Testing the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector by means of a user using a mobile terminal

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Checking the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector with the help of a user using a mobile device

[0003] The invention relates to two methods for checking the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector with the assistance of a user. Room air containing smoke and / or fire gas to be detected is sucked in via an intake pipe connected to a fire detector unit of the aspirating smoke detector in order to determine a fire parameter by measurement. The intake pipe has several distributed intake openings between the fire detector unit and a remote pipe end. Such aspirating smoke detectors are also referred to in technical terms as ASDs (for Aspirated Smoke Detectors).

[0004] The invention further relates to a (first) aspirating smoke detector with at least one aspirating / detector unit. The latter has a fire detector unit for the metrological determination of a fire parameter and an aspirating unit upstream or downstream of the fire detector unit in the aspirating direction. The aspirating unit is in particular a fan. It can also be a pump. The aspirating smoke detector further comprises an aspirating pipe connected to the aspirating / detector unit for sucking in room air containing smoke and / or fire gas to be detected. The aspirating pipe has a plurality of distributed aspirating openings between the aspirating / detector unit and a remote pipe end. The aspirating smoke detector further comprises a data interface, such as a radio data interface, and an (electronic) control unit connected to the fire detector unit and to the data interface.

[0005] The control unit, preferably a microcontroller, is set up or programmed to issue a fire alarm, preferably at the data interface, in particular when a fire is detected. The fire alarm can, for example, be issued directly at the suction / detector unit, for example by means of a flashing or continuously lit LED. The fire alarm can alternatively or additionally be issued on a display on the suction / detector unit. It can also alternatively or additionally be issued acoustically, for example via a connected loudspeaker or a connected horn. Finally, the fire alarm can alternatively or additionally be issued via the data interface, either wired or wirelessly, to a higher-level fire alarm control panel.

[0006] The invention further relates to a (second) aspirating smoke detector which, in comparison to the (first) aspirating smoke detector, also has a first logical clock, in particular a real-time clock, as well as a control unit connected to the fire detector unit, to the data interface, and to the first logical clock. The control unit is, in turn, configured to issue a fire alarm at the data interface in the event of a detected fire.

[0007] The invention further relates to a computer program, in particular a test application for execution on a microprocessor of a mobile communication terminal, in particular on a smartphone.

[0008] Finally, the invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, in particular a smartphone, comprising at least one microprocessor for executing such a computer program loaded into a non-volatile memory or a flash memory of the communication terminal.

[0009] From the international patent application WO 2005 / 048207 A1 a method and a device for detecting and locating sources of fire in at least one interstitial space are known. An air sample representing the room air of the individual interstitial spaces is taken from each of the individual interstitial spaces via a common intake pipe system. At least one fire characteristic is detected in the air samples sucked in via the intake pipe system using a detector for detecting fire characteristics. According to the invention therein, the sucked-in air samples and those located in the intake pipe system are blown out using a blow-out device or suction / blowing device. Air samples are sucked in again from the individual interstitial spaces via the intake pipe system, at least until the detector again detects a fire characteristic in an air sample.The time required for the repeated air sampling to detect the fire characteristic is evaluated to locate the location of an incipient or existing fire in one of the numerous interstitial spaces. Finally, a signal is output indicating the incipient and / or existing fire in at least one of the interstitial spaces.

[0010] According to one embodiment on page 15 of the description, the device has a smoke generator which is arranged at an intake opening and which can artificially generate a fire parameter for adjusting and testing the fire detection device. When commissioning the fire detection device, it is thus possible to put it into a self-learning mode in which smoke is generated at the furthest intake opening using the smoke generator and in which the propagation time of the artificially generated smoke or the artificially generated fire parameter is measured. This makes it possible to measure a maximum propagation time, based on this and knowing the pipe configuration, the propagation times for all intake openings are calculated.

