Fluorine-free shower seal

Abstract

A sprinkler includes a body, at least one frame arm extending from the body, a deflector coupled with the at least one frame arm, a seal, and a heat trigger between the deflector and the seal. The seal is at least one of (i) made of a material that is substantially free of fluorine and (ii) coupled with a material that is substantially free of fluorine. The material can be a polymeric material. The heat trigger is to allow the seal to release from the outlet in response to a fire condition at a temperature above a melting temperature of the material.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 557,826, filed February 26, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 682,623, filed August 13, 2024, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Fire sprinkler systems are widely used for fire prevention. These systems have sprinklers that are activated in response to signs of fire. Once activated, the sprinkler distributes fire-fighting fluids (e.g., water) throughout a room or building. These sprinklers are equipped with seals that maintain a tight seal of fluid when the sprinkler is not activated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly may include a body and a sealing member. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. The sealing member is disposed at the outlet to establish a tight fluid seal in the unacted sprayer state. At least a portion thereon has a substantially fluorine-free polymer coating.

[0004] In some implementations, the polymer coating includes thermoplastic polyethylene.

[0005] In some implementations, the polymer coating includes ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

[0006] In some embodiments, this portion of the sealing component has a uniform polymer coating.

[0007] In some implementations, the thickness of the polymer coating is greater than or equal to 1 mil.

[0008] In some implementations, the sealing component is a spring seal.

[0009] In some implementations, the sealing component is a solid disc.

[0010] At least one aspect relates to a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes a body and a sealing member. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. The sealing member is disposed at the outlet to establish a tight fluid seal in the unacted sprayer state. At least a portion of the sealing member has a substantially fluorine-free covering.

[0011] At least one aspect relates to a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes a body and a sealing member. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. The sealing member is disposed at the outlet to establish a tight fluid seal in the unacted sprayer state. At least a portion of the sealing member is made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material.

[0012] In some implementations, the sealing component is made of a polymer material.

[0013] In some implementations, the sealing member has a protrusion formed thereon.

[0014] In some implementations, the sealing component has a chamfered edge.

[0015] In some implementations, the sealing component is a spring seal.

[0016] In some implementations, the sealing component is a solid disc.

[0017] At least one aspect relates to a seal for a sprayer. The seal includes a body having an internal passage extending between an inlet and an outlet. The seal includes at least one frame arm extending from the body. The seal includes a deflector coupled to the at least one frame arm. The seal is coupled to an outlet and includes at least one of a body and a coating, which is substantially fluorine-free.

[0018] At least one aspect relates to a sealing assembly for a sprayer. The sealing assembly includes a metal button, a seal, and a layer on one or more surfaces of the seal. The seal, coupled to the button, is tapered and is metallic. The layer comprises a polymer material and is substantially fluorine-free. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals and names in the various drawings indicate similar elements. For clarity, not every part can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a fire protection system; Figure 2A This is an isometric view of an example of a sprinkler assembly for installation in a fire protection network; Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of an instance of a sprinkler assembly; Figure 2C This is a top view of an instance of a sprinkler assembly; Figure 2D This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a sprayer seal; Figures 3A to 3C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the seal; Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of a sprinkler assembly using a fusible connector type for installation in fire protection piping networks; Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of an example of a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler assembly; Figure 4C This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a sealing component; Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a seal; Figure 5C This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figure 8C This is a schematic diagram of an example of a seal; Figures 9 to 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an integrated seal and button arrangement used in a sprayer assembly; and Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a sprayer. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Before turning to the diagrams illustrating certain examples, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the diagrams. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0021] This disclosure generally relates to the field of fire sprinklers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for sprinkler seals that are substantially fluorine-free, such as those made of polymeric materials rather than fluorine-based materials; this can include seal assemblies comprising fluorine-free gaskets and / or push-button components, as well as fluorine-free integral seals and push-button components. Sprinkler seals can be used to maintain a seal between the inlet and outlet sides of a fire sprinkler at temperatures up to and / or above the fire condition temperature.

[0022] Fire protection systems include sprinklers that can suppress or allow the flow of fluids (typically water, but in some applications, fire extinguishing fluids) depending on the conditions. In the event of a fire or the detection of conditions that may indicate a fire (e.g., increased heat, smoke, etc.), sprinklers can allow fluid flow so that the fluid can come into contact with deflectors and be dispersed, thereby providing exposure protection to objects in an area, floor, window, and / or wall. Sprinklers can spray water or fire-retardant fluids onto specific areas, such as a portion of a room or corridor, or a window or wall. To achieve fire exposure protection for a given area (e.g., a room, corridor, window, wall, etc.), sprinklers may include components that allow the flow of fire-retardant fluids in response to activation of one or more fire sprinklers.

[0023] For example, a fire sprinkler may include one or more components that provide a fluid seal to prevent the passage of fire-resistant fluid when the fire sprinkler is inactive. These components may allow the passage of fire-resistant fluid once the fire sprinkler is activated, thereby supplying fire-resistant fluid to a given area.

[0024] Fire-retardant fluid can be supplied to the fire sprinkler via a fluid supply source and / or piping network. Seals can be provided within the fire sprinkler to retain the fire-retardant fluid within the fluid supply source and / or piping until the fire sprinkler is activated. The fire-retardant fluid can be stored under pressure in the fluid supply source and / or piping such that it will exit the fire sprinkler at a flow rate and volumetric flow rate sufficient to provide fire protection or extinguishing to the desired area upon activation.

[0025] One or more seals located within a fire sprinkler provide a seal for retaining pressurized fire-resistant fluid. In various applications, the fire-resistant fluid can be stored at different pressures, and therefore, the seals of the fire sprinkler can contain pressurized fluid.

[0026] For example, a sprinkler may include a thermal trigger (such as a fusible link comprising two pieces joined together by solder that melts in response to elevated temperatures from a fire, or a glass bulb containing fluid that expands in response to elevated temperatures from a fire) that ruptures in response to a fire condition. The thermal trigger may be coupled to a seal to apply a load to the seal (or at least a portion thereof) that holds the seal in place to seal the sprinkler. In response to the rupture of the thermal trigger, the seal can be driven away from the position of the seal (e.g., ejected) by fluid pressure from the fluid in the sprinkler. This allows the sprinkler to output fluid to address a fire condition, such as being guided by a deflector that outputs fluid according to a target spray pattern.

[0027] The seals or seal assemblies of a sprinkler may include components such as springs (e.g., Belleville springs) and / or sprinkler buttons. Sprinkler buttons may be made of materials such as stainless steel, phosphor bronze, or copper. The construction of the sprinkler button affects the strength and / or stiffness of the seal, which affects considerations such as deformation, leakage, or cracking, especially under the pressure (from the fluid in the sprinkler) and temperature (from an developing fire) conditions of the seal's operation. Furthermore, for the seal to effectively eject fluid from its path, a relatively hard material should contact the sprinkler frame when the sprinkler button is moved.

