Sprinkler arrangement

Abstract

Sprinkler arrangement (1) comprising two pipe parts (3, 4), namely a connecting pipe (3) and a tubular section (4) of a sprinkler (2), wherein one of the pipe parts (3, 4) has an internal thread (5, 15) and the other pipe part (3, 4) has a corresponding external thread (11, 16), characterized in that at least one of the pipe parts (3, 4) has at least one material recess (10) which, in conjunction with the other pipe part (3, 4), is designed to initially release a smaller initial opening (19) compared to the internal cross-sections of the pipe parts (3, 4) when one pipe part (3, 4) is unscrewed from the other pipe part (3, 4) before the mechanical separation of the two pipe parts (3, 4), through which an initial discharge direction (AR) is defined which forms an angle (α) with the common central axis (MA) of the two pipe parts (3, 4), which greater than zero.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sprinkler arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The standard DIN EN 12845 "Fixed firefighting systems - Automatic sprinkler systems - Planning, installation and maintenance" specifies requirements for sprinkler systems and provides recommendations for their planning and installation. A supplementary VdS leaflet 6054:2025-02 (01) was published in January 2025. Among other things, the VdS leaflet addresses initial and periodic inspections as well as plan reviews.

[0003] A sprinkler arrangement of this type is known, for example, from DE 203 19 372 U1. In the case of DE 203 19 372 U1, the sprinkler is height-adjustable. This involves screwing a cylindrical external thread located on the sprinkler into an internal thread of a downpipe using a sealant.

[0004] EP 2 586 934 B1 describes a sprinkler connection box that is cast into a ceiling. It features a transition piece that can be cut to a variable length and fixed to a connection piece. Sprinklers with, for example, 1-inch or 1 / 2-inch threads can be installed in the connection piece.

[0005] German patent DE 20 2009 004 938 U1 discloses an assembly kit for connecting a sprinkler to a threaded fitting embedded in a concrete ceiling. The assembly kit according to DE 20 2009 004 938 U1 comprises a hollow cylindrical cap with a closed end wall on the outside facing the concrete ceiling, a sleeve circumferentially surrounding the cap, and a screw element that can be screwed into the thread and the sleeve can be detachably connected to the fitting.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of further developing sprinkler systems compared to the prior art, particularly with regard to ease of maintenance.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a sprinkler arrangement having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The sprinkler assembly, in a basic design known per se, comprises two pipe sections: a connecting pipe and a tubular section of a sprinkler, one of which has an internal thread and the other a corresponding external thread. According to claim 1, at least one of the pipe sections has at least one recess which, in conjunction with the other pipe section, is designed to initially release a smaller opening (compared to the internal cross-sections of the pipe sections) when one pipe section is unscrewed from the other, prior to the mechanical separation of the two pipe sections. This initial opening defines an initial discharge direction that forms an angle greater than zero with the common central axis of the two pipe sections. Once the two pipe sections are completely separated, the discharge direction would coincide with the central axis of the permanently installed pipe section.

[0009] The invention is based on the premise that sprinkler systems require regular maintenance. Before maintenance, pressurized lines must be shut off, typically involving the shutdown of entire pipe groups. During this process, sprinklers may unintentionally be incorrectly assigned to specific pipe groups. This can result in a sprinkler being unscrewed during maintenance while still pressurized. The consequence is a significant water leak and, consequently, water damage.

[0010] Such water damage is almost entirely avoidable according to the registered concept. If a sprinkler is unscrewed while under water pressure, this is noticed as soon as the initial opening, which is small compared to the pipe diameter, allows water to escape. The thread of the sprinkler assembly remains fully functional in this state, so the sprinkler can be immediately screwed back on and the water leakage stopped.

[0011] The sprinkler can be either a pendant or a floor-standing sprinkler. In the case of a pendant sprinkler mounted in the ceiling, the initial discharge direction specified in claim 1 means that the water that escapes when the sprinkler is unscrewed while the screw connection is still functional will not spray vertically downwards. A technician standing below the sprinkler thus has a good chance of not being hit by the water jet, which they will immediately shut off anyway. No damage to the sprinkler is to be expected from partially unscrewing and then immediately tightening the screw. Furthermore, maintenance work can continue as planned after the correct water supply line has been shut off.

