Protective cap for a sprinkler nozzle, use of such a cap and method for mounting and / or dismounting a sprinkler nozzle on a pipe

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective cap for an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle, which comprises a nozzle body with a nozzle outlet and a spray head arranged on the nozzle body. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such a protective cap and to a method for mounting and / or dismounting an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle, on a pipe of a nozzle pipe system of a fire extinguishing system.

[0002] Protective caps for extinguishing nozzles are used, among other things, during transport of the extinguishing nozzles, during installation of the extinguishing nozzles on a pipeline, and during temporary disassembly of the extinguishing nozzles. Such protective caps are intended to prevent direct contact with, for example, a nozzle outlet on the nozzle body and a spray head. In other extinguishing nozzle designs, contact with the spray head and a spray disc arranged thereon, as well as a trigger element, which is preferably designed as a thermal trigger element with a glass body, is to be avoided. In particular, possible damage and potential defects of the extinguishing nozzle are to be counteracted.

[0003] Protective caps are known from the prior art which have a cylindrical or frustoconical cap body with an open and a closed end, wherein the cap body is slipped over the spray head with its open end in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler. US 7,540,330 B2 discloses such a protective cap. To fix the protective cap to the extinguishing nozzle, the cap body has one or more material projections on its inside in the region of the closed end. The protective cap is pushed over the spray disc of the extinguishing nozzle with the material projections until they encompass the spray disc. When attaching and removing the protective cap, any force exerted in directions other than the slipping direction exerts bending loads on the spray disc, which can cause unwanted deformation of the spray disc, which has a detrimental effect on the spray pattern produced by the spray disc.

[0004] Furthermore, the cylindrical or conical section of the cap body of the protective cap known from US Pat. No. 7,540,330 B2 extends over the spray head and a spray head holder connecting the spray head to the nozzle body. When assembling or disassembling the extinguishing nozzle, the assembly tool is brought into direct contact with the tool attachment on the nozzle body. However, with painted extinguishing nozzles, this has the disadvantage that assembly and subsequent disassembly cannot be carried out without visible signs of wear.

[0005] US 7,757,967 B1 also discloses a protective device for a sprinkler, which comprises a wall element with an outer surface and an inner surface that partially surrounds the sprinkler. The wall element is formed from a first and second wall section, which are pivoted relative to each other via a hinge.

[0006] US 2014 / 0096982 A1 discloses a protective cap for a sprinkler, the cap comprising a base body with a hollow annular wall portion from which a pair of first side legs and a pair of second side legs protrude, wherein a side curtain extends from one of the side legs of one pair to a side leg of the other pair for shielding the outlet nozzle and the thermal trigger element.

[0007] The object of the invention was to provide a protective cap for an extinguishing nozzle and a method for assembling and / or disassembling an extinguishing nozzle, with which the extinguishing nozzle can be assembled or disassembled safely and at the same time damage to the extinguishing nozzle and in particular to its surface coatings is avoided.

[0008] The invention solves the underlying problem in a protective cap for an extinguishing nozzle, in particular for a sprinkler nozzle, of the type described at the outset by means of a cap base body and a cap neck arranged on the cap base body, wherein the protective cap, in particular the cap neck, is designed to mechanically shield a nozzle outlet of the extinguishing nozzle by the cap base body having a force transmission section for force-transmitting, preferably form-fitting, contact with a tool attachment of the nozzle base body of the extinguishing nozzle, and wherein the cap base body has an outer contour with one or more engagement surfaces which are designed to allow a tool to be attached thereto. The protective cap is preferably provided for an extinguishing nozzle with a spray head, wherein the protective cap, in particular the cap neck, is then dimensioned such that the one or more engagement surfacesWhen mounted on the extinguishing nozzle, the spray head is partially or completely enclosed.

[0009] Further preferably, the extinguishing nozzle has a spray plate arranged on the spray head, wherein the protective cap, in particular the cap neck, is dimensioned relative to the spray plate such that it is arranged at a distance from the spray plate in the mounted state.

