Liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems.

Abstract

A liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems comprises a frame (2) defining a central axis (X1) and having an upper body (3) provided with a nozzle (6) connected to a line for supplying an irrigation liquid for generating a substantially axial jet and a lower body (4) provided with a stabilising mass (8), a deflector assembly (12) having a deflector plate (13) with an upper face (14) facing the nozzle (6) and a lower face (15) from which a shank (16) extends from the opposite side to the nozzle (6), a containment member (24) operatively associated with the lower body (4) having a peripheral annular collar (25), a stem (39) and a cavity (26) with a bottom wall (27) on which a rotatable support (28) is arranged. The deflector assembly (12) is inserted into the cavity (26) of the containment member (24) with an end (30) of the shank (16) resting against said rotatable support (28) and with the lower face (15) of the plate (13) spaced apart from the annular collar (25) to allow the free rotation of the deflector assembly (12). There is provided a protection member (32) constrained to the deflector plate (13) and configured to occlude the space between the lower face (15) of the plate (13) and the annular collar (25) of said containment member (24) as well as to enclose said containment member (24), said rotatable support (28) and all moving parts of said deflector assembly (12) so as to prevent the inlet of liquids, solids and debris.

Description

/ 13 Liquid Diffuser Device for Irrigation Systems - Description Field of Invention

[001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of irrigation systems for agricultural purposes and relates particularly to a liquid diffusion device for irrigation systems. Fundamentals of the Technique

[002] The use of diffuser devices or sprinklers in fluid communication with a line to supply a liquid, mainly water, to distribute the liquid evenly over the land to be irrigated has been known for a long time in the field of irrigation systems.

[003] A particular type of diffuser device consists of nutation sprinkler irrigators which have the advantage of lower complexity and fewer components compared to other types of sprinkler irrigators and allow the supply of less filtered water, such as water from rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wells and / or other water sources.

[004] However, components of the nutation sprinkler system, such as the deflector assembly, can wear out due to their orbital movements and need to be replaced frequently. The use of less purified water can also cause debris to accumulate, resulting in components that are repaired or replaced and / or cleaned at relatively high costs and interrupted operation.

[005] A typical nutation diffuser device comprises a frame defining a central geometric axis with a fitting for connecting to a supply line and a nozzle for dispensing a jet of liquid, a deflector assembly with a deflector plate facing the nozzle and adapted to intercept the jet of liquid generated by the nozzle and to deflect it partially radially to distribute it uniformly over a Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 9 / 32 / 13 area surrounding the land and to promote the rotation of the complex.

[006] The frame has an annular wall that defines a rolling surface for the deflector plate, whose rod is mounted on a spherical support to allow inclined rotation of the deflector assembly around a geometric axis inclined relative to the geometric axis of the frame.

[007] Given that the frame is open, water, dirt and debris can enter the bearing surface and the spherical support area, preventing free rotation of the rod under extreme conditions.

[008] If the water comes from channels in the ground, in addition to sand and mud, it may also contain vegetation and algae, especially in advanced irrigation seasons, and under extreme conditions, it may prevent the deflector assembly from rolling and hinder the operation of the device.

[009] US patent 10,864,534 describes an orbital sprinkler of the type indicated above, comprising a deflector assembly with a deflector plate having an upstream side facing the nozzle and a downstream side with a shaft. A rim is fitted into the body of the deflector assembly to guide the grooved shaft, and this shaft is provided with an upstream flange and a downstream flange relative to the rim. These two flanges have a very small diameter and are not sufficient to prevent water from flowing towards the guide rim.

[0010] US patent 10,828,653 describes a sprinkler irrigator with a nozzle in fluid communication with the water inlet, a bearing positioned downstream of the nozzle and supported by the frame, and a deflector assembly located between the nozzle and the bearing. The deflector assembly comprises a distribution plate configured to divert water from the nozzle and a rod having its lower end resting against the ball bearing.

[0011] The deflector assembly is configured to move relative to the geometric axis of the nozzle in one or both directions of rotation and inclination, and the bearing is a ball bearing configured to support substantially all of the Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 10 / 32 / 13 axial load created by the weight of the deflector assembly. No protection against the ingress of liquids and solids into the bearing area is provided in this known sprinkler irrigator.

[0012] The common disadvantage found in these known diffuser devices, therefore, lies in the low reliability, which is linked to the risk of blocking the deflector assembly and thus stopping the device.

