Suck-in particle detection system with light guidance system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suction particle detection system for detecting and locating a fire and / or the origin of a fire, comprising a fluid line system with at least one pipe and / or hose line, which opens into one or more monitoring areas via one or more suction openings for the respective withdrawal of a test fluid quantity, and with a suction device which is fluidly connected to the at least one pipe and / or hose line for generating a test fluid flow along the at least one pipe and / or hose line.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for detecting and locating a fire and / or the origin of a fire in one or more monitoring areas.

[0003] For fire detection and fire monitoring in rooms and buildings, in addition to simple ceiling smoke detectors, the use of so-called aspirating particle detection systems, particularly aspirating fire detection systems, has become established, particularly for monitoring large halls or building complexes. Such aspirating fire detection systems, also known as aspirating smoke detectors, comprise an aspiration device, e.g., a fan, by means of which a sufficiently representative quantity of test fluid, particularly air, is continuously drawn in from a room or area of ​​a building to be monitored, the so-called monitoring area. For this purpose, the aspiration device is integrated into a fluid-conducting system, particularly a pipe and / or hose system.The pipe and / or hose system comprises at least one or more pipe and / or hose lines - referred to in technical jargon as "branches" - which lead into one or more monitoring areas via respective intake openings.

[0004] The test fluid quantities extracted from the monitored areas are transported as a test fluid flow along the pipe and / or hose system and usually converge centrally in a detector module, in particular a particle detector. Detector modules suitable for aspiration fire detection systems are known from the prior art and detect scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the supplied test fluid. Such a particle detector usually has a light transmitter, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED), and often several light receivers, e.g., photodiodes (PD). Scattered and / or smoke particles located in the light beam of the light-emitting diode cause light scattering. The scattered light component is detected by one or more photodiodes aligned at a corresponding scattered light angle and converted into a current and / or voltage signal.Since the light-emitting diode must be supplied with power to generate the light beam, and the photodiode converts detected scattered light into a current and / or voltage signal, these components are referred to as active components. The current and / or voltage signals from the photodiodes are then analyzed or evaluated as fire parameters for detecting a fire and / or the origin of a fire. The central detection of any scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid enables simultaneous monitoring of a wide variety of monitoring areas, e.g., within a building complex or a large hall. However, the disadvantage is that the centralized particle detection makes it impossible to localize the detected fire and / or the origin of the fire.

[0005] Such an intake fire detection system with a scattered light detector, a pipe and / or hose system and a suction device for generating a flow within the pipe and / or hose system is known, for example, from European Patent Application EP 3 584 774 A1.

[0006] Various methods for locating fires and / or fire origins in conjunction with aspiration fire detection systems are known from the prior art. Publication WO 93 / 23736 A1 describes a valve that is provided as a component of a distributor of a pipe structure of a gas aspiration system with a plurality of intake points. A total of four pipes converge in the distributor, each of which leads, for example, to different areas of a building to be monitored. In normal operating mode, all four pipe connections are open and fluidly connected to a particle detector for detecting smoke present in the aspirated gas. To determine the source of the detected smoke, the pipe connections can be selectively closed via the valve.

[0007] A similar valve, with which smoke detected by a particle detector of an aspirating smoke detection system can be assigned to a specific pipeline or a specific branch of the pipeline system, is also known from WO 2015 / 071409 A1. The valve comprises a plurality of inlet openings through which the air drawn in from different pipelines flows. If a particle counter or smoke detector connected to the valve detects that a preset threshold of smoke or particles is exceeded, the valve can be used to close the individual inlet openings sequentially in order to identify the pipeline from which the aspirated smoke or particles originate. A disadvantage of the valves described is that the source of the detected particles or smoke can only ever be assigned to a specific pipeline or a specific branch of the pipeline system.If several areas or rooms are monitored using a single pipe via several suction openings, it is not possible to precisely locate the individual area or room.

[0008] A more specific fire localization is made possible with the system known from patent specification EP 1 397 789 B1. This also discloses a fire detection system for detecting and locating sources of fire or gas contamination, in which pipes arranged in respective monitoring rooms and provided with intake openings continuously feed a portion of the room air contained in the monitoring rooms to a main detector. For each monitoring room, the fire detection system additionally has a solenoid valve on or in the vicinity of a intake opening. Via a control system, the solenoid valves can be opened or closed depending on a detection signal emitted by the main detector in order to localize the source of the fire or the source of the gas contamination. Although the described arrangement can also be used to detect a source of fire along a single pipe, room or...They can be localized in a specific area or even assigned to a specific intake opening. However, the disadvantage is the relatively long delay between the initial smoke detection by the main detector and the subsequent localization by controlling the individual solenoid valves. Furthermore, solenoid valves are also so-called active, i.e., current-carrying components that are supplied with their own voltage source. Active components cannot simply be used in high-risk, radiation-exposed, and / or potentially explosive environments (EX environments).

[0009] Patent specification EP 1 634 261 B1 discloses a solution for locating the source of a fire using an aspiration fire detection system, even without solenoid valves. If a detector detects a fire characteristic, such as smoke or particles, the described method involves repeatedly sucking in and then blowing out the air drawn from the monitoring spaces to measure the propagation time until the detector again detects a fire characteristic. Localizing the location of the fire or the place where the fire originated is based on the fact that each individual monitoring space is a fixed distance from the detector, and the aspirated smoke has a propagation time that depends on the aspiration pipe system. Even with this described solution, the initial detection and subsequent localization of a fire or source of fire is only possible with a relatively long delay due to the propagation times of the aspirated air through the pipe system.

[0010] Finally, EP 3 321 908 A1 discloses a (fire) detection system for monitoring electrical components for temperature increases and / or smoke development. This system is based on optical fibers and does not require a fluid line system. Instead of the suction openings leading into the area or room to be monitored in suction-type fire detection systems, a so-called node is provided on or directly within the electrical components to be monitored. A node is designed as a purely passive component, i.e., without current-carrying components, and essentially consists of the exposed ends of two parallel fibers of an optical fiber or fiber optic cable.According to the disclosure, a plurality of nodes can be combined via a fiber optic or optical waveguide bundle and light-conductingly connected to a central control system comprising a light source, for example, a laser diode, and a light receiver, for example, a photodiode. The light source is connected to a first fiber and is emitted into the surrounding atmosphere at the respective node. Light scattered, for example, by smoke particles is detected at the node via the end of the second fiber and guided along the fiber optic or optical waveguide cable back to the central control system, where the detected light signal is converted into a current and / or voltage signal by the photodiode for further evaluation.A disadvantage of the disclosed nodes is that only a very limited local area can be monitored using the optical fiber ends, making them impossible to use for monitoring larger areas, rooms, or large halls. Furthermore, the evaluation options are limited compared to the highly sensitive scattered light particle detectors used in aspiration fire detection systems.

