TWI652985B - Frosting compensator for sprinkler - Google Patents

Abstract

A sprinkler device includes a body, an operating member, and a flow path that can be held by an operator along a grip portion thereof. The body houses a water flow control assembly that causes the sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler. An operating member is operatively coupled to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop water flow through the sprinkler. A flow passage is formed in the body to define a flow path between the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the sprinkler. The flow path has at least one critical area that is used to collect water when the sprinkler is not sprinkled. The critical region includes at least one compensation receiver that houses a compensator comprising a compressible material to compress the compensator in critical regions to increase the effective volume of the critical region. A compensator or critical area is provided with at least one retaining rib to allow the compensator to be easily retained in critical areas.

Description

Frosting compensator for sprinkler

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to watering equipment, and more particularly to sprinklers that use compensating members to combat frosting or pulsing.

As with many other activities, gardening and yard maintenance can be made easier and more enjoyable for landscapers when using the right tools to handle the work. Every garden or yard needs a suitable and efficient watering method. When nature does not cooperate, or for covered areas, it must rely on watering equipment to provide sufficient water supply.

Watering equipment includes hoses, hose reels, spray guns, spray heads, booms, faucets (or outdoor sprinklers) and other similar equipment. These devices are typically used to apply water from faucets to gardens, plants or other objects, and are typically used with hoses and some form of sprinkler (for example, spray guns, nozzles or booms, etc.) Sprinklers). Many of the components of the sprinkler system can be reconfigured or relatively simply configured as components that can be used with other different types of components or devices. For example, a quick-connecting assembly can cause the hose to be simply moved and can allow different types or sprinklers with different sprinkling characteristics to be coupled to the hose. However, even with the improved ability to move and reconfigure devices, landscapers often prefer to maintain certain parts of the system that are most commonly used in a pre-group state that is ready for use. Thus, for example, the horticulturist will hold a particular nozzle in a state of being connected to a particular hose and maintain the particular hose in a state of being connected to a particular faucet. This particular method of assembly is often used (or at least the most commonly used combination) or a more convenient combination for a gardener.

When the gardener is used to keeping the sprinklers in a pre-assembled and deployed state, they are likely to forget the possibility of some damage to the pre-assembled equipment. For example, if the temperature drops suddenly and the freezing condition occurs, the water remaining in the equipment may expand due to the freezing condition, causing damage to the equipment. Also one of the examples of the above situation, especially when the nozzle is hung on the hose reel, water will stay in the nozzle (e.g., near the lowest point) and expand due to the phenomenon of freezing. If the volume of water is initially just enough to fill the voids in the nozzle, the expansion caused by the freezing phenomenon may cause damage to the elements forming the void or connected to the void, thus causing damage to the nozzle. Although the above problems can be avoided by the gardener's double efforts and more attention, there is still a need in the industry to provide a solution that can solve the above technical problems for the gardener.

Accordingly, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a watering device that uses a compensating member such that when the freezing condition is encountered, the compensating member compensates for possible expansion of residual water within the sprinkler. In particular, in certain embodiments, a sprinkler can be provided that is disposed in the flow passage with one or more compensating members that can withstand repeated cycles of multiple compressions. Accordingly, for example, if water is frozen any number of times in the flow path, the compensator will be compressed (eg, undergoing a volumetric contraction) to compensate for the volume expansion produced by the frozen water, thereby avoiding possible sprinklers. Damage caused by components.

Hereinafter, a sprinkler device is provided in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The sprinkler device can include a body, an operating member, and a first-class track that can be held by an operator along a grip portion thereof. The body can house a water flow control assembly that is configured to cause the sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler. The operating member can be operatively coupled to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop passing the The flow of water from the sprinkler. The flow passage may be formed in the body to define a flow path between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the sprinkler. The flow path may be provided with at least one critical area for collecting water when the sprinkler is not sprinkled. The critical area may include at least one compensation receiving portion configured to receive a compensating member for containing a compressible material such that the compensating member may be compressed in the critical region, thereby increasing the The effective volume of the critical area; one of the compensating members or the critical area may be provided with at least one retaining rib to allow the compensating member to be easily retained in the critical area.

