Jet diffuser with quick-change nozzle for irrigation systems.

Abstract

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Description

Jet diffuser with quick-change nozzle for irrigation systems. Field of invention

[001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of irrigation systems for agricultural and industrial use and, in particular, relates to a jet diffuser with a quick-change nozzle for use in an irrigation system. Background

[002] Liquid diffusers for irrigation systems are known to comprise a main body that is adapted to be attached to a drip line of an irrigation system and features a tubular passage with one end designed for connection to a supply line and the other end fitted with a diffuser nozzle that directs a jet of liquid downwards.

[003] In addition, a deflector plate is placed before the nozzle, to obstruct and radially deflect the jet, so that the liquid is distributed evenly over the surface to be irrigated.

[004] The plate can be mounted on the support body in either a fixed or movable manner, to be able to perform a complex movement, consisting of a first rotation around its central axis and a second rotation of its central axis around the central axis of the support body.

[005] Generally, the jet emission nozzle is mounted on the main body in a removable form, for replacement if the jet amplitude needs to be changed.

[006] Here, the entire diffuser is removed from the feed tube and then at least partially disassembled for removal and replacement of the nozzle.

[007] As a result, in addition to the need to disassemble the diffuser, there will also be a need to interrupt the irrigation liquid supply, which will increase downtime and require more labor and personnel.

[008] Another drawback of these state-of-the-art arrangements is the difficulty in carrying out ordinary maintenance, particularly when soil or dirt residues have to be removed.

[009] Patent W02010 / 005508 describes a diffuser featuring a nozzle of 2 / 11 quick replacement that allows the nozzle to be replaced while the support body is still connected to the feed tube, without the need to interrupt the feed and disassemble the diffuser.

[0010] However, this arrangement also has some well-known drawbacks. Namely, the support body has a side seat for receiving the nozzle and for quickly locking it, by means of a simple transverse movement.

[0011] As a result, in order to obtain a proper sealing effect in the nozzle connector section for connection to the liquid supply passage, a special seal must be provided, generally an O-ring type sealing ring, which increases the complexity of both the construction and assembly of the diffuser. Description of the invention

[0012] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a liquid diffuser with a quick-change nozzle for use in irrigation systems, which exhibits high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

[0013] A particular objective is to provide a liquid diffuser with a quick-change nozzle, which ensures high reliability and features a simple design.

[0014] Another objective is to provide a liquid diffuser with a quick-change nozzle, where the nozzle can be easily inserted and removed, but can still be stably and securely attached to the diffuser.

[0015] Another objective is to provide a liquid diffuser with a quick-change nozzle, which allows for quick disposal and simple completion of common maintenance steps, without the need to interrupt the water supply.

[0016] Yet another objective is to provide a liquid diffuser with a quick-change nozzle that always ensures a proper sealing effect.

[0017] These and other objectives, as explained in more detail below, are fulfilled by a jet diffuser with a quick-change nozzle for use in an irrigation system, the diffuser including an upper feed portion and a portion 3 / 11 lower deflection, wherein said feed portion comprises a main body having a tubular upper portion with a longitudinal axis, which is designed to be connected to a respective drip line and a hollow lower portion, which has a side wall and a central cavity, a side opening formed in said side wall of said hollow lower portion, a substantially tubular nozzle adapted to be inserted radially through said side opening and placed in said central cavity in a substantially coaxial connection and facing said tubular upper portion to direct a jet of liquid axially downwards, the quick-connect means associated with said nozzle to fix it inside said main body and in which said diffuser portion comprises the spraying means for distributing the jet flowing out of said nozzle.

[0018] The diffuser is characterized by the fact that said quick-connect means comprise the follower and cam drive means that operate on said nozzle to move and push it axially substantially upwards, in a contact and seal connection, on the lower edge of the upper tubular portion, without any seal interposed between them.

[0019] With this particular configuration, the nozzle can be quickly inserted into or removed from the specially formed housing seat in the support body without the need to interrupt the water supply to the system.

[0020] This is because the side opening of the main body will always provide access to the nozzle housing cavity, transverse to the liquid jet flowing out of the upper tubular portion, which will facilitate insertion and removal, while the operation will not oppose the direction of the jet.

