EP1811478B1 - Fire detection method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves sucking compartment air at suction points (6), and blowing a detector (4) from a suction pipe end (21) of a suction pipe system (23). A time measurement is started when a fire characteristic is detected by the detector. The detector (4) or a detector (14) is blown from a suction pipe end (22). The time measurement is terminated, when another fire characteristic is determined by one of the detectors. The suction point with both detected characteristics is identified based on a time difference between two detected characteristics and a system specific location-time function. An independent claim is also included for a device for detecting fire.

Description

The invention relates to a method for detecting a fire in which representative air quantities of the spaces to be monitored are removed via an intake pipe system and sensors for fire characteristics are supplied. Moreover, the invention relates to a device with which in particular the mentioned method can be carried out.

Devices of the type mentioned are, for example, from the DE 33 481 07 C2 or EP 1 056 062 B1 already known. These devices remove at certain points of an intake manifold representative quantities of air to be monitored spaces and lead the latter at least one sensor for fire characteristics, under a fire characteristic caused by a fire or fire, measurable environmental change in the form of temperature, temperature rise, smoke, gas evolution, Electromagnetic radiation or the like should be understood. The sensor signals are then examined by an evaluation unit, whereby a fire alarm is triggered if certain criteria are met. With such intake systems In contrast to individual punctiform hazard detectors, large areas of up to 1600 m ^{2 can be} monitored. However, this disadvantage is also counteracted by the disadvantage of less accurate localization of the source of the fire.
To eliminate this disadvantage, was in the EP 1 177 539 B1 a system presented, which consists of several lattice-shaped intake manifolds. Each pipe is assigned therein a row or column address by providing either a separate detector per pipe or a multi-pipe multiplexer and a detector. In addition, each pipe has a suction point at the points of intersection with the other pipes. Now, if a fire occurs at a suction, which is formed by two suction, it is detected by two detectors and each associated with a row and column tube. This unique assignment of row and column tube and the resulting row and column addresses, it is possible to identify the exact location of the suction point at which the fire has occurred. But this matrix-type intake system requires a huge installation effort by laying a large number of intake pipes.

In the DE 101 25 687 A1 On the other hand, it was proposed to assign a subdetector to each sampling point, which corresponds to the additional use of individually identifiable punctiform fire detectors.

From the German patent DE 32 37 021 C2 whereas a selective gas / smoke detection system with a number of suction lines connected separately and at different measuring points in a space to be monitored for taking off air or gas samples at these measuring points is known. A connected to these lines detector gives in the presence of a specific gas and when exceeded a set threshold, a detection signal that controls a display and / or alarm circuit. Furthermore, arranged on the individual suction lines shutter valves are provided which can be cyclically and periodically controlled excitable by a kind of multiplexer.

A location of the source of the fire happens here in that the control unit in the absence of a detection signal, the shut-off valves are set so that all suction simultaneously in open communication with the detector, and switches on receipt of a detection signal in a scanning mode, in which the suction lines one after the other or be brought in groups in open connection with the detector. However, this procedure for detecting a source of fire presupposes that either each intake point is assigned its own valve or a comprehensive piping system must be installed in order to be able to produce these individually selectable connections. The disadvantage of this is in addition to a fairly high installation effort also the fairly high time required for the necessary queries by opening and closing the valves.

Moreover, in the US-A-5,708,218 also proposed a system for the localization of pollutants, in which two strands of a manifold are laid close to each other and parallel to each other as a forward and return line. In these lines, a transport is performed in opposite directions. In this system, the location of the pollutant concentration takes place by evaluating the time difference between two pollutant detections at the end of the manifold.

Finally, from the DE 103 48 - 565 A1 an intake system and a method for detecting and locating a fire and / or the occurrence of a fire in one or more surveillance rooms. In this method, first of all, a representative air sample is taken from the individual monitoring chambers via a common intake pipe system and fed to at least one detector for detecting at least one fire parameter in the air samples sucked in via the intake pipe system. In order to locate the source of the fire, after detection of a fire parameter by the detector, the aspirated and located in the intake manifold air samples with a blower or suction / blowing device blown out. Subsequently, air samples from the individual monitoring chambers are sucked in again via the intake pipe system until the detector again detects a fire parameter in an air sample. Thereafter, from the period between re-aspiration and renewed detection of the fire characteristic of the place of origin of the fire can be determined. Finally, a fire alarm is issued stating the location of the source of the fire. However, such a system takes much longer than conventional intake systems until a fire alarm is issued. Compared with punctiform fire detectors, the delay can even take up to five minutes, since the transport times necessarily present in intake systems accumulate several times. Although this can be counteracted with limited to relatively short pipe lengths and a few suction intake systems, but the actual advantages of the intake systems against punctiform fire detectors are again reduced. In addition, only a single suction point is identifiable.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method and a device in which the disadvantages identified and described above with reference to the prior art are avoided or at least reduced.

