U.S. patent application number 15/580147 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-17 for internally mounted device for the supervison of a fire suppression system.
The applicant listed for this patent is UTC Fire & Security Corporation. Invention is credited to Thomas Kjellman.
Application Number | 20180133529 15/580147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56113085 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180133529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kjellman; Thomas |
May 17, 2018 |
INTERNALLY MOUNTED DEVICE FOR THE SUPERVISON OF A FIRE SUPPRESSION
SYSTEM
Abstract
A supervised fire suppression system (10, 100) is disclosed that
includes a discharge valve (14, 114) for controlling release of a
fire extinguishing agent from a container (12), a control head (16,
116) operatively associated with the discharge valve for actuating
the discharge valve in the event of a fire, wherein the control
head may be removed from the discharge valve to facilitate
inspection of the control head, and an internal supervisory
switching device (130) mounted within the control head and
configured to interact with the discharge valve to provide an
indication that the control head has been removed from the
discharge valve.
Inventors: |
Kjellman; Thomas; (Ashland,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UTC Fire & Security Corporation |
Farmington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56113085 |
Appl. No.: |
15/580147 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
May 25, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US16/34023 |
371 Date: |
December 6, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62172344 |
Jun 8, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 37/04 20130101;
A62C 35/02 20130101; A62C 37/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A62C 37/50 20060101
A62C037/50 |
Claims
1. A supervised fire suppression system comprising: a) a discharge
valve for controlling the release of a fire extinguishing agent
from a container; b) a control head operatively associated with the
discharge valve for actuating the discharge valve in the event of a
fire, wherein the control head may be disengaged from the discharge
valve to facilitate inspection of the control head; and c) an
internal supervisory switching device mounted within the control
head and configured to interact with the discharge valve to provide
an indication when the control head has been disengaged from the
discharge valve.
2. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the control head houses an electronic actuator that is
operatively associated with the discharge valve for actuating the
discharge valve in the event of a fire.
3. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the supervisory switching device includes an internal
switch pin mounted for movement within a bore formed in the control
head.
4. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the internal switch pin is mounted for movement between a
first position corresponding to the control head being installed on
the discharge valve and a second position corresponding to the
control head being disengaged from the discharge valve.
5. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 4,
wherein the supervisory switching device includes a micro switch
that cooperates with the internal switch pin to provide an
indication that the control head has been removed from the
discharge valve.
6. A supervised, fire suppression system as recited in claim 5,
wherein the micro switch that cooperates with the internal switch
pin is disposed within an internal compartment formed in the
control head.
7. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 5,
wherein the micro switch that cooperates with the internal switch
pin is disposed within an adjoined, housing adjacent to the control
head.
8. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 7,
wherein a slidable wedge is positioned within the adjoined housing
between the micro switch and the internal switch pin to facilitate
indirect cooperation between the micro switch and the switch
pin.
9. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 5,
wherein the switching device communicates with a control panel
located remote from the control head where an indication relating
to removal of the control head from the discharge valve is
provided.
10. A supervised fire suppression system comprising: a) a discharge
valve for controlling the release of a fire extinguishing agent
from a container; b) a control head housing an electronic actuator
that is operatively associated with the discharge valve for
actuating the discharge valve in the event of a fire, wherein the
control head may be removed from the discharge valve to facilitate
inspection of the electronic actuator housed within the control
head; and c) an internal supervisory switching device including a
micro switch housed within the control head and a cooperating
internal switch pin mounted to interact with a surface of the
discharge valve to provide an indication that the control head has
been removed from the discharge valve.
11. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 10,
wherein the internal switch pin is mounted for movement within a
bore formed in the control head.
12. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 11,
wherein the internal switch pin is mounted for movement between a
first position corresponding to the control head being installed on
the discharge valve and a second position corresponding to the
control head being removed from the discharge valve.
13. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 12,
wherein the micro switch that cooperates with the internal switch
pin is disposed within an internal compartment formed in the
control head.
14. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 11,
wherein the switching device communicates with a control panel
located remote from the control head where an indication relating
to removal of the control head from the discharge valve is
provided.
15. A supervised fire suppression system comprising: a) a discharge
valve for controlling the release of a fire extinguishing agent
from a container; b) a control head housing an electronic actuator
that is operatively associated with the discharge valve for
actuating the discharge valve in the event of a fire, wherein the
control head may be removed from the discharge valve to facilitate
inspection of the electronic actuator housed within the control
head; and c) a supervisory switching device including a micro
switch housed adjacent to the control head and a cooperating
internal switch pin mounted within the control head to interact
with a surface of the discharge valve to provide an indication that
the control head has been removed from the discharge valve.
16. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 15,
wherein the internal switch pin mounted is for movement within a
bore formed in the control head.
17. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 15,
wherein the internal switch pin is mounted for movement between a
first position corresponding to the control head being installed on
the discharge valve and a second position corresponding to the
control head being removed from the discharge valve.
18. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 15,
wherein the micro switch that cooperates with the internal switch
pin is disposed within an adjoined housing adjacent to the control
head.
19. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 15,
wherein a slidable wedge is positioned within the adjoined housing
between the micro switch and the internal switch pin to facilitate
indirect cooperation between the micro switch and the internal
switch pin.
20. A supervised fire suppression system as recited in claim 15,
wherein the switching device communicates with a control panel
located remote from the control head where an indication relating
to removal of the control head from the discharge valve is
provided.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/172,344, filed Jun. 8, 2015, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The subject invention is directed to supervised fire
suppression systems, and more particularly, to internally mounted
devices for detecting the removal of an actuator intended to
activate a discharge valve on a storage container holding
pressurized fire suppressant, so as to ensure the actuator is
replaced after it has been inspected.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Fire safety systems installed in buildings typically include
at least one electrical panel that is the controlling component of
the fire safety system. The control panel is a 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 associated
with fire, monitors their operational integrity and provides for
automatic control of equipment, which may include release of fire
suppressant, transmission of information necessary to provide
notification to fire fighters, and control of a variety of building
functions to prepare the facility for fire based on a predetermined
sequence of events.
[0004] A typical unit in the system is a storage container which
contains a fire extinguishing agent under pressure. The storage
container is usually a cylinder and often includes a valve
connected to a control head that is connected pneumatically or
electrically to the control panel. The control panel can send a
signal to the control head to activate a release mechanism, such as
a solenoid actuator, opening the valve and releasing the fire
extinguishing agent from the container. The agent then passes
through an outlet port in the valve to a piping network that
distributes the fire extinguishing agent to a series of
interconnected nozzles placed throughout an installation, for
example, in a building, where the agent is then discharged. The
control panel can be programmed to automatically send a signal to
the control head to open the valve to release the agent when a
detector detects a fire. In certain instances, the valve can also
be activated manually.
[0005] In the United States, specific monitoring and checks of the
control heads and the fire safety system in general are required by
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and codes.
This is typically done through physical inspection by trained
personnel at the container. It involves manually disconnecting the
control head from the valve to physically inspect it at specific
intervals, for example, every six months, then reconnecting the
control head to the valve. Additionally, agent storage containers
must be physically inspected to monitor 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 requires the control head and valve to then be
manually reconnected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The subject inventions directed to a new and useful fire
suppression system that includes a discharge valve for controlling
the release of a fire extinguishing agent from a container, and a
control head operatively associated with the discharge valve for
actuating the discharge valve in the event of a fire, wherein the
control head houses an electronic actuator that is operatively
associated with the discharge valve for actuating the discharge
valve in the event of a fire and the control head may be disengaged
or otherwise removed from the discharge valve to facilitate
inspection of the electronic actuator.
[0007] The system further includes a supervisory switching device
mounted within the control head and configured to interact with the
discharge valve to provide an indication that the control head has
been disengaged or otherwise removed from the discharge valve.