[0021] In addition, access to the nozzle housing cavity will not require the diffuser to be disassembled or removed from the feed line.

[0022] The drive means, followers and cam, will move the nozzle against the lower edge of the tubular part and force it against the same to ensure a proper sealing effect without requiring the use of a seal, such as an O-ring type seal, at the outlet or upper section of the nozzle.

[0023] As a result, the diffuser will have a simpler construction, which allows 4 / 11 easier assembly and less prone to failure.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of the diffuser according to the invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an irrigation system comprising a plurality of diffusers of the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the irrigation system in Figure 1, featuring a diffuser of the invention; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the diffuser of the invention; Figure 4 is a front view of the diffuser in Figure 3 with the nozzle in an initial unlocked position; Figure 5 is a front view of the diffuser from Figure 3 with the nozzle in a second locked position; Figure 6 illustrates some viewpoints of a quick-change diffuser nozzle of the invention; Figure 7 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a part of the diffuser of the invention with the nozzle in the pulled-out position; Figure 8 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a part of the diffuser of the invention with the nozzle in the locked position; Figure 9 illustrates an operating sequence for locking the nozzle, with the diffuser shown in part and in front view; Figure 10 shows an operating sequence for inserting and locking the nozzle in place, with the diffuser shown in part and in a top sectional view; Figure 11 shows an operating sequence for inserting and locking the nozzle in place, with the diffuser shown in cross-section and front view; Figure 12 is a front and cross-sectional view of the diffuser with the nozzle in one position. 5 / 11 lowered; Figures 13 and 14 are two distinct perspective views of a bushing, which is part of a diffuser of the invention; Figure 15 is a sectional view of the bushing shown in Figures 13 and 14. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

[0026] With reference to the figures mentioned above, a liquid diffuser is shown, which is adapted for use in an irrigation system I for agriculture and / or similar applications, featuring a feed tube T for supplying an irrigation liquid, usually water.

[0027] In particular, the diffuser of the present invention, generally indicated by the number 1, will be of the type normally defined as a 'sprinkler', adapted to be suspended from a supply pipe, for example, and without limitation in center pivot systems.

[0028] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, a system I will have at least one feed pipe T with a plurality of branch lines C, each adapted to have a removable diffuser 1 attached to it, for the substantially uniform distribution of an irrigation jet over a surface to be irrigated.

[0029] As more clearly illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the jet diffuser 1 of the invention comprises a load-bearing structure 2 having a feed portion 2' that overlaps a deflection portion 2.

[0030] The feed portion 2' in turn comprises a main body 3 with a longitudinal axis L that has an upper terminal connection T, for example, of threaded type, adapted for removable connection to any of the branch lines C.

[0031] In addition, the main body 3 has a tubular upper portion 3' which has a substantially axial central passage 4 with an inlet 5 and an outlet 6 for the irrigation liquid, and a hollow lower portion 3'' with a side wall 3'''.

[0032] The diffuser 1 also comprises a substantially cylindrical nozzle 7 which is removablely coupled to the outlet 6 of passage 4, in a substantially 6 / 11 facing the upper tubular portion 3', to direct a jet of liquid downwards towards the deflection portion 2.

[0033] The main body 3 also features a central cavity 8 formed in the hollow lower portion 3'' to house the nozzle 7 in a positioning substantially coaxial with the central passage 4.

[0034] The side wall 3''' of the hollow portion 3'' has a substantially transverse side opening 9, for insertion / removal of the nozzle 7 into and from the cavity 8, in a substantially transverse direction Y.

[0035] Cavity 8 is conveniently arranged downstream of passage 4 and is designed to house nozzle 7 in a form that allows for its displacement, at least in the axial direction.

[0036] Quick-connect means 10 are also provided for connecting the nozzle 7 to the main body 3, which are adapted to allow insertion and removal of the nozzle 7 into and from the cavity 8, without requiring the diffuser 1 to be disassembled or disconnected from the branch line C.

