Fire alarm system

Abstract

Fire alarm system (1), with at least one sensor (2) for detecting environmental variables (3) and for converting them into a signal (4) with a fire-specific and / or a fire-independent signal component (5; 6), with a second sensor (2b) which is designed to detect at least one fire-independent environmental variable (3b), with a first evaluation device (7) for evaluating the fire-specific signal component (5), wherein the fire alarm system (1) has a second evaluation device (8) for evaluating the fire-independent signal component (6), characterized in that the second sensor (2b) is designed to convert the at least one fire-independent environmental variable (3b) into a signal (4) which is evaluated exclusively by the second evaluation device (8) as a fire-independent signal component (6), wherein the fire-independent environmental variable (3b) is a gas concentration and / or particle concentration, wherein the second evaluation device (8) comprises a system for logging (15) and / or regulating and / or controlling (14) climatic variables.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a fire alarm system with at least one sensor for detecting environmental variables and for converting them into a signal with a fire-specific and / or a fire-independent signal component and with a first evaluation device for evaluating the fire-specific signal component.

[0002] In many designs, fire alarm systems have a fire detector or fire alarm system for manually or automatically triggering an alarm; fire alarm systems can optionally also include sprinkler systems. These fire alarm systems or fire alarm systems often have a sensor designed to register environmental variables such as temperature trends, smoke development and / or gas concentrations and transmit these signals to an evaluation unit, where they are evaluated. The evaluation unit detects an alarm condition if, for example, a temperature and / or a gas concentration such as CO2 concentration is exceeded or if a light measuring section is significantly impaired by smoke. The evaluation unit often then triggers an acoustic or visual alarm.

[0003] The publication DE 199 45 856 A1 describes a fire alarm system with an integrated sprinkler system. The fire alarm system comprises a fire detector in a housing containing several sensors and a valve for the sprinkler system's sprinkler fluid. The sensors are designed to detect various fire parameters, which are then converted into corresponding signals. The signals are transmitted to an evaluation unit and evaluated there. If the evaluation unit detects signals indicating a fire, it activates the sprinkler system by opening the valve and alerts a fire control center.

[0004] US 2009 / 0 065 596 A1 describes a system that uses a portable Wi-Fi device to control a building automation system. US 2008 / 0 291 036 A1 discloses a fire alarm that includes a smoke / combustion detector as well as a motion or presence sensor.

[0005] The publication US 2009 / 0 027 225 A1, which represents the closest prior art, describes a method and a device for determining the number of people by means of a fire alarm system in order to be able to transmit information about personal hazards to the rescue control center or fire department, for example, when an alarm is raised.

[0006] EP 1 492 070 A2 discloses a method for detecting a combustion chemical in an area and setting an alarm based on the concentration of the combustion chemical.

[0007] The document US 2009 / 0 134 993 A1 discloses a thermostat for controlling a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system based on an acoustic sound signal. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] Within the scope of the invention, a fire alarm system with the features of claim 1 and a device of a fire alarm system with the features of claim 10 are proposed. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the following description and / or the attached figures.

[0009] According to the invention, a fire alarm system is described that is designed and / or suitable for detecting a fire and / or monitoring one or more rooms. The fire alarm system can be connected and / or connectable to one or more alarm devices and / or have an emergency call device for alerting emergency personnel. Optionally, the fire alarm system comprises a sprinkler system designed to contain the fire with a liquid, preferably water.

[0010] The fire alarm system comprises at least one sensor configured to detect one or more environmental variables, wherein the environmental variable(s) may include qualitative and / or quantitative physical and / or chemical measured variables of the environment and / or their derivatives. The sensor is suitable and / or configured to convert the environmental variables into a signal with a fire-specific and / or fire-independent signal component. The signal is preferably an analog, digital, and / or intermediately processed signal.

[0011] The fire alarm system has a first evaluation device for evaluating the fire-specific signal component. Preferably, the first evaluation device makes a fire-specific statement based on an evaluation result.

