Testing transport time of an air-shaped foam detector by

Abstract

The invention relates to the testing of the transport time (T) of an air-breathing smoke detector (ASD) by means of a user, and to an air-breathing smoke detector. The latter is connected to a mobile terminal (MOB) via a wireless data connection (IP). In response to a user input (TEST) received by the mobile terminal, the aspirated smoke detector changes from an operating mode to a test mode at least in order to suppress output of a possible fire alarm. The test fluid (TG) is discharged by the same user at a suction opening (OF) at a remote tube end (END) while the user enters user input on the mobile terminal. A time period between receiving the user input and detecting the test fluid in the fire detector unit is defined as a transport time, said time period being measured by the aspirated smoke detector and transmitted by the aspirated smoke detector to the mobile terminal via the wireless data connection for possible evaluation by the user. Alternatively or in addition, when a test fluid is detected in the fire detector unit, a detection signal (SIG) is transmitted from the aspirated smoke detector to the terminal via a wireless data connection for possible evaluation by the user.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to two methods for testing the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector by means of a user. Indoor air is drawn in together with the smoke and / or combustion gases to be detected for the metrological determination of fire parameters by means of a suction pipe connected to the fire detector unit of the aspirating smoke detector. The suction pipe has a plurality of suction openings distributed between the fire detector unit and the remote pipe end. In technical language, such an aspirating smoke detector is also referred to as ASD, which stands for aspirating smoke detector.

[0002] The invention also relates to an (first) aspirating smoke detector having at least one suction / detector unit. The latter has a fire detector unit for the metrological determination of fire parameters and a suction unit upstream or downstream of the fire detector unit in the direction of suction. The suction unit is in particular a fan. It can also be a pump. The aspirating smoke detector also comprises a suction pipe connected to the suction / detector unit for drawing in indoor air together with the smoke and / or combustion gases to be detected. The suction pipe thus has a plurality of suction openings distributed between the suction / fire detector unit and the remote pipe end. The aspirating smoke detector also comprises a data interface, for example a wireless data interface, and an (electronic) control unit connected to the fire detector unit and the data interface.

[0003] The control unit, preferably a microcontroller, is also configured or programmed to output a fire alarm, in particular in the event of a fire being detected, preferably to the data interface. For example, the fire alarm can be output directly to the suction / detector unit by means of an LED, for example flashing or continuously illuminated. Alternatively or additionally, the fire alarm can be output on a display of the suction / detector unit. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be output acoustically, for example via a connected loudspeaker or via a connected bell. Finally, alternatively or additionally, the fire alarm can be output to an upper fire alarm control panel via the data interface by means of a wired or wireless connection.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a (second) aspirating smoke detector, which, in comparison with the (first) aspirating smoke detector, also has a first logical clock, in particular a real-time clock, and a control unit connected to the fire detector unit, the data interface and the first logical clock. The latter in turn is configured to output a fire alarm to the data interface in the event of a fire being detected.

[0005] The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a test application for execution on a microprocessor of a mobile communication terminal, in particular on a smartphone.

[0006] Finally, the invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, in particular a smartphone, comprising at least one microprocessor for executing such a computer program loaded on a non-volatile memory or flash memory of the communication terminal.

[0007] A method and a device for identifying and locating a fire source in at least one monitored area are known from international patent application WO 2005 / 048207 Al. In each case, an air sample representing the indoor air of the respective monitored area is extracted from the respective monitored area via a common intake system. At least one fire parameter is detected in the air sample drawn in via the intake system using a detector for detecting fire parameters. According to the invention, the air sample drawn in and located in the intake system is blown out using a blowing device or a suction / blowing device. The air sample is drawn in again from the respective monitored area via the intake system at least until the detector detects the fire parameter in the air sample again. The period of time until the fire parameter is detected again is evaluated using the new air sample that has been extracted in order to locate the position of an incipient or existing fire in one of the plurality of monitored areas. Finally, an output signal is output which contains information about the start and / or existence of a fire in at least one of the monitored areas.

[0008] According to the form of the embodiment on page 15 of the description, the device has a smoke generator which is arranged at the suction opening and which can artificially generate a fire parameter for the commissioning and testing of the fire detection device. Thus, when commissioning the fire detection device, it can be placed in a self-learning mode in which smoke is generated at the most distant intake location by means of the smoke generator and the duration of the artificially generated smoke or the artificially generated fire parameter is measured. This makes it possible to measure the maximum duration on the basis of which, and with the knowledge of the pipe configuration, the durations of all the suction openings can be calculated.

[0009] The aspirating smoke detector draws in an air sample from the room via a suction pipe and feeds it to the fire detector unit. The suction pipe can extend over several hundred meters, for example in the range from 100 to 1000 meters.

