SPRINKLER DEVICE, CONNECTING PIECE, SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND USING SAME

Abstract

A sprinkler device with a sprinkler head which comprises a pipe element and a frame element connected to the pipe element is proposed. The pipe element comprises at least two latching elements on its outer periphery, which extend radially outwards from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe element. In addition, the pipe element further has at least one groove extending in the peripheral direction on its outer surface, in which groove a sealing element can be received. When viewed in the axial direction of the pipe element in the direction towards the water inlet opening, the at least one groove is spaced further from the water outlet opening than the at least two latching elements. Furthermore, a connecting piece, a sprinkler system and a production method and a use thereof are proposed.

Claims

1. A sprinkler device (V) with a sprinkler head (1) which comprises a pipe element (12) and a frame element (11) connected to the pipe element (12), wherein the pipe element (12) comprises a water inlet opening (18) and a water outlet opening (19) opposite the water inlet opening (18) in the axial direction of the pipe element (12) and facing the frame element (19); a closure element (14) is received in the water outlet opening (19) and closes same; between the closure element (14) and the frame element (11), a liquid-filled glass bulb (15) is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the sprinkler head (1) in such a way that its first end (151) lies against the closure element (14) and its second end (152) lies against the frame element (11), whereby the glass bulb (15) holds the closure element (14) in the water outlet opening (19) of the pipe element (12), characterised in that the pipe element (12) comprises at least two latching elements (121) on its outer periphery, which extend radially outwards from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe element (12); and the pipe element (12) further comprises, on its outer surface, at least one groove (122) extending in the peripheral direction, in which a sealing element (123) can be received, wherein, when viewed in the axial direction of the pipe element (12) in the direction towards the water inlet opening (18), the at least one groove (122) is spaced further apart from the water outlet opening (19) than the at least two latching elements (121).

2. Sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two latching elements (121) are disposed on a common plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe element (12).

3. Sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pipe element (12) and the frame element (11) of the sprinkler head (1) are formed as one piece.

4. Sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a partial region (16) of the outer periphery of the pipe element (12) is polygonal, preferably hexagonal, in the region of the water outlet opening (19) and protrudes radially outwards at least partially over the outer periphery of the pipe element (12).

5. Sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two latching elements (121) extend radially outwards from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe element (12) in such a way that an angle between 30 and 90, preferably between 45 and 60, is formed between the outer surfaces (121a)which face in the direction towards the water outlet opening (19)of the at least two latching elements (121) and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe element (12).

6. Sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sprinkler head (1) further comprises a deflector (13) which is fastened to the frame element (11), and the liquid-filled glass bulb (15) lies on the section of the frame element (11) connected to the deflector (13).

7. Sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure element (14) is formed conically at least in one partial region, widening in the direction towards the water outlet opening (19), and is displaceably held in guides on the inner periphery of the pipe element (12) in the axial direction of the pipe element (12) in such a way that the closure element (14)when it is held by the glass bulb (15)closes the water outlet opening (19), and that the closure element (14)when it is not held by the glass bulb (15)is displaced in the guides in such a way that a gap is formed between the closure element (14) and the inner periphery of the pipe element (12).

8. Connecting piece (2) comprising at least two pipe connection openings (21, 21a) which are perpendicular to each other in their opening planes, wherein each pipe connection opening (21, 21a) comprises a cylindrically extending body (23, 23a) attached as one piece thereto, characterised in that at least partially circumferential first groove sections (211a) which are spaced apart from the first pipe connection opening (21a) are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the body (23a) of a first pipe connection opening (21a) of the at least two pipe connection openings (21, 21a), these first groove sections are connected to first recesses (212a) which are preferably radially opposite each other, are spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction and extend from the first groove sections (211a) axially as far as the opening plane of the first pipe connection opening (21a), and holding means are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the body (23) at least of a second pipe connection opening (21) of the at least two pipe connection openings (21, 21a).

9. Connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least partially circumferential second groove sections (211) which are spaced apart from the second pipe connection opening (21) are formed as holding means of the at least one second pipe connection opening (21), these second groove sections are connected to second recesses (212) which are preferably radially opposite each other, are spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction and extend from the second groove sections (211) axially as far as the opening plane of the second pipe connection opening (21).

10. Connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a fastening section designed as an inner thread is formed as a holding means of the at least one second pipe connection opening (21).

11. Sprinkler system (2) comprising: a sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1; and a connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the latching elements (121) of the sprinkler device (V) can be introduced into the first groove sections (211a) of the connecting piece (2) via the first recesses (212a) of the first pipe connection opening (21a) in such a way that at least one partial region of the pipe element (12) of the sprinkler head (1) can be inserted into the connecting piece (2) and then, in order to fasten the sprinkler head (1) to the connecting piece (2), can be rotated relative thereto, and by means of the holding means formed on the connecting piece (2), a pipe piece (R) can be attached to the connecting piece (2).

