Wireless component of a fire protection hold-open system

Abstract

Wireless component (10) of a fire protection hold-open system (100), with a fire sensor (20) or a manual release button (16) or a wire connection for either of the two, a radio interface (12 - 14) for sending electromagnetic signals, on which a message is encoded, to a receiving location, a monitoring device (17 - 19) for repeated, preferably periodic or continuous monitoring of functionalities of the wireless component (10), which includes a connection monitoring device (17a) for a connection to the fire sensor (20) or to the manual release button (16) and which is designed to provide a monitoring result according to a connection monitoring, a control (17) for initiating the sending of a message designed according to the monitoring result via the radio interface (12 - 14), characterized by the fact that the wireless component (10) has a structure that is suitable for insertion into a flush-mounted device box.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wireless component of a fire protection locking system.

[0002] Referring to Fig. 6, a locking system 100 is first described in general terms, as is known from DE 10 2014 225 297 B4. In Fig. In 6, arrows between boxes indicate radio links, while lines represent wired connections. 112 represents two wireless fire sensors, and 114 is a manual trigger button. Fire detectors can detect fire conditions, such as smoke or certain gases, and possibly radiation, and emit a corresponding alarm signal. The signal is transmitted via the radio link shown. A manual trigger button 114 can trigger an alarm of the same quality, which is also transmitted via a radio link.

[0003] 126 designates a communication interface that enables radio communication with the peripheral radio components of wireless fire detectors 112 and manual trigger buttons 114 (hereinafter referred to as "peripheral components"). Communication interface 126 is also referred to as the "central component." Communication is preferably bidirectional. In this case, all components 112, 114, and 126 are transmitting and receiving.

[0004] To handle the multiple channels, a suitable multiplex can be implemented. On the hardware side, it can be defined by switches. On the radio side, access conflicts are unlikely to occur, as the signaling times are very short compared to the cycle times (factor < 10 -6). Should an unlikely access conflict nevertheless arise, suitable retransmission routines are implemented to prevent messages from being lost. The peripheral transmitting components of wireless fire detectors 112 and manual trigger buttons 114 can transmit identification data so that the communication interface 126 can recognize which component the respective transmission is coming from.

[0005] 128 is a resistance simulation device by means of which fault situations can be simulated in a component, particularly a central component, that affect another radio-transmitting component 112 or 114 (wireless components). A "component" can be understood as a separately mountable or pluggable system part. A "radio component" or "wireless component" can be a component that sends and / or receives information to another component via a radio link. Wired components detect their connection via resistance monitoring. Very high or infinite resistance or very low or practically 0 resistance indicate faults such as a line break or a short circuit, while resistances in the medium range indicate a proper connection. This is checked by the monitoring component.The desired resistance is set by a suitable termination in the component to be monitored.

[0006] To enable a monitoring component to run the same monitoring routines for connected radio components as for hard-wired components, a resistance simulation device 128 is provided at the monitoring-side radio interface 126. If the signal exchange via the radio link at the radio interface 126 reveals that there is a radio connectivity problem or another problem in the connected radio component, the resistance simulation device 128 (controlled by the radio interface or its own logic) can be used to signal this problem in the same way as a line break or short circuit in a hard-wired component would. The communication interface 126 and the resistance simulation device 128 can be combined to form an additional module 124. The additional module 124 is connected to a control and / or evaluation device 118 (hereinafter also referred to as controller 118 for short).The connection can be made by plugging the module directly onto the device 118 or by means of an elongated cable. However, it is equally possible to provide the communication interface 126 and the resistance simulation device 128 integrally with the controller 118. 116 is a power supply for the hard-wired components.

[0007] 120 is a hold-open device with a trigger mechanism. It triggers a mechanical action upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions. Typically, this triggers a door or gate closure. The action is scheduled to occur when the wireless fire detector 112 or the manual release button 114 has first transmitted a corresponding signal via the radio link to the communication interface 126, which then forwards it to at least the control unit 118, which then takes the necessary action.

