Sprinkler head

Abstract

A sprinkler head 1 comprises: a body 10 having a nozzle 11 for discharging a fire extinguishing liquid; a valve body 14 for closing an outlet 13 of the nozzle 11; a deflector 40 having a water spray surface 41c1 contacted by the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11; and an arm plate 33 serving as a "first flow dividing plate piece" for supporting the deflector 40. The arm plate 33 has a plate piece shape in which the plate surface stands upright perpendicular to the water spray surface 41c1 so as to extend toward the body 10. The water spray surface 41c1 is split into a plurality of surfaces, and the fire extinguishing liquid is divided into flows that flow toward the plurality of surfaces.

Description

sprinkler head

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sprinkler head.

[0002] One type of sprinkler head is a sidewall sprinkler head that is installed on the sidewall of a building (see Patent Document 1). The "sidewall" refers to a wall that runs vertically and intersects with the floor and ceiling of the building. Sidewall sprinkler heads are installed near the ceiling of the sidewall and are required to be able to spray fire-extinguishing liquid over a wide protection area, from a distant area far from the sidewall to a nearby area close to the sidewall, making it particularly difficult to control the spraying of water.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-170479

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can appropriately spray water onto a protected area.

[0005] (1) One aspect of the present disclosure is a sprinkler head comprising: a main body having a nozzle that discharges extinguishing liquid; a valve body that closes the outlet of the nozzle; a deflector having a spray surface that comes into contact with the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle; and a first diverting plate piece that supports the deflector, wherein the first diverting plate piece has a plate shape whose plate surface rises vertically from the spray surface toward the main body, dividing the spray surface into multiple surfaces and diverting the extinguishing liquid into flows toward the multiple surfaces.

[0006] Since the first diverting plate supporting the deflector has a plate shape, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the momentum of the flow of extinguishing liquid when the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle comes into contact with the first diverting plate. The first diverting plate divides the spray surface into multiple surfaces and diverts the extinguishing liquid into flows toward the multiple surfaces. Therefore, by diverting the extinguishing liquid while maintaining as much momentum as possible of the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle, it is possible to spray the extinguishing liquid appropriately over the protected area.

[0007] The first flow dividing plate piece is arranged such that the plate end surface on the nozzle side is arranged along an imaginary line passing through the upper end, axis, and lower end of the nozzle.

[0008] With this, the first flow dividing plate piece can divide the columnar extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle evenly to both sides of the first flow dividing plate piece.

[0009] (2) The first flow dividing plate piece has a first mounting portion that is attached to the deflector, and the deflector has a first mounting receiving portion that is attached to the first mounting portion.

[0010] This allows the first flow dividing plate piece and the deflector to be configured as an integral assembly.

[0011] (3) The first flow dividing plate piece has a protrusion that protrudes toward the valve body and receives the closing load of the valve body against the nozzle, and the tip of the protrusion is located on the axis of the nozzle.

[0012] This allows the protrusion of the first flow dividing plate, which has the function of dividing the extinguishing liquid, to have the function of bearing the closing load of the valve body that closes the nozzle. Also, if the tip of the protrusion is located on the axis of the nozzle, it comes into contact with the center of the valve body located on the axis of the nozzle, and can bear the closing load within the thickness of the first flow dividing plate.

[0013] (4) The first flow dividing plate piece has an inclined arm piece, and the inclined arm piece extends obliquely downward in a direction from the deflector side to the main body side. The inclined arm piece can be disposed below the axis.

[0014] The extinguishing liquid is released from the nozzle in the form of a water column. The tip of the water column gradually contacts the inclined arm piece from its lower end (main body side) to its upper end (deflector side). In other words, the water column gradually contacts the inclined arm piece from its outer periphery toward its center. This causes the outer periphery of the water column to splash forward and downward, and as the water column moves from the outer periphery toward the center, the forward flying distance gradually increases. In this way, the inclined arm piece can gradually divide the extinguishing liquid to the left and right of the inclined arm piece.

[0015] (5) The first flow dividing plate piece has a vertical arm piece that extends upward perpendicular to the axis. The inclined arm piece may be positioned above the axis.

[0016] The water column-shaped fire extinguishing liquid can be sprayed forward by coming into contact with the vertical arm piece and splitting to the left and right of the vertical arm piece.

[0017] (6) Furthermore, the sprinkler head has a guide pin that supports the deflector movably along the axial direction of the nozzle, and the first flow dividing plate piece has a pin holding portion that movably engages with the guide pin. The guide pin and the pin holding portion may each be one or more.

[0018] This allows the deflector to be moved forward when the sprinkler head is activated, so that the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle can be sprayed at a position close to the protected area.

[0019] (7) Furthermore, the sprinkler head is provided with a second diversion plate piece, and the second diversion plate piece has a plate shape that rises vertically from the spray surface toward the main body, with its plate surface intersecting the first diversion plate piece, and diverts the fire extinguishing liquid released from the nozzle.

[0020] According to this, since the second flow diverting plate has a plate shape, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the momentum of the flow of the fire extinguishing liquid when the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle comes into contact with the second flow diverting plate. Since the second flow diverting plate is arranged with its plate surface intersecting the first flow diverting plate, it is possible to further divert the flow of the fire extinguishing liquid. This allows the fire extinguishing liquid to be sprayed more appropriately over the protected area.

[0021] (8) At least one of the first flow dividing plate piece and the second flow dividing plate piece has an abutting portion that abuts against the valve body and receives the closing load of the valve body against the nozzle.

[0022] This allows the closing load for closing the nozzle to be reliably received by the contact portion of at least one of the first flow dividing plate piece and the second flow dividing plate piece.

[0023] (9) The second flow dividing plate piece has a second mounting portion that is attached to the deflector, and the deflector has a second mounting receiving portion that mounts the second mounting portion.

[0024] This allows the second flow dividing plate piece to be constructed as an integral assembly with the deflector.

[0025] (10) The first and second flow dividing plate pieces are each formed of a metal plate and are a cross-shaped notched joint assembly.

[0026] This allows the first and second flow diverting plates to be realized with a simple structure and at low cost through sheet metal processing. Furthermore, because the assembly is a cross-shaped notched joint, the rigidity of the first and second flow diverting plates can be increased. Therefore, even if a large closing load acts on the valve body for a long period of time, the nozzle outlet can be stably sealed by the valve body. Furthermore, because the assembly is a cross-shaped notched joint, assembly is easy.

[0027] (11) The first and second flow diverting plates may be semicircular. The second flow diverting plates may have a maximum width greater than the maximum width of the first flow diverting plates.

[0028] Because the first and second flow diverting plates are semicircular, they can gradually contact the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle. This prevents a sudden drop in the momentum of the flow of the extinguishing liquid. The inventors also compared the spraying performance of the extinguishing liquid when the maximum plate width of the second flow diverting plate is the same as that of the first flow diverting plate, and when the maximum plate width of the second flow diverting plate is larger than that of the first flow diverting plate. The results showed that by providing a difference in maximum plate width, the flow diverting plate with the larger maximum plate width can spray the extinguishing liquid over a wider area. Thus, by making the maximum plate width of the second flow diverting plate larger than that of the first flow diverting plate, the extinguishing liquid can be sprayed over a wider protective area.

[0029] (12) The deflector has a plate-shaped deflector body perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, an auxiliary deflector arranged above the deflector body, a connecting piece portion connecting the deflector body and the auxiliary deflector, and a water passage opening formed between the deflector body, the auxiliary deflector, and the connecting piece portion.