12. Sprinkler system (S) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a bore (24) is formed in a partial region of a wall of the body (23) at least of one of the at least two pipe connection openings (21, 21a), this bore preferably extends through at least one of the groove sections (211, 211a), radially through the partial region of the wall of the body (23, 23a) and at least partially outwards in order to receive a securing element formed separately or formed on the sprinkler device (V) or the pipe piece (R).

13. Method for producing a sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 1, comprising: forming a sprinkler device basic body with an upper part which serves as a frame element (11) and comprises a contour body which is hollow as seen in plan view, comprises a circumferential wall and extends perpendicularly in one direction from a middle section of the sprinkler device basic body serving as a preferably polygonal base, and with a lower part which is attached as one piece to the base and extends from the middle section, serving as a base, perpendicularly in the direction opposite to the direction of extension of the upper part, machining the lower part to form a tubular section, which passes through the lower part, in order to form a pipe element (12), with a water inlet opening (18) and a water outlet opening (19) opposite the water inlet opening (18) in the axial direction of the pipe element (12) and facing the frame element (11); and machining the outer surface of the pipe element (12) in order to form at least two latching elements (121) and at least one groove (122) on the pipe element (12), wherein the latching elements (121) extend radially outwards from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe element (12) and the at least one groove (122), as viewed in the axial direction of the pipe element (12) in the direction towards the water inlet opening (18), is spaced further from the water outlet opening (19) than the at least two latching elements (121).

14. Method for producing a sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: inserting a closure element (14) into the pipe element (12); and inserting at least one sealing element (123) into the at least one groove (122).

15. Method for producing a sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: inserting a liquid-filled glass bulb (15) between the closure element (14) and the frame element (11) in such a way that its first end (151) lies against the closure element (14) and its second end (152) lies against the frame element (11), whereby the glass bulb (15) holds the closure element (14) in the water outlet opening (19) of the pipe element (12).

16. Method for producing a sprinkler device (V) as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: fastening a deflector (13) to the frame element (11), wherein the liquid-filled glass bulb (15) lies on the section of the frame element (11) connected to the deflector (13).

17. Method for producing a connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 8, comprising: forming a connecting piece basic body with at least two mutually perpendicular end regions; processing the connecting piece basic body in order to form a first cylindrical hollow section and at least one second cylindrical hollow section which is perpendicular to the first cylindrical hollow section, wherein the cylindrical hollow sections are connected to each other in order to form a hollow body; processing an end section of the first cylindrical hollow section in order to form a first connection part with a first pipe connection opening (21a), processing an end section of the at least one second cylindrical hollow section in order to form at least one second connection part with at least one second pipe connection opening (21), wherein opening planes of the pipe connection openings (21, 21a) are perpendicular to each other and each pipe connection opening (21, 21a) comprises a cylindrically extending body (23, 23a) formed as one piece thereon; processing an inner peripheral surface of the body (23a) of the first pipe connection opening (21a) in order to form at least partially circumferential first groove sections (211a) which are spaced apart from the first pipe connection opening (21a), and first recesses (212a) which extend from the first groove sections (211a) axially as far as the first pipe connection opening (21a) and are formed preferably radially opposite each other; and processing an inner peripheral surface of the body (23) of the at least one second pipe connection opening (21) in order to form holding means.

18. Method for producing a connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein: the holding means of the at least one second pipe connection opening (21) are formed as at least partially circumferential second groove sections (211) which are spaced apart from the second pipe connection opening (21), which second groove sections are connected to second recesses (212) which are preferably radially opposite each other, are spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction and extend from the second groove sections (211) axially as far as the opening plane of the second pipe connection opening (21).

19. Method for producing a connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein: a fastening section designed as an inner thread is formed as a holding means of the at least one second pipe connection opening (21).

20. Method for producing a connecting piece (2) as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: forming a bore (24) in a partial region of a wall of the body (23, 23a) at least one of the pipe connection openings (21, 21a) in such a way that the bore (24) extends at least partially outwards preferably through at least one of the groove sections (211, 211a) radially through the partial region of the wall of the body (23, 23a).

21. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0061] The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplified embodiments of the present invention are described hereinunder with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a sprinkler device in accordance with the invention;

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a sprinkler device in accordance with the invention from the direction of the frame element;

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a connecting piece in accordance with the invention;

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a perspective schematic view of a further embodiment of a connecting piece in accordance with the invention;

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a sprinkler system which is attached to a pipe piece; and

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a perspective schematic view of a piping system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0068] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail hereinunder with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a sprinkler device V in accordance with the invention, consisting of a sprinkler head 1 which comprises a pipe element 12 and a frame element 11 integerally connected as one piece to this pipe element 12. The pipe element 12 is in this case a pipe piece with a through-opening which extends through the whole pipe element 12 in the axial direction. An openingshown at the bottom in FIG. 1of the pipe element 12 is the water inlet opening 18. Via the water inlet opening 18, the water supplied in a piping system connected to the sprinkler head 1 reaches the pipe element 12 of the sprinkler device V.

