External mounting device for monitoring fire extinguishing systems

Abstract

A monitored fire suppression system (10) is disclosed that includes a valve assembly for controlling release of fire suppressant from a container (17), an actuator (25) operatively associated with the valve assembly for actuating the valve assembly in the event of a fire, wherein the actuator can be removed from the system for periodic inspection and / or maintenance, and an externally mounted monitoring switch device (16, 30) configured to interact with the actuator to provide an indication related to removal or disengagement of the actuator from the system for periodic inspection and / or maintenance.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of PCT Patent Application that entered the Chinese national phase on May 25, 2016 (Chinese National Application No. 201680034188.9, International Application No. PCT / US2016 / 034022, entitled "Externally Mounted Device for Supervision of a Fire Suppression System").

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 170,741, filed June 4, 2015, and entitled "Externally Mounted Device for the Supervision of a Fire Suppression System," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0004] 1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to supervised fire suppression systems, and more particularly, to an externally mounted switch device for detecting removal of an actuator for activating a discharge valve on a storage container holding pressurized fire suppressant to ensure that the actuator is replaced after being inspected.

[0006] 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0007] Fire safety systems installed within a building typically include at least one electrical panel as a control component of the fire safety system. The control panel is the hub of the safety system. It monitors inputs and system integrity, controls outputs and relays information. The control panel receives information from environmental sensors that detect environmental changes related to fire, monitors their operational integrity and provides automatic control of equipment, which can include releasing fire suppressant, transmits necessary information to provide notification to fire fighters, and controls various building functions to prepare the fire facility based on a predetermined sequence of events.

[0008] A typical unit in such a system is a storage vessel containing fire suppressant under pressure. The storage vessel is typically a cylinder and often includes a valve connected to a control head that is pneumatically or electrically connected to a control panel. The control panel can send a signal to the control head to activate a release mechanism, such as a solenoid actuator, to open the valve and release the fire suppressant from the vessel. The agent then passes through an outlet in the valve into a network of pipes that distribute the fire suppressant to a series of interconnected nozzles placed throughout a facility, such as a building, from which the agent is discharged. The control panel can be programmed to automatically send a signal to the control head to open the valve to release the agent upon detection of a fire by a detector. In some cases, the valve can also be activated manually.

[0009] Standards and regulations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) generally require specific monitoring and inspection of control heads and fire safety systems. This is typically done by physically inspecting the vessels by trained personnel. This includes manually disconnecting the control head from the valve, physically inspecting the control head at specific intervals, such as every six months, and then reconnecting the control head to the valve. In addition, the agent storage vessels must be physically inspected to monitor the levels of agent, pressure, temperature, and other conditions. Further, cleaning of the fire safety system requires manually disconnecting the control head from the valve, which then requires manually reconnecting the control head and valve. SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention relates to a new and useful fire suppression system that includes a vessel for storing pressurized fire suppressant; a valve assembly operably associated with the vessel for controlling the release of fire suppressant from the vessel; an actuator operably associated with the valve assembly for actuating the valve assembly in the event of a fire, wherein the actuator can be easily removed from the fire suppression system for inspection and / or maintenance; and an external switch device configured to interact with the actuator to provide an indication that the actuator has been removed from the system. Preferably, the external switch device communicates with a control panel located remotely from the actuator, where an indication or alarm is provided that the actuator has been removed.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a solenoid valve disposed within a control head, and the control head is removably connected to the discharge valve assembly. In this case, the external monitoring switch device is mounted between the control head and the discharge valve assembly. It includes a housing that contains a pivoting trigger and a microswitch in spring-biased contact with the trigger. The trigger is adapted and configured to physically interact with a rotating nut that removably connects the control head to the discharge valve assembly.

[0012] More specifically, the pivoting trigger is adapted and configured to move between a first position in contact with the rotating nut and a second position out of contact with the rotating nut, the first position corresponding to the control head being connected to the discharge valve assembly such that the micro switch is in a first state, the second position corresponding to the control head being removed from the discharge valve assembly such that the micro switch is in a second state to provide an indication that the actuator has been removed from the system for maintenance and / or inspection.

