阅读说明：本技术 干式喷洒器组件 (Dry sprinkler assembly ) 是由 S·佩切塞克 于 2019-08-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于灭火的干式喷洒器组件使用管道元件内的管来将弹簧加载的阀在管道元件的连接到配管网络的端部处维持于关闭位置中。由被装配于管道元件的相反的端部上的喷洒器的温敏触发器作用的插头抵抗阀的弹簧的偏置力而保持管。(A dry sprinkler assembly for fire suppression uses a tube within a piping element to maintain a spring-loaded valve in a closed position at an end of the piping element connected to a distribution network. The plug, which is acted upon by a temperature sensitive trigger of a sprinkler fitted on the opposite end of the pipe element, retains the pipe against the biasing force of the spring of the valve.)

1. A dry sprinkler assembly for use with a piping network of a fire suppression system, the dry sprinkler assembly comprising:

a 1 inch NPS piping element having a first end attachable in fluid communication with the piping network;

a valve positioned within the pipe element proximate the first end, the valve having a first closure member movable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the pipe element and an open position permitting fluid flow through the pipe element;

a fire suppression sprinkler mounted on the second end of the piping element, the sprinkler defining an aperture in fluid communication with the piping element and comprising:

a second closure member engaged with the aperture;

a temperature sensitive trigger engaged with the second closure member and maintaining the second closure member in the engagement until an ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the trigger releasing the second closure member from the engagement with the aperture when the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold; wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the sprinkler assembly achieves a discharge rate equal to or greater than a k-factor of 17 when the first closure member is in the open position and the second closure member is released from the engagement.

2. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a tube coaxially positioned within the conduit element, the tube having an outer perimeter smaller than an inner perimeter of the conduit element and being movable lengthwise along the conduit element, the first closure member being fitted over a first end of the tube, a second end of the tube engaging the second closure member when the second closure member is in said engagement with the aperture.

3. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the tube has a circular cross-section with an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the pipe element.

4. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the tube includes a sidewall defining a plurality of openings therethrough.

5. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 4, wherein the opening includes a plurality of slots oriented lengthwise along the tube.

6. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 4, wherein a portion of the sidewall proximate the second end of the tube has no opening therethrough.

7. The dry sprinkler according to claim 4, wherein the opening comprises at least 30% of the surface area of the sidewall.

8. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the valve includes a seat fitted proximate the first end of the pipe element, the first closure member being engageable with the seat.

9. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first closure member comprises:

a platform pivotally mounted on the first end of the tube;

a closure body mounted on the platform, the closure body being pivotable between a first position facing and engageable with the seat and a second position angularly oriented relative to the seat.

10. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 9, wherein the closure body includes a Bellville washer.

11. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 9, further comprising:

a pivot support mounted on the first end of the tube, the platform being pivotally mounted on the pivot support;

a stop surface positioned on the pivot support;

a projection extending from the platform and engageable with the stop surface to limit pivotal movement of the platform.

12. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a biasing member acting between the tube and the platform for biasing the closure body into the second position.

13. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the sprinkler includes:

a body defining the bore;

a pair of arms extending from the body away from the second end of the pipe element;

a deflector plate mounted on the arm, the trigger positioned between the deflector plate and the second closure member.

14. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 13, wherein the trigger comprises a frangible bottle filled with a heat sensitive liquid.

15. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 13, wherein the sprinkler includes at least one stop surface engageable with the tube to limit sliding movement of the tube relative to the pipe element.

16. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 15, wherein the stop surface includes at least one projection extending from one of the arms.

17. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 16, wherein the sprinkler further comprises a fitting extending from the body, the fitting having male screw threads thereon.

18. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 15, wherein:

the sprinkler including a shoulder on the body that projects into the bore, the shoulder defining the stop surface;

the tube includes at least one catch projecting outwardly therefrom, the at least one catch being positioned in spaced relation to the second end of the tube and being engageable with the stop surface upon movement of the tube within the pipe element.

19. The dry sprinkler according to claim 18, wherein the shoulder includes an annular ring surrounding the bore.

20. The dry sprinkler according to claim 18, wherein the body includes a female thread surrounding the bore.

21. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second closure member comprises a plug.

22. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 21, wherein the plug includes a plurality of plug bodies engageable with the bore, the plug bodies defining a gap that permits condensate to drain from the pipe element.

23. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 22, further comprising a trigger bearing engageable with the plurality of plug bodies and the trigger.

24. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the 1-inch NPS pipe element has a wall thickness of less than 0.095 inches.

25. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a flow regulating collar attached to the tube proximate the second end of the tube, the collar overlying at least a portion of the plurality of openings in the sidewall of the tube.

26. A dry sprinkler assembly for use with a piping network of a fire suppression system, the dry sprinkler assembly comprising:

a 1 inch NPS piping element having a first end attachable in fluid communication with the piping network;

a valve positioned within the pipe element proximate the first end, the valve having a first closure member movable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the pipe element and an open position permitting fluid flow through the pipe element, the valve including a seat fitted proximate the first end of the pipe element, the first closure member being engageable with the seat;

a tube coaxially positioned within the conduit element, the tube having an outer perimeter smaller than an inner perimeter of the conduit element and being movable lengthwise along the conduit element, the first closure member being fitted over a first end of the tube, the first closure member comprising:

a pivot support mounted on the first end of the tube, a platform being pivotally mounted on the pivot support;

a closure body mounted on the platform, the closure body being pivotable between a first position facing and engageable with the seat and a second position angularly oriented relative to the seat;

a stop surface positioned on the pivot support;

a projection extending from the platform and engageable with the stop surface to limit pivotal movement of the platform; wherein the content of the first and second substances,

a fire suppression sprinkler is mounted on the second end of the piping element, the sprinkler defining an aperture in fluid communication with the piping element, the sprinkler further comprising:

a second closure member engaged with the aperture, a second end of the tube being engaged with the second closure member when the second closure member is in the engagement with the aperture;

a temperature sensitive trigger engaged with the second closure member and maintaining the second closure member in the engagement until an ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the trigger releasing the second closure member from the engagement with the aperture when the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold; wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the sprinkler assembly achieves a discharge rate equal to or greater than a k-factor of 11.2 when the first closure member is in the open position and the second closure member is released from the engagement.

27. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the tube has a circular cross-section with an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the pipe element.

28. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the tube includes a sidewall defining a plurality of openings therethrough.

29. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 28, wherein the opening includes a plurality of slots oriented lengthwise along the tube.

30. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 28, wherein a portion of the sidewall proximate the second end of the tube has no opening therethrough.

31. The dry sprinkler according to claim 28, wherein the opening comprises at least 30% of the surface area of the sidewall.

32. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the closure body includes a Bellville washer.

33. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, further comprising a biasing member acting between the tube and the platform for biasing the closure body into the second position.

34. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the sprinkler comprises:

a body defining the bore;

a pair of arms extending from the body away from the second end of the pipe element;

a deflector plate mounted on the arm, the trigger positioned between the deflector plate and the second closure member.

35. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 34, wherein the trigger comprises a frangible bottle filled with a heat sensitive liquid.

36. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 34, wherein the sprinkler includes at least one stop surface engageable with the tube to limit sliding movement of the tube relative to the pipe element.

37. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 36, wherein the stop surface includes at least one projection extending from one of the arms.

38. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 37, wherein the sprinkler further comprises a fitting extending from the body, the fitting having male screw threads thereon.

39. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 36, wherein:

the sprinkler including a shoulder on the body that projects into the bore, the shoulder defining the stop surface;

the tube includes at least one catch projecting outwardly therefrom, the at least one catch being positioned in spaced relation to the second end of the tube and being engageable with the stop surface upon movement of the tube within the pipe element.

40. The dry sprinkler according to claim 39, wherein the shoulder includes an annular ring surrounding the bore.

41. The dry sprinkler according to claim 39, wherein the body includes a female thread surrounding the bore.

42. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the second closure member comprises a plug.

43. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the plug includes a plurality of plug bodies engageable with the bore, the plug bodies defining gaps permitting condensate to drain from the pipe element.

44. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 43, further comprising a trigger bearing engageable with the plurality of plug bodies and the trigger.

45. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the 1 inch NPS pipe element has a wall thickness of less than 0.095 inches.

46. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 28, further comprising a flow regulating collar attached to the tube proximate the second end of the tube, the collar overlying at least a portion of the plurality of openings in the sidewall of the tube.

47. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the sprinkler includes:

a body defining the bore, the body including a female thread surrounding the bore;

a pair of arms extending from said body away from said second end of said pipe element, said second end of said pipe element having male screw threads thereon, said male screw threads engaging said female threads surrounding said bore;

a deflector plate mounted on the arm, the trigger positioned between the deflector plate and the second closure member.

48. The dry sprinkler assembly according to claim 26, wherein the sprinkler comprises:

a body defining the bore, the body including a female thread surrounding the bore;

a pair of arms extending from said body away from said second end of said pipe element, said second end of said pipe element having male screw threads thereon, said male screw threads engaging said female threads surrounding said bore;

a deflector plate mounted on the arm, the trigger positioned between the deflector plate and the second closure member.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dry sprinklers for use in sub-freezing environmental conditions.

Background

Sprinkler systems for fire suppression are used to protect structures that separate or encapsulate adjacent areas that have large temperature differences from each other. Examples of such structures include freezers, verandas of apartments, and loading areas of warehouses. Each of these structures has one or more walls and/or ceilings that separate the area in which the temperature is maintained above the freezing point of water from the area in which the temperature is maintained below freezing or may fall below freezing.

Providing fire protection to such structures, particularly when water is the preferred fire suppression liquid, is a challenge because measures must be taken to ensure that the water does not freeze within the piping network. To address this challenge, it is known to locate the piping network in a temperature controlled "warm" environment where the water within the pipes will not freeze, and to provide a "dry" type sprinkler assembly that extends from the piping network through an opening in the ceiling or wall of the structure and into a "cold" or uncontrolled environment. Such dry sprinkler assemblies have an elongated pipe element extending between the sprinkler and the piping network with a valve located internally to maintain the sprinkler assembly in a "dry" state, i.e., there is no water present in the pipe element until the sprinkler is activated by heat from a fire. A heat sensitive trigger (e.g., a frangible bulb filled with liquid) that ruptures when subjected to heat from a fire opens the sprinkler to allow water to be discharged, and also serves to open the valve and allow water to flow from the piping network through the conduit and out through the sprinkler.

Will be asAdvantageously, a dry sprinkler assembly is provided that: flow rates with a nominal k-factor of 11.2 or greater can be achieved when using, for example, 1 inch NPS piping for piping elements that includes a dry sprinkler assembly connected to a piping network in a warm environment and having a sprinkler outlet located in a cold environment. (the k factor is defined asWhere q is the rate of discharge from the dry sprinkler assembly in gallons per minute and p is the pressure within the piping element in psi (gauge)). It would be particularly advantageous to provide a dry sprinkler assembly having a nominal k-factor equal to or greater than k17 using a 1 inch NPS pipe for pipe elements that includes a dry sprinkler. All known commercially available K17 dry sprinklers, such as model ESFR-17 dry pendant (Pendant) sprinklers sold by Tyco Fire Products and K17 dry ESFR pendant storage sprinklers sold by Viking Group, Inc., include piping elements having dimensions greater than 1 inch NPS piping. Dry sprinklers made from larger pipe sizes add weight, pay more cost, and are more challenging to install. It is clearly desirable to provide a dry sprinkler having a k-factor of 11.2 and greater (specifically, a k-factor of 17) that includes a pipe element having a size of 1 inch NPS.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a dry sprinkler assembly for use with a piping network of a fire suppression system. In one exemplary embodiment, a dry sprinkler assembly includes a 1-inch NPS pipe element having a first end attachable in fluid communication with a piping network. In a practical design, it is advantageous for the 1 inch NPS pipe elements to have a wall thickness of less than 0.095 inch. A valve is positioned within the piping element proximate the first end. The valve has a first closure member movable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the conduit element and an open position permitting fluid flow through the conduit element. The fire suppression sprinkler is mounted on the second end of the piping element. The sprinkler defines a bore in fluid communication with the piping element. In an exemplary embodiment, the sprinkler includes a second closure member engaged with the aperture. A temperature sensitive trigger engages the second closure member and maintains the second closure member engaged with the aperture until the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. The trigger releases the second closure member from engagement with the aperture when the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby permitting fluid flow through the piping element, wherein the sprinkler assembly achieves a discharge rate of k-factor equal to or greater than 17 when the first closure member is in the open position and the second closure member is released from engagement with the aperture.

