EP1870866B1 - Smoke alarm device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a housing (11) provided with a smoke intake, and a smoke sensor device for detecting smoke penetrating into the device through the smoke intake for activating an alarm signal. The smoke intake has a transit area attached to an outlet-testing device (3) such as optical testing device, that determines outlet capacity for the smoke in the transit area independent of the existence of the smoke. The outlet testing device comprises a light receiving measuring unit (31).

Description

The invention relates to a smoke alarm device comprising a housing with a smoke inlet and a smoke sensor device for detecting smoke entering the smoke alarm device through the smoke inlet in order to trigger an alarm signal. Smoke alarms of the designated type are usually designed as photoelectric smoke detectors. The smoke sensor device then works with stray light in an optical chamber. The smoke detectors are installed on ceilings or walls in hotels, larger residential buildings, department stores, public buildings, etc. They are also used in smaller living or room units. The smoke detectors usually warn with an acoustic signal when smoke is generated in the event of a fire. In particular photoelectric smoke detectors, such as the basic principle in US 2006/0017580 described, are well known.

The functionality of the smoke alarm must be ensured to a special degree. For this purpose, standards (eg German DIN standard 14676) or other regulations have been issued. In particular, it is required to subject the smoke detector to a functional test at least once a year. An essential part of such a test is to check whether the smoke intrusion openings of the smoke detector are free. These can in particular by adhesive tape, paint or contamination z. B. be closed after renovations.

Out JP 2227800 There is known a smoke alarm device of the generic type comprising a passage tester which detects the passage of smoke in the passage area regardless of the presence of smoke. The smoke inlet passage area is equipped with a filter such as dust, insects or the like which retains the mesh-like filter. The pass-through test device is an optical test device that has a light-detecting measuring element and measures incident light according to the transmittance. The well-known smoke detector is content with that light, which at one point through the net falls, is measured. The measuring element which detects this light is at the same time part of a photoelectric smoke sensor device. On the one hand, the passage area for measurement is restricted, and on the other hand, the measurement of the passage light that has to pass through the smoke sensor device is not decoupled from the measurement of the scattered smoke light in the smoke sensor device.

Another test method is to spray the smoke alarm with a smoke spray to test the proper warning function. In order to test the electrical function status of a smoke alarm device, it is known to transmit status information to a portable computer system ( US 6,469,623 ). Furthermore, electronic circuits of smoke sensor devices are equipped with a self-test function.

In accordance with the objectives of the invention, the aim is to ensure that the examination of the ability to smoke is not only independent of the presence of smoke and without inspection by maintenance personnel, but that the smoke inlet is also checked over a circumferential extension without involving the smoke sensor device.

The objectives of the invention are achieved in conjunction with the features of the generic smoke alarm by the characterizing features of claim 1. The smoke inlet has at least one passage area, to which the passage check device is assigned, which determines the passage of smoke in the passage area independently of the presence of smoke. According to the invention, at least one smoke passage area is used to determine its opening state with technical means directly on the housing of the smoke alarm. This avoids visual control and / or simulating smoke development. The test is possible without subjective evaluation by maintenance personnel, at any time, without external influence, in particular by control with a test / test program and, if necessary, with protocol test data acquisition.

In a particularly simple and effective manner, the invention makes use of external light incidence into the smoke inlet passage area. The smoke-input passage area to be inspected for passability, which is accessible to outside light, becomes associated with the optical transmission tester which measures incident external light according to the transmittance. The smoke inlet passage area is od with the impurities such as dust, insect od. Like. Retained filter, in particular in the form of a grid equipped. The light measurement is set up at the filter and / or in the smoke inlet direction behind the inside of the filter facing away from the smoke inlet. As is known per se, the filter achieves that, in particular, a labyrinth system which surrounds a scattered-light sensor device within the smoke detector and prevents the penetration of external / extraneous light there is not contaminated. With the arrangement according to the invention of the light measurement for the entry of smoke directly on or behind the contamination filter, the essential smoke passage section subject to contamination is detected.

