Liquid diffusion device for irrigation system

Abstract

A liquid diffusion device for an irrigation system, comprising: a frame (2) defining a central axis (X1) and having an upper body (3) provided with nozzles (6) connected to a line for supplying an irrigation liquid to generate a substantially axial jet, and a lower body (4) provided with a stabilizing block (8); a flow guide assembly (12) having a flow guide plate (13) having an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (15) facing the nozzle (6), a shank (16) extending from the lower surface (15) from opposite sides of the nozzle (6); a receiving member (24) operatively associated with the lower body (4), the receiving member (24) having a peripheral annular collar (25), a stem (39) and a cavity (26), the cavity (26) having a bottom wall (27) on which a rotatable bracket (28) is provided. The flow guide assembly (12) is inserted into the cavity (26) of the receiving member (24), one end (30) of the handle (16) rests on the rotatable bracket (28), and the lower surface (15) of the flow guide plate (13) is spaced from the annular collar (25) to allow the flow guide assembly (12) to rotate freely. According to the invention, a protective member (32) is provided which is connected to the deflector (13) and is configured to close the space between the lower surface (15) of the deflector (13) and the annular collar (25) of the receiving member (24) and to close all moving parts of the receiving member (24), the rotatable bracket (28) and the deflector assembly (12), and liquid, solid and chippings are prevented from entering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of agricultural irrigation systems, and more particularly to a liquid diffusion device for an irrigation system. Background Art

[0002] In the field of irrigation systems, it is already known to use diffusion devices or sprinklers in fluid communication with a liquid (mainly water) supply line to evenly distribute the liquid over the land to be irrigated.

[0003] One special type of diffusion device consists of nutating sprinklers, which have the advantages of being less complex and having a lower part count than other types of sprinklers and allow for the supply of less filtered water, such as water from rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wells, and / or other sources.

[0004] However, nutating sprinkler components (e.g., deflectors) wear due to their orbital motion, requiring frequent replacement. Using less purified water can also lead to debris accumulation, resulting in relatively high component repair, replacement, and / or cleanup costs and operational impacts.

[0005] A typical nutating diffuser device includes a frame defining a central axis with fittings for connecting a supply line and a nozzle for distributing a liquid jet; a guide assembly having a guide plate facing the nozzle for intercepting the liquid jet generated by the nozzle and radially deflecting a portion of it so that it is evenly distributed over an area around the platform and facilitating rotation of the assembly.

[0006] The frame has an annular wall defining a rolling surface for the deflector, the stem of which is mounted on a spherical bracket to allow the deflector assembly to tilt and rotate about an axis tilted relative to the central axis of the frame.

[0007] Because the frame is open, water, dirt, and debris can enter the rolling surfaces and ball mount area, preventing the bar from rotating freely under extreme conditions.

[0008] If the water comes from underground canals, it may contain vegetation and algae in addition to sand and mud, especially late in the irrigation season. In extreme conditions, this can prevent the diversion components from rolling, thus hindering the operation of the device.

[0009] US Pat. No. 10,864,534 discloses a track-type sprinkler of the aforementioned type, comprising a deflector assembly having a deflector plate with an upstream side facing the nozzle and a downstream side carrying a shaft. The deflector plate body is provided with a shoulder for guiding a splined shaft. The splined shaft has upstream and downstream flanges relative to the shoulder. The diameters of these two flanges are sufficiently small to prevent water from flowing toward the guide shoulder.

[0010] US Pat. No. 10,828,653 discloses a sprinkler having a nozzle in fluid communication with a water inlet, a bearing located downstream of the nozzle and supported by a frame, and a flow guide assembly located between the nozzle and the bearing. The flow guide assembly includes a distribution plate for diverting water from the nozzle and a rod, the lower end of which rests on a ball bearing.

[0011] The guide assembly is configured to move in one or both of a rotational and tilting direction relative to the nozzle axis, and the bearing is a ball bearing configured to bear substantially all of the axial load generated by the weight of the guide assembly. The known sprinkler does not provide protection against liquids and solids entering the bearing area.

[0012] A common drawback of these known diffuser devices is therefore poor reliability, which is associated with the risk of clogging of the flow guide assembly and thus of the device stopping operation.