[0013] This is mainly due to the fact that the water introduced into the device's supply line is not clean, sometimes it is pumped from aquifers or comes from aqueducts without filtration stations and may contain particles of mud, impurities and debris.

[0014] These particles can easily penetrate the moving parts of the device, causing them to stop and preventing proper operation, as well as damaging the diffuser both during startup and full operation.

[0015] In addition, the introduction of particles and debris into the device can lead to increased wear on moving parts, resulting in a shorter lifespan and a need for more frequent device maintenance.

[0016] Still, if the damage exceeds a certain level, the device must be replaced, resulting in a higher operating cost for the system. Technical Problem

[0017] In light of the state of the art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to increase the reliability of the diffuser device and ensure optimal operation, even in the presence of dirt and debris in the irrigation liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The objective of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem by providing a liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems that is highly efficient, reliable, and relatively economical. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 11 / 32 / 13

[0019] A particular objective of the present invention is to provide a liquid diffuser device of the type described above that prevents the entry of dirty liquids and debris into the area of ​​its moving parts or into mutual rolling contact.

[0020] Another particular objective of the present invention is to provide a diffuser device that ensures correct operation and triggers the orbital motion of the deflector assembly.

[0021] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a liquid diffusion device of the type described above that has a relatively simple structure and is easy to assemble and maintain.

[0022] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a liquid diffusion device of the type described above that is particularly durable.

[0023] These and other objectives, which will become more evident below, are achieved by a liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems, according to claim 1.

[0024] The device according to the invention comprises a frame having an inlet portion provided with a nozzle in fluidic communication with a line for supplying a liquid to generate a jet and an outlet portion provided with a stabilizing mass, a deflector assembly having a deflector plate facing said nozzle and a rod downstream of said plate, a containment member connected to said outlet portion and having a cavity with a bottom wall in which a rotating support is arranged, wherein said deflector assembly is inserted into said cavity of said containment member with one end of said rod resting against said support to allow said assembly to rotate with rotary and orbital motion, and wherein, downstream of said deflector plate, a configured protective member is provided to enclose said containment member,the aforementioned rod and the aforementioned rotating support in order to prevent the entry of dirty liquid and, Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 12 / 32 / 13 debris and ensure the orbital movement of said deflector assembly.

[0025] The combination of these characteristics makes it possible to guarantee the free orbital movement of the deflector assembly, even when filled with liquids containing impurities, dirt and debris.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the deflector plate has a nozzle-facing surface that is adapted to deflect the jet radially outward to promote rotation of the deflector assembly and, on the opposite side, a first substantially cylindrical connecting flange that is adapted to be coupled to an enlarged end portion of the rod.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the restraining member is cup-shaped and has a collar with a substantially cylindrical inner surface defining a bearing surface for the first connecting flange of the baffle plate and a bottom wall.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the protective limb has a shape similar to that of the restraining limb, which is larger than the latter.

[0029] In addition, the protective member has an upper peripheral edge that can be fitted in a snap-fit ​​manner to a second baffle plate connection flange that is radially offset relative to the first.

[0030] This configuration allows the protective member to enclose the entire area of ​​the moving parts, both laterally and from above, so as to effectively prevent the entry of dirty liquids and debris into that area.

[0031] In one embodiment, the rotary support comprises a member housed in a seat with a substantially axial complementary shape provided in the bottom wall of the retaining member. Furthermore, the rod is tubular and has at its free end a housing that is shaped to rest on the spherical member with minimal friction.

[0032] This configuration allows the diffuser to ensure correct operation and trigger the initial orbital movement of the deflector assembly, increasing the reliability of the device as a whole. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 13 / 32 / 13

[0033] In one embodiment, the protective member comprises a substantially truncated conical portion having in its narrow section an end edge directed radially inwards with a circular opening having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the rod.

[0034] This dimensioning allows the protective member not to interfere with the precession movement of the deflector assembly and therefore prevents wear on its moving parts.

[0035] Preferably, the retaining member has, near its bottom wall, an axial rod that can be coupled to the lower portion of the main body by means of universal connection means, for example, threaded connections.

[0036] The extremely simple structure of the protective member and moving parts allows for extremely easy and safe assembly and maintenance of the device.

[0037] In addition, the device is particularly durable due to the protection of the moving parts.