[0010] The invention is based on the finding that by providing a cap base body which is connected via its force transmission section to a

[0011] Since the nozzle body can be coupled to the tool attachment provided on the nozzle body and also has an outer contour with at least one, preferably several, engagement surfaces for a torque-transmitting tool, the extinguishing nozzle can be assembled and disassembled without the extinguishing nozzle itself coming into direct contact with the tool. Any signs of wear on the tool attachment of the extinguishing nozzle during assembly or disassembly can thus be avoided. Direct force on the spray disc is thus avoided during assembly or disassembly of the extinguishing nozzle on the pipeline or during attachment or removal of the protective cap.

[0012] Areas of the cap neck can lie directly against the spray head or the spray head holder without coming into contact with the spray disc of the spray head.

[0013] Further preferably, the protective cap is prepared for an extinguishing nozzle with a trigger element, in that the protective cap, in particular the cap neck, is dimensioned and configured to mechanically shield the trigger element when mounted. By spacing the cap neck from the spray disc or the trigger element of the extinguishing nozzle, a sufficiently large protective space is preferably defined, preventing unwanted contact with the trigger element, which is preferably a thermal trigger element.

[0014] Further preferably, the extinguishing nozzle has a closure element arranged at the nozzle outlet, and the protective cap, in particular the cap neck and / or the cap base body, is designed to mechanically shield the closure element in the mounted state.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cap base body and the cap neck each have a lateral insertion and removal slot extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protective cap. The insertion and removal slot is preferably arranged on the cap base body and cap neck such that the protective cap can be brought into contact with and / or out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle. The lateral insertion and removal slot enables the protective cap to be brought into contact with or out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle without causing damage.

[0016] The insertion and removal slot extends over the entire height of the protective cap, with the slot width varying along the height of the protective cap. The insertion and removal slot preferably has a slot width adapted to the outer shape of the nozzle body in the area of ​​the cap base and / or to the shape of the spray head and a spray head holder in the area of ​​the cap neck. This allows for lateral movement of the extinguishing nozzle, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle, when bringing it into contact with the nozzle and when bringing it out of contact with the nozzle, with minimal effort.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention, the outer contour of the cap base body has a polygonal tool attachment formed with a predetermined wrench size. A plurality of engagement surfaces for the tool are thus preferably formed on the outer contour of the cap base body, wherein the tool can be applied in various orientations to the outer contour of the cap base body of the protective cap according to the invention. This simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the extinguishing nozzle. Preferably, the cap base body has a substantially hexagonal outer contour in the region of its tool attachment, which has a predetermined wrench size. The tool attachment on the outer contour is preferably arranged at the same height as the force transmission section on the inner contour of the cap base body.Preferably, the cap base body has a substantially hexagonal inner contour as a force transmission section.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the cap base body has a guide means on its inner contour facing the nozzle base body, which is designed to guide the protective cap in the radial direction along a correspondingly designed guide part on the nozzle base body to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle during the bringing into or out of contact. During the bringing into or out of contact movement of the protective cap on or from the extinguishing nozzle, the guide means counteracts a movement in the axial direction of the extinguishing nozzle, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle. In an alternative embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention, such a guide means is provided on the cap neck or in the connecting region between the cap base body and the cap neck.

[0019] The guide means is preferably designed as a projection, in particular a web, protruding from the inner contour of the cap base body. The cap base body preferably engages with the projection into a recess, in particular a groove-like undercut, on the nozzle base body. This allows for a strictly radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle when the protective cap is brought into contact with and out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle. Furthermore, locking in the longitudinal direction is preferably ensured by the projection on the inner contour of the cap base body when the protective cap is mounted on the extinguishing nozzle. The projection thus simultaneously serves as a locking means.

