OSCILLATION CONTROL DEVICE FOR A ROTATING JET SPRINKLER AND SPRINKLER INCLUDING SUCH DEVICE

Abstract

 A device (1) for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler (2), having a barrel (5) which is rotatably mounted to a stationary base (3) to swing about a substantially vertical axis (T), such device (1) comprising an reversing mechanism (6) interacting with at least one limit stop member (7,8) adapted to be secured to the stationary base (3) to reverse the direction of rotation of the barrel (5), at least one movable abutment member (11) adapted to be secured to the base (3) in a predetermined angular position to selectively interact with the mechanism (6) and form corresponding oscillation angles (α, α') with the limit stop member (7,8),drive means (33) operably associated with the movable abutment member (11) to promote movement thereof between an active position in which such member interacts with the mechanism (6) and an inactive position in which such abutment member (11) does not interact with the mechanism (6). The movable abutment member (11) is swiveling in a substantially vertical plane (π) and is at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material, the movement means (33) comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator (35) which is designed to generate an electromagnetic force (F) acting on the movable abutment member (11) and to promote unidirectional movement thereof from the active position to the inactive position.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of irrigation systems for agricultural and industrial applications, and particularly relates to a device for controlling the oscillation of a jet rotating sprinkler.

[0002] The invention further relates to a sprinkler that incorporates the aforementioned device.

Background art

[0003] Agricultural and/or industrial sprinklers are known in the art, which are connected to a line for supplying an irrigation liquid, e.g. water, and are designed to distribute a jet of such liquid to a soil portion to be irrigated.

[0004] A peculiar characteristic of these sprinklers is that they distribute a controlled amount of liquid to a given soil portion, to irrigate it in a substantially uniform manner.

[0005] Furthermore, the sprinklers may be either stationary, to always irrigate the same soil portion, or movable for substantially constant-speed sweeping of a given cultivated surface.

[0006] For example, sprinklers that rotate about their vertical axis are equipped with a device that is adapted to both adjust the oscillation angle and to reverse the direction of rotation of the launch tube of the sprinkler.

[0007] A first type of sprinkler uses a totally mechanical reversing mechanism which is designed to selectively interact with the reversing member associated with the barrel.

[0008] Particularly, such device has a plurality of limit stop members which interact with the reversing member and can be manually adjusted to set a predetermined fixed angular sector within which the launch tube oscillates.

[0009] Nevertheless, these devices have a totally manual operation and require an action by the operator when the width of the angular oscillation sector of the launch tube has to be changed.

[0010] In an attempt to obviate these drawbacks, devices have been developed for changing the oscillation angle of a barrel, which allow automatic, operator-free adjustment of the irrigation sector.

[0011] These devices are usually adapted to be connected to programmable control units for automatic adjustment of the oscillation angle of the jet at predetermined time intervals.

[0012] US7051952, filed by the applicant hereof, discloses an irrigation system that comprises an electronic device designed to be placed at the base of the sprinkler and adapted to adjust the oscillation angle of the jet according to a time sequence that was stored beforehand by the user.

[0013] The system has an encoder that is adapted to detect the instant position of the barrel and is composed of a rotating metal disk that magnetically interacts with a Hall effect sensor rigidly joined to the base.

[0014] IT1408444 discloses a system for reversing the rotation of a rotating sprinkler, which comprises a ring designed to be fitted to the sprinkler and having a pair of limit stop members that define respective limit stop positions for the rotation of the launch tube.

[0015] One of the limit stop members is connected to a mechanical actuator which is adapted to automatically promote its descent after a predetermined delay that can be preset by the user, to allow the passage of the reversing member and thus cause the barrel to oscillate within a sector complementary to the initial sector.

[0016] Nevertheless, this arrangement is also affected by certain drawbacks, as this system has a large number of parts which add to its complexity and require a non-negligible assembly time.

[0017] Furthermore, these devices have rather large sizes, with overhanging parts that may be easily damaged as a result of accidental impacts with the ground or other objects during installation or operation of the sprinkler.

[0018] Also, a further drawback is that the mechanical or electronic actuators that are used in these arrangements are delicate and their operation may be easily affected by moisture, dirt or impurities accumulating thereon due to their outdoor installation.

[0019] Another drawback is that the use of these systems is relatively complex and requires particular care by the operator.

Technical Problem

[0020] In view of the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the invention may be deemed to consist in providing a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler that is simple to make, has a small size and is highly reliable.

