Patent Publication Number: US-9890873-B2

Title: Solenoid with supervision switch

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to solenoid valves. More particularly, the present invention relates to a supervision device for ensuring proper installation of solenoid valves. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fire suppression systems use pressurized containers of a fire suppressant material under high pressure. These pressurized containers are installed in a system that includes plumbing from each container to a location associated with the fire detection or fire alarm switch used to initiate delivery of the fire suppressant material from the container through the plumbing to suppress the fire. A latching solenoid is activated to operate a discharge valve coupled to the container to release the suppressant material from the pressurized container to the plumbing that delivers the suppressant material to the fire. 
     The solenoid valves coupled to the discharge valves of the pressurized containers must be periodically tested to ensure that the magnetic coil contained therein is properly operating. During testing, the magnetic coil is removed from the solenoid valve. Since such systems typically contain many such solenoid valves, the magnetic coil from each solenoid valve must be removed from the system, tested, and assuming that it passes the test, reinstalled into the system. Frequently, one or more magnetic coils is not reinstalled properly (or not reinstalled at all), which is a major problem that typically goes undetected. 
     The National Fire Protection Association has passed requirements that fire suppression systems having an electric actuator must be “supervised” and provide audible and visual indication of system impairment at the system&#39;s releasing control panel. This disclosure is intended to meet such requirements, as well as to detect if one of the magnetic coils is installed properly. 
     The apparatus of the present disclosure must also be of construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of the apparatus of the present disclosure, it should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives be achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage. 
     The invention provides such a solenoid valve. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion having a housing. The housing has a first bore and a second bore with the first bore adapted to receive a first end of an armature assembly and the first bore being surrounded by a magnetic coil. The solenoid valve also includes a valve body. The valve body is adapted to receive a second end of the armature assembly. The solenoid valve further includes a detection device located in the second bore and a detection plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body. The detection device interacts with the detection plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the solenoid valve, the detection device is a limit switch having a plunger. The plunger is actuated by the detection plate to produce the signal when the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body. In another embodiment, a push button having a contact plate is interposed between the plunger and the detection plate. 
     According to the present disclosure, certain elements of the solenoid valve can be made rotatable. In certain embodiments, the detection plate is rotatable 360° about the armature assembly. In other embodiments, the solenoid portion includes a depression adapted to receive at least a portion of the detection plate. In such embodiments, the solenoid portion is rotatable with the detection plate about the armature assembly. 
     In embodiments of the solenoid valve, the housing of the solenoid portion further comprises a conduit port adapted to receive electrical wires. In such embodiments, the conduit port rotates with the solenoid portion and detection plate about the armature assembly. 
     The detection device can interact with the detection plate in a variety of ways. For instance, the detection device can be a light sensor. Additionally, the detection device and the detection plate can interact using a proximity sensor on one of the detection device and the detection plate that senses the proximity of the other of the detection device and detection plate. Still further, the detection device and the detection plate can interact using an RFID sensor located on one of the detection device and the detection plate and an RFID chip located on the other of the detection device and the detection plate. 
     In a particular embodiment, the solenoid valve further comprises a permanent magnet on the armature assembly such that the solenoid valve operates as a latching solenoid valve. 
     In a particular embodiment, the valve body further includes an inwardly extending circumferential ridge and the second end of the armature assembly further includes an outwardly extending circumferential step. A proper depth of the armature assembly into the valve body is determined based on contact between the ridge and the step. 
     The solenoid valve can be installed in a fire suppression or fire sprinkler system. In such cases, the solenoid valve is adapted to control the release of the fire suppressant fluid upon receiving a signal from a control unit of the fire suppression or fire sprinkler system. 
     In another as aspect, various embodiments of a rotatable solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a valve body and a solenoid portion. The solenoid portion is rotatable relative to the valve body to a first angular orientation. The solenoid valve also includes a rotatable plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body. The rotatable plate is rotatable relative to the valve body to a second angular configuration. The second angular configuration is equal to the first angular configuration. 
     Preferably, the rotatable plate can rotate to an angular orientation of 360° relative to the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the solenoid portion includes a depression adapted to receive at least a portion of the rotatable plate. In such embodiment, the solenoid portion can rotate together with the rotatable plate relative to the valve body. In further embodiments, the solenoid portion further comprises a conduit port adapted to receive electrical wires. The conduit port rotates together with the solenoid portion and rotatable plate relative to the valve body. 