[0011] An aspirating smoke detector sucks air samples from rooms via the suction pipe and feeds them to the fire detection unit. The suction pipes can extend over several 100 m, for example in a range of 100 m to 1000 m. Aspirated smoke or fire gases must therefore be detected over their entire length up to the fire detection unit. The time required for this is also referred to as the transport time or dead time. This transport time is typically related to the time required from the entry of smoke or fire gases at the suction opening furthest from the fire detection unit, i.e. at the far end of the suction pipe, until detection in the fire detection unit. For long suction pipes the transport time can be in the range of minutes. The maximum transport time for a pipe length of 200 m, an average flow velocity of 1 m / s and smoke suction at a pipe end remote from the fire detector unit is approx.200 seconds .

[0012] The intake pipes can become dirty over time. They can also leak, which leads to dilution of the drawn-in smoke particles with ambient air. Both of these factors increase transport time and cause a delay in the triggering of a fire alarm. Periodic inspections therefore include monitoring the air flow or measuring the transport time.

[0013] To check the transport time, two service technicians are typically required, the first of whom applies a test fluid, in particular a smoke aerosol, to the furthest suction hole of the aspirating pipe, and the second of whom checks the aspirating smoke detector for an alarm. Both service technicians must act synchronously, i.e., the first technician applies the test fluid to the furthest suction hole at a time t1 and notes this time. The second technician at the ASD notes the time of the alarm t2. The resulting transport time is then the time difference t2 minus t1.

[0014] This process is time-consuming and costly due to the personnel required. Furthermore, it is prone to errors: The times recorded by the technicians may be inaccurate because their clocks are not synchronized, or incorrect times may be recorded.

[0015] Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, it is an object of the invention to provide two simplified methods for checking the transport time of an aspirating smoke detector as well as two improved aspirating smoke detectors.

[0016] The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous process variants and embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the first method according to the invention, the user connects to the aspirating smoke detector via a wireless data connection using a mobile device. The mobile device or mobile communication device is, in particular, a smartphone, such as an iPhone® or an Android smartphone. Alternatively or additionally, it can be a tablet or a notebook. To enable a wireless data connection with the aspirating smoke detector, the latter has a wireless data interface.

[0018] Upon receipt of a user input from the mobile device, the aspirating smoke detector switches from an operating mode to a test mode to check the transport time.

[0019] At least approximately at the same time as the user input on the mobile device, a test fluid is dispensed by the same user into or at one of the intake openings at the remote end of the pipe.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention, the time period measured by the aspirating smoke detector between the received user input and the detection of the test fluid in the fire detector unit is determined as the transport time and is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector to the mobile terminal via the radio data connection.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, upon detection of the test fluid in the fire detection unit, the aspirating smoke detector transmits a detection signal via the wireless data connection to the mobile device to determine the transport time. Typically, the detection signal is emitted by the aspirating smoke detector when a minimum level, such as a minimum smoke level, for fire detection is exceeded in the fire detection unit configured to measure a fire characteristic.

[0022] The test fluid is preferably a test aerosol or a test gas, such as carbon monoxide (CO).

[0023] "At least approximately simultaneously" refers to a time interval between a user's input to start the inventive method for checking the transport time by pressing a button or a corresponding softkey on the mobile device and the dispensing of the test fluid, typically by the same user. The test fluid is usually dispensed by pressing a spray head on a pressurized spray can containing the test fluid. This time interval is in the range of less than 3 seconds, in particular less than 2 seconds, and preferably less than 1.5 seconds.

[0024] The transmission time between pressing the button or softkey on the mobile device (user input) and receiving the user input by the aspirating smoke detector via an existing radio data connection is negligible and typically less than 1 second.

[0025] The particular advantage of the inventive method for checking the transport time is that, on the one hand, no stationary smoke or test fluid generator is required. On the other hand, only a single service technician is required to perform the aspirating smoke detector check, which is also more reliable and precise.

[0026] According to one variant of the method, the determined transport time is displayed on the mobile device, in particular on the user's mobile device. This advantageously allows the user to evaluate the transmitted transport time on-site.