[0028] Some seals include coatings to facilitate sealing (e.g., watertight seals) and other functions for use in sprinklers. For example, seals may be coated with fluorinated materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., Teflon coating) or other perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) coatings. Various such materials used as membranes or otherwise coated for seals in sprinklers can be used in fire-resistant conditions; for example, such materials may be water-, oil-, and stain-resistant; durable under the temperature, pressure, radiation, and / or chemical conditions used in fire-resistant systems; and provide electrical and thermal insulation.

[0029] For example, PTFE-type coatings can be used at temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, such as at least 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This can include allowing the sprinkler to meet performance testing requirements at such temperatures. For instance, the coating's ability to prevent melting at fire-condition temperatures can allow the seals to remain properly positioned until the sprinkler is properly triggered for operation.

[0030] However, PTFE and / or PFAS materials can have various adverse effects. For example, such materials may have adverse health and / or environmental impacts. These materials can persist on their own due to the carbon-fluorine bonds in the material, or even if they do degrade, they may degrade into other persistent forms (e.g., into other PFAS materials). Once these materials are released into the environment (e.g., after being disposed of as waste), they can also be difficult to remove.

[0031] Various materials may have thermal ratings with melting temperatures similar to PTFE and / or PFAS, such as melting temperatures greater than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, such materials may not meet all performance requirements under fire-resistant conditions. For example, some materials may only remain undried at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, limiting their use in allowing for precisely timed sprinkler triggering. Furthermore, standards for materials used in sealing may include sealing under extreme temperature conditions and the ability to withstand a variety of environmental tests, such as those that direct salt spray, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and / or ammonia onto the sprinkler. Therefore, while some materials may possess certain properties suitable for fire-resistant applications, many of these materials may not meet all the standards required for such applications.

[0032] The seals and / or springs for the seals of a sprayer according to this disclosure may include a coating comprising a material (and / or composition) that is substantially free of or free of fluorine and / or includes or contains fluorine compounds, such as polymeric and / or non-metallic coatings. The material may be or include any of polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or various combinations thereof. The material (such as that provided as a polymeric and / or polyimide material) may have useful anti-friction properties to allow for effective sealing and may be stable within the target temperature range for sprayer operation. The material may have sufficient flexibility and / or toughness to effectively engage with the seal body to which the material is provided (e.g., on a Belleville gasket) and with the sprayer body, such as moving into gaps or irregularities in the structure (e.g., a metal structure) of the parts in contact with the material, while maintaining a sealing surface on all parts to be sealed.

[0033] For example, a sprinkler may include: a body, at least one frame arm extending from the body, a deflector coupled to the at least one frame arm, a seal, and a thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal. The seal has a coating that is free of or substantially free of (e.g., containing no more than one percent; no more than 0.1 percent) fluorine. The coating may be made of a polymeric material. The thermal trigger is used to allow the seal to be released from the outlet in response to a fire condition. By using a non-fluorine material to form a coating on the seal, a sprinkler can be provided without using materials containing carbon-fluorine bonds, such as PTFE and / or PFAS coatings. The seal and / or its coating may be formed in a manner that takes into account various considerations for fire-resistant operation. For example, for effective sealing, the load pressure on the seal (and therefore the load pressure that the seal and / or coating can handle) should be greater than the water pressure behind the seal.

[0034] The seals described herein can be implemented in a variety of fluid distribution devices, including but not limited to sprayers, devices including deflectors, devices including diffusers, or devices including actuators or other electronically controlled activating elements.

[0035] Seals can be used in various fire protection systems (e.g., fire prevention, fire extinguishing). Fire protection systems may include water systems or chemical systems. Fire protection systems distribute extinguishing agents to or near a fire, thereby extinguishing the fire and preventing its spread. Fire protection systems can be used alone or in combination with other types of fire protection systems (e.g., building sprinkler systems, handheld fire extinguishers). Multiple fire protection systems can be combined to cover a large area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building).

[0036] Fire protection systems and their sprinklers can be used in a variety of applications. Fire protection systems can be used with a variety of extinguishing agents, including but not limited to water (e.g., powder, liquid, foam, or other fluids or flowable materials may be used). Fire protection systems may include or be connected to a fluid supply source. A fluid supply source may define an internal volume filled (e.g., partially filled, fully filled) with extinguishing agent. A fluid supply source may supply fluid from a remote location to the building where the fire protection system is located. Piping (e.g., one or more pipes, tubes, conduits) may be fluidly connected to one or more sprinklers (or other fluid distribution devices). Sprinklers may receive water or other extinguishing agents from the fluid supply source via piping. The seals described herein can be used in sprinklers or other fluid distribution devices for any of a variety of applications, including, for example, concealed sprinklers, sidewall sprinklers, storage sprinklers, sprinklers for dry or wet applications, extended coverage sprinklers, early extinguishing rapid response (ESFR) sprinklers, residential sprinklers, commercial sprinklers, or various combinations thereof.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a fire extinguishing system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fire extinguishing system 100 can distribute extinguishing agents to or near a fire, thereby extinguishing the fire and preventing its spread. The fire extinguishing system 100 can be used alone or in combination with other types of fire extinguishing systems (e.g., building sprinkler systems, handheld fire extinguishers). Multiple fire extinguishing systems 100 can be combined to cover a large area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building). The fire extinguishing system 100 can be used in a variety of applications. The fire extinguishing system 100 can be used with a variety of extinguishing agents, including but not limited to water (e.g., powder, liquid, foam, or other fluids or flowable materials can be used). Further, the fire extinguishing system 100 can be a wet-pipe system, a dry-pipe system, a deluge system, a pre-action system, an electronically activated fire extinguishing system, a connected fire extinguishing system, etc.

[0038] Fire suppression system 100 may include or be connected to a fluid supply source 112. Fluid supply source 112 may define an internal volume filled (e.g., partially filled, fully filled) with extinguishing agent. Fluid supply source 112 may supply fluid from a remote or local location to the building where fire suppression system 100 is located. Fluid supply source may include, for example, a municipal water supply, pump, piping system, tank, cylinder, or any other water or extinguishing agent source.

[0039] Pipeline 108 (e.g., one or more pipes, tubes, conduits, or fittings) may be fluidly connected to one or more sprinklers 104. Pipeline 108 may include a vertical pipe 116. The vertical pipe 116 may extend vertically from pipeline 108. Sprinkler 104 may receive water or other extinguishing agent from fluid supply source 112 via pipeline 108 and vertical pipe 116. Because pressure reduction can be achieved through sprinkler 104 while still achieving the target fluid output, at least some of pipeline 108 may have connections or outlets with relatively small diameters, such as ½-inch, ¾-inch, 1-inch, or 1-1 / 4-inch NPT or ISO-7-R1 connections or outlets.