The object is achieved by a method according to the preamble and the features of claims one and two and to suitable devices according to the independent subclaims which are described below.

In the method according to the invention, first of all, ambient air at intake points, which are distributed along an intake pipe system, is sucked in by an intake fire detector and at least one first detector flows from a first intake pipe end. As soon as a fire parameter is detected to a sufficient extent in the first detector, a time measurement is started and the first or a second detector is supplied from a second intake pipe end of the intake pipe system. Timing is then terminated as soon as the fire characteristic is detected a second time, the second detection taking place in the detector flowing from the second intake pipe end of the intake pipe system. From the time difference thus obtained between the first recognition and the second recognition and a system-specific location-time function, finally, the suction point which has taken up the recognized fire parameter is identified.

In a preferred embossing of the method, the room air is sucked in via a pair of intake pipes consisting of a first intake pipe and a second intake pipe which is closely spaced therefrom. In this case, air is taken from a monitored space at Ansaugstellenpaaren, wherein the Ansaugstellenpaare consist of one intake on the first and on the second intake manifold and are mounted on the intake manifold so that both intake points of a Ansaugstellenpaares similar air samples can be taken from a common monitoring area. Likewise, when the recognizing detector from the first intake pipe has been flown during the first recognition of the fire parameter, the recognizing detector from the second intake pipe is supplied with the second detection of the fire parameter and vice versa.

It is particularly advantageous in this case if, in the pair of intake pipes, the flow directions in the region of the intake points in the first and second intake pipes run simultaneously in opposite directions and are directed towards the first and second detectors. From the time difference between the first and second recognition of the fire characteristic is then closed by means of a suitable location-time function on the location of the intake pair, on which the fire parameter was recorded. In this way, the steps of separate blowing out and renewed suctioning, which are also necessary in the state of the art, can be dispensed with while at the same time requiring moderate installation effort.

In a variant of the method according to the invention is switched in a switching device after the first recognition of the fire characteristic of the first to the second intake manifold, so that before switching the room air is sucked in via the first intake pipe and after switching over the second intake pipe. By switching now the first or a second detector from the second intake pipe end of the intake manifold is now flown. Since the switching takes place here completely non-time critical, also the location of the Ansaugstellenpaares is determined over the time difference between the first and second recognition here. In addition, it is possible by switching from the first to the second intake pipe, to dispense with the second detector in a previous sample still necessary second Ansaugbrandmelder. The second recognition of the fire parameter takes place in this case again in the first detector.

In a further preferred variant of the inventive method, the room air is withdrawn via an intake manifold consisting of at least a single intake manifold with multiple suction points distributed thereon, at the first Ansaugrohrende a first detector and at the second Ansaugrohrende there is a second detector. First, the room air is sucked in so that the first detector is flowed from the first intake pipe end. After the first recognition of the fire parameter in the first detector, the flow direction in the intake pipe is reversed. This will be the second Detector with the room air flows and recognizes according to a dependent on the location of the intake, which has taken the fire indicator, dependent time also the fire characteristic. From the time difference between the first and second recognition of the fire characteristic and with the aid of a system-specific location-time function, the location of the suction point, which has recorded the fire parameter, is subsequently identified.

In a slight modification of this variant of the method according to the invention, the intake of the air takes place from a ring-like installed intake pipe. For this purpose, either both Ansaugrohrenden be connected directly to a Ansaugbrandmelder or both Ansaugrohrenden are connected to a lying outside the Ansaugbrandmelders flow switch. Thus, the second recognition can take place in the first detector and it is possible to dispense with the second detector.

In a particularly advantageous further modification of this variant of the method according to the invention, the flow direction in the intake pipe is changed again and the time between the second reversal of the flow direction and a third recognition of the fire characteristic is measured after the second recognition of the fire characteristic and a dependent of the location of the identified suction time waiting time. From this time difference and a corresponding location-time function, either a further intake point, which has also taken up the fire parameter, is identified or the suction point identified first confirmed.

For the identification of the suction points, which have taken up the recognized fire characteristics, are in the process variants described above and their modifications in addition the measured time differences taken into account the transport times between individual suction points and the detectors. The transport times are either measured during commissioning of the entire system and kept retrievable in a memory, or they are calculated from flow parameters such as the speed in the individual pipe sections. In turn, the flow parameters are either measured or calculated using pipe parameters such as pipe length and diameter. Since the transport times frequently change during the operation of an intake system, stored transport times are corrected on the basis of measured values of an air flow monitoring customary in such systems.