[0013] This is mainly because the water entering the unit's water supply pipeline is not clean. Sometimes it is extracted from aquifers or comes from water pipelines without filtration stations and may contain mud particles, impurities and debris.

[0014] These particles can easily penetrate the moving parts of the unit, causing it to stop functioning, preventing normal operation, and damaging diffusers during startup and full-load operation.

[0015] Additionally, particles and debris entering the equipment can cause increased wear on moving parts, shortening the life of the unit and increasing the frequency of unit maintenance.

[0016] Furthermore, if the extent of damage exceeds a specified level, the unit must be replaced, thereby increasing the operating costs of the system. Technical issues

[0017] In view of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the reliability of the diffusion device and ensure optimal operation even in the presence of dirt and debris in the irrigation liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems by providing an efficient, reliable and relatively economical liquid diffusion device for irrigation systems.

[0019] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a liquid diffusion device of the above type which is capable of preventing dirty liquids and debris from entering areas where its moving parts come into rolling contact with each other.

[0020] Another particular object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser device capable of ensuring the correct operation of the deflectors and the triggering of the orbital movement.

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

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid diffusing device of the above type which is particularly durable.

[0023] These objects, and others that will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a liquid diffusion device for an irrigation system according to claim 1 .

[0024] The device according to the present invention comprises: a frame having an inlet portion, which is provided with a nozzle, which is fluidically connected to a pipeline for supplying liquid to generate a jet; and an outlet portion, which is provided with a stabilizing block; a guide assembly, which has a guide plate facing the nozzle and a rod located downstream of the guide plate; a containing member, which is connected to the outlet portion and has a cavity, and a rotatable bracket is provided on the bottom wall of the cavity, wherein the guide assembly is inserted into the cavity of the containing member, and one end of the rod abuts against the bracket to allow the assembly to rotate and orbit; and, downstream of the guide plate, a protective member is provided, which is configured to surround the containing member, the rod and the rotatable bracket to prevent dirty liquid and debris from entering and ensure the orbital movement of the guide assembly.

[0025] This combination of features ensures that the flow guide assembly can orbit freely even when conveying liquids containing impurities, dirt and debris.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the guide plate has a surface facing the nozzle, which is suitable for deflecting the jet radially outward to promote the rotation of the guide assembly; on the other side, it has a first generally cylindrical connecting flange, which is suitable for connecting to the enlarged end of the rod.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving member is cup-shaped having a collar with a generally cylindrical inner surface defining a rolling surface for the first connecting flange of the deflector and having a bottom wall.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the protection member has a shape similar to that of the receiving member, but is larger than the receiving member.

[0029] Furthermore, the protection component has an upper peripheral edge which can be cooperatively connected to the second connecting flange of the deflector, and the second connecting flange is radially offset relative to the protection component.

[0030] This structure allows the protective member to wrap around the entire area of ​​the moving component from the sides and above, effectively preventing dirty liquids and debris from entering the area.

[0031] In one embodiment, the rotatable support comprises a spherical member received in a substantially axially complementary shaped seat located on the bottom wall of the receiving member. In addition, the rod is tubular and has a housing at its free end that is shaped to rest against the spherical member with minimal friction.

[0032] This structure enables the diffuser to ensure correct operation and trigger the initial orbital movement of the deflector, thereby improving the reliability of the entire device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the protective member comprises a generally frustoconical portion having a radially inward end edge at its narrow portion with a circular opening having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the rod.

[0034] This dimensioning ensures that the protective member does not interfere with the precessional motion of the guide assembly, thereby preventing wear of its moving parts.

[0035] Preferably, the containing member has an axial rod near its bottom wall, which axial rod can be connected to the lower part of the body by common connection means, such as a threaded connection.

[0036] The structures of the protective member and the movable parts are extremely simple, making the assembly and maintenance of the device extremely simple and safe.

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

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention are obtained according to the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a liquid diffusion device for an irrigation system, which are shown by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a liquid diffuser according to the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a liquid diffuser; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of the liquid diffuser is shown; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A bottom view of the liquid diffuser is shown; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3A partial cross-sectional view of a liquid diffuser is shown; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the liquid diffuser shown along plane VV; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of a detail of the liquid diffuser shown; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the diffusion device in the aforementioned figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] With reference to the above-mentioned drawings, there is shown a liquid diffusion device according to the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1, for distributing irrigation liquid, typically water, onto soil to be irrigated.