[0040] Each sprinkler 104 may define one or more outlets through which extinguishing agent exits and contacts deflector 120, such as to form a spray of water or other extinguishing agent to cover the desired area. The spray from sprinkler 104 then extinguishes or suppresses a fire in the area.

[0041] The shape of the deflector 120 of the sprinkler 104 can be determined to control the spray pattern of the extinguishing agent leaving the sprinkler 104. The sprinkler 104 can be used as a concealed sprinkler, a suspended sprinkler, a vertical sprinkler, a sidewall sprinkler, a water mist nozzle, or any other device for spraying extinguishing agents.

[0042] The sprinkler 104 may include an activation element (e.g., a thermal element) 124. In response to a fire condition, the activation element 124 may change from a first state that prevents fluid from flowing out of the sprinkler 104 to a second state that allows fluid to flow out of the sprinkler 104.

[0043] For example, activation element 124 may include a glass bulb having a fluid that expands in response to a temperature increase (e.g., in response to heat supplied from a fire to the fluid), such that the glass bulb ruptures in response to the temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature. In another example, activation element 124 may include a fusible connector comprising two or more pieces joined using solder that melts in response to the temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature. In yet another example, activation element 124 may include an electric actuator (e.g., an electrically triggered pyrotechnic actuator or an electrically actuated bulb or connector). Activation element 124 may be classified into one or more categories based on response time, such as fast response, standard response, and special response categories. Activation element 124 in the fast response category may have a response time of less than or equal to 50 m / s. 1 / 2 The response time index (RTI). The activation element 124 under the standard response category can have a response time index (RTI) of 80 to 350 (m / s). 1 / 2 The RTI range. Furthermore, the activation element 124 under a specific response category can have a range of 50 to 80 (m / s). 1 / 2 RTI within the range 。 The activation element 124 may have a rated temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (e.g., the nominal temperature at which the activation element 124 changes from a first state to a second state).

[0044] The sprinklers 104 can be arranged (e.g., in a grid or tree arrangement above stored goods) to have a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight feet by eight feet or more, including but not limited to fourteen feet by fourteen feet.

[0045] Figures 2A to 2C An example of a sprinkler 200 (e.g., a sprinkler assembly) is depicted. The sprinkler 200 can be installed in a fire-resistant piping network. Figure 1 The sprinkler 104 can be implemented using the sprinkler 200. The sprinkler 200 can be used in wet-pipe fire suppression systems, dry-pipe fire suppression systems, pre-action fire suppression systems, electronically activated fire suppression systems, or any other suitable fire suppression system without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] The sprayer 200 includes a sprayer frame 202. The sprayer frame 202 includes a body 210, which may have an inlet 212, an outlet 214, and an internal passage 216 defining a sprayer axis AA. The body 210 may be made of various materials, including metals, polymers, and / or composite materials. The internal passage 216 may have a constant inner diameter, or its inner diameter may vary in one or more portions between the inlet 212 and the outlet 214. The outlet 214 may have the same or a different diameter than the inlet 212. Various such structural features for the internal passage 216 can allow for various fluid flow dynamics through the internal passage 216. The internal passage 216 may include at least one shoulder (e.g., a portion of the wall forming the internal passage varies in diameter relative to another portion of the wall). The shoulder may be used to receive one or more components of a sealing assembly, such as at least one of the sprayer button 208 and the seal 232.

[0047] Inlet 212 may be connected to one or more pipes connected to a fluid supply source to receive fluid from the fluid supply source. Inlet 212 may be connected to one or more pipes and / or one or more adapters (e.g., tees, bends, fittings, etc.) between the sprayer 200 and one or more pipes. Body 210 may include threads for connection to pipes and / or adapters. Adapters may include channels and / or seals to receive the sprayer 200 via threaded and / or push-fit connections.

[0048] The sprayer 200 may include a thermal trigger 206. The thermal trigger 206 may be coupled to the sprayer button 208 to apply a load to the sprayer button 208, such as to hold the sprayer button 208 in a sealed position to seal the internal passage 216. Figure 2A and 2B As depicted, the thermal trigger 206 can be set and axially aligned along the sprayer axis AA.

[0049] The thermal trigger 206 can be triggered (e.g., actuated) in response to a fire condition, such as when the temperature around the thermal trigger 206 reaches or exceeds a target temperature. For example, the thermal trigger 206 can apply a load to and / or support the sprinkler button 208 in an unactuated state, such as to seal the outlet 214, and can be triggered to an actuated state to release the sprinkler button 208 (and / or seal 232) from the outlet 214.

[0050] For example, thermal trigger 206 may include a fusible connector comprising at least two components joined together by solder. In response to the temperature around thermal trigger 206 reaching or exceeding a rated temperature, the solder may melt, allowing the at least two components to separate from each other. This reduces or removes the load applied to the sprayer button 208, allowing the force of fluid pressure from the internal passage 216 acting on the sprayer button 208 to eject it from the outlet 214.

[0051] The thermal trigger 206 may include a glass bulb with fluid that expands to a state sufficient to cause the glass bulb to rupture in response to the temperature around the thermal trigger 206 reaching or exceeding a target temperature. This can reduce or remove the load applied to the sprayer button 208, allowing the force of the fluid pressure from the internal passage 216 acting on the sprayer button 208 to eject the sprayer button 208 from the outlet 214.

[0052] like Figures 2A to 2C As depicted, sprinkler 200 may include a sprinkler button 208 received in outlet 214. The sprinkler button 208 may seal the internal passage 216 to prevent fluid in the internal passage 216 from being discharged, for example, until a fire condition is detected. The sprinkler button 208 may have an outer diameter equal to or greater than at least a portion (such as a portion of a shoulder) of the internal passage 216 to facilitate sealing the internal passage 216. The sprinkler button 208 may be made of various materials, including but not limited to metallic materials.

[0053] The spray button 208 may be received in the outlet 214 such that the spray button 208 faces the fluid in the internal passage 216. The spray button 208 may be solid, or may be at least partially hollow, such as by forming a housing. The spray button 208 may be made of a material such as copper, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, nickel, titanium, chromium, or an alloy of one or more such materials. The spray button 208 may be made of a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the spray button 208 may be made of a nickel and copper alloy (e.g., MONEL) or a nickel and chromium alloy (e.g., INCONEL). As further described herein, the spray button 208 may be formed integrally with the seal 232, including integrally formed with the seal 232 from a polymer material.

[0054] To connect the sprayer 200 to a fluid supply line, the outer surface of the body 210 may include an external threaded portion 218 (e.g., thread 218). Thread 218 may be compatible with National Pipe Thread (NPT).