[0008] To monitor the connectivity between the wireless components 112 or 114 and the communication interface 126, in addition to reporting alarms, regular or periodic communication is implemented between them. If this communication does not occur or does not occur as intended, appropriate measures are triggered. Regular communication via the radio links is designed to be periodically initiated by the peripheral component, the wireless fire detector 112 or the manual trigger button 114. A message (hereinafter referred to as a "connection test message") is then sent from the peripheral component to the communication interface 126, from which it is acknowledged back to the peripheral component (hereinafter referred to as an "acknowledgement message"). The period duration of these tests is less than 100 seconds, preferably less than 80 or less than 70 seconds. It can be more than 40 or more than 50 seconds.

[0009] The connection test message itself lasts only a few milliseconds, as does the acknowledgment message, which is sent back to the peripheral component after receipt of the connection test message. If the controller 118 does not receive the expected connection test message within the specified time window, further measures are initiated, which may also include requesting human intervention. If, in turn, the peripheral component 112, 114 does not receive the expected acknowledgment message, further measures can also be taken, such as retrying the connection test message, possibly with different parameters (higher transmission power), local or remote error notification, and the like.

[0010] DE 10 2017 114 797 A1 describes a security system for controlling and / or monitoring at least one door lock with at least one triggering element, in particular an emergency button, wherein the security system is designed to execute at least one function for controlling and / or monitoring the at least one door lock, wherein the security system comprises a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for communication with a communication module (801, 801', 802), wherein in order to execute the function and / or to execute a further function of the security system (1), communication via the communication interface with the communication module (801, 801', 802) takes place or has previously taken place, in particular repeatedly.

[0011] From DE 20 2014 000 549 U1 a modular network access device (1) with exchangeable components for wireless network participants is known.

[0012] DE 10 2013 207 990 A1 teaches an alarm system with a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the environment of the hazard-indicating alarm, and an evaluation unit connected to the temperature sensor for data purposes for evaluating the detected ambient temperature, wherein the temperature sensor and the evaluation unit are connected to each other by a wireless connection for data transmission.

[0013] DE 102 34 301 B3 relates to a safety and monitoring device with a safety button and a lighting device.

[0014] DE 44 11 290 A1 discloses a device for accommodating sensors, which is used, for example, in personal identification systems for contactless transponder systems.

[0015] The detector from DE 10 2005 001 369 A1 has a housing with a display for outputting a visual / acoustic signal and a loudspeaker housed within the housing. The housing can be integrated into the guide rail of an automatic door operator.

[0016] EP 2 996 100 A2 presents a wireless fire alarm system with wireless repeater devices to report an alarm from the control system to subordinate devices.

[0017] A disadvantage of the previously known designs of system components is that, on the one hand, they are clearly visible installations that, on the other hand, do not fit in with the overall appearance of the installations in the properties concerned.

[0018] The object of the invention is to provide a wireless component of a fire alarm system or a hold-open system whose appearance is reduced and which is at least partially adaptable to the appearance of other installations.

[0019] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Dependent patent claims are directed to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0020] A wireless component under consideration can be a peripheral component as described above and, in particular, comprise a manual release button or a fire sensor. It has a radio interface for preferably bidirectional communication with a central location. Furthermore, it has monitoring devices for connection monitoring and installation monitoring, as well as for self-testing. It has a structure designed to accommodate the wireless component's installation in a flush-mounted device box.

[0021] If the wireless component has a manual push-button switch, this can be built and designed for flush-mounting and can have a button taken from a conventional switch range. The reference to a conventional switch range primarily refers to the perceptible components of the switch, such as the manually touchable mechanical touch surface itself and any frame for it, but can also refer to the part underneath, i.e., the mechanical and electrical structure of the switch itself.

[0022] This design makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the appearance of the wireless component by accommodating essential components in the flush-mounted box, eliminating the need for surface mounting. If the wireless component also features a hand-operated pushbutton switch, its appearance can be adapted to match other buttons and switches by using the pushbutton surface and a frame from the usual switch range, and if necessary, even the associated switches themselves. In this respect, the switch can be mechanically designed to be connected to a pushbutton surface of a switch range.

