Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPRAY HEAD
Background of the Invention
The invention relates to a spray head as defined in the preamble of
claim 1.
Prior-art spray heads known in fire-fighting technology include spray
heads, especially sprinkler heads, provided with a valve element which,
io when in a non-activated state, blocks the liquid passage and when the
sprinkler is activated upon being triggered, e.g. by a thermally activated
ampoule being broken, assumes a position in which the extinguishing
medium can flow into one or more nozzles. A sprinkler head of this type
is disclosed in US patent 6,318,474. In the solution presented in this
specification, the nozzles are formed by making in a frame a first boring
and a second boring, each nozzle being formed by these borings to-
gether. The first boring has a first diameter, and the second boring has
a second diameter. The spray head produces medium mist very effi-
ciently. However, the disclosed solution is demanding in respect of
manufacturing technology and imposes restrictions regarding the di-
mensions of the first boring and the second boring on the one hand
and, on the other hand, regarding their mutual orientations.
The object of the present invention is to produce a completely new type
of solution for use in conjunction with spray heads, in particular sprin-
kler heads, that will make it possible to achieve a structure improved in
respect of manufacturing technology. Another object of the invention is
to create a spray head whose properties can be varied according to
need, e.g. in a manner optimized for each application.
Brief description of the invention
The invention is based on a concept whereby the frame of the spray
head is provided with a second part, such as a sleeve part, the wall of
which is provided with at least one opening, so that the opening in the
second part and the opening arranged in the frame part together form
at least one nozzle of the spray head. According to the concept of the
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invention, the second part may be provided with at least one opening
formed in a desired manner, whose dimensions, shape and/or orienta-
tion can be formed and, if necessary, optimized according to the appli-
cation. According to yet another concept of the invention, the second
part may be formed to be movable.
In more accurate terms, the spray head of the invention is character-
ized in that the spray head is provided with at least one second part
with at least one opening formed in it, which opening together with the
opening formed in the wall of the frame part forms a spraying nozzle.
The spray head of the invention is additionally characterized by what is
stated in claims 2 - 24.
The solution of the invention has numerous significant advantages. The
spraying properties of the spray head can be varied according to the
application by using different combinations of frame and second part,
such as sleeve part. The spray head of the invention is very reliable in
operation. It has a very good structure in respect of manufacturing
technology. The invention allows e.g. solutions in which the dimensions
and/or orientations of the nozzle opening formed in the frame and of
that formed in the second part differ considerably from each other. This
makes it possible to achieve a considerably larger range of application
and/or range of variation of nozzle properties than in the case of prior-
art solutions, especially when compared to a nozzle head in which the
openings, such as borings, formed by the nozzle are made in the same
body, such as the frame of the nozzle head. By using an arrangement
where the orientation of the opening formed in the second object and
the orientation of the opening formed in the frame are at an angle rela-
tive to each other, the shape of the spray can be adjusted by varying
the angle. This allows a very large range of variation of the spraying
properties of the spray head. The openings in the frame and in the sec-
ond part may be oriented in mutually different directions not only in re-
lation to the vertical axis of the spray head but also tangentially relative
to each other.
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The solution of the invention permits several openings to be formed in
the second part, which are in connection with, i.e. in the coverage area
of the nozzle opening formed in frame of the nozzle head. By forming
two or more holes in the second part in connection with the opening
formed in the frame, it is possible to adjust the shape of the spray de-
livered by the nozzle. Thus, it is also possible to achieve a spray with a
better penetration as necessary, which has a great importance in cer-
tain fire-fighting applications, especially those based on liquid mist.
By forming a connection between the different nozzles in the nozzle
head, e.g. by forming a medium channel between the frame and the
second part, it is possible to further extend the properties of the spray
head. The medium channel can be effectively created e.g. by forming a
groove in the second part or in the frame or in both. In this case, by
providing the second part, such as a sleeve part, with openings in con-
junction with only some of the openings in the frame of the spray head,
the spraying properties of the spray head can be further extended.