[0055] The body 210 (such as the outer surface of the body 210) may include a tool engagement surface 220. The tool engagement surface 220 may extend around the outlet 214 of the body 210 and may include a plurality of planes for engaging with tools such as sprayer wrenches for screwing the sprayer 200 into corresponding threaded pipe fittings of the supply network.

[0056] The sprayer frame 202 may include one or more frame arms 222 radially positioned on opposite sides of the outlet 214. The frame arms 222 may be integrally formed with the body 210. The frame arms 222 may extend axially distally from the outlet 214 toward the deflector 204 and converge toward the sprayer axis AA to terminate at a terminal frame formation 224 (e.g., end 224). The terminal frame formation 224 may be axially aligned along the sprayer axis AA and spaced apart from the outlet 214. The deflector 204 may be coupled to the body 210 at the terminal frame formation 224 so as to depend on or be supported by the frame arms 222.

[0057] like Figures 2A to 2C As depicted, body 210 may define an internal passage 216 that extends axially to define a central longitudinal sprinkler axis AA. A sprinkler button 208 may be at least partially disposed within passage 216 to impede the flow of fire-fighting fluid in the unacted sprinkler state (or configuration). Sprinkler button 208 may include a seat member 226 and a shaft member 228 extending from seat member 226. When sprinkler 200 is in the unacted configuration, shaft member 228 may be a cylindrical structure extending within passage 216, while seat member 226 may be disposed at outlet 214, for example, outside passage 216. Seat member 226 may define a recess 230 for engaging and supporting thermal trigger 206. For example, recess 230 may receive a proximal tip of thermal trigger 206 for supporting thermal trigger 206 in the unacted configuration of sprinkler 200.

[0058] The sprayer 200 may include at least one seal 232 (e.g., seal 232). Seal 232 may be disposed at outlet 214 (e.g., between outlet 214 and seat member 226 of sprayer button 208) to establish a fluid tight seal in an unactuated configuration of the sprayer 200 (e.g., unactuated sprayer state). Seal 232 may bias button 208 away from outlet 214 via outlet sealing surface 234 (e.g., shoulder). Outlet sealing surface 234 may define an orifice diameter of passage 216. Seal 232 may have a hole provided at its center such that a shaft member 228 extends through the hole into passage 216. For example, shaft member 228 may extend through an inner ring of seal 232, and outer ring of seal 232 rests on frame 202 near outlet 214.

[0059] Seal 232 may include a spring seal, such as a Belleville spring. Figure 2D As depicted, seal 232 may have an annular shape, such as being formed as a disc with an opening 260. Seal 232 may be conical (e.g., such that the height at the opening 260 is greater than the height 264 at the outer edge of seal 232). Seal 232 may contact internal passage 216 (e.g., outlet sealing surface 234) and spray button 208. Seal 232 may be compressed by at least one of the force applied to spray button 208 by thermal trigger 206 and the force applied to seal 232 by fluid in internal passage 216, to facilitate sealing internal passage 216 from outlet 214. Spray button 208 may be formed as a separate component from seal 232, or may be integrally formed with seal 232. For example, a sealing assembly may include spray button 208 and / or seal 232 as the same, integral, or monolithic component with membrane 280 applied.

[0060] like Figure 2D As depicted, seal 232 may include seal body 268 forming opening 204. Seal body 268 may be shaped as an annular disc. Seal body 268 may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as metals or composite materials. For example, seal body 268 may be made of aluminum, steel, brass, or a non-ferrous metal. Seal body 268 may have a diameter 272 and a height 264, the height (e.g., including the thickness of membrane 280) being less than the diameter 272. Seal body 268 may extend from a first side 276 to a second side 278. Figures 2A to 2C As depicted, the seal 232 may be positioned to contact the sprayer button 208; for example, one of the first side 276 or the second side 278 may face the internal passage 216, and the other of the first side 276 or the second side 278 may face the sprayer button 208.

[0061] For example, when the thermal trigger 206 is actuated, the contact between the sprinkler button 208 and the thermal trigger 206 is broken, thereby releasing the sprinkler button 208. The sprinkler button 208 can then be removed from the outlet 214 and ejected via the frame 202. As the sprinkler button 208 ejects, the seal 232 may also fall with the sprinkler button 208, causing fire-fighting fluid to flow out of the outlet 214 and be deflected by the deflector 204 to form the target spray pattern.

[0062] A loading element 236 (e.g., a threaded loading screw) provides a complementary threaded hole 238 to engage the terminal frame molding 224 to press the seal 232 against the outlet sealing surface 234 and axially support the thermal trigger 206 at its distal end. The seal 232 may include or be spring-coupled. The spring may be a pop-out spring. The spring may contact one or more points on the sprinkler button 208 (e.g., one side of the sprinkler button 208 opposite the side of the sprinkler button 208 facing the internal passage 216). The spring may facilitate removal of the sprinkler button 208 from the outlet 214 in response to a fire condition, such as causing the sprinkler button 208 to be deflected away from the frame arm 222 by pressure from the fluid in the internal passage 216. The sprinkler 200 may not include a spring and / or may engage a spring with at least one point on the thermal trigger 206 to facilitate removal of the thermal trigger 206 from the fluid path in the internal passage 216.

[0063] Some seals are coated / covered with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), which contains perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), etc., to achieve various properties required for efficient operation of the sprayer assembly (such as corrosion resistance, chemical resistance (e.g., acids, alkalis, detergents, oils, gasoline, etc.), moisture resistance, etc.). As described herein, seal 232 may include and / or at least partially cover a material having a composition that is substantially free of or contains no fluorine and / or fluorinated compounds (e.g., membrane 280, cover 304). This material may be substantially free of (fluorine) because the mentioned compounds (e.g., fluorine and / or fluorinated compounds) are not present as a separate component of the cover material composition, and may only be present in small or trace amounts relative to another compound present in the cover material composition. For example, the cover material composition may have less than 5% by weight of fluorine. The cover material composition may have less than 1% by weight of fluorine. The cover material composition may have less than 0.5% by weight of fluorine. The compounds mentioned (e.g., fluorine and / or fluorine-containing compounds) may not be present in the covering material composition. The materials may include polymeric materials such as polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (e.g., UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or any combination of one or more of these.

[0064] For example, seal 232 may include at least one membrane 280 or be coupled to said at least one membrane. Membrane 280 may be at least partially disposed on seal body 268. Membrane 280 may be or include one or more layers (or sheets), coatings, and / or strips. Membrane 280 may be disposed on seal body 268 as a multilayer material. For example, membrane 280 may be provided as a strip having an adhesive layer and a polymer material layer in contact with the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a silicone adhesive, such as pressure-sensitive silicone. For example, the material of the adhesive layer may be selected to achieve effective adhesion between the polymer material and seal body 268.