10, 100‧‧‧ sprinklers

20, 110‧‧‧ subjects

22, 119‧‧ ‧ grip

24. 112‧‧ Export Department

26. 114‧‧‧ Entrance Department

30‧‧‧Operating parts

40, 120‧‧‧ nozzle

50‧‧‧Water flow control components

52‧‧‧Switch control components

54‧‧‧Flow Control Components

60‧‧‧Flow control components

113, 118‧‧‧ axis

116‧‧‧Quick coupling

132‧‧‧Connecting Department

140‧‧‧trigger

150‧‧‧ cover assembly

160‧‧‧ Receiving Department

162‧‧‧Flow control lever

200‧‧‧ Entrance area

210‧‧‧Export area

220‧‧‧Intermediate area

300, 300', 300", 300'''‧‧‧ compensator

302‧‧‧First compensator

304‧‧‧second compensator

306‧‧‧ Third compensator

308‧‧‧fourth compensator

310, 310'‧‧‧ key areas

320‧‧‧Compensation Receiver

330, 330', 340, 340', 340", 340'''‧‧‧

D1‧‧‧ inner diameter

D2‧‧‧ outer diameter

D3‧‧‧diameter

L‧‧‧ length

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a view showing a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view showing the inner periphery of a portion of a compensating member and a key region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exploded perspective view being a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction; FIG. 4B A sectional view taken to show a cross section of a compensating member in a direction perpendicular to its axis according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4C is a view showing an alternative compensating member along an axis according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the cross section; FIG. 4D is an alternative view showing an alternative design in the assembly shown in FIG. 4A according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4E is an It shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the compensator according to an exemplary embodiment of another embodiment of the present invention; 5A is a first configuration showing a compensating member in a sprinkling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5B is a second showing a compensating member in a sprinkling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 5C is a third configuration showing a compensating member in a sprinkler device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5D is a view showing a compensating member in a sprinkling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention The fourth configuration.

In the following, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and FIG. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Conversely, the present invention provides the exemplary embodiments primarily to enable the content of the present specification to conform. Applicable legal provisions. Throughout the specification, the same component symbols represent the same components. Moreover, the word "or" as used herein shall be interpreted as a logical operator to obtain the result of the establishment of any one or more of its connected. Here, operational coupling is to be understood as a direct or indirect connection relationship, and in both cases, the elements that are operatively coupled to each other are functionally interconnected.

Here, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an improved design of a sprinkler device. The exemplary embodiments may provide a compensator at one or more strategic locations within the body of the sprinkler to protect the location and the components adjacent the location. The compensator or device provided may have features that enable the compensator to remain in the correct position within the device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a sprinkler device 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modular sprinkler 10 can include a body 20, an operating member 30, and a showerhead 40. The body 20 is for an operator to hold along a portion thereof. In some cases, the grippable portion defines a grip portion 22 of the body 20, and the grip portion 22 can be disposed between an outlet portion 24 and an inlet portion 26. the Lord The body 20 can house a water flow control assembly 50 that is configured to cause the sprinkler device 10 to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler 10 (e.g., from the inlet portion 26 to the outlet portion) 24 water flow).

In certain embodiments, the water flow control assembly 50 can include a switch control assembly 52 and a flow control assembly 54. The operating member 30 can be coupled to the body 20 to interface with the water flow control assembly 50, thereby alternately activating or stopping the flow of water through the sprinkler 10 depending on the position of the operating member 30. Thus, in some cases, the operating member 30 can act as an operating element for opening or closing (partially or completely) a valve body or other water flow control element in the water flow control assembly 50. The operating member 30 can interface, inter alia, with the switch control assembly 52 in the water flow control assembly 50. In some cases, the water flow control assembly 50 can further have a flow control function such that it can adjust the flow of water to a certain extent in accordance with operator control in addition to opening and closing the flow of water. Flow control component 54 may be an example of a structure that performs the functions described above. However, flow control component 54 may also be omitted in some examples. When the sprinkler device has a flow control function, the flow control member 60 can be operated through a flow control member 60, which can be a rod, a button, an adjustment plate, or other component that allows the operator to adjust the flow of water. .

The showerhead 40 can be coupled to the outlet portion 24 of the body 20 to spray water flowing through the showerhead 40 in accordance with the spray characteristics of the showerhead 40. In some cases, the showerhead 40 can be a showerhead selected from a number of different sprayheads, and each of the different sprayheads has a different configuration and/or configuration to accommodate different sprays. Demand or expectation.