Moreover, the switching device communicates with a control panel
located remote from the control head where an indication relating
to removal of the control head from the discharge valve is
provided. The indication may be a visual alarm and/or an audible
signal.
[0008] The internal supervisory switching device includes an
elongated internal switch pin mounted for movement within a
complementary bore formed in the control head. More particularly,
the internal switch pin is mounted for movement between a first
position corresponding to the control head being installed on the
discharge valve and a second position corresponding to the control
head being removed from the discharge valve.
[0009] The internal supervisory switching device further includes a
micro switch that cooperates with the internal switch pin to
provide an indication that the control head has been removed from
the discharge valve. In one embodiment of the invention, the micro
switch that cooperates with the internal switch pin is disposed
within an internal compartment formed in the control head adjacent
to the electronic actuator. In another embodiment of the invention,
the micro switch that cooperates with the internal switch pin is
disposed within a housing located adjacent to the control head. In
this instance, a slidable wedge is positioned within the same
adjacent housing, located between the micro switch and the internal
switch pin, to facilitate indirect cooperation between the micro
switch aid the switch pin.
[0010] The subject invention is also directed to a supervised fire
suppression system that includes a discharge valve for controlling
the release of a fire extinguishing agent from a container, a
control head housing an electronic actuator that is operatively
associated with the discharge valve for actuating the discharge
valve in the event of a fire, wherein the control head may be
removed from the discharge valve to facilitate inspection of the
electronic actuator housed within the control head, and a
supervisory switching device including a micro switch housed within
the control head and a cooperating internal switch pin mounted to
interact with an exterior surface of the discharge valve to provide
an indication that the control head. has been removed from the
discharge valve.
[0011] The internal switch pin is mounted for movement within a
complementary bore formed in the control head. More particularly,
the internal switch pin is mounted for movement between a first
position corresponding to the control head being installed on the
discharge valve and a second position corresponding to the control
head being removed from the discharge valve. The micro switch is
disposed within an internal compartment formed in the control head
adjacent the electronic actuator.
[0012] The subject invention is further directed to a supervised
fire suppression system that includes a discharge valve for
controlling the release of a fire extinguishing agent from a
container, a control head housing an electronic actuator that is
operatively associated with the discharge valve for actuating the
discharge valve in the event of a fire, wherein the control head
may be removed from the discharge valve to facilitate inspection of
the electronic actuator housed within the control head, and a
supervisory switching device including a micro switch housed
adjacent to the control head and a cooperating internal switch pin
mounted within the control head to interact with an exterior
surface of the discharge valve to provide an indication that the
control head has been removed from the discharge valve.
[0013] The internal switch pin is mounted for movement within a
bore formed in the control head. More particularly, the internal
switch pin is mounted for movement between a first position
corresponding to the control. head being installed on the discharge
valve and a second position corresponding to the control head being
removed from the discharge valve. The micro switch is disposed
within a housing external to the control head. A slidable wedge is
positioned within the same exterior housing, and is located between
the micro switch and the internal switch pin to facilitate indirect
cooperation between the micro switch and the switch pin.
[0014] These and other features of the supervised fire suppression
system of the subject invention and the manner in which it is made
and employed will become more readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art from the following enabling description
of the preferred embodiments of the subject invention taken in
conjunction with the several drawings described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject
invention appertains will readily understand how to make and use
the supervised fire suppression system of the subject invention
without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will
be described in detail herein below with reference to certain
figures, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a supervised fire
suppression system constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the subject invention, wherein the control head is
attached to the discharge valve on the storage container holding a
pressurized fire extinguishing agent, and the system communicates
with a control panel located remote from the control head;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the supervised fire
suppression system shown in FIG. 1, wherein the control head has
been removed from the discharge valve on the storage container, as
indicated by a visible and/or audible signal emanating from the
control panel;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a localized side elevational view of an embodiment
of the supervised fire suppression system of the subject invention,
with the control head installed on the discharge valve;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 3, illustrating internal components of the control head,
including the internal supervisory switching device of the subject
invention, when the internal switch pin is in a first position
contacting an exterior surface of the discharge valve;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a localized side elevational view of the
supervised fire suppression system of the subject invention, with
the control head removed from the discharge valve to facilitate
inspection and/or maintenance of the electronic actuator housed
within the control head;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 5, illustrating the internal components of the control head,
with the internal switch pin in a second position out of contact
with the discharge valve;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the supervised fire suppression system of the subject invention,
wherein the supervisory switching device includes a micro switch
mounted in a housing adjacent to the control head which interacts
with a switch pin mounted within the control head; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the supervised fire
suppression as in FIG. 7, with the control head removed from the
discharge valve to facilitate inspection and/or maintenance of the
electronic actuator housed within the control head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the
subject invention, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a fire
suppression system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of
the subject invention which is designated generally by reference
numeral 10.