The invention also relates to devices for detecting and locating a fire which are suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

A preferred device consists of a Ansaugbrandmelder, at least one intake manifold system with suction, which take representative air samples from a surveillance area, a time measuring device, a unit for identifying suction, which have received a detected fire characteristic. In this case, the Ansaugrohrsystem consists of a pair of intake manifold with a first and a second intake pipe, which are mounted at a small distance next to each other and substantially parallel to each other. Suction point pairs are formed along the intake pipe pair, each consisting of a suction point in the first intake pipe and a suction point in the second pipe, both suction points are mounted so that they can take similar air samples from a common monitoring area.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, a first Ansaugbrandmelder at a first Ansaugrohrende the intake manifold with the first intake manifold and a second Ansaugbrandmelder at a second Ansaugrohrende connected to the second intake manifold. Here, the first and second Ansaugbrandmelder and / or the two intake pipes are arranged so that the flow direction in the region of the suction in the second intake pipe to the flow direction in the first intake pipe is in opposite directions.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, a device for switching between the first and second intake pipe is provided. The means for switching between the first and second intake pipes is located either in a Ansaugbrandmelder where the first intake pipe to the first intake pipe end of the intake pipe system and the second intake pipe to the second intake pipe end of the intake pipe system is connected or outside the Ansaugbrandmelders in a separate housing and There connected in the same way to the intake manifold and of course additionally connected to the Ansaugbrandmelder.

A further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises an intake manifold consisting of a single intake manifold with a plurality of suction points, at the first Ansaugrohrende a first detector and at the second Ansaugrohrende a second detector are mounted. Furthermore, this device comprises the following devices: a flow switch, with which the flow direction in the intake pipe can be reversed, a time measuring device and a unit for identifying suction points, which have recorded a detected fire characteristic.

In a variant of this embodiment, the first Ansaugrohrende with a first Ansaugbrandmelder and the second Ansaugrohrende connected to a second Ansaugbrandmelder. The connection between Ansaugrohrende and Ansaugbrandmelder can be done via a multi-way valve. In this case, the multi-way valves also serve as a flow switch.

A further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises an intake manifold consisting of a single, annularly installed intake manifold with multiple suction points. Therein, both Ansaugrohrenden the intake manifold are either connected directly to a Ansaugbrandmelder containing at least one flow switch, or they are connected to a separate flow switch, which in turn is connected to the Ansaugbrandmelder.

A further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention consists of at least two Ansaugbrandmeldern, at least one Ansaugrohrsystem consisting of at least two intake manifolds with intake points that remove representative air samples from a surveillance area, a time measuring device and a unit for identifying suction, which have received a detected fire characteristic. Therein, a first Ansaugbrandmelder is connected via a first multi-way valve to the first end of a first intake pipe. The first intake pipe is further connected at its second end via a second multi-way valve with a second Ansaugbrandmelder and the second Ansaugbrandmelder via the second multi-way valve to the first end of a second intake pipe. The second intake pipe is in turn connected at its second end via the first multi-way valve to the first intake fire detector. The multiway valves also serve as flow switches. This results in a ring of two Ansaugbrandmeldern with two intake pipes, each having its own monitoring area.

In a further development of this device, this is extended to n intake fire detectors, n intake pipes and n multi-way valves. Therein are then a (n-1) -th intake manifold with its first end via a (n-1) -th multi-way valve to with a (n-1) -th Ansaugbrandmelder and at its second end via an n-th multi-way valve with a n Ansaugbrandmelder connected. The n-th Ansaugbrandmelder can in turn be connected to an n-th intake pipe and this finally with the first Ansaugbrandmelder.

Fig.1

ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit einem Ansaugrohrpaar mit gegenläufiger Strömungsrichtung;

Fig.2a

zeigt ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit einem Ansaugrohrpaar mit einer Umschalteinrichtung zwischen zwei Ansaugrohren in einem Ansaugmelder;

Fig.2b

ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit einem Ansaugrohrpaar mit einer separaten Umschalteinrichtung zwischen zwei Ansaugrohren;

Fig.2c

ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit Ansaugrohrpaaren mit einer separaten Umschalteinrichtung zwischen den einzelnen Ansaugrohren in einem H-System;

Fig.3

ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit je einem Detektor an beiden Enden eines Ansaugrohres;

Fig.4

eine Vorrichtung zum umschalten der Strömungsrichtung in einem Ansaugrohrsystem;

Fig. 5

ein Beispiel eines Ansaugbranderkcnnungssystems mit je einem Ansaugbrandmelder an beiden Enden eines Ansaugrohres;

Fig.6a

ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit einem ringartig verlegten Rohrsystem mit je einem Detektor an beiden Enden eines Ansaugrohres;

Fig.6b

ein Ansaugbranderkennungssystem mit einem ringartig verlegten Rohrsystem mit nur einem Detektor;

Fig.7a

zwei zusammen geschlossene Ansaugbranderkennungssysteme; und die

Fig.7b

n zusammen geschlossene Ansaugbranderkennungssysteme.