The body 20 can have or accommodate a first-class track that extends from the inlet portion 26 to the outlet portion 24. The switch control assembly 52 and the flow control assembly 54 can be disposed in the flow passage to divide the flow passage into a unique space or region. Water may be collected in any of these areas and may be damaged when a freeze or pressure pulse occurs. For example, when water is frozen, it creates volume expansion (i.e., internal functional elements) in such a unique area of the flow channel and in a space of fixed volume defined by surrounding surrounding elements. The pressure will therefore increase in a fixed volume of space, and when the pressure is increased to a sufficient value, the water flow tube wall will have It may break or be more likely to cause damage to internal functional components.

As noted above, these substantially affected regions can therefore be considered "critical regions", and such critical regions can include an inlet region between the inlet portion 26 and the switch control assembly 52, a switch control assembly 52, and flow. An intermediate region between the control assemblies 54 and an outlet region between the flow control assembly 54 and the outlet portion 24. In order to protect the aforementioned areas from damage, an exemplary embodiment may provide compensating members in various critical areas. Of course, some embodiments may have only two critical areas, as some embodiments may not have all of the elements of flow control assembly 50 (e.g., flow control assembly 54 may be omitted). However, in this specification, it should be understood that the term "critical area" should be taken to mean a container, a space, or other area formed in a flow path near the internal functional components of the sprinkler 10. Moreover, in the present specification, the internal functional elements may include elements of the water flow control assembly 50 and the spray head 40 (eg, the nozzle portion).

These compensating members can be used to avoid damage caused by moisture in critical areas due to freezing or expansion caused by pressure pulses. In this regard, for example, a compensator can be inserted into the critical areas to provide a flow that does not affect or interfere with the flow through the sprinkler 10 under normal operating conditions, but can contain (or compensate) residuals A component of volume expansion or other influence caused by water in a critical area. In particular, the compensator can stably undergo volumetric contraction during the expansion of the volume caused by freezing, which provides an appropriate amount of volumetric contraction to compensate for any volume expansion of the moisture. Moreover, the compensator can have sufficient spring force to provide protection against degradation of the material from which the compensator is formed under a plurality of cycles.

Based on this, for example, the compensator can be made of a flexible and/or resilient material so that repeated compression and expansion can be absorbed without causing permanent deformation. Thus, the compensator can be made of a compressible material such that the compensator can be compressed in critical areas, thereby increasing the effective volume in the critical area corresponding to freezing of water or pulsation of water to avoid sprinkler 10 Internal functional components are damaged. In some cases, the compensator may be formed from a compressible material as a hollow cylinder, and the compensating members may be housed in critical areas to become compressible Shrinking members, thereby increasing the effective volume of critical areas by at least 10%. Thus, the compensator can contain or compensate for the increased volume caused by the frozen water. In some cases, the compensator may have sufficient compressibility to increase the effective volume of the critical area by at least 25%.

In some cases, the compensator can be made of an elastomer such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The compensator can have a plurality of enclosed gas spaces (e.g., bubbles) that are formed and distributed throughout the volume of the compensator. Thus, the compensating members can be made of a rubber, foamed material similar to having a plurality of hollow closed cells therein. The enclosed gas space (ie, the hollow closed cell chamber) may be a watertight structure. These enclosed gas spaces may be of a compressible structure such that the compensator is a compressible structure thereby allowing the expansion of water as it forms ice. The increase in the volume of water (i.e., volume expansion) can therefore be compensated for by the volumetric compression of the corresponding compensator. Then, when the ice cubes melt, the enclosed gas space is expanded so that the compensating member can expand in volume when the moisture is converted back to the liquid state and takes up less volume. It should be noted that although a plurality of closed cells may be distributed in a foam-like material, some embodiments may use a flexible material such as rubber or other material having a few or only one compressible gas space. As a compensator.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing the sprinkler device 100, which is an example of the sprinkler device 10 shown in Fig. 1. The sprinkler device 100 includes a body 110 which is an example of the body 20 shown in FIG. At the same time, the main body 110 has an outlet portion 112 and an inlet portion 114, which are respectively an example of the outlet portion 24 and the inlet portion 26 shown in FIG. The inlet portion 114 has a threaded engagement that can engage a quick coupling joint 116. In another aspect, the outlet portion 112 can be configured to mate with a selected one of the plurality of showerheads. The showerhead 120 is a specific example of the showerhead 40 shown in FIG. 1 and is one of a plurality of showerheads that can be engaged with the outlet portion 112.