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems, shown as a non-limiting example with reference to the drawings below, where: FIG. 1 is a side view of the liquid diffuser according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the liquid diffuser in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top view of the liquid diffuser of FIGS. 1 Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, pp. 14 / 32 / 13 and 2; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the liquid diffuser of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 5 is a partially cross-sectional view of the liquid diffuser of FIGS. 1, 2, 3; FIG. 6 is a view of the liquid diffuser of FIG. 3 sectioned according to plane VV; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a detail from FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the diffuser device from the previous figures. Detailed Description of Preferred Modality

[0040] With reference to the figures mentioned, a liquid diffusing device according to the invention is shown, generally indicated with the reference number 1, intended to be used to distribute an irrigation liquid, typically water, in a soil to be irrigated.

[0041] The diffuser device 1 can be suitably restricted to a fluidly connected distribution system with a line to supply irrigation liquid through a flow line of the type known per se, not shown in the figures.

[0042] As shown in the figures, the diffuser device 1 comprises a frame 2 defining a central geometric axis of rotation Xi and having an upper body 3 and a lower body 4 joined to each other by means of connecting ribs 5.

[0043] The upper body 3 is provided with a fixed or removable nozzle. 6, of the type described and claimed, for example, in document EP2773465 on behalf of the applicant in question, adapted to generate a jet of liquid, preferably directed along the central geometric axis Xi and not shown in the figures. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 15 / 32 / 13

[0044] From now on, it must be assumed that the liquid jet is directed downwards; however, it cannot be ruled out that, with simple modifications, the nozzle 6 could be oriented so as to direct the jet upwards, in which case the definitions of upper body and lower body will be reversed.

[0045] The upper body 3 can be placed in fluid communication with a line to supply irrigation liquid through a threaded terminal element 7 to transport the liquid towards the nozzle 6.

[0046] The lower body 4 is provided with a stabilizing mass 8 or ballast housed in a suitable seat 9, in order to maintain the device 1 in a substantially vertical position, should the upper body 3 be arranged on top.

[0047] In one embodiment, the stabilizing mass 8 can be retained in its seat 9 by means of a cover 10 secured with several screws 11 or with pressure coupling locking means, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0048] To distribute the irrigation liquid, a roughly mushroom-shaped deflector assembly is provided, generally indicated with the reference number 12 and having a secondary geometric axis of rotation X2 that intersects the central geometric axis of rotation Xi forming a nutation angle α with it. The deflector assembly 12 comprises a deflector head or plate 13 having a transverse upper face 14 facing the nozzle 6 and a lower face 15 opposite the nozzle 6 into which a tree or spike 16 is fitted.

[0049] In one embodiment, the upper face 14 of the deflector plate 13 is provided with several channels 17, all of which depart from an axial protrusion 18, are angularly equidistant and directed outwards.

[0050] In a way known per se, channels 17 can have a configuration similar to a double curvature like the blades of a turbine. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 16 / 32 / 13 radial-axial, with an inlet portion 17' inclined with respect to the geometric axis of symmetry X2 and an outlet portion 17 orthogonal with respect to the geometric axis X2 and slightly inclined with respect to a radius, so as to impart a rotational torque around the aforementioned geometric axis to the deflector plate 13.

[0051] On the face opposite the channels 17, the deflector plate 13 has a first substantially cylindrical and annular formation 19, coaxial to the geometric axis X2 and has an annular end edge 20 slightly protruding inwards so as to define a cylindrical connection seat 21 with the tenon 16.

[0052] More precisely, the spike 16 has a tubular lower portion connected to an enlarged upper portion 23 adapted to be press-fitted with the annular end edge 20 of the first formation 19 so as to be stably retained in the seat 21.

[0053] In order to support the deflector assembly 12 during its rotation and to allow its guided nutation motion, a hollow containment element 24 is provided having a shape substantially similar to a cup with a larger section facing the nozzle 6.

[0054] At the top, the retaining member 24 has an annular edge 25 with a substantially internal cylindrical surface defining a bearing surface for the first cylindrical formation 23, a substantially truncated conical internal cavity 26 having a bottom wall 27 and an axial lower rod 39 which will be described in more detail below. On the bottom wall 27 is positioned a rotary bearing 28 which, in one embodiment, consists of a single spherical element 28' with the center of rotation C aligned with the central geometric axis Xi. The spherical member 28' is housed in a seat 29 with a complementary shape, although other technically equivalent embodiments cannot be ruled out.

[0055] In the case of a single spherical member 28', the seat 29 with shape Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, p. 17 / 32 / 13 The supplementary member may have a slightly larger diameter than that of the 28' spherical member, so as to allow it to rotate freely and thus reduce friction and wear on the surfaces in mutual contact.