[0011] An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art fire detection systems and to provide an improved intake particle detection system, in particular an intake fire detection system. In particular, the aim is to enable faster detection and / or localization of a fire and / or a fire source while simultaneously achieving error-free and high detection accuracy, as well as environment-independent use, especially in potentially explosive atmospheres.

[0012] The object is achieved by an intake particle detection system according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 10.

[0013] An intake particle detection system according to the invention of the type described in more detail at the outset is characterized by a light guide system with one or more local detector modules, each of which is assigned to at least one intake opening and is designed for the local detection and transmission of scattered light scattered by scattered and / or smoke particles present in the respective monitoring area and / or the test fluid flow and / or for the detection and transmission of transmitted light passing through the scattered and / or smoke particles, and with at least one light guide which is in light-conducting connection with the one or more local detector modules and a central analysis device for evaluating the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected and transmitted by the one or more local detector modules.In order to assign the transmitted scattered light and / or transmitted light to the respective local detector modules, the invention comprises either . the central analysis device comprises at least one modulation means for modulating the light emitted by at least one light source and for assigning the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by at least one light receiver to the plurality of local detector modules, or the local detector modules are arranged along the at least one pipe and / or hose line and are each assigned to a predetermined number of intake openings, wherein a desired dilution ratio of the test fluid flow can be set as required at the respective local detector module, or the light guide comprises respective first and second optical fibers assigned to the local detector modules.

[0014] According to the invention, a suction particle detection system, in particular a fire detection system, which is known per se from the prior art, is supplemented by an additional, in particular redundant fire and / or particle detection system which is implemented by a fiber optic system with one or more local detector modules. The local detector modules are each assigned to at least one suction opening of the fluid line system. In this way, the existing structure of the fluid line system is combined with the one or more local detector modules, which has the advantageous effect of considerably increasing the range of the local detector modules, which is normally limited to the immediate surroundings. By continuously withdrawing quantities of test fluid from the monitoring area using the suction openings, the effective range of ain the intake area of ​​an intake opening, so that it can be used to monitor rooms and / or halls of a building. At the same time, however, compared to particle detection, in particular fire detection, with a prior art intake particle detection system, the time period until a fire can be detected, which is caused by the temporal transport of the test fluid quantities along the pipes and / or hoses. Scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the sampled test fluid quantity are detected by the local detector module directly in the area of ​​the one or more intake openings based on scattered light detected locally there and are passed on to the central analysis device in the form of a scattered light signal almost immediately, enabling rapid fire detection.In addition, the proportion of scattered and / or smoke particles in the test fluid flow is higher at the local detector module than at the central analysis device, which simplifies detection.

[0015] As an alternative to the local detector modules typically designed as scattered light detectors, local detector modules designed as transmitted light detectors can also be used. These detect the transmitted light passing through the scattered and / or smoke particles and transmit it to the central analysis device. Scattered light is therefore understood to be the portion of light scattered by the scattered and / or smoke particles, particularly at a specific angle, that is detected in the monitored area. The portion of light not scattered by the scattered and / or smoke particles, and in particular the portion of light scattered forward relative to the direction of light incidence, is referred to as transmitted light.

[0016] By positioning the one or more local detector modules in the area of ​​at least one intake opening of the intake particle detection system, the disadvantages of prior art fire detection systems can be eliminated without sacrificing their other advantages, such as the high detection accuracy of the intake particle detection system or the particularly fast particle or fire detection of a local detector module. At the same time, a redundant and therefore particularly reliable fire detection system is created, with only passive components located within its monitoring area. The combination of a fluid line system with a fiber optic system also increases the evaluation options, making it easier to identify, for example, interference signals.

[0017] For clarity, the invention is described below basically using local detector modules designed as scattered light detectors, but the explained embodiments of the invention can all also be implemented with local detector modules designed as transmitted light detectors or a mixture.

[0018] In an advantageous further development of the invention, the one or more local detector modules are each arranged within a flow cross-section of the at least one pipe and / or hose line and / or within the test fluid flow.

[0019] In this way, particularly reliable detection of scattered and / or smoke particles can be achieved, since the one or more local detector modules are arranged in the test fluid flow itself, e.g., in the mouth region of an intake opening or even in the fluid line system, in particular a pipe and / or hose line. In the latter case, the pipe and / or hose line can be used as a structural boundary and / or for fastening the one or more local detector modules. The at least one optical fiber connected to the one or more local detector modules preferably runs parallel to or even within the pipe and / or hose line.

[0020] In principle, it is conceivable to implement the invention with a light guide embodied as an optical waveguide or fiber optic cable with a single optical fiber. However, an exemplary variant of the invention is particularly advantageous in which the at least one light guide of the fiber optic system is embodied as an optical waveguide or fiber optic cable with at least one first optical fiber and at least one second optical fiber for transmitting light and / or scattered light between the one or more local detector modules and the central analysis device.

[0021] For example, the first optical fiber is provided for transmitting the scattered light detected by the respective local detector module to the central analysis device, whereas the second optical fiber can be provided for transmitting light originating from any light source to the respective local detector modules. In this variant, the one or more local detector modules can operate independently of the light sources or prevailing lighting conditions present in the respective monitored area, i.e., they are "supplied" with light via the second optical fiber. At the same time, any scattered light and / or transmitted light detected can be transmitted via the first optical fiber to the central analysis device. For rapid localization of a detected fire and / or fire origin, each local detector module is assigned a first and a second optical fiber.All first and second optical fibers together are called optical fibers.

[0022] In In a further development of this variant of the invention, the one or more local detector modules each have a first fiber end of a first optical fiber and a second fiber end of a second optical fiber, wherein the first fiber end of the first optical fiber and the second fiber end of the second optical fiber are aligned with each other at an angle that can be selected as required.

[0023] Light is transmitted as a light beam via the second fiber end of a second optical fiber at the respective local detector module into a detection zone of the detector module. The first fiber end of the first optical fiber is also directed toward the detection zone and forms a definable angle with the second fiber end, e.g., 120°, in order to detect the scattered light scattered at this angle by scattered and / or smoke particles present in the detection zone. When using transmitted-light detectors, the angle is 180°.

[0024] In an alternative or optional development of the invention variant described above, the central analysis device has at least one light receiver, in particular a photodiode (PD), for converting the transmitted scattered light and / or transmitted light, in particular into a current and / or voltage signal, and in particular a light source, for example a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode, wherein the at least one first optical fiber, in particular all first optical fibers, are light-conductingly connected to the light receiver and the at least one second optical fiber, in particular all second optical fibers, are preferably light-conductingly connected to the light source.

[0025] The combination of a light source, particularly an LED, with a light receiver, particularly a PD, for converting scattered light into a further processable signal is also referred to in technical jargon as a fiber optic detector module (optical waveguide detector module). By converting the detected scattered light, particularly via a photodiode, into a current and / or voltage signal, software-supported evaluation is enabled. By forwarding the scattered light and / or transmitted light from the local detector module in the form of a light signal, with conversion only taking place in the central analysis device, the intake particle detection system has only passive components in the monitored area and is therefore also suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. At the same time, the signal is transmitted from the local detector module to the central analysis device at the speed of light, with virtually no time delay.In the case of several branches of a fluid line system, a light source and a light receiver or a separate fiber optic detector module can preferably be provided for each branch.