[0012] Regarding the shape of the material recess responsible for releasing the initial opening, numerous design options exist. For example, the material recess can be a through-hole with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the material recess can be a slot. This can be either a continuous slot, meaning without a groove bottom, or a partial groove, meaning a groove with a bottom, such as a so-called fillet groove.

[0013] In general, the initial discharge direction, in which water first exits the sprinkler assembly when it is incompletely unscrewed, can be defined by a contour of the inner part, a contour of the outer part, or contours of both. The angle between the initial discharge direction and the common central axis of the pipe sections is, for example, at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees. In particular, the initial discharge direction can have a component opposing the fluid supply direction, i.e., the water supply direction.

[0014] Regardless of the geometric design of the two screwed-together pipe sections, they can be sealed by a sealing substance located in a threaded section outside the through-holes. In particular, the sealing substance can be in the form of a coating on one of the two pipe sections.

[0015] Several embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. This drawing shows: Fig. 1 - 10 Components of a first embodiment of a sprinkler arrangement, with a sprinkler with internal thread in which a material recess in the form of a through hole is located, Fig. 11 - 19 a sprinkler with an external thread with bore, Fig. 20, Fig. 21 a sprinkler with internal thread and a slot-shaped, end-face open material recess, Fig. 22 - 24 a sprinkler with external thread and a slot-shaped, end-face open material recess, Fig. 25, Fig. 26 a sprinkler with internal thread and a slot-shaped material recess spaced apart from an end face of a tubular section of the sprinkler, Fig. 27, Fig. 28 a sprinkler with external thread and a slotted material recess spaced apart from an end face of a tubular section of the sprinkler, Fig. 29 - 33 a sprinkler with internal thread and a material recess designed as a slot, Fig. 34 - 38 a sprinkler with external thread and a material recess designed as a slot, Fig. 39 - 44 a sprinkler arrangement with a sprinkler having an external thread, in whose tubular section there is a material recess in the form of a flattening, Fig. 45 - 52 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an internal thread, in which there is a material recess in the form of a through hole, Fig. 53 - 60 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an external thread in which there is a material recess in the form of a through hole, Fig. 61-65 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an external thread in which there is a material recess in the form of a slot open at the end face, Fig. 66 - 71 another sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an external thread, in which there is a material recess in the form of a slot open at the end face, Fig. 72 - 76 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an external thread, in which there is a material recess in the form of a slot spaced apart from the end face of the connecting pipe, Fig. 77 - 81 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an internal thread in which there is a material recess in the form of a slot, Fig. 82 - 86 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting pipe having an external thread in which there is a material recess in the form of a slot, Fig. 87 - 92 a sprinkler arrangement with a connecting line having an external thread in which there is a material recess in the form of a flattening.

[0016] Unless otherwise stated, the following explanations apply to all embodiments. Corresponding or essentially equivalent parts or contours are marked with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0017] A sprinkler assembly, designated as 1, comprises a sprinkler 2 and a connecting pipe 3 to which the sprinkler 2 is to be screwed. Regarding the basic design and function of sprinkler systems, reference is made to the prior art cited at the beginning.

[0018] Sprinkler 2 has a tubular section 4, which, in addition to the connecting pipe 3, constitutes a second pipe section 4. Sprinkler 2 can be mounted in a hanging or standing position on the connecting pipe 3, i.e., on the first pipe section.

[0019] A U-shaped section 6 connects to the tubular section 4 of the sprinkler 2, terminating in a plate 7 which forms a deflector. A pin of the sprinkler 2 is designated 8, and a bursting element 9.

[0020] All embodiments have in common that, when the sprinkler 2 is unscrewed from the connecting pipe 3, a material recess 10 in the sprinkler 2 and / or the connecting pipe 3 initially releases an initial opening 19. This allows water under pressure in the connecting pipe 3 to escape from the sprinkler assembly 1 at a finite angle α, i.e., deflected from the common central axis of the sprinkler 2 and the connecting pipe 3 (designated MA), as long as the sprinkler 2 is still attached to the connecting pipe 3. The initial opening 19 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe 3 and the tubular section 4. During maintenance work, as soon as a technician notices that the initial opening has been released and pressurized water is escaping, they can immediately reattach the sprinkler 2 and thus close the initial opening 19 again.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. The connecting pipe 3 has an external thread 11 onto which an internal thread 5 of the tubular section 4 of the sprinkler 2 can be screwed. A thread seal located on the internal thread 5 is designated 12. The material recess 10 is, in this case, a bore 14 that penetrates the tubular section 4 at an angle. The thread seal 12, i.e., the sealing substance, has a recess 13 in the area of ​​the bore 14. Due to the angle of the bore 14, the initial discharge direction, designated AR, in which the water jet leaves the sprinkler assembly 1, forms an angle with the central axis MA that is greater than 90° but less than 180°. The fluid supply direction, designated ST, i.e., the flow direction of the water in the connecting pipe 3, is parallel to the central axis MA.