Some of the openings function as nozzles, and those of the openings
opposite which there is no opening in the second part, such as a sleeve,
can now function as air supply openings. The second part, such as a
sleeve, may have a groove formed in the area opposite to the hoies
bored in the frame, so that at least some of the holes communicate with
each other. Thus, e.g. every second hole functions as a nozzle whereas
air flows in through the other every second hole when the nozzle func-
tions like an ejector. The additional air supply holes make it possible to
influence the shape and penetration of the spray discharged. Without
supplementary air, the spray produced is e.g. broader and/or softer,
whereas by using supplementary air e.g. a narrower and/or sharper
spray is produced.
The second part, such as a sleeve, and the frame can be arranged to be
movable relative to each other. Preferably the second part is formed to
be movable in the frame between at least two positions. This makes it
possible to arrange for structural features giving a particular spraying
property to be in alignment with each other between the frame and the
second part in a first position, and for structural features giving a differ-
ent spraying property to be in alignment with each other in a second
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position. In this case, e.g. when the sprayed medium has a higher pres-
sure, the spray head can be arranged to have different properties than
if the pressure of the sprayed medium were lower. By using the me-
dium pressure and a counter-element for it, such as a pre-tensioning
element, especially a spring element, it is possible to achieve a solution
for varying the properties of a spray head that is very reliable in opera-
tion and advantageous in respect of manufacturing technology. By using
a sleeve element as the second part, a very advantageous solution is
achieved. By forming a throttle element in the sleeve element and using
1o a counter-element, a very usable and reliable solution for moving the
second element by the medium pressure is obtained. By providing the
upper end of the sleeve with a throttle hole, a pressure difference is
produced which, at higher outputs of sprayed medium, presses the
sleeve down, giving a different spray. With a lower output of medium,
the pressure difference decreases and the spring used as a counter-
element causes the sleeve to rise upwards and a new hole gives a new
type of spray.
2o Brief description of the figures
In the following, the invention will be described in detail by referring to
an example and the attached drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 represents a spray head according to the invention, especially a
sprinkler head, sectioned in a readiness position along line A-A in Fig.
la,
Fig. la represents a sprinkler head according to the invention as seen
from the end opposite the medium supply channel,
Fig. 2 represents the sprinkler head of Fig. 1, sectioned in an activated
position,
Fig. 3 represents a magnified detail of a spray head nozzle in sectioned
view,
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Fig. 4 represents magnified detail of a spray head nozzle,
Fig. 5 represents a magnified detail of a second embodiment of the
spray head nozzle,
5
Fig. 6 represents a magnified detail of the spray head nozzle,
Fig. 7 represents a magnified detail of an embodiment of the spray
head nozzle in sectioned view,
Fig. 8 represents a magnified detail of an embodiment of the spray
head nozzle in sectioned view,
Fig. 9 represents a second embodiment of the spray head of the inven-
tion in a first position,
Fig. 10 represents a second spray head according to the invention in a
second position,
2o Fig. 11 represents yet another embodiment of the spray head,
Fig. 12 represents the spray head sectioned along line B-B in Fig. 11,
and
Fig. 13 represents a detail of the spray head, sectioned along line XIII-
XIII in Fig. 12.
Detailed description of the invention
Figs. 1, la and 2 represent a spray head according to the invention. The
spray head illustrated in the figures is a sprinkler head specifically de-
signed for fire-fighting. The spray head is intended particularly for
spraying a medium mist. The spray head has a frame part 1 and an in-
let 2 for supplying a medium to be sprayed to the spray head. The
frame part 1 is provided with a boring 5. Arranged in the boring 5 is a
second part 7, preferably a sleeve-like part having a first end 10 and a
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second end 11. The second part contains at least one channel 9 forming
a passage through it from the first end 10 to the second end 11. At
least one first opening 8 is formed through the wall of the second part.
The frame part 1 has at least one opening 4. The opening 8 in the sec-
ond part 7 and the opening 4 in the frame part 1 are arranged to func-
tion together so that, when a medium is flowing through them, the noz-
zle head produces a medium spray, especially a medium mist spray.
The opening 8 in the second part is thus in the coverage area of the
frame part. In the embodiments presented in Figs. 1 and 2, the spray
lo head comprises a valve element 6 which, in the position shown in Fig.
