Rotating miniature sprinkler for irrigation systems

A miniature sprinkler has a fixed, vertically extending nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being for communication with a supply pipe. A flow diverter has an axially extending inlet in register with the outlet of the nozzle, the diverter including bearing apparatus for rotatably engaging the nozzle to rotatably mount the diverter at the top of the nozzle. The inlet in the diverter merges into at least one side outlet which extends generally horizontally and from which the water is emitted in the form of a jet, and a drive apparatus is coupled to the diverter in such a position that at least part of the flow from the diverter outlet impinges on the driver apparatus to cause the rotation of the diverter, the drive apparatus including a turbine slideably and rotatably mounted above the diverter for impingement thereon of the flow to cause rapid rotation of the turbine with a sliding motion. A cover member is coupled to the diverter and is arranged to be hit intermittently by the turbine for causing slower rotation of the diverter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to sprinklers for irrigation systems. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Sprinklers for irrigating plots of land have long been known in the art. 
Sprinklers generally comprise one or more nozzles which rotate and provide 
outflowing jets of water over a relatively large range. These sprinklers 
are generally large in size and relatively costly to manufacture. They 
include seals used for sealing and friction purposes and, therefore, are 
sensitive to dirt which can stop their rotation. 
Miniature sprinklers are known which are constituted by a fixed nozzle 
attached by any suitable means to a water supply line. These nozzles are 
mounted opposite a rotating diverter, generally constituted by a disc, a 
rectangular element, or the like, which is provided with a diametrically 
extending channel, the ends of the channels being curved relative to the 
diameter in the same rotational sense. This curvature causes the jet from 
the nozzle to rotate the diverter and, in the opposite rotational sense, 
directs the outflowing water so that it irrigates the circular area 
surrounding the nozzle. Thus, the same element which divides the flow also 
serves to cause rotation of the diverter. 
While these miniature sprinklers are small in size and relatively 
inexpensive to manufacture, they suffer from a number of disadvantages. 
They rotate at very high speed so the water outflow therefrom is in the 
form of droplets, not a jet. They can only be used in areas which are 
protected from the wind. Their range is small (i.e., 10 meters), and the 
relatively small droplets spread thereby often lack sufficient force to 
penetrate through the leaves of the plants they are required to irrigate. 
Another disadvantage is that the outlet channels remain open then the 
sprinkler is not in operation, and insects and foreign matter often enter 
the nozzle through the channels and clog the sprinkler. 
A solution to the latter problem of insects entering the open outlet 
channels has been proposed including a bath-like element disposed beneath 
the rotating diverter. The diverter is arranged for vertical movement 
within the bath whereby, when the water is turned off, the entire rotating 
diverter is retracted into the bath. Due to the size of the bath element, 
it is complicated to adapt the device to existing sprinkler systems, 
requiring modification of the bridge member, which in turn attracts pests 
which damage the sprinkler. Furthermore, this element is complicated to 
manufacture, assemble and disassemble, and requires substantial 
maintenance. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a small sprinkler 
which combines the advantages of a conventional sprinkler insofar as 
range, droplet size and penetrating force of the jet are concerned, with 
the small size and low cost of manufacture of conventional miniature 
sprinklers. In fact, it has been found in one embodiment of the present 
invention that if the rotational speed of the miniature sprinkler is 1 rps 
or less, its characteristics are even better than those of the 
conventional sprinkler. Further advantages include exceptionally low 
production costs, small size, no seals or springs required, simple 
maintenance, and the possibility of closing the outlets of the sprinkler 
or of providing a pop-up arrangement by simple means, if desired. 
There is thus provided in accordance with the present invention a miniature 
sprinkler of the kind having a fixed vertically extending nozzle in 
communication with a supply pipe, the improvement comprising a flow 
diverter having an axially extending inlet in register with the nozzle 
outlet rotatably mounted at the top of the nozzle, the inlet in the 
diverter merging into at least one side outlet which extends horizontally 
or at an angle to the horizontal and from which the water is emitted in 
the form of a jet, and drive means cooperating with the diverter in such a 
position that at least part of the flow from the diverter outlet impinges 
on the drive means to cause the rotation of the diverter, wherein the 
drive means is distinct from the flow dividing portion of the flow 
diverter. 