[0022] The exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18 to Fig. 19 differs from the embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 by the fact that the connecting pipe 3 has an internal thread 15 and the tubular section 4 of the sprinkler 2 has an external thread 16. In this case, a bore 17 running obliquely to the central axis MA is located in the tubular section 4 of the sprinkler 2.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 shows, as in the embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10, the sprinkler 2 has an internal thread 5 and the connecting pipe 3 has an external thread 11. In this case, the material recess 10 has the form of a slot 18 in the sprinkler 2, open towards an end face 23 of the tubular section 4. The angled edge 20 on one narrow side of the slot 18 ensures the desired upward deflection of the escaping water.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. 24 there is a slot 21 in the tubular section 4 of the sprinkler 2 which has an external thread 16. Here too, the slot 21 is open both radially and at the end face.

[0025] The exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 resembles the embodiment shown in the following example. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 insofar as the tubular section 4 has an internal thread 5. In this case, a slot 18 located in the tubular section 4 is spaced apart from the end face 23 of the tubular section 4.

[0026] Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment, according to the Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 a slot 21, which is located in the tubular section 4 having an external thread 16, is spaced apart from the end face 23 of the tubular section 4.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 29, Fig. 30, Fig. 31, Fig. 32 to Fig. In section 33, which has an internal thread 5, a so-called slot 24, also referred to as a groove, is formed. The slot 24 is closed radially outwards. One wall of the slot 24 is designated 25. Water escaping through the slot 24 is deflected by approximately 180°.

[0028] Even in the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. 38 The sprinkler 2 has a slot, which in this case is designated 26. The external thread 16 of the tubular section 4 is interrupted by the slot 26. The wall that radially bounds the slot 26 inwards is designated 27.

[0029] In the case of the Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41, Fig. 42, Fig. 43 to Fig. 44 The material recess 10 is located as a flattening 28 in the area of ​​the external thread 16 of the tubular section 4. A slot within the flattening 28 is designated 29.

[0030] The exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 45, Fig. 46, Fig. 47, Fig. 48, Fig. 49, Fig. 50, Fig. 51 to Fig. 52 differs from the embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23, Fig. 24, Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 29, Fig. 30, Fig. 31, Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41, Fig. 42, Fig. 43 to Fig. 44 by the fact that the material recess 10 is incorporated into the connecting pipe 3. This means that no modifications to the sprinkler 2 are required compared to conventional sprinklers. The material recess 10 is provided as an inclined bore 30 in the connecting pipe 3, which has an internal thread 15.

[0031] Even in the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 53, Fig. 54, Fig. 55, Fig. 56, Fig. 57, Fig. 58, Fig. 59 to Fig. 60 A conventionally constructed sprinkler 2, in this case with a tubular section 4 with an internal thread 5, can be used. A bore that penetrates the external thread 11 of the connecting pipe 3 is designated 31 in this case.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 61, Fig. 62, Fig. 63, Fig. 64 to Fig. Figure 65 shows a connecting pipe 3 in which a sprinkler 2 can be mounted in an upright position. The connecting pipe 3, which is provided with an internal thread 15, has a slot 32 that is open radially from the inside out and towards the upper end face of the connecting pipe 3.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 66, Fig. 67, Fig. 68, Fig. 69, Fig. 70 to Fig. 71 is located in the connecting line 3, which has an external thread 11 and a slot 33 open radially and downwards. The contours of the slot 33 and the internal thread 5 ensure that the initial exit direction AR has an upwardly directed component.

[0034] Such an upward-directed component of the initial exit direction AR is also present in the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 72, Fig. 73, Fig. 74, Fig. 75 to Fig. 76 given, in which the slot 33 is separated from an end face 22 (cf. Fig. 92) is spaced apart from the connecting line 3.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 77, Fig. 78, Fig. 79, Fig. 80 to Fig. 81 The connecting cable 3 has a shaped slot 34, which shows similarities with the embodiments according to the Fig. 29, Fig. 30, Fig. 31, Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. 38 are given. One wall of the form slot 34, which is in the form of a groove, is designated 35.

