connectable with said nozzle only when said water distribution plate is in said operative extended position.

17. The sprinkler head of claim 13 and further comprising a driving ring axially between said arc adjustment ring and said nozzle, with first cooperating drive elements between said arc adjustment ring and said drive ring, and second cooperating drive elements between said drive ring and said nozzle, said drive ring disengaged from said arc adjustment ring when said water distribution plate is in said inoperative retracted position.

18. The sprinkler head of claim 13 wherein in use, said extendable tube extends out of said fixed housing before said water distribution plate moves to said operative extended position.

19. The sprinkler head of claim 17 wherein said nozzle is engaged with said drive ring in both said inoperative retracted and operative extended positions.

20. The sprinkler head of claim 5 wherein said drive ring is provided with a rotation limiting rib on an exterior surface thereof.

21. A sprinkler head comprising a base;

an elongated stem supported within the base;

a nozzle and a stream deflector supported within the stem, said nozzle and stream deflector cooperating to define an arcuate orifice;

a water distribution plate supported on a shaft extending upwardly from said base, said water distribution plate located in axially spaced relationship to said nozzle and adapted to be impinged by a stream emitted from the nozzle; and

an adjustment throttle member secured to an upstream end of said shaft such that rotation of said shaft causes said throttle member to move relative to a flow restriction portion, to thereby adjust flow rate through said nozzle and a throw radius of the stream emitted from said nozzle.

22. The sprinkler head of claim 21 wherein said base has a downstream end and an upstream end, said upstream end adapted for attachment to a pressurized water source.

23. The sprinkler head of claim 21 wherein said throttle member and said flow restriction portion are configured to always permit a predetermined minimum flow of water through said nozzle.

24. The sprinkler head of claim 23 wherein said predetermined minimum flow is sufficient to maintain rotation of said water distribution plate.

25. The sprinkler head of claim 21 wherein a distal end of said shaft projects from said water distribution plate to thereby allow a user to rotate said shaft to adjust said flow rate.

26. The sprinkler head of claim 25 wherein said distal end of said shaft is formed with a groove adapted to receive a tool for rotating said shaft.

27. The sprinkler head of claim 21 wherein said shaft is normally rotationally stationary and said water distribution plate rotates relative to said shaft.

28. The sprinkler head of claim 27 wherein said water distribution plate is formed with an interior chamber defined by upper and lower bearings through which said shaft extends, and an interior surface of the rotor plate;

a stator fixed to the shaft and located within the chamber; and

wherein said chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid.

29. The sprinkler head of claim 28 including an upper seal mounted on said shaft above said upper bearing, and a lower seal mounted on said shaft below said lower bearing.

30. The sprinkler head of claim 29 including a retainer secured to said water distribution plate above said upper seal to thereby secure said upper bearing and upper seal.

31. The sprinkler head of claim 21 wherein said sprinkler component comprises a pop-up sprinkler assembly including a fixed housing and an extendable tube, said base located on an upper end of said extendable tube;

and wherein said stem, nozzle, stream deflector, shaft and water distribution plate are movable axially relative to said base from an inoperative retracted position where said water distribution plate is seated on said base, to an operative extended position where said water distribution plate is axially spaced from said base.

32. The sprinkler head of claim 31 including a first coil spring radially outward of a stream emitted from the nozzle, wherein said coil spring biases said water distribution plate toward the inoperative position.

33. The sprinkler head assembly of claim 32 and wherein in use, said extendable tube extends out of said fixed housing before said water distribution plate moves to said operative extended position.

34. The sprinkler head of claim 21 wherein said throttle member and said stem are provided with cooperating guide elements for preventing rotation of said throttle member.

36. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein said base has a downstream end and an upstream end, said upstream end adapted for attachment to a pressurized water source.

37. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein said deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate discharge orifice adjustable between about 90°

and about 210°

.

38. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein said deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate discharge orifice adjustable between about 210°

and about 270°

.

39. The sprinkler head of claim 35 and further comprising a drive ring axially between said arc adjustment ring and said nozzle, with first cooperating drive elements between said arc adjustment ring and said drive ring, and second cooperating drive elements between said drive actuator ring and said nozzle.

40. The sprinkler head of claim 39 wherein said first cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

41. The sprinkler head of claim 39 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

42. The sprinkler head of claim 40 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

43. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein said shaft is normally stationary and said water distribution plate rotates relative to said shaft.