[0012] If, in one possible embodiment, the first evaluation device detects an indication of "no fire" based on the fire-specific signal component, the "normal state" is evaluated. If a fire-specific signal component is evaluated that indicates a "fire", the "alarm state" is detected. In the "normal state", the first evaluation device will preferably remain inactive and / or passive and / or not trigger any further activities. In the "alarm state", the first evaluation device can, for example, comprise a loudspeaker and trigger a warning signal. Furthermore, the first evaluation device can comprise a communications interface via which a fire alarm control center can be informed of the alarm state.

[0013] Preferably, the environmental variables that indicate whether or not a fire is present in the monitored space form the basis for the fire-specific signal component. In particular, the signal is evaluated and / or interpreted and / or processed as a fire-specific signal component if this signal component is directly based on a measured variable that indicates an existing or non-existent fire and / or if the signal component directly allows a statement regarding an existing or non-existent fire.

[0014] According to the invention, the fire alarm system comprises a second evaluation device that is suitable and / or designed to evaluate the fire-independent signal component. The second evaluation device preferably makes a fire-independent statement based on the evaluation result.

[0015] The signal is evaluated as a fire-independent signal component if it is independent of the fire-specific signal component and / or is based on environmental variables that are not related to an existing or non-existing fire. In particular, these environmental variables do not form the basis for a fire-specific signal component that indicates whether or not a fire exists in the monitored space.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to evaluate the signal as a fire-independent signal component that is identical and / or similar to the fire-specific signal component. However, this fire-independent signal component allows for a different, fire-independent conclusion.

[0017] An advantage of the invention is that the fire alarm system is not limited to detecting and reporting fire symptoms, but can also record additional measured variables, which can be made available for a variety of functions in a further, optional step. Within the scope of the invention, the fire alarm system is designed as a multifunctional system.

[0018] According to the invention, the fire alarm system comprises a first sensor designed to detect at least one fire-specific environmental variable and a second sensor designed to detect at least one fire-independent environmental variable. Optionally, the fire alarm system comprises further sensors. The first sensor is designed to convert the at least one fire-specific environmental variable into a signal that is evaluated exclusively by the first evaluation device as a fire-specific signal component. The second sensor is suitable and / or designed to convert the at least one fire-independent environmental variable into a signal that is evaluated exclusively by the second evaluation device as a fire-independent signal component.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the fire alarm system comprises a housing for the at least one sensor, which can be arranged in a room to be monitored, in particular on the ceiling of the room. Preferably, a plurality of sensors, in particular the first and second sensors and optionally additional sensors, are arranged in the housing.

[0020] One advantage of a shared enclosure is aesthetic and / or interior design considerations. Often, a large number of technical components must be integrated into a single space. By combining multiple technical functions into a single enclosure, the integration of multiple, often unsightly enclosures and / or components in a single location is eliminated. This saves space and allows the free space to be used for other purposes. Another advantage is the resulting cost savings, as potential material and / or manufacturing costs for an additional enclosure are eliminated.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, a common power supply module and / or a common data transmission module is assigned to the housing. The common module is preferably arranged on or within the housing and / or connected to it.

[0022] The common power supply module can represent a common power source for the sensors in the housing, in particular for the first and second sensors, and optionally for each additional sensor. Preferably, this is a shared battery, accumulator, etc. Alternatively, the housing can have a common line for a supply voltage for the sensors.

[0023] The common data transmission module is designed to transmit the signals of all sensors in the housing, and in particular to transmit the signal of the first sensor to the first evaluation device and / or the signal of the second sensor to the second evaluation device. Preferably, the common data transmission module comprises a line or radio device used jointly by the sensors, in particular by the first and second sensors.

[0024] The use of shared modules for energy and / or data transmission provides a cost advantage, as multiple use eliminates the need for several individual modules.