[0023] The radio interface of the wireless component is preferably a bidirectional radio interface for sending notification messages and receiving acknowledgment messages as well as for sending alarm messages.

[0024] The wireless component can have the antenna of the radio interface or a connector for connecting an external antenna. An external antenna can still be mounted in or on the flush-mounted device box, for example, on the touch surface of the manual release button or on the frame of the switch range.

[0025] The wireless component can be designed for connection to a power supply connection present in the device socket and for generating a suitable supply voltage for the wireless component from the received energy. Instead, or in parallel, it can also have its own power supply (battery) or at least connections for this (battery compartment). If both are present side by side, the choice of which one to use can be made during installation.

[0026] The design can be such that the hand button or sensor of the wireless component is located on the open side of the flush-mounted device box and then protrudes from the mounting surface as intended after installation, while the other components (possibly without antenna) of the wireless component are located behind / below the hand button or fire sensor in the deeper part of the flush-mounted device box.

[0027] The wireless component can be designed with a housing that can be largely closed or partially open, more like a frame. It houses at least some of the wireless component's electronic circuitry, such as the power supply, control, and / or analog components of the radio interface. It can also house the switch and the remaining components of the wireless component. The switch, or its electrical and mechanical components, are then positioned on the open side of the device box, allowing the desired touch surfaces and frames to be mounted on the switch.

[0028] The wireless component can also be installed in two adjacent (side by side, one above the other) device outlets, and can then have two housings. One of the outlets can contain the switch with frame and buttons, the other the other electrical and electronic components, although the antenna can again be a special case, as described previously.

[0029] The structure of the wireless component and in particular its housing (one or more) can be designed for installation in a standardized or normed flush-mounted device box, for example, a flush-mounted device box according to DIN 49073. However, other standards from other countries or organizations can also be taken into account here. The external design of the structure and in particular of the housing / frame, if present, of the wireless component is / are such that it can be inserted into such a standardized or normed flush-mounted device box and also such that it can be installed and secured therein as intended. The installation and mounting devices of the wireless component are such that they allow stable installation in the flush-mounted device box. If the box is standardized or normed, the installation and mounting devices can be as well.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, in which Fig. 1 schematically shows a wireless component, Fig. 2 schematically shows a possible external appearance of the housing or frame of the wireless component, Fig. 3 an assembly situation, and Fig. 4 a housing design, Fig. 5 an external view after assembly, and Fig. 6 a well-known locking system.

[0031] Fig. 1 schematically shows a wireless component 10. It is assumed that it has a housing 21. At least parts of the radio interface, namely oscillator 12, modulator 13 and antenna 14 or at least one connection 14a therefor, are present therein. A driver 11 is located between modulator 13 and a control and monitoring device 17 (hereinafter also "controller 17"), which can be of digital or analog design. In the embodiment shown, the control and monitoring device 17 is connected or connectable to a manual release button 16 or is connected or connectable to a fire sensor 20, which can also be provided at least partially in the housing. However, unlike in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, real wireless components 10 will rarely have both a button 16 and a fire sensor 20. Typically, only one of them is present.

[0032] In addition, a power supply 15 is indicated, which may have a battery or, prior to installation, at least one battery compartment and / or a supply circuit that can be connected to a voltage supply connection (such as mains connection, 230 V in Germany) present in a flush-mounted device box and generates a suitable supply voltage therefrom.

[0033] If both a battery compartment and a power supply circuit are present, a selector (not shown) may also be provided to select one of the two. In the simplest case, however, the selector may simply be a parallel connection of the voltage outputs of the battery compartment and the power supply circuit.

[0034] Reference numeral 19 indicates an installation monitoring device that emits a signal when the wireless component is correctly installed. It can have a switch that can be actuated by an installation condition, which changes from one state to another when installed correctly, thus making correct installation detectable. The switch can be a mechanical switch or an electro-optical switch. The mechanical switch can be a push button that is actuated from the floor or wall of the flush-mounted device box via a connector attached to the switch. The connector can be a rigid rod or a compression spring to accommodate and compensate for certain variances and tolerances. The electro-optical switch can have a light-sensitive sensor and, if applicable, a light source. The sensor can be exposed to light (from the light source) or not, depending on the installation conditions, thus making installation detectable.