[0070] The opening opposite the water inlet opening 18 in the axial direction of the pipe element 12 is formed as a water outlet opening 19. Through this water outlet opening 19 the water from the piping system can be discharged via the water inlet opening 18 out of the pipe element 12.

[0071] A frame element 11 adjoins the side of the water outlet opening 19 of the pipe element 12. The frame element 11 is attached to two sections of the pipe element 12 which lie oppositely in the radial direction. Starting from these two sections, the frame element 11 extends via at least two limbs in the axial direction of the pipe element 12 further in the upwards direction, i.e. away from the pipe element 12. The upper end of the frame element 11 is characterised by a connecting region 153 in which the limbs extending on both sides come together.

[0072] This region, i.e. the connecting region 153 of the limbs extending symmetrically on both sides, lies opposite the water outlet opening 19 in the extended middle axis of the pipe element 12. A through-bore is formed in the connecting region 153 of the frame element 11. The axis of this through-bore also extends along the extended middle axis of the pipe element 12. By means of this through-bore a glass bulb 15 can be fastened to the frame element 11, the operation of said bulb being described hereinunder. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the frame element 11 and the pipe element 12 are formed as one piece. The material of these elements is to be selected to be both temperature-resistant and also pressure-resistant.

[0073] In this embodiment, the frame element 11 and the pipe element 12 are formed from brass but can also be produced e.g. from stainless steel, aluminium or another corrosion-resistant metal. In the embodiment illustrated herein, two grooves 122 extending on the outer periphery in the peripheral direction are formed on the pipe element 12. The number of grooves 122 formed on the outer periphery can vary. For example, only one groove 122 can be formed or e.g. three grooves 122 can also be formed. Furthermore, latching elements 121 are formed on the outer periphery of the pipe element 12.

[0074] In the embodiment illustrated herein, the latching elements 121 are designed as cuboidal pieces which extend radially outwards in relation to the middle axis of the pipe element 12 and away from the outer periphery of the pipe element 12. The latching elements 121 are in this case formed as one piece with the pipe element 12 but can also be attached thereto retrospectively. For example, the latching elements 121 can be screwed into the pipe element 12 via bores. Whitworth threads and corresponding fittings can be used. In addition, sealing elements such as a sealing strip or hemp can also be provided. Similarly, the latching elements 121 can be stuck or welded to the pipe element 12.

[0075] The latching elements 121 can be formed from the same material as the pipe element 12 but also from a different material. The cross-sectional surface of the latching elements 121, which extends perpendicularly to the axial direction of the pipe element 12, can, in addition to the rectangular shape as in the example of the cuboidal piece, also be square, circular or polygonal. For example, the latching elements 121 can be formed as hemispheres or pins.

[0076] The latching elements 121 are in this case disposed on a common plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe element 12 but can also be disposed on mutually parallel offset planes. The latching elements 121 illustrated in FIG. 1 have the same geometry in this embodiment. However, the design of the latching elements 121 is not limited to this identical structure. Thus, different latching elements 121 can be formed in such a way that insertion of the sprinkler head 1 into a connecting piece 2, as described below, can take place only when these elements are in one position relative to each other.

[0077] In contrast to the sprinkler nozzles described in the prior art, the sprinkler device V in accordance with the invention can be attached by means of these latching elements 121 to a corresponding counter-piece, the connecting piece 2. For this purpose the sprinkler head 1 is inserted with its pipe element 12 foremost into the connecting piece 2, being guided by means of the latching elements 121, and is then turned. The movement to be carried out by the fitter can thus be reduced to a plug-and-turn movement, wherein the rotational movement is limited to a rotation of less than 180 depending on the number of latching elements 121 and the number of complementary recesses in a connecting piece 2 to be described hereinunder. The fitter can mount the sprinkler device V by a quick movement without gripping around it, as is not possible in the prior art owing to the multiple screw threads to be screwed in.

[0078] The latching elements 121 can have mutually different shapes in order to achieve a specific relative position between the sprinkler device V and connecting piece 2 in such a way that in each case a latching element 121 fits in only one complementary recess 212a on the connecting piece 2 described hereinunder. For example, a latching element 121 can be formed with a triangular cross-section and a second latching element 121 can be formed with a rectangular cross-section. In the example illustrated herein, two latching elements 121 are formed, in an opposing arrangement in relation to the axial direction of the pipe element 12. However, a number of latching elements 121 can also be formed approximately at the same angular spacing from each other on the outer periphery of the pipe element 12.