The body 110 can be made of molded plastic, composite material, metal, or any other suitable material that is sufficiently rigid and can be formed to accommodate a flow path (or water) that defines water flow from the inlet portion 114 to the outlet portion 112. Components, components and/or components of the channel). The flow path can be along one of the grips 119 of the body 110 An axis 118 extends. However, in some embodiments, the outlet portion 112 can be disposed along the outlet portion axis 113 such that the outlet portion 112 has an angle with respect to the axis 118. Moreover, different body structures can be selected to define different angles between the axis 118 and the axis 113.

The connecting portion 132 may be disposed at a rear portion of the grip portion 119 to receive a cover assembly 150. In the example where the sprinkler device 100 is configured to include flow control, the flow control rod 162 can be disposed in the receiving portion 160 of the cover assembly 150. However, in certain embodiments, the cover assembly 150 may not have the receiving portion 160 and thus does not have the flow control rod 162 (or does not have any flow control assembly 54).

In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger 140 may be an example of the operating member 30 shown in FIG. In some cases, the trigger 140 can be pivoted between the inlet portion 114 on the body 110 and the intersection of the axis 118 and the axis 113. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pivot point of the trigger member 140 is located at one end of the trigger member 140 corresponding to or near the inlet portion 114. However, it should be noted that the pivot point may alternatively be disposed at the other end of the trigger member (i.e., the pivot point is located near the junction of the axis 118 and the axis 113). The end of the trigger member 140 opposite the pivot point may be alternately compressed toward the body 110 and may extend away from the body 110, thereby adjusting the switch control assembly 52 to open and close the sprinkler 100, respectively.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the sprinkler device 100 in Fig. 2. Figure 3 shows the flow path through which water flows from the inlet portion 114 to the outlet portion 112. In this example, the flow channel can have multiple critical regions, such as an inlet region 200 and an outlet region 210. The exit region 210 can generally have an intermediate region 220.

In some cases, the entry area 200 can be considered the most critical area. The inlet region 200 can be located between the inlet portion 114 and the switch control assembly 52. The switch control assembly 52 can be a gate valve or other binary valve that switches between on or off (ie, open or closed) and, in some cases, is not suitable for throttling or regulating the flow of water. Accordingly, the inlet region 200 is typically filled with pressurized water (eg, when the faucet is open), or by being pressurized and (especially when the system has minimal water leakage) because it is locked in the faucet Valve and switch control The valves of assembly 52 are still filled with water of some degree of pressure. Accordingly, since there is usually no conduit for releasing pressure in this region, it is more difficult to relieve the pressure without the compensating member when a freezing or pressure pulse occurs.

The outlet portion can be disposed between the nozzle of the showerhead 120 and the switch control assembly 52. However, in certain embodiments (eg, particularly in embodiments that include flow control assembly 54), the outlet portion can be divided into a first outlet region 210 and a second outlet region 220, wherein the first outlet The region 210 extends between the nozzles of the showerhead 120 and the flow control assembly 54, and the second outlet region 220 extends between the switch control assembly 52 and the flow control assembly 54.

First, with respect to the first outlet region 210, if the showerhead 120 of the sprinkler device 100 has an open nozzle and the nozzle is just at an angle that allows all or most of the water to drain, the water in the first outlet region 210 Will leak out. However, the angle at which the sprinkler device 100 is suspended from the hose reel or from other devices is not conducive to the outflow of water therein, when the flow control valve is positioned to maintain water in the first outlet region 210, and / or when the nozzle is close to closing, the water will stay in the first outlet region 210. Further, when the nozzle is slightly opened, cold air is easily entered by the first outlet region 210, so that freezing phenomenon easily occurs in the first outlet region 210.

The second outlet region 220 can be located between the valve of the switch control assembly 52 and the flow control assembly 54. In some cases, the second exit region 220 can be considered a second critical region because when the switch control assembly 52 is assumed to be in a closed state, and when the flow control assembly 54 is nearly closed, and / Or when the angle of the sprinkler device 100 is detrimental to the outflow of water therein, the ability of the second outlet region 220 to remove pressure when the freezing condition occurs is the second lowest region. However, as discussed above, in embodiments that do not include flow control assembly 54, this region may be eliminated or may be merged with first exit region 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, each critical region (ie, inlet region 200, first outlet region 210, and (where applicable) second outlet region 220) may include or may be included as at least one compensator receiving portion. In this way, the key areas are respectively formed to receive at least one compensation component. As in some cases, A plurality of compensating members may be provided in a critical region, and it should be mentioned that the critical regions may also be formed or include one or more compensator receiving portions.