By way of example, the assembly may further comprise a tube coaxially positioned within the pipe element. The tube has an outer circumference smaller than an inner circumference of the pipe element and is movable lengthwise along the pipe element. The first closing member is fitted over the first end of the tube and the second end of the tube is engaged with the second closing member when the second closing member is engaged with the hole.

By way of example, the tube has a circular cross-section with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe element. In further exemplary embodiments, the tube includes a sidewall defining a plurality of openings therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening includes a plurality of slots oriented lengthwise along the tube. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the sidewall proximate the second end of the tube has no opening therethrough. By way of example, the opening may comprise at least 30% of the surface area of the sidewall.

In an exemplary assembly embodiment, the valve includes a seat portion fitted proximate to the first end of the pipe element. The first closure member is engageable with the seat. By way of example, the first closing means comprise a platform pivotably mounted on the first end of the tube. The closure body is mounted on the platform. The closure body is pivotable between a first position facing and engageable with the seat and a second position angularly oriented with respect to the seat. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the closure body comprises a Bellville washer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot support is mounted on the first end of the tube. The platform is pivotally mounted on the pivot support. The stop surface is positioned on the pivot support. The tab extends from the platform and is engageable with the stop surface to limit pivotal movement of the platform. Further by way of example, a biasing member acts between the tube and the platform to bias the closure body into the second position.

In an exemplary embodiment, a sprinkler includes a body defining an aperture. A pair of arms extends from the body away from the second end of the pipe element. The deflector plate is mounted on the arm. The trigger is positioned between the deflector plate and the second closure member. The trigger may comprise a frangible bottle filled with a heat sensitive liquid.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sprinkler includes at least one stop surface engageable with the tube to limit sliding movement thereof relative to the pipe element. In a particular example, the stop surface includes at least one protrusion extending from one of the arms. The exemplary sprinkler may further include a nipple (nipple) extending from the body. The fitting may have male screw threads thereon. In another exemplary embodiment, the sprinkler includes a shoulder on the body. The shoulder projects into the aperture and defines a stop surface. In this exemplary embodiment, the tube includes at least one detent (sometimes referred to as a detent) projecting outwardly therefrom. At least one detent is positioned in spaced relation to the second end of the tube and is engageable with the stop surface upon movement of the tube within the pipe element. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the shoulder comprises a ring surrounding the bore. Further by way of example, the body may include a female thread surrounding the bore. A pair of arms extends from the body away from the second end of the pipe element. In certain exemplary embodiments, the second end of the pipe element has a male screw thread thereon that engages a female thread surrounding the bore. The deflector plate is mounted on the arm. The trigger is positioned between the deflector plate and the second closure member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the second closing element comprises a plug according to the present invention. In a particular example, the plug includes a plurality of plug bodies engageable with the bore. The plug body defines a gap that permits condensate to drain from the conduit element. The exemplary embodiment may further include a trigger bearing engageable with the trigger and the plurality of plug bodies.