[0079] In order to apply a uniform distribution of force onto the sprinkler head 1 during mounting, it is preferable for the latching elements 121 to be formed at the same angular spacing with respect to each other. However, this angular spacing can also be varied. An upper partial region 16 of the pipe element 12, i.e. an edge region which, in relation to the spacing in the axial direction of the pipe element 12, is further away from the water inlet opening 18 than the grooves 122 and the latching elements 121, is formed as a polygon on its outer periphery. In other words, this partial region 16 formed as a hexagon in this embodiment therefore forms the edge region of the pipe element 12 at which the frame element 11 is connected to the pipe element 12.

[0080] As described above, different metals such as brass, iron, aluminium or alloys can be used as the basic material of the sprinkler device V, i.e. as the material for the frame element 11 and pipe element 12. The basic shape of the sprinkler device V, which is composed of the frame element 11, the polygonal partial region 16 of the pipe element 12, the pipe element 12 itself and latching elements 121 formed thereon, can be produced by deformation such as forging. Alternatively, this basic shape can be achieved by moulding such as casting. Partial regions such as the frame element 11 and the pipe element 12 can also be produced separately as cast or forged parts and then welded. It is also feasible to produce such geometric shapes by 3D printing such as selective laser melting or electron beam melting.

[0081] As a further alternative a basic body without a cavity can be produced by means of casting or forging. From this solid material, the pipe element 12 and/or the frame element 11 can then be formed by machining. In so doing, e.g. by boring and subsequent turning or milling of the inner surface, e.g. by means of side milling cutters, the inner periphery of the pipe element 12 is produced as a tubular section penetrating through along the middle axis.

[0082] Subsequently, at the same time as, or prior to, this working step, the outer surface of the pipe element can likewise be processed by turning. If, in the basic shape of the sprinkler head 1 of the sprinkler device V, the latching elements 121 have not yet been formed for instance by a corresponding negative mould, e.g. a strip mould, during casting, this processing is carried out within the scope of the processing of the outer surface of the pipe element 12. Similarly, in this case the at least one groove 122 is removed by a cutting process as a peripheral depression on the outer periphery of the pipe element 12.

[0083] This at least one groove 122 is, in the axial direction, spaced further from the frame element 11 or the water outlet opening 19 than the latching elements 121. The surface properties of the individual sections can vary. Thus, e.g., only processing of the surface of the pipe element 12 starting from the water inlet opening 18 up to and including the at least one groove 122 can take place so that the sealing element 123 is not damaged during placement by the surface being too rough. The surface of the further sections of the sprinkler head 1 can remain unprocessed. Alternatively, further regions can be processed, such as the side surfaces of the latching element 121, which point towards both sides in the axial direction of the pipe element 12, in other words, are perpendicular thereto.

[0084] In particular, the surface of the side surfaces of the latching elements 121 can be processed in such a way that the frictional resistance arising as the sprinkler head 1 is being turned into the connecting piece 2 is as low as possible. As described above, one side of the glass bulb 15 is fastened to the frame element 11. The second, opposing side of the glass bulb 15 is held by means of a closure element 14. This closure element 14 is inserted as a stopper into the inner periphery of the pipe element 12 at the water outlet opening 19. The closure element 14, when held in its position via the glass bulb 15, thereby closes the water outlet opening 19.

[0085] The surface of the inner periphery of the pipe element 12 can be processed to receive the closure element 14 in such a way that e.g. a pressing connection can be produced between the closure element 14 introduced into the pipe element 12 and the inner periphery of the pipe element 12. The closure element 14 and the deflector 13, which is then attached to the frame element 11, e.g. by means of a screw connection, welded connection or adhesive connection, can be produced from the same material as the basic body of the sprinkler head 1 but can also consist of a different material.

[0086] FIG. 2 shows a sprinkler head 1 according to the invention from the direction of the frame element 11. As shown in this figure, two sealing elements 123 are introduced into the grooves 122 on the pipe element 12. However, the number of sealing elements 123 is not limited and can vary according to the number of grooves 122. By means of these sealing elements 123, the gap produced between the outer periphery of the pipe element 12 of the sprinkler device V and an inner periphery of the connecting piece 2 will be sealed in such a way that water under high pressure in the piping cannot escape through this gap. In this embodiment, O-rings are formed as sealing elements 123, it being possible to produce the O-rings from rubber. Alternatively, instead of O-rings, other sealing elements such as X-rings or cord rings can also be formed.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the water outlet opening 19 is closed by a closure element 14. The closure element 14 is held in the water outlet opening 19 via a first end 151 of the glass bulb 15. As described above, the second end 152 of the glass bulb 15 is held at the intersection 153 of the limbs of the frame element 11. The glass bulb 15 serving as a closure is filled with a special coloured liquid which for its part contains an air bubble. As mentioned above, a plurality of sprinkler heads 1 are attached to the ceiling or in the upper region of side walls where the sprinkler installation V is mounted, said sprinkler heads being connected to a water pipe network.

