EP1046146B1 - Fire alarm and fire alarm system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire alarm (F) comprising at least one sensor (6, 14, 15) for detecting fire parameters and an evaluation circuit (7) which triggers an alarm signal if a defined first value is exceeded by a corresponding fire parameter. The at least one sensor (6, 14, 15) also monitors a second, greater value of the fire parameter concerned and if said second value is exceeded triggers an alarm signal which indicates that a corresponding escape route can no longer be used. The fire alarm system comprises a central unit (12) to which fire alarms (F) are connected and an escape route indicator system with adjustable indicator means (13). In the area of the escape routes the invention further provides for fire alarms, referred to hereafter as escape route indicators (F), for the additional monitoring of fire parameters for life-threatening values, and/or means for monitoring the people flow along a corresponding escape route, referred to as people flow meters (P). The indicator means (13) are controlled on the basis of said additional monitoring.

Description

The present invention relates to a fire detector with at least one sensor for detection of at least one fire characteristic and with an evaluation circuit, by which at Exceeding a predetermined first value by the respective fire characteristic Alarm is triggered.

Known fire alarms of this type, regardless of the detection principle used, so designed so that the alarm is triggered at the lowest possible values of the fire parameters, without, however, causing unacceptable false alarms. Especially in the Improvements have been made in recent years both on the part of the sensors and in the processing and evaluation of sensor signals, today some fire detector types have a standard reached, in which these two requirements are fully met, such as those in the EP-A-0 654 770, EP-A-0 654 771, EP-A-0 660 282, EP-A-0 718 814, EP-A-0 821 330 and WO-A-98/15931 described detector.

Since triggering a fire alarm usually does not prevent the fire from evolving, unless the alarm would trigger an automatic deletion, it will In case of fire often come that a burning building must be evacuated. In one In such a case, it is important for the persons to be evacuated to know which and where the safe escape routes are, and it's also important for the fire chief to have this information. For example, it is of little or no use if one Hotel guest in his room although information about the possible escape route finds, without At the same time to be informed whether this or which escape route is still safe.

In the case of the so-called "voice systems", those located in the burning building are received Persons acoustic evacuation instructions, but as a rule the respective informant, So, for example, the dispatcher can not make sure quickly and reliably, which escape routes are still safe to use.

Although there are today simulation systems that predict the spread of a Brandes are possible. But even assuming that such a system is above all required Has sensors and of all current parameters of the building. like for example Type of floor coverings and furniture, presence of combustible material such as paper and Cardboard in rooms and corridors. and so on, has knowledge, it still can not be reliable Provide information about the usability of an escape route.

For example, in DE-A-196 44 127 an evacuation system with a variable, to the respective hazard situation customizable, rescue route signage described which Detectors for hazard detection and localization, a central detection for automatic Activation of the evacuation system and a risk-oriented, automatic control the rescue route signage, but with more details about the practical realization of this system is missing. So it is said that in case of fire, the potential danger determined online and an optimized evacuation plan is determined, with the exception However, a reference to a so-called Modular People Saving Expert System is missing All information on how a reliable determination of the hazard potential should take place. Because for an optimized evacuation plan it may not be enough to know where it is burning and how this fire may spread, but it is concrete and not merely Calculated information about the usability of escape routes required.

The present invention is in recognition of the fact that human lives are not the calculations be entrusted by expert systems, from a completely different approach and sets itself the task of specifying a fire alarm, in addition to its usual Function of detecting low values of fire parameters with high false alarm safety provides reliable information about the condition of escape routes.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the at least one sensor In addition, a monitoring of a second, higher value of the respective fire characteristic takes place, and that if this second value is exceeded the inoperability of the relevant Escape route indicating alarm signal is triggered.

A first preferred embodiment of the inventive fire alarm is characterized characterized in that said second value of the fire characteristic is a life-threatening one Represents value.