[0026] According to the invention, either the central analysis device has at least one modulation means for modulating the light emitted by at least one light source and for assigning the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by at least one light receiver to one or more local detector modules, or the light guide comprises respective first and second optical fibers assigned to the local detector modules, or the local detector modules are arranged along a pipe and / or hose line of the fluid line system and are each assigned to a predetermined number of intake openings, wherein a desired dilution ratio (V i ) of the test fluid flow can be set as required at the respective local detector module. Preferably, each local detector module has an individually set distance from the central analysis device.Modulating the light emitted by the light source therefore enables the identification of the respective local detector module that detects scattered and / or smoke particles, i.e., detects scattered light, which in turn allows the fire-risk monitoring area to be localized. The basic principle used is familiar, for example, from laser-based distance meters. A similar localization effect can be achieved in another variant of the invention through the use of polarization filters.

[0027] In particular for the rapid localization of a fire or the origin of a fire, in an exemplary embodiment of the suction particle detection system according to the invention, two or more local detector modules are arranged along the at least one pipe and / or hose line and the local detector modules are each assigned to a predetermined number of suction openings in a range between 1 and 5, preferably 3.

[0028] The at least two local detector modules of the fiber optic system, as well as the intake openings of the fluid line system, are expediently arranged in series along one or even within the pipe and / or hose line carrying the test fluid flow. By assigning the local detector modules to one or more of the intake openings, a desired dilution ratio of the test fluid flow can be defined at the respective detector module. The dilution ratio depends on the number of intake openings, preferably of identical geometry, through which the test fluid flow passes along the pipe and / or hose line. Thus, downstream of the first intake opening in the flow direction, the dilution ratio of the test fluid flow is 1:1, whereas downstream of the third intake opening in the flow direction, the dilution ratio is already 1:3.Depending on the downstream of which intake opening a local detector module is placed, its individual dilution ratio can be determined.

[0029] The dilution ratio correlates with the scattered light component, i.e., the scattered light and / or transmitted light. When a test fluid volume containing scattered and / or smoke particles is withdrawn, its dilution is increased by each additional test fluid volume withdrawn along the pipe and / or hose line, whereby the volume-related scattered and / or smoke particle component contained in the test fluid flow and, consequently, the scattered light component scattered by them decreases. Based on the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by two or more local detector modules, each with a known dilution ratio, conclusions can be drawn about the spatial and temporal origin and / or spread of a fire and / or fire origin.

[0030] Preferably, the plurality of local detector modules are evenly assigned to the intake openings arranged along the pipe and / or hose line, for example, a local detector module could be provided every three or every four intake openings.

[0031] In order to simplify the evaluation of the signals detected by the individual local detector modules and to be able to evaluate them, in particular taking into account the respective dilution ratios, according to an exemplary variant of the invention, the dilution ratios determined as required, which are present at the respective local detector modules, are stored as a data set or data model, in particular on a storage unit, in the central analysis device.

[0032] Particularly advantageous are the dilution ratios present individually at the respective detector modules as part of an expert software or a data model about the geometric and flow properties of the fluid line system.

[0033] For example, for redundant fire detection, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the central analysis device has at least one central scattered light detector module through which fluid flows, which is fluidically connected to the fluid line system, in particular to the at least one pipe and / or hose line, and is designed for the central detection of scattered light scattered by scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow.

[0034] To detect scattered light and convert the detected scattered light into an analyzable current and / or voltage signal, the local detector modules together with the light receiver located in the central analysis unit are generally sufficient for fire detection. The additional provision of a fluid-flowing, central scattered light detector module, also known in the art as an RAS detector module (RAS = smoke aspiration system), enables redundant monitoring and verification of the scattered and / or smoke particles detected by the local detector modules. The central scattered light detector module is preferably located downstream of the last aspiration opening or immediately upstream of the aspiration unit in the direction of test fluid flow.For each fluid line system of an intake particle detection system – even if it has multiple branches – a central scattered light detector module is typically provided to detect scattered and / or smoke particles (including those from the respective branches) and is integrated into the central analysis device as part of the system. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to assign each branch of a fluid line system its own central scattered light detector module, which in this case is arranged in the hose and / or pipe system, assigned to the corresponding branch.

[0035] Finally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the central analysis device has a computing unit, in particular a processor, which is designed to evaluate the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by the one or more local detector modules and / or to evaluate the scattered light detected by the fluid-flowing, central scattered light detector module and / or to correlate it with the dilution ratios stored as a data set.

[0036] For this purpose, the computing unit is preferably connected to the at least one light receiver and / or the central, fluid-flowing scattered light detector module for signal transmission. The computing unit is preferably also connected to a memory unit for signal transmission, on which, in particular, a data model is stored as part of an expert system regarding the geometric and fluidic properties of the fluid line system and / or the dilution ratios of the test fluid flow present at the respective local detector modules. Of course, various program sequences or methods for particle detection, in particular for detecting and / or locating a fire or the source of a fire, can also be stored on the memory unit.

[0037] In this respect, the object of the invention stated at the outset is also achieved by a method for detecting and localizing a fire and / or the origin of a fire in one or more monitoring areas, which method is carried out using an intake particle detection system according to one of the previously described embodiments. In the method according to the invention, in a first step, a respective quantity of test fluid is withdrawn from the one or more monitoring areas via a fluid line system having at least one pipe and / or hose line and one or more intake openings, each opening into a monitoring area. In a second step, the quantity of test fluid withdrawn from the one or more monitoring areas flows, as part of a test fluid flow, through one or more local detector modules, each of which is assigned to one or more intake openings.

[0038] The test fluid flow is preferably generated by operating one of the intake devices located at the end of the pipe and / or hose line. As the intake ports open into the monitoring areas, the atmosphere contained therein, particularly air, is extracted in the form of a specific amount of test fluid and transported toward the intake device as part of the test fluid flow. The test fluid volume extracted via a specific intake port passes through all other local detector modules located downstream of this intake port along the pipe and / or hose line up to the intake device.

[0039] InIn a third step, scattered light that is scattered by scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow and / or in the respective monitoring area and / or transmitted light passing through the scattered and / or smoke particles is detected by the one or more flow-through, local detector modules and in a fourth step, the respectively detected scattered light and / or transmitted light is forwarded via at least one optical fiber to a central analysis device.

[0040] Along with the test fluid, scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the monitored area can also be sampled through an intake port. These particles then pass through the local detector modules located downstream of this intake port. If a local detector module is configured as a scattered light detector, the scattered light scattered by the scattered and / or smoke particles is detected and forwarded as a scattered light signal for evaluation by the central analysis unit. If a local detector module is configured as a transmitted light detector, the transmitted light passing through the scattered and / or smoke particles is detected and forwarded as a transmitted light signal for evaluation by the central analysis unit.