[0027] According to one variant of the method, a test result determined by the aspirating smoke detector is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector via the radio data connection to the mobile device for output to the user, in particular of the mobile device, by comparing the measured transport time with a reference time stored in the aspirating smoke detector or received from the mobile device. The reference time is preferably a transport time of the aspirating smoke detector determined by measurement during proper operation of the aspirating smoke detector. Alternatively, it can be a fluidically simulated reference time. The test result is determined by calculating the difference between the measured transport time and the reference time stored in the aspirating smoke detector or in the mobile device.

[0028] According to a method variant which is alternative to the previous method variant, a test result determined by the mobile device is output to the user, in particular of the mobile device, on the mobile device by comparing the transport time received from the aspirating smoke detector with a reference time stored in the mobile device or received from the aspirating smoke detector.

[0029] In an alternative method to the two previous variants, the mobile device determines a time interval between the user input on the mobile device and the receipt of the detection signal by the aspirating smoke detector as the transport time. A test result determined by the mobile device is then output to the user on the mobile device by comparing the determined transport time with a reference time stored in the mobile device or received from the aspirating smoke detector.

[0030] In the aforementioned variants, the test result is, in the simplest case, displayed on the mobile device's screen. Alternatively or additionally, it can be displayed acoustically, such as through a voice message or an acoustic signal, or haptically, such as through vibration, on the mobile device.

[0031] As a test result, a pass message is preferably output on the mobile device if the measured or determined transport time falls short of a predetermined reference time. This can be, for example, a text or voice output on the mobile device with the content «OK», «Test passed» or a corresponding symbol such as «thumbs up». Otherwise, a fail message is preferably output as the test result on the mobile device. This can be, for example, a text or voice output on the mobile device with the content «Not OK», «Test failed» or a corresponding symbol such as «thumbs down».

[0032] The object of the invention is further achieved by a second method according to the invention, in which the user connects to the aspirating smoke detector with a mobile terminal via a radio data connection in order to synchronize a first logical clock of the aspirating smoke detector with a second logical clock of the mobile terminal. The first logical clock is typically a real-time clock that more or less corresponds to the physical time of a locally applicable or assigned world time zone. However, over the operating time of an aspirating smoke detector, the first logical clock can deviate from the relevant physical time by up to several minutes.Further according to the invention, at least approximately simultaneously with a user input on the mobile device for saving a current start time of the mobile device, a test fluid is dispensed by the same user into or at one of the intake openings at the remote end of the intake pipe. After dispensing the test fluid and the user input for saving a current start time, the user can return to the intake / detector unit.

[0033] The transport time is determined as a time difference between the alarm time stored in the aspirating smoke detector and read by the user via the wireless data connection and the start time stored in the mobile device. This time is displayed on the mobile device for evaluation by the user. Typically, the alarm time is already stored after the test fluid has been detected by the fire detector unit, before the user reaches the aspirating / detector unit again after the test fluid has been released at the remote pipe end. This method for checking the transport time is particularly simple and quick.

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

[0035] This method is advantageous for aspirating smoke detectors that are used on-site in a building in stand-alone operation and without a data connection to the internet, and therefore do not have data access to an internet connection. This could, for example, be systems to be monitored in a basement or in a data-shielded high-security area. According to a method variant that applies to both methods, the mobile device and the aspirating smoke detector are connected to one another directly or indirectly via a radio data connection, in particular via an IP radio data connection. The radio data connection is based in particular on a mobile communications standard, such as a 4G or 5G standard, a WLAN standard or a Bluetooth standard. Alternatively, the radio data connection can be based on an NFC, ZigBee or Thread standard.

[0036] According to another variant, applicable to both methods, the aspirating smoke detector is connected to a higher-level fire alarm control panel via a detector bus. The aspirating smoke detector can be connected to the fire alarm control panel via a wired or wireless detector bus. The fire alarm control panel is connected to a cloud infrastructure or a web server via an IP data connection. The mobile device is connected to the fire alarm control panel as a router via a WLAN or mobile data connection to the cloud infrastructure or the web server.