The invention also includes a dry sprinkler assembly for use with a piping network of a fire suppression system, the dry sprinkler assembly having a discharge rate equal to or greater than a k-factor of 11.2. In an exemplary embodiment, a dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention includes a 1-inch NPS pipe element having a first end attachable in fluid communication with a piping network. In a practical design, it is advantageous for the 1 inch NPS pipe elements to have a wall thickness of less than 0.095 inch. A valve is positioned within the piping element proximate the first end. The valve has a first closure member movable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the conduit element and an open position permitting fluid flow through the conduit element. The valve includes a seat portion fitted proximate the first end of the pipe element. The first closure member is engageable with the seat. The tube is coaxially positioned within the pipe element. The tube has an outer circumference smaller than an inner circumference of the pipe element and is movable lengthwise along the pipe element. The first closure member is fitted over the first end of the tube. By way of example, the first closing element comprises a pivot bearing fitted on the first end of the tube. The platform is pivotally mounted on the pivot support. The closure body is mounted on the platform. The closure body is pivotable between a first position facing and engageable with the seat and a second position angularly oriented with respect to the seat. The stop surface is positioned on the pivot support. The tab extends from the platform and is engageable with the stop surface to limit pivotal movement of the platform. The fire suppression sprinkler is mounted on the second end of the piping element. The sprinkler defines an aperture in fluid communication with the pipe element. By way of example, the sprinkler further includes a second closure member engaged with the aperture. The second end of the tube engages the second closure member when the second closure member engages the aperture. A temperature sensitive trigger engages the second closure member and maintains the second closure member in engagement until the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. The trigger releases the second closure member from engagement with the aperture when the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold. The sprinkler assembly achieves a discharge rate equal to or greater than a k-factor of 11.2 when the first closure member is in the open position and the second closure member is released from engagement.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention in a "loaded" condition;

FIG. 1A is an isometric exploded view of exemplary components of a dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dry sprinkler assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an isometric exploded view of exemplary components of a dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial isometric cross-sectional views of portions of the dry sprinkler assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the components of the dry sprinkler assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dry sprinkler assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a "loaded" condition;

FIG. 6A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the portion of the dry sprinkler assembly shown in FIG. 6 at an enlarged scale;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken at line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly in a "loaded" state;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dry sprinkler assembly shown in FIG. 1 in an "activated" state; and

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly 10 according to the present invention. The sprinkler assembly 10 includes a 1 inch National Pipe Standard (NPS) pipe element 12 for use with a piping network of a fire suppression system (not shown). The pipe elements 12 conform to national pipe standards with a basic outer diameter of 1.315 inches and wall thicknesses ranging from 0.0568 inches to 0.133 inches to conform to wall thicknesses and tolerances for specifications (sometimes referred to as benchmarks) 5, 10s/20, 30 and 40s/40 that are feasible for practical designs. To achieve the desired flow rate through the piping element 12, it is advantageous that the wall thickness be less than 0.095 inches. In an assembly according to the present invention, the pipe elements 12 may also have a length of from about 12 inches to about 36 inches. A fitting 14 is fitted over a first end 16 of the pipe element 12, the fitting having a threaded fitting 18 for attaching an assembly in fluid communication with a distribution network. A fire suppression sprinkler 20 is mounted on the second end 22 of the piping element 12. The sprinkler 20 includes a body 24, the body 24 defining an aperture 26 in fluid communication with the pipe element 12 (see also fig. 2A). As shown in fig. 2, fitting of the sprinkler 20 to the pipe element 12 is accomplished via a male threaded fitting 23, the fitting 23 extending from a body 24 and engaging a compatible female thread 25 located on the inner surface of the pipe element 12. In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 2A, the sprinkler body 24 includes a female thread 27 within the bore 26, the female thread 27 receiving the pipe element 12, the pipe element 12 having a male thread 29 at the second end 22 thereof. The use of a pipe element 12 having male threads 29 to engage the female threads 27 of the sprinkler body 24 is advantageous because it allows the wall of the pipe element to be thinner than if the pipe element had female threads, thereby allowing for potentially greater flow rates through the pipe element by maximizing the internal diameter. In both embodiments (fig. 2 and 2A), a pair of arms 28 extend from the body 24, the arms supporting a deflector plate 30 mounted thereon.

As shown in fig. 2, the tube 32 is positioned substantially coaxially within the piping element 12. The tube 32 has an outer perimeter 34 that is smaller than an inner perimeter 36 of the pipe element 12 and is movable lengthwise along the pipe element. In the exemplary embodiment, tube 32 has a circular cross-section 38, and circular cross-section 38 has an outer diameter 40 that is smaller than an inner diameter 42 of piping element 12. The tube 32 includes a sidewall 44 defining a plurality of openings 46 (in this example, slots 48 oriented lengthwise along the tube). The opening 46 may comprise at least 30% of the surface area of the sidewall 44 to permit maximum flow through the piping element 12 by functioning as a majority of the full inner diameter of the piping element as is practical.