[0020] Furthermore, the cap neck preferably has, at its spray-head-side end, an end surface with a recess for at least a portion of the spray head. The end of the cap neck facing the spray head is sealed off from the spray disc by means of the end surface. Depending on the type of extinguishing nozzle used, unwanted contact with the nozzle outlet on the nozzle base body or a closure element for the nozzle outlet or a trigger element of the extinguishing nozzle can thus be avoided. The recess in the end surface is preferably a groove- or slot-like wall opening. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the center axis of the recess in the end surface of the cap neck and the center axis of the insertion and removal slots in the cap neck and cap base body lie in one plane.

[0021] Preferably, the recess in the end surface has a shape adapted to the shape of the spray head, which is designed to fix the end facing the spray head to the spray head. The side surfaces bordering the recess preferably rest partially or completely against the spray head and against areas of the spray head holder.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention, at least one wall region of the cap base body and cap neck, arranged opposite the insertion and removal slots, is elastically deformable. The protective cap according to the invention preferably has two protective cap legs that are movable relative to one another and are connected to one another via the elastically deformable wall region. The elastically deformable wall region preferably has a spring function, which causes the protective cap legs to move apart against a restoring force when the protective cap is attached to or removed from the extinguishing nozzle. After being brought into contact with or out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle, they automatically move back to their original position as a result of the restoring force.Preferably, the insertion and removal slots on the cap base body and cap neck have a smaller slot width than the dimensions of at least the cap base body and the spray head. This achieves an automatic clamping or locking effect of the protective cap according to the invention on the extinguishing nozzle. In one embodiment of the invention, the elastic deformability of the protective cap legs on both sides of the insertion plane is achieved by a separate elastic spring element connecting the protective cap legs to one another.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cap base body and the cap neck are formed as a single piece, preferably as an injection-molded part. The single-piece design of the protective cap according to the invention achieves high strength of the cap base body, cap neck, and elastically deformable wall region. This ensures a secure connection between the protective cap legs. Preferably, a material with elastic properties, such as plastic, is used to form the protective cap, which can preferably be processed using the injection-molding process. The use of a plastic also has the advantage of easily making the elastically deformable wall region, hereinafter also referred to as the connecting region, between the protective cap legs elastically deformable. Thermoplastic materials such as PE, PA, or PP are preferably used.In another embodiment of the invention, a metallic material with resilient properties is used to design the connecting area between the protective cap legs.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, one or more manually operable handles are provided on the protective cap according to the invention for bringing the cap base body into contact with or out of contact with the nozzle base body. By means of the handles, which form a manually grippable section on the protective cap, the protective cap according to the invention can be brought into contact with or out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle in a simplified manner, preferably with just one hand, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle. Particularly preferably, bringing the protective cap into contact with the extinguishing nozzle is achieved by sliding the protective cap laterally onto the extinguishing nozzle. Bringing the protective cap out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle is then understood to mean pulling the protective cap off the extinguishing nozzle in the opposite direction.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the protective cap has a first handle, which is arranged on the cap neck and is preferably designed as a tab. The tab ensures that a person removing or fitting the protective cap does not have to touch the cap body or the cap neck to move the protective cap. This further reduces the risk of damage to the extinguishing nozzle. The tab with its handle section preferably extends radially to the longitudinal axis of the protective cap, with the central axis of the tab lying in the same plane as the insertion and removal slot.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to or alternatively to the first handle, two second handles are provided, which are designed as two actuating wings extending on both sides along the lateral insertion and removal slot. In a basic state, the actuating wings are preferably aligned with one another in an angular range α of 60° to 120°. During contact, a force is applied to the protective cap according to the invention via the actuating wings as the actuating wings slide on the protective cap, which assists in widening the insertion and removal slot. This further simplifies the removal of the protective cap from the extinguishing nozzle. Preferably, in the basic state, both actuating wings extend at an angle α of approximately 80° to 100°, preferably 90°, to one another. Angle ranges other than those specified are also possible.One embodiment of the invention provides that the first handle and the second handles are arranged together on the protective cap. In another embodiment, only the first handle or the two second handles are arranged on the protective cap.