The optical transmission test device has at least one light-detecting measuring element. The at least one light measuring element is formed by the ring element, which extends in accordance with the circumferential extent of the smoke inlet with this. To the smoke inlet particularly effective and reliable over an opening width z. B. on the height of the smoke alarm to detect the measurement, the ring member is advantageously formed transversely to the circumferential extent and corresponding to the width of the smoke inlet. Such an element may advantageously have a waveform.

An embodiment of the ring element may be that it is designed as a light guide in the form of an open ring with at least one open ring end provided light exit surface, which is associated with a light receiving element of the optical test device. At least one light measuring element can also be formed by a lens, a prism and / or a light-guiding body in order to take into account special spatial conditions at the smoke passage area for detecting its light-opening area.

In a particular embodiment, at least a part of a wall of the smoke inlet form a light measuring element. A particularly simple design can also consist in that at least a part of an impurity-retaining filter forms a light-measuring element.

In a number of embodiments, it will be expedient for at least one light-conducting measuring element determining the light path to be arranged in combination with at least one light-receiving element. As far as the spatial conditions permit at a smoke inlet passage area, however, at least one light measuring element without the interposition of a light-conducting measuring element can also be formed by a light-receiving element. A light receiving element is expediently formed in the form of a semiconductor element, a photodiode or the like.

In the combination embodiment, an embodiment may be that a plurality of light-receiving elements in a fan arrangement with aligned to the smoke inlet open fan side and a light receiver facing closed fan side are provided.

Another embodiment of the invention is that at least one light measuring element is formed by a light receiving element that changes its electrical resistance when exposed to light. This version is particularly suitable for measuring elements that form parts of the detector housing, walls and / or grille or their components. One then avoids the additional arrangement of a light-receiving element in combination with a light-conducting element.

In particular, for dark rooms and / or optionally for a special Meßkalibrierung the invention provides for the optical test measurement of smoke intrusion that the passage tester of the smoke alarm is in communication with a Prüflichtmelquelle arranged outside the smoke inlet passage area conveniently outside of the smoke alarm and for generating Test light is aligned with the smoke inlet passage area.

Known smoke alarms are usually equipped with a test button to try to activate an audible alarm and optionally a visual individual display of the detector. Also in these cases, a maintenance and service inspection by staff must take place on site. In order to avoid such a personal visual or test test, the invention provides in a further development that the smoke detector is set up with an acoustic test device which is connected to an acoustic alarm transmitter of the smoke sensor device for checking the alarm function and connected. Suitably, the acoustic test device is set up with a microphone which receives an alarm signal triggered by the acoustic test device. Although it can be provided that the alarm emits a low-frequency, audible signal by means of the test device for a predetermined test time, but particularly advantageously, the acoustic test device can also be switched so that it generates a high-frequency inaudible signal on the acoustic alarm, the is received by a suitable microphone and is also representative of the functionality of the alarm in the listening area.

A further embodiment consists in that the smoke alarm device has an installation test device which is connected to and connected to a position sensor for checking the mounting position. With this additional measure is advantageously achieved that the correct attachment of the smoke alarm is monitored on a ceiling or wall. Advantageously, the housing of the smoke alarm on a working against the mounting surface spring means with an electrical switch, which is triggered when relaxing the spring due to disassembly of the smoke alarm to generate a test signal.

In order to perfect the automatic testing of the smoke alarm, the smoke detector can be conveniently set up with a self-diagnostic test device for functional testing of the smoke sensor device and possibly other circuits. The smoke detector also preferably has a supply test device for testing the electrical power supply.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the smoke detector is set up with a programmable electronic signal processing and control circuit that controls and evaluates the test operation of equipped with at least one test device Rauchwammelders. Suitably, the electronic signal processing and control circuit is connected and connected to at least one memory device which stores the operating and test results of the test operation. In order to achieve a multifunctional test of the smoke alarm device, the smoke alarm device is expediently equipped with the smoke passage test device, an acoustic test device, an installation test device, a power supply test device and a self-diagnostic test device, which are operated in combination by means of the control circuit.

