AU2003213311B2

AU2003213311B2 - Danger detection system

Info

Publication number: AU2003213311B2
Application number: AU2003213311A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kurt Hess; Philipp Honegger; Urs Kaestli; Knut Spaete; Georges Tenchio; Hansjuerg Waelti
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 2002-09-07
Filing date: 2003-07-08
Publication date: 2007-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-08
Also published as: AU2003213311A1; PL362018A1; ATE336770T1; DE50207868D1; CY1106245T1; PT1400940E; SI1400940T1; CN1489117A; PL213566B1; KR20040023518A; EP1400940A1; HK1064192A1; KR100998140B1; EP1398746A1; ES2271180T3; CN100507962C; EP1400940B1; DK1400940T3

Abstract

Alarm system has a central unit (1) with a multiplicity of connected alarms (2-5) and an operating unit (6) for operation or testing of the alarms. The alarms and operating unit are linked via a two-way communication system and the alarms also act as connection nodes to link the operating unit to the central unit.

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): SIEMENS BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES AG Invention Title: DANGER DETECTION SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: Danger detection system Description The present invention relates to a danger detection system having a centre, a multiplicity of danger detectors connected to it and having an operating unit for operating the danger detectors, wherein the operating unit and the danger detectors are designed for two-way communication.

So-called detector exchangers and detector testers are known for the rational use, exchange and for the functional checking of smoke detectors. Using the detector exchangers, fire detectors can be inserted into the detector base during commissioning and inspection by a pressing and rotating movement and removed from said base. The detector exchanger contains a so-called adapter mounted flexibly on a tube coupling piece to which the detector can be fixed as with a spanner, and extension tubes which make possible detector exchange up to a height of about 7 m. The detector tester may contain either a can containing a test gas or a hot-air generator (see, in this connection, for example US-A-3,693,401 and the CERBERUS DZ1 191 and CERBERUS RE6/RE6T detector testers of Siemens Building Technologies AG (CERBERUS is a registered trade mark of Siemens Building Technologies AG)).

Detector exchangers/detector testers having a combined extract/test/extract head are also known in which light pulses are transmitted into the test chamber of a stray-light detector to be tested and the responder of the detector is checked for said light pulses (see, in this connection, for example EP-A-0 636 266, EP-A-0 910 055 and also the CERBERUS DZ1193 detector exchanger/detector tester of Siemens Building Technologies AG).

Whenever a detector is removed from its base, the centre has to receive beforehand a message that the detector concerned is not in service and it must be informed after the exchange that an exchange has taken place. That means that, during service work, the operating individual concerned has to go to the centre before and after the detector exchange and has to submit the necessary information items there in respect of which the service work is taking place at the detectors. The same applies to the checking of detectors, in which case the centre must likewise be informed accordingly so that the 3- Q) functional test does not trigger an alarm. It is obvious that this procedure is cumbersome and expensive, n- especially in the case of fairly large plants.

The invention is now intended to provide a danger detection system of the type mentioned at the outset in which service and maintenance work at the detectors can be M performed as simply and rationally as possible.

This object is achieved by a hazard detection system Shaving a control centre, a plurality of hazard detectors which are connected to the latter and an operating unit for operating the hazard detectors, the operating unit and the hazard detectors being designed for two-way communication, characterized in that the hazard detectors form connecting nodes for communication between the operating unit and the control centre, and in that there is, on the one hand, a communication link between the operating unit and the hazard detectors and, on the other hand, an indirect communication link between the operating unit and the control centre, and in that the operating unit and the hazard detectors can communicate indirectly via the control centre.

In the danger detection system according to the invention, the danger detectors are designed as connection nodes for communication between the operating unit and the centre.

The operating unit is a mobile terminal that can be connected via any danger detector to the centre and can communicate with the latter. As a result, the information items to be delivered during the exchange and during the checking of detectors to the centre can be inputted directly at the detectors concerned themselves and it is no longer necessary that the operating individual has to go to the location of the centre to input said information items.

N.\Melboure\Caee\Patent\50000-50999\P50106.AU\BpoCio\P50106.AU Specification 2007-7-3.doc 05/07/07 3a A suitable operating unit may be, for example, an operating module for a danger detector of the type described in EP-A-0 872 817, a device for the remote Sadjustment of parameters of a sensor of the type described in US-A-4,704,607 or a remote control of the type described in EP-A-1 158 840. Common to all these operating units is that they have an interface for bi-directional C data communication with the danger detector concerned, C- said data communication being used to scan and/or remotely adjust the detector. The operating unit may, however, also Sbe incorporated in a detector exchanger and/or detector tester of the type mentioned at the outset and form a component of it.