[0027] A further embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention provides that a cap shield is additionally arranged on the cap neck for partially enclosing the spray disc of the extinguishing nozzle. The cap shield, which can be open or closed, encloses the spray disc of the extinguishing nozzle, thereby further reducing the risk of possible damage to the extinguishing nozzle, in particular the spray disc, due to extreme impact during assembly, disassembly or transport. The cap shield is preferably arranged on the spray head-side end of the cap neck. In one embodiment, the cap shield is open at its end facing away from the cap neck. In an alternative embodiment, the cap shield is designed as a type of capsule with a receiving space for the spray disc that is more than 50%, preferably more than 75% and thus almost completely closed.In a further embodiment, the cap visor is closed.

[0028] The cap shield preferably has a lateral insertion and removal slot for the spray disc of the extinguishing nozzle, which is adapted to the outer contour of the spray disc that can be passed through the slot. This ensures that when the protective cap is brought into contact with or out of contact with or at the extinguishing nozzle, the spray disc does not come into contact with the cap shield. The lateral insertion and removal slot at the level of the spray disc preferably has a slot width that is larger than the diameter of the spray disc.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle, with a nozzle base body having a nozzle outlet, preferably a spray head arranged on the nozzle base body, and a protective cap mounted on the extinguishing nozzle according to one of the preferred embodiments described above. When assembling a kit according to the invention comprising an extinguishing nozzle and protective cap, the tool for assembly is applied to the outer contour of the cap base body instead of to the nozzle base body, which usually has a tool attachment. The force acting on the cap base body is transmitted to the nozzle base body via a transmission section on the cap base body. With regard to further preferred embodiments of the kit and the advantages resulting therefrom, reference is made to the above explanations regarding the protective cap according to the invention.

[0030] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for mounting an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle, on a pipe of a nozzle pipe system of a fire extinguishing system. As explained above, the method according to the invention is dedicated to the task of providing an improved possibility for mounting an extinguishing nozzle on a pipe with a significantly reduced risk of damage.

[0031] The method according to the invention achieves this object with the steps of: bringing a protective cap designed according to the invention with its force transmission section into contact with at least one tool attachment on the nozzle base body of an extinguishing nozzle or providing an extinguishing nozzle equipped with a protective cap, wherein the force transmission section of the protective cap bears against a tool attachment of the nozzle base body of the extinguishing nozzle; fastening the extinguishing nozzle equipped with the protective cap to an outlet opening of a pipeline of a nozzle pipe network using a tool, wherein the tool is applied to an outer contour of the protective cap with one or more engagement surfaces, and optionally bringing the protective cap out of contact with an extinguishing nozzle mounted on a pipeline, preferably in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis of the mounted extinguishing nozzle.To bring the protective cap into contact, it is preferably pushed laterally onto the extinguishing nozzle, wherein a transfer section on the inner contour of the protective cap, in particular on the cap base body, is brought into contact with the nozzle base body. In this case, a positive coupling is preferably carried out between the cap base body and the nozzle base body. The extinguishing nozzle is preferably attached to an outlet opening of a pipeline by screwing the extinguishing nozzle, which has an external thread section, into an internal thread section of the outlet opening. After the extinguishing nozzle has been mounted on the pipeline, the protective cap is brought out of contact with the extinguishing nozzle immediately or at a later time, preferably by pulling the protective cap off in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle. The breaking of contact can be carried out with just one hand.

[0032] Furthermore, according to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for dismantling an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle, on a pipe of a nozzle pipe system of a fire extinguishing system, which method also addresses the above-mentioned task of at least temporarily dismantling an extinguishing nozzle without the risk of damaging the extinguishing nozzle intended for reuse.