[0025] The fire suppression system 10 of the subject invention
includes a container or cylinder 12 for storing a pressurized fire
extinguishing agent. A discharge valve assembly 14 is operatively
associated with the container 12 for controlling the release of the
fire extinguishing agent therefrom. An electronic control head 16
is installed onto the valve assembly 14 by way of a threaded swivel
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.
[0026] The control head 16 is adapted and configured to be readily
removed from the valve assembly 14 by way of the swivel nut 18 to
facilitate scheduled maintenance checks and monitoring of the
solenoid valve housed therein, as shown for example in FIG. 2.
Periodic inspection of the control head and the fire safety system
in general are required by National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) requirements.
[0027] in one aspect of the subject invention, the control head 16
communicates with a control panel 20 that is located remote from
the control head 16, where an indication relating to system
impairment, and more particularly, to the removal of the control
head 16 is provided. The communication link is typically a wired
connection as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but it is envisioned
that the control head 16 could be wirelessly linked to the control
panel 20.
[0028] Upon removal of the control head 16 from the valve assembly
14 for inspection and/or maintenance, the indication provided at
the control panel 20 can be an audible signal and/or a visual
alarm. When the actuator 16 is connected to or otherwise properly
installed on the valve assembly 14 after it has been inspected, the
control panel 20 can provide a signal indicating that the fire
suppression system 10 is ready.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is illustrated a
supervised fire suppression system constructed in accordance with
an embodiment of the subject invention, which is designated
generally by reference numeral 100. Fire suppression system 100
includes a discharge valve 114 for controlling the release of a
fire extinguishing agent from a container (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The
system 100 further includes a control head 116 that houses an
electronic actuator 125, which is operatively associated with the
discharge valve 114 and includes an activation pin 128 for
actuating the discharge valve 114 in the event of a fire.
[0030] The control head 116 may be removed from the discharge valve
114 by way of a threaded swivel nut 118 secured to the control head
116 with a lock ring 124 to facilitate inspection and/or
maintenance of the electronic actuator 125 housed within the
control head 116, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 5 and 6. The
system 100 further includes an internal supervisory switching
mechanism, designated generally by reference numeral 130, which
communicates with a control panel located remote from the control
head 116 where an indication relating to removal of the control
head 116 from the discharge valve 114 is provided (see FIGS. 1 and
2).
[0031] The internal supervisory switching mechanism 130 includes a
micro switch 132 housed within an interior chamber 150 of the
control head 116 and a cooperating switch pin 134 mounted for
movement within a bore 152 formed in the control head 116 and
communicating with chamber 150. The micro switch 132 communicates
with a remotely located control panel by way of a communication
cable 160 that preferably extends through an existing cable pathway
162 formed in control head 116. The micro switch 132 is supported
within a seat 155 that is located within the interior chamber 150
of control head 116. The micro switch 132 is positioned. in a
vertical orientation, so that the spring biased contact pin 138
associated therewith directly contacts the tapered head 136 of the
switch pin 134.