[0041] The diffusion device 1 may be appropriately defined as a distribution system which is fluidically connected to a line for supplying irrigation liquid through a flow line (not shown in the figures) of known type.

[0042] As shown in the figures, the diffuser 1 includes a frame 2 defining a central rotation axis X1 and having an upper body 3 and a lower body 4 connected to each other by 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 EP 2 773 465 on behalf of the present applicant, suitable for generating a jet of liquid, preferably along a central axis X1 , not shown in the figures.

[0044] In the following, it is assumed that the liquid jet is directed downwards; however, it is not excluded that, by simple modification, the nozzle 6 can be oriented so that the jet is directed upwards, in which case the definitions of upper and lower bodies would be reversed.

[0045] The upper body 3 may be in fluid communication with a pipeline for supplying irrigation liquid via a threaded terminal member 7 so as to deliver the liquid to the nozzle 6 .

[0046] The lower body 4 is provided with a substantially annular stabilizing mass 8 or ballast housed in a suitable seat 9 so as to maintain the device 1 in a substantially vertical position when the upper body 3 is on top.

[0047] In one embodiment, the stabilizing block 8 can be fixed in its base 9 by a cover 10 which is locked with a plurality of screws 11 or a snap-on locking device, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0048] To distribute the irrigation liquid, a deflector assembly having a substantially mushroom-shaped structure, generally designated by reference numeral 12, is provided. The assembly has a secondary rotation axis X2 that intersects the central rotation axis X1 and forms a nutation angle α with the central rotation axis X1. The deflector assembly 12 comprises a deflector head or plate 13 having an upper transverse surface 14 facing the nozzle 6 and a lower surface 15 opposite the nozzle 6, on which a shaft or handle 16 is mounted.

[0049] In one embodiment, the upper surface 14 of the guide plate 13 is provided with a plurality of channels 17 , all of which start from the axial protrusion 18 , are distributed at equal angles and point outwards.

[0050] In a manner known per se, the channel 17 may have a double curvature structure similar to that of a radial-axial turbine blade, with its inlet portion 17 ′ inclined relative to the axis of symmetry X2 and its outlet portion 17 ″ orthogonal to the axis of symmetry X2 and slightly inclined relative to the radius, so as to transmit a rotational torque about the aforementioned axis to the guide plate 13 .

[0051] On the face opposite the channel 17 , the deflector 13 has a first substantially cylindrical and annular structure 19 , coaxial with the axis of symmetry X2 and having a slightly inwardly projecting annular end edge 20 , defining a cylindrical connection seat 21 with the shank 16 .

[0052] More precisely, the handle 16 has a tubular lower portion 22 connected to an enlarged upper portion 23 suitable for snap-fitting with the annular end rim 20 of the first structure 19 so as to be stably retained in the seat 21 .

[0053] In order to support the flow guide assembly 12 during its rotation and to allow it to perform a guided nutating motion, a hollow receiving member 24 is provided. The receiving member 24 is substantially cup-shaped, with its larger cross section facing the nozzle 6.

[0054] The upper portion of the containment member 24 comprises an annular rim 25 with a substantially inner cylindrical surface defining the rolling surface of the first cylindrical structure 23; and a substantially frustoconical inner cavity 26 having a bottom wall 27 and an axial lower rod 39, as will be described in greater detail below. A rotary bearing 28 is located in the bottom wall 27. In one embodiment, this rotary bearing comprises a spherical member 28', the center of rotation C of which is aligned with the central axis X1. The spherical member 28' is housed in a complementary seat 29, although other technically equivalent embodiments are not excluded.

[0055] In the case of a single spherical member 28', the diameter of the complementary shaped seat 29 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the spherical member 28' in order to allow the latter to rotate freely, thereby reducing friction and wear of the mutually contacting surfaces.

[0056] In one embodiment, the free end 30 of the tubular portion 22 of the handle 16 has a groove 31 shaped to minimize the contact surface with the spherical member 28 ′ and to reduce sliding friction to a minimum.