[0033] The method according to the invention for dismantling an extinguishing nozzle on a pipeline solves this problem with the following steps: bringing a protective cap designed according to the invention, with its force transmission section, into contact with at least one tool attachment on the nozzle base body of an extinguishing nozzle; detaching the extinguishing nozzle equipped with the protective cap from an outlet opening of a pipeline of a nozzle pipe network using a tool, wherein the tool for detaching the extinguishing nozzle is applied to an outer contour of the protective cap with one or more engagement surfaces; and removing the extinguishing nozzle from the pipeline and preferably leaving the protective cap on the dismantled extinguishing nozzle. Bringing the protective cap on the extinguishing nozzle or the cap base body into contact with the nozzle base body is preferably carried out by sliding the protective cap by hand over its insertion and removal slot.In this case, the extinguishing nozzle is removed by unscrewing it from an outlet opening in the pipeline. To remove it, a force is applied to the protective cap using a tool, similar to the installation process. This prevents the tool from exerting direct force on the extinguishing nozzle, particularly on the surface of the extinguishing nozzle. The extinguishing nozzle is then removed from the pipeline. If the removed extinguishing nozzle is to be reinstalled on the pipeline, the protective cap is left on the removed extinguishing nozzle.

[0034] With regard to preferred further embodiments of the method for assembling and disassembling a fire extinguishing nozzle on a pipeline and the advantages resulting therefrom, reference is made to the above statements on the protective cap according to the invention.

[0035] The invention further relates to the use of a protective cap according to one of the preferred embodiments described above for the protected mounting and / or dismounting of an extinguishing nozzle on a pipe of a nozzle pipe system of a fire extinguishing system. Regarding the advantages of such a use according to the invention, reference is made in full to the above statements. Furthermore, the invention is described in more detail below using possible embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Herein: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a first embodiment of a protective cap according to the invention; Fig. 2: a view of the protective cap according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in section; Fig. 3: a perspective view of a second embodiment of a protective cap according to the invention; Fig. 4: a sectional view of the protective cap according to the invention according to Fig. 3; Fig. 5: a perspective view of a kit according to the invention comprising a sprinkler nozzle and protective cap; Fig. 6: a view of a sprinkler nozzle and a mounted protective cap in section; Fig. 7: a view of another embodiment of a protective cap with a cap shield, and Fig. 8: a side view of the protective cap according to Fig. 7 ..

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a protective cap 1, which has a cap base body 2 and a cap neck 4 attached to the cap base body 2. The cap base body 2 has a force transmission section 6 ( Fig.2 ) for force-transmitting contact or attachment to a nozzle body 8 ( Fig. 5) of a sprinkler nozzle 10. Furthermore, the cap base body 2 has an outer contour with several engagement surfaces 12, 12' for attaching a tool. In the embodiment shown, the engagement surfaces 12, 12' on the outer contour 13 are arranged at the same height as the force transmission section 6 on the inner contour of the cap base body 2.

[0037] The cap neck 4 is for mechanical shielding of a Fig. 6 shown trigger element 14, whereby direct contact of the trigger element 14, for example by a tool, is avoided. The cap neck 4, in the mounted state, is connected to the sprinkler nozzle 10 to form a spray plate 16 ( Fig. 5 ) of the sprinkler nozzle 10. There is no direct contact between the spray plate 16 and the cap neck 4. As further shown in Figure 1As can be seen, the outer contour 13 of the cap base body 2 has a preferably hexagonal tool attachment 18 with a predetermined wrench size. The sprinkler nozzle 10 can thus be assembled or disassembled via the tool attachment 18 using a standard wrench.

[0038] The protective cap 1 has a lateral insertion and removal slot 20 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis "L" of the protective cap, via which the protective cap 1 can be pushed over at least the nozzle body 8 and sections of a spray head 22 on the sprinkler nozzle 10 and can also be removed again. Figures 1 and 2 As can also be seen, the protective cap 1 has a first handle 24 arranged on the cap neck 4, with which the protective cap 1 can be brought into contact with or out of contact with the sprinkler nozzle 10 laterally, i.e. with a direction of movement radial to the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler nozzle. Figures 1 and 2In the illustrated embodiment of the protective cap 1 according to the invention, the first handle 24 is designed as a tab 26 with a handle part 28.