[0037] In particular, the quick-connect means 10 include the follower and cam drive means 11 associated with the cavity 8 and the nozzle 7 and operate on the nozzle 7 to move and push it axially upwards after insertion into the cavity 8 through the side opening 9 in a contact and sealing relationship with the lower edge 15 of the passage 4, in order to ensure the necessary sealing effect, possibly without any seal being provided at the outlet 6 or the inlet section 7' ​​of the nozzle 7.

[0038] However, it should be understood that, in an alternative configuration, not illustrated in the attached drawings, the diffuser 1 may also include a seal interposed between the nozzle 7 and the outlet 6 of the passage 4 and stably associated with either of these elements.

[0039] Conveniently, the drive means of the follower and cam 11 comprise a first sliding surface 12 associated with the cavity 8 and a second sliding surface 13 associated with the nozzle 7.

[0040] The two sliding surfaces 12, 13 will be adapted for mutual engagement by means of relative sliding motion, to cause translation t of nozzle 7, 7 / 11 as it is inserted into cavity 8 and locked into place in said cavity.

[0041] In particular, the cam and follower means 11 can be designed to cause the translation t of the nozzle 7 from a first lowered position, as most clearly illustrated in the image on the left of figure 11, in which the nozzle 7 is separated from passage 4, to a raised position, as most clearly illustrated in the image on the right of figure 11, in which the nozzle 7 comes into contact with the outlet 6 of passage 4 and is pressed against it and to ensure the necessary sealing effect.

[0042] For this purpose, the nozzle 7 has a tapered upper edge 14, and the passage 4 has a suitably shaped lower edge 15, the perfect coupling with the shape of the upper edge 14 of the nozzle 7 to receive in a leak-tight manner by means of the axial translation t of the nozzle 7 therefore ensures a sealing effect, even when a seal is not provided.

[0043] In one embodiment, not shown, the follower and cam drive means 11 can be designed to cause said translation t at the same time as radial sliding motion of the nozzle 7 occurs in the cavity 8.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the axial translation t of the nozzle 7 is caused by a rotation ® of the same in the cavity 8, around the longitudinal axis L.

[0045] Advantageously, the drive means of the follower and cam 11 comprise a support and guide element 16 which is integral with the nozzle 7 and adapted to guide and support it as it is inserted into the cavity 8.

[0046] Preferably, as illustrated in figure 6, the support element 16 can be formed as a single piece with the nozzle 7, to always ensure proper insertion and centered positioning of the nozzle 7.

[0047] In addition, the connection means 10 comprise a substantially transverse slot 17 formed in the cavity 8, and adapted to guide the support element 16 during its insertion into the seat 8.

[0048] As clearly shown in Figure 5, the slot 17 has a lower sliding surface 18' and an upper sliding surface 18, which are substantially flat, transverse and parallel and extend to the periphery of the cavity. 8 / 11 in an angular extension such as to leave a free passage 19 for the insertion of the nozzle 7.

[0049] In addition, the slot 17 has a raised peripheral edge of the step type 20 that extends along the angular extent of the slot 17 and comprises an edge that defines the first sliding surface 12.

[0050] The support and guide element 16 in turn comprises a plate 21 substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and having a central hole with the nozzle 7 stably inserted therein.

[0051] Plate 21 is adapted to engage slot 17 in a sliding manner and, in particular, slides first over the lower flat surface 18 for centered positioning of the nozzle 7.

[0052] The follower and cam drive means 11 are designed to allow the plate 21 to rotate in the cavity 8 between the lowered inserted position and the raised operating position, which is rotated relative to the lowered position, to cause the axial translation t of the nozzle 7 to come into contact with the outlet 6 of the passage 4.

[0053] Preferably, the maximum rotation angle ® of plate 21 can vary from 30o to 120o and, preferably, from 40o to 80o and, for example, be about 70o, as illustrated in figure 10.

[0054] Plate 21 has a flat lower surface 22 with a tapered peripheral portion 23 comprising the second sliding surface 13, which may form an edge of the tapered portion 23.