[0065] Membrane 280 may include at least one layer consisting entirely of a first polymer material (e.g., but not limited to polyimide), may include at least one layer of a first polymer material and a combination of a second polymer material other than the first polymer material, and / or may include a first layer of the first polymer material and a second layer of the second polymer material other than the first polymer material. These layers may have a constant thickness or may have different thicknesses. Membrane 280 may be substantially fluorine-free.

[0066] The membrane 280 may be disposed along a first side 276 and may be disposed along a second side 278. For example, the membrane 280 may extend partially or completely on the first side 276 and / or the second side 278 of the seal body 268. The membrane 280 may be disposed along the outer edge 284 of the seal 232, or the outer edge 284 may be exposed (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2D (as depicted) without being coated. The membrane 280 may extend over one or more portions of the seal body 268 facing the internal passage 216, such as being compressed between the seal body 268 and the internal passage 216 and / or the outlet sealing surface 234.

[0067] Compared to height 264, membrane 280 can be relatively thin, such that the ratio of membrane 280 thickness to height 264 can be between 1:250 and 1:3 (e.g., having a thickness less than 50% of height 264; less than 30% of height 264; less than 10% of height 264; greater than 5% of height 264; this ratio can be between approximately 1:250 and 1:100). Membrane 280 can have a thickness that allows for effective mechanical engagement between membrane 280 and internal passage 216, e.g., without under-tightening or over-tightening. The thickness can be selected to allow membrane 280 to have sufficient anti-friction characteristics relative to internal passage 216.

[0068] Given the dimensions of the seal body 268, the ratio of the membrane 280 to the height 264 allows for adequate engagement between the seal body 268 and the internal passage 216. For example, the thickness can be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm; greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm; greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm; 2.5 mm.

[0069] Membrane 280 may be applied to the surface of seal body 268 (e.g., the surfaces of sides 276, 278). Membrane 280 may be applied as a single layer to seal body 268 or its surface. Membrane 280 may have a surface treatment with few or no irregularities. As described above, membrane 280 may have a variety of characteristics to effectively provide fire resistance. For example, membrane 280 may have one or more of toughness, impermeability, and thermal stability suitable for fire-resistant applications; membrane 280 may have appropriate friction and / or anti-friction properties for effective sealing. Membrane 280 (or its material) may have flexibility and / or toughness to allow membrane 280 to fill surface irregularities of seal body 268 and / or internal passage 216. For example, membrane 280 may have a yield strength between 2000 psi and 50000 psi. Membrane 280 may have a hardness between 60 and 100. The membrane 280 may have a constant thickness, or it may vary in diameter (e.g., having a larger diameter relative to the center of the seal body 268 toward the outer edge of the seal body 268). The membrane 280 may have one or more of these properties within a target range over the entire temperature range over which the seal 232 is expected to operate.

[0070] At least a portion of the seal 232 may have a substantially fluorine-free nonmetallic covering thereon (e.g., implemented as membrane 280). The nonmetallic covering may be a substantially fluorine-free polymer covering. For example, the polymer covering may include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon, polyester, acetal, or any combination thereof. The polymer material can be provided as a uniform cover over the entire outer surface of the seal 232. The thickness of the polymer cover can be greater than or equal to 1 mil (one-thousandth of an inch). In some other embodiments, the thickness of the polymer cover can range from 1 mil to 5 mils. The polymer cover can have a thickness that allows the seal 232 to operate efficiently.

[0071] The polymer material can be supplied in the form of a tape. For example, the tape may include a polymer material with a thickness of 1-5 mils and an adhesive with a thickness of 1-2 mils (e.g., pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive, acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, etc.). The tape can be attached to the outer surface of the seal 232 by the adhesive. The polymer material can be coated on the seal 232 as a protective cover.

[0072] Seals 232 with a substantially fluorine-free polymer coating can exhibit a variety of properties required for the efficient operation of the sprayer 200. For example, seals 232 can exhibit corrosion resistance, chemical resistance (e.g., acids, alkalis, organic solvents, detergents, oils, gasoline), abrasion resistance, low moisture absorption, low coefficient of friction, high impact strength, and are non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless due to the polymer coating.

[0073] Seal 232 may be provided in various forms. For example, seal 232 may include any one or more gland packing seals, diaphragm seals, lip seals, mechanical seals, etc., having a substantially fluorine-free polymer coating.

[0074] like Figures 2A to 2C As depicted, the sprayer 200 may include a deflector 204. The deflector 204 may cause fluid to be output from the sprayer 200 according to a target spray pattern, such as based on the structure of one or more teeth of the deflector 204. A frame arm 222 may extend from the body 210 toward the deflector 204 and around the thermal trigger 206. In response to being popped, the sprayer button 208 may strike the frame 202 in such a manner that the sprayer button 208 (and the seal 232) moves away from the sprayer 200 to allow fluid to flow from the outlet 214 to the deflector 204 without being obstructed by the sprayer button 208.

[0075] Figures 3A to 3C An example of seal 232 is depicted. Seal 232 may be a spring seal that can be compressed between two flat mating surfaces to prevent fluid from flowing between the two mating surfaces. Seal 232 may include a base 302 (e.g., an annular spring base) which may be formed from a single piece of spring material (e.g., stainless steel, beryllium nickel, nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium alloys, etc.).

[0076] Seal 232 may have a cover 304. Cover 304 may be substantially free of or contain no fluorine and / or fluorinated compounds, and this is beneficial for sealing. Cover 304 may be a non-metallic cover, such as a polymer cover. Polymer covers may include polymeric materials, such as any of the following: polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (e.g., UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or various combinations thereof. Cover 304 may be environmentally friendly. Cover 304 may be a UHMWPE cover 304. UHMWPE cover 304 may be provided in the form of a tape attached to either side of seal 232. As described above, the tape-form cover 304 may include a polymeric material with a thickness of 1-5 mils and an adhesive with a thickness of 1-2 mils (e.g., pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive, acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, etc.). The tape may be attached to the outer surface of seal 232 by adhesive.

[0077] In response to compression of the seal 232, the cover 304 can conform to the shape of the component it contacts, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the seal 232. The seal 232 may define two opposing sealing surfaces: a first sealing surface 306A and a second sealing surface 306B. The first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B may extend parallel to each other. The seal 232 may be annular, such that both the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B are annular. The seal 232 may define a hole located at the center of the seal 232, shown as a central hole 308.

[0078] Seal 232 may be compressible to move between two states or configurations: Figure 3C The diagram shows the uncompressed, relaxed, or free states, as well as the compressed state. Figure 3B The fully compressed state is shown. Figure 3C In the relaxed state shown, the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B can be substantially truncated cone-shaped and oriented at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the sprayer axis AA. Figure 3BIn the fully compressed state shown, the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B can be substantially flat and oriented substantially perpendicular to the sprinkler axis AA. When placed between two flat mating surfaces (not shown), the first edge, shown as edge 310, engages the first flat mating surface, and the second edge, shown as edge 312, engages the second mating surface. The first edge 310 may be located on the first sealing surface 306A and the second edge 312 may be located on the second sealing surface 306B. As the seal 232 is compressed, the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B may become flat until the seal 232 reaches a fully compressed state. The seal 232 may be compressed to a degree such that the pressure generated by the seal 232 is greater than the pressure of the fire-fighting fluid.