[0013] In another embodiment of the application, the actuator is a solenoid valve removably mounted to a pneumatic actuator, and the pneumatic actuator is mounted to a ball valve assembly by a mounting bracket. In this case, the external monitoring switch device is mounted on a monitoring bracket removably connected to a housing of the solenoid valve. To perform maintenance and / or inspection, the monitoring bracket needs to be removed to access the solenoid valve.

[0014] It is contemplated that the external switch device can include a micro switch that operates by physical contact with the housing of the solenoid valve, or the external switch device can include a proximity switch that operates by being in physical proximity to a magnetic target located on the housing of the solenoid valve.

[0015] The application is also directed to a fire suppression system including a discharge valve for controlling the release of fire suppressant from a container; a control head housing an electronic actuator operatively associated with the discharge valve for actuating the discharge valve in the event of a fire, wherein the control head is removable from the discharge valve to facilitate maintenance and / or inspection of the electronic actuator housed within the control head; and an external monitoring switch device supported on the discharge valve and configured to interact with the control head to provide an indication that the control head has been removed from the discharge valve.

[0016] The external switch device is in communication with a control panel located remotely from the control head at which an indication is provided that the control head has been removed from the discharge valve. The electronic actuator is a solenoid valve housed within the control head, and the control head is removably connected to the discharge valve by a rotating nut operatively secured to the control head. The external switch device includes a housing containing a pivoting trigger and a micro switch in spring biased contact with the trigger. The trigger is adapted and configured to physically interact with the rotating nut secured to the control head.

[0017] More specifically, the pivoting trigger is adapted and configured to move between a first position in contact with the rotating nut and a second position out of contact with the rotating nut, the first position corresponding to the control head being connected to the discharge valve assembly such that the micro switch is in a first state, the second position corresponding to the control head being removed from the discharge valve assembly such that the micro switch is in a second state to provide an indication that the control head has been removed from the discharge valve.

[0018] The present invention is also directed to a fire suppression system including a ball valve for controlling the release of fire suppressant from a storage vessel; a pneumatic actuator operably associated with the ball valve for actuating the ball valve in the event of a fire, wherein the pneumatic actuator includes a solenoid valve that can be removed from the system for maintenance and / or inspection; and an external monitoring switch device configured to interact with the pneumatic actuator to provide an indication that the solenoid valve has been removed from the pneumatic actuator.

[0019] The external switch device communicates with a control panel located remotely from the pneumatic actuator where the indication that the solenoid valve has been removed from the pneumatic actuator is provided. The external switch device is mounted on a monitoring bracket that is removably connected to the solenoid valve's housing by threaded fasteners. For periodic maintenance, the monitoring bracket needs to be removed to access the solenoid valve. The external switch device includes a micro switch that operates by physical contact with the solenoid valve's housing or a proximity switch that operates by being in physical proximity to a magnetic target located on the solenoid valve's housing.

[0020] These and other features of the present invention, as well as the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Accordingly, to the extent that there are any inconsistencies in the specification, and those of the attached claims, they should be understood to be of the type that are meant for purposes of litigation only. Accordingly, they should not be used in interpreting the meaning and scope of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a monitored fire suppression system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a control head containing an actuator is attached to a discharge valve on a storage vessel containing pressurized fire suppressant;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a monitored fire suppression system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a control head containing an actuator is attached to a discharge valve on a storage vessel containing pressurized fire suppressant; Figure 1 is a schematic view of a monitored fire suppression system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a control head containing an actuator is attached to a discharge valve on a storage vessel containing pressurized fire suppressant;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a monitored fire suppression system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a control head containing an actuator is attached to a discharge valve on a storage vessel containing pressurized fire suppressant;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a monitored fire suppression system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a control head containing an actuator is attached to a discharge valve on a storage vessel containing pressurized fire suppressant; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of