The invention is explained below with reference to embodiments in the drawing. It show here, partly in a schematic representation, the

Fig.1

a Ansaugbranderkennungsungssystem with a pair of intake pipe in the opposite direction of flow;

2a

shows a Ansaugbranderkennungssystem with a pair of intake manifold with a switching device between two intake pipes in a Ansaugmelder;

2b

a Ansaugbranderkennungsungssystem with a pair of intake manifold with a separate switching device between two intake pipes;

Figure 2c

a Ansaugbranderkennungsungssystem with intake manifold pairs with a separate switching device between the individual intake pipes in an H system;

Figure 3

an intake fire detection system each having a detector at both ends of an intake pipe;

Figure 4

a device for switching the flow direction in an intake pipe system;

Fig. 5

an example of a Ansaugbranderkcnnungssystems with a Ansaugbrandmelder at both ends of an intake manifold;

6a

a Ansaugbranderkennungsungssystem with a ring-laid pipe system, each with a detector at both ends of an intake manifold;

Figure 6b

a Ansaugbranderkennungsungssystem with a ring-laid pipe system with only one detector;

7a

two combined intake fire detection systems; and the

Figure 7b

n together closed intake fire detection systems.

In the Fig.1 is a Ansaugbranderkennungssystem (1) to recognize, with a first and second Ansaugbrandmelder (2, 17), each consisting of a detector (4, 14) for fire characteristics, one fan (3) and one each not shown control and evaluation in each a housing and with an intake pipe system (23) consisting of a first and second intake pipe (24, 25).

At the first intake fire detector (2), the first intake pipe (24) is provided with a first intake pipe end (21) of the intake pipe system (23) and connected to the second Ansaugmelder (17), the second intake pipe (25) with a second intake pipe end (22) of the intake pipe system (23) is connected. Both intake pipes (24, 25) are laid largely parallel to one another and close to the bottom. Along each of the intake pipes (24, 25) suction points (6) are mounted at the same height, one suction point (6) of the first intake pipe (24) with a suction point of the second intake pipe (25) forming one intake point pair (7). The individual suction points (6) of a suction point pair (7) are dimensioned and positioned so that both suction points (6) absorb the same amount of indoor air. The Ansaugbrandmelder (2, 17) and the intake pipes (24, 25) are mounted so that the flow directions (8, 9) in the region of the suction points (6) in both intake pipes (24 25) extend in opposite directions.

Now, for example, B. in the middle of the two intake pipes (24, 25) smoke, then this is detected almost simultaneously in both detectors (4, 14). If, on the other hand, the smoke at the intake point pair (7), which is closer to the first intake fire detector (2), the first of the two detectors (4, 14) will first detect the smoke and only after a period of time from the location of the Ansaugstellenpaares ( 7), the second detector (14) detects the smoke.

The location of the suction point pair (7) can thus also be represented as a function of the time difference between the first recognition of a fire parameter in the first detector (4) and a second detection in a second detector (14). It is also obvious that the first detection can also take place in the second detector (14) when a fire occurs closer to it. The location of the Ansaugstellenpaares (7), which has received the detected fire characteristic, is after the second detection of the smoke from the measured time difference and a location-time function associated with the intake manifold (23). The time measurement and the determination of the location are performed in one of the Ansaugbrandmelder (2, 17), in a separate, not shown location determination unit or in a fire alarm unit, also not shown.

Since in this Ansaugbranderkennungssystem (1) two separate Ansaugmelder (2, 17) constantly via a common pair of intake pipes (24, 25) with opposite flow direction (8, 9) suck in room air, with a moderate additional installation costs necessary and in the prior art time-consuming process steps of the blow-out and subsequent re-aspiration omitted.

In addition to the rapid identification of the suction points (6, 7), the above-described intake fire detection system (1) has the advantage that the maximum transport times between a suction point pair (7) and one of the two detectors (26, 27) compared with a single system Almost halve intake manifold. It is therefore also possible due to the maximum allowable transport times limited lengths of the intake pipes (24, 25) extend to twice the length of the previously possible.