The fire detector according to the invention thus contains at least one for each fire characteristic second threshold above which an alarm signal is triggered, which is the unattainability of the relevant escape route. Depending on the fire characteristic this can second threshold, for example, a lethal flue gas or carbon monoxide or a life-threatening temperature or a life-threatening radiation pressure be, the fire detector is equipped with appropriate sensors. As soon as the second or a second threshold is exceeded, receives the control panel or a special Device, such as a pager or the like, a corresponding signal and the Task leader knows that the escape route in question is unusable and thus gets the opportunity. to block this escape route Of course, the second threshold can also be a little smaller and a pre-alarm be associated with corresponding third threshold, so that the center also information which escape route with a certain probability in the foreseeable future unusable will be.

A second preferred embodiment of the inventive fire detector is characterized by optical and / or acoustic display and / or alarm means, which can be activated by the said alarm signal. These funds can be provided at the detector itself but it is also possible to place them in suitable places at some distance from the Detectors, for example, at the entrances to aisles or staircases to arrange.

Another preferred embodiment of the inventive fire detector is marked by a camera for monitoring the space surrounding the detector and by means for controlled transmission of the images respectively registered by the camera to one central evaluation and / or observation station, which preferably part of the center of a Fire alarm system forms.

While in the embodiments described so far, the information is only in the direction from the detectors to the central office and the headquarters or the dispatcher posted there the information flow has no influence, opens the equipped with the camera fire detector The mission leader has the opportunity to optically access specific rooms or escape routes observe and become aware of dangerous situations that may arise are not recognizable as such by the sensors of the fire detector. In particular be determined whether an escape route structurally / mechanically still intact so far, that he is safe can be used. And there is the possibility of injured or unconscious persons to discover and initiate their salvation.

The invention further relates to a fire alarm system with a central, with connected to this Fire detectors, arranged in the area of escape routes and subsequently as escape route detectors designated fire detectors and with an escape route indicator system with adjustable, by the escape route detectors controlled display means. The inventive fire alarm system is characterized in that the escape route detectors by at least one Sensor for the detection of fire detectors with at least one fire characteristic are formed, which when a predetermined first value is exceeded by the respective Fire characteristic trigger an alarm, and that in addition by the at least one sensor a monitoring of a second, higher value of the respective fire characteristic is carried out and if this second value is exceeded, the usability of the escape route in question is exceeded indicating alarm signal is triggered.

From US-A-4,796,018 an escape guide system is known which in aisles and Staircases arranged smoke density detectors and controlled by these escape route displays having. The escape route system is to the control center of a fire alarm system connected, which has a plurality of detector lines with a variety of fire detectors having.

The mentioned display means may, for example, be simple displays in the form of today usual arrows or elaborate display panels for entire building or building parts or even provided directly to the escape route detectors display means, but in each Case the unavailable escape routes on the basis of the above-mentioned additional monitoring be marked accordingly.

For example, in a hotel room, the escape route display could be an electronic one Scoreboard be formed on which the free escape routes with green arrows and the locked Escape routes are marked with red crossed-out green arrows. In addition, one more appropriate marking of the soon to be unusable escape routes by appropriate Warning symbols take place.

A first preferred embodiment of the inventive fire alarm system is characterized characterized in that in the area of escape routes hereinafter referred to as a people counter Means for monitoring the flow of people in the respective escape route, and that the display means are controlled by this monitoring.

This embodiment has the advantage that the system reliable information about the Flow of people in the escape routes provides and thus a blockage of congested escape routes allows.

A second preferred embodiment of the inventive fire alarm system is characterized in that the escape route detectors and / or the people counter directly with the respective display means are connected.

In this case, therefore, there is a local escape route control, for example, one in a Gang installed escape route and / or people counter with the access to this Gang arranged display is connected. Analogous are those in a staircase or in a main hallway mounted escape route and / or people counter with the in the entrances or side corridors connected to the staircase or main passage-mounted displays, so that these entrances or side corridors could be marked as unusable.

Of course, the connection from the escape route detectors and / or people counts to the display means via the central office, but it may make sense be, for example, as a backup in case of failure. if the escape route control is done locally.