[0030] With this, the deflector body can spray the extinguishing liquid mainly in the area near the wall where the sprinkler head is installed, and the auxiliary deflector rectifies the flow of the extinguishing liquid that has passed through the water passage opening, allowing the extinguishing liquid to be sprayed mainly in an area far from the wall where the sprinkler head is installed.

[0031] (13) The deflector body has a straightening protrusion that protrudes toward the water passage opening, and the straightening protrusion has a top that is wider than the thickness of the end face of the first diversion plate piece on the deflector side, and a base where the ridge extending from the top is curved concavely.

[0032] The straightening protrusion straightens the water flow that passes through the first diverting plate piece and flows into the water passage opening. Specifically, the straightening protrusion has a top portion wider than the plate thickness of the end face of the deflector-side plate piece of the first diverting plate piece, thereby preventing the extinguishing liquid diverted by the first diverting plate piece from merging and dispersing the extinguishing liquid forward. Furthermore, the straightening protrusion has a base portion whose ridgeline extending from the top portion is concavely curved, so that the extinguishing liquid diverted by the first diverting plate piece (the extinguishing liquid flowing through the water passage opening) is straightened by the concavely curved base portion, thereby maintaining the flow of each water stream without significantly reducing the momentum of the flow of the extinguishing liquid and ensuring a forward throw distance.

[0033] In order to clearly explain one aspect of the present disclosure based on an exemplary embodiment, drawings necessary for the explanation will be briefly described. The drawings are merely for illustrating the embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiment of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can obtain drawings of other related embodiments based on the drawings of the present disclosure without using any special inventive ability.

[0034] 7 is a right side view of a side wall-type sprinkler head according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view of the side wall-type sprinkler head of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an installation state of a side wall-type sprinkler head along the cross section of line III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of a side wall-type sprinkler head. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a support member and a deflector according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a deflector according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the deflector as seen from the rear side of the side wall-side sprinkler head. FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of portion VIII of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a front view of the deflector as seen from the front side of the side wall-side sprinkler head. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the rectifying action of the deflector as seen from the right side. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the rectifying action of the deflector as seen from the bottom. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the rectifying action of the deflector as seen from the rear. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the rectifying action of the deflector as seen from the front. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the state of spraying fire extinguishing liquid by the sprinkler head of FIG. 1, showing the spraying state of only the front right half of the sprinkler head. FIG.

[0035] Hereinafter, one aspect of the present disclosure will be described based on an embodiment with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment does not limit the scope of the claims, and not all of the configurations provided in the embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution provided by the present disclosure.

[0036] All embodiments and optional embodiments included in this disclosure may be combined with each other to form new embodiments, and all technical features and optional technical features included in this disclosure may be combined with each other to form new technical features.

[0037] The term "or" used in this specification and claims is used as an inclusive term. For example, "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B." "A," "B," and "both A and B" all respectively satisfy "A or B."

[0038] In this specification and claims, unless otherwise clearly defined or limited, terms such as "attached," "coupled," "connected," and "fixed" are to be understood broadly. For example, fixed connection, detachable connection, removable connection, and integral connection may all be included in these terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, these terms may include direct connection without an intermediate object and indirect connection with an intermediate object. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure depending on the specific situation.

[0039] In this specification and claims, when "first," "second," and "nth" are used, they are used to distinguish between different components and do not indicate a specific order, superiority, or inferiority. Components that are common to the embodiments and have the same effects are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0040] In this specification and claims, directions or positional relationships expressed by terms such as "center," "longitudinal direction," "lateral direction," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial direction," "radial direction," "circumferential direction," etc., and terms containing these terms, are based on the drawings attached to this application and are intended to conveniently explain the invention and embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is not expressly or implied that specific structural elements or their use are necessarily limited to a specific direction or configured in a specific direction, and it should be understood that they do not limit the scope of the claims and embodiments.

[0041] In this specification and claims, the right side of Fig. 1 will be described as the "rear," the left side as the "front," the top as the "upper," and the bottom as the "bottom" based on Fig. 1, which shows a right side view of the sprinkler head. Also, the right side of Fig. 2 will be described as the "right," the left side as the "left," the top as the "upper," and the bottom as the "bottom" based on the front view of the sprinkler head shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, with respect to the axis of the sprinkler head (see reference numeral 11A in Fig. 1), the direction toward the deflector side as seen from the nozzle is the "front side," "forward," or "inside the room," and the direction toward the nozzle side as seen from the deflector is the "rear side," "rearward," or "outside the room."

[0042] When terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are used in this specification and claims, the numerical values, structural elements, and positions to which these terms are attached can be understood as including the numerical values ​​and surrounding numerical values, including the structural element and anything that can be considered identical to the structural element, and further including a specific position and a positional relationship that can be considered equivalent to the structural element. For example, when describing "about 3," the numerical values ​​before and after the numerical value can also be included in "about 3" as long as the technical features and technical significance claimed in this disclosure are maintained. Furthermore, when referring to "B that is substantially identical to A," the term "substantially identical" can include not only cases where B is completely identical to A, but also structural elements that are not completely identical but have differences, as long as the technical features and technical significance claimed in this disclosure are maintained. Furthermore, when referring to "A and B are in substantially the same position," the term "same position" can include cases where A and B are completely identical, as well as cases where there is a partial misalignment.

[0043] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by exemplifying an embodiment of a sprinkler head. In the following embodiment, a sidewall-type sprinkler head will be exemplified as the sprinkler head. Furthermore, the exemplified sidewall-type sprinkler head is a concealed sidewall-type sprinkler head.

[0044] Description of side wall sprinkler head 1

[0045] The side wall type sprinkler head 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "sprinkler head 1") comprises a sprinkler head main body 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "main body 10"), a frame 20, a support member 30, a deflector 40, a heat sensing part 50, a biasing member 60, and a cover member 70.

[0046] 1 to 3 , a cover member 70 installed on the front side (inside of the room) of a side wall W of a building is connected to a frame 20. The frame 20 is connected to a main body 10. The main body 10 supports a deflector 40 via a support member 30.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, in the side wall type sprinkler head 1, the heat sensitive part 50 is installed in an opening Wh formed in the side wall W, and the cover member 70 is installed so as to cover and conceal the opening Wh.

[0048] Main body 10

[0049] The main body 10 has a nozzle 11. The nozzle 11 is cylindrical, and a first end of the nozzle 11 is connected to a water supply pipe P installed on the back side (outside the room) of the sidewall W. The outer peripheral surface of the first end of the nozzle 11 is provided with a male thread 12 for connection to the water supply pipe P. The second end of the nozzle 11 is located opposite the first end and is an outlet 13 for discharging fire-extinguishing liquid ( FIG. 4 ). The outlet 13 is formed in a short cylindrical shape that protrudes from a flange portion 15 of the main body 10. The outlet 13 protrudes from the flange portion 15 shorter than a connecting portion 16 (described later). As shown in FIG. 4 , a storage recess 17 is formed between the cylindrical outlet 13 and the connecting portion 16. As shown in FIG. 3 , the storage recess 17 accommodates a biasing member 60. Furthermore, the inner diameter of a guide ring 31 (described later) is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical outlet 13. This allows the storage recess 17 to accommodate the guide ring 31. The nozzle 11 (outlet 13) is normally closed by a valve body 14 when the side wall type sprinkler head 1 is not in operation.

[0050] The main body 10 has a flange portion 15. The flange portion 15 is formed between the outlet 13 (second end) and the male thread 12 (first end) of the nozzle 11. The flange portion 15 has an annular shape. A connecting portion 16 is formed on the outer edge of the flange portion 15. The connecting portion 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and its cylindrical axis coincides with the axis 11A of the nozzle 11. A female thread is formed on the inside of the connecting portion 16. The female thread is configured to be able to threadably engage with a male thread formed on one end of the frame 20 (the outer peripheral surface of the main body side end). The connecting portion 16 and the frame 20 are connected by threading the female thread into the male thread, thereby forming an integrated structure.