[0010] The inhaled smoke or inhaled combustion gases can thus be detected along the entire length up to the fire detector unit. The time taken for this is also referred to as the transport time or time delay. This transport time is typically based on the time required for the smoke or combustion gases to travel from the fire detector unit into the most distant suction opening, i.e. at the remote pipe end of the suction pipe, until they are detected in the fire detector unit. For long suction pipes, the transport time can be in the region of several minutes. Thus, for a pipe of 200 meters in length, with an average flow speed of 1 meter per second and smoke being inhaled at the remote pipe end of the fire detector unit, the maximum transport time is approximately 200 seconds.

[0011] Suction pipes can get dirty over their service life. They can also get leaky, which causes ambient air to dilute the smoke particles drawn in. Both of these result in increased transport times and cause delays in outputting fire alarms. Periodic controls therefore ensure that the air flow is checked or that the transport times are measured.

[0012] The test of the transport time typically requires two service technicians, of which the first discharges a test fluid, in particular a smoke aerosol, at the farthest suction hole of the suction pipe, while the second tests the alarm output from the aspirating smoke detector. The service technicians have to act in a synchronized manner, i.e. the first technician discharges the test fluid at the farthest suction hole at time tl and notes this time. The second technician at the ASD notes the time of the alarm t2. The resulting transport time is then the time difference t2 minus tl.

[0013] Due to the use of personnel, this method is time-consuming and cost-intensive. There are also error sources in this method: the times noted by the technicians are potentially inaccurate, because the technicians' watches are not synchronized, or a wrong time can be noted.

[0014] Based on the state of the art mentioned in the introduction, it is an object of the present invention to disclose two simplified methods for testing the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector and two improved aspirating smoke detectors.

[0015] The objects of the present invention are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous method variants and forms of embodiment of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to a first method of the present invention, a user uses a mobile terminal to connect to an aspirating smoke detector via a wireless data connection. The mobile terminal or mobile communication terminal is in particular a smartphone, such as an iPhone® or an Android smartphone. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be a tablet or a laptop. In order to facilitate the wireless data connection to the aspirating smoke detector, the latter has a wireless data interface.

[0017] In response to a user input received by the mobile terminal, the aspirating smoke detector changes from an operating mode to a test mode for testing the transport time.

[0018] At least approximately at the same time as the user input is entered by the user on the mobile terminal, a test fluid is discharged by the same user into or at one of the suction openings at the remote pipe end.

[0019] Further, according to the application, the time period between the reception of the user input and the detection of the test fluid in the fire detector unit, which is measured by the aspirating smoke detector, is determined as the transport time and transmitted by the aspirating smoke detector to the mobile terminal via the wireless data connection.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, when the test fluid is detected in the fire detector unit, a detection signal is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector to the mobile terminal via the wireless data connection for determining the transport time by the mobile terminal. The detection signal is typically output by the aspirating smoke detector if the fire detection on the fire detector unit configured for the metrological determination of the fire parameter exceeds a minimum level, for example a minimum smoke level.

[0021] The test fluid is preferably a test aerosol or a test gas, for example with carbon monoxide (CO).

[0022] "at least approximately the same time" means the time period between the start of the method for testing the transport time according to the application by the user by means of pressing a button or a corresponding soft key on the mobile terminal and the typical emission of the test fluid by the same user. The test fluid is usually emitted by pressing a spray head on a pressurized aerosol containing the test fluid. This time period is in the range of less than 3 seconds, in particular less than 2 seconds, and preferably less than 1.5 seconds.

[0023] However, the transmission time between the pressing of the button or soft key on the mobile terminal (user input) and the reception of the user input by the aspirating smoke detector via the existing wireless data connection is negligible and typically less than 1 second.

[0024] A particular advantage of the method for testing the transport time according to the application is that, on the one hand, no fixed smoke or test fluid generator is required. On the other hand, only one service technician is required to undertake the test on the aspirating smoke detector, which is also more reliable and precise.

[0025] According to one method variant, the determined transport time is output on the mobile terminal, in particular on the mobile terminal of the user. This advantageously enables the user to assess the transmitted transport time on site.

[0026] According to one method variant, the test result calculated by the suction smoke detector is transmitted by the suction smoke detector to the mobile terminal via a wireless data connection for output to the user, in particular the user of the mobile terminal, by comparing the measured transport time with a reference time saved in the suction smoke detector or received from the mobile terminal. The reference time is preferably a calculated transport time of the suction smoke detector determined by metrology during proper operation of the suction smoke detector. Alternatively, it can be a reference time established by a fluid simulation. The test result is calculated from the difference between the measured transport time and the reference time saved in the suction smoke detector or the mobile terminal.

[0027] According to an alternative method variant to the previous method variants, the test result calculated by the mobile terminal is output to the user on the mobile terminal, in particular the user of the mobile terminal, by comparing the transport time received from the suction smoke detector with a reference time saved in the mobile terminal or received from the suction smoke detector.