A third preferred embodiment of the inventive fire alarm system is characterized characterized in that the people counters are integrated into the escape route detectors

A further preferred embodiment of the inventive fire alarm system is characterized through a computer to which all fire detectors and people counters are connected are and provide up-to-date fire and escape route data, by which Calculator in case of alarm, a calculation of the cheapest escape routes and a corresponding Circuit of the display means takes place. The computer with the appropriate software forms with the fire detectors (normal fire detectors plus escape route detectors) and the people counters and the display elements an evacuation system

The said software may also include a fire simulation system. which in alarm-free Condition allows a simulation of the emergency, what for the planning of the plant and the Escape routes is very useful, especially in new or special use of spaces. For example, you can work with such a fire simulation system the system (escape route detector plus people counter plus display elements) for a given Population of the building and a given risk software play through and the facility test and optimize.

However, the evacuation in case of an alarm must not be based on a theoretical fire simulation model but it must be based on the actual circumstances and supplied by the escape and personal counter data. The evacuation system according to the invention differs significantly from all fire or evacuation simulation models, to which no people counters and / or escape route detectors are connected.

In addition, the evacuation system can additionally provide a graphic representation of the building and local hazard, which can be very useful to the chief of operations. In addition, the inventive fire alarm system with a "voice system" be connected

According to a further preferred embodiment of the inventive fire alarm system the people counters are designed in the manner of a light barrier or a light curtain and equipped to count the persons passing their detection area. When Another variant, the people count can be done by image processing, for example a camera is used in CMOS technology.

Fig. 1

ein erstes schematisches Detail einer erfindungsgemässen Brandmeldeanlage; und

Fig. 2

ein zweites schematisches Detail einer erfindungsgemässen Brandmeldeanlage.

In the following the invention with reference to an embodiment and the drawings will be explained in more detail; it shows:

Fig. 1

a first schematic detail of a fire alarm system according to the invention; and

Fig. 2

a second schematic detail of an inventive fire alarm system.

The section shown in Fig. 1 of an inventive fire alarm system shows an escape route master F and a people counter P, with a central 12 and a Escape route indicator 13 are connected. The escape route detector F contains an optical fire detector 1, for example, a scattered light or a Punktxtinktionsmelder. the extra one Sensors for fire characteristics is extended. These additional sensors are a CO sensor 14, which forms the actual heart of the escape route detector F, and a temperature sensor 15; if necessary, a radiation pressure sensor (not shown) can also be provided be provided.

The CO sensor is therefore considered the centerpiece because by far the largest number of fatalities in fires are due to CO poisoning. A suitable CO sensor is described in EP-B-0 612 408 (see also EP-A-0 803 850), NTC thermistors have proven to be suitable as temperature sensors (see the PolyRex smoke detector of the AlgoRex fire alarm system, PolyRex and AlgoRex registered trademarks of Cerberus AG).

Since optical detectors are assumed to be known in the nature of the fire detector 1, are they are not described here. It is in this connection to the following patent applications EP-A-0 616 305, EP-A-0 813 178, EP-A-0 821 330 and EP-A-0 886 252. As an option, the escape route detector F includes a camera 2 in addition to the fire detector 1. The fire detector 1 shown consists in a known manner from a detector insert 3, the in a base (not shown) can be fastened, and from a put over the detector insert 3 Detector hood 4. which is provided with smoke inlet openings 5 in the region of its summit. Of the Detector insert 3 essentially contains an optical module 6 and evaluation electronics 7.

The optical module 6 consists essentially of a light source in a scattered light detector 8 and a light receiver 9 containing measuring chamber 10, which by not shown Medium against external light is shielded from the outside. The optical axes of an infrared or a red or blue light emitting diode (IRED or LED) formed light source 8 and the Light receiver 9 are kinked to each other, with this course and by blinding is prevented, that light rays on direct route from the light source 8 to the light receiver 9 can get. The light source 8 sends short, intense light pulses in the ais scattering space designated central part of the measuring chamber 10, wherein the light receiver 9 while the scattering space, but not the light source 8 "sees".