[0088] A constant water pressure which is controlled in the sprinkler control centre prevails within the sprinkler system S. In the event of a fire, the liquid in the glass bulbs 15 located in the vicinity heats up and expands owing to the rising temperature until the glass bulbs 15 burst, whereby the water outlet openings 19 are opened and water exits the sprinkler pipe network. However, in the event of a fire only the water outlet openings 19 of the sprinkler installation V where the glass bulbs 15 have reached the activation temperature open.

[0089] In this connection, depending on the area of use of the sprinkler installation, another previously defined temperature can lead to shattering of the glass bulb 15. The activation temperature depends on the size of the enclosed air bubble and is generally indicated by the colour of the liquid in the glass bulb 15. On average, the activation temperature is about 30 C. above the expected ambient temperature. After the glass bulb 15 has shattered, the closure element 14 is no longer held by the glass bulb 15 in the water outlet opening 19 and falls out under its own weight or is pressed out of the pipe element 12 by the water pressure prevailing in the piping system.

[0090] Water can now be let out into the surrounding area through the water outlet opening 19 which is now no longer closed. A deflector 13 can also be formed in the axial direction of the pipe element 12 on the side of the frame element 11 opposite the water outlet opening 19. This deflector can be attached directly to the frame element 11 or via a connecting element such as a screw, rivet or adhesive connection thereon. If the water now exiting the water outlet opening 19 hits the deflector 13, it is dispersed thereon over a larger area depending on the geometry of the deflector 13. In this connection, it is preferred that the deflector 13 has a peripheral surface which is as large as possible and is e.g. comb-shaped so that water flowing past is distributed over a large area.

[0091] In another embodiment, the closure element 14 is held in the pipe element 12 in an axially displaceable manner and is conical in this embodiment. In order to allow axial displacement of the closure element 14, guide grooves are formed e.g. on the inner periphery of the pipe element 12. Guide teeth corresponding to these guide grooves can be formed on the conical closure element 14. These guide teeth can be biased by springs which are formed e.g. in bores in the closure element 14.

[0092] Upon axial displacement of the closure element 14, e.g. directly after shattering of the glass bulb 15, these guide teeth move outwards in the peripheral direction owing to the spring force so that the guide teeth are held in the guide grooves and the closure element 14 can be displaced downwards in a guided manner. In other words, after shattering of the glass bulb 15, the closure element 14 is displaced downwards by the pressure prevailing in the piping system. The guide grooves extend axially in only a partial region of the inner periphery of the pipe element 12 so that the closure element 14 cannot fall out of the pipe element 12 but is limited in its movement by an axial limit of the guide grooves.

[0093] In this embodiment, if the glass bulb 15 bursts as described above, the closure element 14 is pressed downwards, whereby, owing to the conical shape of the closure element 14, an annular cavity is formed between the inner periphery of the pipe element 12 and the outer periphery of the closure element 14. The water can be let out of the water outlet opening 19 only through this cavity and be dispersed owing to the conical shape of the closure element 14. The shape of the closure element 14 thus determines the flow direction and spreading diffusion and can therefore likewise have a comb-like contour or the like on the lower outer periphery.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a connecting piece 2 in accordance with the invention. The connecting piece 2 illustrated here has three pipe connection openings 21, 21a. The opposing pipe connection openings 21 are formed for connection to a pipe piece R of a piping system, while the pipe connection opening 21a perpendicular to the two pipe connection openings 21 is formed for connection of the connecting piece 2 to the sprinkler head 1 of the sprinkler device V. For this purpose, recesses 212a are formed on an inner periphery of the connecting piece 2 corresponding the latching elements 121.

[0095] The connecting piece 2 has bodies 23, 23a adjoining the respective pipe connection opening 21, 21a. In the embodiment illustrated here, the bodies 23, 23a are each formed as one piece as part of the connecting piece 2. Thus, the basic body of the connecting piece 2 can be produced by moulding, e.g. casting, or by means of deformation, e.g. forging. Starting from this connecting piece basic body, the cylindrical hollow sections of the subsequent connecting piece 2 can be formed starting from the end regions by means of processing by turning or milling. Alternatively, it is also feasible to produce such geometric shapes by 3D printing such as selective laser melting or electron beam melting.

[0096] The cylindrical hollow sections are connected to each other in such a way that the subsequent connecting piece 2 has a single cavity, i.e. one going through to each of the pipe connection openings 21, 21a which will be formed later. Alternatively, the cavities can already be formed in the connecting piece basic body by corresponding cores in the case of casting or forging dies in the case of forging so that only the surfaces must be processed in order to form the cylindrical hollow sections. The end sections are then processed. The corresponding end sections are processed according to the design of the connecting piece 2 as a T-piece or angle piece or the like.