[0028] According to a further alternative method variant to the two previous method variants, the time period between the user input on the mobile terminal and the detection signal received by the suction smoke detector is determined by the mobile terminal as the transport time. The test result calculated by the mobile terminal is then output to the user on the mobile terminal by comparing the determined transport time with a reference time saved in the mobile terminal or received from the suction smoke detector.

[0029] In the simplest case, in the aforementioned method variants, the test result is output on the display of the mobile terminal. Alternatively or additionally, it can be acoustically output on the mobile terminal, for example by a voice message or an acoustic signal, or haptically, for example by a vibration.

[0030] If the measured or calculated transport time is below a predefined reference time, a pass message is preferably output on the mobile terminal as the test result. This can be, for example, a text or voice output on the mobile terminal with the content "OK", "test passed" or a corresponding symbol, such as "thumbs up". In another case, a fail message is preferably output on the mobile terminal as the test result. This can be, for example, a text or voice output on the mobile terminal with the content "not OK", "test failed" or a corresponding symbol, such as "thumbs down".

[0031] The object of the application is also achieved by a second method according to the application, wherein a user connects a mobile terminal via a wireless data connection to the aspirating smoke detector in order to synchronize a first logical clock of the aspirating smoke detector with a second logical clock of the mobile terminal. The first logical clock is typically a real-time clock which more or less corresponds to the physical time of the time zone applicable or assigned to the region. However, the first logical clock can deviate from the associated physical time by up to several minutes over the operating time of the aspirating smoke detector.

[0032] Further, according to the application, at least approximately at the same time as the user enters a user input on the mobile terminal to save the current start time of the mobile terminal, the same user discharges test fluid into or at one of the suction openings at the remote pipe end of the suction pipe. After discharging the test fluid and entering the user input to save the current start time, the user can return to the suction / detector unit.

[0033] The time difference between the alarm time saved in the aspirating smoke detector and read by the user via the wireless data connection and the start time saved in the mobile terminal is determined as the transport time and output on the mobile terminal for evaluation by the user. The alarm time is typically already saved after the test fluid is detected by the fire detector unit until the user reaches the suction / detector unit again after discharging the test fluid at the remote pipe end. This method for testing the transport time is particularly easy and fast.

[0034] Since the two logical clocks are synchronized, the time difference advantageously corresponds exactly to the transport time to be tested, except for a short time period between the discharge of the test fluid and the pressing of the start button on the mobile terminal. This time period is in the range of less than 3 seconds, in particular less than 2 seconds, and preferably less than 1.5 seconds.

[0035] The method is advantageous for aspirating smoke detectors which are used independently of operation in one building of a region and do not have a data connection to the Internet and thus no data access to the Internet time. These can be, for example, plants which require monitoring in a basement or a highly secure area of a data shield.

[0036] According to a method variant applicable to both methods, the mobile terminal and the aspirating smoke detector are connected to each other via a wireless data connection, in particular via an IP wireless data connection, directly or indirectly. The wireless data connection is in particular based on a mobile communication standard, for example on a 4G or 5G standard, a WLAN standard or a Bluetooth standard. Alternatively, the wireless data connection can be based on an NFC, ZigBee or Thread standard.

[0037] According to a further method variant applicable to both methods, the aspirating smoke detector has a data connection to an upper fire alarm control panel via a detector bus. The aspirating smoke detector can be connected to the fire alarm control panel via a wired or via a wireless detector bus. The fire alarm control panel is connected to a cloud infrastructure or to a web server via an IP data connection. The mobile terminal has a data connection to the fire alarm control panel as a router via a WLAN or has a mobile data connection to the cloud infrastructure or to the web server.

[0038] According to a further method variant applicable to both methods, in the test mode the output of a possible fire alarm is suppressed, in particular for a programmable suppression time. The latter has a time range of 1 minute to 20 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 minutes to 15 minutes. By suppressing the output of a possible fire alarm during the test of the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector, if a test fluid or test gas enters the fire detector unit and is detected there, it is also advantageous that no false alarms are generated or output.

[0039] The object of the application is also achieved by a first aspirating smoke detector, the control unit of which is configured or programmed to query the data interface in response to a user input to test the transport time. The control unit is further configured to change from the operating mode to the test mode in response to the user input.

[0040] Finally, the control unit is configured to output the transport time to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector, which is the time measured from the receipt of the user input until the detection by the fire detector unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to output the detection signal directly to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector upon detection by the fire detector unit.

[0041] The measured transport time or the detection signal can thus be recorded and processed by a remote station connected to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector, in particular by a mobile terminal or by a fire alarm control panel.

[0042] The control unit is in particular an electronic control unit and is preferably a processor-based control unit, for example a microcontroller.

[0043] According to one form of embodiment, the control unit is configured to output a test result calculated when testing the transport time to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector by comparing the measured transport time with a reference time saved in the aspirating smoke detector or received from the data interface.