[0056] In one embodiment, the free end 30 of the tubular portion of the 16 tenon has a molded recess 31 to limit the contact surface with the spherical element 28' to a minimum and reduce sliding friction to a minimum.

[0057] Therefore, during the rotational movement of the deflector assembly 12, the outer surface of the first formation 19 of the deflector plate 13, it can rest and roll on the inner surface of the annular edge 25 of the containment member 24, transmitting to the deflector assembly an orbital or nutation motion, around the geometric nutation axis X2 with an angle a relative to the central geometric axis Xi.

[0058] A peculiar feature of the invention lies in the fact that it provides a protective member 32 connected to the lower face 15 of the deflector plate 13 to move integrally attached to it.

[0059] Appropriately, the protective member 32 has a partially truncated cone shape, larger than the restraining member 24 and with a substantially cylindrical upper edge 33.

[0060] In one embodiment, the protective member 32 is configured to occlude the space between the lower face 15 of the deflector plate 13 and the annular edge 25 of the containment member 24 and to protect the containment member 24 and the spike 16 and the spherical member 28' against the entry of liquid, dirt and debris so as to effectively ensure the orbital motion of the deflector assembly 12 as a whole.

[0061] In one embodiment, from the lower face of the deflector plate 13, a second cylindrical formation 34 extends radially outwards relative to the first 19 and having an annular recess 35.

[0062] The coupling between the protective member 32 and the plate Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 18 / 32 / 13 deflector 13 is achieved by means of an annular edge 36 that projects outwards provided on the upper edge 33 of the protective member 32, which can be coupled by pressure in the annular recess 35 of the second cylindrical formation 33 of the deflector plate 13. In this way, the deflector assembly 12 and the protective member 32 are stably coupled forming a unitary body designed to rotate around the geometric nutation axis X2 and at the same time around the central geometric axis Xi.

[0063] In one embodiment, the truncated conical wall of the protective member 32 has in its narrow lower section an end edge 37 directed radially inwards with a circular opening 38 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the rod 39 dimensioned so as not to interfere with the precession movement of the deflector assembly 13.

[0064] In one embodiment, the rod 39 has a lower end that can be coupled to the lower body 4 by means of a screw 39' or any alternative means of connection, such as a press-fit pin.

[0065] Suitably, the axial rod 39 may have on its substantially cylindrical outer surface an annular projection 40 defining an axial bearing surface for the end edge 37 directed radially inwards relative to the protective member 32, so as to prevent separation of the protective member 32 from the containment member 24, as well as from the lower body 4 after mutual coupling thereof.

[0066] Due to this configuration, the protective member 32 serves not only to occlude the space between the lower face 15 of the deflector plate 13 and the annular edge 25 of the containment member 24, but also and above all to protect the containment member 24 up to the rod 39 and all moving parts of the deflector assembly 12, including the spike 16 and the spherical member 28 against the entry of liquid, dirt and debris, so as to ensure the orbital movement of the aforementioned assembly during its operation. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 19 / 32 / 13

[0067] In one embodiment, the retaining member 24 and the spike 16 of the deflector assembly 12 are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer material, in order to increase the lightness and resistance of the two components to tension and wear.

[0068] Furthermore, all components of the device are preferably made of polymeric materials with relative elasticity to facilitate mutual assembly or disassembly through coupling or uncoupling by pressure, for cleaning and maintenance. The spherical member 28' is preferably made of ceramic material, although other materials with high hardness and wear resistance cannot be ruled out.

[0069] In use, the irrigation liquid, for example, water, will be transported towards the nozzle 6 so as to generate a jet directed towards the deflector plate 13, the water will flow through the channels 17 from which it will be directed outwards providing uniform irrigation. At the same time, the end portions 17 of the channels 17, slightly inclined with respect to a radius, will impart a rotation around the geometric axis X2 to the deflector plate 13 and a nutation movement around the central geometric axis Xi to the deflector assembly 12.

[0070] Due to the presence of the protective member 32, water, even if it contains dirt and debris, will not enter the space between the lower face of the deflector plate 13 and the annular edge of the containment member 24, protecting the spike 16 of the deflector assembly 12 and the spherical member 28 of the containment member 24 from the infiltration of liquids, solids and debris, thus ensuring the continuous nutation movement of the deflector assembly 12.

[0071] In light of the above, it is clear that the liquid diffuser device according to the invention achieves the pre-established objectives and, in particular, increases its reliability, allows for ideal protection of moving parts, guaranteeing its operation even when supplied with water. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 20 / 32 / 13 dirty or water containing mud and debris.