[0037] According to a further variant applicable to both methods, the output of a potential fire alarm is suppressed in test mode, in particular for a predefined suppression time. The latter lies in a time range of 1 minute to 20 minutes, in particular in a range of 5 minutes to 15 minutes. By suppressing the output of a potential fire alarm during the transport time check of the aspirating smoke detector, it is advantageous to prevent a false alarm from being generated or output if the test fluid or test gas enters the fire detector unit and is detected there.

[0038] The object of the invention is further achieved by a first aspirating smoke detector whose control unit is configured or programmed to query the data interface upon receipt of a user input for checking the transport time. The control unit is further configured to switch from an operating mode to a test mode upon receipt of the user input.

[0039] Finally, the control unit is configured to output a transport time, measured from the receipt of the user input until detection by the fire detector unit, to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to output a detection signal directly to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector upon detection by the fire detector unit.

[0040] This allows the measured transport time or the detection signal to be recorded and further processed by a remote station connected to the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector, in particular by a mobile terminal or by a fire alarm control panel.

[0041] The control unit is in particular an electronic control unit and preferably a processor-based control unit, such as a microcontroller.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to output a test result determined during the transport time check from the comparison of the measured transport time with a reference time stored in the aspirating smoke detector or received from the data interface at the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is set up to output a pass message as the test result at the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector if the measured or determined transport time falls short of a predetermined reference time. This can be, for example, a text or voice output on the mobile device with the content «OK», «Test passed» or a corresponding symbol such as «thumbs up». Preferably, the control unit is further set up to output a fail message as the test result at the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector in the other case. This can be, for example, a text or voice output on the mobile device with the content «Not OK», «Test failed» or a corresponding symbol such as «thumbs down».

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the data interface has at least one wireless data interface. The at least one wireless data interface is based on a Bluetooth and / or ZigBee and / or Thread and / or NFC and / or WLAN and / or mobile radio standard.

[0045] Preferably, the data interface has at least one radio data interface that is based exclusively on a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread standard and / or on an NFC standard.

[0046] According to the NFC standard, wireless data transmission occurs via inductive coupling over a maximum distance of a few centimeters, in particular less than 5 cm. In other words, wireless data transmission between the wireless data interface of the aspirating smoke detector and the remote device, in particular the designated mobile communication device, only occurs within the aforementioned distance.

[0047] Preferably, the radio data interface of the aspirating smoke detector, which is based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee or Thread standard, is set up for radio data transmission at a maximum distance of up to 50 meters, in particular up to 25 meters, to a mobile communication terminal provided as the counterpart, in particular a smartphone. According to a further embodiment, the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector is set up to output the measured transport time or the detection signal at the radio data interface and / or to receive a valid reference time from the radio data interface only if a connection establishment between the radio data interface and a communication device connected or coupled thereto, in particular to a mobile terminal, has been authorized by the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector.This advantageously increases security against unauthorized access to the aspirating smoke detector by third parties. Authorization can be achieved, for example, by transmitting a valid ID, possibly including login data and password, from the mobile device via the radio data interface to the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector. The control unit is configured accordingly to verify the aforementioned ID and, if applicable, the login data and password.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to switch from test mode back to the operating mode of the aspirating smoke detector if the control unit receives a deregistration of a communication device, in particular the mobile terminal, from the radio data interface or if the control unit detects the interruption of an already established radio data connection with the communication device for a minimum period of time. This also advantageously increases security against unauthorized access to the aspirating smoke detector by third parties.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the data interface has a wired data interface for connecting the aspirating smoke detector to a detector bus of a higher-level fire alarm control panel. This enables not only the transmission of a fire alarm in the event of a detected fire, but also the transmission of the measured transport time or a detection signal to the fire alarm control panel for possible further processing. Finally, according to a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to suppress the output of a fire alarm detected by the fire detector unit in test mode, in particular for a predefinable suppression time. The latter is in a time range from 1 minute to 20 minutes, in particular in a range from 5 minutes to 15 minutes. This advantageously prevents the output of a possible false alarm.