[0051] Frame 20

[0052] The frame 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The frame 20 houses the support member 30, the deflector 40, and the heat-sensing unit 50. A step 21 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end side of the frame 20. The step 21 is provided at the front end, i.e., the open end 22, of the frame 20 and protrudes inward. The step 21 is formed around the entire inner peripheral surface of the frame 20. The step 21 is normally formed as a locking step portion to which a pair of levers 51 of the heat-sensing unit 50, which will be described later, is locked. On the other hand, when the sidewall-type sprinkler head 1 is activated, the step 21 is formed as a locking step portion to which a guide ring 31 of the support member 30, which will be described later, is locked.

[0053] The inner peripheral surface of the frame 20 has a guide portion 23. In this embodiment, the guide portion 23 is a protrusion, but is not limited to this. That is, in one modified example, the guide portion 23 can be configured as a recess that guides the movement of a protrusion provided on the guide ring 31. In this embodiment, the guide portion 23 has a semi-cylindrical shape that protrudes toward the axis 11A, and its columnar axial direction and longitudinal direction are formed into a linear shape that extends parallel to the axis 11A of the nozzle 11. The guide portion 23 is provided to properly guide the movement of the guide ring 31 (described later) (forward movement in the direction of the axis 11A) when the sidewall-type sprinkler head 1 is activated. In this embodiment, the guide portion 23 is provided at one location in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the frame 20, but the shape of the guide portion 23 is not limited thereto. That is, the guide portion 23 may be provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the frame 20.

[0054] Support member 30

[0055] The support member 30 includes a guide ring 31, a pin 32, and an arm plate 33. The support member 30 is configured such that the guide ring 31 and the pin 32 are fixed, and the arm plate 33 is movable relative to the pin 32.

[0056] <Guide ring 31>

[0057] In this embodiment, the guide ring 31 is made of a pressed metal sheet, but is not limited to this. That is, the guide ring 31 can be made of a hard resin molded body. The guide ring 31 has an annular shape, and its inner peripheral portion 31 a is formed as a receiving hole large enough to accommodate the valve element 14.

[0058] Guide pieces 31c are formed on the outer periphery 31b of the guide ring 31. The guide pieces 31c are formed as bent pieces formed by bending the outer periphery 31b of the guide ring 31 toward the main body 10. In this embodiment, the guide pieces 31c are formed at four locations on the outer periphery 31b, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the guide piece 31c can be configured as one or more.

[0059] The outer peripheral portion 31b is formed with a guide receiving portion 31d into which the guide portion 23 of the frame 20 described above is inserted. The guide receiving portion 31d is formed as a recess by cutting out the outer peripheral portion 31b in a shape corresponding to the outline of the guide portion 23. In this embodiment, it is a semicircular recess. In this embodiment, the guide receiving portion 31d is formed in one location, but this is not limited to this. That is, like the guide portion 23 of the frame 20 described above, the guide receiving portion 31d may be provided in multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion 31b.

[0060] A plate portion 31e is formed between the inner peripheral portion 31a and the outer peripheral portion 31b of the guide ring 31. The plate portion 31e has a first surface 31e1 on the main body 10 side and a second surface 31e2 on the deflector 40 side. The first surface 31e1 and the second surface 31e2 are both formed as annular flat surfaces. The first surface 31e1 is formed as a "biasing member receiving portion" that receives a guide ring-side end portion 60a of a compression coil spring serving as a biasing member 60 (described later).

[0061] <Pin 32>

[0062] The pin 32 is, for example, a metal round bar, and functions as a guide pin. A fixing portion 32a is formed at one end of the pin 32, the guide ring side end, which is fixed to the plate portion 31e ( FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, the fixing means for the fixing portion 32a is swaged, but welding or other methods may also be used. A retaining portion 32b is formed at the other end of the pin 32, the arm plate side end. The portion between the base of the pin 32 on the fixing portion 32a side protruding from the second surface 31e2 and the retaining portion 32b at the tip of the pin 32 is formed as a pin main body 32c, which is held by pin holders (first pin holder 33b and second pin holder 33c) of the arm plate 33 (described later). The pin main body 32c guides the sliding movement of the pin holder along its longitudinal direction.

[0063] <Arm plate 33>

[0064] The arm plate 33 is configured as a plate-shaped component. More specifically, the arm plate 33 of this embodiment is configured as a pressed metal plate. As an example, a metal thin plate having a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm can be used. As shown in FIG. 5 , the arm plate 33 has an arm portion 33 a, a first pin holding portion 33 b, and a second pin holding portion 33 c.

[0065] The arm portion 33a includes a first plate portion 33d, a second plate portion 33e, and a third plate portion 33f. The arm portion 33a constitutes a "first flow diverting plate." Specifically, the arm portion 33a serving as the "first flow diverting plate" has a plate shape with a plate surface rising vertically from the spray surface 41c1 of the deflector 40 toward the main body 10. The arm portion 33a is positioned to divide the spray surface 41c1 into a first surface 41c11 and a second surface 41c12 passing through the axis 11A of the nozzle 11, and divertes the flow of extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 toward the first surface 41c11 and the second surface 41c12. In this embodiment, the arm portion 33a divertes the flow of extinguishing liquid to the left and right.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first plate portion 33d is formed as a "vertical arm piece" of the arm plate 33. That is, the first plate portion 33d is a plate piece shaped along the up-down direction (vertical direction) whose longitudinal direction intersects with the axis 11A. Furthermore, as a "vertical arm piece," the first plate portion 33d has a portion that extends upward perpendicular to the axis 11A above the axis 11A. The first plate portion 33d is located between the second plate portion 33e and the third plate portion 33f and is formed in a shape that connects them.

[0067] The first plate portion 33d has a protrusion 33d1. More specifically, the first plate portion 33d, which is the "first flow diverting plate piece," protrudes toward the valve body 14 and has the protrusion 33d1 that bears the closing load of the valve body 14 against the nozzle 11. The tip (apex) of the protrusion 33d1 is located on the axis 11A of the nozzle 11. The protrusion 33d1 is formed as a semicircular protrusion that protrudes from the main body side plate end 33d2 of the first plate portion 33d. By providing the protrusion 33d1 on the first plate portion 33d, the "first flow diverting plate piece" that has the function of diverting the extinguishing liquid can be given the function of bearing the closing load of the valve body 14 that closes the nozzle 11. In other words, by providing multiple functions to one part, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, since the tip of the protrusion 33d1 is positioned on the axis 11A of the nozzle 11, it comes into contact with the center of the valve body 14 located on the axis 11A of the nozzle 11, and a closing load can be applied within the range of the plate thickness of the arm plate 33 that has no angular difference with respect to the axis 11A.

[0068] A slit 33d3 is formed in the protrusion 33d1. The slit 33d3 is a rectangular notched groove whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the axis 11A. A fourth plate portion 33g, which serves as a "second flow dividing plate piece" (described later), is combined with the slit 33d3.

[0069] A first mounting portion 33d4 is formed on the first plate portion 33d. The first mounting portion 33d4 is formed as a hook-shaped protruding piece that protrudes from the deflector side plate end 33d5 of the first plate portion 33d toward the deflector 40. More specifically, the hook-shaped protruding piece has an inverted L shape. The first mounting portion 33d4 functions as a hook for attaching the arm plate 33 to the deflector 40.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second plate portion 33e is formed as a "horizontal arm piece" of the arm plate 33. That is, the second plate portion 33e is formed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the axis 11A. The second plate portion 33e is formed in a shape that connects the first plate portion 33d and the first pin holding portion 33b.