Disclosure of the invention

[0021] The object of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned technical problem and obviate the above discussed drawbacks, by providing a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

[0022] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler that has particularly small dimensions.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler that is easy to make and is also particularly simple to assemble and operate.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler that has low costs.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler that is highly reliable, has low maintenance requirements and is easy to use.

[0026] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by the device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler as defined in claim 1.

[0027] In a further aspect, the invention provides a sprinkler comprising the device for automatic adjustment of the oscillation angle as defined in claim 14.

[0028] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler, and a sprinkler comprising such device according to the invention, which are described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler of the invention, mounted to a jet sprinkler.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of Fig. 1, mounted to a jet sprinkler;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of certain parts of Fig. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of the invention, as shown in Fig. 1;

FIG. 5A is a bottom view of a first detail of Fig. 4;

FIG. 5B is a broken away side view of the detail of Fig. 5A;

FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the device of Fig. 4;

FIGG. 7A and 7B are side views of of the device of Fig. 4 in two different operating positions;

FIG. 8 is a broken away side view of a second detail of the device of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 9A to 9D shows a sequence of perspective views of the device-sprinkler assembly of Fig. 1 during adjustment of the oscillation angle.

Detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

[0030] Particularly referring to the figures, numeral 1 shows and designates a device for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler 2 which is configured to distribute a liquid l, e.g. water, to a soil area to be irrigated.

[0031] As is known per se, the sprinkler 2 comprises a stationary base 3 having an inlet 4 which is designed for connection to a supply line A for the irrigation liquid l.

[0032] A barrel 5 is rotatably mounted to the stationary base 3, to swing about a substantially vertical axis T, thereby distributing a substantially uniform amount of liquid l over a semicircular soil portion.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 1 comprises an reversing mechanism 6 associated with the sprinkler 2 and adapted to interact with one or more limit stop members 7, 8 rigidly joined to the stationary base 3 to invert the rotation direction of the barrel 5.

[0034] Particularly, the reversing mechanism 6 comprises a rod 9 that selectively swivels about its longitudinal axis R and has an end with a downwardly projecting wing 10 fitted thereon, such wing interacting with the limit stop members 7, 8.

[0035] The latter are designed to be manually adjusted by a user and define respective limit oscillation positions of the launch tube 5, such positions being designed to be fixed during operation of the sprinkler 2.

[0036] The contact of the wing 10 of the rod 9 with a respective end-stroke 7 will cause the reversing mechanism 6 to swing in a given direction of rotation. This movement of the rod 9 will cause the barrel 5 to rotate about the axis T in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the contact of the wing 10 of the rod 9 with the other limit stop 8 will cause the latter to swing in the opposite direction and the direction of rotation of the barrel 5 to be reversed.

[0038] The device 1 for controlling the oscillation of the sprinkler further comprises at least one movable abutment member 11, which is adapted to be secured to the support base 3 of the sprinkler 2 in a predetermined angular position and to selectively interact with the wing 10 of the reversing mechanism to form respective oscillation angles α, α' with the limit stop members 7, 8, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0039] Furthermore, the movable abutment member 11 forms corresponding oscillation angles α, α' of the barrel 5 with the limit-stop members 7, 8.

[0040] While a single abutment member 11 is shown in the particular configuration of the invention as shown in the figures, in other embodiments, not shown, the device 1 may comprise a plurality of angularly spaced movable abutment members 11.

[0041] Preferably, as best shown in FIGS. 1 to 7B, the movable abutment member 11 may comprise a lever 12 having a longitudinal axis of extension L, and hinged to a first annular member 13 that is adapted to be stably secured to the stationary base 3.

[0042] The lever member 12 may comprise a substantially horizontal upper part 14 joined to a substantially vertical lower part 15 having a specially shaped projecting edge 16.

[0043] Particularly, the lower part 15 extends transversely downwards from the bottom surface 17 of the upper part 14.

[0044] Furthermore, a substantially horizontal passageway 18 may be formed in the lower part 15, for receiving a cylindrical pin 19 stably connected to the first annular member 13 to allow the movable abutment member 11 to rotate about a transverse hinging axis X extending through the pin 19.

[0045] Conveniently, as best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the specially shaped projecting edge 16 of the lower part 15 may have a substantially V-shaped sectional shape.