[0050] The object of the invention is further achieved by a second aspirating smoke detector, in which the data interface has at least one radio data interface. The at least one radio data interface is based on a Bluetooth and / or ZigBee and / or Thread and / or NEC and / or WLAN and / or mobile radio standard.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the invention, the control unit is configured or programmed to query the radio data interface upon receipt of a synchronization request in order to synchronize the first logical clock of the aspirating smoke detector with a time received from the radio data interface or to output a current time of the first logical clock to the radio data interface.

[0052] In the first case, the time of the first logical clock in the aspirating smoke detector is set to the time received from the mobile device, which matches the current time of the logical clock in the mobile device. In the second case, the current time of the first logical clock is transmitted to the mobile device to set the second logical clock to the time of the first logical clock.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the invention, the control unit is configured to query the radio data interface upon receipt of an output request for an alarm time in order to output the alarm time stored in the aspirating smoke detector to the radio data interface. This advantageously allows the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector to be determined by the mobile terminal by calculating the time difference between the start time stored in the mobile terminal and the alarm time received from the aspirating smoke detector and outputting it on a display of the mobile terminal.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to switch from an operating mode to a test mode upon receipt of the synchronization request in order to suppress at least the output of a fire alarm for a predeterminable suppression time, as described above. The output of a possible false alarm is thereby advantageously and effectively prevented.

[0055] Finally, according to a further embodiment, the at least one radio data interface of the aspirating smoke detector is a radio data interface based exclusively on a Bluetooth and / or ZigBee and / or Thread and / or an NFC standard.

[0056] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a computer program, in particular by a test application, which comprises program code means in order to carry out all the steps of any of the method claims according to the invention when the computer program is executed on a microprocessor of a mobile communication terminal, in particular on a smartphone. The mobile communication terminal is in particular a smartphone, such as an iPhone® or an Android smartphone. The test application, also referred to as test app for short, can be downloaded, for example, by the mobile communication terminal from an app store, such as in the case of an iPhone®, or from a play store, such as in the case of an Android smartphone, and stored there in a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory.Finally, the object of the invention is achieved by a mobile communications terminal, in particular by a smartphone, which comprises a microprocessor and a radio module, a main memory, a non-volatile memory and a touch-sensitive display (touchscreen) which are each connected to it for data purposes. The radio module is provided or configured to output a user input for starting the check of a transport time of an aspirating smoke detector and, if appropriate, to output a reference time, and to receive a transport time or a detection signal and, if appropriate, the reference time or a test result after checking the transport time. The non-volatile memory, in particular the flash memory, is provided, among other things, for storing a computer program according to the invention, in particular the test application, and for possibly storing the reference time.The touch-sensitive display is intended, among other things, for user input to start the check of the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector and for outputting the test result after checking the transport time on the touch-sensitive display.

[0057] The invention and advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained using the example of the following figures. In these figures:

[0058] FIG 1 shows an aspirating smoke detector in radio data connection with a mobile terminal when starting the first method according to the invention with the help of a user,

[0059] FIG 2 the example according to FIG 1 while waiting for the detection of a test fluid applied by the user at a remote intake opening,

[0060] FIG 3 the example according to FIG 1 at the time of arrival and detection of the test fluid in a suction / detector unit of the aspirating smoke detector, FIG 4 a mobile terminal using the example of a smartphone,

[0061] FIG 5 the example according to FIG 3 at the time of arrival of the test fluid in a suction / detector unit of the aspirating smoke detector with subsequent transmission of a failure message.

[0062] FIG 1 shows an aspirating smoke detector ASD in a radio data connection IP with a mobile terminal MOB at the time of starting the first method according to the invention for checking the transport time with the help of a user.