[0072] The device according to the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants that fall within the inventive concept described in the appended claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements and the materials can be different depending on the technical requirements, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0073] Although the device has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numbers are intended to improve the intelligibility of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection claimed in any way. Industrial Applicability

[0074] The present invention can be applied on an industrial level because it can be manufactured on an industrial scale by industries belonging to the industry of liquid diffusion devices for irrigating agricultural land. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, p. 21 / 32

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems, characterized in that it comprises: - a frame (2) defining a central geometric axis (Xi) and having an upper body (3) provided with a nozzle (6) connected to a line to supply an irrigation liquid to generate a substantially axial jet and a lower body (4) provided with a stabilizing mass (8); - a deflector assembly (12) having a deflector plate (13) with an upper face (14) facing said nozzle (6) and a lower face (15) from which a spike (16) extends on the opposite side to said nozzle (6); - a containment member (24) operatively associated with said lower body (4) having a peripheral annular collar (25), a rod (39) and a cavity (26) with a bottom wall (27) in which a rotating support (28) is arranged;wherein said deflector assembly (12) is inserted into the cavity (26) of said containment member (24) with one end (30) of said spike (16) resting against said rotating support (28) and said lower face (15) of said deflector plate (13) spaced from said annular collar (25) to allow free rotation of said deflector assembly (12); and wherein a protective member (32) is provided for said deflector plate (13) and configured to occlude the space between the lower face (15) of said deflector plate (13) and said peripheral annular collar (25) of said containment member (24), as well as to enclose said containment member (24), said rotating support (28) and all moving parts of said deflector assembly (12) so as to prevent the entry of liquids, solids, debris and ensure its nutation movement.

2. Device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper face (14) of said deflector plate (13) is Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 22 / 32 2 / 4 configured to perform the deflection of the substantially axial jet generated by said nozzle (6) and direct it in a transverse direction outwards, so as to uniformly distribute the liquid and promote the rotation of the deflector assembly (12).

3. Device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said lower face (15) of said deflector plate (13) has a first annular formation (19) configured to define a connecting member with an enlarged portion (23) of said tenon (16).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rotating support (28) comprises a spherical member (28') housed in a complementary seat (29) provided in said back wall (27) of said retaining member (24) and preferably made of ceramic material.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said seat (29) is dimensioned so as to allow free rotation of said spherical member (28') to reduce friction between the parts in mutual contact.

6. Device, according to claim 4, characterized in that said spike (16) has at its free end (30) a recess (31) shaped to rest with minimal friction on said spherical member (28').

7. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said containment member (24) is cup-shaped and has a substantially truncated conical upper portion with a peripheral annular collar (25) having a substantially inner cylindrical surface defining a bearing surface for the outer cylindrical surface of said first annular formation (19) of said plate (13).

8. Device, according to claim 3, characterized Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 23 / 32 3 / 4 by the fact that said lower face (15) of said deflector plate has a second substantially cylindrical annular formation (34) radially displaced relative to the first annular formation (19), said protective member (32) having a substantially truncated conical shape with a substantially cylindrical upper edge (33) that can be coupled by means of pressure coupling means to said second annular formation (34) of said deflector plate (13).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said protective member (32) has, corresponding to its narrow lower section, an end edge (37) directed radially inwards with a circular passage opening (38).

10. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said retaining member (24) has, from said bottom wall (27), an axial rod (39) that can be coupled at its lower end to said lower body (4) by universal connection means, such as a screw or a press-fit pin.

11. Device, according to claim 10, characterized in that said axial rod (39) has an outer diameter smaller than that of said circular passage opening (38) and has on its outer surface an annular projection (40) defining a support surface for said edge (37) directed radially inwards in relation to said protective member (32) to prevent separation of said deflector assembly (12) from said containment member (24) and said lower body (4) of said frame (2).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that said containment member (24) and said axial rod (39) are unitary and made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer material. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, p. 24 / 32 4 / 4 13. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said stabilizing mass (8) is substantially toroidal and is housed in a complementary shape cavity (9) obtained in said lower body (4) of said frame (2).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said stabilizing mass (8) is stably joined to the lower area of ​​said lower body (4) by means of overmolding.

15. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said stabilizing mass (8) is removablely attached to said lower body (4) and is locked in a corresponding seat (9) using a cover (10).

16. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said nozzle (6) is removable and can be replaced by other nozzles with a different internal diameter. Petition 870250068118, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, p. 25 / 32

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