[0041] InIn a fifth step, the transmitted scattered light and / or transmitted light is evaluated by means of the central analysis device to detect a fire and / or the origin of a fire and / or to be assigned to the respective local detector module(s) to localize a fire and / or the origin of a fire.

[0042] The central analysis device preferably has a light receiver which converts the transmitted scattered light signals into corresponding current and / or voltage signals. A computing unit compares the converted signals with stored data models, whereby a fire and / or a fire hazard can be identified. An assignment can be made, for example, by using a spliced ​​optical fiber and modulating the light emitted by a light source. Other localization options include the use of polarization agents such as polarizing filters or an assignment directly based on the first optical fiber that transmits the light signal. The method steps described are continuously repeated for fire monitoring and essentially run simultaneously. If a fire and / or the outbreak of a fire are detected, a corresponding message, e.g.in the form of a warning or alarm.

[0043] According to an advantageous variant of the method, a fire and / or the onset of a fire is detected if the scattered light detected by at least one local detector module and forwarded to the central analysis device exceeds an alarm threshold stored there.

[0044] Alternatively, when using local detector modules designed as transmitted light detectors, a fire and / or the onset of a fire is detected if the transmitted light detected by at least one local detector module and forwarded to the central analysis device falls below an alarm threshold stored there, in particular for the respective local detector module individually.

[0045] Due to the almost instantaneous transmission of the scattered light and / or transmitted light signals, a "rapid fire alarm" can be triggered much earlier using the fiber optic system than with monitoring using a suction particle detection system alone, where the transport time of a test fluid quantity to the central analysis device is, for example, 60 seconds.

[0046] Advantageously, a method variant of the invention provides that the detected and forwarded scattered light and / or transmitted light is assigned to the respective local detector module(s) by correlating a data set stored in the central analysis device, in particular on a storage unit, with dilution ratios defined for the respective local detector modules with the forwarded scattered light and / or transmitted light, preferably with the scattered light intensity and / or transmitted light intensity, in particular in the computing unit or the processor.

[0047] The intake ports assigned to the individual monitoring areas are conveniently connected in series along the pipe and / or hose line, increasing the dilution of the test fluid flow toward the intake port. This means that fewer smoke particles are contained per volume of test fluid, which simultaneously decreases the proportion of scattered light or, in the case of transmitted-light detectors, increases the proportion of transmitted light passing through the smoke particles. By storing the geometric and flow data, together with the assigned dilution ratios of the local detector modules, as a data set or data model in the processing unit, this relationship can be used to identify and localize a fire and / or its origin.

[0048] To reduce the probability of a false alarm, e.g. due to deceptive variables or similar, according to an exemplary method variant, the test fluid quantities taken from the one or more monitoring areas flow through a central scattered light detector module as a test fluid flow within the scope of a "plausibility check", and the scattered light detected by the central scattered light detector module is compared with the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by the one or more local detector modules.

[0049] It is particularly advantageous for this purpose to store the signals detected and transmitted by the individual local detector modules, preferably the signal strength, over a predetermined period of time as a time profile on the computing unit, in particular on its memory unit. Such a time profile of the signal strength can be created, for example, during the transport time required for the test fluid flow to reach the central analysis device from an intake opening. As soon as the central scattered light detector module arranged in the central analysis device detects a fire and / or a fire hazard based on smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow, the data transmitted by the central scattered light detector module can be compared with the stored data set of the local detector modules and evaluated.

[0050] Additionally or optionally, within the scope of the plausibility check, the signals and / or data transmitted by the central scattered light detector module, the signals and / or data transmitted by the local detector modules, their temporal progression, as well as the data sets and / or data models stored on the storage unit regarding the geometric and / or flow properties of the fluid line system, in particular the dilution ratios, e.g. based on detection patterns, can be compared and / or correlated with one another in order to significantly increase the evaluation options and thereby in particular the reliability and detection accuracy of the intake particle system according to the invention.

[0051] For maintenance or to check the functionality of an intake particle detection system, in an exemplary variant of the method according to the invention, test particles, in particular as a test aerosol, can be released in one or more of the monitoring areas, wherein the local detector modules detect the scattered light scattered by the test particles and / or the transmitted light passing through the test particles in the third step.

[0052] Preferably, any contamination and / or blockages of intake openings can be localized by the release of test particles, which are contained in particular in a test aerosol. For this purpose, the dilution ratios of the local detector modules assigned to the respective monitoring areas, which are stored as a data model or data set, can be included in the evaluation of the detected scattered light and / or transmitted light. Contamination and / or blockage of an intake opening results in a reduction in the amount of test fluid withdrawn from the assigned monitoring area, which in turn lowers the dilution ratio of the test fluid flow present at the local detector module and consequently higher or lower than in the stored data set or data model.By comparing it with the stored data set or data model, the blocked and / or dirty intake opening can be located.

[0053] Further details, features, feature (sub)combinations, advantages and effects based on the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the drawings. These show in Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an intake particle detection system according to the invention with a central analysis device, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a local detector module, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the first exemplary embodiment of the local detector module from Figure 2 with polarizing filters, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a local detector module, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the second exemplary embodiment of the local detector module from Figure 4 with polarizing filters, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a central analysis device for an intake particle detection system according to the invention, Fig. 7 a schematic diagram of an example signal strength curve for a "fresh air signal", Fig. 8 a schematic diagram of an example signal strength curve for a "fire pattern", Fig. 9 a schematic diagram of an example signal strength curve for a "deceptive quantity", Fig. 10 a schematic diagram of an example signal strength curve for a "pollution pattern" Fig. 11 a flowchart of a first exemplary variant of the method according to the invention for detecting and / or locating a fire and / or the origin of a fire in one or more monitoring areas, Fig. 12a flowchart of a second exemplary variant of the method according to the invention, Fig. 13 a flowchart of a third exemplary variant of the method according to the invention and Fig. 14 a schematic representation for carrying out a plausibility check.

[0054] The figures are merely exemplary and serve only to clarify the invention. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals and are generally described only once.

[0055] The Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an intake particle detection system 100 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the intake particle detection system 100 has, as essential components, a central analysis device 110, a fluid line system 200, and a fiber optic system 300. The fluid line system 200 comprises a pipe and / or hose line 210 (a branch), the first end of which is fluidically connected to an intake device 230, e.g., a fan. The intake device 230 is arranged in a housing 120 of the central analysis device 110. A plurality of intake openings 220 are formed along the pipe and / or hose line 210, which open into respectively assigned monitoring areas, here a total of eight, i = 1-8. In the exemplary embodiment, each monitoring area 1-8 is assigned three intake openings 220.In total, the pipe and / or hose line 210 thus has 24 intake openings 220. The number of intake openings 220 per monitoring area 1-8 can, of course, also vary and depends, for example, on the size of the assigned monitoring area 1-8. During operation, the intake device 230 generates a test fluid flow 211 directed along the pipe and / or hose line 210 in the direction of the intake device 230, wherein a quantity of test fluid is continuously withdrawn from the assigned monitoring areas 1-8 by means of the intake openings 220. In this embodiment, the central analysis device 110 comprises a fundamentally optional, central scattered light detector module 112, which is arranged upstream of the intake device 230.The central scattered light detector module 112 can detect scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow 211, which were taken from one or more of the monitoring areas 1-8 as part of a respective test fluid quantity. A typical value for the transport time of a test fluid quantity along the entire pipe and / or hose line 210 to the central scattered light detector module 112 is, for example, 60 seconds in this embodiment. The central scattered light detector module 112 is preferably designed as a RAS detector module. RAS detector modules are known from the prior art and are commonly used in intake particle detection systems 100.