[0079] The operating structure of seal 232 is in Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 2A to 2C As shown in the diagram. To assemble the button 208 and seal 232 onto the frame 202, the shaft member 228 of the button 208 can be inserted into the central hole 308 of the seal 232. Once inserted, the second edge 312 of the second sealing surface 306B engages with the surface of the seat member 226 near the shaft member 228. The size of the cover 304 and the central hole 308 allows the cover 304 to deform by the shaft member 228, pressing against the shaft member 228 and removably attaching the seal 232 to the button 208. This facilitates assembly without the seal 232 detaching from the button 208. The subassembly including the button 208 and seal 232 can be placed into the passage 216. At this point, the button 208 and seal 232 can be aligned with the sprayer axis AA, and the first edge 310 of the first sealing surface 306A engages with the outlet sealing surface 234 at the outlet 214. The thermal trigger 206 can then be positioned within the window formed by the frame arm 222, such that the tip of the thermal trigger 206 is aligned with the recess 230, and the distal end of the thermal trigger 206 rests on the loading element 236. The loading element 236, engaging with the threaded hole 238 of the terminal frame forming 224, causes the tip of the thermal trigger 206 to be received in the recess 230, thereby pressing the button 208 and, consequently, the seal 232 against the outlet sealing surface 234 to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0080] Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn example of a sprayer 400, such as a sprayer assembly of the fusible connector type, is depicted. The sprayer 400 may include a sprayer frame 402, a fluid deflection structure (e.g., a deflector 404), and a thermal trigger, such as a support button 408, to seal a fusible element 406 of the sprayer 400 in an unactuated configuration. The sprayer frame 402 includes a body having an inlet 412, an outlet 414, and an internal passage 416. For coupling the sprayer 400 to a fluid supply line, the outer surface of the body includes an externally threaded portion 418 configured with, for example, a National Pipeline Thread (NPT) and a tool engagement surface 420. The tool engagement surface 420 may extend around the outlet 414 of the body and may include multiple planes for engaging tools, such as a sprayer wrench, for screwing the sprayer 400 into a corresponding threaded pipe fitting in the supply network. The body defines an internal passage 416, and a button 408 is at least partially disposed in the passage 416 to impede the flow of fire-fighting fluid in the unacted sprinkler state (or configuration). A seal 422 (e.g., a sealing member) is disposed at an outlet 414 to form a fluid-tight seal in the unacted configuration (e.g., unacted sprinkler state) of the sprinkler 400. The seal 422 may be a solid disc, a spring seal, or any other type of sealing member. The sprinkler 400 may also include a pop-out spring 428 that is compressed to press the seal 422 against the body to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0081] At least a portion of the seal 422 may have a substantially fluorine-free nonmetallic covering thereon. The nonmetallic covering may be a substantially fluorine-free polymer covering. For example, the polymer covering may be polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon, polyester, acetal, or any combination of one or more of these.

[0082] The sprinkler 400 may also include a hook 424 and a pair of lever arms held together by a fusible element 406 and welded to a central support 426. When the sprinkler 400 is fully assembled, the lever arms engage the body of the sprinkler 400 and push the button 408, causing the pop-out spring 428 to compress and further push the seal 422 against the body. The seal 422 can seal the outlet 414 to prevent the extinguishing fluid from escaping the sprinkler 400. In response to a fire condition that causes the temperature of the fusible element 406 to rise above a threshold temperature, the fusible element 406 separates. This allows the lever arms to separate from each other and release the button 408, the pop-out spring 428, and the seal 422. The pressure of the extinguishing fluid forces the button 408, lever arms, pop-out spring 428, and seal 422 away from the body, and the extinguishing fluid is released from the sprinkler 400 into the surrounding environment via a deflector 404.

[0083] Figure 4C Depicting in Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of the construction of seal 422 used in a sprayer assembly. Seal 422 may include Figures 3A to 3C The seal 232 shown is characterized and can be a solid disc instead of a spring seal (compressible truncated conical disc). Seal 422 has a flexible, environmentally friendly cover on one side of the solid disc.

[0084] For example, seal 422 may have a cover 432, such as a UHMWPE cover 432 in the form of a strip (e.g., UHMWPE cover 304) provided on one side (e.g., first surface 430A). Seal 422 may have UHMWPE covers 432 on both sides (e.g., first surface 430A and second surface 430B).

[0085] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a seal 232 is depicted, wherein the seal 232 is made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material 502 (e.g., without a polymer cover 304). The polymer material 502 may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the cover 304 attached to the seal 232 in the form of a strip.

[0086] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the illustrated configuration, the seal 232 may be an annular disc formed of, for example, a polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of or contains no fluorine and / or fluorine-containing compounds. The polymeric material 502 may include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or any combination thereof. Seal 232 includes a central bore 504, a first sealing surface 506A that engages with the surface of seat member 226 during assembly, and a second sealing surface 506B that engages with the outlet sealing surface 234 at outlet 214 during assembly. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The operational configuration of the seal 232 shown can be similar to that in the reference. Figure 3A and Figure 3C The operating configuration of the seal 232 is described.

[0087] Figure 5C Depicting Figure 4C An example of the construction of the seal 422 used. For example... Figure 5C As depicted, seal 422 may be made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material 502 (e.g., without a polymer cover on one side (e.g., UHMWPE cover 432)).

[0088] exist Figure 5C In the illustrated configuration, the seal 422 may be a solid disc formed of a polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of or contains no fluorine and / or fluorine-containing compounds. The polymeric material 502 may include any one of polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon, polyester, acetal, or various combinations thereof.

[0089] Figure 6A An example of the construction of seal 232 is depicted. Seal 232 may include a protrusion 602 formed on the second sealing surface 506B. When button 208 and seal 232 are pressed against outlet sealing surface 234, protrusion 602 can be aligned with one or more recesses formed on outlet sealing surface 234 at outlet 214, thus simplifying the assembly process of sprayer 200. Protrusion 602 can provide a smaller contact surface for seal 232, thereby increasing the contact pressure on polymer material 502 to form an effective seal. Protrusion 602 may have a semi-circular cross-section (e.g., Figure 6A (As shown). The protrusion 602 may be made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material 502, such as any one of various combinations including polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or one or more of these.