The invention is described in greater detail below using an exemplary embodiment and the drawings; in the drawings: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a fire-detection system and an operating unit for the in-situ operation of the fire detector of the system; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a detail of the operating unit of Figure 1; and Figures 3, 4 are each a sketch of an application of the operating unit.

The fire detection system shown in Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a centre 1 and various detector lines connected to it, a detector line Mi having a manual danger NI \elboumne\Cases\Pate.t\0000-50999\P5010E.AU\SpeCi9\P50106.AU Specification 2007-7-3.doc 05/07/07 detector 2, a detector line M 2 having special detectors, in accordance with the diagram, a flame detector 3 and a line extension detector 4, and a detector line M 3 having socalled points detector 5 (stray-light smoke detector, temperature detector, fire-gas detector or multi-criteria detector) attached to the ceiling, and also an operating unit 6 for the in-situ operation of diverse detectors. The diagram is not to be understood in such a way that every detector type is connected via a separate detector line to the centre 1; on the contrary, it is the case that various detector types may be attached in each case to a common detector line. Suitable stray-line smoke detectors are described, for example, in EP-A-0 636 266 and EP-A-0 821 330, a line extinction detector in European Patent Application No. 01 114 103.3 and a flame detector in EP-A-O 718 814.

The term operating unit 6 is to be understood generally. It may be a module after the fashion of a remote control for data communication with the detectors or a tool for replacing/inserting or checking detectors that can simultaneously be used for data communication. The operating unit 6 shown in Figure 1 is a tool of the latter type and comprises a so-called detector tester and/or detector extractor (referred to as a testing extractor 7 below), which is a tool for checking the operation and/or for inserting/removing a detector intolout of a base, and a terminal 8 for inputting and displaying data.

The testing extractor 7 essentially comprises a test/extracting head 9 that is mounted flexibly on a short tube 10, an electronic test system disposed in the testing/extracting head 9, a power supply, a function display and a main switch. Provided in the testing/ extracting head 9 and in the point detector 5 is, in each case, an interface for bidirectional data communication between testing/extracting head 9 and detector 5. Said interface is shown in Figure 2. To make it possible to operate the point detector without aids up to a room height of 7 m, the tube 10 can be telescopically extended by extension tubes (not shown). Suitable testing extractors 7, but without the said communications interface, are described in EP-A-0 636 266 and EP-A-0 971 329.

The left-hand half of Figure 2 shows the communications interface, denoted by the reference symbol KM, of a detector 5 and the right-hand half shows the communications interface of the testinglextracting head 9, denoted by the reference symbol MB, that are separated from one another by a broken line A symbolizing a transmission medium.

Both communications interfaces KM and KB each have an optical and an inductive channel KMo, KMj or KBo, KBj, respectively. The optical channel KM 0 of the detector communications interface KM contains an externally visible alarm indicator 11 formed by an LED for the optical indication of alarms and faults and an LED driver 13 connected to a microprocessor 12 of the detector. The optical channel KBo of the testing and extracting head communications interface KB contains a photodiode 14, an amplifier connected to it and a pulse shaper 16 that is connected downstream of the amplifier and whose output is connected to a microprocessor 17 of the operating unit.

The inductive channel KBj of the testing/extracting head communications interface KB contains an oscillator 18 controlled by the microprocessor 17 and an inductance 19 that is formed, for example, by a wire loop. The inductive channel KM of the detector communications interface KM contains a resonant circuit 20, a demodulator 21 connected to the latter downstream, and a pulse shaper 22 that is connected to the demodulator and whose output is connected to the microprocessor 12. The wire loop 19 is inserted in the testinglextracting head 9 that is pushed onto the detector 5 containing the resonant circuit 20 for every transmission operation. The photodiode 14 is disposed in the testing/extracting head 9 in such a way that it is acted on by light emitted by the alarm integrator 11. That can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical encoding that permits the testing/extracting head 9 to be pushed onto the detector 5 only in a single relative position. Of course, the encoding can also be chosen in such a way that a plurality of relative positions are possible. Alternatively, the communications interface for communication in the high-frequency range may preferably be designed according to the Bluetooth standard or be designed in the infrared range preferably according to the IrDA standard.

In principle, the terminal 8 can be fixed to the tube 10 or to an extension tube and be designed in such a way that an operating individual can simultaneously hold the testing/ extracting head 9 above the detector 5 to be operated and can operate the terminal 8, but, above a certain room height, this is only possible with difficulty. For this reason, the terminal 8 formed, for example by a hand-held unit or a PDA (personal digital assistant), is not attached to the tester/extractor 7 but is displaced from the latter and a communication connection, for example according to the IrDA standard or the Bluetooth standard, is provided between the terminal 8 and the testing/extracting head 9.