Figure 4 includes Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, respectively showing schematic views of a compensator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the compensator 300 and an inner periphery 310 of a portion of the critical region, taken along a section of the compensator and the critical region in the axial direction, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. view. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the compensator 300 taken along a line section perpendicular to the axis of the compensator 300. Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the compensating member 300' having at least one annular rib 340' taken against the axial direction. Figure 4D shows an alternative view to show an alternative design in the assembly shown in Figure 4A. 4D shows the compensator 300" and the retaining ribs on the critical area. FIG. 4E is a top view showing another exemplary embodiment of providing an alternative compensator 300'".

With respect to Figure 4A, the compensator 300 can have a generally hollow cylinder and the critical region can be a generally hollow cylindrical portion of the flow channel. Thus, in the most basic embodiment, the compensator receiving portion 320 can simply be a portion of the flow channel that has sufficient accommodation or that receives the length of the compensator 300 (eg, a portion of the tubular body of the flow channel). As such, the compensator receiving portion 320 can simply be the same portion of the flow path that is substantially the same length as a compensator. The compensator receiving portion 320 need not be defined by any other special features. It should be noted that the compensator 300 does not have to be hollow cylindrical in all cases. For example, in certain embodiments, the compensator can have any shape that allows water flow to flow in the flow channel and has a shape that can retain the compensator in the flow channel to withstand volumetric contraction if necessary. Thus, in some embodiments, the compensator may have the shape of a half hollow cylinder (eg, a shape that matches the shape shown in FIG. 4A, in place of the entire compensator 300 shown in FIG. 4A). Part of it, or any other suitable shape.

In some embodiments, the compensator 300 can have an inner diameter d1 and an outer diameter d2. The compensator 300 can have a length L (ie, extending in the axial direction), and on the other hand, the inner periphery of the critical region 310 can have a diameter d3. In some cases, the diameter d3 may be slightly smaller than the diameter d2. In this way, the compensator 300 It is required to be slightly compressed when being accommodated in the compensator receiving portion 320, and the force exerted on the compensating member 300 by the inner circumference of the critical region 310 should be sufficient to fix the compensating member 300 when the water flows through the flow passage, or is sufficient The compensator 300 can be secured during assembly of the compensator 300 into a sprinkler (e.g., sprinkler 10 or 100).

In some cases, the process of fabricating the compensator 300 may result in a range of sizes. By generally manufacturing the compensator, d2 is greater than d3, so that many compensators can be snugly secured to the critical region 310 (with or without compression). However, some compensating members may still require an outer diameter d2 that is slightly larger than the inner circumferential diameter d3 of the critical region 310. These smaller compensators can still be used when they can still provide at least 10% volume expansion to compensate for freezing conditions. Moreover, in fact, the smaller compensating members can be axially displaced without being squeezed in the flow path (i.e., due to minimal friction or friction between the periphery of the critical region 310). Similarly, virtually no internal features of the critical region 310 need to be constructed to physically construct the compensator receiving portion 320 to produce a variety of lengths that accommodate adaptation to unimportant system component designs. Briefly, the system is designed to accommodate at least a slight amount of tolerance with respect to the size of the compensator.

As shown in FIG. 4, when no compensator is provided, the flow path can be defined by the inner circumference of the critical area 310. However, when the compensator 300 is inserted into the compensator receiving portion 320, the flow path is defined by the hollow central region of the compensator 300. In addition, when water freezes in the flow path, the volume of water increases (e.g., about 10%), thus forcing the diameter of the flow path to increase. As described above, the compensator 300 is a compressible member such that the inner diameter d1 can expand to accommodate the increased volume after the water expands. If the outer diameter d2 is smaller than the diameter d3 around the critical region 310, a small amount of water flows between the inner peripheral wall of the critical region 310 and the outer periphery of the compensator, and then it can be understood that the outer diameter d2 It is also possible that the water is reduced by expansion between the surrounding wall within the critical region 310 and the outer periphery of the compensator. Therefore, the compensator can be compressed outward or toward the diametrical direction.