The in the Fig. 2a . 2 B and 2c The intake-fire detection systems (20) shown differ from the previously shown system in that instead of a second Ansaugbrandmelders (17) a pipe switching device (10) is provided and the other in that the flows (8, 9) in both intake pipes (5) in same direction. Therefore, here are the first Ansaugrohrende (21) and the second Ansaugrohrende (22) of the intake manifold (23) connected to the pipe switching device (10).

In the intake fire detection systems (20) of 2a . 2 B and 2c the room air is initially sucked only via a first intake pipe (24). If smoke now occurs at the intake point pair (7), it is transported in the first intake pipe (24) via the first intake pipe end (21) to the single detector (4) and detected there for a first time. Immediately thereafter, the pipe switching device (10) changes from the position (11) shown in solid lines to the position (12) shown in dashed lines. As a result, room air is now sucked in at the intake point pair (7) via the second intake pipe (25) and the second intake pipe end (22) of the intake pipe system and the time for the transport of the smoke begins again. Since the start time for the transport time between the suction point (6, 7) and the detector (4) is known with the first recognition of the smoke and the switching of the intake pipes (24, 25), this is now measured. Since the switching of the intake pipes (24, 25) is non-time critical, the time between the first and second recognition of the smoke is measured and equated with the transport time. The determination of the location of that Ansaugstellenpaares (7) on which the smoke was recorded, now takes place again on the basis of a location-time function for the transport times of the intake manifold (23).

Just like the one in 2a shown Ansaugbrandmelder (2) can also be a Ansaugbrandmelder (2) with two independent detectors, as in Fig. 6a is shown to be used, for example, to achieve a Zweidetektorabhängigkeit.

In contrast to 2a have the in the 2b and 2c shown systems instead of an internal tube switching device (10) a pipe switching device (10) outside the Ansaugbrandmelders (2) is located on.

In Fig. 2c In addition, a use in a so-called H system is shown. Here, additional branch detectors (13) are provided, which detect the branch of an H-system to which the detected fire parameter was recorded.

In Fig. 3 a suction fire detection system (30) is shown, which has a Ansaugbrandmelder (2) with a fan (3) and a first detector (4). At the Ansaugbrandmelder (2), the first Ansaugrohrende (21) of a Ansaugrohrsystems (23) is mounted. At the second intake pipe end (22) of the intake pipe system (23) there is a second detector (14). In normal operation, room air is sucked in by the intake fire detector (2) via the intake pipe (5) and flows out of the first intake pipe end (21) out to the first detector (4). Now, if a fire occurs at one of the intake points (6), z. B. smoke absorbed and transported to the first detector (4). As soon as the fire smoke has been detected a first time in the first detector, the flow direction (8) is reversed.

This can be done, for example, with an in Figure 4 shown device. This is a fan that can only promote air in one direction, connected via a four-way valve (15) with an intake manifold. When the valve is in the position shown in solid, air is sucked in via the intake pipe, while in the dotted position, the opposite flow direction in the intake pipe (5) sets. Since the intake pipe in Figure 3 On the route between the suction point (6) and the first detector already filled with smoke, this now moves in the direction (9) to the second detector (14), which now from the second Inlet pipe end (22) is flown. The time required until the second detector can now also detect the smoke is dependent on the distance between the intake point (6), which has received the smoke and the second detector, and corresponds to the time between the first detection of the smoke in the first detector (4) and the second detection in the second detector (14), which is measured. From the measured time difference between the first and second recognition, the suction point (16), which has taken up the smoke, is again identified on the basis of a suitable location-time function. In order to prevent fire smoke from exiting the intake pipe after reversal of the flow direction before it has reached the second detector (14), foils can be provided on the inside of the suction points which close the suction points (6) as soon as the direction of flow reverses becomes.

Alternatively, an in Fig. 5 be used device shown in which at both ends of the intake manifold (23) each a Ansaugbrandmelder (2, 17). The first intake fire detector (2) is connected via a first multi-way valve (15) to a first intake pipe end (21) of the intake pipe system (23). At the second intake pipe end (22) of the intake pipe system (23), the second intake fire detector (17) is connected via a second multiway valve (16). In normal operation, room air is sucked in by the first intake fire detector (2) via the intake pipe (5), the first detector being flowed in from the first intake pipe end (21), while the second intake fire detector (17) otherwise drawing in room air via the second multiway valve (16) can. The flow directions follow the solid arrows (8).