[0035] In this way, it is possible to detect when the component is installed correctly, and a corresponding signal is output. This can be further used by the controller 17, for example, to determine normality and not trigger an alarm condition. In the absence of a signal indicating correct installation, however, an alarm condition can be inferred and corresponding signals can be triggered, in particular to a central component via the radio interface 12 to 14. The control and monitoring device 17 also has a connection monitoring device 17a to monitor the connection of the circuit to the fire sensor 20 or to the button 16. This is often a resistance monitoring device, in which a short circuit or infinite resistance indicates a fault, while a limited resistance within a certain range represents a normal condition / connection.If a fault (i.e. short circuit or infinite resistance) is detected, this fault is communicated to the central component via appropriate signaling via the radio interface 12 to 14.

[0036] Furthermore, a self-test device 17b is provided, which carries out self-tests for the control 17 and, depending on the result, also carries out or omits appropriate signaling.

[0037] In general, the wireless component can be designed to implement the known monitoring protocol for the connectivity of the radio link described above. The controller 17 can have a timer 18, by means of which the transmission of a connection test message is initiated repeatedly and preferably periodically. In response, the receipt of an acknowledgment message is completed and evaluated.

[0038] The checks of the various devices (installation check device 19, connection check device 17a, self-test device 17b) and, if applicable, also the connectivity check of the radio link via the radio interface 12 to 14 to a central component can be combined into a monitoring result, according to which a separate message is sent or according to which the connection test message can be modified.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a housing 21. It may be round in design and have an outer diameter D that allows insertion into a device box in a wall. The housing may have a height H that essentially corresponds to the depth of the device box in the wall or ceiling and also allows insertion of the component into the device box. Fig. 2 it is assumed that the housing 21 in the drawing has an opening at the top which points outwards during installation, i.e. is approximately flush with the installation surface (wall, ceiling), while the lower end in the drawing is located inside the device box, i.e. at its bottom.

[0040] Reference numerals 11 to 13, 15, 17 to 19 indicate that components such as the driver, oscillator, modulator, power supply, control, and monitoring devices are located in the lower part of the housing, while the switch 16 or, if applicable, the fire sensor 20 are located at least partially in the upper part of the housing. During installation, they then face the environment. An upper part of the housing, height H1, is then essentially occupied by the switch 16 or fire sensor 20, while a lower part of the housing, height H2, is occupied by the other components.

[0041] The antenna 14 can be mounted in such a way that the best possible transmission and reception results are achieved. It can be mounted at a suitable location in the housing, which is often close to the (in Fig. 2) upper opening of the housing 21. It can be mounted on the exterior of the housing or can also be mounted on switch surfaces, panel surfaces, or frame surfaces and then connected to the other components of the circuit via the connection point 14a.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the wireless component 10 is distributed across two device sockets. This is an option if the volume, especially the depth of a socket, is not sufficient to accommodate all the Fig. 2 in a box. The individual elements of the wireless component 10 are then divided into two connectable structures. 31 denotes a first component part, 32 a second component part.

[0043] Each of the parts 31, 32 is then housed in a separate device box. Each can have its own housing 21a, 21b. A connection 36 is then provided between the parts 31, 32 to establish the electrical connection between the components. One of the structures (in Fig. 3 (the upper one) has the switch 16 or the fire sensor 20. It is operated by means of a switch touch surface 35, which can be taken from a conventional switch range. A frame 37 can also be provided, which surrounds the touch surface 35 and covers the free areas around it.

[0044] The lower can contains the remaining components as described in Fig. 1, whereby the antenna 14 can again be a special case. This box can be covered with a cover plate 34, which is also fitted into the frame 37. With this mounting method, the connection monitoring device 17a in the lower box to the switch 16 in the upper box can also be used as an installation monitoring device 19, since at least during disassembly, the switch would have to be briefly removed from the circuit, which can be detected.