The passage testing device according to the invention can be electrically connected and connected to a visual and / or acoustic signal / alarm device arranged on the smoke alarm device in order to receive a message on site if the smoke passage is disturbed. However, in order to achieve, in particular, a remote check of the smoke alarm device, it is expedient and advantageous with a device for transmitting device, operating and / or test data to a location remote from the smoke detector Data collector device set up. Suitably, the device is set up as a data communication device in the form of a radio transponder.

The embodiment of the invention with a plurality of test devices and with the data transmission device in conjunction with a data collector device is of particular importance. As a result of regulations and requirements, it is advisable to keep a log to be archived as proof for the functional check and operation of each smoke alarm device. It must also be ensured that the smoke alarm device is in the prescribed mounting position. With the combination of these devices and circuits, the test can be carried out and recorded completely automatically without entering the room in which the smoke alarm device is installed. You get a readiness for use test that goes beyond the level of testing and allows you to diagnose and repair malfunctions in the short term after they occur and to perform maintenance on a detector with targeted planning and without much delay. Thus, requirements for a prescribed function control, for example at the annual intervals, are more than fulfilled.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Draufsicht einen erfindungsgemäßen Rauchwarnmelder im Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Ring-Messelement zum Prüfen der Raucheindringfähigkeit,

Fig. 2 und 3

Ansichten von Ring-Messelementen,

Fig. 4

in axonometrischer, teilweise geschnittener Ansicht mit Explosionsdarstellung einen Rauchwarnmelder entsprechend Fig. 1

Fig. 5

ein Blockdiagramm mit Prüfeinrichtungen eines erfindungsgemäßen Rauchwarnmelders im Ausführungsbeispiel und

Fig. 6

einen Datensammler zum Betrieb mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Rauchwarnmelder.

Subclaims are directed to the mentioned and still other expedient and advantageous embodiments of the invention. Particularly advantageous embodiments or possibilities of the invention will be described with reference to the following description of the embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawing. Show it

Fig. 1

in a schematic plan view of a smoke detector according to the invention in the embodiment with a ring-measuring element for testing the smoke-penetrating ability,

FIGS. 2 and 3

Views of ring gauges,

Fig. 4

in axonometric, partially sectioned view with exploded view of a smoke alarm accordingly Fig. 1

Fig. 5

a block diagram with testing equipment of a smoke detector according to the invention in the embodiment and

Fig. 6

a data collector for operation with a smoke detector according to the invention.

Fig. 1 and 4 The housing 11 has evenly distributed over the circumference opening slots 21 which are divided by webs 12 in circumferential slots, each extending over one-eighth of the circumference. Suitably, a plurality of such slots 21, for example three, are arranged over the flat housing height of the smoke alarm device 1. Regarding the interior of the smoke detector 1, a relatively fine-meshed contamination filter 22 is disposed immediately behind the peripheral opening slits 21, covering the entire opening area of the slits 21 over the circumference and height (= width).

Inside the smoke alarm device 1, a conventional smoke sensor device 5 is arranged. Housing interior parts of the smoke alarm device 1 form a labyrinth 41 surrounding the smoke sensor device 5. This ensures that extraneous light L incident from the outside can not enter an optical darkroom 4 and no light is reflected by housing walls, while smoke R penetrates into the chamber 4.