[0046] As best shown in FIG. 3, the first annular member 13 may be fitted to the base 3 of the sprinkler 2 and rotatably attached thereto by means of a plurality of first connecting screws 20, which are adapted to fit into an annular groove formed on the base 3, not shown.

[0047] A knob 21 is also provided, which is designed to be manually actuated by the user to lock the first annular member 13 in a predetermined angular position that has been set by the operator.

[0048] Thus, the operator may easily adjust the position of the abutment member 11 relative to the limit stop members 7, 8 to change the angular oscillation ranges α, α' of the barrel 5.

[0049] Conveniently, the first annular member 13 may have a semicircular recess 22 delimited by a pair of substantially vertical walls 23, 24 with respective brackets 25, 26 mounted thereto for supporting the movable abutment member 11.

[0050] Particularly, each bracket 25, 26 has a transverse section 27, 28 fixed to the corresponding wall 23, 24 of the recess 22 by means of second connecting screws 29 and a longitudinal section 30, 31, having a through hole 32 for receiving the cylindrical pin 19.

[0051] The device 1 further comprises movement means 33, operably associated with the first movable abutment member 11 to promote movement thereof between an active position in which such member interacts with the reversing mechanism 6 and an inactive position in which it does not interact with the reversing mechanism 6, allowing adjustment of the oscillation angle.

[0052] In the active position, the interaction between the movable member 11 and the reversing mechanism 6 causes reversal of the direction of rotation of the barrel 5 whereas, when the abutment member 11 is in the active position and does not interact with the mechanism 6 the oscillation angle may be adjusted.

[0053] Particularly, in the active position the upper part 14 of the lever member 12 may be substantially horizontal and coplanar with the top surface 34 of the first annular member 13, as shown in FIG. 7A. In the movement from the active position to the inactive position, the lever 12 will rotate downwards about the hinge axis X across a predetermined angular range β from 20° to 60°, as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0054] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the movable abutment member 11 is swivelling in a substantially vertical plane π and is at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0055] Furthermore, the movement means 33 have at least one electromagnetic actuator 35 which is designed to generate an electromagnetic force F acting on the movable abutment member 11 to promote unidirectional movement thereof from the active position to the inactive position.

[0056] The movable abutment member 11 may be made of a material selected from the group comprising ferromagnetic metal alloys, and the electromagnetic actuator 35 may consist of a permanent electromagnet with a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially vertical magnetic axis M.

[0057] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the electromagnetic actuator 35 may be removably mounted to the first annular member 13 into a housing 36 formed between the two vertical walls 23, 24 of the recess 22.

[0058] Thus, the actuator 35 will be accommodated in a position in which it substantially faces an end portion 37 of the upper part 14 of the movable abutment member 11. Furthermore, it will have a substantially flat and horizontal upper face 38 adapted to selectively interact with such end portion 37.

[0059] The upper face 38 of the actuator 35 may substantially contact the end portion 37 of the lever member 12 when the movable abutment member 11 is in the active position, as shown in FIG. 7A, or may be at a considerable distance from the end portion 37 of the lever member 12 when the abutment member 11 is in the inactive position, as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0060] Thus, the magnetic force F generated by the actuator 35 will only act on the end portion 37 of the movable abutment member 11, which will be necessarily made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0061] Furthermore, in the inactive position the actuator 35 will be at such a distance from the end position 37 that the action of the magnetic force F on the lever member 12 will be substantially nullified.

[0062] In the configuration of the invention as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the actuator may comprise at least one permanent magnet 39 adapted to generate a magnetic attractive force F having a predetermined value on the upper part 14 of the lever 12, to maintain the movable abutment member 11 in the active position.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5B, the electromagnetic actuator 35 may also have a pair of terminals 40, 41 upon which a predetermined voltage V may be applied at predetermined times, for changing the orientation of the magnetic field and generate a magnetic repulsive force F on the end portion 37 of the lever 12.

[0064] For example, the actuator 35 may be supplied with an electric voltage V ranging from 4.5 V to 24 V, typically 9 V.

[0065] The application of a magnetic repulsive force F o the end portion 37 of the lever 12 will promote the movement of the movable abutment member 11 from the active position to the inactive position.

[0066] The device 1 may comprise an electronic control unit 42, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1, which is connected to the terminals 40, 41 and is adapted to generate the nominal voltage V required by the actuator 35.

[0067] Particularly, the electronic control unit 42 may comprise an electronic timer connected to a voltage generator, both not shown.