[0071] In this embodiment, the third plate portion 33f is formed as an "inclined arm piece" of the arm plate 33. That is, the third plate portion 33f is formed as an inclined piece extending in a direction intersecting the axis 11A. Furthermore, as an "inclined arm piece," the third plate portion 33f extends obliquely downward from the deflector 40 side toward the main body 10 side at a position below the axis 11A. The third plate portion 33f is formed in a shape that connects the first plate portion 33d and the second pin holding portion 33c. More specifically, the third plate portion 33f is inclined so as to gradually move away from the axis 11A from the end portion on the first plate portion 33d side toward the end portion on the second pin holding portion 33c side.

[0072] The arm plate 33 further includes a fourth plate portion 33g. The fourth plate portion 33g constitutes a "second flow diverting plate piece." That is, the fourth plate portion 33g serving as the "second flow diverting plate piece" has a plate shape that rises vertically from the spray surface 41c1 toward the main body 10, intersecting with the spray surface 41c1 of the deflector 40 and the arm portion 33a serving as the "first flow diverting plate piece," and divertes the flow of the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11. In this embodiment, the fourth plate portion 33g divertes the flow of the extinguishing liquid upward and downward.

[0073] The fourth plate portion 33g is formed as a semi-elliptical protrusion that protrudes perpendicularly from the deflector 40. The fourth plate portion 33g is an independent component separate from the arm plate 33 and the deflector 40 and is provided as a "boss plate." The fourth plate portion 33g is formed by pressing a metal plate. More specifically, it is formed as a boss made of a flat metal plate. The apex of the fourth plate portion 33g is formed to be positioned on the axis 11A of the nozzle 11. A slit 33g1 is formed in the fourth plate portion 33g. The slit 33g1 is formed as a rectangular notched groove whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the axis 11A. Both sides of the slit 33g1 are formed as a pair of boss arms 33g2.

[0074] The pair of boss arms 33g2 each have a second mounting portion 33g3 at the tip thereof for mounting to the deflector 40. The second mounting portion 33g3 is formed as a protruding piece that protrudes linearly from both sides of the slit 33g1 toward the deflector 40. After being inserted into the second mounting receptacle 41c3, the second mounting portion 33g3 is bent into a hook shape to pinch the edge of the second mounting receptacle 41c3, thereby preventing it from falling off. More specifically, the hook-shaped protruding piece is L-shaped. The second mounting portion 33g3 functions as a hook for mounting the fourth plate portion 33g and the arm plate 33 to the deflector 40.

[0075] The first plate portion 33d (first flow dividing plate piece) and the fourth plate portion 33g (second flow dividing plate piece) are assembled so that their plate surfaces intersect, thereby forming a pressure-receiving protrusion 33h that receives the closing load of the valve body 14 against the outlet 13 of the nozzle 11. More specifically, the slit 33g1 is aligned with the slit 33d3, and then the fourth plate portion 33g is inserted into the first plate portion 33d. This results in the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h being configured as a cross-notched assembly of the fourth plate portion 33g and the first plate portion 33d. This assembly increases the rigidity of the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h. More specifically, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h has sufficient strength to prevent buckling even when a large closing load from the valve body 14 acts on it for a long period of time. Therefore, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h does not require the use of bolts or castings, as used in the prior art described below, and can be made of, for example, a metal plate. Furthermore, since the slits 33g1 and 33d3 are aligned and integrated into an assembly, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h can be easily assembled with the required precision. The metal plate can be made of, for example, phosphor bronze, with a thickness of, for example, 1.0 to 3.0 mm. Both the arm plate 33 and the fourth plate portion 33g can be manufactured at low cost by sheet metal processing.

[0076] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h is formed as a shape in which the fourth plate portion 33g and the first plate portion 33d have plate pieces extending radially in four directions (a shape that radiates in multiple directions) centered on the axial center 11A of the nozzle 11. However, the shape of the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h may also be a radial shape that combines plate pieces that radiate in multiple directions other than four directions, specifically two, three, five or more directions.

[0077] In the prior art, the component that receives the closing load of the valve disc is typically formed, for example, from a bolt or casting because it must be rigid enough to withstand the closing load. For example, if a cylindrical pressure-receiving protrusion is provided as the component that receives the closing load of the valve disc, it is formed from a steel bolt or casting that can support the closing load for many years. The central axis of the pressure-receiving protrusion is aligned with the axis of the nozzle, and the tip that abuts against the valve disc is formed as a hemispherical spherical surface. However, such a pressure-receiving protrusion has a large thickness in a direction perpendicular to the axis 11A of the nozzle 11. In other words, the diameter of the pressure-receiving protrusion is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11. As a result, the momentum of the flow of the cylindrical extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 is weakened by the pressure-receiving protrusion, making it difficult to increase the projection distance of the extinguishing liquid.

[0078] Similarly, in the prior art, for example, a pair of support arms (support members) extending from the body toward the deflector are sometimes provided to support the pressure projections and deflector relative to the body of the sprinkler head. Because such support arms are typically formed as part of the body using casting, they are typically thick due to manufacturing constraints. Therefore, like the pressure projections, these support arms also weaken the force of the flow of fire-extinguishing liquid when they hit it. This makes it difficult to properly spray water over the protected area in the prior art.

[0079] As described above, in the prior art, when the pressure-receiving protrusion or support member is made of casting or the like, they are large compared to the extinguishing liquid released from the nozzle, making it difficult to properly spray the extinguishing liquid onto the protected area.

[0080] In contrast, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h (the first plate portion 33d (first flow-diverting plate piece) and the fourth plate portion 33g (second flow-diverting plate piece)) has a shape in which the plate pieces extend radially. Therefore, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h has a smaller contact area with the cylindrical extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 than a cylindrical pressure-receiving protrusion. In other words, the plate end faces of the first plate portion 33d and the fourth plate portion 33g of the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h come into contact with the cylindrical extinguishing liquid discharged. The plate end faces correspond to the plate thicknesses of the metal plates constituting the first plate portion 33d and the fourth plate portion 33g. Therefore, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h can significantly reduce the contact area with the discharged extinguishing liquid compared to the pressure-receiving protrusions and support arms of the prior art described above. Therefore, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h can suppress a decrease in the momentum of the flow of the extinguishing liquid, making it easier to increase the flight distance of the extinguishing liquid.

[0081] Furthermore, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h divides the spray surface 41c1 of the deflector 40 (described later) into a first surface 41c11 and a second surface 41c12 so as to pass through the axis 11A of the nozzle 11, and diverts the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 into flows toward the first surface 41c11 and the second surface 41c12. Therefore, the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 is diverted into multiple flows by the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h (the first plate portion 33d (first diverting plate piece) and the fourth plate portion 33g (second diverting plate piece)), thereby allowing the extinguishing liquid to be appropriately dispersed in the protected area.

[0082] As described above, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h of this embodiment is formed by the first plate portion 33d as the "first flow-diverting plate piece" and the fourth plate portion 33g as the "second flow-diverting plate piece." That is, the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h functions as a flow-straightening member for rectifying the flow of extinguishing liquid toward the deflector 40. In this embodiment, the plate width W2 ( FIG. 8 ) of the fourth plate portion 33g is wider than the plate width W1 ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) of the first plate portion 33d. The extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 is cylindrical. However, because the plate width W2 is wider than the plate width W1, the extinguishing liquid is diverted by the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h into a horizontally elongated elliptical shape (an elliptical shape with its major axis extending left and right). Therefore, the sprinkler head 1 can more effectively spray extinguishing liquid to the left and right directions forward. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to plate width W2 being wider than W1, but may also include embodiments in which plate width W2 is the same as plate width W1, and embodiments in which plate width W2 is narrower than plate width W1.