The smoke sensor device 5 has an infrared light-emitting diode (transmitting diode) 51 and a photodiode (receiver diode) 52 and a reflection wall 53. With these elements, the smoke sensor device 5 operates in the scattered light method. Pure air does not reflect light. But are smoke particles 54 in the optical chamber 4, then a portion of the light emitted from the diode 51 light is scattered, so that a portion of the light can reach the diode 52, whereby by means of an electronic circuit 50 of the smoke sensor device 5 an alarm / sounder 61 ( Fig. 5 ) is triggered.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 and 4 and 5 a test device 3 according to the invention is formed, which, regardless of the presence of smoke, the permeability detects smoke in the passage area of the housing openings 21 and the impurity / dust filter 22. The passage testing device 3 comprises a first measuring element 31 and a second measuring element 32. The first measuring element 31 is formed by a circular open ring element. This is in Fig. 2 shown in side view. It is dimensioned so that it is located in the region between the filter 22 and the outer wall 42 of the labyrinth directly at a small distance next to the inside of the filter 22. How out Fig. 1 and 2 can be seen, ring elements are formed of simple bodies in the form of an open loop for light. This ring line may suitably made of plastic fiber, z. B. be made of polyamide fibers. For example, a portion of a line, string, or strand of such a plastic may be placed in the proper ring shape. The plastic material is transparent and light-conducting. It is important that the ring element 31 receives at its periphery an angle incident light L by refraction of light and forwards in the ring to light exit surfaces 310 at its open ends. These light exit surfaces 310 are located at vertically bent open ring ends, and they face the arranged in a dark room light measuring element 32. This is formed by an electro-optical light receiver. For example, a photosensitive semiconductor element, a photodiode or a corresponding light-responsive electro-optical device may be provided. The light receiving element 32 is connected to an electronic signal processing and control circuit 8, as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 5 is shown.

The ring elements 31 are suitable for installation in the housing of conventional smoke detectors. The optical fiber strand, for example, has a diameter of about 2 mm, reliably detects the light region of slot openings 21, the transverse to the circumferential extent of the element 31 substantially, z. B. about six times larger than the diameter of the element 31 may be. It can be seen that no significant disturbance or obstruction of the smoke inlet path takes place through the element 31. According to Fig. 2 is formed a simple shaped ring. If the width of the smoke inlet 2 in the height of the smoke alarm device 1 is relatively large or should it be necessary to detect and detect even very low light intensities and / or light from different directions, then, as in Fig. 3 and 4 is shown, the optical fiber ring in the width dimension of the smoke inlet 2 formations, for example in waveform received to increase the light absorption. Also suitable for producing such a ring element is a fiber strand of polyamide or other suitable photoconductive plastic, which can be plastically deformed in particular for shaping. Any other material capable of trapping light along a body formed of the material and conducting it to at least one exit surface is contemplated for the conduction of light. As far as these requirements are met, for example, measuring element body made of fiberglass material are conceivable.

Finally, the shape and characteristics of light-receiving and conductive measuring elements of the test device 3 are determined according to the type and design of a smoke detector. Thus, instead of the described ring formation, which is very advantageous and expedient, other light-receiving, collecting and / or conductive elements such as rod-shaped elements, lenses and prisms into consideration. In these cases, the received or collected light is directed to one or more light receiving elements 32 in a dark room in the detector housing 11 of the smoke alarm device 1.

For example, light receiving elements may also be provided in a fan arrangement with an open fan side aligned with the smoke inlet and with a closed fan side facing the light receiver. Depending on the design of the smoke detector different adapted arrangements are conceivable. In this case, it is also possible according to the invention to form at least parts of walls of the smoke passage openings and / or of the contamination / dust grid as light-conducting elements, ie to integrate these into the opening walls or the filter. Also, other parts of the housing may be formed as light-conducting elements in the region of the smoke inlet 2.

In the FIGS. 2 and 3 shown ring measuring elements 31 may also be formed as elements that change their electrical resistance to light irradiation. The rings then work directly as Lichtaufnahme- and receiving elements, so that they can be used without additional receiving elements and their resulting resistance change signals directly an electronic signal processing and control circuit 8 can be supplied. Also, at least parts of the housing walls of the smoke inlet openings and / or parts of an impurity dust filter 22 may be formed of light-responsive resistance elements to perform the light measurement representing the inlet and passage of smoke in the smoke alarm device.