[0045] The Fig. 2 The merely suggested vertical division of the housing (depth of the device socket) can also actually exist, resulting in two "stackable" housings. The upper housing contains at least the switch, and the lower housing contains at least some of the electronic circuits, as already explained. These sub-housings can also be partially open and thus have a more frame-like design. They can be designed to be stacked on top of each other.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a largely closed housing 21. Fig. Figure 4a shows the bottom surface 21u of the housing in oblique views from the inside and from the outside. It is essentially circular and may contain molded and cast-in elements for supporting and aligning packaged components or the opposing housing part.

[0047] Fig. 4b shows an upper housing part 21o in oblique views from the inside and oblique views from the outside. It is designed to complement the lower housing part 21u. It is also round or circular. It can have an indicator opening 43 from which, for example, an LED 44 can protrude, which can indicate an internal state, such as an alarm state or error state, setup state, or operating state. A depression 42 in the upper housing 21o can allow access to a circuit board switch 45 of the housed component, by means of which suitable settings can be made. The switch can be a mode switch for distinguishing a setup mode and an operating mode of the component.

[0048] 41 denotes a groove in which the antenna 14 can be placed. The antenna 14 is freely suspended in Fig. 4c. However, it can be held in the manner shown by the groove 41 of the upper housing part 21o. The antenna can in particular have a plug connection 14b, with which it is plugged into the connection point 14a together with the housing part 21o when the upper housing part 21o is placed onto the lower housing part 21u with the circuit board located therein. When the antenna 14 is inserted into the outer groove 41 of the housing, the antenna plug 14b extends from the outside of the housing into the inside of the housing and meets the connection point 14a there when the housing parts are connected to one another. The antenna 14 can be bent to match the curvature of the housing.

[0049] 36 denotes the connecting line to a second housing when the overall structure is as in Fig. 3 is designed.

[0050] Unlike in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a housing 21 can have an open side. For example, the walls of the lower housing part 21u can then be raised higher, and the upper housing part 21o can be omitted.

[0051] Fig. Figure 5 shows a possible external appearance of the wireless component, if it is a manual release button. 33 is the surrounding wall surface. 37 is the frame of the switch program. At the top is the tiltable or push-button surface 35 of the switch 16. In the lower half, however, there is a passive cover plate 34 for the box below. If a housing 21b is provided within it, it can be largely closed or partially open. If, on the other hand, all elements of the wireless component 10 are located in a single box, Fig. 5 the lower half.

[0052] Fig.Figure 5 also indicates how an antenna 14 can be mounted. For example, metallized conductors can be glued to the inside of a frame 37 acting as a support, or to the inside of the cover 34, or even the switch face 35, and then connected to the circuit in a suitable manner. They can also be clipped onto the antenna 14 or the support using suitable components. The wall of the flush-mounted device box can also be used as a support.

[0053] The device boxes can have a mounting opening with a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-section. The inner diameter can be greater than 50 or greater than 55 mm and less than 70 or less than 65 mm. It can be 60 mm ±1 mm. The depth of the device box can be greater than 40 or greater than 45 mm and less than 50 mm. However, it can also be greater than 60 mm or greater than 66 mm and less than 70 mm. The external dimensions of the wireless component structure, in particular its housing 21, must be selected according to these dimensions.

[0054] As already mentioned, the structure of the component, in particular the housing 21, 21a, 21b, can be designed for insertion into a standardized or normed flush-mounted device box, in particular a device box according to DIN-49073.