[0025] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the first and second evaluation devices are configured as one or more parts. For example, they are arranged independently of one another, for example, in different housings and / or in different rooms. However, they can also both be arranged within the same room and / or within a common evaluation device housing, thus forming a single unit. Another possibility involves arranging one or both evaluation devices within the housing of the fire alarm system, in which the at least one sensor is also arranged.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the second evaluation device comprises a control device for controlling and / or regulating and / or monitoring fire-independent actions. In particular, the environmental variables form the actual variables within a control and / or regulating loop of the fire-independent actions. The fire-independent actions can, for example, consist of controlling, regulating, and / or monitoring one or more additional technical devices.

[0027] A further advantage of the invention is that the fire alarm system can implement one or more additional technical functions compared to conventional fire alarm systems, thereby significantly increasing the functionality of the fire alarm system.

[0028] In a possible implementation according to the invention, the fire-independent environmental variables are designed as climatic variables, such as a temperature, an air pressure and / or a degree of humidity, etc., in the monitoring area of the fire alarm system, in particular of the room to be monitored.

[0029] According to the invention, the second evaluation device comprises a logging system and / or the control device for regulating and / or controlling and / or monitoring the climatic variables. The logging system can be, for example, a system for acquiring climate data, which in particular records temperature, air pressure, humidity, etc. The control device can be designed to control a heating system, an air conditioning system, a humidifier, and / or a system for opening and closing windows and / or roller shutters.

[0030] If, for example, the temperature in a room exceeds a predetermined limit, the control device reduces and / or switches off the heat output of the heating system, which can advantageously lead to energy savings. If a certain temperature is not reached, the control device reactivates the heating system to ensure that the temperature in the room remains within a desired temperature range. It is also conceivable that if the limit is exceeded, the control device opens one or more windows to ventilate and / or closes the shutters to reduce sunlight in the room. In this way, the second evaluation device or the control device monitors, in particular, the temperature and / or the humidity in the room.In an optional embodiment with a control device for a humidifier, the second evaluation device ensures a pleasant room climate by switching the humidifier on and off according to a desired humidity value in the room.

[0031] In another possible embodiment, the fire-independent environmental variable is an object movement and / or an object existence, wherein the object movement and / or the object existence are detected in the vicinity of the fire alarm system, in particular in the room to be monitored. The object movement and / or the object existence are preferably the state variables of one or more persons who enter the room to be monitored and / or are present therein. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the second evaluation device comprises a system for detecting the object movement and / or the object existence.

[0032] When object movement is detected, the control device can activate an electrical device, such as a radio, a light source, and / or an alarm loudspeaker, as a fire-independent action. This offers the advantage, among other things, that the second evaluation device in this form with the motion detector helps save energy by only switching on a light source in the room for a certain period of time when object movement occurs. Furthermore, it can ensure greater security by providing, for example, acoustic and / or visual indications of unwanted entry into the room, such as a break-in.

[0033] However, the second evaluation device can also comprise a presence detector which detects the presence of persons as an object existence in the room and, depending on this, controls and / or regulates climatic variables in the room, in particular by controlling the air conditioning and / or heating system.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the second evaluation device comprises a device for creating and / or storing object movement and / or object existence logs. In particular, the device logs whether and when an object movement and / or object existence, in particular the presence of persons, occurred in the monitored area.

[0035] Such an object movement and / or object existence log can be of significant importance to police, fire, and / or emergency medical personnel in certain situations, such as an emergency. The object movement and / or object existence log enables emergency personnel to quickly and accurately obtain an overview of whether and how many people are in a danger zone, and where they can be found. This allows for more effective development and implementation of an evacuation plan. This enables the improvement and / or expansion of security monitoring.