[0083] The first pin holding portion 33b is formed as a bent portion by bending a metal plate, and the bent portion has a concave shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the pin body 32c.

[0084] The second pin holding portion 33c is formed as a bent portion by bending a metal plate, and the bent portion has a concave shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the pin body 32c.

[0085] The first pin retaining portion 33b bends to one side around the thickness of the arm portion 33a. The second pin retaining portion 33c bends to the other side around the thickness of the arm portion 33a. The first pin retaining portion 33b and the second pin retaining portion 33c are each formed to surround the pin body 32c from the outer peripheral surface portion that does not face the axis 11A. As a result, the first pin retaining portion 33b and the second pin retaining portion 33c hold the pair of pin bodies 32c by sandwiching them from opposite directions, preventing them from coming off the pins 32. In this way, the pair of pin retaining portions (the first pin retaining portion 33b and the second pin retaining portion 33c) can reliably hold the pair of pins 32 through a retaining structure that holds the centers of the pair of pins 32 offset in opposite directions around the thickness of the arm portion 33a.

[0086] Although the first pin holding portion 33b and the second pin holding portion 33c are formed as angular bent portions in this embodiment, they are not limited to this and may be formed as arc-shaped bent portions in other embodiments.

[0087] The deflector 40 is configured as a plate-shaped component. More specifically, the deflector 40 of this embodiment is configured as a pressed metal plate. As an example, the metal plate may be approximately 1.5 mm thick. In other words, the deflector 40 can be configured from a metal plate having the same thickness as the arm plate 33.

[0088] Deflector 40

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the deflector 40 includes a deflector body 41, an auxiliary deflector 42, a connecting piece portion 43, and a water passage opening 44, for example.

[0090] <Deflector body 41>

[0091] The deflector body 41 is the base of the deflector 40. The deflector body 41 is formed as a vertical piece that is perpendicular to the axis 11A of the nozzle 11. That is, the deflector body 41 is a metal plate with its plate surface aligned in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 7, the deflector body 41 has a flow adjustment projection 41a, a lateral projection 41b, and a water spray portion 41c.

[0092] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the flow straightening projection 41a is formed as a mountain-shaped projection. The flow straightening projection 41a has a peak 41a1, a first base 41a2, and a second base 41a3. As shown in Figure 8, the peak 41a1 is a tip having a predetermined plate width W3. The plate width W3 is wider than the plate thickness W4 of the arm plate 33, specifically, the plate width (W4) of the end face (plate end face corresponding to the plate thickness) of the deflector-side plate end 33d5 of the arm portion 33a (first flow diverting plate piece). For example, if the plate width W3 is narrower than the plate thickness W4, the fire extinguishing liquid diverted by the arm portion 33a may easily merge after passing through the flow straightening projection 41a, which may result in excessive spraying directly in front of it. However, in this embodiment, the plate width W3 is wider than the plate thickness W4, which prevents the extinguishing liquid diverted by the arm portion 33a from merging with the extinguishing liquid that has passed to the left and right of the flow-adjusting protrusion 41a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plate width W3 is set to slightly protrude to the left and right of the plate thickness W4. More specifically, the protruding lengths of the apexes 41a1 that protrude to the left and right of the arm portion 33a can be set to approximately half the plate thickness W4. This ensures that the extinguishing liquid diverted by the arm portion 33a is sprayed directly in front of the flow-adjusting protrusion 41a and to the left and right of the front. This prevents the extinguishing liquid from being unable to be sprayed directly in front of the flow-adjusting protrusion 41a.

[0093] The first base 41a2 is formed as a plate edge with a concavely curved ridge extending from the peak 41a1. If the plate edge of the first base 41a2 were linear like the second base 41a3 rather than concavely curved, the diverted extinguishing liquid would hit that portion, reducing the force of the flow of the extinguishing liquid. In contrast, the concavely curved shape of the first base 41a2 avoids contact with the diverted extinguishing liquid, thereby increasing the forward throw distance of the sprinkler head 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 , the water spray distribution of the first base 41a2 is shown as water spray distribution R1.

[0094] The second base 41a3 is formed as a linear plate edge extending diagonally downward from the lower end of the first base 41a2. Because the second base 41a3 is a wall that protrudes laterally from the first base 41a2, the direction of spraying the extinguishing liquid can be controlled so that it is directed more diagonally forward than the first base 41a2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 , the spray distribution R2 of the second base 41a3 sprays the extinguishing liquid from a distant position diagonally forward to a nearby position.

[0095] The lateral protrusions 41b are formed as thin strips that protrude to the left and right of the flow rectifying protrusions 41a. The tips of the lateral protrusions 41b are connected to the connecting piece portions 43. In other words, the lateral protrusions 41b are provided between the flow rectifying protrusions 41a and the connecting piece portions 43.

[0096] Spray section 41c is formed in a flat plate shape and includes spray surface 41c1, notched grooves 41c21, 41c22, and 41c23, and blades 41c31, 41c32, and 41c33.

[0097] The spray surface 41c1 is the portion that comes into contact with the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 and diverted by the arm plate 33. As shown in FIG. 12 , the fourth plate portion 33g (second diverting plate piece) of the arm plate 33 is positioned so that the plate surface is horizontal at a position that passes through the axis 11A of the nozzle 11, and the spray surface 41c1 is located below the fourth plate portion 33g (axis 11A of the nozzle 11). Therefore, the spray surface 41c1 is the portion that comes into contact with the extinguishing liquid that is discharged from the nozzle 11 and diverted above and below by the fourth plate portion 33g, and that diverted below the fourth plate portion 33g. In this embodiment, the spray surface 41c1 is divided into a first surface 41c11 and a second surface 41c12 by the arm plate 33. The extinguishing liquid diverted by the arm plate 33 hits the first surface 41c11 and the second surface 41c12 and is scattered.

[0098] Spray section 41c has multiple blades 41c31, 41c32, 41c33 formed by cutout grooves 41c21, 41c22, 41c23. The nozzle 11-side surfaces of first blade 41c31, second blade 41c32, and third blade 41c33 all become elements that make up spray surface 41c1.

[0099] The first blade 41c31 has a flat plate shape (flat blade). That is, the first blade 41c31 does not have any bent portions. The first blade 41c31 extends diagonally downward and is formed in a shape in which its plate width increases from its base end to its tip end. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 , the gap between the first blade 41c31 and the lateral protrusion 41b, i.e., the notched groove 41c21, results in a water spray distribution R3 that sprays fire-extinguishing liquid to a position closer to and diagonally forward of the sprinkler head 1 than the water spray distribution R2 of the second base portion 41a3.

[0100] The second blade 41c32 has a flat plate shape (flat blade). That is, the second blade 41c32 does not have any bent portions. The second blade 41c32 extends obliquely downward and is formed in a shape in which the plate width tapers from its base end side to its tip end side.

[0101] The third blade 41c33 has a bent shape (bent blade) with its tip bent toward the nozzle 11. Here, if the second blade 41c32 and the third blade 41c33 are both flat blades without any bends, the passage for extinguishing liquid (notched groove 41c23) between the second blade 41c32 and the third blade 41c33 is formed by a two-dimensional gap (first gap) on the same plane. In contrast, if the second blade 41c32 is flat and the third blade 41c33 is bent, the second blade 41c32 and the third blade 41c33 are in a twisted positional relationship. Therefore, the passage for extinguishing liquid (notched groove 41c23) formed between the opposing plate ends is a three-dimensional passage formed by a three-dimensional gap. This allows a larger gap to be formed compared to the first gap, making it easier for more extinguishing liquid to pass through, and effectively spraying the extinguishing liquid onto the close-in protection area diagonally below and in front of the sprinkler head 1.