Fig. 5 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a smoke alarm device 1 according to the invention, which is equipped with the passage test device 3 and other test devices, namely an acoustic test device 6, an installation test device 71, a power supply and test device 72 and a self-test diagnostic test device 73 The smoke alarm device 1 is also equipped with an electronic signal processing and control circuit 8, which evaluates measured signals, a memory device 81 and a radio data transmission device 82. In Fig. 4 are electronic building modules for the electronic devices 3 and 82 to see. The device 82 is provided with a transmitting / receiving antenna 83. Non-visible modules for the other devices are also housed in the housing 11. The power supply 72 includes a battery.

A test / test operation is started by a program of the signal processing and control circuit 8. Such electronics are provided in the form of a central control logic with CPU. Any other suitable circuit, program and control logic may be used. First, the test program tests the passage tester 3. The intensity of the light detected by the measuring elements 31 and 32 is measured and compared with a stored calibrated value. The comparison result is fed to the circuit 8 and stored in the memory device 81. The program also performs a test of the acoustic test device 6. A test generator 63 generates a low or high frequency signal which is applied to an alarm / sounder 61 and received by a microphone 62. The signal received thereby is applied via the device 6 to the circuit 8, which supplies the memory device 81 with a corresponding value representing the function status.

The installation tester 71 is provided to check the correct mounting position of the smoke alarm device 1. The correct attachment to a building ceiling or wall is detected by means of a switching contact of the smoke detector 1, not shown. For example, on the detector housing 11, a spring-loaded be set electrical switch whose contact is interrupted when the spring load is eliminated by removing the detector 1 from the wall or ceiling. Also, the state of the switch is, processed in the course of the controlling test program, by the circuit 8 and the memory device 81 is supplied.

Furthermore, the smoke alarm device comprises the self-test diagnostic test device 73, which tests the function of the smoke sensor device 5 in the exemplary embodiment. Similarly, self-diagnostic facilities may be provided for the functions of the aforementioned test facilities. Finally, the detector 1 is still equipped with the power supply and test device 73 for checking the power supply to all devices. The electronic signal processing and control circuit 8 evaluates the individual measurement results and signals and supplies the evaluation results to the memory device 81. The circuit 8 takes into account the program operation and the evaluation time and calendar data.

The transmission device 82 (radio module) is expediently set up in the form of a known transponder. Such transponders are known, for example, for consumption data acquisition. Suitable transponders are used for example in DE 10 2004 055 659 described. The transponder is equipped for data communication with a receiver, not shown.

The device 82 or the transponder work with a in Fig. 6 represented data collector 9 together. Data collector 9 and transponder 82 correspond to each other via radio signals from each transmitter and receiver. In this case, the data collector 9 is assigned a plurality of smoke detectors 1 of a residential or building unit.

When all the results of a check of a smoke alarm device 1 have been stored in the memory 81, the stored data is transmitted to the receiving data collector 9 immediately or at a predetermined time. In the data collector 9, for example, the in Fig. 6 reproduced protocol to a smoke detector 1 created. For the device identification in the storage device 81, this also records characteristic smoke detector data such as location information, device number and installation date.

Suitably, the control program of the circuit 8 is set up so that the test is distributed over a day several times, for example three times, to ensure that at least in a time window for a clearly detectable and differentiable measurement enough light is available. If only one of the evaluated results is outside a prescribed tolerance taken into account with the circuit 8, this becomes visible in the protocol. After the protocol has been created in the data collector 9, the test process is terminated by the test and test program and triggered again at the next programmed date. Of course, the test / test program in the smoke detector 1 can also be triggered by the data collector 9.