[0056] The Figure 1The exemplary intake particle detection system 100 shown further comprises a fiber optic system 300 with a fiber optic cable 310, which connects a number of local detector modules 320 in a fiber optic manner to a light receiver 111, in particular in a fiber optic detector module, of the central analysis device 110. Fiber optic detector modules are known from the prior art and are used in particular for locally limited fire monitoring of devices. The fiber optic cable 310 here comprises at least one first fiber optic cable 311, which is provided for forwarding light or scattered light and / or transmitted light detected at one or more of the local detector modules 320 to the light receiver 111. The transmission of the light or scattered light and / or transmitted light detected at the local detector modules 320 to the light receiver 111 occurs almost instantaneously at the speed of light.At least one second optical fiber 312 is provided for transmitting light originating from a light source 113, in particular from a fiber optic detector module, to the respective local detector modules 320. In this embodiment, the local detector modules 320 are each assigned to three intake openings 220 of a respective monitoring area 1-8 and are arranged downstream of the corresponding monitoring area 1-8 within the pipe and / or hose line 210 in the flow direction of the test fluid flow 211.

[0057] In the Figure 2 A schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a local detector module 320 is shown. The local detector module is, for example, according to the Figure 1formed within the pipe and / or hose line 210 of the fluid line system 200. A second fiber end 314 of the second optical fiber 312 is attached to the pipe and / or hose line 210 in such a way that light transmitted via the second fiber end 314 from the second optical fiber 312 is sent into the flow cross-section of the pipe and / or hose line 210 and forms a detection area there that overlaps the test fluid flow 211. A first fiber end 313 of the first optical fiber 311 is also attached to the pipe and / or hose line 210 and directed towards the detection area. The first fiber end 313 and the second fiber end 314 are aligned to one another at a desired angle, here approximately 120°, so that the first fiber end 313 detects scattered light scattered at this angle.

[0058] The exemplary embodiment of the Figure 2 is also in the Figure 3shown schematically. In addition, a second polarizing filter 316 is arranged in front of the second fiber end 314 for polarizing the transmitted light, and a first polarizing filter 315 is arranged in front of the first fiber end 313 for polarizing the scattered light to be detected. Opposite the second polarizing filter 316, an absorber 330 is provided on the inner wall of the pipe and / or hose line 210, which absorbs non-scattered, in particular polarized light. By polarizing light or scattered light in individual local detector modules 320, a local assignment of the detected scattered and / or smoke particles and thus of a possible fire and / or fire origin is simplified by evaluating the transmitted light signals.

[0059] The Figures 4 and 5schematically show a second exemplary embodiment of a local detector module 320, which is designed as a transmitted light detector. In principle, all exemplary embodiments of the invention can also be implemented with such a transmitted light detector, which is used instead of the mostly described local detector modules 320 designed as scattered light detectors. In the transmitted light detector variant, the first fiber end 313 and the second fiber end 314 are aligned opposite one another or at an angle of 180° to one another, so that the first fiber end 313 detects the transmitted light not scattered by scattered and / or smoke particles. In the Figure 5 is the second exemplary embodiment (corresponding to the Figure 3 ) with a first polarizing filter 315 and a second polarizing filter 316.

[0060] A schematic representation of a central analysis device 110 for an embodiment of an intake particle detection system 100 according to the invention, for example according to the Figure 1 , is in the Figure 6shown. According to this embodiment, the central analysis device 110 comprises an intake device 230, in particular a fan, which is fluidically connected to a pipe and / or hose line 210 of the fluid line system 200 of the intake particle detection system 100 and is provided for generating the test fluid flow 211. In the flow direction of the test fluid flow 211, upstream of the intake device 230 and also fluidically connected to the pipe and / or hose line 210, the central scattered light detector module 112 is arranged. This module detects scattered and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow and converts the detected light signals into current and / or voltage signals for further evaluation.To convert light signals transmitted via the at least one first optical fiber 311 of the optical fiber 310 into current and / or voltage signals, a light receiver 111, preferably designed as a photodiode, is provided as a component of the central analysis device 110. According to the illustrated embodiment, the light receiver 111 is part of a fiber optic detector module, which also has a light transmitter or a light source 113, preferably a light-emitting diode. The light emitted by the light source 113 is transmitted as a light signal via the at least one second optical fiber 312 to the respective local detector modules 320. Since the conversion of the respective light signals only takes place within the central analysis device 110, all active or current-carrying components of the intake particle detection system 100 are arranged centrally and outside the respective monitoring spaces 1-8.The components of the intake particle detection system 100 arranged in the monitoring spaces 1-8 are exclusively passive components, which enables use even in potentially explosive atmospheres.

[0061] Furthermore, the central analysis device 110 comprises a programmable processing unit 130 with a memory unit 131, which is connected to the light receiver 111, in particular from the fiber optic detector module, and from the central scattered light detector module 112, in particular the RAS detector module, in a signal-conducting manner for recording and evaluating the signals transmitted by the light receiver 111, in particular from the fiber optic detector module, and by the central scattered light detector module 112, in particular the RAS detector module. For this purpose, the processing unit 130 is equipped with expert software, in particular stored on the memory unit 131. Furthermore, various program sequences for carrying out a method for detecting and / or locating a fire and / or the origin of a fire in one or more of the monitored areas 1-8 are implemented on the memory unit 131. The detection and / or localization of a fire and / or the origin of a fire is carried out by means of the expert software on the basis of stored data models, which include, among other things,the dilution ratios V i present individually at the respective local detector modules 320 as well as the geometric and fluidic properties of the intake particle detection system 100, in particular of the fluid line system 200.

[0062] The Figures 7-10show data models stored on the computing unit 130, in particular the storage unit 131, for detecting and localizing a fire and / or the origin of a fire. The stored data models can be determined empirically and are based on the geometric data of the fluid line system 200, in particular the distances between the intake openings 220, the fluidic properties, e.g., flow velocity and / or volume flow of the test fluid flow, and the dilution ratio V i present individually at the respective local detector models 320. The diagram progressions shown each relate, by way of example, to the evaluation of the test fluid detected by the first local detector module 321, which is assigned to the first monitoring area 1.