44. The sprinkler head of claim 43 wherein said water distribution plate is formed with an interior chamber defined by upper and lower bearings through which said shaft extends, and an interior surface of the water distribution plate;

a stator fixed to the shaft and located within the chamber; and

wherein said chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid.

45. The sprinkler head of claim 44 including an upper seal mounted on said shaft above said upper bearing, and a lower seal mounted on said shaft below said lower bearing.

46. The sprinkler head of claim 45 including a retainer secured to said rotor plate above said upper seal to thereby secure said upper bearing and upper seal to said water distribution plate.

47. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein an elongated stem is supported within said base and said sprinkler component comprises a pop-up sprinkler assembly including a housing and an extendable tube, said base located on an upper end of said extendable tube;

wherein said stem, nozzle, deflector, shaft and water distribution plate are movable axially relative to said base from an inoperative retracted position where said water distribution plate is seated on said base, to an operative extended position where said water distribution plate is axially spaced from said base.

48. The sprinkler head of claim 47 including a first coil spring radially outward of a stream emitted from the nozzle, said first coil spring having one end engaging a downstream end of said stem and an opposite end engaging said arc adjustment ring.

49. The sprinkler head of claim 48 wherein said first coil spring biases said water distribution plate toward said inoperative retracted position.

50. The sprinkler head of claim 47 and further comprising a drive ring axially between said arc adjustment ring and said nozzle, with first cooperating drive elements between said arc adjustment ring and said drive ring, and second cooperating drive elements between said drive actuator ring and said nozzle, said drive ring disengaged from said arc adjustment ring when said water distribution plate is in said inoperative, retracted position.

51. The sprinkler head of claim 47 wherein said arc adjustment ring is operatively connectable with said nozzle only when said water distribution plate is in said operative extended position.

52. The sprinkler head of claim 47 wherein, in use, said extendable tube extends out of said fixed housing before said rotor plate moves to said operative extended position.

53. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein said throttle member and said flow restriction portion are configured to always permit a predetermined minimum flow of water through said nozzle.

54. The sprinkler head of claim 53 wherein said predetermined minimum flow is sufficient to maintain rotation of said rotor plate.

55. The sprinkler head of claim 35 wherein a distal end of said shaft projects from said water distribution plate to thereby allow a user to rotate said shaft to adjust said flow rate and said throw radius.

56. The sprinkler head of claim 55 wherein said distal end of said shaft is formed with a groove adapted to receive a tool for rotating said shaft.

58. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 57 wherein said arcuate discharge orifice is adjustable between about 90°

and about 210°

.

59. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 57 wherein said arcuate discharge orifice is adjustable between about 210°

and about 270°

.

60. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 57 wherein said nozzle is formed with a radial notch adjacent one end of said arcuate edge, and wherein said vertical tab extends through said notch.

61. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 57 wherein said second vertical surface has an edge contour that substantially conforms to said hourglass-shaped portion of said stream deflector.

62. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 57 wherein said nozzle is operatively connectable to an arc adjustment ring mounted on an upper edge of said housing.

63. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 62 wherein said housing is threadably secured to an extendable tube of a pop-up sprinkler.

64. The adjustable arc sprinkler head of claim 57 and further comprising a water distribution plate located above said nozzle.

35. A sprinkler head comprising a base;

a nozzle and a stream deflector supported within the base, said nozzle and deflector cooperating to define an adjustable arcuate orifice;

a water distribution plate supported on a shaft extending upwardly from said stem, said water distribution plate having a plurality of water distribution grooves therein located in axially spaced relationship to said nozzle and adapted to be impinged by a stream emitted from the nozzle;

an arc adjustment ring rotatably mounted on said base, said arc adjustment ring operatively connectable with said nozzle for rotating said nozzle relative to said stem for adjustment of said arcuate discharge orifice; and

a throttle member secured to an upstream end of said shaft such that rotation of said shaft causes said throttle to move relative to a flow restriction portion, to thereby adjust flow rate through said nozzle and a throw radius of the stream emitted from the nozzle.

57. An adjustable arc sprinkler head comprising a substantially cylindrical housing;

a stream deflector supported in said housing;

a nozzle located on said stream deflector and rotatable relative thereto, said nozzle having a first arcuate edge;

wherein said stream deflector has a substantially hourglass shaped portion, tapering inwardly upstream of said first arcuate edge and tapering outwardly downstream of said first arcuate edge, thereby establishing a second arcuate edge radially inwardly spaced from said first arcuate edge and defined by a smallest diameter of said hourglass shaped portion;

said first and second arcuate edges defining an adjustable discharge orifice having an arcuate length, a downstream end of said stream deflector having a radially extending vertical tab with a first vertical surface forming one end of said adjustable discharge orifice, and a second vertical surface on said nozzle forming a second end of said adjustable discharge orifice, said first and second ends movable relatively toward and away from each other to thereby vary said arcuate length of said discharge orifice.