[0044] According to another form of embodiment, the control unit is configured to output a pass message as test result to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector, if the measured or calculated transport time is below a predefined reference time. For example, this can be a text or voice output on the mobile terminal with the content "OK", "test passed" or a corresponding symbol, such as "thumbs up". In another case, the control unit is also preferably configured to output a fail message as test result to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector. For example, this can be a text or voice output on the mobile terminal with the content "not OK", "test failed" or a corresponding symbol, such as "thumbs down".

[0045] In another form of embodiment of the aspirating smoke detector, the data interface has at least one wireless data interface. The at least one wireless data interface is based on Bluetooth and / or ZigBee and / or Thread and / or NFC and / or WLAN and / or a mobile communication standard.

[0046] The at least one data interface preferably has at least one wireless data interface, which is based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee or Thread standard and / or an NFC standard.

[0047] According to the NFC standard, the wireless data transfer is realized over a maximum distance of a few centimeters, in particular less than 5 centimeters, by means of inductive coupling. In other words, in this case, between the wireless data interface of the aspirating smoke detector and the remote station, in particular the mobile communication terminal provided for this purpose, the wireless data transfer is only realized within the aforementioned distance.

[0048] The wireless data interface of the aspirating smoke detector based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee or Thread standard is preferably configured for wireless data transfer to a mobile communication terminal, in particular a smartphone, provided as remote station, over a maximum distance of up to 50 meters, in particular up to 25 meters.

[0049] According to another form of embodiment, the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector is configured to output only the measured transport time or detection signal to the wireless data interface and / or to receive the valid reference time from the wireless data interface, if the connection between the wireless data interface and the communication device, in particular the mobile terminal, connected or coupled thereto has been authorized by the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector. Thus, the security is advantageously increased with respect to an unauthorized access to the aspirating smoke detector by third parties. The authorization can be realized, for example, by the mobile terminal transmitting a valid identifier, if applicable, as well as login data and password, to the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector via the wireless data interface. The control unit is correspondingly configured to check the aforementioned identifier as well as, if applicable, the login data and password.

[0050] According to a further form of embodiment, the control unit is configured to change from the test mode back to the operating mode of the suction smoke detector, if the control unit receives a log-out from the communication device, in particular the mobile terminal, from the wireless data interface, or if the control unit detects that the wireless data connection already established with the communication device has been cut off within the minimum time period. Here, too, the security is advantageously increased with respect to an unauthorized access to the suction smoke detector by third parties.

[0051] According to a form of embodiment, the data interface has a wired data interface to connect the suction smoke detector to a detector bus of a fire alarm control panel, which is superior with respect to data. In addition to the transmission of a fire alarm in the event of a fire detection, it is thereby also possible to transmit the measured transport times or detection signals to the fire alarm control panel for possible further processing.

[0052] Finally, according to a further form of embodiment, the control unit is configured to suppress the output of a fire alarm caused by the fire detector unit in the test mode, in particular for a programmable suppression time. The latter has a time range of 1 minute to 20 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 minutes to 15 minutes. Thus, the output of a possible fire alarm is advantageously suppressed.

[0053] The object of the present application is also achieved by a second suction smoke detector, wherein the data interface has at least one wireless data interface. The at least one wireless data interface is based on Bluetooth and / or ZigBee and / or Thread and / or NFC and / or WLAN and / or a mobile communication standard.

[0054] Further, according to the present application, the control unit is configured or programmed to query the wireless data interface in response to a synchronization request in order to synchronize the first logical clock of the suction smoke detector with a time received from the wireless data interface or to output the current time of the first logical clock to the wireless data interface.

[0055] In the first case, the time of the first logical clock in the suction smoke detector is set to the time received from the mobile terminal, which corresponds to the current time of the logical clock in the mobile terminal. In the second case, the current time of the first logical clock is transmitted to the mobile terminal in order to set the second logical clock to the time of the first logical clock.

[0056] Further, according to the present application, the control unit is configured to query the wireless data interface for an alarm time in response to an output request in order to output the alarm time saved in the suction smoke detector to the wireless data interface.

[0057] Accordingly, the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector can advantageously be determined by the mobile terminal by mathematically calculating the time difference between the start time saved in the mobile terminal and the alarm time received from the aspirating smoke detector and outputting it onto the display of the mobile terminal.

[0058] According to one form of embodiment, the control unit is configured to change from the operating mode to the test mode in response to the synchronization request in order to at least suppress the output of a possible fire alarm for the programmable suppression time as described in the introduction. Advantageously, the output of a possible fire alarm is thereby effectively suppressed.

[0059] Finally, according to another form of embodiment, the at least one wireless data interface of the aspirating smoke detector is exclusively a wireless data interface based on the Bluetooth and / or ZigBee and / or Thread and / or NFC standard.

[0060] If the computer program is executed on a microprocessor of a mobile communication terminal, in particular on a smartphone, the object of the present application is also achieved by a computer program, in particular by a test application comprising program code portions, in order to execute all steps of any of the method claims according to the present application. The mobile communication terminal is in particular a smartphone, such as an iPhone® or an Android smartphone. The test application, also referred to as test app for short, can be downloaded, for example, by the mobile communication terminal from an application store, such as the App Store on an iPhone®, or from a play store, such as the Google Play Store on an Android smartphone, and saved in a non-volatile memory, for example on a flash memory.