If a fire parameter now occurs at a suction point (6), it is recorded there and sent to the first detector (4). transported in the first Ansaugbrandmelder (2), where it is detected a first time. Thereupon, the valve positions in the first and second multi-way valve (15, 16), which are shown here as, for example, three-way valves, change from the solid position (11) to the position (12) shown in dashed lines. As a result, the intake of the room air via the intake pipe (5) by the second Ansaugbrandmelder (17), wherein the second detector (14) from the second Ansaugrohrende (22) is supplied, while the first Ansaugbrandmelder (2) can suck in other room air. The flow directions now follow the dashed arrows (9). With the non-time critical switching, whose time coincides with that of the first recognition of the fire characteristic, the beginning of the transport time between the suction point (6) and the second detector (14) in the second Ansaugbrandmelder (17) is known. Therefore, in this arrangement, with the first recognition of the fire parameter, a time measurement is started, which is ended with a second recognition of the fire parameter, which takes place in the second detector (14). With the time difference measured in this way and a location-time function matching the intake system, the location of the intake point (6), which has recorded the fire parameter, is then determined.

In a variant of in Figure 5 As shown, the flow switch (15, 16) can be omitted and the two Ansaugrohrenden (21, 22) directly to the two Ansaugrauchmelder (2, 17) are connected. But always one of the fans (3) must be switched off. The Ansaugbrandmelder (2, 17) with the fan off (3) for the pipe system (23) represents a certain resistance. After the first recognition of the fire characteristic of the first passive fan (3) is turned on and the other fan (3) off, whereby the flow direction in the intake pipe (5) reverses.

A further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is in the 6a shown. Unlike the system that is in Figure 5 is shown here are the in Figure 5 shown first and second Ansaugbrandmelder (2, 17) to a single Ansaugbrandmelder (2) with a first and a second detector (4, 14) merged. The two Ansaugrohrenden the intake manifold (23) are therefore connected to the single Ansaugbrandmelder (2). The reversal of the flow direction (8, 9) takes place by mutual opening or closing of the two Ansaugrohrenden (21, 22). In the system shown, the first Ansaugrohrende (21) to a first and the second Ansaugrohrende (22) to a second port of the Ansaugbrandmelders (2) is connected. At the two terminals are first and second flow switch (15, 16), which are initially in the position shown in solid (11). As a result, room air, which is sucked in via the intake pipe (5), flows from the first intake pipe end (21) to the first detector (4).

As soon as the first detector has first detected a fire parameter in the air flow directed to it, a time measurement is started, and the first and second flow switches (15, 16) change from the position (11) shown in solid line to the position shown in dashed lines (FIG. 12). Thereby, the flow direction in the intake pipe (5) is reversed from the direction shown by arrow (8) in the direction shown by arrow (9) and the room air sucked from the other end of the intake pipe (5), the second detector (14) from the second Ansaugrohrende (22) is flowed out.

Since there is no fire parameter between the second detector next to the suction point (6), which has taken the fire characteristic, and the second detector, the starting time of the transport time between the suction point (6) and the second detector (14) is known and a time measurement is started. As soon as the second detector has detected the fire parameter, the time measurement is terminated and the location of a suction point (6), which has recorded the fire parameter, is determined using the measured time and a location-time function suitable for the intake system.

Of course, it is also possible to dispense with such a device to the second detector and allow the second recognition of the fire characteristic also happen in the first detector by passing the in the intake pipe (5) reverse air flow to the first detector.

An example of this device shown in FIG Figure 6b to see. Therein, a flow switch (15) is designed as a four-way valve. At two ways of the four-way valve, the two Ansaugrohrenden (21, 22) of the intake manifold (23) are connected. On a third way the Ansaugbrandmelder (2) is connected, while the fourth way serves as an open pipe end of the intake pipe (5). If no open pipe end is desired, this can be closed separately, or a three-way valve can be selected, as in the Figure 5 and 7b is shown. The identification of the suction point is essentially as described above, with the difference that the switching of the flow direction takes place in the four-way valve and that both the first and the second detection of the fire characteristic in a single detector (4).