[0068] The electronic timer may be programmed by the user for selective actuation of the voltage generator at predetermined times.

[0069] Thus, the movable abutment member 11 may be switched in a time-controlled manner from the active position to the inactive position, as needed by the user.

[0070] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 42 may be possibly connected to a remote management system by means of a network adapter or a GPS module, also not shown.

[0071] The electronic control unit 42 may be connected to electric charging means, not shown, which may consist of a rechargeable battery, a photovoltaic module, a socket for an external power source, or other similar devices.

[0072] Conveniently, the device 1 may comprise a second annular member 43 adapted to be fitted to the base 3 of the sprinkler 2 and to rotate relative to the first annular member 13.

[0073] As best shown in FIG. 6, a circular step 45 may be formed at the bottom surface 44 of the first annular member 13, and its diameter φ1 and depth p will match the inside diameter φ1 and the thickness s of the second annular member 43 respectively.

[0074] Thus, the second annular member 43 may be mounted to the bottom of the first annular member 13 and freely rotate relative to the latter without projecting out of its bottom surface 44.

[0075] The second annular member 43 may be equipped with a substantially radial catching member 46 interacting with the inversion mechanism 6 of the launch tube 5 and a radial cam 47 rigidly joined to the catching member 46 and adapted to selectively interact with the projecting edge 16 of the lower part 15 of the movable abutment member 11.

[0076] The catching member 46 may substantially have a step shape and will be driven into rotation by the reversing mechanism 6 when the movable abutment member 11 is in the inactive position, as shown in the sequence of FIGS. 9A to 9D.

[0077] Therefore, as the second annular member 43 rotates, the radial cam 47 will interact with the specially shaped edge 16 of the lower part 15 and thereby cause the movable abutment member 11 to move back from the inactive position to the active position.

[0078] As the abutment member 11 reaches back the active position, the end portion 37 of the lever 12 will contact again the upper face 38 of the electromagnetic actuator 35, thereby restoring the action of the magnetic attractive force F on the movable abutment member 11.

[0079] Positioning means 48 are further provided, which are adapted to maintain the first annular element 13 in a reference position with respect to the second annular member 43 when the abutment member 11 is in the active position.

[0080] Particularly, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 9B, in the reference position, the cam 47 and the catching member 46 are placed on the side that faces away from the abutment member 11. This will constantly ensure interaction of the radial cam 47 with the abutment member 11 when the latter is in the inactive position.

[0081] The positioning means 48 may include a spring 49 adapted to be received in a blind hole 50 formed in the first annular member 13, such spring having an end 51 interacting with a spherical member 52 to generate thereon a substantially vertical downward force, as best shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8.

[0082] A circular or semicircular seat 52 is formed on the second annular member 43, for accommodating the spherical member 52.

[0083] The presence of the spherical member 52 in the seat 53 will provide mechanical connection of the first annular member 13 to the second annular member 43 in the reference position. Nevertheless, the locking force exerted by the spherical member 52 on the second annular member 43 will be relatively small and will not prevent the latter from being driven into rotation by the reversing mechanism 6 for inverting the barrel 5.

[0084] In a further aspect, the invention provides a jet sprinkler 2 comprising a stationary support base 3 adapted to be connected to the supply line A for supplying the irrigation liquid l and having at least one limit stop member 7, 8. A barrel 5 is mounted to such base 3 to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation T, and has an inversion mechanism 6 adapted to interact with the limit stop members 7, 8 to delimit respective angular oscillation ranges α, α'.

[0085] Advantageously, an oscillation control device 1 as described hereinbefore is mounted between the stationary base 3 and the rotating launch tube 5, which device comprises at least one abutment member 11 that can be selectively moved between an active position and an inactive position under a magnetic force F generated by an appropriate electromagnetic actuator 35.

[0086] The device and sprinkler of the invention are susceptible to a number of changes or variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention.

[0087] While the device and sprinkler have been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Industrial Applicability

[0088] The present invention may find application in industry, because it can be produced on an industrial scale in irrigation system manufacturing factories.