A valve 50 is positioned within the pipe element 12 proximate the first end 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 3, the valve 50 includes a seat 52, the seat 52 being integrally formed with the fitting 14 and being fitted over the first end 16 of the pipe element. The valve 50 further includes a first closure member 54 engageable with the seat 52. In the exemplary valve shown, the first closure member 54 includes a pivot support 56 mounted on a first end 58 of the tube 32. The platform 60 is pivotally mounted on the pivot support 56. Closure body 62 is mounted on platform 60. In the exemplary embodiment, closure body 62 includes a Bellville washer 64 (see also fig. 5), with Bellville washer 64 wrapped with a conformal layer of material 65 (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene) to ensure a fluid-tight seal when washer 64 engages seat 52. As described below, the Bellville washers 64 act as springs when the assembly 10 is triggered. The closure body 62 (gasket 64) is pivotable via the platform 60 between a first position (fig. 3) facing the valve seat portion 52 and a second position (fig. 4) angularly oriented relative to the seat portion. The orientation angle 66 of the body 62 is selected to provide the least head loss (least resistance) to fluid flow through the pipe element 12. In this example, the orientation angle 66 of the washer 64 is 90 ° established by the combination of the biasing member 68 (see fig. 3) and the stop surface 70, which in this embodiment is located on the pivot support 56. A biasing member 68 (in this example, a torsion spring 72) acts between the pivot support 56 and the platform 60 to bias the platform into the second, angularly oriented position. A projection 74 extending from the platform 60 engages the stop surface 70 to limit rotation of the platform to the desired orientation angle 66. Alternatively (not shown), a protrusion can be located on the pivot support 56 or the first end 58 of the tube 32 to engage a stop surface located on the platform 60. The biasing member 68 is designed to have the following stiffness: despite the presence of turbulent fluid flow through the pipe elements 12, it is sufficient to substantially maintain the orientation of the platform.

As shown in fig. 1, 1A, and 2, the second closure member 76 engages the aperture 26 defined by the sprinkler body 24. In the exemplary embodiment, second closure member 76 includes a split plug 78. The split plug 78 includes three components, a trigger bearing 75 and a plug body 77 positioned in spaced relation around the trigger bearing. The trigger bearing 75, when installed within the bore 26, spans a gap 79 defined by the plug body 77 that allows condensate to drain from the pipe element 12. The split plug 78 is maintained in engagement with the bore 26 by a temperature sensitive trigger 80, the temperature sensitive trigger 80 acting between a trigger bearing 75 and a head (sometimes referred to as a nose) 31 supported by the arm 28. In the example shown, the trigger 80 includes a frangible bottle 82 containing a heat sensitive liquid. Another well-known trigger includes mechanical linkages held together by eutectic solder.

As shown in fig. 2, the second closure member 76 maintains the first closure member 54 in engagement with the seat 52 by engaging and supporting the second end 84 of the tube 32, thereby preventing flow through the pipe element 12 or preventing leakage into the pipe element 12. The tube 32 has a length that results in: when the tube 32 is engaged and supported by the second closure member 76, the first closure member 54 sealingly engages the seat 52 to prevent flow through the piping element 12. When the first closing member 54 comprises a Belleville washer 64 as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the washer is compressed against the seat 52 and acts as a preload spring as follows: as described hereinafter, to move the tube 32 lengthwise through the pipe element 12 and toward the second end 22 thereof when the second closure member 76 is released from engagement with the sprinkler bore 26. The stiffness of the biasing member 68 may also be used to move the tube 32 toward the second end 22.