In 7a a further variant of the device according to the invention is shown. Essentially, the in 7a shown device in the Figure 5 illustrated device. However, it differs from this in that between the two flow switch (15, 16), a second intake pipe (18) is inserted with its own monitoring surface. In this case, the first Ansaugrohrende (21) of the intake pipe (18) to the second flow switch (16) and the second Ansaugrohrende (22) to the first flow switch (15) is connected. In the ground state, the first intake fire detector (2) thus draws in room air via the first intake pipe (5) and the second intake fire detector (14) via the second intake pipe (18), which is assigned its own monitoring surface, the first detector (4) from the first Suction pipe end (21) of the first intake pipe (5) and the second detector from the first intake pipe end (21) of the second intake pipe (18) are flown. As soon as one of the detectors (4, 14) has now detected a fire characteristic in the air flow directed to it for the first time, a time measurement is started and the first and second flow switches (15, 16) change from the position (11) shown in solid lines in FIG dashed line position (12). Thereby, the flow direction in the intake pipes (5, 18) are reversed from the direction shown by solid arrows (8) in the direction shown by dashed arrows (9). The first intake fire detector (2) now sucks room air via the second intake pipe (18) and the second Ansaugbrandmelder (17) via the first intake pipe (5), wherein now the first detector (4) from the second intake pipe end (22) of the second intake pipe ( 18) and the second detector from the second intake pipe end (22) of the first intake pipe (5) are flown. When the first detection of the fire parameter has taken place in the first detector (4), the suction point (6) to be identified lies on the first intake pipe (5) and the second detection will be done in the second detector (14). However, if the first detection has taken place in the second detector (14), the second detection takes place in the first detector and the suction point (6) to be identified lies on the second suction tube (18). The identification of the suction point (6) takes place, as described above, over the time difference between first and second recognition.

In Figure 7b Finally, a further development of the device just described on n Ansaugbrandmelder (2) with n intake pipes (5) is shown. In it n Ansaugbranrlmelder (2) with n intake pipes (5) via n multi-way valves, which serve as a flow switch (15) connected. If a fire parameter is detected in a (n-1) th intake fire detector, then all flow switches (15) are switched from the solid position (11) to the position (12) shown in dashed lines, whereby the nth intake fire detector, instead of the nth sucking the intake pipe (5), air from the (n-1) -th intake pipe (5) partially filled with the fire characteristic and detects the fire characteristic a second time. Likewise, as described above, the location of the suction point (6) from the time between the first recognition of the fire parameter in the (n-1) th detector (4) and the second detection in the nth detector (4), which has recorded the fire characteristic determined.

In all the devices described above, it may happen that a fire characteristic of more than one suction point (6) is received. With the method described so far, however, it is only possible to identify that suction point which is closest to the detector which detects the fire parameter in the second detection.

Therefore, in a further development of the method according to the invention, after reversing the flow direction, the second recognition of the fire characteristic and a waiting time which depends on the location of the first identified suction point, the flow direction (9) in the suction pipe (s) (s) ( 5, 17) again, and the time between the second switching of the flow direction (9) and a third recognition of the fire characteristic measured. From the time between the second switching of the flow direction and the third recognition, a second suction point (6) is then identified analogously to identify the first suction point (6). The waiting time must last at least until the intake pipe between the first detector and the identified intake point (6) is again free of the fire characteristic. This variant of the method according to the invention can be used advantageously in the devices according to FIGS Fig.5 to 7b be performed.

The devices of Fig.5 to 7b also have the additional advantage that in case of an interruption in one of the intake pipes (5), which is detected by a customary in Ansaugbrandmeldern air flow monitoring, a suction of room air from both sides of the interrupted intake pipe is possible, and thus the monitoring of the entire surveillance area is maintained. As can easily be seen, however, not all existing flow switch (15, 16) may be actuated, but it is only the adjacent to the affected intake flow switch (15, 16) to operate in a way that allows it from the otherwise separated Aspirating pipe part and, if necessary, suck in room air from another connected intake pipe.

Claims (18)

1. Method of detecting and locating a fire, which comprises at least the following steps:

   a. taking in ambient air at intake points (6) which are distributed along an intake pipe system (23) and directing the flow onto a first detector (4) from a first intake pipe end (21) of the intake pipe system (23);

   b. a first detection of a fire characteristic in the first detector (4) and starting a time measurement;

   c. directing flow onto the first or a second detector (4, 14) from a second intake pipe end (22) of the intake pipe system (23);

   d. a second detection of the fire characteristic in the first and/or second detector (4, 14) and ending the time measurement;

   e. identifying an intake point (6) which has recorded the fire characteristic detected twice, using the time difference measured between the first and second detection of the fire characteristic and a system-specific place/time function;

   characterised by the additional step of switching over, which is interposed between steps b and c, the switching over causing a reversal of the direction of flow in at least one intake pipe of the intake pipe system (23), which comprises at least this one intake pipe (5).
2. Method of detecting and locating a fire, which comprises at least the following steps:

   a. taking in ambient air at intake points (6) which are distributed along an intake pipe system (23) and directing the flow onto a first detector (4) from a first intake pipe end (21) of the intake pipe system (23);

   b. a first detection of a fire characteristic in the first detector (4) and starting a time measurement;

   c. directing flow onto the first or a second detector (4, 14) from a second intake pipe end (22) of the intake pipe system (23);

   d. a second detection of the fire characteristic in the first and/or second detector (4, 14) and ending the time measurement;