     In certain embodiments, the solenoid portion further comprises a detection device in which the detection device interacts with the rotatable plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system incorporating the solenoid valve with detection device according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the solenoid valve with detection device according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve with detection device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section and partially exploded view of the solenoid valve with detection device shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a depiction of a detection plate usable with the solenoid valve with detection device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a solenoid valve including a detection device are provided. The solenoid valve is particularly applicable for fire suppression systems (and more particularly for controlling the release of fire suppressant fluids, such as water, argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.) and will be described primarily in the context of a fire suppression system. However, this discussion is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation. A person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the presently invented solenoid valve with detection device can be utilized in a variety of different applications. Additionally, while a fire suppression system is discussed, the solenoid valve can be used with other systems, including wet and dry pipe sprinkler systems, deluge sprinkler systems, pre-action systems, foam water sprinkler systems, water spray systems, and water mist systems, among others. 
     A fire suppression system  10  is schematically depicted in  FIG. 1 . A fire suppression system  10  operates by discharging gas in the area of a fire to reduce the amount of oxygen in the area of the fire, thereby reducing the amount of fuel available for the combustion reaction. Without sufficient levels of oxygen, the fire will die out. To replace the oxygen in the area around the fire, the concentrations of other gases in the area of the fire are increased. Such replacement gases (referred to hereinafter as “fire suppressant fluids”) include inter alia argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Notably, the level of oxygen does not need to be reduced to zero to cause a fire to die out. Instead, the level of oxygen can be made lower than the typical atmospheric concentration of 21%, which will allow any occupants remaining in the building in the vicinity of the fire to breath. 
     The fire suppressant fluids are stored in pressurized vessels  20  contained in or around the building for which the fire suppression system  10  is provided. A typical fire suppression system  10  will contain multiple pressurized vessels  20 . The release of fire suppressant fluids from the pressurized vessels  20  is controlled by a discharge valve  30 . A single discharge valve  30  can control the release of fire suppressant fluids from all of the pressurized vessels  20  in the fire suppression system  10 , or a discharge valve  30  can be provided for each pressurized vessel  20  in the fire suppression system. 
     Upon release of the fire suppressant fluids from the pressurized vessels  20  through the discharge valve  30 , the fire suppressant fluids are distributed throughout the building via a distribution network  40 . The distribution network  40  includes plumbing conduit connected to discharge nozzles scattered at various points within the building. Depending on the fire suppression system  10 , the distribution network  40  can deliver fire suppressant fluids to only the areas where fire is detected or to the entire building. 
     A control unit  50  triggers the release of the fire suppressant fluids from the pressurized vessels  20 . The control unit  50  receives electrical or mechanical signals that indicate the presence of a fire from smoke detectors, temperature probes, or other thermo-mechanical fire sensors. Upon receipt of such signals, the control unit  50  provides an electrical impulse to a solenoid valve  100 . A pneumatic line runs between the solenoid valve  100  and the discharge valve  30 , such that the discharge valve  30  is pneumatically actuated. The pneumatic line is pressurized prior to activation of the fire suppression system  10  such that discharge valve  30  is in a closed state, i.e., no fire suppressant fluids are released from the pressurized vessels  20 . The pneumatic line remains pressurized prior to activation of the fire suppression system  10  because the solenoid valve  100  is also closed. Thus, when the control unit  50  provides an electrical impulse to the solenoid valve  100 , the solenoid valve  100  opens, releasing air from the pneumatic line. The drop in pressure on the pneumatic line causes actuation of discharge valve  30  to the open position, releasing the fire suppressant fluids stored in the pressurized vessels  20 . Thus, proper functioning of the solenoid valve  100  is critical to the operation of the fire suppression system  10 . Should the solenoid valve  100  be improperly installed or missing, such as after an inspection, the fire suppression system  10  would not operate in the case of a fire. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the solenoid valve  100  is generally comprised of a valve body  102  and a solenoid portion  104 . The valve body  102  defines an inlet port  106  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and an outlet port  108 . The solenoid portion  104  controls flow of fluid from the inlet port  106  through the valve body  102  and out of the outlet port  108 . In the context of the fire suppression system  10  of  FIG. 1 , the inlet  106  is connected to the pneumatic line running between the solenoid valve  100  and the discharge valve  30 . The outlet  108  does not need to be connected to anything in particular as the air in the pneumatic line can simply be released into the environment. The solenoid portion  104  is electrically actuated. Electrical signals are provided to the solenoid portion  104  via wires  110  that enter a housing  111  of the solenoid portion  104  through a conduit port  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the valve body  102  includes an inlet orifice  120  that is in fluid communication with the inlet  106  and with a valve chamber  122 . The valve chamber  122  is in further fluid communication with an outlet orifice  124 , and the outlet orifice  124  is in fluid communication with the outlet port  108 . Thus, flow of fluid through the valve body  102  occurs from inlet  106 , through inlet orifice  120 , into valve chamber  122 , out through outlet orifice  124 , and out of the valve body  102  through outlet  108 . Flow in this manner is able to occur unless an armature  126  linearly aligned with the outlet orifice  124  blocks the flow of fluid through the valve chamber  122 . 