[0055] The latter is adapted to engage the peripheral edge 20 of the slot 17 in such a way that the two edges 12, 14 come into contact to cause the axial translation t of the nozzle 7 after the rotation of the plate 21.

[0056] In addition, once plate 21 has been translated upwards, its lower surface 22 slides over the upper sliding surface 19 of slot 17.

[0057] The support element 16 also has a substantially axially curved outer peripheral surface 24 to guide the nozzle 7 during its rotation ®.

[0058] Preferably, the curved surface 24 has a radius of curvature r that changes along its peripheral length to allow centering of the nozzle 7 in passage 4. 9 / 11

[0059] In particular, the curved surface 24 has a first section 24' substantially coaxial with the nozzle 7 and a second section 24'', whose radius of curvature r'' is slightly smaller than the radius of curvature r' of the first section 24'.

[0060] Thus, as clearly illustrated in figure 9, the second section 24'' defines a lead-in portion for inserting plate 21 into cavity 8, and allows the first section 24'' to slide along the side wall 25 of cavity 8 without adhering to the side opening 9, thereby orienting plate 21 into a centered position.

[0061] Conveniently, the support element 16 features a pair of substantially axial curved formations 24, which are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis L to ensure proper centering of the nozzle 7, thus preventing the nozzle 7 from exiting the cavity 8 during rotation.

[0062] Appropriately, the support element 16 further comprises a substantially radial actuating lever 26, which is adapted to be actuated by a user to cause rotation ® of the plate 21.

[0063] In addition, lever 26 includes means 27 for the stable, but removable, locking of plate 21 in the raised position.

[0064] In particular, the locking means 27 comprise a tooth 28 associated with one end of the lever 26 and designed for quick engagement of a retaining surface 29 on a radial projection 30 of the main body 3, by means of rotation of the lever 26.

[0065] Conveniently, lever 26 has a substantially plate-like shape and can be slightly bent to allow both engagement with and release from the retaining surface 29, when nozzle 7 does not have to be removed.

[0066] In this case, it will simply be to remove the latch and rotate the integral lever 26 with the support element 16, in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion and locking.

[0067] In a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, as illustrated more clearly in figures 11 and 12, the hollow lower portion 3'' houses a substantially cylindrical bushing 33 with the cavity 8 for the nozzle 7 formed therein. A Bushing 10 / 11 33 is more clearly illustrated in figures 13 to 15.

[0068] This will avoid the need to directly machine the support structure 2 to form the cavity 8, since a bushing 33 with the cavity 8 can be formed separately and then locked into the structure 2.

[0069] As illustrated in figures 3 to 5, as is typical in sprinkler diffusers, structure 2 has a deflection portion 2 integral with the upper feed portion 2 and joined to it by a plurality of axial elements 35.

[0070] Deflection portion 2 is designed to accommodate the jet distribution means, comprising a deflector plate 36 located before the nozzle 7 to deflect and radially distribute the jet.

[0071] Plate 36 may be stationary or, as shown in the illustrated arrangement, it may comprise a support shaft, which is not shown, insofar as it is inserted into the tubular deflection portion 2, allowing it to rotate with a complex motion, consisting of a first rotation of plate 36 around its central axis X and a second rotation of the central axis X relative to the longitudinal axis L, substantially as described, for example, in international application W02010010535, to provide a fluid distribution of greater radial amplitude and more uniform.

[0072] An operating sequence for inserting and quickly locking the nozzle 7 into the diffuser 1 is illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10, which show that once the nozzle 7 has been inserted into the cavity 8 by means of a substantially transverse sliding motion, it is rotated around the longitudinal axis L by operating the lever 26 until the tooth 28 engages the retaining surface 29 and locks the position of the support element 16 and therefore of the nozzle 7.

[0073] It will be particularly noted that, during rotation ®, the second sliding surface 13 is associated with the plate 21 projecting against the edge 20 of the slot 17 to slide on the first sliding surface 12 and cause the gradual elevation of the plate, resulting in the axial translation t of the nozzle 7.

