Sprinklers for fire extinguishing systems

The present invention relates to a sprinkler fire extinguishing systems according to the preamble of claim. 1

The aforementioned sprinklers are generally known and are used both as Hochdrucksprinkler or Niederdrucksprinkler. These sprinklers in common is that they often remain unconfirmed after its first installation over very long periods of time. At best, such sprinklers are not used due to the lack of fire cases throughout their operating life. It has been found in prior art sprinklers that the seals used in the sprinklers tend over time in extreme cases, to adhere to the sealing surface and thus to make it difficult to open the fastener elements, or even prevent, when the sprinkler in the event of fire, are nevertheless used once got to. Further, it has been found that in those situations in which, although more difficult to open, but not prevented, the known seals will fall apart in extreme cases, partially or completely. Parts of the sealing elements then move freely inside the sprinklers and can potentially clog the fluid outlets.

In sealing elements which are compressed in the sprinkler exclusively in the axial direction for achieving the sealing effect, it has been observed in particular that due to the high required initial compression to produce the sealing effect over long periods, a sealing force loss of the sealing element occurs. Furthermore, it has been observed to be a disadvantage that the necessary high pre-compression loads the built-up sprinkler in the thermal release element, in addition to pressure loading by the system pressure. Although the thermally activatable trigger elements have sufficient safety factors normally to withstand these pressures, the additional load due to the necessary pre-pressing is felt to be disadvantageous.

In exclusively radially compressed sealing elements from the prior art because of the forming adhesive bonds and / or encrustations, a high stand-by pressure, typically of 20 bar or more, is necessary to achieve an opening of the closure element. Linked to this are high energy costs and an increased leakage rate of pipe / sprinkler fasteners.

The prior art has so far made do in the face of these problems so that the sealing elements have been provided with special adhesion-reducing coatings. However, this leads to significantly increased costs expenses.

Further, one has resorted tentatively so that in the prior art to provide very high surface finish to minimize the adhesion occurring on the sealing surfaces, which is also associated with a significantly increased cost.

Accordingly, the invention had the object of providing a sprinkler in which the above mentioned disadvantages are substantially mitigated as possible. In particular, the invention had the object of providing a sprinkler, which despite a long service life error-free operation is not impaired.

The invention solves the underlying object at a sprinkler of the described type with the features of claim. 1 Advantageous refinements and developments are found in the dependent claims and the subsequent versions of the specification and figures.

According to the invention, a sprinkler is provided with a sprinkler, a provided in the sprinkler housing fluid channel having a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, a closure member which is movable from a blocking position into a release position, wherein the closure member closes the fluid passage in the locked position and in the releasing position frees a thermally activatable trigger element, which holds the closure element to the thermal activation in the locking position, and a sealing element which is arranged between the sprinkler and the closure element, and adapted to close the fluid channel a fluid-tight manner in the locking position, wherein the sealing member is compressed radially and axially in the locking position for applying the sealing effect. Under a closing of the fluid passage is understood in this connection that a fluid-conducting connection from the fluid inlet is interrupted in the locking position to the fluid outlet while it is in the release position. The thermal release element is preferably adapted in the inventive sprinklers in such a way that it is destroyed by thermal action or changes its structure. More preferably, the thermally activated trigger element of a sprinkler bulb, in particular, is a fluid-filled glass ampoule. Alternatively, the thermally activatable trigger element is formed as a fusible link or metal element having memory properties, for example as a bimetallic element,

The invention is based on the recognition that in known seals, due to the often very high contact pressures occur (particularly during operation of the sprinkler as Hochdrucksprinkler) over time, changes in the material properties of the sealing elements, on the one hand lead to setting operations of the sealing elements to the surface structure of the abutting sealing surfaces and on the other hand lead to encrustations or brittleness of the material itself.

If the sprinkler then actuated, the bonds, incrustations and the like of the opening movement of the shutter member are opposing an increased resistance. In addition, it has been recognized that the sealing elements are always compressed radially either exclusively or exclusively axially for generating the sealing effect in sprinklers employing the known sealing elements. Especially in radially compressed sealing elements, the sealing element is a comparatively long distance in the release direction along the sealing surface must be moved for releasing the fluid channel. In this way, the sealing element of a high shear load is exposed, which firstly has an increased resistance to movement and, secondly, the risk of partial or complete destroying of the sealing element results in the adverse effect of the release of particles in the interior of the sprinkler.

The present invention addresses precisely this by providing an arrangement of the sealing element, wherein the sealing member is compressed both radially and axially. The combination of a radial and axial sealing action more Partialdichtflächen be created on the sealing element two or, taken alone, are each less than a single sealing surface with sealing elements of the prior art. In this way the formation of adhesions and encrustations, as a result setting processes will already significantly minimized.

The thus formed sprinklers invention show respect to their opening behavior due to the reduced adhesion tendency of the sealing elements an already significantly lowered error rate and a significantly lower risk of destruction of the sealing elements, which is associated with an increased reliability of the sprinkler ..