1, is arranged to block the medium flow passage from the inlet 2 to the
nozzle formed by the openings 8, 4. By providing the second part with
opening 8 and the frame part with opening 4, it will be possible to ad-
vantageously vary different frame part 1 - second part 7 combinations
with openings 8, 4 having different properties. In the figures, the sec-
ond part 7 is arranged inside the frame part 1, in a channel 5, but al-
ternatively it is conceivable that the second part could be arranged out-
side the frame part, at least in the area where at least some of the noz-
zle holes of the frame part are arranged.
Arranged in the boring in the frame is a sealing element 12 or the like.
The sealing element 12 is preferably placed in the boring, pressed be-
tween the second part 7 and the part 3 on the inlet side, so that it, to-
gether with the valve element 6 movably arranged in the boring in the
frame, closes the passage into the channel 9 in the sleeve. In its first
position, the valve element 6, i.e. plunger blocks the medium flow pas-
sage to the nozzles 8, 4. In the case of Fig. 1, the valve element is
locked in the first position by locking means 14, 15. In the embodiment
in the figure, the means for locking and/or releasing the valve element
comprise a heat-sensitive element 14. The heat-sensitive element 14
may be e.g. an ampoule known in itself in fire-fighting technology,
which breaks at a certain temperature. Similarly, the heat-sensitive
element 14 may melt at a certain temperature. Naturally, the means for
releasing the valve element may also consist of other types of devices,
and they could conceivably function e.g. on the basis of a signal coming
from the control system of a fire-fighting system. Formed in the valve
element 6 is a boring 16, into which the upper end 18 of the ampoule
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14 as seen in the figure is arranged to fit. The total length of the am-
poule 14 and valve element 6 is fitted to be such that, when the am-
poule is in position, the valve element is in a blocking position.
When the spray head is activated as the heat-sensitive element is bro-
ken, the medium pressure acting on the valve element 6 end facing to-
wards the inlet 2 causes the valve element 6 to move to a second posi-
tion (Fig. 2), in which the passage to at least one nozzle 8, 4 is open.
1o In the embodiment in the figure, the valve element 6 has at least one
opening 17 formed in it, extending from space 9 into boring 16. The
boring can now act as a spraying nozzle when the spray head is in the
activated state, in a situation as illustrated in Fig. 2.
Figs. 3 and 4 present a magnified detail of a spray head according to
the invention. According to these figures, the opening 4 formed in the
frame part 1 has a larger diameter D than the opening formed in the
second part 7, which has diameter d. In this embodiment, the openings
are disposed coaxially relative to each other.
Figs. 5 and 6 present a second embodiment, in which the opening in the
second part is arranged to be at an angle a relative to the opening 4
formed in the frame. In this embodiment of the invention, the size and
shape and orientation of the opening can be easily varied by using a dif-
ferent second part 7. In respect of manufacturing technology as well, it
is possible to achieve more versatile spray head solutions when a sepa-
rate second part is used, as compared e.g. to a solution where the noz-
zle openings are arranged in the same body. By using an arrangement
where the orientation of the opening formed in the second body and the
orientation of the opening formed in the frame are at an angle relative
to each other, the shape of the spray can be controlled by varying the
angle. This allows a very large range of variation of the spraying prop-
erties of the spray head. The openings in the frame and in the second
part may be oriented in mutually different directions not only in relation
to the vertical axis of the spray head but also tangentially relative to
each other.
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Figs. 7 and 8 present yet another preferred embodiment, in which the
second part is provided with several openings 8', 8", which are simulta-
neously in the coverage area of the opening 4 formed in the frame. The
openings formed in the second part may differ from each other in re-
gard of their dimensions and orientations. By forming two or more holes
in the second part 7 in conjunction with the opening 4 formed in the
frame 1, it is possible to influence the shape of the spray delivered by
the nozzle. Thus, it is also possible to achieve a spray with a better
penetration as necessary, which has a great importance in certain fire-
1o fighting applications, especially in those based on liquid mist.