[0039] On the inner contour 29 of the cap body 2, as Fig. 2 As illustrated, a guide means 30 is arranged, via which the protective cap 1 can be pushed onto or pulled off the sprinkler nozzle 10 in a predetermined position along the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler nozzle. This counteracts any movement in the axial direction. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the guide means 30 is a projection 32 protruding from the inner contour of the cap base body 2 and optionally designed as a web.

[0040] The Figures 3 and 4show another possible embodiment of a protective cap 1', which comprises a cap base body 2' and a cap neck 4'. Similar to the protective cap 1, the cap base body 2, with a force transmission section 6 in the form of a substantially hexagonal inner contour, is brought into contact with a section of a nozzle base body 8 of the sprinkler nozzle 10. Figure 3 further clarifies that the cap neck 4' as well as the one in the Figures 1 and 2The cap neck 4 shown has an end surface 34 at an end 36 of the cap neck 4' facing the spray head 22 of the sprinkler nozzle 10, which end surface 34 ends at a distance from the spray disc 16 of the sprinkler nozzle 10. The end surface 34 also has a recess 38 which completely penetrates the wall at the end 36 and in which the spray head 22 and regions of the spray head holder 40 are received when the protective cap 1' is in the assembled state. Preferably, a positive connection is created between the end 36 of the cap neck 4 and the spray head 22, so that the end 36 of the cap neck 4' is also held or fixed to the sprinkler nozzle 10 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0041] Like the protective cap 1, the protective cap 1' has a lateral insertion and removal slot 20'. A wall region 42 of the cap base body 2' and the cap neck 4', arranged opposite the insertion and removal slot 20', is designed to be elastically deformable. The wall region 42 is preferably made of a material with elastic properties. Due to the recess 38 at the end 34 and the opening 44 at the opposite end 45 of the protective cap 1', the wall region 42 has a greater deformability compared to the remaining wall regions of the protective cap 1. The regions on either side of the wall region 42 each form protective cap legs 46, 46', the orientations of which change on either side of an insertion and removal plane 48 during the bringing of the protective cap 1' into or out of contact with a sprinkler nozzle 10.

[0042] In contrast to the protective cap 1, the protective cap 1' has two second handles 24' in the form of confirmation wings 50, 50' extending on both sides along the lateral insertion and removal slot 20', which in the embodiment shown form an angle α of approximately 90° to each other. Figures 3 and 4 The protective cap legs 46, 46' are moved apart from the sprinkler nozzle 10 in a supporting manner by the actuating wings 50, 50' shown when the cap 1 is brought out of contact.

[0043] The Figures 5 and 6show a sprinkler nozzle 10 with a protective cap 1 mounted on the sprinkler nozzle. To attach and remove the protective cap 1, the tab 26 is grasped at its gripping section 28. The protective cap 1, with its cap base body 2 and its cap neck 4, can be pushed onto the nozzle base body 8, the spray head 22, and the spray head holder 40 via the lateral insertion and removal slot 20. In one embodiment shown, the guide means 30 on the inner contour of the cap base body 2 engages in a groove-like guide part 52 provided on the nozzle base body 8. In this way, the protective cap 1 is guided in the radial direction during attachment or removal. Furthermore, the guide means 30 and the guide part 52 lock the protective cap 1 against movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler nozzle 1.The cap neck 4 also has a wall region with a substantially elliptical outer shape, which forms a rectangular shoulder at the transition to the cap base body 2. This gives the protective cap legs 46, 46' a relatively rigid design on both sides of the wall region 42. The cap necks 4, 4' of the above-described embodiments of the protective caps 1, 1' each end at a distance from the spray disc 16 of the spray head 22. The spray disc 16 is not protected by the protective caps 1, 1'. The sprinkler nozzle 10 has a threaded portion 54 on the nozzle base body 8 for screwing in and out of an outlet opening of a pipeline. Furthermore, a nozzle outlet 56 is arranged on the nozzle base body 8, which in the illustrated embodiment of the sprinkler nozzle 10 can be closed by a closure element 58. Other embodiments of sprinkler nozzles not shown have only one nozzle outlet 56 without a closure element.