The thermally activatable trigger member is preferably adapted, upon exceeding of a predefined temperature giving the resistance to the movement of the shutter member from the locking position out, whereupon the sealing element can move from the blocking position into the release position and to flow the extinguishing fluid through the fluid passage from the fluid outlets out can. During operation of the sprinkler is preferably on the side of the fluid inlet, mounted either directly or indirectly through an adapter, to a quenching fluid-carrying pipeline.

The invention is advantageously developed by the sealing element is pressed into the locking position against a flared in a releasing direction A sealing surface. Under the release direction A the direction of movement of the closure element from the blocking position is understood in the release position. Under the widening in the release direction of the sealing surface is meant that the surface normal of the sealing surface with respect to the release direction A at an angle other than 90 °.

The flared sealing surface is preferably at least partially of conical design, and / or convexly curved, and / or concavely curved. Under a convex curvature a progressive widening in the release direction is understood, while under a concave curvature in a degressive release direction A widening is understood. The common advantage of the different configurations of the expanding sealing surface is the one that the sealing element is clear of the flared sealing surface after extremely short stroke from the locked position out. The sealing element has, in contrast to known from the prior art, loaded exclusively radial, sealing elements are thus pushed along not more over extended distances in the axial direction (ie in the release direction A) on the sealing surface. This leads to a significantly reduced release resistance and also to a markedly reduced

Risk of destruction of the sealing element during opening. Both contributes directly to increased reliability of the total sprinkler.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing element is formed from a list consisting of: O-ring, O-ring with backup ring, quad ring, multi-lip sealing ring, in particular X-ring or V-ring, U-cup, anvulkanisiertes sealing element, or as a combination of several of these sealing elements ,

The flared sealing surface is preferably formed on the sprinkler housing. More preferably, the closure element on an axially extending sealing surface against which the sealing element is pressed into the locking position.

More preferably, the closure element has a radially extending sealing surface against which the sealing element is pressed into the locking position.

The axial and / or radial sealing surfaces are in this case opposite surfaces to the expanding sealing surface, the primary sealing effect is at the widening sealing surface generated, act one or two further sealing surfaces primarily as a thrust bearing, and secondarily as sealing surfaces. however, they derive a significant contribution to minimizing the size of the primary sealing surface.

In that embodiment in which the flared sealing surface is at least sectionally of conical design, preferably, the cone-shaped portion has a cone angle a1 on, in an angular range of 5 ° to 60 °, preferably 10 ° to 40 °, particularly preferably 20 ° to 30 °.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sprinkler on a base body and a passage unit. Preferably, the fluid inlet and / or the flared sealing face are formed on the passage unit. The passage unit is preferably reversibly releasably connected with the base body, for example by means of a screw connection. This allows an economically favorable production of the body, for example, as a cast, and also economic cutting manufacturing the passage unit.

an orifice for the passage of the extinguishing fluid in the direction of the sealing surface and the closure element in the mounted state is provided on the passage unit also in preferred embodiments.

The base body preferably has a connection unit for attaching the sprinkler to a quenching fluid supply, that the extinguishing fluid carrying pipeline system, in particular with a receiving channel for receiving the fluid inlet channel to, and a nozzle head and a cage, wherein a distribution chamber is formed inside the nozzle head, from which extends the at least one fluid outlet extends.

The cage preferably defines a retainer space for receiving the thermal release element.

Further preferably, an abutment is provided for receiving and axial positioning of the thermal trip element in the sprinkler relative to the closure element on the cage, in particular integrally formed.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sprinkler, the closure member has a second tapered in the release direction A sealing surface, and the sprinkler housing, in particular the base body has a tapered in the release direction A third sealing surface, wherein the second and third sealing surface in the release position of the closure element, preferably fluid-tight manner, lie against each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second and third tapered sealing surface in the release direction form a loose seal elastomer.

It is preferred that the second and third tapered sealing surface have substantially corresponding surface contours. When the second and third tapered third surface are, for example meadow conical, it is preferable that the taper angle of the tapered sealing surfaces differs from each other only by a few degrees, preferably in a range of magnitude less than 5 °.

In a second aspect of the invention, the sprinkler housing has a recess, through which the closure element extends at least in the release position to pass, wherein in the release position between the closure member and the recess a protective chamber is defined, in which the sealing element is arranged. The most effective protection measure for the sealing element is there, so if the closure element is in the case of release in the release position to remove from the main flow, which extends from the fluid inlet to the one or more fluid outlets, as far as possible. This is a protective chamber between the

Recess for receiving the closing element and the sealing element provided within which the sealing element is arranged. In other words, the sealing member is in the release position according to the invention within the recess for receiving the closing element in a flow-restricted area. Because of introducing into this recess the sealing element is less exposed to strong stresses due to the fluid flow of the extinguishing fluid, and the risk of partial but complete destruction of the sealing element is greatly reduced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sprinkler housing a distributor chamber, from which branch off both the recess for receiving the closure member and the at least one fluid outlet, wherein the recess for receiving the closing member in a first direction, preferably equal to the release direction A, extends and the at least one fluid outlet extends in a direction different from the first direction, second direction. Because the recess branches from the distribution chamber, the sealing element is in the release position of the locking member de facto outside the distribution chamber in a "tributary" to the already due to the fact that the mainstream takes place in the direction of fluid outlets is less flow-type. in addition, turbulence around the recess for receiving the closing element around is formed in the recess and around the recess due to the differently oriented axes of the fluid outlet and the recess for receiving the closing element from which further reduced the flow stress on the sealing element.