The light of the light source 8 is scattered by penetrating into the scattering room smoke, and a Part of this scattered light falls on the light receiver 9. The receiver signal generated thereby is processed by the transmitter 7. During processing, the receiver signal is in known manner compared with an alarm threshold and at least one Voralarmschwelle, and the transmitter 7 is when exceeded the following as a fire alarm threshold designated alarm threshold by the receiver signal at an output 11 a Alarm signal off. It is by intelligent signal processing using, for example Fuzzy logic or a neural network, ensures that the delivery of the Alarm signal at the lowest possible smoke levels, but without being too unacceptable Fehialarmen comes.

In addition to the mentioned thresholds, the transmitter 7 contains another, below alarm threshold called escape route alarm threshold, which is much higher as the fire alarm threshold and a life-threatening smoke density value of for example 10% per meter corresponds. Of course, the transmitter 7 must be designed this way be that a correspondingly large dynamic range can be processed. When presented Smoke detector is thus the receiver signal even after the triggering of a fire alarm further observed and it is examined whether the receiver signal and the escape route alarm threshold exceeds. Depending on the waveform is on the output 11, for example, in a simple realization a single additional bit for "escape route safe" or "escape route unsafe "(dangerous) transfer and this bit has in the case of" escape route uncertain " Result that the relevant escape route is considered impassable.

The said bit is sent to the central unit 12 of the fire alarm system and optionally to a associated with the relevant fire detector and controlled by this, adjustable escape route display 13 and ensures that the monitored by the fire detector concerned Escape route is blocked, either via central 12 or directly through the with the escape route associated with the detector. The latter may, for example, be one of the usual illuminated displays for an emergency exit, which in the case of passability green and in the case of impassability red lights, the colors by corresponding pictograms can be supported. The information "escape route uncertain" can also be sent remotely be transmitted to the advancing fire department.

The transmitter 7 also contains for the CO sensor 14 and and the temperature sensor 15 fire alarm thresholds and additional escape route alarm thresholds, with the escape route alarm threshold of the CO sensor 14, for example, 1000 to 1500 ppm CO and the escape route alarm threshold of the temperature sensor 15, for example, about 60 ° C corresponds. As with the Smoke density monitors the transmitter 7, the receiver signals of the CO sensor 14 and the temperature sensor 15 and delivers when exceeding the relevant escape route alarm thresholds a corresponding signal to the output 11, so that here also an additional bit for "escape route free" or "escape route unsafe" to the control center 12 or to the detector connected escape route indicator 13 and the escape route in the case of "escape route uncertain" is locked.

The passenger counter P is formed in the manner of a light barrier or a light curtain and consists for example of two active infrared detectors, each having an active light source and contain a receiver with an evaluation. Such an arrangement is for example in EP-A-0 845 765. The passenger counter P, either directly or via the escape route detector F is connected to the center 12 and the escape route display 13 counts the flow of people in the relevant escape route. The measured value is in the corresponding Evaluation electronics, either in the passenger P or in the escape route detector F or optionally provided in the center 12 is compared with a Alarmserwellenwert be When the escape route indicator 13 is exceeded, it is controlled such that a blockage of the the relevant escape route. The passenger counter P can be integrated into the escape route detector F or be installed separately from it.

The camera 2 is preferably in a connected to the fire detector 1 or to this arranged support member 16 is arranged, which is not shown a stage for processing the camera signals whose output is connected to the transmitter 7. The Although camera 2 is always ready to shoot, it does not deliver any pictures of the supervised camera Room to the control center 12. The latter takes place only on the basis of a corresponding command from the control center 12. In this way, the operations manager is given the option of remotely controlled escape routes to control and block them if, in his estimation, they no longer work are safe. In addition, he can observe the events in the escape routes, which injured or unconscious persons can be specifically rescued in a timely manner. It would be also possible to use the camera for people counting.