[0055] In this description, features should be considered as combinable with one another, even if their combination is not explicitly addressed, to the extent that it is possible. Features disclosed in a specific context, claim, embodiment, or figure should also be understood as being separable from these and as being capable of being introduced into another context, claim, figure, or embodiment. List of reference symbols 10 Wireless component 11 drivers 12 oscillators 13 Modulator 14 Antenna 14a Antenna contact point 14b antenna connector 15 Energy supply 16 manual release buttons 17 Control 17a Connection monitoring device 17b Self-test device 18 Time control 19 Installation monitoring device 20 fire sensor 21 housings 21u case bottom 21o upper case 21a first housing 21b second housing 31 first component part 32 second component part 33 Built-in wall surface 34 lids 35 switch surface 36 Connection 37 frames 41 Antenna groove 42 Housing depression 43 Ad opening 44 LEDs 45 switches 100 hold-open system 112 wireless fire detector 114 wireless manual release button 116 Energy supply 118 Control 120 locking device with release device 124 Additional module 126 Communication interface 128 resistance simulation tools

Claims

[1] Wireless component (10) of a fire protection locking system (100), with a fire sensor (20) or a manual release button (16) or a wire connection for one of the two, a radio interface (12 - 14) for transmitting electromagnetic signals, on which a message is encoded, to a receiving station, a monitoring device (17 - 19) for repeated, preferably periodic or continuous monitoring of functionalities of the wireless component (10), which comprises a connection monitoring device (17a) for a connection to the fire sensor (20) or to the manual release button (16) and which is designed to provide a monitoring result in accordance with a connection monitoring, a controller (17) for causing a message designed in accordance with the monitoring result to be sent via the radio interface (12 - 14), characterized by , that the wireless component (10) has a structure that is designed to be inserted into a flush-mounted device box. [2] Wireless component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises an installation monitoring device (19) and / or a self-test device (17b) and is designed to provide the monitoring result also in accordance with an installation monitoring device and / or the result of the self-test device (17b). [3] Wireless component (10) according to claim 1 or 2, which has a manual release button (16) which is designed for flush mounting and which is taken from a conventional switch program. [4] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio interface (12 - 14) is a bidirectional radio interface (12 - 14) and is designed to receive an acknowledgment message after sending a notification message. [5] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with a connection (14a) for an externally mounted antenna of the radio interface (12 - 14). [6] Wireless component (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, with an antenna (14) of the radio interface (12 - 14). [7] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with a manual release button (16) or fire sensor (20) located on an open side of the flush-mounted device box and an antenna (14) of the radio interface (12 - 14) which is attached to the manual release button (16) or fire sensor (20). [8] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a power supply device for connection to a voltage supply connection present in the flush-mounted device box and providing a supply voltage for the wireless component (10). [9] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the structure of which comprises a housing (21, 21a, 21b) for accommodating at least some electronic circuit parts of the wireless component (10). [10] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the structure of which comprises two housings (21a, 21b), one of which (21a) contains a fire sensor (20) or a manual release button (16) and the other (21b) contains electronic circuit parts of the wireless component (10) which are connected or connectable to the fire sensor (20) or manual release button (16). [11] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the structure, in particular the housing (21, 21a, 21b), is designed for use in a standardized or normed flush-mounted device box, in particular a device box according to DIN-49073. [12] Wireless component (10) according to claim 8, comprising a battery compartment and a selection device for selecting the battery compartment or the power supply device connected to a power supply connection present in the flush-mounted device box as the power supply. [13] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed to repeatedly and preferably periodically cause a transmission of a connection test message via the radio interface (12 - 14). [14] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two connected, detachable subassemblies, preferably in separate sub-housings, which are designed to be inserted together into the flush-mounted device box, in particular such that one (H1) is closer to a base of the flush-mounted device box and the other (H2) is closer to an open end of the flush-mounted device box. [15] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the installation monitoring device (19) comprises a switch with an actuating means which can be actuated from an installation environment, in particular from a wall of the flush-mounted device box, wherein the switch is a mechanical switch and the actuating means comprises a compression spring which is supported on the wall of the flush-mounted device box during installation, or wherein the switch is an electro-optical switch with a light-sensitive sensor. [16] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has an antenna (14) which can be attached to a wall of the flush-mounted device box or to a switch button surface or to a switch frame and which can be designed to be adhesively or clipped on. [17] Wireless component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with a display device, in particular a light-emitting diode (44), for displaying different signals corresponding to different operating states of the wireless component (10).

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