[0102] Furthermore, the third blade 41c33 has a bent shape that bends toward the nozzle 11. The extinguishing liquid that hits the spray surface 41c1 tends to fall downward along the spray surface 41c1. However, because the third blade 41c33 is bent toward the nozzle 11, the water flow falling along the spray surface 41c1 can be returned toward the nozzle 11 along the bend. This allows a constant amount of extinguishing liquid to be sprayed on the side wall W on which the sprinkler head 1 is installed.

[0103] Although the third blade 41c33 has been shown as having a curved shape substantially over its entire length, the present invention is not limited to this and may have a combination of a flat plate shape and a curved shape.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the water spray portion 41c is formed with a first attachment receiving portion 41c2, a second attachment receiving portion 41c3, and an abutment receiving portion 41c4.

[0105] The first attachment receiving portion 41c2 is a portion to which the first attachment portion 33d4 of the arm plate 33 is attached. The first attachment receiving portion 41c2 is formed as a rectangular hole that can pass through the plate thickness of the first attachment portion 33d4 of the arm plate 33.

[0106] The second mounting receptacles 41c3 are portions to which the pair of second mounting portions 33g3 of the fourth plate portion 33g (boss plate) described above are attached. The second mounting receptacles 41c3 are provided as a pair above the first mounting receptacle 41c2. The second mounting receptacles 41c3 are formed as rectangular holes through which the second mounting portions 33g3 can be inserted.

[0107] The assembly of the arm plate 33 and the deflector 40 is achieved as follows.

[0108] The arm plate 33 has the first mounting portion 33d4 inserted into the first mounting receptacle 41c2, and the first plate portion 33d inserted into an arm plate slit 42a (FIG. 6) of the auxiliary deflector 42, which will be described later. Then, by lowering the arm plate 33 downward relative to the deflector 40, the locking claw of the first mounting portion 33d4 locks onto the edge of the first mounting receptacle 41c2. This prevents the arm plate 33 from coming off the deflector 40.

[0109] Next, with the slits 33g1 of the fourth plate 33g fitted into the slits 33d3 of the first plate 33d, the pair of second mounting portions 33g3 are inserted into the corresponding second mounting receptacles 41c3, and then the fourth plate 33g is bent into a hook shape. Then, the hook-shaped locking claws of the second mounting portions 33g3 lock onto the plate edges of the second mounting receptacles 41c3. This prevents the fourth plate 33g from coming off the deflector 40 with the arm plate 33 sandwiched between the deflector 40 and the fourth plate 33g.

[0110] In this way, the arm plate 33, which is the "first flow diverting plate piece," has the first mounting portion 33d4 to be attached to the deflector 40, and the deflector 40 has the first mounting receptacle 41c2 to which the first mounting portion 33d4 is attached, so that the arm plate 33 and the deflector 40 can be configured as an integrated assembly. The fourth plate portion 33g, which is the "second flow diverting plate piece," has the second mounting portion 33g3 to be attached to the deflector 40, and the deflector 40 has the second mounting receptacle 41c3 to which the second mounting portion 33g3 is attached, so that the fourth plate portion 33g, which is the "second flow diverting plate piece," can be configured as an integrated assembly with the deflector 40.

[0111] 6 and 9, an abutment receiving portion 41c4 is formed between the pair of second attachment receiving portions 41c3. The abutment receiving portion 41c4 is formed as a circular recess, but is not limited to this and may be a through hole.

[0112] <Auxiliary deflector 42>

[0113] The auxiliary deflector 42 is supported by the deflector body 41 via a pair of connecting pieces 43. The auxiliary deflector 42 is formed in a flat plate shape. More specifically, the auxiliary deflector 42 has a polygonal flat plate shape, and a pair of connecting pieces 43 (second bent portions 43c) are connected to the side plate edges of the main body. As a result, the auxiliary deflector 42 is disposed above the deflector body 41 and is supported by the deflector body 41 via the connecting pieces 43. An arm plate slit 42a is formed in the side plate edge of the main body of the auxiliary deflector 42. The arm plate slit 42a is provided as a notched groove formed in the flat plate-shaped auxiliary deflector 42 and has a groove width corresponding to the plate width of the arm plate 33. The arm plate 33 (deflector side plate end 33d5) is inserted into this slit. By combining the arm plate 33 with the auxiliary deflector 42 in this way, the positions of the auxiliary deflector 42 and the arm plate 33 can be fixed so that they do not deform laterally when subjected to external forces.

[0114] <Connection piece 43>

[0115] Each of the pair of connecting pieces 43 has a first bent portion 43a, a middle portion 43b, and a second bent portion 43c.

[0116] The first bent portion 43a is a portion that bends from the upper edge of the connecting piece portion 43 toward the main body 10. The first bent portion 43a bends substantially at a right angle so that its plate surface changes from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. The intermediate portion 43b is a portion provided between the first bent portion 43a and the second bent portion 43c. The intermediate portion 43b extends horizontally without being substantially inclined. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the intermediate portion 43b extends at an upward inclination, the entire deflector 40 can be configured more compactly in the height direction. By making the deflector 40 more compact in the height direction, the gap between the auxiliary deflector 42 and the lateral protrusion 41b at the water passage opening 44 can be narrowed. This increases the flow rate of the extinguishing liquid F1 flowing along the underside of the auxiliary deflector 42, making it easier to increase the forward throw distance of the extinguishing liquid. The second bent portion 43 c is a portion that is bent in a semicircular arc or U-shape, and its upper end is connected to the auxiliary deflector 42 .

[0117] <Water opening 44>

[0118] The water passage opening 44 is a portion through which the fire extinguishing liquid flows to be sprayed mainly into the protected area in front of the sprinkler head 1. The water passage opening 44 is a portion formed by the plate edges of the deflector body 41, the auxiliary deflector 42, and the pair of connecting pieces 43.

[0119] Heat-sensitive unit 50

[0120] The heat-sensing unit 50 supports the closing load of the valve body 14 during normal times when no fire is detected, and when it detects the heat of a fire, it has the function of activating the sprinkler head 1 by removing the closing load from the valve body 14.

[0121] The heat-sensing unit 50 is supported by the frame 20. Specifically, the heat-sensing unit 50 is supported by the frame 20 via a pair of levers 51. Each lever 51 is formed in a rod shape. A first end (an outer end on the frame 20 side) of each lever 51 is engaged with a step 21 of the frame 20. A second end (an inner end on the heat-sensing unit 50 side) of each lever 51 is engaged with a hole formed in the heat-sensing unit 50. The heat-sensing unit 50 is positioned so as to protrude outside the frame 20 beyond the open end 22 of the frame 20. A saddle 52 and a screw 53 are installed between the pair of levers 51 and the valve body 14.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 3 , the saddle 52 is formed in a rod shape with a U-shaped cross section. Therefore, a horizontally extending groove is formed inside the U-shape of the saddle 52. As shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of levers 51 are disposed in the groove of the saddle 52. A screw hole 52a having a female thread is formed in the center of the saddle 52, and a screw 53 is threaded into the screw hole 52a as shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , when the screw 53 inserted into the screw hole 52a is screwed toward the valve body 14, the screw 53 abuts against the deflector 40 (the abutment receiving portion 41c4 of the deflector main body 41 (see FIG. 6)), and the deflector 40 presses the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h of the arm plate 33 toward the nozzle 11. This supports the valve body 14 while liquid-tightly closing the outlet of the nozzle 11. At the same time, the lever 51 housed inside the saddle 52 is pressed by the saddle 52, and a force acts on the lever 51 to rotate the link side end (the inner end on the heat-sensing unit 50 side) of the lever 51 in a direction away from each other, with the engagement point with the step 21 as a fulcrum.