[0063] The upper part of FIG 1 shows an aspirating smoke detector ASD which has an aspirating / detector unit ADE and, for example, only one aspirating pipe R connected to the aspirating / detector unit ADE for sucking in room air containing smoke and / or fire gases to be detected. The aspirating pipe R has a number of distributed aspirating openings OE between the aspirating / detector unit ADE and a remote pipe end END. The aspirating / detector unit ADE itself comprises a fire detector unit DET for the metrological determination of a fire parameter, such as smoke density, as well as an aspirating unit L in the form of a fan connected downstream of the fire detector unit DET in the aspirating direction. The aspirating / detector unit ADE typically forms a structural unit to which one or more aspirating pipes R can be connected to a pipe connection AN.

[0064] Furthermore, the aspirating smoke detector ASD, here preferably the aspirating / detector unit ADE, comprises a data interface FS, COM and an electronic control unit MC connected to the fire detector unit DET and to the data interface FS, COM. The data interface FS, COM can, for example, comprise a radio data interface FS and a preferably wired data interface COM for connecting the aspirating smoke detector ASD to a detector bus. Typically, a fire alarm is transmitted via this detector bus to a fire alarm control panel connected to the detector bus when a fire is detected.

[0065] The electronic control unit MC does not necessarily have to be located in the aspiration / detector unit ADE. It can, for example, be implemented using a cloud service application of a cloud infrastructure that is connected to the fire detection unit DET.

[0066] In the present example, according to the invention, the user is already connected to the aspirating smoke detector ASD or the aspirating / detector unit ADE via a wireless data connection IP with a mobile terminal device MOB, here a smartphone. For the technical implementation of checking the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, a suitable programmed test application T-APP, or Test-APP for short, is loaded and executed on the smartphone MOB. The wireless data connection IP is preferably based on a Bluetooth standard or a WLAN standard. In the latter case, the wireless data interface FS itself forms a WLAN node. In other words, the aspirating smoke detector ASD or the aspirating / detector unit ADE then has a Bluetooth and / or a WLAN wireless data interface FS. Of course, this can also be based on a mobile radio standard, such as a 4G or 5G mobile radio standard.In this case, the wireless data connection IP between the aspirating smoke detector ASD or between the aspirating / detector unit ADE and the mobile terminal MOB is not direct, but indirectly via a mobile radio network.

[0067] According to the invention, in order to check the transport time of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, the aspirating smoke detector ASD changes from an operating mode to a test mode upon a user input TEST received from the mobile terminal MOB. In the present example, the user touches a button BUT displayed on the touch-sensitive display DSP of the smartphone MOB to start the inventive check of the transport time in the form of a so-called "soft key". The display DSP in this case is a touchscreen, i.e. a touch-sensitive display. In test mode, at least the output of a possible fire alarm is suppressed in order to ignore an alarm that is now pending and to be expected upon the detection of a test fluid TG in the detector unit DET, since according to the invention the test fluid TG is dispensed by the user at the suction opening OE at the remote pipe end END at least at approximately the same time as this user input TEST on the mobile terminal MOB.In the present example, the test fluid TG is dispensed by the user pressing a spray nozzle on a pressurized spray can at an intake opening OE located as far away as possible from the intake / detector unit ADE. The reference symbol TV denotes a reference time stored electronically in the intake / detector unit ADE or in the mobile terminal device MOB.

[0068] FIG 2 shows the example according to FIG 1 while waiting for the detection of a test fluid TG dispensed by the user at a remote intake opening OF. As FIG 2 shows, the test fluid TG introduced into the interior of the intake pipe R moves from right to left in the direction of the intake / detector unit ADE. During this time, the exemplary smartphone MOB shows a waiting message on the display DSP for the user's information. After dispensing the test fluid TG and pressing the start button BUT, the user can return to the intake / detector unit ADE.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows the example according to FIG. 1 at the time of arrival and detection of the test fluid TG in an aspiration / detector unit ADE of the aspirating smoke detector ASD. The detection is symbolized by a flame symbol.