Preferably, the at least one fluid outlet located radially seen outside and / or in the release direction A before the recess for receiving the Verschlussele-ments arranged. In particular by the "extraction" of the fluid outlets opposite the release direction, a dead space is formed below the fluid outlets in operation in which the flow moves mostly turbulent.

In a further preferred embodiment, the closure element has a peripheral groove in which the sealing member is seated. The circumferential groove provides a recess for receiving the sealing element which receives this radially partially or completely in the locking element, whereby a further shield the sealing element is provided by the surrounding fluid flow.

The closure element is preferably opposite to the release direction A adjacent to the sealing element receiving peripheral groove on a projection for protecting the sealing element from flow effects in the release position. The protrusion forms the preferred direction in the distribution chamber from the groove flank of the groove in which the sealing member is seated. The provision of such projection has the advantage that the protective chamber formed between the recess for receiving the closure element and the closure element itself located on its opposite to the release direction A the effect, preferably of the distribution chamber facing side is at least partially closed. Hereby a particularly strong partitioning of the sealing element before the pressure in the manifold chamber flow conditions is provided. This constructive solution is suitable for bar particularly high operating pressures, for example in the range above 100th

In a further preferred embodiment, a flow deflector is formed on the protrusion. The flow deflector is preferably adapted to serve as a baffle for the incoming into the distribution chamber extinguishing fluid and to generate turbulence.

The flow diverter preferably extends counter to the release direction A in the distribution chamber. More preferably, the flow deflector is adapted to in the distribution chamber inflowing extinguishing fluid to deflect from the first direction in which the recess is aligned.

More preferably, the flow deflector is adapted to be aligned in the distribution chamber inflowing extinguishing fluid to the second direction in which the fluid outlets or deflect out.

The projection preferably has a diameter of at least the sum of a basic diameter of the groove which receives the sealing element, and half the material thickness in the radial direction of the sealing element. This provides a good protection while a reliable seat of the sealing element is ensured in the groove.

The sprinkler is advantageously further developed in that the at least one fluid outlet is formed as a bore, or alternatively as reversibly releasably coupled insert element, having a swirl body in particularly preferred embodiments.

By designing the insert element can be varied fluid dispensing pattern, realize, for example spray cone.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sprinkler according to the present invention, a cage which defines a cage space for accommodating the closure element in the release position, and for holding a thermally activatable trigger element in the locking position. In particular, this embodiment allows the use of Sprinklergehäuses as open extinguishing nozzle when it is no need to use the thermally activatable trigger element. In this case, the closure element in mounted installation position of Sprinklergehäuses is permanently in the release position, which is why is not disadvantageous because the sealing element is arranged in the protective chamber.

Alternatively, this embodiment permits the use of the Sprinklergehäuses together with an inserted into the cage space thermally activatable trigger element in a sprinkler, in particular a Hochdrucksprinkler. Therefore, by a sprinkler is used in it, which is designed according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, the invention solves its underlying object even when a sprinkler of the described type.

Further, the invention solves the underlying object in the second aspect by the use of a Sprinklergehäuses according to one of the preferred embodiments described above as extinguishing nozzle, in particular as extinguishing nozzle for a working pressure in the range of above 16 bar.

The invention proposes in a third aspect provides that the sprinkler having a fluid channel having a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, a distribution chamber, from which branches off the at least one fluid outlet, and a cage defining a cage space for receiving a thermally activatable trigger element, wherein the distribution chamber and the cage are formed as an integral body and the cage to an abutment for the axial and preferably radial positioning of the thermally activatable trigger element is formed. The cage with a cage space serves the purposes of the invention to receive the thermally activatable trigger element in a locking position of the Sprinklergehäuses, and after destruction of the thermally activatable trigger element a closure element that is provided in the sprinkler housing, and a

Locking position is movable into a release position, wherein in the blocking position the closure element closes the fluid channel and releases it in the release position.