[0057] Therefore, during the rotational movement of the guide assembly 12, the outer surface of the first structure 19 of the guide plate 13 can rest on the inner surface of the annular edge 25 of the containing member 24 and roll, thereby causing the guide assembly to perform an orbital motion or nutating motion around the nutating axis X2, which is at a certain angle α relative to the central axis X1.

[0058] A unique feature of the present invention is that it provides a protective member 32 connected to the lower surface 15 of the deflector 13 so as to move integrally with the deflector 13 .

[0059] Suitably, the protective member 32 has a partially frustoconical shape, being larger than the containing member 24 which has a substantially cylindrical upper edge 33 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the protective member 32 is configured to close the space between the lower surface 15 of the deflector 13 and the annular edge 25 of the receiving member 24, and protect the receiving member 24, the handle 16 and the spherical member 28' from the ingress of liquid, dirt and debris, thereby effectively ensuring the orbital movement of the entire deflector assembly 12.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second cylindrical structure 34 extends from the lower surface of the guide plate 13 , is radially offset outward relative to the first cylindrical structure 19 , and has an annular groove 35 .

[0062] The connection between the protective member 32 and the deflector 13 is achieved by an annular edge 36 protruding outward on the upper edge 33 of the protective member 32, which is snap-fitted into an annular groove 35 of the second cylindrical structure 33 of the deflector 13. In this way, the deflector assembly 12 and the protective member 32 are stably connected to form a whole body designed to rotate about the nutating axis X2 and simultaneously rotate about the central axis X1.

[0063] In one embodiment, the frustoconical wall of the protective member 32 has an end edge 37 at its narrow lower portion that points radially inwardly toward a circular opening 38 having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the rod 39 and sized so as not to interfere with the precessional motion of the guide assembly 13.

[0064] In one embodiment, the rod 39 has a lower end that can be connected to the lower body 4 by a screw 39 ′ or any other connection means (eg, a pin with a snap).

[0065] Suitably, the axial rod 39 may have an annular step 40 on its substantially cylindrical outer surface, which defines an axial abutment surface of the end edge 37, which end edge 37 points radially inwardly relative to the protective member 32 to prevent the protective member 32 from separating relative to the containing member 24 and the lower body 4 after being coupled to each other.

[0066] Due to this construction, the protective member 32 not only serves to close the space between the lower surface 15 of the deflector 13 and the annular edge 25 of the containing member 24, but most importantly, also serves to protect the containing member 24 up to the rod 39 and all moving parts of the deflector assembly 12 (including the handle 16 and the spherical member 28) from the ingress of liquids, dirt and debris, thereby ensuring the orbital movement of the above-mentioned components during their operation.

[0067] In one embodiment, the containment member 24 and the rod 16 of the flow guide assembly 12 are made of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer material to increase the lightness and resistance to stress and wear of both components.

[0068] In addition, all components of the device are preferably made of relatively elastic polymer materials to facilitate mutual assembly or disassembly by snap connection or separation, so as to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. The spherical member 28' is preferably made of ceramic material, but other high hardness and wear-resistant materials are not excluded.

[0069] In use, irrigation liquid (e.g., water) is delivered to the nozzle 6 to generate a jet directed toward the deflector 13. The water flows through the channel 17 and is ejected outward from the channel 17, thereby providing uniform irrigation. Simultaneously, the end portion 17 ″ of the channel 17 is slightly inclined relative to the radius, causing the deflector 13 to rotate about the axis X2 and causing the deflector assembly 12 to nutate about the central axis X1.

[0070] Due to the presence of the protective member 32, even if the water contains dirt and debris, the water will not enter the gap between the lower surface of the guide plate 13 and the annular edge of the containing member 24, thereby protecting the handle 16 of the guide assembly 12 and the spherical member 28 of the containing member 24 from the invasion of liquids, solids and debris, thereby ensuring the continuous nutating motion of the guide assembly 12.

[0071] In summary, it is clear that the liquid diffusion device of the present invention achieves the predetermined objectives, in particular improving the reliability of the device, ensuring its operation even when conveying sewage or water containing mud and debris, thereby providing optimal protection for the moving parts.