   e. identifying an intake point (6) which has recorded the fire characteristic detected twice, using the time difference measured between the first and second detection of the fire characteristic and a system-specific place/time function;

   characterised by the additional step of switching over, which is interposed between steps b and c, wherein before the switching over the ambient air is taken in from a first intake pipe (24) of the intake pipe system (23) and after the switching over the ambient air is taken in from a second intake pipe (25) of the intake pipe system (23).
3. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to claim 2, characterised in that the ambient air is taken in from an intake pipe system (23) consisting of a first and a second intake pipe (24, 25) laid close together and side by side.
4. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to claim 3, characterised in that the ambient air is taken in from pairs (7) of intake points, each pair (7) of intake points being formed by an intake point (6) on the first intake pipe (24) and an intake point (6) on the second intake pipe (25), so that within a common monitoring zone a similar air sample is taken from this monitoring zone by each of the two intake points (6).
5. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to claim 1, characterised in that after identification of a first intake point (6) that has recorded the detected fire characteristic, the direction of flow (8, 9) is reversed for a second time, and from the time difference between the new change in the direction of flow (8, 9) and a third detection of the fire characteristic a second intake point (6) is determined which has also recorded the fire characteristic detected.
6. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the time differences measured and the transporting times between the intake points (6) and the first and/or second detector (4, 14) are used to identify the intake points (6).
7. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to claim 6, characterised in that the transporting times are measured during the commissioning of the system and stored.
8. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to claim 6, characterised in that the transporting times are calculated from flow parameters that are measured or determined by computer using pipe parameters.
9. Method of detecting and locating a fire according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that known transporting times are corrected using current measurements of an air flow monitor present in the system.
10. Apparatus for detecting a fire which is suitable for carrying out the method according to claims 2 to 4 and 6 to 9, having at least one intake fire alarm (2), at least one intake pipe system (23) with intake points (6) that take representative samples of ambient air from a monitoring zone, a time measuring device and a unit for identifying intake points (6, 7) which have recorded a detected fire characteristic, characterised by a pair of intake pipes (24, 25) which comprises a first intake pipe (24) and a second intake pipe (25) that are mounted close together side by side, so that along the pair of intake pipes (24, 25) pairs (7) of intake points are formed, each consisting of an intake point (6) in the first intake pipe (24) and an intake point (6) in the second intake pipe (25), both intake points (6) being able to take similar air samples from a common monitoring zone, and by a device for switching between the first and second intake pipe (24, 25).
11. Apparatus for detecting a fire which is suitable for carrying out the method according to claims 1 and 5 to 9, having at least one intake fire alarm (2), at least one intake pipe (5) with intake points (6) that take representative ambient air samples from a monitoring zone, characterised in that at least one detector for fire characteristics is mounted at both ends (21, 22) of the at least one intake pipe (5).
12. Apparatus for detecting a fire which is suitable for carrying out the method according to claims 1 and 5 to 9, having an intake fire alarm (2), at least one intake pipe (5) with intake points (6) that take representative ambient air samples from a monitoring zone, characterised in that the at least one intake pipe (6) is laid in a ring-shaped arrangement.
13. Apparatus for detecting a fire which is suitable for carrying out the method according to claims 1 and 5 to 9, having at least two intake fire alarms (2, 17), at least one intake pipe system (23) consisting of at least one first intake pipe (5) with intake points (6) that take representative ambient air samples from a monitoring zone, characterised in that a first intake fire alarm (2) is connected to the first end (21) of a first intake pipe (5), the first intake pipe (5) is connected at its second end (22) to a second intake fire alarm (17), and in that the second intake fire alarm (17) is connected to the first end (21) of a second intake pipe (18), and the second intake pipe (18) is connected at its second end (22) to the first intake fire alarm (22).
14. Apparatus for detecting and locating a fire according to claim 13, characterised in that an (n-1)^th intake pipe (5) is connected at its first end (21) to an (n-1)^th intake fire alarm (2) and is connected at its second end (22) to an n^th intake fire alarm (2), and in that optionally an n^th intake pipe (5) is connected to the n^th and first intake fire alarm (2).
15. Apparatus for detecting and locating a fire according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterised by an apparatus for reversing the direction of flow (15, 16) in the intake pipe system.
16. Apparatus for detecting and locating a fire according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterised by at least one multi-way valve (15) for connecting an intake fire alarm (2) to one or more of the intake pipes (5).
17. Apparatus for detecting and locating a fire according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterised by a time measuring device and a unit for identifying intake points (6) which have recorded a detected fire characteristic.
18. Apparatus for detecting and locating a fire according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterised in that an intake fire alarm (2, 17) is connected to each end of an intake pipe (5, 24, 25).

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