Claims

1. A device (1) for controlling the oscillation of a rotating jet sprinkler (2), wherein the sprinkler (2) comprises a barrel (5) rotatably mounted on a stationary base (3) for oscillating around a substantially vertical axis (T), which device (1) comprises:

- a reversing mechanism (6) designed to interact with at least one limit stop member (7, 8) attachable to the stationary base (3) to invert the rotation direction of the barrel (5);

- at least one movable abutment member (11) securable to the base (3) of the sprinkler (2) in a predetermined angular position to selectively interact with said reversing mechanism (6) and determine corresponding oscillation angles (α, α') with said at least one limit stop member (7, 8);

- drive means (33) operatively associated to said at least one movable abutment member (11) to promote movement thereof between an operative position wherein said at least one movable abutment member (11) interacts with said reversing mechanism (6) whereby determining an inversion of rotation of the barrel (5), and a inoperative position wherein said at least one movable member (11) does not interact with the reversing mechanism (6) to change the oscillation angle;

characterized in that said at least one movable abutment member (11) is swivelling in a substantially vertical plane (π) and it is at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material, said drive means (33) being provided with at least an electromagnetic actuator (35) designed to generate an electromagnetic force (F) acting on said movable abutment member (11) to promote the unidirectional movement thereof from said operative position to said inoperative position.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said at least one movable abutment member (11) comprises a lever (12) pivotaly mounted to a first annular member (13) that is stably attachable to the stationary base (3).

3. Device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said lever (12) comprises a substantially horizontal upper part (14) joined to a substantially lower part (15) having a shaped projecting edge (16).

4. Device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said upper part (14) of the lever (12) comprises a planar end portion (37) substantially facing said electromagnetic actuator (35).

5. Device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said electromagnetic actuator (35) has a substantially cylindrical-shape with a substantially vertical electromagnetic axis (M) and a substantially horizontal upper face (38) adapted to selectively interact with said end portion (37) of said lever (12).

6. Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said electromagnetic actuator (35) comprises at least one permanent magnet (39) adapted to generate an attractive magnetic force (F) on said lever (12) to maintain this letter in said operative position.

7. Device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said electromagnetic actuator (35) has a pair of terminals (40, 41) to fed said permanent magnet (39) with a predetermined electric voltage (V) for generating a repulsive electromagnetic force (F) acting on said lever (12) to promote the movement thereof from said operative position to said inoperative position.

8. Device as claimed in claim 7, characterized by comprising an electronic control unit (42) connected to said terminals (40, 41) to selectively generate said electric voltage (V) at predetermined times.

9. Device as claimed in claim 2, characterized by comprising a second annular member (43) insertable on said base (3) of the sprinkler (2) and rotatable with respect said first annular member (13), said second annular member (43) being provided with a catching member (46) interacting with said reversing mechanism (6) of the barrel (5) to be rotary driven therefrom when said at least one movable member (11) is its inoperative position.

10. Device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said second annular member (43) comprises a radially extending cam (47) adapted to selectively interact with said projecting edge (16) of said lower part (15), said radial cam (47) being integral with said catching member (46) for promoting the movement of said at least one movable abutment member (11) from said inoperative position to said operative position when said catching member (46) is rotatably driven from said reversing mechanism (6).

11. Device as claimed in claim 9, characterized by comprising positioning means (48) adapted to maintain said first annular member (13) in a reference position with respect to said second annular member (43) when said at least one movable member (11) is in operative position.

12. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that said radial cam (47) and said catching member (46) are positioned on opposite sides with respect said at least one movable member (11) with said first annular member (13) is in the reference position.

13. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that said positioning means (48) comprise a spherical member (52) associated to said first annular member (13) and at least partially insertable into a seat (53) formed in said second annular member (43).

14. Device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that said positioning means (48) comprise a spring (49) inserted into a blind hole (50) formed in said first annular member (13), said spring (49) being interacting with said spherical member (52) to generate thereon a substantially downward oriented vertical force for promoting insertion of said spherical member into said seat (53).

15. A sprinkler (2) comprising:

- a stationary base (3) connectable to a feeding line (A) of an irrigation liquid (l);

- a barrel (5) of the liquid (l) rotatably mounted on said base (3) for rotating around a substantial vertical rotation axis (T);

- at least one limit stop member (7, 8) associated to said base (3) to delimit corresponding oscillating angles (α, α') of the barrel (5);

- a reversing mechanism (6) associated to said barrel (5) and adapted to interact with said at least one limit stop member (7, 8) for inverting the rotation direction of said barrel (5);

characterized by comprising a device (1) for controlling the oscillation of said barrel (5) in accordance with in one or more of the preceding claims.

Drawing