65. A pop-up sprinkler assembly comprising a first tubular member having an inlet end adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure;

a second tubular member slidably mounted within said first tubular member and including a sprinkler head;

a first coil spring located within said first tubular member arranged to bias said second tubular member to a retracted position within said first tubular member, said second tubular member movable to an extended position when water under pressure is admitted to said inlet end;

said sprinkler head including an elongated stem;

a nozzle supported on said stem;

a water distribution plate mounted on a shaft projecting upwardly through said nozzle, said nozzle and said water distribution plate extendable relative to said second tubular member to an operative position;

a second coil spring located in said sprinkler head, radially outwardly of said nozzle, supported at one end by a downstream end of said stem, and arranged to bias said water distribution plate to an inoperative position relative to said second tubular member.

66. A pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 65 wherein said second tubular member moves toward said extended position before said water distribution plate and nozzle move toward said operative position.

67. The pop-up sprinkler of claim 66 wherein said sprinkler head further comprises a stream deflector supported within said stem, said nozzle and stream deflector cooperating to define an adjustable, arcuate discharge orifice;

and an arc adjustment ring operatively connectable with said nozzle for rotating said nozzle relative to said stream deflector for adjustment of said arcuate orifice.

68. The pop-up sprinkler of claim 67 wherein said second coil spring is supported at an opposite end thereof by said arc adjustment ring.

69. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 67 wherein said stream deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate orifice adjustable between about 90°

and about 210°

.

70. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 67 wherein said stream deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate orifice adjustable between about 210°

and about 270°

.

71. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 67 and further comprising a drive ring axially between said arc adjustment ring and said nozzle, with first cooperating drive elements between said arc adjustment ring and said drive ring, and second cooperating drive elements between said drive ring and said nozzle.

72. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 71 wherein said first cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

73. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 71 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

74. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 72 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

75. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 67 wherein said shaft is normally stationary and said water distribution plate rotates relative to said shaft.

76. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 75 wherein said water distribution plate is provided with a plurality of grooves aligned with said nozzle for radially distributing a stream emitted from said nozzle;

and further wherein said water distribution plate is formed with an interior chamber defined by upper and lower bearings through which said shaft extends, and an interior surface of the water distribution plate;

a stator fixed to the shaft and located within the chamber; and

wherein said chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid.

77. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 76 including an upper seal mounted on said shaft above said upper bearing, and a lower seal mounted on said shaft below said lower bearing.

78. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 77 including a retainer secured to said water distribution plate above said upper seal to thereby secure said upper bearing and upper seal to said water distribution plate.

79. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 67 wherein said arc adjustment ring is operatively connectable with said nozzle only when said water distribution plate is in said operative position.

80. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 65 and further comprising a flow rate adjustment throttle member secured to an upstream end of said shaft such that rotation of said shaft causes said throttle member to move relative to a flow restriction portion, to thereby adjust flow rate through said nozzle and a throw radius of the stream emitted from said nozzle.

81. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 80 wherein said throttle member and said flow restriction portion are configured to always permit a predetermined minimum flow of water through said flow restriction portion.

82. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 81 wherein said predetermined minimum flow is sufficient to maintain rotation of said water distribution plate.

83. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 80 wherein a distal end of said shaft projects from said water distribution plate to allow access for rotation of said shaft to adjust said flow rate.

84. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 83 wherein said distal end of said shaft is formed with a groove adapted to receive a tool for rotating said shaft.

85. A pop-up sprinkler assembly comprising a first tubular member having an inlet end adapted for connection to a pressurized water source;

a second tubular member slidably mounted within said first tubular member for movement between retracted and extended positions;

a first coil spring located within said first tubular member arranged to bias said second tubular member toward said retracted position within said first tubular member, said second tubular member movable to said extended position when water under pressure is admitted to said inlet end;

a sprinkler head including a tubular base at an upper end of said second tubular member;

an elongated stem supported within the base;

a rotatable nozzle and a stream deflector supported within the stem, said nozzle and stream deflector cooperating to define an adjustable arcuate discharge orifice;

a rotor plate supported on a shaft extending from said stem, said rotor plate having a plurality of water distribution grooves therein located in axially spaced relationship to said nozzle and adapted to be impinged by a stream issuing from the nozzle;