Figs. 11, 12 and 13 present a third embodiment of the solution of the
invention, wherein some of the openings 4 formed in the frame are ar-
ranged to function as air passages. In this case, a connection is pro-
vided between different openings 4, e.g. by forming a medium channel
23 between the frame 1 and the second part 7, allowing the properties
of the spray head to be further extended. The medium channel 23 can
be effectively created e.g. by forming a groove 23 in the second part 7
(Fig. 13) or in the frame or in both. In this case, by providing the sec-
ond part with openings in conjunction with only some of the openings in
the frame of the spray head, the spraying properties of the spray head
can be further extended. Some of the openings function as nozzles, and
those of the openings opposite which there is no opening 8 in the sleeve
can now function as air supply openings. The sleeve 7 may have a
groove formed in the area opposite to the holes bored in the frame, so
that at least some of the holes communicate with each other. Thus, e.g.
every second hole functions as a nozzle whereas air flows in through
the other every second hole when the nozzle functions like an ejector.
The additional air supply holes make it possible to influence the shape
and penetration of the spray discharged. If no supplementary air is
used, e.g. a broader and/or softer spray can be produced, whereas by
using supplementary air e.g. a narrower and/or sharper spray can be
produced.
Figs. 9 and 10 present yet another embodiment of the invention. The
second part 7, such as a sleeve part, and the frame 1 can be arranged
to be movable relative to each other. Preferably the sleeve part 7 is
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formed to be movable in the frame, e.g. in the channel 5, between at
least two positions. In Fig. 9, the sleeve part is in a first position, and in
Fig. 10 the sleeve part is in a second position. The second part is
slidably arranged in the channel 5. In the embodiment illustrated in the
figures, the second part 7 comprises a groove with a sealing element
22, such as an 0-ring or the like, arranged in it. It is now possible to ar-
range for structural features, such as the size, shape and/or orientation
of the openings 8', 8" (and 4) giving a particular spraying property to
be in alignment with each other between the frame 1 and the second
part 7 in the first position, and for structural features giving a different
spraying property to be in alignment with each other in the second posi-
tion. In this case, e.g. when the sprayed medium has a higher pressure,
the spray head can be arranged to have different properties than if the
pressure of the sprayed medium were lower. Such cases can be utilized
e.g. in fire-fighting applications. By using the medium pressure and a
counter-element for it, such as a pre-tensioning element, especially a
spring element 20, 21, to assist the motion of the second part, it is pos-
sible to achieve a solution for varying the properties of the spray head
that is very reliable in operation and advantageous in respect of manu-
facturing technology. By using a sleeve element as the second part 7, a
very advantageous solution is achieved. By forming a throttle element
19 in the sleeve element and using a counter-element 20, 21, a very
usable and reliable solution for moving the second part 7 by the me-
dium pressure is obtained. By providing the upper end 10 of the sleeve
with a throttle hole 19, a pressure difference is produced which, at
higher outputs of sprayed medium, presses the sleeve 7 down (Fig. 10),
giving a different spray. With a lower output of medium, the pressure
difference decreases and the spring 20,21 used as a counter-element
causes the sleeve to rise upwards and a new hole 8' gives a new type of
spray (Fig. 9).
According to an embodiment, the counter-element is a pre-tensioning
element, especially a spring element 20, 21. The pre-tensioning ele-
ment is preferably a cup spring element 20, 21.
Thus, the invention relates to a spray head for spraying a mist, said
spray head comprising a frame part 1, an inlet 2 and a main channel 5
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formed in the frame part and leading from the inlet to at least one
opening 4 formed in the wall of the frame part. Arranged in the spray
head is at least one second part 7 with at least one opening 8 formed in
it, which, together with the opening 4 made in the wall of the frame,
5 forms a spraying nozzle.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second part 7 is arranged in-
side the frame part 1.
10 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second part
7 is arranged in the main channel 5 of the frame part. In the embodi-
ments illustrated in the figures, the second part 7 is a sleeve-like part,
and the opening 8 is formed through the wall, especially a side wall, of
the sleeve.
In an embodiment, the opening 8, 8', 8" in the second part is arranged
to be at substantially the same angle with the opening 4 in the frame
part (Fig. 3).
2o According to another embodiment, the opening 8 in the second part is
arranged to be at a different angle a relative to the opening 4 in the
frame part. Fig. 5 additionally shows certain other angles. Angle P indi-
cates the direction of the opening 8 relative to the main direction of the
spray head channel 9. Angle Pr represents the direction of opening 4
relative to the main direction of the channel 9. In spray heads imple-
mented according to the invention, angle P may vary within a consid-
erably larger range than usual. For example, US 6,318,474 gives some
values between 0 - 120 . In the solution of the invention, angle a may
vary considerably from prior-art solutions, because neither manufactur-
ing technology nor the dimensions of the opening 4 impose any restric-
tions regarding the making of the opening 8, 8, 8" to be formed in the
second body. Thus, the size and shape and orientation of the opening 8,
8', 8" can be optimized in accordance with the desired spraying proper-
ties.