While the compensator receiving portion 320 need not be defined by physical features, in some cases, the compensator receiving portion 320 can have additional features, such as being configured to hold the compensator 300 in a fixed arrangement relative to the flow channel. Positioned feature. In some cases, the compensator receiving portion 320 can be configured to have retaining ribs 330 along an inner circumference of the critical region 310' in an axial direction (ie, parallel to the longitudinal length of the flow passage) Extend in direction). Alternatively, however, the retaining ribs may also have an annular shape (as indicated by the dashed line of ribs 330') that may extend around the inner periphery of the flow channel and be in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction. Further, in some cases, an annular ring may be disposed at each longitudinal end of the compensator 300, thereby defining the length of the compensator receiving portion 320 and restricting movement of the compensating member 300 in the axial direction.

It should be noted that in addition to the retaining ribs being disposed in the flow passage to define the compensator receiving portion, the retaining ribs may be disposed on the outer periphery of the compensating member itself. Fig. 4D shows an example of a longitudinally extending retaining rib 340 in which the retaining rib 340 is disposed along the outer periphery of the compensator 300". Although the retaining rib 340 extends along the entire length of the compensator 300", the retaining rib The extension of 340 to the full length is not required. Thus, the retaining rib 340 may extend only to a portion of the length of the compensator 300", or the retaining rib 340 may have relatively small features (eg, protrusions or bumps) that may be configured in a straight or loop shape To form the retaining ribs. In some cases, a plurality of such retaining ribs 340 may be repeatedly extended parallel to each other. Moreover, in some cases, the body portion of the compensator 300 may have a diameter d2 that is smaller than the diameter d3. However, the retaining rib 340 may be disposed at least the same effective diameter as the outer diameter of the compensator 300 or larger than the diameter d3. Therefore, the compensator 300 itself may be easily mounted to the compensator receiving portion 320 without being compressed. And only the retaining ribs 340 may be compressed to fit properly to the compensator receiving portion 320.

In addition, FIG. 4C shows an embodiment in which the annular retaining rib 340' extends around the outer periphery of the compensator 300', and the retaining rib 340' may be disposed at a portion of the compensating member 300' to have a distance from the axial end thereof; However, the retaining ribs 340' can also be disposed at or near the ends. It should be noted that various embodiments of more than one of the holding ribs shown in Figures 4C and 4D may be included in some embodiments. Thus, the retaining ribs shown can be replicated as many times as needed (or in any desired combination), in some cases a plurality of retaining ribs (of the same or different kinds) can be provided. Similarly, the type and number of retaining ribs used in the compensator 320 are used (eg, The retaining ribs 330 and 330') may also be modified to be used alone or in combination with retaining ribs (eg, 340 and 340') provided in the compensating member (300' or 300"). Further, in some cases, the compensating member is received The surface of either the portion 320 or the compensating member 300/300'/300" may be provided with at least one groove, and the groove may be configured to accommodate a corresponding holding rib.

In some embodiments, the inner and/or outer circumference of the compensator 300' may be slightly altered in the length of the compensator 300'. The embodiment of Fig. 4C shows that the inner diameter d1 is slightly reduced by a value d1' along the entire length of the compensator 300'. The outer diameter d2 can be similarly reduced to the end of the compensator 300'. Thereby, the outer diameter d2 of the entire length of the compensating member 300' may be substantially the same except for the outer diameter d2' after the holding portion 340' and the end of the compensating member 300' may be reduced. Thereby, the inner diameter and/or outer diameter of the compensating member 300' can be tapered, reduced or changed along the entire length of its axial direction. Such changes may result from design or manufacturing errors. The taper facilitates placement of the compensator 300' into the compensator receiving portion 320. In some cases, the tapered end of the compensator 300' can be disposed downstream of the critical region relative to the flow of water through the general direction of the device. However, it should be noted that this taper may also be produced at each axial end of the compensator 300.

Fig. 4E shows an embodiment in which the compensating member 300"' is tapered toward both axial ends. However, Fig. 4E further shows that the width and depth of the retaining rib 340" toward the end of the compensator 300"' are increased, except The measured fully retained ribs 340" may have a larger diameter than d3, and these enlarged retaining ribs 340" may be considered to have a diameter d2 of the compensating member 300"' that is smaller than the diameter d3. Figure 4E also shows that the ring-shaped retaining ribs 340"' need not be continuous, but may be arranged in a ring-shaped pattern using a series of dots or bumps to form a retaining rib 340"' in a separate configuration, Instead of an axially extending retaining rib 340", it may be additionally present.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sprinkler device 100 may be provided with one or more compensating members 300 in a plurality of critical regions to protect the sprinkler device 100. The sprinkler 100 can be made stronger and more durable by these protective measures against damage caused by freezing or pulsing. However, another aspect of the exemplary surname embodiment of the present invention may further provide a modular nature to the sprinkler device 100 (or at least to provide the sprinkler device 100 with protection capabilities). In this way, during the assembly process, A large set of components are manufactured in large numbers and may optionally be combined to define different types of device configurations. Different configurations of different components can produce different degrees of protection. In some cases, a single type and size of compensator can be produced in large quantities and inserted into the sprinkler 100 at selected locations, thereby defining different levels of protection. In this way, it is not necessary to use different tools for different grades of products in the manufacturing process, and different levels of protection measures can be set for different grades of products. Thus, in some embodiments, the modular sprinkler assembly can have all of the selectable components for the user to select the appropriate combination as desired.