[0097] The pipe connection opening 21a for connection to the sprinkler device V is formed on one end section, while the pipe connection opening 21 for connection to a pipe piece R of a piping system is formed on the at least one second end section. Starting from the plane of the pipe connection opening 21a on the body 23a, the recesses 212a are milled as depressions extending perpendicularly to the axis of the pipe element 12 and formed towards the inside parallel to the axis. Hereinunder, a groove section 211a is formed at each recess 212a.

[0098] The sequence of the production process can be varied in such a way that first a groove section 211a and then the corresponding recess 212a is formed. The groove sections 211a can be processed e.g. by means of side milling cutters. According to the type of connection between the pipe piece R and connecting piece 2, the inner surface of the at least one body 23 can be processed corresponding to the processing of the body 23a in order to form groove sections 211 and recesses 212. Alternatively, a thread can be formed on the inner surface of the body 23 by a thread cutter. Finally, machining steps can be carried out in order to reduce the surface roughness. Furthermore, method steps which change the surface properties, such as coating, can also be carried out on the connecting piece 2 and the sprinkler head 1.

[0099] In particular, the inner peripheral surface of the body 23a can be processed so that the surface quality is such that the sealing elements 123 are not damaged when the pipe element 12 is introduced. Bores 24, 24a in which inner threads are formed can also be introduced perpendicularly to the axis of the bodies 23, 23a. These bores 24, 24a can be formed e.g. at a point on the body 23a so that they terminate in the groove sections 211a on the inner periphery of the body 23a. For example, the bores 24a can terminate at a position in the groove sections 211a so that, when the sprinkler head 1 is inserted, a screw introduced through the bore 24a lies between the latching element 121 and associated recess 212a.

[0100] In this embodiment, unscrewing the sprinkler device V from the connecting piece 2 can be effected only after the screw has been correspondingly unscrewed from the bores 24a. The screw inserted through the bores 24, 24a therefore serves to determine and secure positioning. A correspondingly complementary geometry on the outer periphery of the sprinkler head 1, or of the pipe piece R, approximately in the form of a further bore with an inner thread or simple depression can lie opposite the bore 24, 24a in the correctly inserted state so that the screw can be screwed in only in this correctly inserted state.

[0101] The bores 24a can also be formed in the body 23a in such a way that, starting from the inner periphery of the body 23a, they extend radially outwards only over a partial region of the wall thickness of the body 23a. A pin biased via a spring can be inserted in this bore 24a and can latch into a corresponding bore in the sprinkler head 1.

[0102] The edges of the connecting piece 2 and the sprinkler device V can be appropriately deburred. Similarly, to the sprinkler device V, however, the connecting piece 2 does not have to be formed as one piece but can be composed of individual single parts, which are screwed or welded to each other, in order to form the connecting piece basic body. In this embodiment, the connecting piece 2 is produced from stainless steel but can also consist of other corrosion-resistant metals, e.g. from brass or aluminium or an alloy. The pipe openings 21, 21a extend into the inside of the connecting piece 2 so that the connecting piece 2 of this embodiment has an approximately T-shaped cavity.

[0103] Recesses 212a and groove sections 211a are incorporated on the inner periphery of the body 23a extending from the pipe connection opening 21a. The recesses 212a are formed corresponding to the geometry of the latching elements 121 of the sprinkler head 1. The recesses 212a extend parallel to the middle axis of the body 23a starting from the plane of the pipe connection opening 21a into the inside of the connecting piece 2. The direction in which the recesses 212a extend does not have to be parallel to the middle axis of the body 23a but can also be inclined with respect thereto.

[0104] The recesses 212a are a depression in the inner diameter of the body 21a which have e.g. a rectangular cross-section. The recesses 212a further extend in such a way that they open into the groove sections 211a. These groove sections 211a are also depressions in the inner diameter of the body 23a. In contrast to the recesses 212a, the groove sections 211a extend in the peripheral direction of the body 23a and therefore on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the recesses 212a extend.

[0105] The depth of the recesses 212a and of the groove sections 211a, i.e. the radial distance between the inner periphery of the body 23a in a region surrounding the groove sections 211a and recesses 212a, and the inner periphery of the body 23a on which the groove sections 211a or the recesses 212a are formed can be identical. However, the depth of the recesses 2112a and of the groove sections 211a can also differ from each other. Thus, the depth of the recesses 212a can be greater than that of the groove sections 211a. The direction of extension of the groove sections 211a is also not limited to the peripheral direction but can extend e.g. inclined with respect thereto and in an undulating manner or as an L-shape.

[0106] The edge of the groove sections 211a which lies furthest away from the plane of the pipe connection opening 21a thus serves as a stop edge for the latching elements 121 of the sprinkler device V. In the embodiment of the connecting piece 2 illustrated in FIG. 3, recesses 212, which extend from the plane of the pipe connection openings 21 towards the inside of the connecting piece 2, and groove sections 211, which extend in the peripheral direction of the inner periphery of the bodies 23, are likewise formed similarly to the recesses 212a and the groove sections 211a. The dimensions of the groove sections 211 and recesses 212 can correspond to those of the groove 211a and of the recess 212a for receiving the sprinkler device V, but can also be different therefrom.