[0032] The distal tip 135 of switch pin 134 is configured to
interact with or otherwise reference an upper exterior surface 120
of the neck 115 of the discharge valve 114 to provide an indication
that the control head 116 has been removed from the discharge valve
114. More particularly, the switch pin 134 is mounted for movement
between a first position, shown in FIG. 4, corresponding to the
control head 116 being installed on the discharge valve 114, and a
second position, shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the control head
116 being removed from the discharge valve 114 to facilitate
inspection and/or maintenance of the electronic actuator 125 housed
in control head 116. When control head 116 is removed from valve
assembly 114, switch pin 134 travels downward in bore 152 under the
bias of the contact pin 138 of micro switch 132. This will cause
the micro switch 132 to change state, providing an indication that
the control head 116 has been removed from the discharge valve
assembly 114.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a supervised fire suppression system constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention, which is
designated generally by reference numeral 200. Fire suppression
system 200 includes a discharge valve 214 for controlling the
release of a fire extinguishing agent from a container (see FIGS. 1
and 2). The system 200 further includes a control head 216, which
houses an electronic actuator 225 that is operatively associated.
with the discharge valve 214 for actuating the discharge valve 214
in the event of a fire.
[0034] The control head 216 may be removed from the discharge valve
214 by way of a threaded swivel nut 218, which is secured to the
control head 216 with a lock ring 224 to facilitate inspection
and/or maintenance of the electronic actuator 225 housed within the
control head 216. The fire suppression system 200 further includes
an internal supervisory switching mechanism, which is designated
generally by reference numeral 230, which communicates with a
control panel located remote from the control head 216 where an
indication relating to removal of the control head 216 from the
discharge valve 214 is provided.
[0035] The supervisory switching mechanism 230 includes a micro
switch 232 supported within a housing 250 located adjacent to or
otherwise adjoining the control head 216, located above the swivel
nut 218, so as not to interfere with the existing structural
geometry of the system. The switching mechanism 230 further
includes a cooperating internal switch pin 234 mounted for movement
within a bore 252 formed in the control head 216. The micro switch
232 communicates with a remotely located control panel by way of a
communication cable 260 that preferably extends from the housing
250.
[0036] The micro switch 232 is positioned in a horizontal
orientation within the adjoining housing 250. In addition, a curved
wedge member 275 is provided in the housing 250 to interact with
the internal switch pin 234. The wedge member is located between
the spring biased contact pin 238 of the micro switch 232 and the
enlarged head 236 of the internal switch pin 234 located within
bore 252 of control head 216. The interaction of the micro switch
232 and internal switch pin 234 through the wedge member 275 will
be described in more detail below.
[0037] The distal tip 235 of switch pin 234 is configured to
interact with or otherwise reference an upper exterior surface 220
of the neck 215 of the discharge valve 214 to provide an indication
that the control head 216 has been removed from the discharge valve
214. More particularly, the internal switch pin 234 is mounted for
movement between a first position, shown in FIG. 7, corresponding
to the control head 216 being installed on the discharge valve 214,
and a second position, shown in FIG. 8, corresponding to the
control head 216 being removed from the discharge valve 214.
[0038] When control head 216 is removed from valve assembly 214
together with swivel nut 218, internal switch pin 234 travels
downward in bore 252 under the indirect biasing force exerted by
the contact pin 238 of micro switch 232, which is transferred
through the curved wedge member 275 in adjoining housing 250. This
will cause the micro switch 232 to change state, providing an
indication that the control head 216 has been removed from the
discharge valve assembly 214 to facilitate inspection and/or
maintenance of the electronic actuator 225 housed within control
head 216.
[0039] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
internally mounted supervisory switching devices of the subject
invention facilitate compliance with regulatory standards that
require actuator supervision, benefitting the manufacturers and
suppliers of fire suppression systems. The subject invention also
benefits the end user of the system by providing an additional
safeguard against improper maintenance. Furthermore, the subject
invention provides benefits to the system installation/maintenance
provider, reducing the chance of damages resulting from inactivity
of a disabled system.
[0040] While the internally mounted supervisory switching devices
subject invention has been shown and described with reference to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *