EP1286320B1 - Detector, method for operating a detector and test device for a detector - Google Patents

Detector, method for operating a detector and test device for a detector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1286320B1
EP1286320B1 EP02017893A EP02017893A EP1286320B1 EP 1286320 B1 EP1286320 B1 EP 1286320B1 EP 02017893 A EP02017893 A EP 02017893A EP 02017893 A EP02017893 A EP 02017893A EP 1286320 B1 EP1286320 B1 EP 1286320B1
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European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
concentration
alarm
test
filter
detector
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EP02017893A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1286320A3 (en
EP1286320A2 (en
Inventor
Siegfried Roeske
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Hekatron Technik GmbH
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Hekatron Technik GmbH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
    • G08B29/12—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems
    • G08B29/14—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems checking the detection circuits
    • G08B29/145—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems checking the detection circuits of fire detection circuits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
    • G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a detector for detecting gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, in particular a fire detector, which detector has a sensor for measuring the concentration of the interfering medium, wherein the concentration measuring signal of the sensor of a filter operation for detecting a at is subjected to an interference case occurring Störmedium-concentration pattern, and wherein upon detection of this concentration pattern of the alarm case is registered.
  • the invention relates to a detector for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, in particular fire detector, with at least one measuring signal output having a sensor for measuring the concentration of the interfering medium and with an evaluation device which is connected to the Meßsignalausgang a filter for detecting a at an interference case occurring interference medium concentration pattern, the filter output is connected to an alarm signal output of the evaluation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a test device for testing a detector for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, with a device for the disturbance medium.
  • a test device for testing a detector for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium with a device for the disturbance medium.
  • the fire detector has a sensor for detecting a disturbing medium occurring in the vicinity of the fire, such as a fire gas and / or smoke.
  • a disturbing medium occurring in the vicinity of the fire such as a fire gas and / or smoke.
  • the dependent of the concentration of the interfering medium in the detection range of the sensor sensor measurement signal is supplied to an alarm filter for detecting an incipient fire occurring interference medium concentration pattern.
  • the alarm filter is primarily used to distinguish in the measurement signal to be detected, attributable to a fire signal components of such signal components that are not caused by a fire, so that the alarm is triggered only when a fire.
  • the alarm filter detects the alarm after the interference medium concentration has increased only with a certain delay time.
  • a test device for carrying out this review, which has a rod, which at one end a discharge device for a disturbance medium to be detected.
  • This dispenser consists essentially of a holder on which two combustible elements are arranged, which, when set on fire, emit smoke.
  • the dispenser is positioned by an assistant using the bar under the fire detector, so that the smoke emitted by the dispenser enters the detection area of the sensor of the fire detector.
  • the assistant checks whether the fire detector triggers an alarm. Since the alarm filter triggers the alarm only with a certain delay time, the dispenser must be positioned relatively long under the fire detector to trigger the alarm. Especially in larger fire alarm systems, which may have several 100 fire detectors, therefore, the testing of the fire alarm device with a considerable amount of time and thus also associated personnel costs.
  • the positioning of the dispenser under the fire detector for the assistant is still relatively strenuous, as this must constantly hold up the rod with the dispenser disposed thereon during the positioning process.
  • US Pat. No. 5,945,924 discloses a fire alarm system wherein in addition to a conventional smoke sensor, an additional CO 2 sensor is used. Shortening the alarm times is only possible with the additional signals from the CO 2 sensor.
  • the solution to this problem is that, for testing the functionality of the detector in the detection range of the sensor noise medium with one of the occurring in the event of an alarm Störmedium concentration pattern deviating Störmedium concentration pattern is given that the concentration measurement signal of the sensor in addition to the first filter operation of a second filter operation for detecting the in the test undergoing disturbance medium concentration pattern, and that upon detection of this test concentration pattern, the occurrence of an alarm case is registered.
  • a Störmedium-concentration pattern may be provided that has a shorter time than the occurring in the event of an alarm interference medium concentration pattern, so that the detector can be tested with correspondingly little time. At the same time, this results in a low interference medium consumption, so that a test device provided for dispensing the interfering medium can be used to test a correspondingly large number of detectors.
  • the method enables quick and cost-effective checking of the detectors during commissioning and / or during a system revision.
  • both the proper functioning of the sensor and that of the device for registering or displaying the alarm case are checked in the test.
  • the concentration measurement signal is low-pass filtered, that the low-pass filtered measurement signal is compared with an alarm concentration threshold, and that the alarm case is registered when the low-pass filtered measurement signal exceeds the alarm concentration threshold.
  • the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm can thus be distinguished from any interference signal components which are not intended to trigger an alarm.
  • the alarm case can be reliably detected and registered.
  • the concentration measurement signal is compared with a test concentration threshold which is greater than the alarm concentration threshold and that the alarm case is registered when the concentration measurement signal the test concentration threshold exceeds.
  • the functionality of the detector interference medium is then emitted in the detection range of the concentration with a concentration which is higher than the highest occurring during normal operation of the detector or the occurrence of an alarm interference medium concentration, so that the test alarm case by comparing the Meßsignalpegels can be easily recognized with the test concentration threshold and then registered.
  • the concentration of the interfering medium is at least once alternately increased and reduced, that is checked in the second filter operation, if the concentration measurement signal at least once at least one upper test concentration threshold and at least a lower test concentration threshold alternately exceeds and falls below, and that upon detection of this alternately exceeding and falling below the occurrence of an alarm case is registered.
  • a sequence of high and low interference medium concentrations is generated in the detection range of the sensor, which give a kind of coding or signature, based on the provided for the test alarm case Störmedium-concentration pattern with great precision of the rest in the practical operation can distinguish occurring concentration pattern.
  • this coding is preferably designed as a digital word.
  • a first check is carried out in which it is checked whether the concentration measurement signal exceeds a first upper test concentration threshold, which is preferably greater than the alarm threshold that a second check is carried out in which it is checked whether the concentration measurement signal in a subsequent to the exceeding of the first upper test concentration threshold time below a lower test concentration threshold, which is smaller than the first upper test concentration threshold that a third check in which it is checked whether the concentration measurement signal exceeds a second upper test concentration threshold value, which is greater than the lower test concentration peak, in a time following the undershooting of the lower test concentration threshold value ll value, and that the test alarm case is registered when the concentration measurement signal in the third test exceeds the second upper test concentration threshold.
  • the test alarm case can be detected quickly and reliably in a simple manner.
  • a display is activated when the concentration measurement signal exceeds the first upper test concentration threshold in the first check.
  • the person performing the functional test of the detector can then easily recognize on the basis of the display that the detector has detected that the upper test concentration threshold value has been exceeded and can then Controlling the discharge of the interference medium according to the further course of the interference medium concentration pattern to be tested.
  • At least one lower test concentration threshold value is at least twice as large, in particular at least three and one half times as large, and preferably at least five times as great as the alarm threshold value. It is expedient if at least one upper test concentration threshold is at least four times as large, in particular at least seven times as large and preferably at least ten times as large as the alarm threshold value. The test alarm case can then be detected and registered with even greater precision.
  • the evaluation device in addition to the first filter has a second, connected to the measuring signal output of the sensor filter, which differs for detecting one of the occurring in the event of an alarm interference medium concentration pattern for the test of Functionality of the detector provided interference medium concentration pattern is formed, that the filter outputs of the first filter and the second filter are each connected to an input of an OR gate, and that the output of this OR gate is connected to the alarm signal output of the evaluation device.
  • the second filter provided for the detection of the test alarm case may then be tuned to an interference medium concentration pattern which has a shorter time duration than the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm.
  • a correspondingly short test concentration pattern can then be generated in the area of the detector in order to test the functionality of the detector that the detector can be tested with correspondingly little time.
  • the second filter is connected downstream of the sensor and evaluates its measuring signal, the functionality of the sensor is also tested in the functional test of the detector.
  • the sensor may, for example, have an optical measuring path and / or an ionization measuring chamber. Since the output of the second filter is connected via the OR gate to the alarm signal output of the evaluation device, the alarm path and the device for registering or displaying the alarm case are also tested during testing.
  • the first filter has a low pass filter connected to the measuring signal output of the sensor, to which a comparator for comparing the lowpass filtered measuring signal with an alarm concentration threshold is connected, the output of this comparator being connected to the filter output of the first filter.
  • the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm can then be distinguished from any interference signal components which are not intended to trigger an alarm. The detector thus enables a reliable registration or display of the alarm case.
  • the second filter has a comparator circuit with at least one first comparator for comparing the concentration measuring signal with a lower test concentration threshold and at least one second comparator for comparing the concentration measuring signal with a test upper concentration threshold and in that these comparator circuits are provided with a logic combiner circuit for detecting at least one of alternately over and under the upper and lower test concentration thresholds has, whose output is connected to the filter output of the second filter.
  • a logic combiner circuit for detecting at least one of alternately over and under the upper and lower test concentration thresholds has, whose output is connected to the filter output of the second filter.
  • a comparator output of the first comparator circuit and / or the logical combination circuit is connected to an input of a display device preferably having an optical display element.
  • the person carrying out the function test of the detector can then easily recognize on the basis of the display that the detector has detected that the upper test concentration threshold has been exceeded and can then output the interference medium according to the further course of the interference medium concentration pattern to which the second filter is tuned, steer.
  • the delivery device has an adjusting device for adjusting the discharge amount of the interference medium, which is connected to a control device for setting a predetermined concentration pattern of the emitted interference medium.
  • the intended for testing the detector Störmedium-concentration pattern with large Accuracy and thus generated with a correspondingly low consumption of interference medium can be provided by the intended for testing the detector Störmedium-concentration pattern with large Accuracy and thus generated with a correspondingly low consumption of interference medium.
  • the person carrying out the test of the detector needs to position the test device only at the detector and then to activate the release of the interfering medium, whereupon this is automatically released with the predetermined test concentration pattern in the detection area of the detector.
  • the test device thus enables a simple way of checking the detector during commissioning and / or a revision.
  • the dispensing device has at least one storage container for the interference medium, which is connected via a valve to an outlet opening for the interference medium, wherein the valve is in drive connection with an actuator, which is for setting the predetermined interference medium concentration pattern with the Control device is connected.
  • storage container can be formed with the valve as a spray bottle, in which the interfering medium is stored under pressure.
  • the test device then allows the delivery of a directed to the detector spray, which can be additionally saved spray medium.
  • the test apparatus may include a microcomputer in which the test interference medium concentration pattern is stored.
  • a generally designated 1 detector for reporting a conflagration has a sensor 2 for the detection of fire gas, smoke or the like in a fire arising Störmedium.
  • the sensor 2 comprises in a conventional manner an optical transmitter 3 and an optical receiver 4 for detecting the emitted from the transmitter 3 optical radiation, wherein between the transmitter 3 and the receiver 4 in the drawing only schematically illustrated optical measuring section. 5 is formed. This is arranged in a measuring chamber which has inlet openings through which the interference medium located in the detection area of the detector 1 can enter the measuring chamber.
  • the sensor 2 has a measuring signal output 6 to which a dependent of the concentration of the interfering medium in the measuring chamber measuring signal 7 is applied.
  • the measuring signal output 6 is connected via a measuring amplifier 8 to the input of an evaluation device 9, which has a first filter 10a and a second filter 10b whose inputs are respectively connected to the measuring signal output 6 of the sensor 2.
  • the first filter 10a is for detecting a disturbance medium concentration pattern occurring in the case of an incipient fire (alarm case) and the second filter 10b for detecting a test disturbance medium concentration pattern deviating from the disturbance medium concentration pattern occurring during the incipient fire for testing the operability of the detector 1 educated.
  • the concentration pattern provided for testing the functionality of the detector 1 has a shorter time duration than the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm.
  • the filter output 11a of the first filter 10a is connected to a first input of an OR gate 12 and the filter output 11b of the second filter 10b is connected to a second input of the OR gate 12.
  • the output of this OR gate 12 is connected to an alarm signal output 13 of the evaluation device 9, which is connected to forward the alarm to a leading to a fire alarm center detector line.
  • the fire panel has visual and / or acoustic display means which are activated when an alarm occurs.
  • the measuring signal 7 and the filtered by the first filter 10 a measuring signal 14 in the course of a Emergence fire shown graphically.
  • the time is plotted on the abscissa, with the beginning of the conflagration corresponding to time zero. It can clearly be seen that the signal level of the measuring signal 7 which corresponds approximately to the concentration of the interfering medium in the measuring chamber is still very low at the beginning of the initial fire and then rapidly rises above an alarm concentration threshold value 15. Thereafter, the measuring signal 7 remains on average approximately at a constant level.
  • the first filter 10 a has a low-pass characteristic and that the low-pass-filtered measuring signal 14 is smoothed with respect to the unfiltered measuring signal 7.
  • a gradation present in the low-pass filtered measurement signal 14 results from the fact that the measurement signal 7 is sampled in the time points marked from the ordinate in FIG. 2 and then digitally processed in the first filter 10a.
  • the filtered measuring signal 14 is compared with the alarm concentration threshold value 15 by means of a comparator. When the low-pass filtered measurement signal 14a exceeds the alarm concentration threshold 15, a filter output 16a appearing at the filter output 11a of the first filter 10a is set. A pending at the alarm signal output 13 alarm signal is then also set or active.
  • interference medium having a test interference medium concentration pattern deviating from the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm is emitted.
  • the measuring signal 7 during the testing of the detector 1 is shown graphically.
  • the time is plotted, where in the number "3" marked point in time with the delivery of a first interference medium pulse is started. It can clearly be seen that the measurement signal rises steeply above an upper test concentration threshold value 19, which is approximately ten times as large as the alarm concentration threshold value 15, and then initially remains constant for a predetermined period of time.
  • a first measured value is sampled from the measuring signal 7 and then a first check is carried out in the second filter 10b, in which the first measured value with the upper test concentration threshold 19 is compared. If the first measured value is greater than the upper test concentration threshold 19, a first control signal 20 is set for a predetermined period of time T1.
  • the concentration of the interfering medium in the detection range of the sensor 2 is lowered by interrupting the disturbance medium supply to below a lower test concentration threshold value 21. This is about five times the alarm concentration threshold 15.
  • a second measured value is sampled from the measuring signal 7 and then in the second filter 10b a second check is carried out, in which the second measured value coincides with the lower test concentration threshold 21 is compared. If the second measured value is less than the lower test concentration threshold value 21 and the first control signal 20 is set, a second control signal 22 is set.
  • a third measured value is sampled from the measuring signal 7, and then a third check is carried out in the second filter 10b, in which case the third measured value coincides with the upper test comparison threshold 19 is compared. If the third measurement value is greater than the upper test concentration threshold 19 and the second control signal 22 is set, a filter output 16b present at the filter output 11b of the second filter 10b is set which triggers the test alarm. This is indistinguishable at the alarm signal output 13 of the detector 1 from a real alarm case. A pending at the alarm signal output 13 alarm signal is then also set or activated via the OR gate 12. This alarm signal can be reset as needed from the fire panel. It can also be seen in FIG.
  • a third control signal 23 is set simultaneously with the second control signal 22 and reset upon activation of the filter output signal 16b.
  • This third control signal 23 controls a provided on the detector 1 light emitting diode or the like optical display element which indicates after the first disturbance medium pulse, that this was detected by the detector 1 and that now the second noise medium pulse of the test concentration pattern are delivered can trigger the test alarm.
  • This second interference medium pulse must be detected within the time period T1 of the detector 1, so that it triggers the test alarm.
  • the duration of the interference medium pulses and the interference medium pulse pause of the test comparison pattern lying between them in each case corresponds to at least the sampling duration T of the second filter 10b in order to avoid subsampling of the measurement signal. It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the interference medium pulse on the left, which does not belong to the test concentration pattern, is shorter than the sampling period T and that this interference medium pulse lies between two sampling times. It therefore remains unconsidered in the filtering in the second filter 10b.
  • the interfering medium can be dispensed, for example, by means of a spray bottle by hand according to the test concentration pattern.
  • the discharge of the interfering medium takes place with the aid of the test device 18 shown in FIG. 6.
  • This has a storage container 24 for the disturbing medium in which it is stored under pressure.
  • the storage tank 24 is connected via a valve not shown in detail in the drawing with an outlet opening 25 for the disturbance medium.
  • the valve is in drive connection with an actuator, which may for example have an adjustable by an electromagnet against a restoring force anchor.
  • the actuator is connected to the control input of a control device 26 connected, with which the valve for generating the predetermined test concentration pattern is controllable.
  • the control device 26 is connected to an actuating element that is formed in the embodiment of Figure 6 as an electrical button 27. When pressing the button 27, the release of the interfering medium is triggered with the predetermined test concentration pattern.
  • the detector 1 for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, in particular a fire detector, wherein the detector 1 has a sensor 2 for measuring the concentration of the interfering medium, so the concentration measuring signal 7 of the sensor 2 a first filter operation for detecting an interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm. Upon detection of this concentration pattern, the alarm case is registered.
  • interfering medium is emitted in the detection range of the sensor 2 with an interference medium concentration pattern deviating from the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm.
  • the concentration measuring signal 7 of the sensor is subjected to a second filtering operation for detecting the disturbance medium concentration pattern occurring in the test in addition to the first filtering operation. Upon detection of this test concentration pattern, the occurrence of a test alarm case is registered.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Fire Alarms (AREA)
  • Fire-Detection Mechanisms (AREA)
  • Testing Electric Properties And Detecting Electric Faults (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Input Circuits Of Receivers And Coupling Of Receivers And Audio Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

Alarm system (1) functionality is detected in the range of detection of the sensor (2). Gas or smoke are simulated by a medium, using a concentration profile other than that normally causing alarm. The concentration measurement signal from the sensor is put through a first, conventional filter, preferably of low-pass configuration. It is then subjected to a second filtering operation to detect the concentration pattern produced in the test. On its detection, an alarm state is registered. <??>An Independent claim is included for the corresponding alarm and test equipment.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Melders zur Detektion von Gas, Rauch oder dergleichen Störmedium, insbesondere eines Brand-Melders, welcher Melder einen Sensor zum Messen der Konzentration des Störmediums aufweist, wobei das Konzentrations-Meßsignal des Sensors einer Filteroperation zum Erkennen eines bei einem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters unterzogen wird, und wobei beim Erkennen dieses Konzentrationsmusters der Alarmfall registriert wird. Außerdem betrifft die Erfindung einen Melder zur Detektion von Gas, Rauch oder dergleichen Störmedium, insbesondere Brand-Melder, mit mindestens einem einen Meßsignalausgang aufweisenden Sensor zum Messen der Konzentration des Störmediums und mit einer Auswerteeinrichtung, die ein mit dem Meßsignalausgang verbundenes Filter zum Erkennen eines bei einem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters aufweist, dessen Filterausgang mit einem Alarmsignalausgang der Auswerteeinrichtung verbunden ist. Des weiteren bezieht sich die Erfindung auf eine Testvorrichtung zum Prüfen eines Melders zur Detektion von Gas, Rauch oder dergleichen Störmedium, mit einer Abgabeeinrichtung für das Störmedium.
Aus US 6 198 399 B1 kennt man bereits ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art, bei dem ein Innenraum eines Gebäudes zum Melden eines Entstehungsbrandes mittels eines an der Decke angebrachten Brand-Melders überwacht wird. Der Brand-Melder hat einen Sensor zur Detektion eines in der Umgebung des Brandes auftretenden Störmediums, wie zum Beispiel eines Brandgases und/oder von Rauch. Bei bekannten Brand-Meldern dieser Art wird das von der Konzentration des Störmediums im Detektionsbereich des Sensors abhängige Sensor-Meßsignal einem Alarm-Filter zum Erkennen eines Entstehungsbrandes auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters zugeführt. Der Alarm-Filter dient vor allem dazu, in dem Meßsignal enthaltene, zu detektierende, auf einen Brand zurückzuführende Signalanteile von solchen Signalanteilen zu unterscheiden, die nicht durch einen Brand verursacht sind, so daß der Alarm nur beim Auftreten eines Brandes ausgelöst wird. Durch den Alarm-Filter wird der Alarm nach dem Ansteigen der Störmedium-Konzentration erst mit einer gewissen Verzögerungszeit detektiert.The invention relates to a method for operating a detector for detecting gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, in particular a fire detector, which detector has a sensor for measuring the concentration of the interfering medium, wherein the concentration measuring signal of the sensor of a filter operation for detecting a at is subjected to an interference case occurring Störmedium-concentration pattern, and wherein upon detection of this concentration pattern of the alarm case is registered. Moreover, the invention relates to a detector for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, in particular fire detector, with at least one measuring signal output having a sensor for measuring the concentration of the interfering medium and with an evaluation device which is connected to the Meßsignalausgang a filter for detecting a at an interference case occurring interference medium concentration pattern, the filter output is connected to an alarm signal output of the evaluation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a test device for testing a detector for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, with a device for the disturbance medium.
Out US 6,198,399 B1 already known a method of the type mentioned, in which an interior of a building is monitored for reporting an incipient fire by means of a mounted on the ceiling fire detector. The fire detector has a sensor for detecting a disturbing medium occurring in the vicinity of the fire, such as a fire gas and / or smoke. In known fire detectors of this type, the dependent of the concentration of the interfering medium in the detection range of the sensor sensor measurement signal is supplied to an alarm filter for detecting an incipient fire occurring interference medium concentration pattern. The alarm filter is primarily used to distinguish in the measurement signal to be detected, attributable to a fire signal components of such signal components that are not caused by a fire, so that the alarm is triggered only when a fire. The alarm filter detects the alarm after the interference medium concentration has increased only with a certain delay time.

Vor allem bei größeren Brandmeldeanlagen in gewerblich genutzten Gebäuden, die eine Vielzahl von Brand-Meldern aufweisen, ist es aus Sicherheitsgründen erforderlich, bei der in Betriebnahme der Brandmeldeanlage die Funktionsfähigkeit der einzelnen Brand-Melder zu überprüfen. Darüber hinaus wird die Funktionsfähigkeit der Brand-Melder aber auch nach der in Betriebnahme der Brandmeldeeinrichtung in regelmäßigen Zeitabständen wiederholt, beispielsweise in Abständen von einem Monat. Bei dem aus US 6 198 399 B1 bekannten Verfahren ist zur Durchführung dieser Überprüfung eine Testvorrichtung vorgesehen, die eine Stange aufweist, welche an ihrem einen Ende eine Abgabeeinrichtung für ein zu detektierendes Störmedium aufweist. Diese Abgabeeinrichtung besteht im wesentlichen aus einer Halterung, an der zwei brennbare Elemente angeordnet sind, die, wenn sie in Brand gesetzt sind, Rauch abgeben. Die Abgabeeinrichtung wird von einer Hilfsperson mit Hilfe der Stange unter dem Brand-Melder positioniert, so daß der von der Abgabeeinrichtung abgegebene Rauch in den Detektionsbereich des Sensors des Brand-Melders gelangt. Die Hilfsperson überprüft dann, ob der Brand-Melder Alarm auslöst. Da der Alarm-Filter den Alarm erst mit einer gewissen Verzögerungszeit auslöst, muß die Abgabeeinrichtung relativ lange unter dem Brand-Melder positioniert werden, um den Alarm auszulösen. Vor allem bei größeren Brandmeldeanlagen, die mehrere 100 Brand-Melder aufweisen können, ist deshalb das Testen der Brandmeldeeinrichtung mit einem erheblichen Zeitaufwand und somit auch Personalkostenaufwand verbunden. Außerdem ist das Positionieren der Abgabeeinrichtung unter dem Brand-Melder für die Hilfsperson noch relativ anstrengend, da diese während des Positioniervorgangs die Stange mit der daran angeordneten Abgabeeinrichtung ständig hochhalten muß.Especially for larger fire alarm systems in commercial buildings, which have a variety of fire detectors, it is necessary for security reasons to check in the operation of the fire alarm system, the functioning of the individual fire detectors. In addition, the functionality of the fire detector but also repeated after the commissioning of the fire detection device at regular intervals, for example, at intervals of one month. At the US 6,198,399 B1 known methods, a test device is provided for carrying out this review, which has a rod, which at one end a discharge device for a disturbance medium to be detected. This dispenser consists essentially of a holder on which two combustible elements are arranged, which, when set on fire, emit smoke. The dispenser is positioned by an assistant using the bar under the fire detector, so that the smoke emitted by the dispenser enters the detection area of the sensor of the fire detector. The assistant then checks whether the fire detector triggers an alarm. Since the alarm filter triggers the alarm only with a certain delay time, the dispenser must be positioned relatively long under the fire detector to trigger the alarm. Especially in larger fire alarm systems, which may have several 100 fire detectors, therefore, the testing of the fire alarm device with a considerable amount of time and thus also associated personnel costs. In addition, the positioning of the dispenser under the fire detector for the assistant is still relatively strenuous, as this must constantly hold up the rod with the dispenser disposed thereon during the positioning process.

US 5 945 924 offenbart einen Brandmeldersystem wobei neben einem herkömmlichen Rauchsensor ein zusätzlicher CO2-Sensor verwendet wird. Die Verkürzung der Alarmzeiten wird nur durch die zusätzlichen Signale aus dem CO2-Sensor möglich. US Pat. No. 5,945,924 discloses a fire alarm system wherein in addition to a conventional smoke sensor, an additional CO 2 sensor is used. Shortening the alarm times is only possible with the additional signals from the CO 2 sensor.

Es besteht deshalb die Aufgabe, ein Verfahren, einen Melder und eine Testvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die einen einfachen und schnellen Funktionstest des Melders ermöglichen.It is therefore an object to provide a method, a detector and a test device of the type mentioned, which allow a simple and quick functional test of the detector.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe besteht darin, daß zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders im Detektionsbereich des Sensors Störmedium mit einem von dem bei dem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abweichenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abgegeben wird, daß das Konzentrations-Meßsignal des Sensors zusätzlich zu der ersten Filteroperation einer zweiten Filteroperation zum Erkennen des bei dem Test auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters unterzogen wird, und daß beim Erkennen dieses Test-Konzentrationsmusters das Auftreten eines Alarmfalls registriert wird.The solution to this problem is that, for testing the functionality of the detector in the detection range of the sensor noise medium with one of the occurring in the event of an alarm Störmedium concentration pattern deviating Störmedium concentration pattern is given that the concentration measurement signal of the sensor in addition to the first filter operation of a second filter operation for detecting the in the test undergoing disturbance medium concentration pattern, and that upon detection of this test concentration pattern, the occurrence of an alarm case is registered.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann dann zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders ein Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster vorgesehen sein, daß eine kürzere Zeitdauer aufweist als das bei dem Alarmfall auftretende Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster, so daß der Melder mit entsprechend geringem Zeitaufwand getestet werden kann. Dabei ergibt sich dann gleichzeitig auch noch ein geringer Störmediumverbrauch, so daß eine zur Abgabe des Störmediums vorgesehene Testvorrichtung zum Testen einer entsprechend großen Anzahl von Melder genutzt werden kann. Das Verfahren ermöglicht vor allem bei Anlagen, die eine Vielzahl von Meldern aufweisen, eine schnelle und kostengünstige Überprüfung der Melder bei der in Betriebnahme und/oder bei einer Revision der Anlage. In vorteilhafter Weise wird bei dem Test sowohl die ordnungsgemäße Funktionsfähigkeit des Sensors als auch die der Einrichtung zum Registrieren oder Anzeigen des Alarmfalls überprüft.Advantageously, then for testing the functionality of the detector a Störmedium-concentration pattern may be provided that has a shorter time than the occurring in the event of an alarm interference medium concentration pattern, so that the detector can be tested with correspondingly little time. At the same time, this results in a low interference medium consumption, so that a test device provided for dispensing the interfering medium can be used to test a correspondingly large number of detectors. Especially for systems that have a large number of detectors, the method enables quick and cost-effective checking of the detectors during commissioning and / or during a system revision. Advantageously, both the proper functioning of the sensor and that of the device for registering or displaying the alarm case are checked in the test.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß bei der ersten Filteroperation das Konzentrations-Meßsignal tiefpaßgefiltert wird, daß das tiefpaßgefilterte Meßsignal mit einem Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert verglichen wird, und daß der Alarmfall registriert wird, wenn das tiefpaßgefilterte Meßsignal den Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert überschreitet. Das bei dem Alarmfall auftretende Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster kann dadurch von eventuellen Störsignalanteilen, die keinen Alarm auslösen sollen, unterschieden werden. Somit kann der Alarmfall zuverlässig detektiert und registriert werden.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that in the first filter operation, the concentration measurement signal is low-pass filtered, that the low-pass filtered measurement signal is compared with an alarm concentration threshold, and that the alarm case is registered when the low-pass filtered measurement signal exceeds the alarm concentration threshold. The interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm can thus be distinguished from any interference signal components which are not intended to trigger an alarm. Thus, the alarm case can be reliably detected and registered.

Bei einer zweckmäßigen Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, daß bei der zweiten Filteroperation das Konzentrations-Meßsignal mit einem Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert verglichen wird, der größer ist als der Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert und daß der Alarmfall registriert wird, wenn das Konzentrations-Meßsignal den Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert überschreitet. Zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders wird dann im Detektionsbereich des Sensors Störmedium mit einer Konzentration abgegeben, die höher ist als die höchste im normalen Betrieb des Melders oder beim Eintreten eines Alarmfalls auftretende Störmedium-Konzentration ist, so daß der Test-Alarmfall durch Vergleich des Meßsignalpegels mit dem Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert auf einfache Weise erkannt und dann registriert werden kann.In an expedient embodiment of the method, it is provided that in the second filter operation, the concentration measurement signal is compared with a test concentration threshold which is greater than the alarm concentration threshold and that the alarm case is registered when the concentration measurement signal the test concentration threshold exceeds. To test the functionality of the detector interference medium is then emitted in the detection range of the concentration with a concentration which is higher than the highest occurring during normal operation of the detector or the occurrence of an alarm interference medium concentration, so that the test alarm case by comparing the Meßsignalpegels can be easily recognized with the test concentration threshold and then registered.

Bei einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders im Detektionsbereich des Sensors die Konzentration des Störmediums wenigstens einmal wechselweise erhöht und reduziert wird, daß bei der zweiten Filteroperation geprüft wird, ob das Konzentrations-Meßsignal wenigstens einmal mindestens einen oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert und zumindest einen unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert wechselweise über- und unterschreitet, und daß beim Erkennen dieses wechselweise Überund Unterschreitens das Auftreten eines Alarmfalls registriert wird. Zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders wird also im Detektionsbereich des Sensors eine Abfolge von hohen und niedrigen Störmedium-Konzentrationen erzeugt, die eine Art Kodierung oder Signatur ergeben, anhand der das für den Test-Alarmfall vorgesehene Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster mit großer Präzision von den übrigen im praktischen Betrieb auftretenden Konzentrationsmuster unterscheiden läßt. Dabei ist diese Kodierung bevorzugt als Digitalwort ausgebildet.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that for testing the functionality of the detector in the detection range of the sensor, the concentration of the interfering medium is at least once alternately increased and reduced, that is checked in the second filter operation, if the concentration measurement signal at least once at least one upper test concentration threshold and at least a lower test concentration threshold alternately exceeds and falls below, and that upon detection of this alternately exceeding and falling below the occurrence of an alarm case is registered. To test the functionality of the detector so a sequence of high and low interference medium concentrations is generated in the detection range of the sensor, which give a kind of coding or signature, based on the provided for the test alarm case Störmedium-concentration pattern with great precision of the rest in the practical operation can distinguish occurring concentration pattern. In this case, this coding is preferably designed as a digital word.

Bei einer zweckmäßigen Ausführungsform des Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, daß bei der zweiten Filteroperation eine erste Überprüfung durchgeführt wird, bei der geprüft wird, ob das Konzentrations-Meßsignal einen ersten oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert überschreitet, der vorzugsweise größer ist als der Alarm-Schwellwert, daß eine zweite Überprüfung durchgeführt wird, bei der geprüft wird, ob das Konzentrations-Meßsignal in einem auf das Überschreiten des ersten oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwerts folgenden Zeitpunkt einen unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert unterschreitet, der kleiner ist als der erste obere Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert, daß eine dritte Überprüfung durchgeführt wird, bei der geprüft wird, ob das Konzentrations-Meßsignal in einem auf das Unterschreiten des unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwerts folgenden Zeitpunkt einen zweiten oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert überschreitet, der größer ist als der untere Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert, und daß der Test-Alarmfall registriert wird, wenn das Konzentrations-Meßsignal bei der dritten Überprüfung den zweiten oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert überschreitet. Der Test-Alarmfall kann dadurch auf einfache Weise schnell und zuverlässig detektiert werden.In an expedient embodiment of the method it is provided that in the second filter operation, a first check is carried out in which it is checked whether the concentration measurement signal exceeds a first upper test concentration threshold, which is preferably greater than the alarm threshold that a second check is carried out in which it is checked whether the concentration measurement signal in a subsequent to the exceeding of the first upper test concentration threshold time below a lower test concentration threshold, which is smaller than the first upper test concentration threshold that a third check in which it is checked whether the concentration measurement signal exceeds a second upper test concentration threshold value, which is greater than the lower test concentration peak, in a time following the undershooting of the lower test concentration threshold value ll value, and that the test alarm case is registered when the concentration measurement signal in the third test exceeds the second upper test concentration threshold. The test alarm case can be detected quickly and reliably in a simple manner.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens wird eine Anzeige aktiviert, wenn das Konzentrations-Meßsignal bei der ersten Überprüfung den ersten oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert überschreitet. Die den Funktionstest des Melders durchführende Person kann dann anhand der Anzeige auf einfache Weise erkennen, daß der Melder das Überschreiten des oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert detektiert hat und kann dann die Abgabe des Störmediums entsprechend dem weiteren Verlauf des zum Testen vorgesehenen Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters steuern.In an advantageous embodiment of the method, a display is activated when the concentration measurement signal exceeds the first upper test concentration threshold in the first check. The person performing the functional test of the detector can then easily recognize on the basis of the display that the detector has detected that the upper test concentration threshold value has been exceeded and can then Controlling the discharge of the interference medium according to the further course of the interference medium concentration pattern to be tested.

Vorteilhaft ist, wenn wenigstens ein unterer Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert mindestens zweimal so groß, insbesondere mindestens dreieinhalbmal so groß und bevorzugt mindestens fünfmal so groß ist wie der Alarm-Schwellwert. Dabei ist es zweckmäßig, wenn wenigstens ein oberer Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert mindestens viermal so groß, insbesondere mindestens siebenmal so groß und bevorzugt mindestens zehnmal so groß ist wie der Alarm-Schwellwert. Der Test-Alarmfall kann dann mit noch größerer Präzision erkannt und registriert werden.It is advantageous if at least one lower test concentration threshold value is at least twice as large, in particular at least three and one half times as large, and preferably at least five times as great as the alarm threshold value. It is expedient if at least one upper test concentration threshold is at least four times as large, in particular at least seven times as large and preferably at least ten times as large as the alarm threshold value. The test alarm case can then be detected and registered with even greater precision.

Die vorstehend genannte Aufgabe wird bezüglich des Melders dadurch gelöst, daß die Auswerteeinrichtung zusätzlich zu dem ersten Filter ein zweites, mit dem Meßsignalausgang des Sensors verbundenes Filter aufweist, das zur Detektion eines von dem bei dem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abweichenden, für den Test der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders vorgesehenen Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster ausgebildet ist, daß die Filterausgänge des ersten Filters und des zweiten Filters jeweils mit einem Eingang eines ODER-Glieds verbunden sind, und daß der Ausgang dieses ODER-Glieds mit dem Alarmsignalausgang der Auswertevorrichtung verbunden ist. Das zweite, für die Detektion des Test-Alarmfalls vorgesehene Filter kann dann auf ein Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abgestimmt sein, daß eine kürzere Zeitdauer aufweist als das bei dem Alarmfall auftretende Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster. In vorteilhafter Weise kann dann zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders ein entsprechend kurzes Test-Konzentrationsmuster im Bereich des Melders erzeugt werden, so daß der Melder mit entsprechend geringem Zeitaufwand getestet werden kann. Da das zweite Filter dem Sensor nachgeschaltet ist und dessen Meßsignal auswertet, wird bei dem Funktionstest des Melders auch die Funktionsfähigkeit des Sensors mitgetestet. Der Sensor kann beispielweise eine optische Meßstrecke und/oder eine Ionisationsmeßkammer aufweisen. Da der Ausgang des zweiten Filters über das ODER-Glied mit dem Alarmsignalausgang der Auswerteeinrichtung verbunden ist, werden beim Testen außerdem der Alarmweg und die Einrichtung zum Registrieren oder Anzeigen des Alarmfalls überprüft.The above object is achieved with respect to the detector in that the evaluation device in addition to the first filter has a second, connected to the measuring signal output of the sensor filter, which differs for detecting one of the occurring in the event of an alarm interference medium concentration pattern for the test of Functionality of the detector provided interference medium concentration pattern is formed, that the filter outputs of the first filter and the second filter are each connected to an input of an OR gate, and that the output of this OR gate is connected to the alarm signal output of the evaluation device. The second filter provided for the detection of the test alarm case may then be tuned to an interference medium concentration pattern which has a shorter time duration than the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm. In an advantageous manner, a correspondingly short test concentration pattern can then be generated in the area of the detector in order to test the functionality of the detector that the detector can be tested with correspondingly little time. Since the second filter is connected downstream of the sensor and evaluates its measuring signal, the functionality of the sensor is also tested in the functional test of the detector. The sensor may, for example, have an optical measuring path and / or an ionization measuring chamber. Since the output of the second filter is connected via the OR gate to the alarm signal output of the evaluation device, the alarm path and the device for registering or displaying the alarm case are also tested during testing.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform des Melders weist das erste Filter einem mit dem Meßsignalausgang des Sensors verbundenen Tiefpaßfilter auf, dem eine Vergleichseinrichtung zum Vergleichen des tiefpaßgefilterten Meßsignales mit einem Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert nachgeschaltet ist, wobei der Ausgang dieser Vergleichseinrichtung mit dem Filterausgang des ersten Filters verbunden ist. Das bei dem Alarmfall auftretende Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster kann dann von eventuellen Störsignalanteilen, die keinen Alarm auslösen sollen, unterschieden werden. Der Melder ermöglicht dadurch eine zuverlässige Registrierung oder Anzeige des Alarmfalls.In an advantageous embodiment of the detector, the first filter has a low pass filter connected to the measuring signal output of the sensor, to which a comparator for comparing the lowpass filtered measuring signal with an alarm concentration threshold is connected, the output of this comparator being connected to the filter output of the first filter. The interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm can then be distinguished from any interference signal components which are not intended to trigger an alarm. The detector thus enables a reliable registration or display of the alarm case.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform des Melders ist vorgesehen, daß das zweite Filter ein Komparatorschaltung mit mindestens einem ersten Komparator zum Vergleichen des Konzentrations-Meßsignals mit einem unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert und zumindest einem zweiten Komparator zum Vergleichen des Konzentrations-Meßsignals mit einem oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert aufweist, und daß diese Komparatorschaltungen mit einer logischen Verknüpfungsschaltung zum Detektieren wenigstens eines wechselweisen Überund Unterschreitens des oberen und unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwerts aufweist, deren Ausgang mit dem Filterausgang des zweiten Filters verbunden ist. Zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders kann dann im Detektionsbereich des Sensors eine Abfolge von hohen und niedrigen Störmedium-Konzentrationen erzeugt werden, so daß sich eine Art Kodierung oder Signatur ergibt, die mit Hilfe der Komparatorschaltung und der logischen Verknüpfungsschaltung das Detektieren des Test-Alarmfalls mit großer Präzision ermöglicht. Die Komparatorschaltung und/oder die logische Verknüpfungsschaltung können diskrete elektronische Bauelemente aufweisen und/oder softwaremäßig in einen Mikrocomputer realisiert sein.In an advantageous embodiment of the detector it is provided that the second filter has a comparator circuit with at least one first comparator for comparing the concentration measuring signal with a lower test concentration threshold and at least one second comparator for comparing the concentration measuring signal with a test upper concentration threshold and in that these comparator circuits are provided with a logic combiner circuit for detecting at least one of alternately over and under the upper and lower test concentration thresholds has, whose output is connected to the filter output of the second filter. To test the functionality of the detector can then be generated in the detection range of the sensor, a sequence of high and low interference medium concentrations, so that there is a kind of coding or signature, with the help of the comparator circuit and the logic operation circuit detecting the test alarm case with great precision. The comparator circuit and / or the logical combination circuit may comprise discrete electronic components and / or be realized by software in a microcomputer.

Zweckmäßiger Weise ist ein Komparatorausgang der ersten Komparatorschaltung und/oder die logische Verknüpfungsschaltung mit einem Eingang einer vorzugsweise ein optisches Anzeigeelement aufweisenden Anzeigeeinrichtung verbunden. Die den Funktionstest des Melders durchführende Person kann dann anhand der Anzeige auf einfache Weise erkennen, daß der Melder das Überschreiten des oberen Test-Konzentrationsschellwerts detektiert hat und kann dann die Abgabe des Störmediums entsprechend dem weiteren Verlauf des Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters, auf welches das zweite Filter abgestimmt ist, steuern.Expediently, a comparator output of the first comparator circuit and / or the logical combination circuit is connected to an input of a display device preferably having an optical display element. The person carrying out the function test of the detector can then easily recognize on the basis of the display that the detector has detected that the upper test concentration threshold has been exceeded and can then output the interference medium according to the further course of the interference medium concentration pattern to which the second filter is tuned, steer.

Die vorstehend genannte Aufgabe wird bezüglich der Testvorrichtung dadurch gelöst, daß die Abgabeeinrichtung eine Stelleinrichtung zur Einstellung der Abgabemenge des Störmediums aufweist, die mit einer Steuereinrichtung zur Einstellung eines vorgegebenen Konzentrationsmusters des abgegebenen Störmediums verbunden ist.The above object is achieved with respect to the test apparatus in that the delivery device has an adjusting device for adjusting the discharge amount of the interference medium, which is connected to a control device for setting a predetermined concentration pattern of the emitted interference medium.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann durch das zum Testen des Melders vorgesehene Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster mit großer Genauigkeit und somit mit einem entsprechend geringen Verbrauch von Störmedium erzeugt werden. Die den Test des Melders durchführende Person braucht die Testvorrichtung nur an dem Melder zu positionieren und die Abgabe des Störmediums dann zu aktivieren, woraufhin dieses automatisch mit dem vorgegebenen Test-Konzentrationsmuster im Detektionsbereich des Melders freigesetzt wird. Die Testvorrichtung ermöglicht somit auf einfache Weise die Überprüfung des Melders bei der in Betriebnahme und/oder einer Revision.Advantageously, can be provided by the intended for testing the detector Störmedium-concentration pattern with large Accuracy and thus generated with a correspondingly low consumption of interference medium. The person carrying out the test of the detector needs to position the test device only at the detector and then to activate the release of the interfering medium, whereupon this is automatically released with the predetermined test concentration pattern in the detection area of the detector. The test device thus enables a simple way of checking the detector during commissioning and / or a revision.

Bei einer zweckmäßigen Ausführungsform der Testvorrichtung weist die Abgabeeinrichtung wenigstens einen Speicherbehälter für das Störmedium auf, der über ein Ventil mit einer Auslaßöffnung für das Störmedium verbunden ist, wobei das Ventil mit einem Stellantrieb in Antriebsverbindung steht, der zur Einstellung des vorgegebenen Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters mit der Steuereinrichtung verbunden ist. Dabei kann dann Speicherbehälter mit dem Ventil als Sprühflasche ausgebildet sein, in der das Störmedium unter Druck gespeichert ist. Die Testvorrichtung ermöglicht dann die Abgabe eines auf den Melder gerichteten Sprühstrahls, wodurch zusätzlich Sprühmedium eingespart werden kann. Die Testvorrichtung kann einen Mikrocomputer aufweisen, in dem das Test-Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster gespeichert ist.In an expedient embodiment of the test device, the dispensing device has at least one storage container for the interference medium, which is connected via a valve to an outlet opening for the interference medium, wherein the valve is in drive connection with an actuator, which is for setting the predetermined interference medium concentration pattern with the Control device is connected. In this case, then storage container can be formed with the valve as a spray bottle, in which the interfering medium is stored under pressure. The test device then allows the delivery of a directed to the detector spray, which can be additionally saved spray medium. The test apparatus may include a microcomputer in which the test interference medium concentration pattern is stored.

Nachfolgend sind Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Blockschaltbild eines Brand-Melders, der einen Sensor zur Detektion von Brandgas und/oder Rauch aufweist,
Fig. 2
eine graphische Darstellung eines ungefilterten und eines mittels eines Alarmfilters gefilterten Sensor-Meßsignals beim Auftreten eines Alarms, wobei strichliniert ein Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert eingezeichnet ist und wobei auf der Abszisse die Zeit und auf der Ordinate die Amplitude des Meßsignals aufgetragen ist,
Fig. 3
eine graphische Darstellung eines an einem Alarmsignalausgang eines Melders anliegenden Alarmsignales,
Fig. 4
eine graphische Darstellung des Meßsignals des Sensors beim Testen des Melders, wobei strichliniert Konzentrationsschwellwerte von Komparatorschaltungen eingezeichnet sind und wobei auf der Abszisse die Zeit und auf der Ordinate die Amplitude des Meßsignals aufgetragen ist,
Fig. 5
eine graphische Darstellung von in einer logischen Verknüpfungsschaltung eines Melders erzeugten Steuersignalen und
Fig. 6
eine Testvorrichtung zum Prüfen eines Melders.
Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:
Fig. 1
a block diagram of a fire detector, which has a sensor for detecting combustion gas and / or smoke,
Fig. 2
a graphical representation of an unfiltered and filtered by means of an alarm filter sensor measuring signal when an alarm occurs, wherein an alarm concentration threshold is shown in dashed lines and wherein the abscissa represents the time and the ordinate the amplitude of the measuring signal is plotted
Fig. 3
a graphical representation of an alarm signal applied to an alarm signal output of a detector,
Fig. 4
a graphical representation of the measuring signal of the sensor when testing the detector, dashed line concentration thresholds of comparator circuits are shown and wherein on the abscissa the time and on the ordinate the amplitude of the measuring signal is plotted
Fig. 5
a graphical representation of generated in a logical combination circuit of a detector control signals and
Fig. 6
a test device for testing a detector.

Ein im ganzen mit 1 bezeichneter Melder zum Melden eines Entstehungsbrandes weist einen Sensor 2 zur Detektion von Brandgas, Rauch oder dergleichen bei einem Brand entstehendem Störmedium auf. Der Sensor 2 umfaßt in an sich bekannter Weise einen optischen Sender 3 und einen optischen Empfänger 4 zur Detektion der von dem Sender 3 abgegebenen optischen Strahlung, wobei zwischen dem Sender 3 und dem Empfänger 4 eine in der Zeichnung nur schematisch dargestellte optische Meßstrecke 5 gebildet ist. Diese ist in einer Meßkammer angeordnet, die Eintrittsöffnungen aufweist, durch die im Detektionsbereich des Melders 1 befindliches Störmedium in die Meßkammer gelangen kann. Der Sensor 2 hat einen Meßsignalausgang 6, an dem ein von der Konzentration des Störmediums in der Meßkammer abhängiges Meßsignal 7 anliegt. Der Meßsignalausgang 6 ist über einen Meßverstärker 8 mit dem Eingang einer Auswerteeinrichtung 9 verbunden, die ein erstes Filter 10a und ein zweites Filter 10b aufweist, deren Eingänge jeweils mit dem Meßsignalausgang 6 des Sensors 2 verbunden sind. Das erste Filter 10a ist zum Erkennen eines bei einem Entstehungsbrand (Alarmfall) auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters und das zweite Filter 10b zum Erkennen eines von dem bei dem Entstehungsbrand auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abweichenden, zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders 1 vorgesehenen Test-Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster ausgebildet. Das zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders 1 vorgesehene Konzentrationsmuster weist eine kürzere Zeitdauer auf, als das bei dem Alarmfall auftretende Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster.A generally designated 1 detector for reporting a conflagration has a sensor 2 for the detection of fire gas, smoke or the like in a fire arising Störmedium. The sensor 2 comprises in a conventional manner an optical transmitter 3 and an optical receiver 4 for detecting the emitted from the transmitter 3 optical radiation, wherein between the transmitter 3 and the receiver 4 in the drawing only schematically illustrated optical measuring section. 5 is formed. This is arranged in a measuring chamber which has inlet openings through which the interference medium located in the detection area of the detector 1 can enter the measuring chamber. The sensor 2 has a measuring signal output 6 to which a dependent of the concentration of the interfering medium in the measuring chamber measuring signal 7 is applied. The measuring signal output 6 is connected via a measuring amplifier 8 to the input of an evaluation device 9, which has a first filter 10a and a second filter 10b whose inputs are respectively connected to the measuring signal output 6 of the sensor 2. The first filter 10a is for detecting a disturbance medium concentration pattern occurring in the case of an incipient fire (alarm case) and the second filter 10b for detecting a test disturbance medium concentration pattern deviating from the disturbance medium concentration pattern occurring during the incipient fire for testing the operability of the detector 1 educated. The concentration pattern provided for testing the functionality of the detector 1 has a shorter time duration than the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm.

In Fig.1 ist erkennbar, daß der Filterausgang 11a des ersten Filters 10a mit einem ersten Eingang eines Oder-Gatters 12 und der Filterausgang 11b des zweiten Filters 10b mit einem zweiten Eingang des Oder-Gatters 12 verbunden ist. Der Ausgang dieses Oder-Gatters 12 ist mit einem Alarmsignalausgang 13 der Auswerteeinrichtung 9 verbunden, der zur Weiterleitung des Alarms an eine zu einer Brandmeldezentrale führenden Melderlinie angeschlossen ist. Die Brandmeldezentrale weist optische und/oder akustische Anzeigemittel auf, die beim Auftreten eines Alarms aktiviert werden.It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the filter output 11a of the first filter 10a is connected to a first input of an OR gate 12 and the filter output 11b of the second filter 10b is connected to a second input of the OR gate 12. The output of this OR gate 12 is connected to an alarm signal output 13 of the evaluation device 9, which is connected to forward the alarm to a leading to a fire alarm center detector line. The fire panel has visual and / or acoustic display means which are activated when an alarm occurs.

In Fig.2 sind das Meßsignal 7 und das mittels des ersten Filters 10a gefilterte Meßsignal 14 im Verlauf eines Entstehungsbrandes graphisch dargestellt. Auf der Abszisse ist die Zeit aufgetragen, wobei der Beginn des Entstehungsbrandes dem Zeitpunkt null entspricht. Deutlich ist erkennbar, daß der etwa der Konzentration des Störmediums in der Meßkammer entsprechende Signalpegel des Meßsignals 7 zu Beginn des Entstehungsbrands noch sehr niedrig ist und dann schnell über einen Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert 15 ansteigt. Danach bleibt das Meßsignal 7 im Mittel etwa auf konstantem Niveau.2, the measuring signal 7 and the filtered by the first filter 10 a measuring signal 14 in the course of a Emergence fire shown graphically. The time is plotted on the abscissa, with the beginning of the conflagration corresponding to time zero. It can clearly be seen that the signal level of the measuring signal 7 which corresponds approximately to the concentration of the interfering medium in the measuring chamber is still very low at the beginning of the initial fire and then rapidly rises above an alarm concentration threshold value 15. Thereafter, the measuring signal 7 remains on average approximately at a constant level.

In Fig.2 ist weiter erkennbar, daß das erste Filter 10a Tiefpaßcharakteristik aufweist und daß das tiefpaßgefilterte Meßsignal 14 gegenüber dem ungefilterten Meßsignal 7 geglättet ist. Eine in dem tiefpaßgefilterten Meßsignal 14 vorhandene Stufung ergibt sich daraus, daß das Meßsignal 7 in den in Fig. 2 aus der Ordinate markierten Zeitpunkten abgetastet und dann digital in dem ersten Filter 10a verarbeitet wird. Nach der Tiefpaßfilterung wird das gefilterte Meßsignal 14 mit Hilfe eines Komparators mit dem Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert 15 verglichen. Wenn das tiefpaßgefilterte Meßsignal 14a den Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert 15 überschreitet, wird ein an dem Filterausgang 11a des ersten Filters 10a anstehendes Filter-Ausgangssignal 16a gesetzt. Ein an dem Alarm-Signalausgang 13 anstehendes Alarmsignal ist dann ebenfalls gesetzt beziehungsweise aktiv.It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that the first filter 10 a has a low-pass characteristic and that the low-pass-filtered measuring signal 14 is smoothed with respect to the unfiltered measuring signal 7. A gradation present in the low-pass filtered measurement signal 14 results from the fact that the measurement signal 7 is sampled in the time points marked from the ordinate in FIG. 2 and then digitally processed in the first filter 10a. After the low-pass filtering, the filtered measuring signal 14 is compared with the alarm concentration threshold value 15 by means of a comparator. When the low-pass filtered measurement signal 14a exceeds the alarm concentration threshold 15, a filter output 16a appearing at the filter output 11a of the first filter 10a is set. A pending at the alarm signal output 13 alarm signal is then also set or active.

Zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders 1 wird in Detektionsbereich des Sensors 2 mittels einer nachstehend noch genauer zu beschreibenden Testvorrichtung 18 Störmedium mit einem von dem bei dem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abweichenden Test-Störmediumkonzentrationsmuster abgegeben. In Fig.4 ist das Meßsignal 7 während des Testens des Melders 1 graphisch dargestellt. Auf der Abszisse ist die Zeit aufgetragen, wobei in dem mit der Zahl "3" markierten Zeitpunkt mit der Abgabe eines ersten Störmedium-Impulses begonnen wird. Deutlich ist erkennbar, daß das Meßsignal bis über einen oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 19, der etwa zehnmal so groß ist wie der Alarm-Konzentrationsschwellwert 15, steil ansteigt und dann zunächst für eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer konstant bleibt.In order to test the functionality of the detector 1, in the detection range of the sensor 2, by means of a test device 18 to be described below, interference medium having a test interference medium concentration pattern deviating from the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm is emitted. 4, the measuring signal 7 during the testing of the detector 1 is shown graphically. On the abscissa the time is plotted, where in the number "3" marked point in time with the delivery of a first interference medium pulse is started. It can clearly be seen that the measurement signal rises steeply above an upper test concentration threshold value 19, which is approximately ten times as large as the alarm concentration threshold value 15, and then initially remains constant for a predetermined period of time.

In dem in Fig. 4 auf der Abszisse mit der Zahl "4" markierten Zeitpunkt wird aus dem Meßsignal 7 ein erster Meßwert abgetastet und dann wird in dem zweiten Filter 10b eine erste Überprüfung durchgeführt, bei welcher der erste Meßwert mit dem oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 19 verglichen wird. Wenn der erste Meßwert größer ist als der obere Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 19, wir ein erstes Steuersignal 20 für eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer T1 gesetzt.In the time marked in Fig. 4 on the abscissa with the number "4", a first measured value is sampled from the measuring signal 7 and then a first check is carried out in the second filter 10b, in which the first measured value with the upper test concentration threshold 19 is compared. If the first measured value is greater than the upper test concentration threshold 19, a first control signal 20 is set for a predetermined period of time T1.

Nach dem Abtasten des ersten Meßwerts wird die Konzentration des Störmediums in Detektionsbereich des Sensors 2 durch Unterbrechen der Störmediumzufuhr bis unter einen unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 21 abgesenkt. Dieser ist etwa fünfmal so groß wie der Alarm-Konzentrationsschellwert 15.After the first measured value has been sampled, the concentration of the interfering medium in the detection range of the sensor 2 is lowered by interrupting the disturbance medium supply to below a lower test concentration threshold value 21. This is about five times the alarm concentration threshold 15.

In dem in Fig.4 auf der Abszisse mit der Zahl "5" markierten Zeitpunkt wird aus dem Meßsignal 7 ein zweiter Meßwert abgetastet und dann wird in dem zweiten Filter 10b eine zweite Überprüfung durchgeführt, bei welcher der zweite Meßwert mit dem unteren Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 21 verglichen wird. Wenn der zweite Meßwert kleiner ist als der untere Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 21 und das erste Steuersignal 20 gesetzt ist, wir ein zweites Steuersignal 22 gesetzt.In the time marked in FIG. 4 on the abscissa with the number "5", a second measured value is sampled from the measuring signal 7 and then in the second filter 10b a second check is carried out, in which the second measured value coincides with the lower test concentration threshold 21 is compared. If the second measured value is less than the lower test concentration threshold value 21 and the first control signal 20 is set, a second control signal 22 is set.

Nach dem Abtasten des zweiten Meßwerts wird die Konzentration des Störmediums im Detektionsbereich des Sensors 2 durch Abgabe eines weiteren Störmedium-Impulses erneut bis über den oberen Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 19 angehoben.After scanning the second measured value, the concentration of the interfering medium in the detection range of the sensor 2 by dispensing a further interference medium pulse again raised above the upper test concentration threshold 19.

In dem in Fig.4 auf der Abszisse mit der Zahl "6" markierten Zeitpunkt wird aus dem Meßsignal 7 ein dritter Meßwert abgetastet und dann wird in den zweiten Filter 10b eine dritte Überprüfung durchgeführt, bei welcher der dritte Meßwert mit dem oberen Test-Komparationsschwellwert 19 verglichen wird. Wenn der dritte Meßwert größer ist als der obere Test-Konzentrationsschwellwert 19 und das zweite Steuersignal 22 gesetzt ist, wird ein an dem Filterausgang 11b des zweiten Filters 10b anstehendes Filter-Ausgangssignal 16b gesetzt, welches den Test-Alarm auslöst. Dieser ist am Alarmsignalausgang 13 des Melders 1 von einem realen Alarmfall nicht unterscheidbar. Ein an dem Alarm-Signalausgang 13 anstehendes Alarmsignal wird dann über das ODER-Glied 12 ebenfalls gesetzt beziehungsweise aktiviert. Dieses Alarmsignal kann bedarfsweise von der Brandmeldezentrale aus zurückgesetzt werden. In Fig.5 ist noch erkennbar, daß das erste Steuersignal 20 und das zweite Steuersignal 22 nach Ablauf der vorgegebenen Zeitdauer T1 jeweils automatisch zurückgesetzt werden.
Ein drittes Steuersignal 23 wird gleichzeitig mit dem zweiten Steuersignal 22 gesetzt und beim Aktivieren des Filter-Ausgangssignals 16b zurückgesetzt. Dieses dritte Steuersignal 23 steuert eine an den Melder 1 vorgesehene Leuchtdiode oder dergleichen optisches Anzeigeelement, welches nach der Abgabe des ersten Störmedium-Impulses anzeigt, daß dieser von dem Melder 1 detektiert wurde und daß nun der zweite Störmedium-Impuls des Test-Konzentrationsmusters abgegeben werden kann, um den Testalarm auszulösen. Dieser zweite Störmedium-Impuls muß innerhalb der Zeitdauer T1 von dem Melder 1 detektiert werden, damit dieser den Testalarm auslöst.In the time marked on the abscissa with the number "6" in FIG. 4, a third measured value is sampled from the measuring signal 7, and then a third check is carried out in the second filter 10b, in which case the third measured value coincides with the upper test comparison threshold 19 is compared. If the third measurement value is greater than the upper test concentration threshold 19 and the second control signal 22 is set, a filter output 16b present at the filter output 11b of the second filter 10b is set which triggers the test alarm. This is indistinguishable at the alarm signal output 13 of the detector 1 from a real alarm case. A pending at the alarm signal output 13 alarm signal is then also set or activated via the OR gate 12. This alarm signal can be reset as needed from the fire panel. It can also be seen in FIG. 5 that the first control signal 20 and the second control signal 22 are each automatically reset after the predetermined time period T1 has elapsed.
A third control signal 23 is set simultaneously with the second control signal 22 and reset upon activation of the filter output signal 16b. This third control signal 23 controls a provided on the detector 1 light emitting diode or the like optical display element which indicates after the first disturbance medium pulse, that this was detected by the detector 1 and that now the second noise medium pulse of the test concentration pattern are delivered can trigger the test alarm. This second interference medium pulse must be detected within the time period T1 of the detector 1, so that it triggers the test alarm.

In Fig.4 ist erkennbar, daß der Test-Alarmfall vom Beginn des Test-Konzentrationsmusters ab (Zeitpunkt "3" auf der Abszisse in Fig.4) bereits nach einer Zeitdauer, die etwa dem dreifachen der Abtastdauer T des zweiten Filters 10b entspricht, registriert wird. Die Zeitdauer zwischen dem Beginn des Konzentrations-Meßsignalanstiegs und dem Registrieren des durch diesen ausgelösten "echten" Alarms beträgt dagegen ein Vielfaches der Abtastdauer T. Somit wird ein Testalarm wesentlich schneller registriert als ein "echter" Alarm.4 shows that the test alarm case from the beginning of the test concentration pattern (time "3" on the abscissa in Figure 4) already after a period of time which corresponds to about three times the sampling time T of the second filter 10b, is registered. By contrast, the time between the start of the concentration measurement signal rise and the registration of the "real" alarm triggered by it is a multiple of the sampling period T. Thus, a test alarm is registered much faster than a "true" alarm.

Erwähnt werden soll noch, daß die Dauer der Störmedium-Impulse und der zwischen diesen befindlichen Störmedium-Pulspause des Test-Komparationsmusters jeweils mindestens der Abtastdauer T des zweiten Filters 10b entspricht, um eine Unterabtastung des Meßsignals zu vermeiden. In Fig.4 ist erkennbar, daß der links abgebildete, nicht zu dem Test-Konzentrationsmuster gehörende Störmedium-Impuls kürzer ist als die Abtastdauer T und daß dieser Störmedium-Impuls zwischen zwei Abtastzeitpunkten liegt. Er bleibt daher bei der Filterung in dem zweiten Filter 10b unberücksichtigt.It should also be mentioned that the duration of the interference medium pulses and the interference medium pulse pause of the test comparison pattern lying between them in each case corresponds to at least the sampling duration T of the second filter 10b in order to avoid subsampling of the measurement signal. It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the interference medium pulse on the left, which does not belong to the test concentration pattern, is shorter than the sampling period T and that this interference medium pulse lies between two sampling times. It therefore remains unconsidered in the filtering in the second filter 10b.

Das Störmedium kann beispielsweise mittels einer Sprühflasche von Hand entsprechend dem Test-Konzentrationsmuster abgegeben werden. Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Abgabe des Störmediums jedoch mit Hilfe der in Fig.6 gezeigten Testvorrichtung 18. Diese weist einen Speicherbehälter 24 für das Störmedium auf, in dem dieses unter Druck gespeichert ist. Der Speicherbehälter 24 ist über ein in der Zeichnung nicht näher dargestelltes Ventil mit einer Auslaßöffnung 25 für das Störmedium verbunden. Das Ventil steht mit einem Stellantrieb in Antriebsverbindung, der beispielsweise einen durch einen Elektromagneten gegen eine Rückstellkraft verstellbaren Anker aufweisen kann. Der Stellantrieb ist mit dem Steuereingang einer Steuereinrichtung 26 verbunden, mit der das Ventil zum Erzeugen des vorgegebenen Test-Konzentrationsmusters ansteuerbar ist. Die Steuereinrichtung 26 ist mit einem Betätigungselement verbunden, daß bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig.6 als elektrischer Taster 27 ausgebildet ist. Beim Betätigen des Tasters 27 wird die Abgabe des Störmediums mit dem vorgegebenen Test-Konzentrationsmuster ausgelöst.The interfering medium can be dispensed, for example, by means of a spray bottle by hand according to the test concentration pattern. Preferably, however, the discharge of the interfering medium takes place with the aid of the test device 18 shown in FIG. 6. This has a storage container 24 for the disturbing medium in which it is stored under pressure. The storage tank 24 is connected via a valve not shown in detail in the drawing with an outlet opening 25 for the disturbance medium. The valve is in drive connection with an actuator, which may for example have an adjustable by an electromagnet against a restoring force anchor. The actuator is connected to the control input of a control device 26 connected, with which the valve for generating the predetermined test concentration pattern is controllable. The control device 26 is connected to an actuating element that is formed in the embodiment of Figure 6 as an electrical button 27. When pressing the button 27, the release of the interfering medium is triggered with the predetermined test concentration pattern.

Bei dem Verfahren zum Betreiben des Melders 1 zur Detektion von Gas, Rauch oder dergleichen Störmedium, insbesondere eines Brand-Melders, wobei der Melder 1 einen Sensor 2 zum Messen der Konzentration des Störmediums aufweist, wird also das Konzentrations-Meßsignal 7 des Sensors 2 einer ersten Filteroperation zum Erkennen eines bei einem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters unterzogen. Beim Erkennen dieses Konzentrationsmusters wird der Alarmfall registriert. Zum Testen der Funktionsfähigkeit des Melders 1 wird im Detektionsbereich des Sensors 2 Störmedium mit einem von dem bei dem Alarmfall auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abweichenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmuster abgegeben. Das Konzentrations-Meßsignal 7 des Sensors wird zusätzlich zu der ersten Filteroperation einer zweiten Filteroperation zum Erkennen des bei dem Test auftretenden Störmedium-Konzentrationsmusters unterzogen. Beim Erkennen dieses Test-Konzentrationsmusters wird das Auftreten eines Test-Alarmfalls registriert.In the method for operating the detector 1 for the detection of gas, smoke or the like interfering medium, in particular a fire detector, wherein the detector 1 has a sensor 2 for measuring the concentration of the interfering medium, so the concentration measuring signal 7 of the sensor 2 a first filter operation for detecting an interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm. Upon detection of this concentration pattern, the alarm case is registered. In order to test the functionality of the detector 1, interfering medium is emitted in the detection range of the sensor 2 with an interference medium concentration pattern deviating from the interference medium concentration pattern occurring in the event of an alarm. The concentration measuring signal 7 of the sensor is subjected to a second filtering operation for detecting the disturbance medium concentration pattern occurring in the test in addition to the first filtering operation. Upon detection of this test concentration pattern, the occurrence of a test alarm case is registered.

Claims (14)

  1. Method of testing a detector (1) for detecting an interference medium such as gas or smoke, for example, said detector (1) having a sensor (2) for measuring the concentration of the interference medium, the concentration measuring signal (7) of the sensor (2) being subjected to a filtering operation for detecting a concentration pattern of interference medium which occurs in an alarm situation, and when this concentration pattern is found the alarm situation is registered, characterised in that, in order to test the operation of the detector (1), a sequence of high and low concentrations of interference medium is emitted in the detection range of the sensor (2), which differs from the concentration pattern of interference medium that occurs in an alarm situation, in that in addition to being subjected to the first filter operation the concentration measuring signal of the sensor (2) is subjected to a second filtering operation to detect the concentration pattern of interference medium that occurs during the test, and in that when this test concentration pattern is detected an alarm situation is registered.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that in the filtering operation the concentration measuring signal (7) is low-pass filtered, the low-pass-filtered measuring signal (14) is compared with an alarm concentration threshold (15), and the alarm situation is registered when the low-pass-filtered measuring signal (14) exceeds the alarm concentration threshold (15).
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that in the second filtering operation the concentration measuring signal (7) is compared with a test concentration threshold (19, 21) which is greater than the alarm concentration threshold (15) and in that the alarm situation is registered when the concentration measuring signal exceeds the test concentration threshold (19,21).
  4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that, in order to test the operation of the detector (1), the concentration of the interference medium is alternately increased and reduced at least once in the detection range of the sensor (2), in that during the second filtering operation a check is made as to whether the concentration measuring signal (7) alternately exceeds and falls below at least one upper test concentration threshold (19) and at least one lower test concentration threshold (21) at least once, and in that the occurrence of an alarm situation is registered when this movement alternately above and below the threshold is detected.
  5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that, during the second filter operation; a first check is made to test whether the concentration measuring signal (7) exceeds a first upper test concentration threshold (19) which is preferably higher than the alarm threshold (15), a second check is carried out to test whether the concentration measuring signal (7) falls below a lower test concentration threshold (21) lower than the first upper test concentration threshold (19) in a period after the first upper test concentration threshold (19) has been exceeded, in that a third check is made to test whether the concentration measuring signal (7) exceeds a second upper test concentration threshold (19) which is higher than the lower test concentration threshold (21) in a period following the fall below the lower test concentration threshold (21), and in that an alarm situation is registered if the concentration measuring signal (7) exceeds the second upper test concentration threshold (19) during the third check.
  6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that an indicator is activated if the concentration measuring signal exceeds the first upper test concentration threshold (19) during the first check.
  7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one lower test concentration threshold (21) is at least twice as great, more particularly at least three and a half times as great and preferably at least five times as great as the alarm threshold (15).
  8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one upper test concentration threshold (19) is at least four times as great, in particular at least seven times as great and preferably at least ten times as great as the alarm threshold (15).
  9. Detector (1) for detecting interference medium such as gas or smoke, for example, having at least one sensor (2) comprising a measuring signal output (6) for measuring the concentration of the interference medium, and having an evaluating device (9) which comprises a filter (10a) connected to the measuring signal output (6) for detecting a concentration pattern of interference medium occurring in an alarm situation, the filter output (11a) thereof being connected to an alarm signal output (13) of the evaluating device (9), the evaluating device (9) comprising in addition to the first filter (10a) a second filter (lOb) connected to the measuring signal output (6) of the sensor (2), characterised in that the second filter is designed to detect a sequence of high and low concentrations of interference medium intended for testing the operation of the detector, which differs from the concentration pattern of interference medium occurring in an alarm situation, in that the filter outputs (11a, 11b) of the first filter (10a) and of the second filter (10b) are each connected to an input of an OR member (12) and the output of this OR member (12) is connected to the alarm signal output (13) of the evaluating device (9).
  10. Detector (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the filter (10a) has a low-pass filter connected to the measuring signal output (6) of the sensor (2), downstream of which is connected a comparator for comparing the low-pass filtered measuring signal with an alarm concentration threshold (15), and in that the output of this comparator is connected to the filter output (11a) of the filter (10a).
  11. Detector (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the evaluating circuit (9) contains a second filter (10b) which has a comparator circuit having at least a first comparator for comparing the concentration measuring signal (7) with a lower test concentration threshold (21) and at least a second comparator for comparing the concentration measuring signal (7) with an upper test concentration threshold (19), and in that this comparator circuit comprise [with] a logical connecting circuit for detecting at least one movement alternately above and below the upper and lower test concentration threshold (19, 21), the output of which is connected to the filter output (11b) of the second filter (10b).
  12. Detector (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that a comparator output of the first comparator circuit and/or the logical connecting circuit is connected to an input of an indicator which preferably comprises an optical indicator element.
  13. Test device (18) for testing a detector (1) for detecting interference medium such as gas or smoke, for example, having an emitter for the interference medium, characterised in that the emitter has a regulating device for adjusting the amount of interference medium emitted, which is connected to a control device for selecting a pre-determined sequence of high and low concentrations of interference medium which differs from a concentration pattern of the interference medium that occurs in an alarm situation.
  14. Test device (18) according to claim 13, characterised in that the emitter has at least one storage container (24) for the interference medium, which is connected to an outlet opening (25) for the interference medium via a valve, and in that the valve is operatively connected to a control drive which is connected to the control device (26) for selecting the pre-determined concentration pattern of interference medium.
EP02017893A 2001-08-16 2002-08-09 Detector, method for operating a detector and test device for a detector Expired - Lifetime EP1286320B1 (en)

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EP2711907A1 (en) 2012-09-24 2014-03-26 Hekatron Vertriebs GmbH Detector, test device and method for testing a detector

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US9922542B2 (en) * 2016-04-15 2018-03-20 Honeywell International Inc. Fire detector test device and methods therefor
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CN113763665B (en) * 2021-11-09 2022-02-11 博兴融智科技创新发展有限公司 Fire alarm device based on artificial intelligence

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DE3842080A1 (en) * 1988-12-14 1990-06-28 Merten Gmbh & Co Kg Geb Circuit arrangement for a room-monitoring infrared detector having at least two coupled detectors
GB9309115D0 (en) * 1993-05-04 1993-06-16 No Climb Prod Ltd Smoke testing detector sensitivity testing apparatus
US5945924A (en) * 1996-01-29 1999-08-31 Marman; Douglas H. Fire and smoke detection and control system
US6198399B1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Martin P. Mattis Smoke detector test device and method for manufacture
DE10040570C1 (en) * 2000-08-18 2002-04-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Test device for the functional test of a temperature sensor of a detector, detector and method for the functional test of a detector

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EP2711907A1 (en) 2012-09-24 2014-03-26 Hekatron Vertriebs GmbH Detector, test device and method for testing a detector

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