[0063] In the Figure 7A typical curve of a "fresh air signal" 410 is plotted over a period of time with, here, 13 exemplary measurement points t-12 to t. The diagram shows a temporal curve of the signal strength si from the values ​​relative to the flow direction of the test fluid flow 211 (see Figure 1 ) first four monitoring areas i = 1-4 are shown. Each monitoring area 1-4 is assigned a local detector module 321, 322, 323, 324, the plotted signal strengths s 1 - s 4 correspond to the scattered light signal detected at the local detector module 321-324 or the current and / or voltage signal resulting therefrom by conversion by means of the light receiver 111 and are shown in the Figure 7purely schematically. A fresh air signal 410 for, for example, the monitoring area 1 is present if no smoke particles are detected in this area and the measured signal strength s 1 is constant over the specified measuring period t-12 to t. The measuring period t-12 to t can be based, among other things, on the transport time of a test fluid quantity through the fluid line system 200. Due to the lighting conditions and / or scattering by other scattering particles such as dust, the signal strength si always has a base value greater than 0. The local detector module 321 assigned to the first monitoring area 1 is, again according to the Figure 1, positioned downstream of the three suction openings 221 arranged in the first monitoring area 1 and consequently has a dilution ratio V 1 of 1:3. In practical implementation, a monitoring area i usually corresponds to a room or a sub-area of ​​a room in a building. In the event of a fire or fire hazard in a room or sub-area of ​​the room corresponding, for example, to the first monitoring area 1, the locally generated smoke particles are only captured by the nearest suction opening 221, whereas the remaining two suction openings 221 continue to suck in fresh air. This leads to a dilution of the test fluid quantity containing the sucked-in smoke particles along the pipe and / or hose line 210, whereby the dilution ratio V 1 of 1:3 is already present at the detector module 321.Between the local detector modules 321-324 there are three further suction openings 222, 223, 224 assigned to the respective monitoring areas 2-4, which is why the dilution ratio V 2 at the local detector module 322 assigned to the second monitoring area 2 is 1:6, the dilution ratio V 3 at the local detector module 323 assigned to the third monitoring area 3 is 1:9 and the dilution ratio V 4 at the local detector module 324 assigned to the fourth monitoring area 4 is 1:12. Accordingly, the individual local detector modules 321-324 show a signal strength s 1 -s 4 that decreases along the pipe and / or hose line 210. When using local detector modules 320 designed as transmitted light detectors, the basic value of the signal strength si is due to the continuous detection of the transmitted light (see . Figures 4 and 5 ) correspondingly higher.

[0064] A respective temporal course of the signal strengths s 1 -s 4 of a "fire pattern" 420 is the Figure 8 As early as time t-11, an increased signal strength s 1 is evident at the first local detector module 321, which continues to increase over the remaining measuring times t-10 to t. Due to the transport time along the pipe and / or hose line 210, the increase in signal strengths s 2 -s 4 at the local detector modules 321-324 is offset in time. At time t-1, the measured signal strength s 1 exceeds an alarm threshold AS 1 stored in the data model and specific to the first local detector module. The alarm thresholds AS 2 -AS 4 of the remaining local detector modules 322-324 are lower due to the higher dilution ratios V 2 -V 4. Conversely, when using local detector modules 320 designed as transmitted light detectors, a lower alarm threshold AS i would have to be defined in each case, which is undershot in the event of a fire.

[0065] In the Figure 9 A temporal progression of the signal strength s 1 is shown, typical for a "deceptive quantity," in which it briefly increases between measurement times t-12 and t-8 and then drops back to the base value between measurement times t-8 and t. A correspondingly time-shifted increase with subsequent decrease in the signal strengths s 2 -s 4 can also be detected at the local detector modules 322-324 with lower values ​​due to dilution. When using local detector modules 320 designed as transmitted-light detectors, a reverse progression would be observed in each case, in which the signal strengths si initially decrease and then rise again.

[0066] The intake particle detection system 100 must be checked for full functionality at regular intervals. For this purpose, a test aerosol can be introduced via the first monitoring area 1 into the pipe and / or hose line 210. A typical "test pattern" 440 together with a typical "contamination pattern" 450 is shown in the diagram of the Figure 10shown as an example and basically corresponds to the signal strength curve of the deceptive quantity 430. By way of example, for the second monitoring area 2 and the third monitoring area 3, the respective curves of the signal strengths s 2' and s 3' , which show the respective contamination pattern 450, are shown in dashed lines. The curves indicate contamination and / or blockage of one or more of the corresponding intake openings 222, 223. In the event of contamination and / or blockage, a smaller quantity of test fluid is sucked in through the respective intake opening 222, 223, the dilution ratio V 2 , V 3 decreases, and the detected signal strengths s 2' , s 3' are above the expected signal strengths s 2 , s 3 . When using local detector modules 320 designed as transmitted light detectors, the respective signal strength curve is correspondingly reversed.

[0067] The Figure 11shows a flow chart of a first exemplary variant of a method according to the invention for detecting and / or locating a fire and / or the origin of a fire in one or more monitoring areas i, which are preferably provided with an intake particle detection system 100 according to the invention, in particular according to the Figure 1, is carried out. The method enables rapid fire detection and is started, or the intake particle detection system 100 is put into operation, by switching on the intake device 230, in particular by means of the computing unit 130. As a result, in a first step A, a test fluid flow 211 is generated along the pipe and / or hose line 210. Via intake openings 220 opening into the monitoring areas i, the atmosphere contained therein, in particular air, is extracted from the monitoring areas i in the form of a respective amount of test fluid and transported towards the intake device 230. As part of the test fluid flow 211, the extracted test fluid quantities pass, in a second step B, all further local detector modules 320 arranged downstream.

[0068] In a third step C, either scattered light which is scattered by scattering and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow 211 and / or in the respective monitoring area i or, alternatively, when using transmitted light detectors as local detector modules 320, the transmitted light passing through the scattering and / or smoke particles is detected by the local detector modules 320 through which it flows and in a fourth step D, the respectively detected scattered light and / or transmitted light is transmitted via at least one light guide 310, according to the Figure 1via the at least one first optical fiber 311, to a central analysis device 110. In the central analysis device 110, the respective signal strength si of the scattered light and / or transmitted light signals originating from the local detector modules 320 assigned to the respective monitoring areas i is measured. For this purpose, it is advantageous to convert the transmitted scattered light and / or transmitted light into a current and / or voltage signal by means of a light receiver 111, in particular by means of an optical fiber detector module, which can then be digitally processed by the computing unit 130 of the central analysis device 110.