Alternatively, the camera 2 can also by exceeding an escape route threshold of Escape route detector F or the person counter P are automatically activated and images to the Send center 12. It is essential that the example formed by a data bus Connection between detector 1 and center 12 in the alarm stage not by image signals the camera 2 is clogged, so that alarm signals from the various sensors at any time and without Delay can reach the center 12. On the other hand, it is at the time where the Sensors have responded and fire alarm has already been triggered, or an escape route alarm threshold has been exceeded, more important that the operations manager to monitor the escape routes because it dramatically improves the chances of saving lives becomes.

Of course, the camera 2 is not structurally connected to the detector 1, but can even at some distance from this be angeordent, but what an additional Wiring effort required. As a camera 2 is preferably a camera in CMOS technology used, wherein the processor of the detector 1, the images taken by the camera compressed so that these with a frequency of about 5 frames per minute over a usual Data bus can be transmitted, the transmission rate of the occupancy of the Bus is dependent.

The center 12 may include a computer with suitable evacuation software which all passenger counter P and all fire detectors of the plant, the escape route detectors F and the "normal" fire detectors. are connected A suitable software tool for this purpose is known as "Exodus". In the event of an alarm, the fire detectors provide current information Fire and escape route data and the persons paying P also current escape route data the calculator, which calculates the most favorable escape routes based on this data and the Escape route displays 13 switches accordingly.

The control center 12 with the computer and the connected peripheral devices forms an evacuation system, which can be supplemented by a fire simulation software. The latter allows in case of fire a simulation of the emergency, what for the planning of the plant and the escape routes or in new or special use of spaces can be very useful.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a rectangular staircase S, in which four Side channels G open. The staircase S is closed to each side passage G by a door T, an escape route indicator 13 is arranged on each of its two sides. The side-rail side Escape route reminder is indicated at 13 and the stiegenhausseitige at 13 '.

In Stiegenhaus S and in the side corridors G, escape route detectors F are also installed, where the escape route or the escape route detectors in the staircase S with the side exit emergency exit 13 are connected. Each escape route detector F in a side passage G is with the at the Stiegenhausseite of the respective Se- tengang final door T arranged Escape route indicator 13 'connected.

In the side passages G, people counters P are arranged, which are arranged above their proximity Escape route finder F or directly with the on the staircase side of the concerned side corridor G final door T arranged escape route indicator 13 'are connected. In the stairwell S can also be arranged people counter P; but preferably the Flow of people in Stiegenhaus S from the data in Stiegenhaus S and from this branching lateral G calculated

If the escape route or the escape route F in Stiegenhaus S is exceeded by an escape route alarm threshold register or if the values of the passenger counter P on an overcrowding of Stiegenhauses S point out, then all assigned sideways escape route displays 13 switched to impassable, bringing the access from the side corridors G in the stairwell S is locked. If an escape route detector F or a passenger counter P in a side corridor G registers an excess of an escape route alarm threshold. then the escape route display 13 'on the staircase side of this side passage closing door T on impassable switched and thus blocked access to this side corridor.

This is primarily to explain the operation of an escape route detectors and personal counters Example 2 of the Fig. 2 equipped fire alarm system is not intended to be limiting be understood. It is clear to the skilled person that the communication between Escape route detectors F and Passengers P on the one hand and escape route displays 13, 13 ' on the other hand is not limited to the illustrated direct connection and in many ways can be realized. As already mentioned, the communication can also over the Central 12 (Fig. 1) and in addition to the fire department. So is the communication not limited to a data bus, but can of course be wireless or in done a so-called hybrid system.

It will also be beneficial to the escape route displays throughout the building or in the individual Floors or building tracts, thus creating the possibility of Commands for locking escape routes from escape route display to escape route display pass on, so that it is ensured that in each case the foremost indication of each escape route indicates its current state.