According to a third embodiment of the invention (Fig. 7), it is even
possible to provide more than one opening of the second part in the
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coverage area of the opening in the frame part. In Fig. 7, the spray
head has at least two openings of the second part in the coverage area
of the opening in the frame part.
The openings provided in the second part 7, i.e. in the sleeve part in the
embodiment illustrated in the figures, are arranged at angle P relative
to the central channel of the sleeve. The openings 8', 8" provided in the
second part 7 are arranged at a different angle relative to each other.
1o The second part 7, which according to an embodiment is a sleeve part,
is arranged to be movable. The sleeve part 7 is arranged to be movable
between at least two positions, a first position, in which at least one
first opening 8' is in the coverage area of the opening 4 in the frame,
and a second position, in which at least one second opening 8" is in the
coverage area of the opening 4 in the frame.
The sleeve part 7 is arranged to be movable by the sprayed medium.
The sleeve part 7 is arranged to be movable by a pressure difference.
2o The sleeve part 7 has a constriction region 19 arranged in it. Arranged
in the spray head is a counter-element, such as a pre-tensioning ele-
ment, especially a spring element, preferably a cup spring element 20,
21. Thus, the sleeve part remains in the first position and will not move
to the second position until the medium pressure in the spray head is
sufficiently high. After the pressure has fallen, the spring element re-
turns the sleeve element back to the first position again.
Slidably arranged in the main channel 5 of the spray head or in the
channel 9 in the second part is a valve element 6, said valve element 6
3o being movable between at least two positions, a first position, in which
it blocks the passage between the inlet 2 and at least one nozzle 4, 8,
8', 8", and a second position, in which the passage from the inlet to the
at least one nozzle is open.
In the direction of medium flow, the first opening 8, 8', 8" of the nozzle
in the embodiments illustrated in the figures is smaller than the second
opening 4.
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The diameter d of the first opening 8, 8', 8" is typically 0.1 - 0.9 times
the diameter D of the second opening 4. Typical parameters and meas-
urements related to the dimensions of the spray head openings are pre-
sented in US patent 6,318,474. The dimensions of the nozzles described
in this specification have been found to be advantageous in the spraying
of liquid-containing mist. Naturally, other opening sizes may be usable
depending on the application.
io In yet another embodiment, a medium passage is provided between at
least some of openings 4. The second part 7 and/or the frame part 1 is
provided with a groove 23 or the like.
The second part 7 may have openings 8 arranged in the coverage area
of only some of the openings 4 in the spray head frame. Some of the
holes 4 function as nozzles, and those of the holes opposite which there
is no opening 8 in the sleeve can thus function as air supply openings.
In the embodiment in Fig. 12, every second hole 4 functions as a nozzle
whereas air flows in through the other every second hole 4' when the
2o nozzle 8, 4 works like an ejector. As the medium spray is discharged
through the opening 8 in the second part and the opening 4 in the
frame, it creates a suction, so that air flows in through opening 4' and is
passed via the medium passage, such as a groove 23, to opening 4 and
is mixed into the spray discharged from the spray head. In Fig. 12, the
directions of flow are visualized by arrows.
The general operation of the spray head of the invention is not ex-
plained in detail in the description, but it is assumed to be obvious to a
person skilled in the art. In this connection, reference is made to US
patent 6,318,474.
It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not lim-
ited to the embodiments described above, but that it can be varied
within the scope of the claims presented below. Features that may have
been presented together with other features in the above description
may also, if necessary, be independent features. Alternatively, it is con-
ceivable that the second part is arranged outside the frame part 1. In
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this case, the dimensions and orientations of the openings 4, 8, 8', 8" in
parts 1 and 7 respectively are mutually reversed relative to those pre-
sented in the figures. The second part may also be other than a sleeve-
like part. It is likewise conceivable that the second part comprises sev-
s eral components or is formed from several components.