To start a data transfer from the detector 5 to the testing extractor 7, the testing/ extracting head 9 is pushed onto the detector 5 and positioned on the latter. The detector is then set to a data transfer mode after a demand by the module communication interface KB. The data pass from the detector 5 to the testing extractor 7 and are stored therein and are indicated as coarse information (go/no go) in such a way that said information can also be read from a distance of 7 m. The testing extractor 7 is then removed from the detector 5 and the details of the stored data can be retrieved through the terminal 8 if this information is desired.

The data transfer from the terminal 8 to the detector 5 proceeds analogously, a temporary storage in the testing extractor 7 likewise taking place. A data transfer in both directions is also possible. Of course, data once given into the terminal 8 can remain stored in the testing extractor 7 and be used repeatedly at various detectors.

The detector can also independently set itself to the data transfer mode if the testing extractor 7 authenticates or identifies itself as a permitted operating unit for data transfer. Said authentication can take place by means of special codes or cryptological methods. This prevents another or an unpermitted unit to set the detector inadvertently or deliberately to the data transfer mode.

In the data transfer mode, on the one hand, the detector 5 can send the terminal 8 data picked up and stored during operation, for example near-alarms and the like and, on the other hand, data or commands, such as instructions in connection with service work or parameters, can be transmitted to the detector. In the data transfer mode, software updates may also possibly be undertaken. A very substantial advantage of the system disclosed having the operating unit 6 is that the data transfer mode can also be used to make a bidirectional connection between the operating unit 6 and the centre 1 via the detector concerned by, for example, informing the centre that service work is being performed at the detector or requiring the centre to switch the detector to an appropriate mode or to write the concomitantly sent data into the detector.

The indirect transfer of data or commands from the operating unit via the centre to the detector has the advantage over the direct transfer also possible that the centre is, on the one hand, concomitantly informed about changes undertaken in the detector and, or the other hand, perform a filtering function and can suppress changes not released for the detector concerned.

In particular, the possibility of two-way communication between centre and operating unit can be very helpful when installing a fire alarm system having a multiplicity of detectors by entering the associated room number at the operating unit and transmitting it from the detector to the centre, where the room number is then linked to the detector identification number (see, in this connection, EP-A-0 546 401) and the detector is consequently clearly located. As a result of the design of the detector as a connection node for communication between the operating unit and the centre, the operating unit can be connected as a mobile terminal via the danger detector concerned to the centre.

This opens up the possibility of transferring functionality from the detectors to the centre.

Since the system can be operated from every point, equipped with a detector, in the building, the time needed for commissioning and service work is reduced. In addition, operating errors can be avoided since the detector to be set to another mode does not have to be selected using a list (danger of choice of an incorrect entry or defective list) but is directly designated in situ.

As is evident from Figure 1, the fire detection system contains, as a rule, not only point detectors 5 that are attached to the ceiling and for whose operation the testing extractor 7 was originally provided, but also special detectors, such as, for example, manual danger detectors 2, flame detectors 3 and line extinction detectors 4, which are mostly attached to the wall. Although no special tool is in use for installing/deinstalling or detector testing for said detectors, said detectors also have to be tested in situ periodically, in which case, it is also necessary to enter here in the centre in each case, before and after the test, that the detector concerned is being/was being tested and therefore has to be set to the test mode or to the normal operating state.

In the system according to the invention, the operating unit 6 is designed in such a way that it can also be used to operate the said special detectors and other modules. Figure 3 shows this multifunctionality of the operating unit 6 in connection with a manual danger detector 2, and Figure 4 shows it in connection with a line extinction detector 4, an audible alarm unit 23 and with a so-called line module 24. Line modules are, for example, input/output modules for interfacing fire detectors of another type to an existing system or for interfacing normally-open or normally-closed contacts or for the decentralized activation of technical devices, such as fire protection doors, ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems and the like. Further line modules are the so-called line separators that ensure that, in the event of a short circuit on a detector bus, the entire bus does not fail but only the defective part of a line is isolated. Said line modules have, as a rule, a slim, box-like shape and are often disposed in stacks next to one another so that there are certain restrictions in regard to accessibility from the outside.

For manual danger detectors 2, the operating unit can be used without substantial modifications. Manual danger detectors are, as is known, mounted on the wall at a height of about 150 cm and have the shape of an approximately square, slim box having a diameter that is about equal to the diameter of a point detector 5. As a result, it is possible to hold the testing extractor 7 horizontally and place it on the manual danger detector 2. Since an extension of the tube 10 is not necessary, the terminal 8 is advantageously attached to the tube 10, for example with an elastic clip. The testing/extracting head 9 is equipped with a module communication interface KB and the manual danger detector with a detector communications interface KM of the type shown in Figure 2. Since the testing extractor 7 is easy to manipulate with the short tube it is unnecessary to perform the data communication in two steps. In such an arrangement, the distance of the wireless communication is greater than in the case of a point detector. This situation is detected by the testing extractor 7 (end switch), whereupon the sending power and reception sensitivity are increased.