The invention makes use of the third aspect utilizes the fact that a a component with high functional integration is provided by the integral formation of the distribution chamber and of the cage as a base body with including the integrally formed on the cage re-bearing to which is economically inexpensive to manufacture, and at the same time due to minimizes a nearly complete abstention from interfaces, the risk of an entry of dirt into the interior of the Sprinklergehäuses. On the other hand, is achieved with this approach, the success that the thermally activated trigger element only needs to be inserted into the cage. The cage already contains fix an abutment for the axial and radial positioning preferably of the thermally activatable trigger element, so that a separate adjustment of the axial position and the holding voltage of the thermally activatable trigger element is no longer necessary with respect to the sprinkler. Preferably the closure member is adapted to be held in the assembled thermally activatable trigger element up to the triggering means of the thermally activatable trigger element in the locking position. In other words, the thermally activatable trigger element between the closure element and the abutment of the cage is held so that the tension acting on the thermally activatable trigger element results solely from the dimensioning of the closure element and the inlet-side pressure applied to fluid passage fluid pressure. Both the fluid pressure and the dimensioning of the closure element can be predefined and set in production, so that the risk of incorrect installation of the thermally activated trigger element that would have the unintended failure result can largely be excluded with high reliability.

In a further preferred embodiment therefore, the sprinkler housing, a closure element, which is in a releasing direction A from a blocking position into a release position is movable, wherein the closure member closes the fluid passage in the locking position and releases it in the release position, said sprinkler housing, in particular the base body, has a recess, through which the closure element extends at least in the release position in the direction of the cage therethrough, wherein the closure element is adapted to be held in the assembled thermally activatable trigger member to its release in the locking position.

Preferably, the closure element for this purpose also an, in the assembled state of the thermally activatable trigger element that facing, abutment for the axial positioning.

Preferably, the recess branches for receiving the closure member from the distribution chamber, wherein the recess for receiving the fastener element preferably extends in the release direction A. The invention is advantageously developed, and characterized in a separate aspect, that the base body consists of one of the following materials: copper alloy, preferably brass, in particular seawater resistant brass, or bronze, in particular sea water resistant bronze; non-alloy or alloy, in particular stainless steel; Cast iron material; Stainless steel; Aluminum or aluminum alloy; Die-cast zinc; Titanium or titanium alloy; Magnesium or magnesium alloy; Sintered metal material; Ceramic material; Plastic, in particular thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, liquid crystal polymer, wherein the plastic has preferably each has a melting point above 190 ° C, more preferably above 400 ° C, more preferably above 600 ° C; or composite material, in particular glass fiber reinforced Kusntstoff or carbon fiber reinforced plastic, preferably with the aforementioned melting points.

As seawater resistant brass is preferably CuZn20AI2As, CuZn36Pb2As, CuZn21 Si3P, CuZn38As, CuZn33Pb1AISiAs or CuZn33Pb1 used 5AIAs.

As seawater resistant bronze is preferably lead bronze, for example. CuPb5Sn5Zn5, or aluminum bronze, for example. CuAI10Fe3Mn2, CuAI10Ni5Fe4, CuAI10Ni5Fe5, CuAI1 1 Fe6Ni6, CuAI5As, CuAI8, CuAI8Fe3, CuAI7Si2, CuAI9Ni, CuAI10Ni3Fe2, CuAM ONi, CuAI10Fe5Ni5, CuAI1 1 Ni, CuAM 1 Fe6Ni6 , CuAM OFe, CuAI10Fe2 or CuAI8Mn used.

In a further preferred embodiment, on the basic body of the Sprinklergehäuses at least in the region of the at least one fluid outlet and / or the distribution chamber, and preferably completely, a metallic coating.

Preferably, the metallic coating has a layer thickness in a range of 0, 1 to 125 μιτι on.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the base body in the above-described range or completely chemically metallized. A particularly preferred variant of the chemical plating, the electroless nickel plating has been found. The chemical nickel coating is preferably applied in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4,527th Here, a nickel-phosphorus alloy coating is applied over the base material by means of electroless deposition, wherein the surface of the basic body either mechanically or by means of acid treatment (e.g. perchloric acid treatment) can be prepared in order to achieve a better adhesion of the coating.

It has been surprisingly found that by combining one of the above-mentioned materials as the base material with the chemical metallization, and particularly preferably by the chemical nickel-plating a significant improved Cloggingbeständigkeit is achieved. During the certification audit it is with sprinklers and extinguishing nozzles essential that the flow rate does not change or very little in the course of the operating age. Already by selecting a sufficiently corrosion-resistant base material, the risk of clogging is greatly reduced due to corrosion products. Another problem is, however, that when using water, which has no net quality, but with particles and the like is polluted, at very high pressures abrasion or erosion of the fluid outlets may occur, whereby the cross-sectional widening. but also an increase in the fluid outlet cross section may result in failure at a Cloggingprüfung. As an example of Cloggingprüfung is published this Directive MSC / Circ.1 165 of 10 June 2005, published by the IMO (4 Albert and Bank Ment, London SE7SR International Maritime Organization) directed.

With the above-proposed combination of base material and chemical metallization, a base body is obtained which can be successfully subjected to a Cloggingtest without being damaged due to the abrasive test medium.

The sprinkler according to this aspect and the sprinkler according to the above mentioned aspect of the one-piece preferably have the same preferred embodiments and preferred embodiments of one another.