[0044] In the Figures 7 and 8 an embodiment of a protective cap 1" is shown, which in addition to the cap body 2 and the cap neck 4 has a cap shield 60. The cap shield 60 is arranged on the spray head-side end 36 of the cap neck 4 and is designed to partially enclose the spray plate 16 of the sprinkler nozzle 10. As the present Figures 7 and 8 As can be seen, the cap visor 60 is open at its end facing away from the cap neck 4.

[0045] Furthermore, the cap shield 60, together with the cap base body 2 and the cap neck 4, has a common insertion and removal slot 20", which extends over the entire height of the protective cap 1". The slot width of the insertion and removal slot 20" varies over the height of the protective cap 1" due to the different dimensions of the nozzle base body 8, spray head holder 40, spray head 22 and spray plate 16. The section of the lateral insertion and removal slot 20" is adapted to the outer contour of the spray plate 16 in the area of ​​the cap shield 60. The protective cap 1" is almost identical to the one shown in the Figures 1 and 2 described embodiment of the protective cap 1. Identical components are therefore designated by the same reference numbers. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1, 1', 1"Protective cap 2, 2'Cap body 4, 4'Cap neck 6Force transmission section 8Nozzle body 10Sprinkler nozzle 12, 12'Attaching surface 13Outer contour 14Trigger element 16Spray disc 18Tool attachment "L"Longitudinal axis 20, 20', 20'Insertion and discharge slot 22Spray head 24, 24'Handle 26Tab 28, 28'Handle part 29Inner contour 30Guide means 32Protrusion 34End surface 36End 38Recess 40Spray head holder 42Wall area 44Opening 45End 46, 46'Protective cap leg 48Insertion and discharge plane 50, 50'Actuating wing 52Guide part 54Threaded section 56Nozzle outlet 58Closing element 60Cap shield

Claims

1. A protective cap (1, 1', 1") for an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle (10), which has a nozzle main body (8) with a nozzle outlet (56), with a cap main body (2, 2'), and a cap neck (4, 4') which is arranged on the cap main body, the protective cap, in particular the cap neck (4, 4'), being set up to mechanically shield the nozzle outlet (56) of the extinguishing nozzle, characterized in that the cap main body (2, 2') having a force transmission section (6) for bearing against a tool attachment of the nozzle main body (8) of the extinguishing nozzle in a force-transmitting, preferably positively locking manner, and the cap main body (2, 2') having an outer contour (13) with one or more action surfaces (12, 12') which is configured for attaching a tool.

2. The protective cap as claimed in claim 1, for an extinguishing nozzle having a spray head (22), characterized in that the protective cap, in particular the cap neck (4, 4'), is dimensioned in such a way that, in the mounted state on the extinguishing nozzle, the spray head (22) is enclosed partially or completely.

3. The protective cap as claimed in claim 2, for an extinguishing nozzle having a spraying disk (16) which is arranged on the spray head (22), characterized in that the cap neck (4, 4') is dimensioned in such a way that, in the mounted state, it is arranged spaced apart from the spraying disk (16) on the spray head (22) of the extinguishing nozzle.

4. The protective cap as claimed in one of the preceding claims, the extinguishing nozzle having a triggering element, and the protective cap, in particular the cap neck (4, 4'), being set up to shield the triggering element mechanically.

5. The protective cap as claimed in one of the preceding claims, the extinguishing nozzle having a closure element (58) which is arranged on the nozzle outlet, the protective cap, in particular the cap neck (4, 4') and / or the cap main body, being set up to shield the closure element mechanically in the mounted state.

6. The protective cap as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap main body (2, 2') and the cap neck (4, 4') in each case have a lateral introduction and discharge slot (20, 20', 20") which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the protective cap, wherein preferably the introduction and discharge slot (20, 20', 20") extends over the entire height of the protective cap (1, 1', 1"), the slot width of the introduction and discharge slot (20, 20', 20") changing over the height of the protective cap.

7. The protective cap as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer contour of the cap main body (2, 2') has a polygonal tool attachment (18) which is configured with a predefined flats width.