Claims (22)

1. Fire detector having at least one sensor (6, 14, 15) for detecting at least one fire characteristic and having an evaluation circuit (7) by means of which an alarm is triggered when a predetermined first value is exceeded by the respective fire characteristic, characterized in that a second, higher value of the respective fire characteristic is additionally monitored by the at least one sensor (6, 14, 15) and in that, if said second value is exceeded, an alarm signal is triggered to indicate that the affected escape route is unusable.
2. Fire detector according to claim 1, characterized in that said second value of the fire characteristic is a life-threatening value.
3. Fire detector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by visual and/or audible indicating and/or alarm means (13, 13') that can be activated by said alarm signal.
4. Fire detector according to claim 3, characterized in that said indicating and/or alarm means (13, 13') are/is provided on the fire detectors (F).
5. Fire detector according to claim 3, characterized in that said indicating and/or alarm means (13, 13') are/is formed by escape route indicators installed at a distance from the fire detectors (F).
6. Fire detector according to claim 3, characterized by a camera (2) for monitoring the space (G, S) surrounding the detector (F) and by means for the controlled transmission of the respective images recorded by the camera (2) to a central evaluation and/or observation station that preferably forms part of the control centre (12) of a fire detector system.
7. Fire detector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one sensor is formed by a smoke and/or combustion gas sensor (6 or 14).
8. Fire detector according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one sensor is formed by an optical smoke sensor (6) and in that the fire detector (F) comprises, in addition, a CO sensor (14) and/or a temperature sensor (15) and/or a sensor for the radiation pressure.
9. Fire detector according to claim 6, characterized in that the camera (2) is installed in a carrier (16) mechanically connected to the fire detector.
10. Fire detector according to claim 6, characterized in that the camera (2) is installed in a carrier that is spatially separated from the fire detector.
11. Fire detection system having a control centre (12), having fire detectors connected thereto, having fire detectors disposed in the region of the escape routes and hereinafter denoted as escape route detectors (F), and having an escape route indicating system comprising adjustable indicating means (13, 13') controlled by the escape route indicators (F), characterized in that the escape route detectors (F) are formed by fire detectors that have at least one sensor (6, 14, 15) for the detection of at least one fire characteristic and that trigger an alarm when a predetermined first value is exceeded by the respective fire characteristic, and in that a second, higher value of the respective fire characteristic is additionally monitored by the at least one sensor (6, 14, 15) and, if said second value is exceeded, an alarm signal is triggered to indicate that the affected escape route is unusable.
12. Fire detection system according to claim 11, characterized in that, in the region of the escape routes, means hereinafter called people counters (P) are provided in the respective escape route for monitoring the flow of people and in that the indicating means (13, 13') are controlled by means of said monitoring.
13. Fire detection system according to claim 12, characterized in that the escape route detectors (F) and/or the people counters (P) are/is connected directly to the respective indicating means.
14. Fire detection system according to claim 13, characterized in that the people counters (P) are integrated into the escape route detectors (F).
15. Fire detection system according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the escape route detectors (F) are equipped with a camera (2) for the video monitoring of the space (G, S) to be monitored.
16. Fire detection system according to claim 15, characterized in that the camera (2) forms part of an intrusion detector connected to the escape route detector (F).
17. Fire detection system according to claim 13, characterized in that the people counters (P) are connected to the escape route detectors (F) and in that the signals from the people counters (P) are transmitted to the escape route detectors (F) and from there to the indicating means (13, 13') and/or to the control centre (12).
18. Fire detection system according to any of claims 12 to 17, characterized by a computer to which all the fire detectors (F) and people counters (P) are connected and supply currently applicable fire and escape route data, the most favourable escape routes being calculated and the indicating means (13, 13') being accordingly switched by said computer in the event of an alarm.
19. Fire detection system according to claim 13 or 17, characterized in that the people counters (P) are designed in the manner of light barriers or light curtains and are equipped for counting the people passing through their range of detection.
20. Fire detection system according to claim 19, characterized in that the people counters (P) are each formed by two active infrared detectors that are mounted on mutually opposed walls and each contain an active light source and a receiver with an electronic evaluation unit.
21. Fire detection system according to claim 19, characterized in that the people counters (P) are each formed by an active infrared detector that is mounted on the ceiling and contains an active light source and a receiver with an electronic evaluation unit.
22. Fire detection system according to claim 13 or 17, characterized in that the people are counted by image processing.

Images