In another preferred embodiment, the base body is heat-treated at least in the region of the at least one fluid outlet and / or the distribution chamber. By means of a heat treatment, the surface hardness achieved by the chemical metallization can be further increased. Particularly advantageously this comes in those base materials are used, which can not be cured by itself, for example, the copper alloys.

Preferably, in the heat treatment of the base body at a temperature below the melting point of the material of the base body is heat-treated, preferably in a range from 190 ° C up to 600 ° C, depending on the material of the base body, and with a holding time of half an hour or more, more preferably in a range of one to twenty hours.

It is understood that basic materials that have a low melting point by itself, such as polymer materials, but higher retention time be treated with correspondingly lower temperature for it.

The invention solves the underlying object at a sprinkler of the described type, in particular in a Hochdrucksprinkler (with operating pressure above 16 bar), with a sprinkler according to one of the preferred embodiment described above, and an image captured in the cage thermally activatable trigger element to holds the closure member in the locking position to its activation.

For the advantages and reached preferred embodiments, reference is made to the above statements.

The invention solves the underlying object of the third aspect further by specifying a use of the Sprinklergehäuses as extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle according to one of the preferred embodiment described above, wherein the extinguishing nozzle is especially designed for operating pressures in the range of above 16 bar.

The preferred embodiments of the first aspect are also preferred embodiments according to the second and third aspects. The preferred embodiments of the second aspect are also preferred embodiments according to the first and third aspects. the preferred

Embodiments of the third aspect are also preferred execution forms according to the first and second aspects.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying figures. show:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a sprinkler in a first

Operating condition

Figure 2 is a partial view of the sprinkler according to Figure 1,

3 shows a further partial view of the sprinkler according to Figure 1,

Figure 4 is yet another partial view of the sprinkler according to Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the sprinkler according to Figure 1 in a second operating state,

Figures 6a, b shows a partial view of the sprinkler according to the preceding figures in the first operating condition and a third operating state, and

Figures 7a-f different alternative configurations form a portion of the sprinkler according to Figures 1 to. 6

Figure 1 shows a sprinkler 1 according to a preferred embodiment. The sprinkler comprises a sprinkler housing 1 50th The sprinkler 50 includes a base body 2, a passage unit 3, and a fluid channel 12 which extends from a fluid inlet 10 to a plurality of fluid outlets. 8 A closing member 4 is arranged in a linearly movable inside the Sprinklergehäuses 50th The closure member 4 is shown in Figure 1 in a locked position, in which a radially and axially compressed between the closing element 4 and the passage unit 3 sealing element 5 closes the fluid channel 12 and thus the fluid-conducting connection between the fluid inlet 10 and the fluid outlets 8 in derogation.

In the passage unit 3 is an aperture 1 1 for restricting the flow rate preferably is formed.

The closure member 4 is held by a thermally activatable trigger member 25 in the locking position shown in Figure 1. The thermally activatable trigger member 25 is kept in a cage 27 which is formed on the sprinkler housing 50, in particular on the base body. 2 27 To this end, the cage has a first abutment 28 for axial, and preferably radial positioning of the thermally activatable trigger element 25, while the closure element 4 at its end facing the thermal activatable trigger element 25 end preferably a second abutment 29 for axial and / or radial positioning of the having thermally activatable trigger element 25th The thermally activatable trigger element 25 is seated in a space defined by the cage 27 cage chamber 31, and threaded fitting freely inserted and held there. The voltage necessary for holding the thermally activatable trigger member 25 is determined solely by the dimensioning of the closing element 4 and in the release direction A (Figure 5) acting pressure force of the upcoming above the sealing element 5 in the fluid channel 12 extinguishing fluid (reference numeral 33).

In the sprinkler housing 50 has a receiving channel 16 for receiving a screening unit 9 on the side of the fluid inlet 10 and a distribution chamber 15 are formed. From the distribution chamber 15 from the fluid outlets 8 and a recess 17 for receiving the closing element 4 branch off.

The sprinkler 50 has a terminal unit 38 with a coupling mechanism 26, preferably an external thread, whereby the connecting unit 38 serves to connect the sprinklers 1 to a quenching fluid carrying pipeline system. For sealing the terminal unit 38 1, the sprinkler on a sealing element. 6 The passage unit 3 is further sealed against the base body 2 by means of a sealing element. 7

The base body 2 has adjacent to the portion of the terminal unit 38 a nozzle head 39. In the portion of the nozzle head 39, the distribution chamber 15 is formed with the fluid outlets. 8 Axially adjacent to the portion of the nozzle head 39 of the cage is integrally formed on the base body 2 27, so that the main body 2 together with the distribution chamber 15 and the cage is integrally formed 27th

As can be seen further from Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 4 illustrate, the fluid outlets 8 extend in one or more second, different from the release direction A (s) B, B ', while the recess 17 in the

Releasing direction A extends. The entering in the release direction A in the distribution chamber 15 extinguishing fluid, indicated by reference numeral 33, first flows in the direction of the recess 17, and has to be deflected from this direction to exit from the fluid outlets. This will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 5