[0107] There can be two groove sections 211 or recesses 212 formed on the bodies 23, as illustrated in FIG. 3, but several groove sections 211 and recesses 212 can also be formed. These depressions permit a connection between the connecting piece 2 and the pipe piece R by means of a plug-and-turn connection, similar to the connection between the connecting piece 2 and sprinkler device V. In another embodiment, instead of the groove sections 211 and recesses 212, threaded sections extending from the plane of the pipe connection opening 21 towards the inside of the connecting piece 2 are formed. By means of these inner threads, the connecting piece 2 can be screwed onto a pipe piece R. Alternatively, this connection between the connecting piece 2 and pipe piece R can also be made by welding, pressing or the like.

[0108] As also illustrated in FIG. 3, bores are formed in the bodies 23, 23a and extend radially over the wall of the respective body. As illustrated therein, the bores 23, 23a can be formed in each body. Alternatively, only the body 223a in which the sprinkler device 1 is inserted may have bores 24a. The number of bores 24, 24a formed on a body 23, 23a can also vary. Thus, perhaps two radially opposing bores 24a can be formed in the body 23a. For example, screws can be screwed in through these bores 24, 24a.

[0109] After being screwed in, the screws abut against the outer periphery of the respectively inserted element, whereby turning of the respectively inserted element, more precisely the piping R or the sprinkler device V, relative to the connecting piece 2 is prevented. In other words, the screws inserted into the bores 24, 24a counteract a certain force which occurs e.g. as a turning moment on the inserted element. Depending on the surface properties of the screw and the point at which the screw meets the inserted element, an adhesive force orin the case of a relative movementa frictional force, for instance between the screw and the sprinkler head 1 or the pipe piece R, acts against a possible turning moment.

[0110] The adhesive or frictional force is then transferred via the screw to the connecting piece 2. This measure makes it possible to prevent turning and thus loosening of the inserted element and thereby to increase the reliability of the sprinkler installation. The screws can be formed e.g. as set screws. Alternatively, a pin or bolt can also be inserted into the bore. In addition, the screw can have e.g. a screw head which can be counter-sunk into the bores 24, 24a, e.g. as a counter-sunk screw of a correspondingly conical shape.

[0111] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a connecting piece 2 in accordance with the invention. As illustrated therein, two pipe connection openings 21, 21a, which are perpendicular to each other in terms of their opening planes, are formed on the connecting piece 2 so that this embodiment forms an angle piece or end piece of the connecting piece 2. A pipe connection opening 21a to receive the sprinkler device V is thus formed, while the second pipe connection opening 21 is formed to receive the pipe piece R. Also, in this embodiment, only the connection between the sprinkler device V and connecting piece 2 is formed by means of corresponding recesses 211a and groove sections 211a as a turn-and-plug connection.

[0112] However, this type of connection between the pipe piece R and connecting piece 2 is not specified and can likewise be formed by means of a turn-and-plug connection, illustrated here, using the recesses 212 and groove sections 211. Alternatively, also in this embodiment, an inner thread can be formed on the inner periphery of the body 23, into which thread a pipe piece R can be screwed. As further embodiments of the connecting piece 2, cross pieces or star pieces can also be formed which, in addition to each comprising a pipe connection opening 21a, comprise a plurality, e.g. three or four, of pipe connection openings 21.

[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 3 or 4, chamfers can be provided on the peripheral edges of the connecting piece 2 in order to facilitate e.g. the handling of the connecting piece 2. Similarly, the section of the body 23, 23a can have a smaller outer periphery compared with a middle region 25 of the connecting piece 2, i.e. the region which adjoins the body 23, 23a and extends in the direction away from the respective pipe connection openings 21, 21a. In other words, the wall thickness of the connecting piece 2 in the area of the middle region 25 can be smaller than the wall thickness of the bodies 23, 23a. The wall thickness of the middle region 25 can also differ from those of the bodies 23, 23a, wherein the inner periphery between the body 23 and 23a can also vary. Alternatively, the outer periphery between the middle region and the body 23, 23a can be identical, i.e. cannot form any edge.

[0114] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the body 23 can be identical to the outer periphery of the body 23a but can also deviate therefrom corresponding to the inner periphery. In the case of a plurality of pipe connection openings 21, each body 23 can also have a different outer periphery and inner periphery. FIG. 5 shows an assembled state consisting of the connecting piece 2 and the sprinkler device V, and therefore an embodiment of the sprinkler system S. In this case, a pipe piece R is also inserted into the connecting piece 2 on this sprinkler system S.