     The solenoid valve  100  is a normally closed valve, i.e., in a default setting, the armature  126  blocks the flow of fluid through the valve chamber  122 . Upon actuation of the armature  126  by the solenoid portion  104 , the armature  126  will retreat from its default position over the outlet orifice  124  to a retracted position, allowing fluid flow through the valve body  102 .  FIG. 3  depicts the armature  126  in the retracted position. In preferred embodiments, an orifice plug  127  provides a seal around the outlet orifice  124  to prevent the leakage of fluid from the valve chamber  122 . In other embodiments, the solenoid valve  100  can be a normally open valve in which the default setting of the armature  126  is to allow the flow of fluid through the valve chamber  122 . 
     Whether the armature  126  is in the default position or retracted position is controlled via interactions between a spring  130  and a magnetic coil  132 . Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the armature  126  and spring  130  are arranged linearly within an armature sleeve  134  that is adapted to be received in a first bore  135  of the solenoid portion  104 . Collectively, the armature  126 , spring  130 , and armature sleeve  134  are referred to as the armature assembly  136 . The armature sleeve  134  has a first end  134   a  and a second end  134   b  with the second end  134   b  being seated within the valve body. The spring  130  is a compression spring and is disposed between the armature  126  and the first end  134   a  of the armature sleeve  134 . In certain embodiments, the armature  126  includes a spring cavity  137  into which the spring  130  is seated. The magnetic coil  132  is preferably cylindrical in shape and is placed circumferentially around the armature sleeve  134 . 
     In operation, the armature  126  is maintained in the default position by mechanical force from the spring  130 . In order to move the armature  126  into the retracted position, the magnetic coil  132  is energized with electric current from wires  110  so as to produce a magnetic force sufficient to overcome the mechanical spring force. Thereby, the armature  126  can be maintained in the retracted position as long as the magnetic coil is energized. 
     In another embodiment, the solenoid valve  100  is a latching solenoid valve. In such an embodiment, a permanent magnet  141  is provided at the first end  134   a  of the armature sleeve  134 . The permanent magnet has a magnetic force sufficient to hold the armature  126  in the retracted position if the armature  126  is brought into contact with the permanent magnet. However, because the spring  130  is a compression spring, the armature  126  is kept at a distance far enough away from the permanent magnet that the magnetic force of the permanent magnet is not sufficient at that distance to overcome the spring force. Thus, in the latching solenoid embodiment, when the magnetic coil  132  is energized, the magnetic field strength is strong enough to overcome the mechanical spring force. In this way, the armature  126  is brought into contact with the permanent magnet and can be held there by the permanent magnet even when the magnetic coil  132  is de-energized. 
     Because the armature  126  can only be moved between the default and retracted positions via actuation by the magnetic coil  132 , the magnetic coil  132  is periodically inspected to ensure proper functioning. If the magnetic coil  132  were not functioning, then the control unit of the fire suppression system  10  would be unable to trigger the solenoid valve  100  to release the pressure on the discharge valve assembly and the clean agent cylinders. The magnetic coil  132  is not tested while the solenoid portion  104  is engaged with the valve body  104  because energization of a properly functioning magnetic coil  132  will cause the armature  126  to retract, triggering unwanted activation of the fire suppression system  10 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , to inspect the magnetic coil  132 , the solenoid portion  104  is disengaged from the valve body  102 . The solenoid portion  104  is disengaged from the valve body  102  by removing a locking nut  138  that engages a post  140  disposed on the armature assembly  136  at the first end  134   a  of the armature sleeve  134 . The locking nut  138  can engage the post  140  through a variety of suitable means, including a threaded attachment, a through-pin, frictional engagement (gasket), etc. Once the locking nut  138  is removed, the solenoid portion  104  can simply be slid by a user over the armature assembly  136  and post  140  until it is clear of the valve body  102 . 
     When the solenoid portion  104  is removed from the valve body  102 , the armature assembly  136  and post  140  remain with the valve body  102  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The armature sleeve  134  is seated into the valve body in a fluid-tight manner. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the valve body  102  features an inwardly extending circumferential ridge  142  upon which an outwardly extending circumferential step  144  on the second end  134   b  of the armature sleeve  134  rests. The contact between the ridge  142  and the step  144  assures that the armature sleeve  134  is inserted to a proper depth into the valve body  102 . In preferred embodiments, the fluid-tight seal between the armature sleeve  134  and the valve body  102  is created using a gasket  146  disposed within a channel  148  on an exterior surface  150  of the second end  134   b  of the armature sleeve  134 . 