At the lower end in Figure 2 the recess 17 in a tapered release direction A sealing surface 19 is formed. In the above embodiment, the tapered sealing surface 19 is cone-shaped with a cone angle a 2 . The closure member 4 shown in more detail in Figure 4 has a tapered also in the mounted state in the release direction A sealing surface 32 which is conically formed in the above embodiment and a cone angle a 3 has. Preferably, the cone angle a soft 2 and A 3 not or only slightly from each other, in particular in a range of <5 °, from. The preferably correspondingly configured tapered sealing surfaces 19, 32 serve as a stop for the closure member in the release position according to Figure 5. Preferably, they form a loose elastomeric seal 35 from.

With reference in particular to Figures 3, 4 and 6a, b, the sealing function of the sealing member 5 will now be explained in more detail. At the passage unit 3 in an expanded release direction A sealing surface 18 is formed. In the present embodiment, the flared sealing surface 18 is cone-shaped with a cone angle α · | , The diameter of the fluid channel 12 continuously increases in the release direction A in the course of the expanding sealing surface 18 therefore. In the blocking position according to FIG 1, the sealing member 5 rests on the widening sealing surface 18 and is compressed due to the non-parallel course of the expanding sealing surface 18 relative to the release direction A both radially and axially. This compression performance is supported by the fact that the sealing element 5 in the locking position (Figure 1) against a radially extending sealing surface 30 and an axially extending sealing surface is pressed 36th The contact surfaces between the seal member 5, the passage unit 3 and the closure member 4 thus form partial sealing surfaces which are each smaller than would be a single sealing surface in a process known from the prior art sprinkler sealing element.

Referring in particular to figures 6a, b, the compression behavior of the sealing member 5 will now be explained in more detail. In Figure 6a, a first pressure P ι is the inlet side of the sprinkler. 1 This pressure is also called stand-by pressure, and can

are bar for example in the range of 10-13 bar, preferably <12.5. In this installation situation, the sealing element 5 occupies a thickness S. If the pressure rises to a value P 2 in shown in Figure 6b, the sealing element 5 is first compressed even further, and more in the direction of widening the sealing surface 18 and pressing the radially extending sealing face 30th The effective area of the operating pressure on the closing element is increased in this way. Here, in particular, the advantageous embodiment of the seal assembly in stand-by mode in accordance 6a shows. When exceeding the trigger pressure which is equal to or greater than the value P 2 is, for example, in the range of 40 bar or more, the closing element 4 is moved to the escape of the thermally activatable trigger member 25 from the locking position according to FIG. 1 The sealing element 5 loses immediately, after a few fractions of a millimeter, to contact with the sealing surface 18 and the widening the fluid flow is free.

The passage unit 3, which receives the widening in the release direction A sealing surface 18 is preferably made as by machining machined workpiece and has on its outer peripheral surface a groove 13 for receiving the sealing element 7 (Figure 3).

Subsequently, a sealing element 5 is in particular explained protective embodiment in the release partition according to FIG 5 against wear and destruction. For this purpose, particular reference is made to the figures 4 and 5. FIG.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 enable division of the sprinkler 1 extinguishing fluid 33 presses into the release direction A in the distribution chamber 15 °. The closure element 4 is in the position shown in Figure 5 below enable sharing. At the distribution chamber 15, a protective chamber is formed between the closing element 4 and the diverging recess 17, in which the sealing element 5 is added. The protective chamber 17 is away from the main direction of flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlets 8, because the former is different from the release direction A in the direction B, B 'extend (see Figure 2). By this arrangement abseitige the sealing element 5, the sealing element 5 is in the release division of the shutter member 4 in a flow-restricted area and will be less subject to wear due to fast-flowing flow of the extinguishing fluid. This reduces the susceptibility to destruction of the sealing element 5 significantly and reliably prevents blocking of the fluid outlets 8 with sheared or torn off material of the sealing element. 5

The fluid outlets 8 lying radially outside the recesses 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure element 4 has a circumferential groove, characterized by the axially extending sealing surface 36 as the base of the groove. In this groove, the sealing element 5 is accommodated. By at least partially recessed into the groove arranging the sealing element 5 on the closure element 4 is an exposure to the wedged in the direction of the fluid outlets of the extinguishing fluid flow 8 is further reduced. Contrary to the release direction A adjacent to the groove 36, a projection 21 is formed on the sealing element, which protects the sealing element 5 before flow influences in the release position. a flow deflector 37 is more preferably formed on the projection 21, which extends counter to the release direction A. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 lock position, the flow diverter 37 preferably extends through the aperture therethrough far into the fluid channel 12 in the direction of the fluid inlet 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 released position, the flow deflector 37 still extends at least largely by the distribution chamber 15 into direction of the fluid inlet 10 is decelerated by the flow deflector 37 at least in the distribution chamber 15 flowing in extinguishing fluid, whereby the dynamic pressure component of the extinguishing fluid is lowered and further decreases the load on the seal member 5 and the sealing element 5 is shielded even stronger. The protected arrangement of the sealing member 5, shown here in the protective chamber between the recess 17 and closure element 4 makes it possible to use the sprinkler 50 without zuvorheriges inserting a thermally activatable trigger element 25 as an open extinguishing nozzle.