[0061] Finally, the object of the present application is achieved by a mobile communication terminal, in particular a smartphone, comprising a microprocessor, and a wireless module, a working memory, a non-volatile memory and a touch-sensitive display (touch screen), each with a data connection thereto. The wireless module is provided or configured to output a user input to start a test of the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector, and, if applicable, to output a reference time and to receive a transport time or a detection signal, and, if applicable, to receive a reference time or a test result after the test of the transport time. The non-volatile memory, in particular a flash memory, is provided, among other things, for storing a computer program according to the present application, in particular a test application, and for possible storage of a reference time. The touch-sensitive display is provided, among other things, for a user input to start a test of the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector, and to output a test result on the touch-sensitive display after the test of the transport time.

[0062] The present application and advantageous embodiments of the present application are explained below with reference to the examples in the following figures, in which: Figure 1 An aspirating smoke detector ASD is shown, which at the starting point of the first method according to the application has a wireless data connection IP to a mobile terminal MOB for testing the transport time by means of a user. Figure 2 An example of waiting for detection of test fluid discharged by a user at a remote suction opening is shown according to Figure 1 Figure 3 An example of when test fluid enters the suction / detector unit of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, with the subsequent transmission of a failure message, is shown according to Figure 1 Figure 4 A mobile terminal is shown using the example of a smartphone, Figure 5 An example of when test fluid enters the suction / detector unit of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, with the subsequent transmission of a failure message, is shown according to Figure 3

[0063] Figure 1 An aspirating smoke detector ASD is shown, which at the starting point of the first method according to the application has a wireless data connection IP to a mobile terminal MOB for testing the transport time by means of a user.

[0064] Figure 1 The upper part shows an aspirating smoke detector ASD, which has a suction / detector unit ADE and, by way of example, only one suction pipe R connected to the suction / detector unit ADE for drawing in room air together with smoke and / or combustion gases to be detected. The suction pipe R has a plurality of suction openings OF arranged distributed between the suction / detector unit ADE and a remote pipe end END. The suction / detector unit ADE itself comprises a fire detector unit DET for the metrological determination of a fire parameter, such as, for example, the smoke density, and a suction unit L in the form of a fan downstream of the fire detector unit DET in the direction of suction. The suction / detector unit ADE typically comprises a modular unit to which one or a plurality of suction pipes R can be connected. The pipe connection AN is connected to the modular unit.

[0065] The aspirating smoke detector ASD, here preferably the suction / detector unit ADE, also comprises a data interface FS, COM and an electronic control unit MC connected to the fire detector unit DET and the data interface FS, COM. The data interface FS, COM can comprise, for example, a wireless data interface FS and a preferably wired data interface COM for connecting the aspirating smoke detector ASD to a detector bus. In the event of a fire detection, a fire alarm is typically transmitted via the detector bus to a fire alarm control panel connected to the detector bus.

[0066] ​​​The electronic control unit MC does not necessarily need to be arranged in the suction / detector unit ADE. For example, it can be implemented by means of a cloud service application of a cloud infrastructure which has a data connection to the fire detector unit DET.

[0067] In the present example, the user has connected to the aspirating smoke detector ASD via a wireless data connection IP or to the suction / detector unit ADE by means of a mobile terminal MOB, here a smartphone, in accordance with the application. A suitable programmed test application T-APP, short test app, is loaded and executed on the smartphone MOB for the technical execution of a test of the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector ASD. The wireless data connection IP is preferably based on the Bluetooth standard or the WLAN standard. In the latter case, the wireless data interface FS itself comprises a WLAN node, among other things. In other words, the aspirating smoke detector ASD or the suction / detector unit ADE then has a Bluetooth and / or WLAN wireless data interface FS. This can of course also be based on a mobile communication standard, for example on a 4G or 5G mobile communication standard. In this case, the wireless data connection IP between the aspirating smoke detector ASD or between the suction / detector unit ADE and the mobile terminal MOB is not direct, but indirect via a mobile network.

[0068] In response to a user input TEST received by the mobile terminal MOB, the aspirating smoke detector ASD changes from the operating mode to the test mode in accordance with the application for testing the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector ASD. In the present example, the user presses a button BUT on the touch-sensitive display DSP of the smartphone MOB in the form of a so-called "soft key" to start the test of the transport time in accordance with the application. In this case, the display DSP is a touchscreen, i.e. a touch-sensitive display. In the test mode, the output of a possible fire alarm is at least suppressed in order to ignore the now imminent alarm expected when the test fluid TG is detected in the detector unit DET, because the test fluid TG is discharged by the user at the suction opening OF of the remote pipe end END at least at approximately the same time as the user input TEST on the mobile terminal MOB in accordance with the application. In the present example, the test fluid TG is discharged by the user pressing the spray head on the pressurized aerosol as far away from the suction opening OF of the suction / detector unit ADE as possible. The reference symbol TV refers to a reference time stored electronically in the suction / detector unit ADE or the mobile terminal MOB.