[0123] The heat-sensing part 50 is a link made of two thin metal plates bonded together with a fusible alloy. When the heat of a fire melts the fusible alloy, the force applied to the lever 51 from the saddle 52 rotates the lever 51, separating the two metal plates and disengaging the lever 51 from the frame 20. This causes the valve body 14 to separate from the outlet 13 of the nozzle 11, releasing the fire-extinguishing liquid.

[0124] Urging member 60

[0125] As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , when the sprinkler head 1 is activated, the biasing member 60 pushes the guide ring 31 toward the open end 22 of the frame 20, moving the guide ring 31. In this embodiment, the biasing member 60 is exemplified as a compression coil spring, but other springs may be used. The compression coil spring exemplified here is a conical spring, but other springs may also be used. When the sprinkler head 1 is in a normal state, the conical spring can be accommodated in the small gap between the main body 10 and the guide ring 31 in a compressed state so that the coil wire does not overlap, as shown in Figure 3. This can contribute to the miniaturization of the sprinkler head 1 in the direction of the axis 11A.

[0126] 3 and 4, the first end 61 of the conical spring, which is the biasing member 60, on the main body 10 side has an inner diameter that allows it to be positioned along the outer periphery of the cylindrical outlet 13 of the nozzle 11. This allows the conical spring and the axis 11A of the nozzle 11 to be substantially aligned, preventing biasing of the guide ring 31 due to misalignment of the central axis of the conical spring. Furthermore, preventing misalignment of the first end 61 also prevents misalignment of the second end 62 on the guide ring 31 side.

[0127] Cover member 70

[0128] 3, the cover member 70 has a function of covering and concealing an opening Wh provided in a side wall W of a building. The cover member 70 specifically has a retainer 71 and a cover plate 72.

[0129] The retainer 71 has a tubular portion 71a and a flange portion 71b. The tubular portion 71a has a cylindrical shape and is attached to the outer periphery of the frame 20 and held by the frame 20. The flange portion 71b has an annular shape and is a portion that abuts against the side wall W when the sprinkler head 1 including the cover member 70 is installed on the side wall W. When the flange portion 71b abuts against the side wall W, a gap is formed between the side wall W and the cover plate 72 to allow hot airflow in the event of a fire to enter the interior, and the cover plate 72 is thereby positioned.

[0130] The flange portion 71b has legs 71c formed by partially cutting and raising the metal plate of the flange portion 71b at multiple locations (e.g., three locations) around its circumference. The legs 71c have a vertical piece facing the cover plate 72 and a horizontal piece bent relative to the vertical piece and fixed to the back surface of the cover plate 72 (both not shown). The horizontal piece of the legs 71c is fixed to the back surface of the cover plate 72, thereby integrating the retainer 71 and the cover plate 72 to form the cover member 70. The horizontal piece of the legs 71c is fixed to the cover plate 72 by a fusible alloy that activates at a lower operating temperature than the fusible alloy used to link the heat-sensing portion 50.

[0131] The cover plate 72 has a disk shape, and the outer surface facing the interior of the vehicle is decorated with any color or pattern to form a decorated surface.

[0132] Operation of sprinkler head 1

[0133] Next, the operation of the sprinkler head 1 will be described. When a fire breaks out, a hot air current flows between the cover plate 72 and the flange portion 71b of the retainer 71. This softens and melts the fusible alloy that secures the legs 71c to the cover plate 72, causing the cover plate 72 to peel off from the legs 71c and fall downward. As a result, the interior of the frame 20 attached to the inner periphery of the retainer 71 is exposed to the indoor side of the side wall W.

[0134] Following the softening and melting of the fusible alloy in the leg portion 71c, the heat-sensing portion 50 may disintegrate. That is, the softening and melting of the fusible alloy that bonds the links together causes the links to separate. This causes the lever 51 to come off the frame 20, as described above, and the heat-sensing portion 50, saddle 52, and screw 53 lose support from the lever 51 to the frame 20. At the same time, the compressed coil spring, i.e., the biasing member 60, which had been stored in a contracted state, returns to its original position, causing the guide ring 31 to be repelled toward the opening end 22 by the biasing member 60. The guide ring 31 moves to the step 21 of the frame 20 while its guide receiving portion 31d is guided by the guide portion 23 of the frame 20. Therefore, the guide ring 31 can move smoothly to the step 21.

[0135] The valve element 14, which had been sealing the outlet 13 of the nozzle 11, is blown toward the open end 22 of the frame 20 by the pressure of the fire-extinguishing liquid. As a result, the valve element 14 presses the pressure-receiving protrusions 33h (the first plate portion 33d and the fourth plate portion 33g of the arm plate 33), causing the arm plate 33 to move toward the open end 22 of the frame 20. At this time, the movements of the first pin holding portion 33b and the second pin holding portion 33c are guided by the pins 32 along the longitudinal directions of the pins 32. The arm plate 33 moves until the first pin holding portion 33b and the second pin holding portion 33c abut against the retaining portion 32b. In this way, the arm plate 33 moves from the normal state shown in FIG. 3 to the activated state shown in FIG. 4.

[0136] As a result, the arm plate 33 and the deflector 40 are disposed so as to protrude into the room from the opening Wh in the side wall W, as shown in Figure 4. Therefore, the sprinkler head 1 can spray the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 at a position close to the protected area.

[0137] Spraying of fire extinguishing liquid by sprinkler head 1 (Figures 10 to 13)

[0138] The extinguishing liquid is released in a cylindrical shape from the outlet 13 of the nozzle 11. This is because the outlet 13 is cylindrical. The cylindrical extinguishing liquid hits the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h. The apex of the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h is located on the axis 11A of the nozzle 11, and the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h is cross-shaped. The first plate portion 33d and the fourth plate portion 33g that make up the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h have plate-shaped ends that come into contact with the extinguishing liquid. Therefore, the contact area with the extinguishing liquid is small, and therefore the momentum of the flow of the extinguishing liquid can be prevented from decreasing even when the extinguishing liquid hits them.

[0139] When the flow of extinguishing liquid from the outlet 13 of the nozzle 11 toward the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h is viewed, the cylindrical extinguishing liquid is divided by the pressure-receiving protrusion 33h into an upper flow F1 and a lower flow F2, as shown in Fig. 10. At the same time, the upper flow is further divided into left and right flows by the protrusion 33d1 and the first plate portion 33d (vertical arm piece) of the arm plate 33. The lower flow is further divided into left and right flows by the protrusion 33d1 and the third plate portion 33f (inclined arm piece) of the arm plate 33.

[0140] The upper flow of the extinguishing liquid hits the first plate 33d, which serves as a "vertical arm piece." The first plate 33d extends upward perpendicular to the axis 11A. The water column-shaped (upper semi-cylindrical) extinguishing liquid flows forward while splitting into left and right flows of the first plate 33d upon contact with the first plate 33d. The split flows are rectified by the flow-rectifying protrusions 41a of the deflector 40 and pass through the water passage opening 44, where their flow speed is increased (see the description of the flow-rectifying protrusions 41a and the connecting piece 43, above). The extinguishing liquid is then guided by the lower surface of the auxiliary deflector 42, slides along the lower surface, and is sprayed from the tip of the auxiliary deflector 42 toward the forward protected area. For example, if the protection area is divided into a far area, an intermediate area, and a near area according to the distance from the sprinkler head 1, the fire extinguishing liquid is sprayed mainly onto the far area and the intermediate area.