[0115] More precisely, the pipe piece R is inserted into the body 23 by way of the pipe connection opening 21. By way of the pipe connection opening 21a, the sprinkler device V is inserted in such a way that at least a partial region of the pipe element 12 is located within the body 23a. As shown in FIG. 5, the hexagonal partial region 16 of the pipe element 12 protrudes out of the connecting piece 2 so that the sprinkler device V can easily be reached with a tool via this partial region 16. If, for instance, the sprinkler device V in the pipe piece R tilts during mounting, the fitter can helpfully take a tool and engage it at this location, the partial region 16, without damaging the sprinkler device V. The partial region of the pipe element 12 on which the at least one sealing element 123 and the at least two latching elements 121 are located is received in the connecting piece 2 in the state illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0116] Thus the at least one sealing element 123 is in peripheral contact with the inner periphery of the body 23a, while the latching elements 121 are received in the groove sections 211a. In order to achieve this state, the sprinkler device V is inserted with its pipe element 12 in the axial direction or along the middle axis of the body 23a into the connecting piece 2. The edge of the latching elements 121 at the front in the insertion direction then abuts against a boundary surface of the groove sections 211a. From this point in time, in this embodiment, there is no axial movement but only a rotational movement of the sprinkler device V by means of which the latching elements 121 are guided in the groove sections 211a in the peripheral direction.

[0117] This rotational movement is also stopped by a boundary surface of the groove sections 211a. The boundary surface of the groove sections 211a can extend in the radial direction, i.e. be perpendicular to a tangent on the inner periphery of the body 23a. Similarly, a boundary surface is possible which forms an acute angle with the tangent of the inner periphery so that the boundary surface runs out. In other words, a boundary surface is feasible which comprises a smaller radius than the inner periphery of the pipe element 12 itself. By means of this initial axial plugging movement and subsequent radial turning movement, the sprinkler device V can be rapidly inserted into the connecting piece 2.

[0118] In a similar manner, such a plug-and-turn connection to the pipe piece R can be effected by means of groove sections 211 and recesses 212 of the connecting piece 2. Alternatively, the connection between the pipe piece R and connecting piece 2 can also be formed in a non-releasable manner. Thus, the connection can be formed e.g. by means of welding or pressing. As shown in FIG. 5, the bore 24a extends through the body 23a in a region of the body 23a in which the pipe element 12 of the sprinkler device V is received.

[0119] In other words, the screw introduced into the bore 24a abuts against the outer periphery of the pipe element 12 of the sprinkler device V. In addition to securing against turning, the screw can also be used to determine positioning. For example, a dimple can be formed on the outer periphery of the pipe element 12 at a specific point opposite the bore 24a in the assembled state. If, in the sprinkler system S, the screw is screwed into the bore 24a of the pipe element 12 via the bore 24a through the body 23a, it is possible to check thereby that the sprinkler device V is inserted correctly.

[0120] For this purpose, externally visible markings can be provided on the screw and can be used to see how far the screw is screwed in. Thus, by means of a visual check it is possible to quickly detect whether the plug-and-turn connection has been made correctly. FIG. 6 illustrates a piping system. As can be seen therein, between the pipe pieces R, connecting pieces 2 are inserted as T-pieces and, at the respective end sections of the piping system, connecting pieces 2 formed as angle-pieces are connected to only one pipe piece R in each case. In this case, a sprinkler device V is inserted in each case into the connecting pieces 2.

[0121] Depending on the field of application of the sprinkler installation, e.g. a specific class of fire risk, different pressure-throughflow rate conditions must be fulfilled. Depending on the field of application, both the inner diameter of the respective pipe pieces R, connecting pieces 2 and of the pipe element 12 of the sprinkler head 1 can be varied. The loading limit can also be varied by means of material properties and wall thicknesses of the named constituent elements. For example, the latching elements 121 can be sized smaller in their dimensions in the case of pressures up to 16 bar than latching elements 121 which are provided in sprinkler devices V which are designed for pressures over 16 bar.

[0122] When the sprinkler installation comes into use, i.e. in the event of a fire, the glass bulb 15 shatters in response to a certain temperature. The closure element 14 is pressed out of the water outlet opening 19 and water can be let out via the pipe piece R, the connecting piece 2 and the pipe element 12. This sudden drop in pressure in the piping system can be detected as a signal, whereupon a pump is then operated which supplies sufficient water to the piping system.

[0123] A sprinkler device V with a sprinkler head 1 which comprises a pipe element 12 and a frame element 11 connected to the pipe element 12 is proposed. The pipe element 12 comprises at least two latching elements 121 on its outer periphery, which extend radially outwards from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe element 12. In addition, the pipe element 12 has at least one groove 122 extending in the peripheral direction on its outer surface, in which groove a sealing element 123 can be received. When viewed in the axial direction of the pipe element 12 in the direction towards the water inlet opening 18, the at least one groove 122 is spaced further from the water outlet opening 19 than the at least two latching elements 121. Furthermore, a connecting piece 2, a sprinkler system S and a method for producing and using same are proposed.