[0069] Figure 2 An example of waiting for the detection of the test fluid TG discharged by the user at the remote suction opening OF is shown in accordance with Figure 1 Figure 2 ​The test fluid TG introduced inside the suction pipe R moves from right to left in the direction of the suction / detector unit ADE. The example smartphone MOB shows a waiting message on the display DSP during this time, waiting for the user's information. After the test fluid TG has been discharged and the start button BUT has been pressed, the user can return to the suction / detector unit ADE.

[0070] Figure 3 An example is shown according to Figure 1 when the test fluid TG enters and is detected in the suction / detector unit ADE of the aspirating smoke detector ASD. The flame symbol indicates a successful detection.

[0071] According to the application, the time period between the received user input TEST and the detection of the test fluid TG in the fire detector unit DET is determined as the transport time T, which is measured by the aspirating smoke detector ASD. The transport time T is then transmitted by the aspirating smoke detector ASD to the mobile terminal MOB via the wireless data connection IP for possible evaluation by the user. The transport time T shown is by way of example 85 seconds and is also shown as such on the display DSP of the smartphone MOB. In addition to the received transport time T, the test application APP loaded onto the smartphone MOB is also programmed to display a reference time TV, the value of which is by way of example 90 seconds. In order to mathematically compare the received transport time T, the reference time TV can be loaded from the aspirating smoke detector ASD via the IP wireless data connection IP as a configuration parameter or from the smartphone MOB itself. Since the calculated transport time T is less than the reference time TV, the test result OK is positive here, indicated by a tick. The user therefore immediately knows whether the test of the transport time T was successful.

[0072] Alternatively, the control unit MC of the aspirating smoke detector ASD can be configured in such a way that it calculates the test result OK itself on the basis of a reference time TV stored electronically in the aspirating smoke detector ASD or loaded from the smartphone MOB. The positive test result OK is then transmitted by the aspirating smoke detector ASD to the smartphone MOB via the IP wireless data connection IP and is represented there as such on the display DSP. The test application T-APP is then programmed accordingly in this case.

[0073] The control unit MC of the aspirating smoke detector ASD can be configured in such a way that it transmits a detection signal SIG directly via the IP wireless data connection IP to the smartphone MOB when a test fluid TG is detected by the fire detector unit DET. In this case, the test application T-APP is programmed to calculate and output the transport time T from the time difference between the test button BUT being pressed and the detection signal SIG being received.

[0074] Figure 4 An enlarged representation of the mobile terminal MOB is shown using the example of a smartphone. In a known manner, the smartphone MOB shown has, in addition to the touch-sensitive display DSP, a wireless module M1, a flash memory M2, a microprocessor M3 and a working memory M4. Here, the combined wireless module M1 is configured, for example, for wireless data operation based on the Bluetooth, WLAN, 4G and 5G standards. In the flash memory M2, memory blocks are occupied by the operating system OS of the smartphone MOB and memory blocks are occupied by different applications APP and the test application T-APP according to the application.

[0075] Finally, Figure 5 An example is shown according to Figure 3 when the test fluid TG enters the suction / detector unit ADE of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, with the subsequent transmission of a failure message FAIL to the user as a test result by means of the mobile terminal MOB. In comparison with Figure 3 the transport time T calculated here is too long, at 120 seconds. The test result FAIL is therefore negative and is represented by a cancel symbol on the display DSP in the example.

[0076] Reference character list ADE suction / detector unit AN pipe connection, nozzle APP App, application, computer program T-APP test app, test application ASD aspirating smoke detector, ASD BUT button, soft key COM wired communication interface, detector bus connection, detector line connection DET fire detector unit DSP display, screen END pipe end FAIL failure message FS wireless data interface IP data connection, IP data connection L fan, suction unit MC electronic control unit, microcontroller MOB mobile terminal, smartphone, tablet, cellular phone M1 wireless module M2 flash memory, non-volatile memory M3 CPU, processor M4 RAM, working memory, volatile memory OF suction opening, hole OK pass message OS operating system R suction tube, tube system SIG detection signal T transport time TEST user input, test command TG test fluid, test gas, test smoke TV reference time.