[0072] The device of the present invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept outlined in the appended claims. All details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be varied according to technical requirements, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0073] Although the device has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals are only used to improve the intelligibility of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection claimed in any way. Industrial Applicability

[0074] The invention can be applied at the industrial level, since it can be produced on an industrial scale by companies in the industry of liquid diffusion devices for irrigation of agricultural fields.

Claims

1. A liquid diffusion device for an irrigation system, comprising: - a frame (2) defining a central axis (X1) and comprising an upper body (3) provided with nozzles (6) connected to a line for supplying irrigation liquid so as to generate a substantially axial jet, and a lower body (4) provided with a stabilizing block (8); a guide assembly (12) having a guide plate (13) with an upper surface (14) facing the nozzle (6) and a lower surface (15), with a handle (16) extending from the lower surface (15) on the opposite side of the nozzle (6); a containing member (24) operatively associated with the lower body (4), the containing member (24) comprising a peripheral annular collar (25), a stem (39) and a cavity (26), the cavity (26) having a bottom wall (27) on which a rotatable support (28) is arranged; wherein the guide assembly (12) is inserted into the cavity (26) of the receiving member (24), one end (30) of the handle (16) abuts against the rotatable bracket (28), and the lower surface (15) of the guide plate (13) is spaced apart from the annular collar (25) to allow the guide assembly (12) to rotate freely; and A protective member (32) is provided, which is connected to the guide plate (13) and is configured to close the space between the lower surface (15) of the guide plate (13) and the peripheral annular ring (25) of the containing member (24), and to close the containing member (24), the rotatable bracket (28) and all moving parts of the guide assembly (12) to prevent the ingress of liquids, solids and debris and ensure their nutating motion.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The upper surface (14) of the guide plate (13) is configured to deflect the generally axial jet generated by the nozzle (6) and direct the jet in an outward lateral direction, thereby evenly distributing the liquid and facilitating rotation of the guide assembly (12).

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The lower surface (15) of the deflector (13) has a first annular structure (19) configured to define a connection member with the enlarged portion (23) of the handle (16).

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The rotatable support (28) comprises a spherical member (28') which is received in a complementary shaped seat (29) provided in the bottom wall (27) of the receiving member (24) and is preferably made of a ceramic material.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The seat (29) is dimensioned to allow the spherical member (28') to rotate freely, thereby reducing friction between the contacting parts.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein The handle (16) has a groove (31) at its free end (30), and the shape of the groove (31) is designed to bear against the spherical member (28') with minimal friction.

7. The device according to claim 3, wherein The containment member (24) is cup-shaped with a generally frustoconical upper portion having a peripheral annular collar (25) with a generally inner cylindrical surface defining a rolling surface for the outer cylindrical surface of the first annular structure (19) of the plate (13).

8. The device according to claim 3, wherein The lower surface (15) of the deflector has a second, substantially cylindrical annular structure (34), which is radially offset relative to the first annular structure (19), and the protective member (32) has a substantially frustoconical shape with a substantially cylindrical upper edge (33), which can be connected to the second annular structure (34) of the deflector (13) by a snap connection.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein The protective member (32) has an end edge (37) corresponding to its narrow lower portion, the end edge (37) pointing radially inwardly towards the circular through-opening (38).

10. The device according to claim 3, wherein The containing member (24) has an axial rod (39) starting from the bottom wall (27), the lower end of which can be connected to the lower body (4) by means of common connection means, such as screws or snap-on pins.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein The outer diameter of the axial rod (39) is smaller than the outer diameter of the circular through opening (38), and the outer surface of the axial rod (39) has an annular step (40), which defines an abutment surface of the edge (37), and the edge (37) is directed radially inward relative to the protective member (32) to prevent the guide assembly (12) from separating from the containing member (24) and the lower body (4) of the frame (2).

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The receiving member (24) and the axial rod (39) are integral and made of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer material.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein The stabilizing block (8) is substantially annular and is housed in a cavity (9) of complementary shape formed in the lower body (4) of the frame (2).

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein The stabilizing block (8) is stably connected to the lower region of the lower body (4) by overmolding.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein The stabilizing block (8) is detachably connected to the lower body (4) and locked in the corresponding base (9) using a cover (10).

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein The nozzle (6) is detachable and can be replaced with another nozzle having a different inner diameter.

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