an arc adjustment ring rotatably mounted on said base, said arc adjustment ring operatively connectable with said nozzle for rotating said nozzle relative to said stem for adjustment of said arcuate orifice; and

a second coil spring radially outward of said nozzle and extending between a downstream end of said stem and said arc adjustment ring to thereby bias said rotor plate toward an inoperative position within said base, and movable to an operative position axially spaced from said base when water under pressure is admitted to said inlet end; and

a throttle member secured to an upstream end of said shaft such that rotation of said shaft causes said throttle to move relative to a flow restriction portion of said stem, to thereby adjust flow rate through said nozzle and a throw radius of the stream emitted from said nozzle.

86. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein, in use, said second tubular member moves to said extended position before said rotor plate moves to said operative position.

87. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein said rotor plate and said arc adjustment ring cooperate to substantially block foreign matter from entering said tubular base when said rotor plate is in said retracted position.

88. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein said stream deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate discharge orifice adjustable between about 90°

and about 210°

.

89. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein said stream deflector and said nozzle are shaped to provide an arcuate orifice adjustable between about 210°

and about 270°

.

90. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 and further comprising a drive ring axially between said arc adjustment ring and said nozzle, with first cooperating drive elements between said arc adjustment ring and said drive ring, and second cooperating drive elements between said drive actuator ring and said nozzle.

91. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 90 wherein said first cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

92. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 90 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

93. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 91 wherein said second cooperating drive elements comprise meshing gear teeth.

94. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein said shaft is normally stationary and said rotor plate rotates relative to said shaft.

95. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 94 wherein said rotor plate is formed with an interior chamber defined by upper and lower bearings through which said shaft extends, and an interior surface of the rotor plate;

a stator fixed to the shaft and located within the chamber; and

wherein said chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid.

96. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 95 including an upper seal mounted on said shaft above said upper bearing, and a lower seal mounted on said shaft below said lower bearing.

97. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 96 including a retainer secured to said rotor plate above said upper seal to thereby secure said upper bearing and upper seal to said rotor plate.

98. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein said arc adjustment ring is operatively connectable with said nozzle only when said rotor plate is in said operative position.

99. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein said throttle member and said portion of said stem are configured to always permit a predetermined minimum flow of water through said valve.

100. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 99 wherein said predetermined minimum flow is sufficient to maintain rotation of said rotor plate.

101. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 85 wherein a distal end of said shaft projects from said rotor plate to allow a user to access to said shaft for adjustment of said flow rate.

102. The pop-up sprinkler assembly of claim 101 wherein said distal end of said shaft is formed with a groove adapted to receive a tool for rotating said shaft.

103. A sprinkler head comprising a base having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end adapted for attachment to a sprinkler component;

an elongated stem supported within the base and movable between retracted and extended positions;

a nozzle and a stream deflector supported within the stem, said nozzle and deflector cooperating to define an arcuate discharge orifice adjustable through a predetermined arc; and

an arc adjustment ring rotatably mounted on said base, said arc adjustment ring operatively connectable with said nozzle for rotating said nozzle relative to said stream deflector for adjustment of said arcuate discharge orifice; and

wherein said arc adjustment ring is operatively connectable with said nozzle only when said stem is in said operative extended position.

104. The sprinkler head of claim 103 including means for preventing over-rotation of said arc adjustment ring.

105. The sprinkler head of claim 103 including means for adjusting flow rate through the nozzle.

106. The sprinkler head of claim 103 including a rotor plate supported on a shaft extending upwardly from said stem, said rotor plate having a plurality of water distribution grooves therein located in axially spaced relationship to said nozzle and adapted to be impinged by a stream emitted from the nozzle.

107. A sprinkler head comprising a base;

a nozzle supported within the base;

a water distribution plate supported above the nozzle for movement toward and away from the base; and

at least one spring located substantially downstream of said nozzle and radially outward of said nozzle so as to be substantially outside the flowpath of water flowing through the sprinkler head, said spring arranged to bias said water distribution plate toward said base.

108. A sprinkler head comprising a base;

a nozzle and a stream deflector supported within the base, said nozzle and stream deflector cooperating to define an adjustable arcuate discharge orifice;

a water distribution plate supported on a shaft extending upwardly from said base, and adapted to be impinged by a stream emitted from the nozzle; and

means for effecting relative movement between said nozzle and said stream deflector for adjusting an arcuate length of said discharge orifice.