Claims

1. A method for measuring the transport time (T) of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD) by means of a user, wherein indoor air is drawn in along with smoke and / or combustion gases to be detected through a suction tube (R) connected to a fire detector unit (DET) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) for the measurement and determination of fire parameters, and wherein the suction tube (R) has a plurality of suction openings (OF) distributed between the fire detector unit (DET) and a remote end (END), characterized in that... - The user uses a mobile terminal (MOB), particularly a smartphone, to connect to the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) via a wireless data connection (IP). - In response to user input (TEST) received by the mobile terminal (MOB), the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) changes from operating mode to test mode to test the transport time (T). - At least approximately simultaneously with the user entering the user input (TEST) on the mobile terminal (MOB), the same user discharges test fluid (TG) at the remote end (END) into the suction opening (OF) or one of the suction openings (OF), and - The time interval between the received user input (TEST) and the detection of the test fluid (TG) in the fire detector unit (DET) is determined as the transport time (T), which is measured by the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and transmitted by the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) to the mobile terminal (MOB) via the wireless data connection (IP), and / or When the test fluid (TG) is detected in the fire detector unit (DET), a detection signal (SIG) is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) to the mobile terminal (MOB) via the wireless data connection (IP) for the mobile terminal (MOB) to determine the transport time (T).

2. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein, The determined transport time (T) is output on the mobile terminal (MOB), and in particular, output to the user of the mobile terminal (MOB).

3. The method claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The test result (OK, FAIL) calculated by the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) is transmitted from the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) to the mobile terminal (MOB) via the wireless data connection (IP) by the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) to be output to the user, in particular the user of the mobile terminal (MOB), by comparing the measured transport time (T) with the reference time (TV) stored in the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) or received from the mobile terminal (MOB).

4. The method claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The test result (OK, FAIL) calculated by the mobile terminal (MOB) is output to the user, specifically the user of the mobile terminal (MOB), by comparing the transport time (T) received from the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) with the reference time (TV) stored in the mobile terminal (MOB) or received from the inhalation smoke detector (ASD).

5. The method claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The time interval between the user input (TEST) on the mobile terminal (MOB) and the detection signal (SIG) received by the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) is determined by the mobile terminal (MOB) as the transport time (T), and wherein, by comparing the determined transport time (T) with a reference time (TV) stored in the mobile terminal (MOB) or received from the inhalation smoke detector (ASD), the test result (OK, FAIL) calculated by the mobile terminal (MOB) is output to the user on the mobile terminal (MOB), in particular to the user of the mobile terminal (MOB).

6. The method claimed according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, If the measured or determined transit time (T) is lower than the predefined reference time (TV), a pass message (OK) is output on the mobile terminal (MOB) as a test result, and in another case, a failure message (FAIL) is output on the mobile terminal (MOB) as a test result to the user, in particular the user of the mobile terminal (MOB).

7. A method for measuring the transport time (T) of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD) by means of a user test, wherein indoor air is drawn in along with smoke and / or combustion gases to be detected through a suction tube (R) connected to a fire detector unit (DET) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) for the measurement and determination of fire parameters, and wherein, The suction tube (R) has multiple suction openings (OF) distributed between the fire detector unit (DET) and the remote tube end (END), characterized in that... - The user connects to the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) via a wireless data connection (IP) using a mobile terminal (MOB) to synchronize the first logic clock of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) with the second logic clock of the mobile terminal (MOB). - At least simultaneously with the user entering user input (TEST) on the mobile terminal (MOB) to save the current start time of the mobile terminal (MOB), the same user discharges test fluid (TG) at the remote end (END) into the suction opening (OF) or one of the suction openings (OF), and The time difference between the alarm time stored in the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and read by the user via the wireless data connection (IP) and the start time stored in the mobile terminal (MOB) is determined as the transport time (T) and output on the mobile terminal (MOB) for the user to evaluate.

8. The method claimed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mobile terminal (MOB) and the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) are connected to each other directly or indirectly via a wireless data connection (IP), particularly via an IP wireless data connection, preferably based on Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread or NFC standards.

9. The method claimed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) has a data connection to a higher-level fire alarm control panel via a detector bus, wherein the fire alarm control panel is connected to a cloud infrastructure or network server via an IP data connection, and wherein the mobile terminal (MOB) has a data connection to the fire alarm control panel, which acts as a router, via WLAN, or a mobile data connection to the cloud infrastructure or the network server.

10. The method claimed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In test mode, suppress the output of possible fire alarms, especially within the programmable suppression time.

11. An aspirating smoke detector (ASD) having at least the following characteristics: - A suction / detector unit (ADE) having a fire detector unit (DET) for measuring and determining fire parameters and a suction unit (L) upstream or downstream of the fire detector unit (DET) in the suction direction, particularly a fan. - A suction tube (R), which is connected to the suction / detector unit (ADE) for drawing in indoor air along with the smoke and / or combustion gas to be detected, wherein the suction tube (R) has a plurality of suction openings (OF) distributed between the suction / detector unit (ADE) and the remote tube end (END) of the suction tube (R). - Data interfaces (FS, COM), and - A control unit (MC) connected to the fire detector unit (DET) and the data interface (FS, COM), wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output a fire alarm to the data interface (FS, COM) in the event of a fire detection. Its features are, The control unit (MC) is configured to - In response to user input (TEST) to query the data interface (FS, COM) to test the transit time (T). - Output transit time (T) to the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD), the transit time being measured from the receipt of the user input (TEST) until it is detected by the fire detector unit (DET), and / or - When detected by the fire detector unit (DET), the detection signal (SIG) is directly output to the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD).

12. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in claim 11, wherein, The control unit (MC) is configured to output a test result (OK, FAIL) calculated when testing the transport time (T) to the data interface (FS, COM) of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) by comparing the measured transport time (T) with a reference time (TV) stored in the inhalation smoke detector (ASD) or received from the data interface (FS, COM).

13. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in claim 12, wherein, If the measured transport time (T) is lower than a predefined reference time (TV), the control unit (MC) is configured to output a pass message (OK) as a test result to the data interface (FS, COM) of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD), and wherein, in another case, the control unit (MC) is configured to output a failure message (FAIL) as a test result to the data interface (FS, COM) of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD).

14. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The data interface (FS, COM) has at least one wireless data interface (FS), wherein the at least one wireless data interface (FS) is based on Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread, NFC, WLAN and / or mobile communication standards.

15. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in claim 14, wherein, The control unit (MC) is configured not to output the measured transit time (T) or the detection signal (SIG) and / or receive a valid reference time (TV) from the wireless data interface (FS) until the connection between the wireless data interface (FS) and the communication device connected or coupled thereto, particularly the mobile terminal (MOB), has been authorized by the control unit (MC).

16. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein, If the control unit (MC) receives a logout notification from the communication device, particularly the mobile terminal (MOB), via the wireless data interface (FS), or if the control unit (MC) detects that the wireless data connection (IP) established with the communication device (MOB) has been severed within a minimum time period, the control unit (MC) is configured to change from the test mode back to the operating mode of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD).

17. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The data interface (FS, COM) has a wired data interface (COM) to connect the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) to the detector bus of the fire alarm control panel, which is in a higher-level position regarding data.

18. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The control unit (MC) is configured to switch from operating mode to test mode when a user input (TEST) is received, at least to suppress the output of a possible fire alarm within a programmable suppression time.

19. An aspirating smoke detector (ASD) having at least the following characteristics: - A suction / detector unit (ADE), the suction / detector unit (ADE) having a fire detector unit (DET) for the measurement and determination of fire parameters and a suction unit (L) upstream or downstream of the fire detector unit (DET) in the suction direction, particularly a fan, - A suction tube (R), which is connected to the suction / detector unit (ADE) for drawing in indoor air along with the smoke and / or combustion gas to be detected, wherein the suction tube (R) has a plurality of suction openings (OF) distributed between the suction / detector unit (ADE) and the remote tube end (END) of the suction tube (R). - Data interfaces (FS, COM) - First logic clock, especially real-time clock, and - A control unit (MC) connected to the fire detector unit (DET), the data interface (FS, COM), and a first logic clock, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output a fire alarm to the data interface (FS, COM) in the event of a fire detection. Its features - The data interface (FS, COM) has at least one wireless data interface (FS), wherein the at least one wireless data interface (FS) is based on Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread, NFC, WLAN and / or mobile communication standards. - The control unit (MC) is configured to query the wireless data interface (FS) in response to a synchronization request, so as to synchronize the first logical clock of the inhaled smoke detector (ASD) with the time received from the wireless data interface (FS), or to output the current time of the first logical clock to the wireless data interface (FS), and - The control unit (MC) is configured to query the wireless data interface (FS) in response to a request for output of an alarm time, so as to output the alarm time stored in the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) to the wireless data interface (FS).

20. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in claim 19, wherein, The control unit (MC) is configured to change from operating mode to test mode in response to a synchronization request, at least to suppress the output of a possible fire alarm within a programmable suppression time.

21. The aspirating smoke detector (ASD) claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein, The at least one wireless data interface (FS) specifically has a wireless data interface (FS) based on Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread and / or NFC standards.

22. A computer program (T-APP), particularly a test application, having a program code portion for performing all the steps according to any one of claims 1 to 10, if the computer program (T-APP) is executed on a microprocessor (M3) of a mobile communication terminal (MOB), particularly on a smartphone.

23. A mobile communication terminal (MOB), particularly a smartphone, comprising a microprocessor (M3), and in each case having a data connection to the following: - Wireless module (M1) for outputting user input (TEST) to start testing the transport time (T) of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD), and, if applicable, for outputting reference time (TV) and receiving transport time (T) or detection signal (SIG), and, if applicable, receiving the reference time (TV) or the test result (OK, FAIL) after the test at the transport time (T). - Working memory (M4) - Non-volatile memory (M2), particularly flash memory, for storing the computer program (T-APP) claimed in claim 21, particularly a test application, and for possible storage of the reference time (TV), and - A touch-sensitive display (DSP) for entering the user input (TEST) to start testing the transport time (T) of the inhalation smoke detector (ASD), and outputting the test result (OK, FAIL) on the touch-sensitive display (DSP) after the test of the transport time (T).

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