[0036] In another possible provision according to the invention, the fire-independent environmental variable is sound. The measured variable is preferably the sound triggered by a voice and / or speech of one or more people who are in the monitoring area of the fire alarm system, preferably in the room to be monitored. From a design perspective, it is preferred for the fire alarm system to have a microphone, particularly as a second sensor.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the second evaluation device comprises a hands-free device designed to conduct wireless conversations with people who are not in the same room. Optionally, additionally or alternatively, the second evaluation device or the fire alarm system comprises a loudspeaker and / or a loudspeaker system that, for example, enables the hands-free device to be used to make phone calls without a handset, make announcements, or transmit music or an alarm tone.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the second evaluation device comprises a voice control system, which, in one possible embodiment, preferably controls any electronic device via voice commands instead of via conventional input devices such as switches, mice, and / or keyboards. Such an electronic device is, for example, an automatic roller shutter, door, window, and / or light control, and much more. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the voice control system to comprise a person identification device, which, for example, only opens a door if it clearly identifies the person through the sound of their voice.

[0039] According to the invention, the fire-independent environmental variable is a gas concentration and / or a particle concentration in the ambient air. The gas concentration can be based on one or more gases, particularly those caused by people and / or furnishings and / or paints and / or varnishes in the room to be monitored. The particle concentration is based on particles, such as soot particles in the ambient air.

[0040] Optionally, the control device of the second evaluation device is configured to control a ventilation system that triggers and / or regulates an exchange of air upon reaching a predetermined gas concentration, such as an elevated carbon dioxide concentration, and / or upon reaching an elevated particle concentration, which can be caused, for example, by cigarette smoke. This can be achieved, for example, by a fan or a system for opening and closing windows.

[0041] Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0042] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fire alarm system as a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a block diagram of a modification of the fire alarm system from Fig. 1.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 1, which shows a schematic block diagram of a fire alarm system 1. The fire alarm system 1 is designed and / or suitable for detecting a fire and / or monitoring one or more rooms. It can be designed as an emergency call device and / or as an alarm device and / or include a sprinkler system.

[0044] The fire alarm system 1 comprises at least one sensor 2 for detecting one or more environmental variables 3, which may include qualitative and / or quantitative physical and / or chemical measured variables of the environment and / or their derivatives.

[0045] The sensor 2 is suitable and / or designed to convert the environmental variables 3 into a signal 4 with a fire-specific signal component 5 and / or a fire-independent signal component 6.

[0046] The fire alarm system 1 has a first evaluation device 7 for evaluating the fire-specific signal component 5, which makes a fire-specific statement based on an evaluation result. For example, the first evaluation device 7 determines whether a "normal state" or an "alarm state" exists. Preferably, the first evaluation device 7 includes an all-clear function in the case of a "normal state" and an alarm function in the case of an "alarm state."

[0047] The fire alarm system 1 further comprises a second evaluation device 8 for evaluating the fire-independent signal component 6, which makes a fire-independent statement based on the evaluation result and can initiate fire-independent actions.

[0048] The first and second evaluation devices 7; 8 are each formed as a single piece and arranged independently of one another, e.g., in different rooms and / or separate housings. Optionally, they are arranged in a common evaluation device housing 10.

[0049] The fire alarm system 1 comprises a housing 9 in which the sensor 2 is arranged. The housing 9 is preferably arranged on a ceiling of a room to be monitored and can have any desired shape with recesses and / or openings of different sizes and shapes.

[0050] The housing 9 has a common central module for energy supply 11 in the form of a power cable and a common central module for data transmission 12 in the form of a data cable, which is arranged on the housing 9 or connected thereto.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a modification of the fire alarm system 1 from Fig. 1, wherein corresponding or identical parts in the figures are each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0052] The fire alarm device 1 comprises a first sensor 2a, which is designed to detect at least one fire-specific environmental variable 3a. Furthermore, the fire alarm device 1 comprises a second sensor 2b, which is designed to detect at least one fire-independent environmental variable 3b.

[0053] The first sensor 2a converts the at least one fire-specific environmental variable 3a into the signal 4. The signal 4 is sent to the first evaluation device 7, which evaluates the fire-specific signal component 5 and makes a fire-specific statement.