[0074] On the other hand, figure 11 illustrates nozzle 7 in its lowered position, which corresponds to the inserted state of plate 21, and in its raised position, with the plate having been fully rotated. 11 / 11

[0075] The description above shows that the diffuser of the invention fulfills the intended objectives and, in particular, fulfills the requirement of allowing quick connection and removal of the nozzle, while constantly allowing a proper sealing effect, without the use of a sealant.

[0076] The diffuser of the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, within the inventive concept described in the appended claims. All its details can be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials can vary depending on different needs, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] Although the diffuser has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numbers in the description and claims are used only for the sake of better intelligibility of the invention and should not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any way.

Claims

1. Jet diffuser with quick-change nozzle for use in irrigation plants (I) with vertical branch pipes (R), said diffuser comprises an upper feed portion (2') and a lower diffusion portion (2), said feed portion (2') comprising: - a main body (3) having a tubular upper portion (3') with a longitudinal axis (L) capable of being connected to a respective branch pipe (R) and a hollow lower portion (3) with a side wall (3') and a central cavity (8); - a side opening (9) formed in said side wall (3') of said hollow lower portion (3''); - a tubular nozzle (7) adapted to be radially inserted through said side opening (9) and placed in said central cavity (8) in a coaxial relationship and facing said tubular upper portion (3') to direct a jet of liquid axially downwards;- quick-connect means (10) associated with said nozzle (7) for fixing it inside said main body (3); and wherein said diffusion portion (2) comprises diffusion means (36) for spraying the jet flowing out of said nozzle (7); characterized in that said quick-connect means (10) comprise follower and cam actuation means (11) that act on said nozzle (7) to move and push it axially upwards, in a contact and sealing relationship on the lower edge (15) of said tubular upper portion (3'), optionally without a seal interposed between them; said actuation means (11) comprising a first sliding surface (12) associated with said cavity (8) and a second sliding surface (13) associated with said nozzle (7) and adapted to slideably engage said first surface (12) to cause the axial translation (t) of said nozzle (7);the said actuation means (11) comprising a guide and support element (16) integral with the said nozzle (7), and adapted to guide and support it by means of insertion in Petition 870200083197, of 03 / 07 / 2020, page 10 / 14 2 / 3 said cavity (8), and a transverse slot (17) formed in the said cavity (8) and adapted to guide the said guide and support element (16), the said slot (17) having a peripheral edge (20) which defines the said first sliding surface (12); the said guide and support element (16) comprising a transverse plate (21) adapted to engage in a sliding manner in the said slot (17);said actuation means (11) being adapted to allow rotation (®) of said plate (21) in said slot (17) between a lowered inserted position and a raised operating position, which is rotated relative to said lowered position and causes axial translation (t) of said nozzle (7) to engage by contact with said lower edge (15) of said upper tubular portion (39); said plate (21) having a lower surface (22) at least partially tapered comprising said second sliding surface (13) and adapted to engage said peripheral edge (20) of said slot (17) to cause said axial translation (t) of said nozzle (7) during said rotation (®).; 2. Diffuser according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide and support element (16) has at least one curved and axial outer peripheral surface (24) adapted to guide said nozzle (7) during said rotation (ro) and has a radius of curvature (r) that varies along its peripheral extent.

3. Diffuser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said guide and support element (16) comprises a transverse actuation lever (26) adapted to be actuated by a user to cause rotation (®) of said plate (21).

4. Diffuser according to claim 3, characterized in that said lever (26) comprises means (27) for the stable and removable locking of said plate (21) in said raised position.

5. Diffuser according to claim 4, characterized in that said locking means (27) comprise a tooth (28) associated with said lever (26) and designed for the quick engagement of a retaining surface (29) integral with said main body (3) by means of maximum rotation of said lever (26).

6. Diffuser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hollow tubular portion (3) comprises a cylindrical bushing (33) Petition 870200083197, dated 03 / 07 / 2020, p. 11 / 14 3 / 3 which encloses said cavity (8).

7. Diffuser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said nozzle (7) has a tapered upper edge (14), said lower edge (15) of said tubular upper portion (3') being shaped in a complementary manner in relation to said upper edge (14) of said nozzle (7) for tight coupling with the same by means of translation (t) of said nozzle (7).

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