Accordingly, in some cases, the number and/or type of compensators disposed in the sprinkler device 100 can define corresponding different configurations. Here, the design shown in Figure 3 defines an unprotected configuration. However, by inserting a first compensator 302 into a critical region corresponding to the entry region 200, a first configuration of the protected design can be obtained. FIG. 5A shows the first configuration described above, in which the first outlet region 210 and the second outlet region 220 do not include any compensator 300. FIG. 5B shows a second configuration in which the first compensator 302 is disposed in a critical region corresponding to the second exit region 220 along with the second compensator 304. There is no compensator 300 in the first outlet region 210 here. A third configuration is shown in FIG. 5C in which a third compensator 306 (in other words, near the nozzle of the showerhead 120) is disposed in the first exit region 210. However, in some cases, the critical area may have a size sufficient to accommodate two compensating members (eg, thus having two compensator receiving portions). Therefore, it is also possible to provide a fourth configuration in which a fourth compensator 308 is added to the first outlet region 210 as shown in FIG. 5D. By making all of the compensating members the same size, the compensating members are interchangeable and mass-produced components so that the operator can place any desired number of compensating members in any desired configuration for assembly. Includes the least protected configuration (for example, the first configuration, only the most critical critical areas are protected) to the most protected configuration (for example, the fourth configuration, where all critical areas are protected and one of the areas A configuration with various levels of protection with dual protection).

The present invention provides a sprinkler apparatus in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The sprinkler device can include a body, an operating member, and a first-class track that can be held by an operator along a grip portion thereof. The body can house a water flow control assembly that is configured to cause the sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler. The operating member can be operatively coupled to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop water flow through the sprinkler. The flow passage may be formed in the body to define a flow path between an inlet portion of the sprinkler device and an outlet portion. The flow path has a plurality of critical areas that can be used for water collection when the sprinkler is not sprinkled. The critical region can include at least one compensator receiving portion configured to receive a compensator comprising a compressible material such that the compensator can be compressed in a critical region thereby increasing the effective volume of the critical region . One of the compensating members or the critical region may be provided with at least one retaining rib to hold the compensating member in the critical region.

A sprinkler having features in certain embodiments of the invention may have any of the following additional features or may have a combination of the following features. For example, in certain embodiments, (1) the retaining ribs can be disposed around the critical region and extend inwardly into a portion of the flow channel. In an exemplary embodiment, (2) the retaining ribs may be disposed to extend substantially parallel to the axial direction of the flow passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the (3) retaining ribs may be ring-shaped and extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the flow channel. In an exemplary embodiment, (4) a plurality of the retaining ribs may be disposed in the critical area. In an exemplary embodiment, (5) the retaining ribs may be disposed around the outer periphery of the compensator. In some cases, (6) the retaining ribs may be disposed to extend substantially parallel to the axis of the compensator. In an exemplary embodiment, (7) the retaining ribs may be in the shape of a ring and extend around the outer circumference of the compensator in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the flow passage. In an exemplary embodiment, (8) a plurality of retaining ribs may be disposed on the outer periphery of the compensator.