Also, the data collector 9 comes to a test function. Thus, during installation, it is supplied with characteristic data by individual assigned smoke alarm devices. The test / test programs of a series of smoke detectors 1 in a residential / building unit are timed to each other. If a new protocol is created as part of this process, then the data collector 9 checks in the sequence whether the data is transferred from the group of reserved devices. If the data transmission of a smoke alarm device of the group is missing, this is recorded as a total failure of the relevant smoke alarm device in the protocol. A protocol that has been created in this way with the devices according to the invention is read out at least once a year. If it should then be determined that one or more smoke detectors are associated with one or the other malfunction, a service technician is instructed to inspect the identified smoke alarm device, remedy the fault and, if necessary, to replace the device. It can be seen that in particular site inspections which have traditionally been necessary for the examination of the ability to smoke are dispensed with by the measures according to the invention.

Claims (14)

1. Smoke alarm (1) comprising a housing (11) with a smoke inlet (2) having a passage region, a smoke sensor device (5) for detecting smoke penetrating through the smoke inlet (2) into the smoke alarm (1) to trigger an alarm signal, and a discharge test device (3), which detects the perviousness to smoke in the passage region independently of the presence of smoke, wherein the smoke inlet passage region is equipped with a filter (22) which holds back impurities, such as dust, insects or the like and wherein the discharge test device (3) is an optical test device which has a light-recording measuring element (31, 32) and measures incident light according to the perviousness, characterised in that the smoke inlet passage region tested for perviousness is accessible to external light (L) falling from the outside onto the smoke alarm (1) and the discharge test device (3) is assigned to the passage region such that the light measurement outside of the smoke sensor device (5) is provided on the filter (22) and/or in smoke inlet direction behind the inner side of the filter (22) facing away from the smoke inlet, wherein the light-measuring element is formed by a ring element (31) which extends according to a peripheral extension of the smoke inlet (2) with the latter.
2. Smoke alarm according to claim 1, characterised in that the ring element (31) is shaped transversely to the peripheral extension and according to a passage width of the smoke inlet (2).
3. Smoke alarm according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the ring element (31) is designed as an optical waveguide in the form of an open ring with light outlet surface (310) provided at least on one open ring end and which light outlet surface (310) is assigned to a light-receiving element (32) of the optical test device (3).
4. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one part of a wall of the smoke inlet forms a light-measuring element of the optical test device (3).
5. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one light-measuring element of the optical test device (3) is formed by a light-receiving element which changes its electrical resistance on irradiation with light.
6. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that at least one light-measuring element (32) is formed by a light-receiving element in the form of a semiconductor element, a photodiode or similar element.
7. Smoke alarm according to claim 6, characterised in that several light-recording elements in fan arrangement are provided with open fan side aligned with the smoke inlet and closed fan side facing a light receiver.
8. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the discharge test device of the passage region is in circuit connection with a test light source which is arranged outside of the smoke inlet passage region and is aligned with the smoke inlet passage region to produce test light.
9. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the smoke alarm (1) is furnished with an electronic signal-processing and control circuit (8) which controls the test operation of the smoke alarm (1) equipped with the discharge test device (3) and evaluates measured test signals for proof of the measurements.
10. Smoke alarm according to claim 9, characterised in that the electronic signal-processing and control circuit (8) is connected and switched to at least one memory device (81) which stores at least test results of test operation.
11. Smoke alarm according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the smoke alarm (1) is furnished with a device (82) for transferring operation and test data to a data collector device (9) placed remotely from the smoke alarm (1).
12. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the discharge test device (3) is electrically connected and switched to an optical and/or acoustic signal/alarm device arranged on the smoke alarm (1).
13. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the ring element (31) is formed by a circular open ring element which is arranged in the region between the filter (22) and an outer wall (42) of a labyrinth (41) of the smoke sensor device (5) directly next to the inner side of the filter (22) facing away from the smoke entrance.
14. Smoke alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the housing (11) has opening slots (21) of the smoke inlet (2) distributed over the housing periphery, wherein the filter (22), which covers the entire opening region of the peripheral opening slots (21) over periphery and height, is arranged behind the peripheral opening slots (21).

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