This results in a considerable synergy is generated manufacturing technology, because one and the same component, namely the sprinkler 50 including the shutter member 4 and sealing member 5 is used for several purposes, without that it would be converted. The sealing element 5 is significantly less likely to suffer damage to its protected arrangement or destroyed, causing an unintentional blockage of the fluid outlets 8 is more reliably prevented.

Hereinafter, the structure of the fastener element will be described in more detail, referring first to Fig. 4

The shutter member 4 is preferably formed as a rotationally symmetrical body with a plurality of sections, in this example, four sections. A first portion of the projection 21 having a diameter d1. A second portion 22 is present having a diameter d2 and is adapted for receiving the sealing member. 5 In this section, the axial sealing surface 36 and the radial sealing surface 30 are formed. The radial sealing surface 30 is at the same time the transition to a third portion 23 having an outer diameter d3 and a is in the release direction A tapering section with the sealing surface 32. There is a continuous diameter reduction in the release direction A to the diameter d4, in which a cone-shaped course with the cone angle a 3 is formed. From then on a further section extends with a cylindrical profile in the form of a receiving cylinder 24. The receiving cylinder 24 is set up into the cage space 31 of the cage 27 when moving the closure member from the locked position (Fig. 1) into the release position (Fig. penetrate 5).

The second abutment 29 is preferably formed in the receiving cylinder 24th Preferably the diameters are d1, d2, d3 and d4 in the following magnitude relation:

D1 is greater than d2, d2 is smaller than d3, and d3 is greater than d4. Preferably, the second region 22 is adapted to the diameter d2 of its length in the material thickness of the sealing element. 5 Preferably, the difference d3 - d2 is greater than the material thickness of the seal member 5 in the unloaded state. Preferably, the diameter d3 is greater than the outer diameter of the sealing element 5 in the unloaded state. The diameter d3 dimensioned radially extending sealing surface 30 thus serves as a stop face for the closure element, and serve during the pressing of the first sealing member 5 to the flared sealing surface 18 to an excessive deformation and shearing of the sealing element 5, or slipping of the sealing element 5 to prevent out in the assembly out of the groove.

Due to a difference in diameter between D2 and D3 which characterized by the axially extending sealing surface 36 in the second groove portion 22 is to be understood as asymmetric groove.

Preferably, the diameter d2 is in a range from 1, 5 to 50 mm, particularly preferably in a range of 2 to 12 mm, more particularly preferably in the range of 12 mm to 30 mm.

Referring now in addition to the structure of the fastener element 4 position with reference to Figures 7a to 7f.

The different variants of the closure element 4 are shown in Figures 7a to 7f. The basic structure of the closing element 4 is similar in all these variants. Major exception is the orientation of the projection 21 and the flow diverter 37 thereto. While the embodiment recordable according to Figures 7a, b has no flow deflectors 37, but differs substantially with respect to the design of the receiving cylinder 24 and the axial extent of the region between the sealing region 22 and the receiving cylinder 24 in which according to figure 7 a still a cylindrical intermediate portion 23b and a slightly conical portion are formed opposite 23a, the closure element 4 according to FIG 7c on its lead 21 to a flow diverter 37 in the form of a circumferential annular projection 37a on the front side 40th The projection 37a may be defined vice-versa as a concave recess 41 in the end face 40th

When the shutter member 4 according to the figure 7d a conical tip 37b is formed on the projection 21, which advantageously supports the deflection of the penetrating into the distribution chamber 15 extinguishing fluid radially outwardly to the fluid outlets 8 out.

According to FIG 7e a tip 37c is formed with a concavely curved lateral surface 42 on the projection 21 of the shutter member. 4 The concave curvature of supports deflecting the fluid in the direction of the fluid outlets 8 and reduces the impact effect of the impinging fluid onto the projection 21. In Figure 7f a variant of the closure element 4 is shown, wherein on the projection 21 also has a tip 37d with concavely curved lateral surface 43 is formed, wherein the concavely curved lateral surface terminates in a concave recess 44 on the end face 40, which supports a deflecting the light incident on the projection 21 of the fluid against the release direction a.

Hereinafter will be discussed the advantages of the one-piece configuration of the main body 2 together with the cage 27 and the advantageous effects of preferred combinations of materials.

Characterized in that the sprinkler housing 50 has a base body 2 in which a single piece both the distribution chamber 15 are formed 27 with the retainer chamber 31 with the fluid outlets 8 and the cage, a thermally activatable trigger means 25 can be inserted and then only by mounting the closure member, preferably be securely held in the abutments 28,29. Insertion and

Clamping the thermally activatable trigger element by means of threaded pins and similar agents, as they are known from the prior art can be omitted here. During the assembly steps can be saved, and the risk of premature damage to the thermally activatable trigger element by excessive clamping force is prevented.