[0090] Figure 6B Depicting Figure 5C An example of the construction of the seal 422 shown is provided, wherein the seal 422 includes a protrusion 602. The protrusion 602 can provide a smaller contact surface for the seal 422, thereby increasing the contact pressure on the polymer material 502 to form an effective seal. The protrusion 602 may have a semi-circular cross-section (e.g., Figure 6B (As shown). The protrusion 602 may be made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material 502, such as any one of various combinations including polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or one or more of these.

[0091] Figure 7AAn example of the construction of seal 232 is depicted, wherein seal 232 includes a protrusion 702 formed on the second sealing surface 506B. When button 208 and seal 232 are pressed against outlet sealing surface 234, protrusion 702 can be aligned with one or more recesses formed on outlet sealing surface 234 at outlet 214, thus simplifying the assembly process of sprayer 200. Protrusion 702 may have a triangular cross-section (e.g., Figure 7A (As shown). The protrusion 702 may be made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material 502, such as any one of various combinations including polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or one or more of these.

[0092] Figure 7B An example of the construction of a seal 422 is depicted, wherein the seal 422 includes a protrusion 702. The protrusion 702 may have a triangular cross-section (e.g., Figure 7B (As shown). The protrusion 702 may be made of a substantially fluorine-free polymer material 502, such as any one of various combinations including polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon filament, polyester, acetal, or one or more of these.

[0093] exist Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the diagram, the protrusions 602 and 702 formed on the sealing members 232 and 422 are shown to have semi-circular and / or triangular cross sections; the protrusions can be made into various shapes.

[0094] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The construction of seal 232 is depicted, wherein seal 232 includes a chamfered edge 802. The chamfered edge 802 can be incorporated into... Figures 2A to 2C , Figures 3A to 3C , Figures 5A to 5B , Figure 6A and Figure 7A In any configuration of the seal 232 depicted herein, the chamfered edge 802 may be used in conjunction with an angled seat member 226. The seat member 226 may be machined at an angle corresponding to the chamfered edge 802 on the seal 232 (e.g., compared to a seat member 226 having a flat surface). When the seal member 226 is compressed, the chamfered edge 802 weds into the seat member 226 to form a leak-proof seal.

[0095] Figure 8CAn example of the construction of seal 422 is depicted, wherein seal 422 includes a chamfered edge 802 to form a leak-proof seal. The chamfered edge 802 may be incorporated into Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 5C , Figure 6B and Figure 7B In any construction of the seal 422 depicted herein.

[0096] Figures 9 to 12 Examples of integrated seals and buttons used in sprinkler assemblies are depicted. For example, see reference... Figures 2A to 8C The sealing components 232, 422 and the buttons 208, 408 may each be provided as a single component (e.g., integrating the seal and the button) to achieve the dual functions of the sealing components 232, 422 and the buttons 208, 408. For example, refer to Figures 9 to 12 The described integrated seal and button components can be implemented without a corresponding (Belleville) gasket and can be made of any of the following: polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon, polyester, acetal, or any combination thereof.

[0097] Figure 9 An example of an integrated seal and button 900 is depicted. The integrated seal and button 900 can be used as seal 232 and button 208 in sprinkler 200. The integrated seal and button 900 can be used in sprinkler 400 to replace seal 422 and button 408.

[0098] The integrated seal and button 900 may include a seat member 902 and a shaft member 904 extending from the seat member 902. The seat member 902 may define a recess 906 on one side for engaging and supporting the thermal trigger 206 and a sealing surface 908 on the opposite side. The integrated seal and button 900 may be made of a polymeric material (e.g., polymeric material 502) that is substantially free of or contains no fluorine and / or fluorinated compounds and is conducive to sealing. The polymeric material may include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (such as UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon, polyester, acetal, or any combination thereof. Thus, the integrated seal and button 900 may have the shape of a button 208 and the material of a seal 232 to perform two functions, such as supporting the thermal trigger 206 and providing a tight fluid seal in the unacted sprayer state.

[0099] To assemble the integrated seal and button 900 onto the frame 202, the integrated seal and button 900 are placed in the passage 216 such that the shaft member 904 extends within the passage 216 and the sealing surface 908 engages with the outlet sealing surface 234 at the outlet 214. The seat member 902 can be held outside the passage 216. The thermal trigger 206 is then positioned within a window formed by the frame arm 222 such that the tip of the thermal trigger 206 is aligned with the recess 906 and the distal end of the thermal trigger 206 rests on the loading element 236. The loading element 236 is operated, engaging with the threaded hole 238 of the terminal frame forming 224, such that the tip of the thermal trigger 206 is received in the recess 906, thereby pressing the integrated seal and button 900 against the outlet sealing surface 234 to form a fluid tight seal. When the thermal trigger 206 is actuated, the contact between the integrated seal and button 900 and the thermal trigger 206 is broken, thereby releasing the integrated seal and button 900. Then, the integrated seal and button 900 are completely removed from outlet 214 and popped out via frame 202, causing fire fluid to flow out of outlet 214 and be deflected by deflector 204 to form an appropriate spray pattern.

[0100] Figure 9 An integrated seal and button 900 with shaft member 904 are shown; the integrated seal and button 900 do not necessarily have shaft member 904. For example, the integrated seal and button 900 with shaft member 904 arrangement can be used in a sprayer 200 with a glass bulb as a thermal trigger 206. For a sprayer 400 with fusible element 406 as a thermal trigger, an integrated seal and button assembly that does not necessarily have shaft member 904 can be used.

[0101] Figure 10 An example of an integrated seal and button 1000 is depicted, which may include a protrusion 1002 (e.g., a protrusion 1002 having a semi-circular cross-section). The protrusion 1002 may be formed on the sealing surface 908.

[0102] Figure 11 An example of an integrated seal and button 1100 is depicted, which may include a protrusion 1102 (e.g., a protrusion 1102 having a triangular cross-section). The protrusion 1102 may be formed on the sealing surface 908.

[0103] like Figure 12 As shown, the integrated seal and button 1200 is similar to the integrated seal and button 900, except that the integrated seal and button 1200 includes a chamfered edge 1202.

[0104] The above-described configurations of sealing components 232, 422, and integrated seals and buttons 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 can be used in both wet and dry sprinkler systems without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some other embodiments, the internal structural components in the dry sprinkler configuration may also incorporate sealing components or integrated seals and buttons (as described for seal 232 or integrated seals and buttons 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) at the inlet of the internal structural components to provide both biasing force and fluid sealing in the unactuated configuration of the dry sprinkler.

[0105] Figure 13 An example of method 1300 for manufacturing a sprayer is depicted. Method 1300 can be used to form various sprayers or components thereof described herein, such as those referenced. Figures 1 to 12 .

[0106] At 1305, a seal for the sealing assembly is provided. The seal may be a compressible member, such as a Belleville seal. The seal may be coupled to a sprayer button. The seal may be made of metal or composite material. The seal may be provided as an annular disc forming an opening to at least partially receive the sprayer button of the sealing assembly, or it may be a flat member or otherwise without an opening. The seal may be configured as a tapered member. The seal may include one or more annular discs.

[0107] At 1310, a coating (e.g., a membrane, a covering, one or more layers of material) is provided on the seal. The membrane may be a polymer membrane, such as any of the following: polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene (e.g., UHMWPE), nylon, nylon 66, glass fiber nylon, polyester, acetal, or various combinations thereof. The membrane may include or be bonded to an adhesive to attach the membrane to the seal. The membrane may have a thickness sufficient to engage the seal with the sprayer without compromising the strength properties of the seal structure. The membrane may be provided as one or more layers on one or more surfaces of the seal. For example, the membrane may be disposed on a first side of the seal and a second side opposite the first side. The characteristics of the coating may be provided as part of the seal, for example, as a material used to at least partially form the seal.

[0108] At 1315, the sealing assembly is coupled to the sprayer, such as to the body of the sprayer. For example, the sealing assembly may be positioned in the outlet of an internal passage of the sprayer such that the seal engages with the internal passage to seal the fluid side of the internal passage from the outlet. Coupling the sealing assembly to the sprayer may include engaging a thermal trigger with the sealing assembly to apply force to the sealing assembly to retain it in the outlet (e.g., against a force from fluid pressure in the internal passage that could drive the sealing assembly out of the outlet in the absence of a thermal trigger). The sealing assembly may be coupled to the sprayer such that a membrane on a first side of the seal faces the fluid on the fluid side and a membrane on a second side of the seal faces the outlet, such as to engage the membranes on both sides with the internal passage to seal the internal passage.

[0109] Several illustrative embodiments have now been described, and it is obvious that the foregoing, presented with the aid of examples, is illustrative and not restrictive. Specifically, while many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method actions or system elements, those actions and elements can be combined in other ways to achieve the same objective. The actions, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to exclude similar effects in other embodiments or implementations.

[0110] The wording and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “characterized as,” “featured in,” and variations thereof is intended to cover the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and additional items, as well as alternative embodiments comprised of the items specifically listed thereafter. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, more than one, each combination of, or all of the described elements, actions, or components.

[0111] Any reference in the singular to an embodiment or element or action of a system and method herein may also cover embodiments that include multiple such elements, and any reference in the plural to any embodiment or element or action herein may also cover embodiments that include only a single element. References in either the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the currently disclosed system or method, its components, actions, or elements to a single or multiple constructions. References to any action or element based on any information, action, or element may include actions or elements that are at least partially based on embodiments of that information, action, or element.

[0112] Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment or example, and references to “implementation,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment or example. Such terms as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be combined inclusively or exclusively with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0113] Where reference numerals follow technical features in the drawings, detailed embodiments, or any claims, the inclusion of reference numerals enhances the comprehensibility of the drawings, detailed embodiments, and claims. Therefore, reference numerals, or their absence, do not have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0114] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their characteristics. Furthermore, descriptions of relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation include variations within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of purely vertical, parallel, or perpendicular positioning. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, references to "approximately," "about," "substantially," or other terms of degree include variations from a given measurement, unit, or range within + / -10%. Connecting elements may be electrically, mechanically, or physically connected to each other, directly or through intervening elements. Therefore, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to those of the claims are included therein.

[0115] The term "connection" and its variations encompass the direct or indirect joining of two components to each other. Such a connection can be solid (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a connection can be achieved by: two components being directly coupled to or connected to each other; two components being coupled to each other using a separate intervening component and any additional intermediate component connected to each other; or two components being coupled to each other using an intervening component that forms a single integral entity with one of the two components as a whole. If "connection" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., direct connection), the above-provided generic definition of "connection" is modified by the common linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., "direct connection" means two components are joined without any separate intermediate component), resulting in a narrower definition than the above-provided generic definition of "connected." This connection can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0116] A reference to “or” can be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using “or” can refer to any one, more than one, or all of the terms described. A reference to at least one of a list of combinations of terms can be interpreted as inclusive or used to refer to any one, more than one, or all of the terms described. For example, a reference to “at least one of 'A' and 'B'” can include only 'A', only 'B', or both 'A' and 'B'. Such references used in conjunction with “include” or other open terms can include additional items.

[0117] Modifications to the described elements and operations, such as the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, installation arrangement, material usage, color, and orientation of various elements, may be made without substantially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, an element shown as a single unit may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or changed. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0118] References to the positioning of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sprayer comprising: The main body has an internal passageway extending between the entrance and the exit; At least one frame arm extends from the body; A deflector, which is connected to the at least one frame arm; as well as A seal connected to the outlet, the seal comprising at least one of a body and a coating, the at least one of the body and the coating being substantially fluorine-free.

2. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: A thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal, the thermal trigger allowing the seal to be released from the outlet in response to a fire condition at a trigger temperature lower than the melting temperature of at least one of the body and the coating.

3. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: A thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal, the thermal trigger allowing the seal to release from the outlet in response to a fire condition at a trigger temperature greater than 300 degrees Fahrenheit and greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, at a trigger temperature below the melting temperature of at least one of the body and the coating.

4. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The at least one of the body and the coating includes at least one of polyimide, thermoplastic polyethylene, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

5. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The seal includes a button made of polymer material.

6. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The seal includes a protrusion or a chamfered edge.

7. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The seal includes a spring seal.

8. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The main body includes a solid plate.

9. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The body includes a tapered washer extending between a first side and a second side, the second side having a larger diameter than the first side, and the coating includes a film on the first side and the second side.

10. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The main body includes a disk, the coating is disposed on the disk, and the disk is annular; and The ratio of the coating thickness to the disk thickness is between approximately 1:250 and 1:

100.

11. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The coating has a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

12. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The seal includes a button coupled to the body, the body including a Belleville spring having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the coating being disposed on the first side and the second side, the first side being in contact with fluid in the internal passage and the second side being in contact with the button.

13. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The coating comprises a first material layer that is substantially fluorine-free and a second adhesive layer, the second layer being in contact with the seal and the first layer.

14. The sprayer according to claim 1, comprising: The main body and the internal passage are made of metal.

15. A sealing assembly for a sprayer, comprising: Metal button; A seal connected to the button, the seal being conical and made of metal; as well as A layer on one or more surfaces of the seal, the layer comprising a polymer material and being substantially fluorine-free.

16. The sealing assembly of claim 15, comprising: The layer has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

17. The sealing assembly of claim 15, comprising: The seal is annular, and the layers consist of multiple layers.

18. The sealing assembly of claim 15, comprising: The layer has an indicated hardness of 60 or greater and 100 or less.

19. The sealing assembly of claim 15, comprising: The adhesive between the layer and the sealant.

20. The sealing assembly of claim 15, comprising: The seal surrounds the button.

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