[0069] In order to detect a fire and / or the beginning of a fire, the respective signal strengths si are evaluated by the range unit 130 in a fifth step E. For this purpose, the computing unit 130 checks each signal strength si detected by a local detector module 320 to determine whether an alarm threshold AS i individually stored for this local detector module 320 is exceeded (see Figure 8 "Fire pattern"). If the detected signal strength si of at least one of the local detector modules 320 exceeds the value of the associated alarm threshold AS i (= Y), a fire and / or the onset of a fire is detected and can advantageously be reported in a sixth step F. If the detected signal strength si of none of the local detector modules 320 exceeds the value of the associated alarm threshold AS i (= N; see Figure 7"Fresh air signal"), but also optionally following a fire and / or fire origin report, the method is continued, with steps A to E being carried out continuously. When using local detector modules 320 designed as transmitted light detectors, the detection is carried out in reverse, provided that the detected signal strength si of at least one of the local detector modules 320 falls below the value of the associated alarm threshold AS i.

[0070] In addition to detection, the fire and / or the origin of the fire can also be localized in the fifth step E. The detected scattered light signal (or transmitted light signal), the signal strength si of which exceeds (or falls below) the associated alarm threshold AS i, is assigned to the associated local detector module 320 and consequently to the monitoring area i in which the scattered and / or smoke particles are present. For this purpose, the suction openings 220 assigned to the individual monitoring areas i are expediently connected in series along the pipe and / or hose line 210, whereby the dilution of the test fluid flow 211 increases in the direction of the suction device 230. The resulting dilution ratios V i for the respective monitoring areas i orat the assigned local detector module 320 are stored as a data set or data model on the memory unit 131 of the computing unit 130 and can be correlated or compared with the detected signal strengths si to localize the fire and / or the fire origin. In the sixth step F, upon detection of a fire and / or a fire hazard, the location of the fire and / or fire hazard is then expediently also reported using the assigned local detector module 320 or monitoring area i, before the method is continuously continued with step A.

[0071] A flowchart of a second exemplary variant of a method according to the invention for detecting and / or locating a fire and / or the origin of a fire, in which a plausibility check 400 is also carried out in step E, can be Figure 12can be taken. Steps A, B and C are carried out according to the first exemplary variant. In the fourth step D, the respective signal strength si of the scattered light and / or transmitted light signals originating from the associated monitoring areas i is measured and additionally stored in the memory unit 131 of the computing unit 130. In this case, a temporal profile of the signal strengths si over a previously defined period of time is created by storing measured values ​​of the detected signal strengths si at periodically recurring times t-12 to t. The measurement data profiles determined in this way are compared as part of the plausibility check 400 with data sets or data models stored in the memory unit 131, for example in the form of recognition patterns, which depict typical temporal profiles of signal strengths si for the respective case over the times t-12 to t.Below, three possible steps of a plausibility check 400 are explained in more detail.

[0072] If a comparison of the curve of the detected signal strengths si with a stored fresh air signal 410 performed by the computing unit 130 provides a sufficient match (= Y), the plausibility check 400 can be completed and the method can be continued continuously with the first step A. If the comparison performed does not provide a sufficient match (= N), the plausibility check 400 is continued.

[0073] Here, the computing unit 130 can check for the presence of a (short-term) deceptive quantity 430 by comparing the curve of the detected signal strengths si with a correspondingly stored detection pattern for a deceptive quantity 430. If the test result is positive (= Y), a message 431 regarding the presence of a deceptive quantity 430 can be output, and the method continues continuously with the first step A. If the test for the presence of a deceptive quantity 430 is negative (= N), the plausibility check 400 is continued.

[0074] Part of the plausibility check can also be a comparison of the curve of the recorded signal strengths si with a correspondingly stored fire pattern 420. If the curve of the recorded signal strengths si deviates from the expected fire pattern 420 (= N), the process continues continuously with the first step A. If, however, a (sufficient) match with the expected fire pattern 420 is determined, a fire and / or a fire origin is reported in step F together with the monitoring area i from which the scattered and / or smoke particles originate.

[0075] Both the described steps of the plausibility check 400 and their sequence are exemplary in each case. All steps are optional and can be included in the process flow as needed or supplemented and / or replaced by additional steps. For example, within the scope of the plausibility check 400, the test fluid quantities taken from the one or more monitoring areas i can also be redundantly recorded by the central scattered light detector module 112, and the data set determined by the central scattered light detector module 112 can be compared with the data sets originating from the local detector modules 320.

[0076] In the flowchart of the Figure 13A third exemplary process sequence is shown, in which the intake particle detection system 100 is exposed to a test aerosol containing test particles for maintenance and to check its full functionality. To initiate the program sequence, the intake particle detection system 100 is started in a service mode, and the suction device 230 is switched on to generate the test fluid flow 211. The test aerosol is introduced into one or more monitoring areas i, removed via the suction openings 220 as a component of the test fluid quantities, and passes through the local detector modules 320 in the test fluid flow 211 (steps A, B). As a result, the local detector modules 320 detect scattered light scattered by the test particles or transmitted light passing through the test particles, which is forwarded to the central analysis device 110 and measured there (steps C and D).The measured signal strength si is recorded over a specified period of time and the recorded curves are subjected to a plausibility check 400 procedure provided for the test aerosol.

[0077] Here, the computing unit 130 compares the temporal profiles of the signal strengths si transmitted by the local detector modules 320 with a test pattern 440 typical for the test aerosol and stored in the storage unit 131. If a test pattern 440 and thus the introduction of the test aerosol into the fluid line system 200 is detected (= Y), the plausibility check 400 is continued; if the result is negative (= N), the method is continued from the first step A.

[0078] Following the detection of the test aerosol, the computing unit 130 performs a check for contamination of one or more intake openings 220 by comparing the temporal progression of the signal strengths si transmitted by the local detector modules 320 with a contamination pattern 450. An exemplary contamination pattern 450, in which intake openings 222 and 223 assigned to the second monitoring area 2 and the third monitoring area 3 are blocked and / or contaminated, is shown in the Figure 10shown as an example and has already been explained in the corresponding description paragraph above. If, based on the comparison carried out, no contamination and / or blockage is detected (= N), a corresponding message "clean" 451 is output and the process or program sequence can be terminated. If, however, contamination and / or blockage is detected (= Y), the corresponding monitoring area i is monitored according to the second exemplary process sequence according to the Figure 12 in the fifth step E. In the sixth process step F, the contamination and / or blockage is reported together with the associated monitoring area i before the process or program sequence is terminated.

