Valve state sensing module

A sensing module for sensing a state of a fluid valve, wherein said fluid valve includes a valve body including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve element having a piston surface at one end thereof for receiving a pilot pressure to move said valve element between a deactuated position and an actuated position, wherein said inlet port and said outlet port are fluidically decoupled when said valve element is in said deactuated position, and wherein said inlet port and said outlet port are fluidically coupled when said valve element is in said actuated position, said sensing module comprising:

• a sensor body having a sensing chamber;
• an extension member for fixedly coupling to said valve element, wherein said extension member is slidable within said sensing chamber along a first axis, and wherein said extension member has an inclined cam surface;
• a plunger having a cam follower for engaging said cam surface and slidable along a second axis between a first position corresponding to said valve element being in said deactuated position and a second position corresponding to said valve element being in said actuated position, said plunger being exposed to said sensing chamber;
• and
• a sensing switch coupled to said plunger for generating a switch signal indicative of said first and second positions;
• wherein said sensing body includes a fluid passage extending from said sensing chamber and for coupling to said outlet port, and wherein said plunger moves to said second position when said valve element is in said deactuated position if a fluid pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is present at said outlet port.