     After inspecting the magnetic coil  132 , the solenoid portion  104  is reattached to the valve body  102 . Proper reinstallation of the solenoid portion  104  is important to ensure proper functioning of the solenoid valve  100 . In order to help ensure that the solenoid portion  104  is properly reinstalled, a detection device  152  is provided in the housing  111  of the solenoid portion  104 . The housing  111  includes a second bore  154  that contains the detection device  152 . 
     The detection device  152  works in combination with a detection plate  155  (also referred to herein as a “rotatable plate”) on the valve body  102 . In this way, the solenoid portion  104  needs to be properly installed on the valve body  102  in order for the detection device  152  to interact with the detection plate  155  such that the detection device  152  registers that the solenoid portion  104  is properly installed on the valve body  102 . 
     The detection plate  155  is generally oblong in shape and is received into a depression  156  on the bottom surface (i.e., surface proximally facing the valve body  102 ) of the solenoid portion  104 . The depression  156  has substantially the same shape as the detection plate  155 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the detection plate  155  defines an aperture  157  through which the second end  134   b  of the armature sleeve  134  is inserted before the second end  134   b  of the armature sleeve  134  is inserted into the valve body  102 . Returning to  FIG. 4 , the second end  134   b  of the armature sleeve  134  includes a peripheral lip  158  that contacts the surface of the detection plate  155 , preventing the armature sleeve  134  from being inserted too far into the valve body  102  and preventing the detection plate  155  from slipping over the armature sleeve  134  (such as, for instance, when the solenoid portion  104  is removed for inspection). Thus, when assembled and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the detection plate  155  is positioned between the peripheral lip  158  of the armature sleeve  134  and the valve body  102 . Preferably, when received in the depression  156 , the detection plate  155  is flush with the bottom surface of the solenoid portion  104  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the detection device  152  is a limit switch  159  having a plunger  160 . The limit switch  159  is positioned within the second bore  154  using a rest  162  that is tailored to hold the limit switch  159  at a specific height such that the plunger  160  extends from the second bore  154  a predetermined distance. Disposed below the plunger  160  is a push button  164  with a contact plate  166 . The push button  164  extends below a plane defined by the surface of the solenoid portion  104  proximally facing the valve body  102  (i.e., below the plane defined by the bottom surface of the solenoid portion  104 ). 
     When the solenoid portion  104  is properly installed on the valve body  102 , the push button  164  will contact the detection plate  155 , driving the contact plate  166  of the push button  164  into the plunger  160  of the limit switch  159 . Alternatively, the plunger  160  of the limit switch  159  can be made long enough that the plunger  160  contacts the detection plate  155  to trigger the limit switch  159 . 
     In an embodiment, the limit switch  159  is a normally open switch such that current does not flow through the limit switch  159  unless the plunger  160  is depressed. In this way, when the solenoid portion  104  is properly installed on the valve body  102 , current will flow in the limit switch  159 , providing a signal that the solenoid valve  100  is operable. The signal can be audial (e.g., a beep or alarm), visual (e.g., a green light or an “all clear” signal), tactile (i.e., a vibration), or a combination of one or more of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the limit switch  159  can be a normally closed switch such that current flows through the limit switch when the plunger is not depressed. In this way, when the solenoid portion  104  is removed from or improperly installed on the valve body  102 , current will flow through the limit switch, providing a signal that the solenoid valve  100  is not operable. Thus, the audial, visual, tactile, or combination thereof signal would not be provided unless the solenoid portion  104  is missing or improperly installed on the valve body  102 . Nevertheless, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations, including configurations using normally open or closed switches, can provide various signals to indicate that the solenoid portion  104  is or is not missing and/or is or is not properly installed. 
     Other detection devices  152  can be used instead of a limit switch. For instance, the detection device  152  can be a light sensor that responds to a reflective patch, light source, or the absence of light located on or caused by the detection plate  155 . Additionally, detection device  152  can be a proximity sensor that senses the proximity of a tag on the detection plate  155 . Still further, the detection plate  155  can include an RFID chip that is read by a detection device  152  that includes an RFID sensor. These examples are not meant to be limiting, and a person having ordinary skill in the will readily recognize that other detection devices  152  can be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
     The detection plate  155  also provides another salient advantage to the solenoid valve  100 . The detection plate  155  is able to rotate about the armature assembly  136 , and because the detection plate  155  is received into a depression  156  in the bottom surface of the solenoid portion  104 , the solenoid portion  104  will swivel with the detection plate  155  about the armature assembly  136 . In this way, the location of the conduit port  112  can be moved 360° around the solenoid valve  100 . This feature aids in installation of the solenoid valve  100  because conduit containing wiring can be run to the solenoid valve  100  without the installer having to bend the conduit in tight angles or awkwardly position tools to tighten the conduit into the conduit port  112 . 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.