The drive means may comprise a static element, e.g., a wire whose ends are 
slightly bent and which is mounted on the diverter. Or the drive means may 
comprise a rotating element which is mounted on the axis of the diverter 
or is connected with its wall and extends outwardly. 
The diverter may be mounted by an axially extending shaft in a known bridge 
member fixed to the nozzle. Alternatively, it may be mounted for rotation 
at the top of the nozzle which includes means to mount the diverter so 
that it can freely rotate. 
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diverter is 
constructed and adapted so as to close the nozzle when there is no water 
flow therethrough. 
There is also provided in accordance with the present invention a miniature 
sprinkler of the kind having a fixed vertically extending nozzle in 
communication with a supply pipe, the improvement comprising a flow 
diverter having an axially extending inlet in register with the nozzle 
outlet rotatably mounted at the top of the nozzle, the inlet in the 
diverter merging into at least two side outlets which extend horizontally 
or at an angle to the horizontal and from which the water is emitted in 
the form of a jet, and drive means cooperating with the diverter in such a 
position that at least part of the flow from the diverter outlet impinges 
on the drive means to cause the rotation of the diverter, wherein the 
diverter is axially movable relative to the nozzle and is adapted to cover 
the outlets and the nozzle when no water flows through the nozzle. 
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle defines a 
cup-shaped portion within which the diverter is axially movable in 
response to water flow through the nozzle. 
Further according to a preferred embodiment, the drive means comprise a 
pair of wedge-shaped blades affixed adjacent the periphery of the flow 
diverter and at least partially aligned with the diverter outlets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, there is shown a miniature sprinkler 
constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention and 
comprising a spray nozzle 1 mounted within a conventional C-shaped bridge 
member 2, the connection of the nozzle 1 to the water supply not being 
shown. At the end of the top leg of bridge member 2, a bushing 3 extends 
downwardly, the shaft 4 of a substantially cylindrical flow diverter 5 
being rotatable within bushing 3. 
The flow diverter 5 has a bottom aperture 6 which surrounds nozzle 1 and 
constitutes the inlet into the diverter of the jet of water emerging from 
nozzle 1. Inlet 6 merges into a sidewardly extending outlet 7, which can 
be seen in bottom sectional view in FIG. 1b. 
Above outlet 7, a horizontally extending shaft 8 is mounted on diverter 5, 
the end of the shaft carrying drive means 9. Drive means 9 is mounted in 
such a position that at least part of the flow from the outlet of the 
diverter impinges on the drive means to cause rotation of the diverter. In 
the embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1b, drive means 9 comprises a turbine 
wheel, the lower half of the turbine wheel being in alignment with at 
least part of outlet 7, the blades of the turbine 9 being of suitable 
construction. 
As used throughout the specification and claims, the term turbine is 
intended to include any rotating element defining a plurality of 
peripheral teeth or blades, including a propeller. 
It can be seen that as a jet emerges from nozzle 1 and flows through 
diverter 5, it will hit the blades of the turbine 9 which rotate around 
axis 8, thereby causing rotation of the entire diverter around nozzle 1. 
Operation of such turbines is known, wherein the turbine is freely mounted 
for rotation about an axle affixed to the diverter whereby the turbine 
hits its axle when the jet of water impinges on it, thereby causing the 
diverter to rotate incrementally. 
The orientation and construction of the blades of the turbine 9 are 
predetermined for the speed of rotation and form of irrigation desired. If 
a slower rotation is required, the orientation of the blades is adapted 
accordingly. 
It is a particular feature of the present invention that there is provided 
a sprinkler including a vertical nozzle, a diverter arranged to divert the 
water from the nozzle into a substantially horizontal jet or jets, and 
drive means which are distinct from the flow dividing portion of the flow 
diverter, which is not known in conventional miniature sprinklers. 
According to a preferred embodiment, the drive means comprises a turbine 
arranged to rotate at a rapid rate when at least part of the flow of water 
impinges thereon and arranged to cause the diverter to rotate at a slow 
rate. 
Alternate embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with 
reference to the drawings. In these drawings, those parts which are the 
same as those in FIG. 1a are designated by the same reference numerals, 
and the description of their function will not be repeated. 
Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, there is shown a diverter 11 surrounding 
nozzle 1 and extending with its shaft 4 into bushing 3 of bridge member 2. 
The diverter of this embodiment is shown with bottom aperture 6 merging 
into two diametrically opposed outlets 12 and 13. Drive means 9 mounted on 
shaft 8 is arranged at least partially in the flow path of one of the 
outlets 12. The flow from nozzle 1 is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2a 
and the movement of diverter 11 and drive means 8 and 9 are indicated by 
the arrows in FIG. 2b. 
It will be appreciated that although drive means 9 has been illustrated as 
a turbine, any other drive means may alternately be employed. 
With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the 
invention, those parts which are the same as those in the embodiment of 
FIG. 2a being designated by the same reference numerals. The drive means 
in this embodiment comprises a turbine 9', arranged to rotate around a 
vertical shaft 10 integral with a horizontally extending shaft 8' mounted 
below side outlet 12, the blades of turbine 9' being in alignment with 
said outlet. The shaft 10 is of sufficient length to permit the vertical 
movement of turbine 9' along the length of shaft 10 so that it will always 
receive maximum flow from outlet 12. A stop 10a is provided on top of 
shaft 10 to limit the upward movement of turbine 9'. 
The embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4b includes drive means comprising a turbine 
9' mounted on a vertical shaft 10' extending downwardly from a 
horizontally extending shaft 8", the blades of the turbine 9' being in 
alignment with part of outlet 12. The rotation of diverter 11 and turbine 
9' and the flow of the jet are shown in FIG. 4b by means of the arrows. 
The construction of the diverter and turbine in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is 
substantially the same as that of FIG. 2. However, in this embodiment an 
outlet of the nozzle 1' leads into a cup-shaped member 14 mounted on the 
bottom leg of bridge member 2, cup-shaped member 14 surrounding diverter 
11. During the operation of the sprinkler, i.e., when water flows through 
nozzle 1', diverter 11 is lifted by the force of the water leaving a space 
between the outlet of the nozzle and the bottom of diverter 11 and 
permitting the outflow of water jets via outlets 12 and 13. When no water 
flows through nozzle 1, the diverter body drops downward so that outlets 
12 and 13 are covered by the walls of cup-shaped member 14. This will 
prevent insects or dirt from entering the diverter and nozzle. 
FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate alternate embodiments of the invention wherein the 
diverter is mounted in such a way as to rotate around the nozzle without 
the use of a bridge member. Means are provided to prevent the 
disengagement of the diverter from the nozzle during rotation of the 
diverter. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 6, a cylinder 15 is coupled 
to the fixed nozzle head 16 which defines an annular top flange 17. The 
diverter body 18 having side outlets 12 and 13 is provided with a 
downwardly extending cylindrical member 19 defining bearings which engage 
flange 17. 
The drive means in FIG. 6 are constituted by a turbine wheel 30 fixed for 
rotation about shaft 4 which is integral with the diverter body. The flow 
from outlets 12 and 13 impinges on the blades of wheel 30 causing it to 
rotate. A leg 30' on top of wheel 30 is adapted to hit a corresponding 
protrusion 31' on a cover member 31 mounted to shaft 4. During rotation, 
the impact of leg 30' against protrusion 31' causes the diverter to 
rotate. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 7 there is provided a nozzle head 21. The top of 
nozzle head 21 is surrounded by an annular flange 22, a diverter body 23 
with its side outlets 12' and 13 having a downward cylindrical extension 
24 with an inturned annular flange 25 engaging below flange 22. The drive 
means for the diverter may be any of those described above or, as shown in 
FIG. 7, a turbine wheel mounted on a shaft affixed to the diverter. The 
angle of the shaft relative to the diverter is such that the flow from 
outlet 13 impinges on the blades of turbine 9. 
It is a particular feature of this embodiment that the curvature of outlet 
12' differs from that of outlet 13, whereby the levels of the jet outflow 
are different. The result is a difference in range of irrigation by the 
jet flowing from outlet 12' than from that of outlet 13. It will be 
appreciated that any embodiment of the present invention can incorporate 
this feature, if desired. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the top of the nozzle 1 is surrounded by a 
cylinder 15 having a flange 16 wherein an aperture 17 is provided. The 
diverter 11' which extends through aperture 17 is provided at its top with 
an integral shoulder 26 and at its bottom with an annular stop 27 which 
engages below flange 16. At the top, a turbine wheel 30, similar to that 
illustrated in FIG. 6, is mounted to a shaft 4', a stop 32 integral with 
said shaft preventing the upward movement of the turbine wheel. In this 
embodiment, it can be seen that the force of the water flowing through 
nozzle 1 serves to raise diverter 11', permitting the outflow of water 
jets via outlets 12 and 13. When no water flows through nozzle 1, the 
diverter 11' will drop downwards whereby shoulder 26 abuts against flange 
16 and closes the top of the nozzle 1 as well as outlets 12 and 13. 
The complementary parts of the diverter and the nozzle described with 
relation to FIGS. 6 to 8 permit the rotation of the diverter around the 
nozzle and constitute both a mounting for the diverter and an axis of 
rotation therefor. 
The diverters of FIGS. 6 to 8 may be provided with the drive means as 
shown, or any of the drive means illustrated in any of the other drawings, 
or with any other suitable drive means which is independent of the flow 
divider. A number of suitable alternate drive means are illustrated in 
FIGS. 9 to 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the drive means comprises 
wires 28 and 29 extending substantailly parallel to the axes of outlets 12 
and 13 respectively from near said openings in diametrically opposite 
postions. The ends 28',29' of said wires are bent at an angle so that they 
are in alignment with part of said outlets. As the flow therefrom impinges 
on the bent ends 28', 29', the diverter will rotate. 
The drive means illustrated in FIG. 10 comprises a single wire 28 with a 
bent end 28' in alignment with outlet 12, the flow from outlet 13 of the 
diverter 18 being horizontally outward. Thus, the area irrigated by the 
jets from the two outlets is not symmetrical. 
In FIG. 11, the drive means comprises a turbine 9 rotatably mounted on a 
horizontally transverse shaft 8 in such a manner that part of the blades 
of turbine 9 are at all times in alignment with outlet 12. 
In FIG. 12, the drive means for the diverter 18 are those described with 
reference to FIG. 11, i.e., turbine 9 mounted on shaft 8. The outlets 12 
and 13 are slightly angled at their ends 12" and 13" respectively, the 
flow from outlet 12" impinging on the blades of turbine 9. The slant of 
the ends of the outlets is at a pre-determined angle and may be provided 
in any of the above-described embodiments, if desired, to enhance or 
hinder the speed of rotation, depending upon whether the slant is in the 
direction of rotation or opposite the direction of rotation. 
The invention is not limited to the number of outlets from the diverter of 
the present invention or to the number of drive means for the diverter 
above described. It is within the scope of the invention to provide any 
suitable number of drive means on the diverter and any desired number of 
outlets. 
Referring now to FIG. 13a there is shown a sprinkler similar to that shown 
in FIG. 5 in its open or operational orientation. The sprinkler comprises 
a spray nozzle 31 mounted within a bridge member 2, the shaft 34 of a 
substantially cylindrical flow diverter 35 being rotatable within bushing 
3 on bridge member 2. According to this embodiment, nozzle 31 itself 
defines a cup-shaped upper portion 33. Flow diverter 35 defines a bottom 
aperture 36 which merges into diametrically opposed outlets 37 and 38. In 
this embodiment, the dividing edge 39 of flow diverter 35 is perpendicular 
to the longitudinal axis of the outlets 37 and 38. 
Mounted adjacent the periphery of flow diverter 35 are drive means 40. 
According to this embodiment, drive means 40 comprise two wedge-shaped 
blades mounted adjacent the periphery of flow diverter 35 and at least 
partially in the flow path of the jet emerging from nozzle 31, as 
illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 13b. The force of the jet impinging on 
blades 40 causes the flow diverter to rotate. 
It is a particular feature of this embodiment that when no water flows 
through nozzle 31, flow diverter 35 descends axially, as shown in FIG. 14, 
and seats within cup-shaped portion 33 of nozzle 31, thereby closing 
outlets 37 and 38. This serves to prevent the ingress of insects into the 
sprinkler when it is not operating. When the sprinkler is turned on, the 
force of the water jet impinging on flow diverter 35 causes the flow 
diverter to rise to the orientation of FIG. 13a, thereby uncovering 
outlets 37 and 38 to permit irrigation of the area around the sprinkler. 
It is a further particular feature of this embodiment that the drive means 
are located on the flow diverter itself, independently of the dividing 
edge 39 of the diverter, rather than on a shaft affixed to the diverter. 
This provides rapid and efficient rotation of the sprinkler in operation, 
while permitting inexpensive production thereof. 
Referring now to FIGS. 15a and 15b, there is shown a sprinkler 
substantially identical to that shown in FIGS. 13a and 14 and similar 
elements have similar reference numerals. In this embodiment it can be 
seen that the dividing edge 42 of the flow diverter 35 is angled with 
respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlets 37 and 38. This serves to 
prevent stoppage of rotation caused by dirt or foreign particles in the 
water supply. Rotation of the flow diverter is insured because water 
impinging anywhere on the diverter will be diverted in a manner to provide 
maximum moment thereof. enters the sprinkler from stopping rotation of the 
flow 
Alternately, instead of the water flow from the nozzle impinging upon the 
center of the flow divider, the nozzle can be arranged so that the water 
impinges off center of the flow divider. This eccentric impingement of the 
water flow provides a non-circular irrigated area about the sprinkler, 
such as when the area to be irrigated is elliptical or only a portion of a 
circle. This feature can be incorporated into any of the sprinklers 
according to the present invention. 
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that while at least two flow outlets 
are desired in this embodiment of the miniature sprinkler, any greater 
number of flow outlets may alternatively be provided by the flow divider, 
depending upon the desired distribution of the water flow. Similarly, each 
of the flow outlets may be at a different level, thereby producing an 
outflowing jet of a different height and range. 
According to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 15a, cup-shaped 
portion 33 constitutes an integral portion of nozzle 31. Alternately, the 
cup-shaped portion may be provided coupled to the bridge member 2 or 
integral therewith, the water flowing from nozzle 31 through the 
cup-shaped member into inlet 36 of the flow diverter. 
It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that closure 
of the sprinkler can be provided by separating the flow diverter from the 
drive means. The nozzle and flow diverter are protected and enclosed 
within the cup-shaped member, while the drive means can remain outside 
with no detrimental effects. 
Turning now to FIG. 16 there is shown a detail view of a flow diverter 
constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of 
the present invention. This flow diverter is similar to that shown in FIG. 
15b, like elements being noted by like reference numerals. The difference 
in FIG. 16 is the shape of the drive means 46 which are arcuate. It will 
be appreciated that any shape drive means which causes a change in the 
direction of the water flow, and thereby causes the flow diverter to 
rotate, may be employed in this embodiment of the present invention. 
With reference to FIG. 17 there is shown a detail view of a flow diverter 
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This flow 
diverter is substantially identical to that of FIG. 16 with the addition 
of flow restrictor elements 48. Flow restrictor elements 48 of any desired 
shape may be provided adjacent drive means 46 in order to limit the flow 
of water in a particular direction. This permits the user to affect the 
water distribution characteristics at will. 
Referring now to FIG. 18 there is shown a miniature sprinkler constructed 
and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present 
invention in elevation cross-section. This embodiment is a miniature 
version of the sprinkler according to the invention, being smaller in size 
that the above described embodiments. Like elements have been designated 
by like reference numerals. The sprinkler of this embodiment comprises a 
nozzle 50. A cup-shaped element 52 is coupled to bridge member 2 in 
register with the nozzle. The flow diverter 35 is axially movable within 
cup-shaped element 52 as described hereinabove. It is an advantage of this 
embodiment that this structure permits construction and assembly of this 
sprinkler from smaller elements while retaining substantial irrigation 
capacity. 
With reference to FIG. 19 there is shown a miniature sprinkler constructed 
and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present 
invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to that of FIG. 6 
and illustrates the sprinkler arranged for coupling to any conventional 
irrigation tube for pop-up action. 
The nozzle 16 of the sprinkler is coupled to a rigid pipe 54 as by press 
fitting. Pipe 54 defines a flanged inlet 56. A filter 58 may optionally be 
disposed in inlet 56 to remove foreign matter from the water passing into 
the sprinkler. A cylindrical adapter element 60 defining a lower threaded 
portion 62, an upper cup-shaped portion 64 and a central aperture 66 is 
provided. Adapter 60 is arranged for screw engagement with any 
conventional, substantially vertical pipe 68 in an irrigation system. 
Pipe 54 is arranged for reciprocal motion within adapter 60 and pipe 68 and 
is retained therein by flanged inlet 56. Any known seal 70 may be provided 
between flanged inlet 56 and adapter 60. 
The drive means illustrated in FIG. 19 operates as follows. Turbine wheel 
30 comprises a wheel rotatably mounted about shaft 4 and defines a 
plurality of downwardly extending blades disposed about the wheel. Wheel 
30 defines an upwardly extending leg 30'. A cover member 31 is affixed to 
shaft 4 and diverter 18 rotate therewith. 
At any given time, one or two of the blades of turbine wheel 30 intersect 
the path of the water jet exiting outlets 12 and 13 of the flow diverter. 
The force of the water jet causes wheel 30 to rotate rapidly and to rise 
axially along shaft 4 until leg 30' impacts uponprotrusion 31'. The impact 
causes cover member 31 and diverter 18 to rotate through a small arc and 
causes wheel 30 to fall back down to its original position. However, since 
water is continually exiting through the outlets, wheel 30 is again caused 
to rotate and rise and hit protrusion 31'. Thus, turbine 30 is caused by 
the water jet to rotate at a rapid rate and, in turn, causes the diverter 
to rotate at a slower rate. 
Operation of this embodiment is as follows. When water flows through the 
system, the miniature sprinkler and pipe 54 pop out of the tubing 68 and 
operate as described hereinabove. When the water flow ceases, rigid tube 
54 reciprocates into the pipe 68, the sprinkler seating within the upper 
cup-shaped portion 64 of adapter 60. Cover member 31 serves to close the 
sprinkler within cup-shaped portion 64. 
It is a particular feature of the miniature sprinklers of the present 
invention that they are suitable for insertion into existing sprinkler 
systems without requiring adaptation of the bridge member of the sprinkler 
or adaptation of the conventional tubing. Futhermore, due to their size, 
they are less expensive to manufacture than conventional sprinklers and, 
in particular the embodiment of FIG. 18, can be utilized for specialized 
applications. 
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is 
not limited to what has been shown and described hereinabove merely by way 
of example. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited solely by the 
claims which follow.