[0141] On the other hand, the lower flow of the extinguishing liquid hits the third plate portion 33f, which serves as an "inclined arm piece." The third plate portion 33f extends obliquely downward from the deflector 40 toward the main body 10. The tip of the extinguishing liquid in the form of a water column (lower semi-cylindrical) gradually contacts the third plate portion 33f, which serves as an "inclined arm piece," from its lower end (toward the main body 10) to its upper end (toward the deflector 40). In other words, the water column gradually contacts the third plate portion 33f from its outer periphery toward the center. As a result, the extinguishing liquid splashes downward and forward from the outer periphery toward the center, gradually increasing its forward flight distance. In this way, the third plate portion 33f, which serves as an "inclined arm piece," can gradually divert the extinguishing liquid to the left and right of its plate thickness. The extinguishing liquid that has come into contact with third plate portion 33f then comes into contact with spray surface 41c1 (first surface 41c11, second surface 41c12) of spray portion 41c of deflector 40, and is rectified by spray portion 41c (notched grooves 41c21 to 41c23, first blade 41c31, second blade 41c32, third blade 41c33) and sprayed forward. The extinguishing liquid is sprayed mainly onto the intermediate region and nearby region.

[0142] Action and effect of sprinkler head 1

[0143] The sprinkler head 1 includes a main body 10 having a nozzle 11 that discharges extinguishing liquid, a valve body 14 that closes an outlet 13 of the nozzle 11, a deflector 40 having a spray surface 41c1 that comes into contact with the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11, and an arm plate 33 serving as a "first flow diverting plate piece" that supports the deflector 40. The arm plate 33 has a plate shape whose plate surface rises vertically from the spray surface 41c1 toward the main body 10, dividing the spray surface 41c1 into multiple surfaces and diverting the extinguishing liquid into flows toward the multiple surfaces.

[0144] Because the arm plate 33 supporting the deflector 40 is shaped like a plate, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the momentum of the flow of extinguishing liquid when the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11 comes into contact with the arm plate 33. The arm plate 33 divides the spray surface 41c1 into multiple surfaces and diverts the extinguishing liquid into flows toward the multiple surfaces. Therefore, by diverting the extinguishing liquid while maintaining as much momentum as possible of the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle 11, it is possible to spray the extinguishing liquid appropriately over the protected area.

[0145] Modifications of the embodiment

[0146] Although the above embodiment illustrates a sidewall-type sprinkler head 1, the sprinkler head may be modified to a sprinkler head that is not installed on a sidewall. In other words, the sprinkler head of the present disclosure is not limited to a sidewall-type sprinkler head. The problem of appropriately spraying fire-extinguishing liquid over a protected area also applies to upward-facing sprinkler heads and downward-facing sprinkler heads. In upward-facing sprinkler heads, the fire-extinguishing liquid discharged upward from the nozzle is scattered horizontally by a deflector. In downward-facing sprinkler heads, the fire-extinguishing liquid discharged downward from the nozzle is scattered horizontally by a deflector. In either case, the fire-extinguishing liquid may hit the support member, potentially preventing the sufficient spray distance to cover the protected area. However, the sprinkler head 1 of the above embodiment can be applied to both upward-facing and downward-facing sprinkler heads by changing the shape of the deflector.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the concealed side wall type sprinkler head 1 provided with the cover member 70 has been exemplified, but the sprinkler head may not be provided with the cover member 70. In other words, the sprinkler head of the present disclosure is not limited to the concealed type.

[0148] 1 sprinkler head, 10 main body, 11 nozzle, 11A axis, 13 outlet, 14 valve body, 30 support member, 31 guide ring, 32 pin (guide pin), 33 arm plate, 33a arm portion (first flow dividing plate piece), 33b first pin holding portion, 33c second pin holding portion, 33d first plate portion (vertical arm piece), 33d1 protrusion, 33d4 first mounting portion, 33e second plate portion (horizontal arm piece), 33f third plate portion (inclined arm piece), 33g fourth plate portion (second flow dividing plate piece), 33g3 second mounting portion, 33h pressure receiving protrusion, 40 deflector, 41 deflector body, 41a straightening protrusion, 41c water spray portion, 41c1 water spray surface, 41c11 first surface, 41c12 Second surface, 41c2: First mounting receiving portion, 41c3: Second mounting receiving portion, 42: Auxiliary deflector, 44: Water passage opening, 50: Heat sensing portion, 70: Cover member, W: Side wall, Wh: Opening

Claims

1. A sprinkler head comprising: a body having a nozzle for discharging extinguishing liquid; a valve body for closing the outlet of the nozzle; a deflector having a spray surface with which the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle comes into contact; and a first diversion plate piece supporting the deflector, wherein the first diversion plate piece has a plate shape whose surface rises vertically from the spray surface toward the body, dividing the spray surface into multiple surfaces and diverting the extinguishing liquid into flows toward the multiple surfaces.

2. A sprinkler head as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first flow diverting plate piece has a first mounting portion for mounting to said deflector, and said deflector has a first mounting receiving portion for mounting said first mounting portion.

3. A sprinkler head as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first flow dividing plate piece has a protrusion that protrudes toward said valve body and receives the closing load of said valve body against said nozzle.

4. A sprinkler head as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first flow dividing plate piece has an inclined arm piece, said inclined arm piece extending obliquely downward in a direction approaching said main body side from said deflector side.

5. The sprinkler head of claim 1, wherein said first flow diverter plate section has a vertical arm section, said vertical arm section extending upwardly perpendicular to an axis of said nozzle.

6. A sprinkler head as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pin supporting said deflector movably along the axial direction of said nozzle, and said first flow diverting plate piece having a pin retaining portion movably engaged with said pin.

7. A sprinkler head as described in claim 1, further comprising a second flow diverting plate piece, the second flow diverting plate piece having a plate shape rising vertically from the spraying surface toward the main body with its plate surface intersecting with the first flow diverting plate piece, and diverting the extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle.

8. A sprinkler head as set forth in claim 7, wherein at least one of said first flow dividing plate piece and said second flow dividing plate piece has an abutment portion that abuts against said valve body and receives the closing load of said valve body against said nozzle.

9. A sprinkler head as set forth in claim 7, wherein the second flow diverting plate piece has a second mounting portion for mounting to the deflector, and the deflector has a second mounting receiving portion for mounting the second mounting portion.

10. The sprinkler head according to claim 7, wherein said first and second flow diverter plate pieces are each formed from a metal plate and are a cross-shaped notched assembly.

11. The sprinkler head according to claim 10, wherein the first and second flow diverting plate pieces are semicircular in shape, and the second flow diverting plate piece has a maximum width greater than the maximum width of the first flow diverting plate piece.

12. A sprinkler head as described in claim 1, wherein the deflector has a plate-shaped deflector body perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, an auxiliary deflector arranged above the deflector body, a connecting piece portion connecting the deflector body and the auxiliary deflector, and a water passage opening formed between the deflector body, the auxiliary deflector, and the connecting piece portion.

13. A sprinkler head as described in claim 12, wherein the deflector body has a straightening protrusion protruding toward the water passage opening, and the straightening protrusion has a top portion wider than the plate thickness of the deflector side plate end of the first diversion plate piece, and a base portion having a ridge extending from the top portion that is curved concavely.

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