The line extinction detector 4 shown in Figure 4 has a metallically screened housing and therefore tends to be unsuitable for a communications interface of the type shown in Figure 2. The same applies to the line modules 24 that are accessible only at a narrow side owing to their arrangement in stacks so that, if the communications interface of Figure 2 were used, it would be uncertain under some circumstances which line module in a stack the operating unit 6 is specifically communicating with. The audible alarm unit 23 has the form of a round box, possibly with an embossed base, and can therefore be equipped with a detector communications interface KM (Figure The communication between the testing extractor 7 and the line extinction detector 4 and also the line module 24 takes place via an attachment cable 25 whose plugs are designed in such a way that they can also be conveniently plugged into line modules 24 disposed in stacks.

In the case of the line extinction detector, the testing extractor also serves as an installation aid since the quality and the distance of the reflected optical signals are displayed online and the alignment of the housing is thereby simplified.

Both in the embodiment of Figure 3 and also in that of Figure 4, the communication takes place, in the same way as in Figure 1, between terminal 8 and testing extractor 7 via an IrDA interface or via Bluetooth. Of course, in the cases of Figures 3 and 4, the terminal 8 could also be connected by cable to the testing extractor 7, but then it would be necessary for these cases to have a special tool that cannot be universally used. The solution shown has, on the other hand, the advantage that the operating unit 6 gives the mechanic a single tool for the operation of the various detectors and modules and, using said single tool, he can not only operate the detectors, but can also communicate via them with the centre. A further advantage is in the use of a standardized interface (IrDA or Bluetooth) so that the operating unit can readily be replaced by a commercial unit complying with the current state of the art.

9 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or "variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. Hazard detection system having a control centre, V' a plurality of hazard detectors which are connected to the latter and an operating unit for operating the hazard detectors, the operating unit and the hazard detectors being designed for two-way communication, characterized in Cthat the hazard detectors form connecting nodes for a C\ communication between the operating unit and the control centre, and in that there is, on the one hand, a Scommunication link between the operating unit and the hazard detectors and, on the other hand, an indirect communication link between the operating unit and the control centre, and in that the operating unit and the hazard detectors can communicate indirectly via the control centre.

2. Hazard detection system according to Claim 1, characterized in that control centre functions can be operated from the hazard detectors via said indirect communication link.

3. Hazard detection system according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the operating unit has a testing and/or installation tool, which can be placed onto the hazard detectors or can be connected to the latter, and a terminal for inputting and displaying data.

4. Hazard detection system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the testing and/or installation tool is a so-called detector tester or detector exchanger which is referred to below as a test picker and has a testing/picking head which is fastened to a rod.

Hazard detection system according to Claim 4, characterized in that the testing/picking head is designed Ns\Xalbourno\Caaes\Patet\50000-50999\PO106.AJ\pecis\P5010E.AU Specification 2007.7-3.doc 05/07/07 11 Q- to operate various types of detectors and other linear modules in the hazard detection system.

6. Hazard detection system according to Claim characterized in that there is a communication link between the terminal and the testing/picking head, and in that the testing/picking head has a communication Cinterface for said two-way communication with a hazard C- detector or another linear module and for communication with the terminal.

7. Hazard detection system according to Claim 6, characterized in that said communication interface has a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication.

8. Hazard detection system according to Claim 7, characterized in that said communication interface is also designed for wire-based communication, and in that wireless and wire-based communication can be selectively used.

9. Hazard detection system according to one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the terminal is formed from a handheld device or a PDA and can be fastened to the test picker.

Hazard detection system according to one of Claims to 9, characterized in that the hazard detectors have a communication interface for communicating with the operating unit, and in that this communication interface contains an optical transmission channel, which is formed from an alarm indicator, and an inductive reception channel.

11. Hazard detection system according to either of Claims 6, 7, 8 and 10, characterized in that the communication interface of the testing/picking head has a transmitter, N \Malbou.s\Cass\Patent\50000-50999\P50106.AU\Specis\P5DIO6.AU Specification 2007-7-3.doc 05/07/07

12 D which is formed from an inductance, and a receiver which is formed from a photodiode. S12. Hazard detection system according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that wireless communication is used to communicate with so-called point detectors, particularly scattered-light, temperature and smoke detectors, or with C manually operated hazard-warning alarms.

13. Hazard detection system according to Claim 8, characterized in that wire-based communication is used to communicate with flame detectors, absorption detectors or linear modules. )s\34Caboum.a O\c8DC\Pt8tt\500-50999\P5O1O6.AU\8pocia\P5O106.AU Specification 2007-7-3.deC 05/07/07