[0036] Even in the exemplary embodiment according Fig. 82, Fig. 83, Fig. 84, Fig. 85 to Fig. At position 86, there is a formed slot 36 which in this case breaks through the external thread 11 of the connecting cable 3. The wall of the formed slot 36 is designated 37.

[0037] Even in the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 87, Fig. 88, Fig. 89, Fig. 90, Fig. 91 to Fig. 92 A material recess 10 is introduced into the connecting line 3. This is essentially comparable to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41, Fig. 42, Fig. 43 to Fig. 44 the material recess 10 is present as a flattening, which in this case is designated 38. Reference symbol list 1 sprinkler arrangement 2 sprinklers 3. Connection line, first pipe section 4 Tubular section, second pipe part 5 internal threads of the tubular section 6. Bow-shaped section 7 plates, deflection arrangement 8 cones 9 Burst element 10 Material removal 11 External threads of the connecting cable 12 Thread seal 13 Recess in the thread seal 14. Borehole, angled, in the section of the sprinkler having an internal thread 15 internal threads of the connecting cable 16 external threads of the tubular section 17. Borehole, angled, in the section of the sprinkler having an external thread 18 slots in the section of the sprinkler having an internal thread 19 Initial opening 20 Slanted edge on the narrow side of the slot 21 Slot in the section of the sprinkler having an external thread 22 End face of the connecting cable 23 End face of the tubular section 24 Form slot in the section of the sprinkler with an internal thread, groove 25 Wall of the groove 24 26 Form slot in the externally threaded section of the sprinkler, groove 28 Flattening in the area of ​​the external thread of the tubular section 29 slots in the flattened area 30 Hole in the connecting line having an internal thread 31. Borehole in the connecting line having an external thread 32 slots in the connecting cable having an internal thread 33 slots in the connecting cable having an external thread 34 Form slot in the connecting line having an internal thread, groove 35 Wall of the groove 34 36 Form slot in the connecting line having an external thread, groove 37 Wall of the groove 36 38 Flattening in the area of ​​the external thread of the connecting cable α angle AR Initial Exit Direction MA Central Axis ST Fluid supply direction, flow direction in the connecting line QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 203 19 372 U1

[0003] EP 2 586 934 B1

[0004] DE 20 2009 004 938 U1

[0005] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Standard DIN EN 12845 “Fixed fire fighting systems - Automatic sprinkler systems - Planning, installation and maintenance

[0002]

Claims

[1] Sprinkler arrangement (1) comprising two pipe parts (3, 4), namely a connecting pipe (3) and a tubular section (4) of a sprinkler (2), wherein one of the pipe parts (3, 4) has an internal thread (5, 15) and the other pipe part (3, 4) has a corresponding external thread (11, 16), characterized by , that at least in one of the pipe parts (3, 4) there is at least one material recess (10) which, in conjunction with the other pipe part (3, 4), is designed to initially release a smaller initial opening (19) compared to the internal cross-sections of the pipe parts (3, 4) when unscrewing one pipe part (3, 4) from the other pipe part (3, 4) before the mechanical separation of the two pipe parts (3, 4), through which an initial exit direction (AR) is defined which encloses an angle (α) greater than zero with the common central axis (MA) of the two pipe parts (3, 4). [2] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one material recess (10) in the form of a through-opening (14, 17, 30, 31) with a circular cross-section is present. [3] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one of the material recesses (10) is a slot (18, 21, 24, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36). [4] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the slot (24, 26, 29, 34, 36) is designed as a non-continuous groove. [5] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the initial exit direction (AR) is defined by a contour of the pipe part (3, 4) designed as an inner part. [6] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the initial exit direction (AR) is defined by a contour formed as an outer part of the pipe section (3, 4). [7] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the angle (α) enclosed between the initial exit direction (AR) and the central axis (MA) of the pipe parts (3, 4) is at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees. [8] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the initial outlet direction (AR) has a component opposite to a fluid supply direction (ST). [9] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a sealing substance (12) located between the pipe parts (3, 4), which is located in a threaded section outside the material recess (10). [10] Sprinkler arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the sealing substance (12) is in the form of a coating on one of the two pipe parts (3, 4).

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