[0026] Figure 5 This is a top plan view of an externally mounted monitoring switchgear constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switch mechanism is in a state corresponding to the control head being mounted on the discharge valve, and wherein the trigger is in contact with the rotating nut that secures the control head to the discharge valve.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a top view of an externally mounted monitoring switchgear, wherein the switch mechanism is in a first state corresponding to the control head being removed from the discharge valve or otherwise disengaged from the discharge valve.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another externally mounted monitoring switchgear constructed according to the present invention, wherein the switching mechanism is in a second state corresponding to the control head being mounted on the discharge valve, wherein the trigger is biased in contact with the rotating nut that secures the control head to the discharge valve;

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The perspective view of the monitoring switchgear shown indicates that the switch mechanism is in a state corresponding to the control head being removed from the drain valve or otherwise disengaged from the drain valve.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a side view of a monitored pneumatic selector ball valve actuator assembly for a fire suppression system, including a monitoring bracket that must be removed to access the electronic actuator associated with the pneumatic actuator.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows a partial enlarged view of the pneumatic actuator, with the monitoring bracket removed. The monitoring bracket includes a mechanical switching mechanism configured to physically contact the housing of the electronic actuator.

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows a partial enlarged view of the pneumatic actuator, with the monitoring bracket removed. The monitoring bracket includes a proximity switch mechanism that operates by interacting with the target magnetism on the housing of the electronic actuator. Detailed description of the preferred implementation scheme

[0033] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the invention. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a fire extinguishing system constructed according to an embodiment of the invention and generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0034] The fire suppression system 10 of the present application includes a container or cylinder 12 for storing pressurized fire suppressant. A discharge valve assembly 14 is operatively associated with the container 12 for controlling the release of fire suppressant therefrom. An electronic control head 16 is mounted on the valve assembly 14 by a threaded spin nut 18. The control head 16 houses an electronic solenoid valve (not shown) for actuating the valve assembly 14 in the event of a fire.

[0035] The control head 16 is adapted and configured to be easily removed from the valve assembly 14 by the spin nut 18 to facilitate periodic maintenance inspection and monitoring of the solenoid valve housed therein, as for example Figure 2 shown. Standards and codes of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) generally require periodic inspection of control heads and fire safety systems.

[0036] In one aspect of the present application, the control head 16 is in communication with a control panel 20 located remotely from the control head 16, at which an indication is provided related to the tampering of the system, and more particularly, the removal of the control head 16. The communication link is typically a wired connection as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, but it is contemplated that the control head 16 can be wirelessly connected to the control panel 20.

[0037] The indication provided at the control panel 20 when the control head 16 is removed or detached from the valve assembly 14 for inspection and / or maintenance can be an audible and / or visual alarm. When the actuator 16 is connected to the valve assembly 14 or otherwise properly installed on the valve assembly 14 after being inspected, the control panel 20 can provide a signal indicating that the fire suppression system 10 is ready.

[0038] Reference is now made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 which illustrate one embodiment of the present application in which an externally mounted monitoring switch device 30 is mounted between the control head 16 and the discharge valve assembly 14 for monitoring the integrity of the fire suppression system 10. More particularly, the monitoring switch device 30 is mounted on the neck 15 of the discharge valve assembly 14 to monitor the position of the control head 16 relative to the discharge valve assembly 14 by reference to the outer periphery of the spin nut 18. The switch device 30 is in communication with a control panel (not shown) by a communication cable 35.

[0039] Importantly, the control head 16 houses an electronic actuator or solenoid valve 25. As Figure 4 shown, the solenoid valve 25 includes a central shaft pin 28 configured to actuate the valve assembly 14 in the event of a fire. The solenoid valve 25 is a critical component of the system 10, and when the control head 16 is removed from the discharge valve assembly 14 for maintenance, the solenoid valve 25 is typically inspected, which requires electronic monitoring to ensure proper reinstallation of the control head 16.

[0040] The externally mounted monitoring switch device 30 is adapted and configured to physically interact with the threaded rotating nut 18 that connects the discharge valve 14 and the control head 16 together. The threaded rotating nut 18 is rotatably associated with the central post 22 of the control head 16 by an annular locking ring 24. It is also threadably associated with the neck 15 of the discharge valve 14. Moreover, when the control head 16 is removed from the discharge valve assembly 14, the rotating nut 18 will remain with the control head 16 and not with the valve assembly 14. The physical interaction of the switch device 30 and the rotating nut 18 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the externally mounted monitoring switch device 30 includes a generally rectangular housing 32 having a cover 33 and an integral engagement collar 34. The collar 34 is sized and configured to surround the neck 15 of the discharge valve 14 without interfering with the geometry of the rotating nut 18. As shown in Figure 4 , this allows the control head 16 to be fully seated on the neck 15 of the discharge valve 14. In addition, the switch device 30 can be easily retrofitted to existing fire suppression systems 10 without requiring any physical or structural changes to the control head or valve assembly.

[0042] The pivoting trigger 34 and micro switch 36 are disposed within the housing 32 of the switch device 30. The micro switch 36 includes a spring biased contact pin 38 that cooperates with the trigger 34. The trigger 34 is adapted and configured to physically interact with the outer radial face of the rotating nut 18. Thus, the trigger 34 is not sensitive or dependent on the height at which the rotating nut 18 is tightened when installed. In addition, the pivoting trigger 34 is adapted and configured to move between a first position (as shown in Figure 5 ) in contact with the outer periphery of the rotating nut 18 and a second position (as shown in Figure 6 ) out of contact with the rotating nut 18.

[0043] Figure 5 The first position, shown in Figure 6 , corresponds to the control head 16 being connected to the discharge valve assembly 14 with the micro switch 36 in a first state. At this time, an indication will be provided at the control panel 20 that the system 10 is ready for use. The second position, shown in

[0044] , corresponds to the control head 16 being removed from the valve assembly 14 with the micro switch 36 in a second state. In the second state, the micro switch 36 will provide an indication that the control head 16 has been removed from the discharge valve assembly 14 for inspection and / or maintenance. At this time, an audible and / or visual indication will be provided at the control panel 20 that the system 10 is compromised. Figure 7 Figure 8FIG. 2, which shows another embodiment of an externally mounted monitoring switch device of the present application, generally designated by reference numeral 50. The switch device 50 operates in substantially the same manner as the switch device 30; however, the construction of the device 50 is somewhat different.

[0045] Specifically, in the switch device 50, the microswitch 56 includes a spring biased arm 55 that interacts with a sliding contact pin 58 supported within a central support wall 51 of the housing 52. The housing 52 includes a cover 53 secured by a plurality of fasteners 59 and a collar 57 for engaging the neck 15 of the valve assembly 14. The housing 52 also includes a fitting 60 for accommodating a passageway for a communication cable 65.

[0046] The contact pin 58 is adapted and configured to cooperate with the pivoting trigger 54 to physically interact with the periphery of the rotating nut 18 rotatably supported on the central post 22 of the control head 16, for example as shown in Figure 4 As previously described, when the rotating nut 18 is removed from the discharge valve assembly 14 along with the control head 16, the trigger 54 will pivot under the bias of the spring arm 55 of the microswitch 56 as it is pushed by the contact pin 58. This will cause the microswitch 56 to change state, providing an indication that the control head 16 has been removed from the discharge valve assembly 14.

[0047] Referring now to Figures 9 to 11 which shows another fire suppression system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present application, generally designated by reference numeral 100. The fire suppression system 100 includes a globe valve assembly 114 for controlling the release of fire suppressant from a storage container (not shown). A pneumatic actuator 116 is operably connected to the globe valve assembly 114 by a mounting bracket 115. The pneumatic actuator 116 is adapted and configured to actuate the globe valve 114 in the event of a fire.

[0048] The pneumatic actuator 116 includes a solenoid valve 125 that is removable from the system 100 for inspection and / or maintenance. The system 100 includes an external switch device 130 configured to interact with the pneumatic actuator 116 to provide an indication related to the removal of the solenoid valve 125 from the pneumatic actuator 116 for periodic inspection and / or maintenance.

[0049] The external switch device 130 communicates with a control panel (not shown) located remotely from the pneumatic actuator 116 at which an indication is provided that the solenoid valve 125 has been removed from the pneumatic actuator 116, for example as shown in Figure 2 The external switch device 130 is mounted on a monitoring bracket 150 that is removably connected to a housing 135 of the solenoid valve 125 by threaded fasteners 140. For periodic maintenance, the monitoring bracket 150 needs to be removed to access the solenoid valve 125.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present application, the external switch device 130 includes a microswitch 132 that operates by physically contacting the housing 135 of the solenoid valve 125, as shown in Figure 10 In another embodiment of the present application, the external switch device 130 includes a proximity switch 142 that operates by physically approaching a magnetic target 144 located on the housing 135 of the solenoid valve 125, as shown in Figure 11

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the externally mounted monitoring switch device of the present application facilitates compliance with regulatory standards requiring actuator monitoring, thereby benefiting manufacturers and suppliers of fire suppression systems. The present application also benefits end users of the systems by providing additional protection against improper maintenance. Furthermore, the present application provides benefits to system installation / maintenance providers by reducing the likelihood of damage due to inactivity of a failed system.

[0052] While the externally mounted monitoring switch device of the present application has been shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and / or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.​

Claims

1. A supervised fire suppression system comprising: a) a valve assembly for controlling release of fire suppressant from a container; b) an actuator operatively associated with the valve assembly for actuating the valve assembly in the event of a fire, wherein the actuator is detachable from the fire suppression system; and c) an externally mounted supervisory switch device configured to interact with the actuator to provide an indication related to detachment of the actuator, wherein the actuator is a solenoid valve detachably mounted to a pneumatic actuator, and the pneumatic actuator is mounted to a ball valve assembly by a mounting bracket, wherein the external switch device is mounted on a supervisory bracket removably connected to a housing of the solenoid valve, and wherein the solenoid valve is accessed by removing the supervisory bracket, and wherein the external switch device comprises one of (i) a microswitch operated by physical contact with the housing of the solenoid valve, or (ii) a proximity switch operated by physical proximity to a magnetic target located on the housing of the solenoid valve, wherein the external switch device is in communication with a control panel located remotely from the actuator and provides an indication to the control panel related to detachment of the actuator.

2. The supervised fire suppression system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a solenoid valve disposed within a control head, and the control head is removably connected to a discharge valve assembly.

3. The supervised fire suppression system of claim 2, wherein the external switch device is mounted between the control head and the valve assembly.

4. The supervised fire suppression system of claim 3, wherein the external switch device comprises a housing containing a pivoting trigger and a microswitch spring-biased in contact with the trigger, wherein the trigger is adapted and configured to physically interact with a rotating nut removably connecting the control head to the valve assembly.

5. The supervised fire suppression system of claim 4, wherein the pivoting trigger is adapted and configured to move between a first position in contact with the rotating nut corresponding to the control head being connected to the valve assembly such that the microswitch is in a first state, and a second position out of contact with the rotating nut corresponding to the control head being removed from the valve assembly such that the microswitch is in a second state to provide an indication that the actuator has been removed for inspection.

6. A supervised fire suppression system comprising: a) a ball valve for controlling release of fire suppressant from a storage container; b) a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to the ball valve for actuating the ball valve in the event of a fire, wherein the pneumatic actuator includes a solenoid valve that can be removed from the system for inspection; and c) an external switch device configured to interact with the pneumatic actuator to provide an indication related to removal of the solenoid valve from the pneumatic actuator, wherein the external switch device is in communication with a control panel located remotely from the pneumatic actuator and provides an indication to the control panel that the solenoid valve is removed from the pneumatic actuator, wherein the external switch device is mounted on a monitoring bracket removably connected to a housing of the solenoid valve, and wherein the monitoring bracket needs to be removed to access the solenoid valve, and wherein the external switch device comprises one of (i) a micro switch operated by physical contact with the housing of the solenoid valve, or (ii) a proximity switch operated by being in physical proximity to a magnetic target located on the housing of the solenoid valve.

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