[0079] Finally, the Figure 14A schematic overview of the plausibility check 400 can be taken, in which, on the one hand, the data sets 401 measured with the local detector modules 320, the data set 402 measured with the central scattered light detector module 112, and, on the other hand, the data sets or data models 403 based on the geometric and fluidic properties of the fluid line system 200, in particular the dilution ratios Vi, which are stored in the storage unit 131, are included. By comparing the measured values ​​with the stored values, a fresh air signal 410, a fire pattern 420, a deceptive variable 430, a test pattern 440, and / or a contamination pattern 450 can be detected and their cause localized within the scope of the plausibility check 400. Pattern recognition can be carried out using known image recognition methods, such as CNN (convolutional neural network). List of reference symbols

[0080] 100Intake particle detection system 110Central analysis device 111Light receiver 112Central scattered light detector module, in particular RAS detector module 113Light source 120Housing 130Computing unit, in particular processor 131Storage unit 200 Fluid line system 210 Pipe and / or hose line 211 Test fluid flow 220 Intake opening 221 Intake openings of the first monitoring area 222 Intake openings of the second monitoring area 223 Intake openings of the third monitoring area 224 Intake openings of the fourth monitoring area 230 Intake device 300 Optical fiber system 310 Optical fiber 311 First optical fiber 312 Second optical fiber 313 First fiber end 314 Second fiber end 315 First polarizing filter 316 Second polarizing filter 320 Local detector module 321 Local detector module of the first monitoring area 322 Local detector module of the second monitoring area 323 Local detector module of the third monitoring area 324 Local detector module of the fourth monitoring area 330 Absorber 400Plausibility check 401Measured data set, local detector module 402Measured data set, central scattered light detector module 403Stored data sets or data models 410Fresh air signal 420Fire pattern 430Deceptive quantity 431Deceptive quantity message 440Test pattern 450Contamination pattern 451"Clean" message i = 1 ... xMonitoring range AS i Alarm threshold si Signal strength si' Detected signal strength tTime V i Dilution ratio NNo YYes AFirst step BSecond step CThird step DFourth step EFifth step FSixth step

Claims

1. An intake particle detection system (100) for recognising and localising a fire and / or the development of a fire in one or more monitored areas (100) comprising - a fluid conduit system (200) with at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210) which opens into the one or more monitored areas (i) via a plurality of intake openings (220) for the respective removal of a quantity of test fluid and, a intake device (230), which is connected to the at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210) in a manner which conducts fluids in order to generate a test fluid flow (211) along the at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210) as well as - an optical fibre system (300) with a plurality of local detector modules (320) which are each assigned to at least one intake opening (220) and are designed for the local detection and forwarding of scattered light which is scattered by scattered particles and / or smoke particles that are present in the respective monitored area (i) and the test fluid flow (211) and / or for the detection and forwarding of forwarded light passing through the scattered particles and / or smoke particles and are arranged within the test fluid flow (211) and with at least one optical fibre (310), which is in a light-conducting connection with the local detector modules (320) and a central analysis device (110) for analysing the scattered light and / or forwarded light that, in each case, is detected and forwarded by the local detector modules (320), and wherein, in order to assign the forwarded scattered light and / or forwarded light to the respective local detector modules (320), either - the central analysis device (110) comprises at least one modulation means for modulating the light emitted by at least one light source (113) and for assigning the scattered light and / or forwarded light detected by at least one light receiver (111) to the plurality of local detector modules (320), or - the local detector modules (320) are arranged along the at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210) and are each assigned to a predetermined number of intake openings (220), wherein a desired dilution ratio (Vi) of the test fluid flow (211) can be defined as required at the respective local detector module (320), or - the optical fibre comprises respective first and second fibre optical waveguides (311, 312) associated with the local detector modules.

2. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the local detector modules (320) are each arranged within a flow cross-section of the at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210).

3. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one optical fibre (310) of the optical fibre system (300) is designed as a fibre optic cable or glass fibre cable with at least one first fibre optical waveguide (311) and at least one second fibre optical waveguide (312) for transmitting light and / or scattered light between the plurality of local detector modules (320) and the central analysis device (110).

4. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claim 3, characterised in that the local detector modules (320) each have a first fibre end (313) of a first optical waveguide (311) and a second fibre end (314) of a second fibre optical waveguide (312), wherein the first fibre end (313) of the first optical waveguide (311) and the second fibre end (314) of the second fibre optical waveguide (312) are aligned at a selectable angle to one another as required.

5. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the central analysis device (110) comprises at least one light receiver (111) for converting the scattered light that has been forwarded, especially into a flow signal and / or voltage signal, and preferably a light source (113), wherein the at least one fibre optical waveguide (311) is connected to the light receiver (111) in a manner that conducts light and the at least one second fibre optical waveguide (312) is connected to the light source (113) especially in a manner that conducts light.

6. The intake particle detection system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that dilution ratios (Vi) determined as required, which are present at the respective local detector modules (320), are stored as a data set or data model (403) in the central analysis device (110).

7. The intake particle detection system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central analysis device (110) has at least one central scattered light detector module (112) through which fluid flows, which is connected to the fluid conduit system (200) in a manner which conducts fluids, especially to the at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210) and is designed for the central detection of scattered light that is scattered by scattered particles and / or smoke particles which are contained in the test fluid flow (211).

8. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that the central analysis device (110) has a computing unit (130) which is designed to evaluate the scattered light detected by the central scattered light detector module (112) through which the fluid flows.

9. The intake particle detection system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central analysis device (110) has a computing unit (130) which is designed to evaluate the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by the one or more local detector modules (320) and / or to correlate it with the dilution ratios (Vi) stored as a data set or data model (403).

10. A method for detecting and localising a fire and / or the development of a fire in one or more monitored areas (i), for an intake particle detection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - in a first step (A), a respective quantity of test fluid is withdrawn from the one or more monitored areas (i) via a fluid conduit system (200) with at least one pipe line and / or hose line (210) and one or more intake openings (220), each opening into a monitored area (i), - in a second step (B), the quantity of test fluid withdrawn from the one or more monitored areas (i) flows as part of a test fluid flow (211) through one or more local detector modules (320), each of which is assigned to one or more intake openings (220), - in a third step (C), scattered light, which is scattered by scattered particles and / or smoke particles contained in the test fluid flow (211) and / or in the respective monitored area (i), and / or transmitted light, which passes through the scattered and / or smoke particles, is detected by the one or more local detector modules (320) through which the fluid flows, - in a fourth step (D), the respectively detected scattered light and / or transmitted light is forwarded to a central analysis device (110) via at least one optical fibre (310), and - in a fifth step (E), the forwarded scattered light and / or transmitted light is evaluated by means of the central analysis device (110) for detecting a fire and / or the development of a fire and is assigned to the respective local detector module or modules (320) for localising a fire and / or the development of a fire.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterised in that a fire and / or the development of a fire is detected if the scattered light detected by at least one local detector module (320) and forwarded to the central analysis device (110) exceeds an alarm threshold (ASi) that is stored there.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the detected and forwarded scattered light and / or transmitted light is assigned to the respective local detector modules (320) by correlating a data set or data model (403) stored in the central analysis device (110) at dilution ratios (Vi) defined for the respective local detector modules (320) using the forwarded scattered light and / or transmitted light.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the quantities of test fluid withdrawn from the one or more monitored areas (i) each flow through a central scattered light detector module (112) as a test fluid flow (211) and the scattered light detected by the central scattered light detector module (112) is compared with the scattered light and / or transmitted light detected by the one or more local detector modules (320).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that test particles are released in one or more of the monitored areas (i) or in the vicinity of one or more intake openings (220), especially as a test aerosol, wherein the local detector modules (320) detect the scattered light scattered by the test particles and / or the transmitted light passing the test particles in the third step (C).