In operation, the assembly 10 is attached to a branch line of a fire suppression system (not shown) using a fitting 18, which fitting 18 may be threaded as shown or provided with a slot for use with a mechanical coupling. The assembly 10 is initially in the "loaded" configuration shown in fig. 3 and 6, with the Bellville washers 64 in their closed position facing the seat 52 and preloaded against the seat 52. As shown in fig. 6 and 6A, the gasket 64 is held in the closed, pre-loaded position by the second closure member 76 (plug 78) through engagement with the tube 32, the plug engaging the aperture 26 of the sprinkler 20. In turn, the plug 78 is maintained in engagement with the bore 26 by a temperature sensitive trigger 80, and a frangible bottle 82 acts between the head 31 and the trigger bearing 75 of the plug 78.

Fig. 4 and 7 show the assembly 10 in a "triggered" configuration that permits fluid flow through the piping element 12. This occurs when: the ambient temperature surrounding the trigger 80 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 155F), causing the thermal trigger (in this case, the frangible bottle 82) to shatter and thereby remove support from the plug 78. In the absence of an axial restraining force on the tube 32, the Bellville washers 64 push against the seats 52, moving the tube 32 axially away from the seats. This movement is assisted by the action of the fluid pressure in the branch line acting on the first closing element 54 and the biasing element 68. Movement of the tube 32 disengages the washer 64 from the seat 52, which allows the platform 60 to carry the washer to pivot on the pivot support 56 (biased by the torsion spring 72, see fig. 3) into the angularly oriented position shown in fig. 4. The orientation angle 66 is set when a protrusion 74 extending from the platform 60 engages the stop surface 70 located on the pivot support 56. Movement of the tube 32 away from the seat 52 ejects the second closure member 76 and the multi-piece construction of the plug 78 assists in ejecting the plug from the aperture 26. For the sprinkler embodiment shown in fig. 2A having female threads 27 located within bore 26, movement of tube 32 within pipe element 12 is limited by a plurality of detents 33 (see fig. 6A and 6B), detents 33 projecting outwardly from tube 32 and engaging shoulders 35, shoulders 35 projecting into bore 26 defined by sprinkler body 24. In this example, the shoulder 35 comprises an annular member and surrounds the bore 26. The detents 33 are conveniently formed by outward punches of the tube 32 positioned at a distance 37 (see fig. 6) from the second end 84 of the tube to allow for tube movement and allow for rotation of the platform 60 as shown in fig. 7. In a practical design, there are four detents 33 angularly spaced at 90 intervals around the tube 32.

Fig. 6C shows another exemplary embodiment including a flow adjustment collar (collar)89 attached to the tube 32 proximate the second end 84 of the tube 32. As in the exemplary embodiment, the collar 89 shown may be disposed over at least a portion of the opening 46 in the sidewall 44. The collar 89 performs two functions. In this configuration, the collar 89 provides a flow conditioning surface that is intended to reduce turbulence through the tube 32 before the collar 89 exits the tube, and the collar 89 provides a stop that engages the shoulder 35 to limit the travel range of the tube 32 when the sprinkler assembly is triggered.

In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig. 8, longitudinal (sliding) movement of the tube 32 relative to the pipe element 12 is limited by engagement of the second end 84 of the tube with one or more stop surfaces 86 positioned in spaced relation to the second end 22 of the pipe element 12. In this example, two stop surfaces 86 are positioned on the arm 28 of the sprinkler 20. For both sprinkler embodiments, the portion of the sidewall 44 located proximate the second end 84 of the tube 32 has no openings therethrough and acts as a flow conditioning conduit 88 when water or other fire suppression liquid is discharged.

As shown in fig. 7, with not only the first closure member 54 in its open position, but also the second closure member 76 no longer engaged with the aperture 26, fire suppression fluid (e.g., water) may flow from the piping network through the pipe elements 12 and the tubes 32, where it exits the flow conditioning ducts 88 and impinges on the deflector 30 and is distributed over the fire event zone.

The dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention is expected to improve both the reliability and effectiveness of the fire suppression system when using a 1 inch NPS pipe for piping elements connecting a piping network in a warm environment to sprinklers located in a cold environment. The discharge rate of the dry sprinkler assembly according to the present invention is expected to be equal to or greater than a k-factor of 11.2, where k-factor is defined asWhere q is the rate of discharge from the assembly 10 in gallons per minute and p is the pressure within the piping element 12 in psi (pressure gauge).