8. The protective cap as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on its inner contour which faces the nozzle main body, the cap main body (2, 2') has a guide means which is set up to guide the protective cap (1, 1', 1") in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle along a guide part of corresponding configuration on the nozzle main body while being brought into contact or out of contact, wherein preferably the guide means is configured as a projection (32) which protrudes on the inner contour (29) of the cap main body (2, 2').

9. The protective cap as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at its spray head-side end (36), the cap neck (4, 4') has a terminating face (34) with a recess (38) for at least one section of the spray head (22) , wherein preferably the recess (38) in the terminating face (34) has a shape which is adapted to the shape of the spray head (22) and is set up to fix the end which faces the spray head on the spray head.

10. The protective cap as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one wall region of the cap main body (2, 2') and the cap neck (4, 4'), which wall region is arranged so as to lie opposite the introduction and discharge slot (20, 20', 20"), is elastically deformable.

11. The protective cap as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap main body (2, 2') and the cap neck (4, 4') are configured in one piece and preferably as an injection molded part.

12. The protective cap as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more handles (24, 24') which can be actuated by hand in order to bring the cap main body (2, 2') into contact or out of contact with the nozzle main body (8), and preferably a first handle (24) which is arranged on the cap neck (4, 4') and is preferably configured as a bracket, and / or by two second handles which are configured as two actuating flanks (50, 50') which extend on both sides along the lateral introduction and discharge slot (20, 20', 20") and are preferably oriented with respect to one another at an angular range α of from approximately 60° to 120°.

13. The protective cap as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cap shield (60) for enclosing the spraying disk (16) of the extinguishing nozzle in sections is additionally arranged on the cap neck (4, 4'), wherein preferably the cap shield (60) has a lateral introduction and discharge slot (20") for the spraying disk (16) of the extinguishing nozzle, which lateral introduction and discharge slot (20") is adapted to the outer contour of the spraying disk which can be guided through the slot (20").

14. A kit, comprising an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle (10) with a nozzle main body (8) with a nozzle outlet (56), and a protective cap (1, 1', 1") as claimed in one of claims 1 to 19 which is mounted on the extinguishing nozzle.

15. A method for mounting an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle (10), on a pipeline of a nozzle pipe system of a fire extinguishing system, comprising the steps: bringing a protective cap (1, 1', 1") according to claims 1 to 13 with its force transmission section (6) into contact with at least one tool attachment (18) on the nozzle main body of an extinguishing nozzle, or providing an extinguishing nozzle which is equipped with a protective cap, wherein the force transmission section (6) of the protective cap bears against a tool attachment (18) of the nozzle main body of the extinguishing nozzle; fastening the extinguishing nozzle which is equipped with the protective cap (1, 1', 1") to an outlet opening of a pipeline of a nozzle pipe network using a tool, the tool for fastening the extinguishing nozzle being attached to an outer contour of the protective cap (1, 1', 1") by way of one or more action surfaces (12, 12'), and preferably removing the protective cap (1, 1', 1") from an extinguishing nozzle which is mounted on a pipeline, preferably by the protective cap being pulled off in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing nozzle.

16. A method for dismantling an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle (10), from a pipeline of a nozzle pipe system of a fire extinguishing system, comprising the steps: bringing a protective cap (1, 1', 1") according to claims 1 to 13 with its force transmission section (6) into contact with at least one tool attachment (18) on the nozzle main body of an extinguishing nozzle; releasing the extinguishing nozzle which is equipped with the protective cap (1, 1', 1") at an outlet opening of a pipeline of a nozzle pipe network using a tool, the tool for releasing the extinguishing nozzle being attached on an outer contour of the protective cap by way of one or more action surfaces (12, 12'); and preferably removing the extinguishing nozzle from the pipeline and preferably leaving the protective cap (1, 1', 1") on the dismantled extinguishing nozzle.

17. The use of a protective cap (1, 1', 1") as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13 for mounting and / or dismantling an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle (10), on / from a pipeline of a nozzle pipe system in a protected manner.