In certain embodiments, the sprinkler device may have features of any or all of (1) through (8) in addition to the selective improvements or additional functions described below. For example, in some embodiments, the flow channel can include a substantially hollow circular tube, and the compensator can be a substantially hollow cylinder configured to fit within the critical region. As an additional or alternative solution, the compensator is compressible, In order to increase the critical area by at least 10% or even at least 25% of the effective volume. As an additional or alternative solution, the compensator can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. As an additional or alternative solution, the compensator may comprise a plurality of hollow closed cells disposed within the entire volume of the compensator. As an additional or alternative solution, the hollow closed cell chamber is impervious to water. As an additional or alternative solution, the outer diameter of one end of the axial end of the compensating element may be tapered.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and other embodiments of the present invention are capable of various advantages as described hereinabove and shown in the drawings. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification, and various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In addition, while the above description and the annexed drawings are exemplary embodiments of the embodiments of the invention An alternative embodiment of the present invention is made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different combinations of elements and/or functions that are different from those mentioned above are also reviewed and described in certain sub-items. The advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems are described in the present invention, but the advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems are applicable to certain exemplary embodiments and are not necessarily applicable to all of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems described in the specification are not to be construed as a critical, essential, or necessary condition in the scope of the embodiments. The vocabulary is used in the specification and is not intended to limit the invention.

Claims (22)

A sprinkler device for sprinkling water in a garden watering system, the sprinkler device comprising: a body for an operator to hold along a grip portion thereof, the body accommodating a water flow control assembly, the water flow The control assembly is configured to cause the sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler; an operating member operatively coupled to the body to interface with the flow control assembly to alternately Providing or stopping a flow of water through the sprinkler; a flow path formed in the body to define a flow path between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the sprinkler, the flow passage having at least one critical region therein The critical area is for collecting water when the sprinkler is not sprinkling; wherein the critical area includes at least one compensator receiving portion configured to receive a compensating member comprising a compressible material, The compensator can be compressed in the critical region, thereby increasing the effective volume of the critical region; wherein the compensator or the critical region is provided with at least one retaining rib by the retaining rib The compensator held in the critical area; and wherein the inner diameter of the outer compensating element and one or both of the diameter varies along the longitudinal length of the compensator. The sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the retaining rib is disposed around the critical region and extends inwardly into a portion of the flow passage. The sprinkler device of claim 2, wherein the retaining rib is disposed to extend substantially parallel to an axis of the flow passage. The sprinkler device of claim 2, wherein the retaining rib is in the shape of a ring and extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flow channel. The sprinkler device of claim 3, wherein the critical region is provided with a plurality of retaining ribs. The sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the retaining rib is disposed on an outer periphery of the compensating member. The sprinkler device of claim 6, wherein the retaining rib is disposed to extend substantially parallel to an axis of the compensator. The sprinkler device of claim 7, wherein the retaining rib is in the shape of a ring and extends around an outer circumference of the compensating member substantially perpendicular to an axis of the compensating member on a plane. The sprinkler device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of retaining ribs are disposed on an outer circumference of the compensating member. The sprinkler device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow channel comprises a substantially hollow circular tube, and wherein the compensating member is A substantially hollow cylinder is provided to fit within the critical region. The sprinkler device of claim 10, wherein the compensator is compressible to increase the effective volume of the critical region by at least 10%. The sprinkler device of claim 11, wherein the compensator is compressible to increase the effective volume of the critical region by at least 25%. The sprinkler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compensator is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The sprinkler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compensator comprises a plurality of hollows disposed within the entire volume of the compensator. Close the chamber. The sprinkler device of claim 14, wherein the hollow closed cell chamber is impervious to water. The sprinkler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer diameter of one end of the axial direction of the compensating member is tapered. A compensating member for inserting a key area of a sprinkler device for watering in a garden watering system, wherein the critical area is an area in one of the flow channels of the sprinkling device, the critical area being at the sprinkling device When not sprinkling water is used for collecting water, the compensating member includes a compressible material to compress the compensating member in the critical region, thereby increasing the effective volume of the critical region, and at least one retaining rib is Provided on an outer surface of the compensating member to retain the compensating member in the critical region, wherein one or both of an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the compensating member are changed along a longitudinal length of the compensating member, Characterizing in that the compensator is compressible to increase the effective volume of the critical region by at least 10%, and wherein the compensator comprises one or more hollow enclosures disposed within the entire volume of the compensator a chamber, and wherein the hollow closed chambers are impervious to water. The compensating member of claim 17, wherein the retaining rib is disposed to extend substantially parallel to an axis of the compensating member. The compensating member according to claim 18, wherein the retaining rib is in the shape of a ring and extends around an outer circumference of the compensating member in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the compensating member. The compensating member according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the plurality of retaining ribs are disposed on an outer circumference of the compensating member. The compensator of any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein the flow passage comprises a substantially hollow circular tube, and wherein the compensating member is a substantially hollow cylinder Set to fit in this critical area. The compensating member according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the compensating member is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.