[0054] The second sensor 2b converts the at least one fire-independent environmental variable 3b into the signal 4, which is forwarded to the second evaluation device 8. This evaluates the fire-independent signal part 6 and makes a fire-independent statement.

[0055] The second evaluation device 8 comprises a control device 13, which is suitable and / or designed to control and / or regulate and / or monitor fire-independent actions. The fire-independent actions can, for example, consist of controlling, regulating and / or monitoring one or more additional technical devices 14. The technical devices 14 are, for example, a control and / or regulation of climatic variables or a ventilation system control.

[0056] Further possible fire-independent actions optionally include a system for logging climatic variables 15 and / or a system for detecting object movement and / or object existence 16. Additionally or further conceivable is a system for creating and / or storing object movement and / or object existence logs 17 and / or a hands-free device 18 and / or a voice control device 19.

[0057] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2, the housing 9 contains the first and second sensors 2a; 2b and the first and second evaluation devices 7; 8. Optionally, it is possible for one or both evaluation devices 7; 8 to be arranged separately, i.e., outside the housing 9. The two evaluation devices 7; 8 can be arranged independently of one another or in a common evaluation device housing 10.

Claims

[1] Fire alarm system (1), with at least one sensor (2) for detecting environmental variables (3) and for converting them into a signal (4) with a fire-specific and / or a fire-independent signal component (5; 6), with a second sensor (2b) which is designed to detect at least one fire-independent environmental variable (3b), with a first evaluation device (7) for evaluating the fire-specific signal component (5), wherein the fire alarm system (1) has a second evaluation device (8) for evaluating the fire-independent signal component (6), characterized by , that the second sensor (2b) is designed to convert the at least one fire-independent environmental variable (3b) into a signal (4) which is evaluated exclusively by the second evaluation device (8) as a fire-independent signal component (6), wherein the fire-independent environmental variable (3b) is a gas concentration and / or particle concentration, wherein the second evaluation device (8) comprises a system for logging (15) and / or regulating and / or controlling (14) climatic variables. [2] Fire alarm system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the fire alarm system (1) comprises a first sensor (2a) which is designed to detect at least one fire-specific environmental variable (3a), wherein the first sensor (2a) is designed to convert the at least one fire-specific environmental variable (3a) into a signal (4) which is evaluated exclusively by the first evaluation device (7) as a fire-specific signal component (5). [3] Fire alarm system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the first sensor (2a) and the second sensor (2b) are arranged in a common housing (9). [4] Fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fire alarm system (1) has a common central module for power supply (11) and / or a common central module for data transmission (12). [5] Fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second evaluation device (8) comprises a control device (13) for controlling and / or regulating and / or monitoring fire-independent actions. [6] Fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second evaluation device (8) comprises a system for detecting object movement and / or object existence (16) and / or a system for creating and / or storing object movement and / or object existence protocols (17). [7] Fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fire-independent environmental variable (3b) is sound. [8] Fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second evaluation device (8) comprises a hands-free device (18) and / or a voice control device (19). [9] Fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second evaluation device (8) comprises a ventilation system control (14). [10] Device of a fire alarm system (1), in particular a fire alarm system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one sensor (2) for detecting environmental variables (3) and for converting them into a signal (4) with a fire-specific and / or a fire-independent signal component (5; 6), with a second sensor (2b) which is designed to detect at least one fire-independent environmental variable (3b), with a first evaluation device (7) for evaluating the fire-specific signal component (5), wherein the device has a second evaluation device (8) for evaluating the fire-independent signal component (6), characterized by , that the second sensor (2b) is designed to convert the at least one fire-independent environmental variable (3b) into a signal (4) which is evaluated exclusively by the second evaluation device (8) as a fire-independent signal component (6), wherein the fire-independent environmental variable (3b) is a gas concentration and / or particle concentration, wherein the second evaluation device (8) comprises a system for logging (15) and / or regulating and / or controlling (14) climatic variables.

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