The one-piece base body 2 is preferably formed of a sea water resistant copper alloy, such as seawater-resistant brass or one of the other above-mentioned materials. Particularly preferred, however, the sea water resistant copper alloy. More preferably, the base body is at least in the region of the fluid outlets, but preferably completely, chemically nickel-plated. In the chemical nickel plating in an electroless deposition, a nickel-phosphorus coating is placed on the base material. Preferably, this coating will be cured by means of a heat treatment thereafter. The residence time and temperature of heat treatment is in this case preferably adapted to the melting point of the base material. If polymers are used as the base material, the heat treatment temperature is naturally lower than that of metals such as a brass material. The framework established by the chemical nickel plating has the particular advantage that, with his help, the abrasion resistance of products withdrawn for not curable materials such as brass can still be significantly increased. In this way, the advantages of different materials are combined by sprinkler low together.

The combination of the one-piece with the aforementioned material selection and heat treatment has the particular advantage that the sprinkler 50 is overall significantly less prone to clogging. During the certification testing of sprinklers and extinguishing nozzles must be ensured that the fluid outlets or only very minor changes in the course of the operation in terms of their opening rates. This relates on the one hand, decreasing the outlet section by clogging (hence Clogging) but other hand, enlarging the outlet section by abrasion. In particular, when used as extinguishing fluid technology, water, or sea water, so simplified terms of water with particulate loading or other impurities, the danger of an increase in the outlet cross-sections as a rule is greater than a blockage. The increased hardness associated with the corrosion resistance of the base material and the coating, the invention in this regard creates surprisingly good properties in a one-piece body.

claims

1. Sprinkler (1) with

- a sprinkler,

- a sprinkler provided in the fluid channel (12) having a fluid inlet (10) and at least one fluid outlet (8),

- a closure element (4) which is movable from a blocking position into a release position, wherein the closure element (4) closes the fluid passage in the locking position and releases it in the release position,

- a thermally activatable actuating element (25) which holds the closure element (4) to the thermal activation in the locking position, and

a sealing element (5) which is arranged between the sprinkler and the closure element (4) and adapted to close the fluid channel a fluid-tight manner in the locking position,

characterized in that the sealing element (5) is compressed radially and axially in the locking position for applying the sealing effect.

2. Sprinkler (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that the sealing element (5) in the locking position against a in a release direction (A) flared sealing surface (18) is pressed.

3. Sprinkler (1) according to claim 2,

characterized in that the flared sealing surface (18) is at least partially conical.

4. A sprinkler according to claim 2 or 3,

characterized in that the flared sealing surface (18) is at least partially convexly curved.

5. A sprinkler according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

characterized in that the flared sealing surface (18) is at least partially curved concavely.

6. Sprinkler (1) according to claim 3,

characterized in that the sealing element (5) is selected from the list consisting of: O-ring, quad ring, multi-lip sealing ring, in particular X-ring or V-ring, or as a combination of several of these sealing elements.

7. Sprinkler (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5,

characterized in that the flared sealing surface (18) is formed on the sprinkler housing.

8. Sprinkler (1) according to claim 7,

characterized in that the closure element (4) has an axially extending sealing surface (36) against which the sealing element (5) is pressed into the locking position.

9. Sprinkler (1) according to claim 7 or 8,

characterized in that the closure element (4) has a radially extending sealing surface (30) against which the sealing element (5) is pressed into the locking position.

10. Sprinkler (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6,

characterized in that the flared sealing surface (18) is arranged on the closure element (4).

1 1. sprinkler (1) according to claim 3,

characterized in that the widening, at least partially cone-shaped sealing surface (18) has a cone angle a1 on which in an angular range of 5 0 10 ° to 40 ° more preferably is up to 60 °, preferably 20 ° to 30 °.

12. Sprinkler (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the sprinkler housing a body (2) and a passage unit (3), wherein preferably the fluid inlet (10) and / or the flared sealing surface (18) on the passage unit (3) are formed.

13. Sprinkler (1) according to claim 12,

characterized in that the base body (2) a connection unit (38) for fastening the sprinkler (1) to an extinguishing fluid supply, in particular with a receiving channel (16) for receiving the fluid inlet channel (10), a nozzle head (39) and a cage ( 27)

wherein a distribution chamber (15) is formed in the interior of the nozzle head (39) extends from the from the at least one fluid outlet (8), and

wherein the cage (27) defining a cage space (31) for receiving the thermal trip element (25).

14. Sprinkler (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the closure element (4) having a second (A) in the release direction tapered sealing surface (32) and the sprinkler housing, in particular the base body (2), one in the releasing direction (A) tapered third sealing surface (19), wherein the second and third sealing surface (19, 32) in the release position of the closure element (4) abut one another.