[0070] According to the invention, the transport time T is the time taken by the

[0071] The time period measured by the aspirating smoke detector ASD between the received user input TEST and the detection of the test fluid TG in the fire detector unit DET is determined. The transport time T is then transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector ASD to the mobile device MOB via the IP radio data connection for possible evaluation by the user. The transport time T shown is 85 seconds as an example and is shown as such on the DSP display of the smartphone MOB. The test app APP loaded on the smartphone MOB is also programmed to display not only the received transport time T but also the reference time TV, which has a value of 90 seconds as an example. The reference time TV can be loaded as a configuration parameter from the aspirating smoke detector ASD via the IP radio data connection or from the smartphone MOB itself for mathematical comparison with the received transport time T.Since the determined transport time T is less than the reference time TV, the test result OK is positive, symbolized by a check mark. The user thus immediately recognizes whether the transport time T check was successful or not.

[0072] Alternatively, the MC control unit of the ASD aspirating smoke detector can be configured to determine the OK test result itself, based on the reference time TV stored electronically in the ASD aspirating smoke detector or loaded from the MOB smartphone. The positive OK test result is then transmitted from the ASD aspirating smoke detector via the IP radio data connection to the MOB smartphone and displayed as such on the DSP display. In this case, the T-APP test application is programmed accordingly.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit MC of the aspirating smoke detector ASD can be configured to transmit a detection signal SIG directly to the smartphone MOB via the IP radio data connection upon detection of the test fluid TG by the fire detector unit DET. In this case, the test application T-APP is programmed to determine and output the transport time T from the time difference between pressing the test button BUT and receiving the detection signal SIG.

[0074] FIG 4 shows an enlarged view of a mobile terminal device MOB using the example of a smartphone. The smartphone MOB shown has, in a known manner, in addition to a touch-sensitive display DSP, a radio module M1, a flash memory M2, a microprocessor M3 and a working memory M4. The radio module M1 combined here is configured, for example, for radio data operation based on a Bluetooth, WLAN, 4G and SG standard. In the flash memory M2, memory blocks are occupied by an operating system OS of the smartphone MOB as well as memory blocks with various apps APP and with the test app T-APP according to the invention.

[0075] Finally, FIG. 5 shows the example according to FIG. 3 at the time of arrival of the test fluid TG in an aspiration / detector unit ADE of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, with subsequent transmission of a failure message FAIL as the test result to the user via the mobile device MOB. Compared to FIG. 3, the determined transport time T of 120 seconds is too long. The test result FAIL is therefore negative and is symbolized as such on the DSP display by an abort symbol.

[0076] Reference symbol list

[0077] ADE suction / detector unit

[0078] AN pipe connection, nozzle

[0079] APP app, application, computer program

[0080] T-APP test app, test application

[0081] ASD aspirating smoke detector, ASD

[0082] BUT button, softkey

[0083] COM wired communication interface,

[0084] Detector bus connection, detector line connection

[0085] DET fire detector unit

[0086] DSP display, display

[0087] END pipe end

[0088] FAIL Failure message

[0089] FS radio data interface

[0090] IP data connection, IP data connection

[0091] L Fan, intake unit

[0092] MC electronic control unit, microcontroller

[0093] MOB mobile device, smartphone, tablet, cell phone

[0094] Ml radio module

[0095] M2 flash memory, non-volatile memory

[0096] M3 CPU, processor

[0097] M4 RAM, memory, volatile memory

[0098] OF intake opening, bore

[0099] OK Passed message

[0100] OS operating system

[0101] R intake pipe, pipe system

[0102] S IG detection signal

[0103] T Transport time

[0104] TEST user input, test command

[0105] TG test fluid, test gas, test smoke

[0106] TV reference time

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for checking the transport time (T) of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD) with the help of a user, whereby room air with smoke and / or fire gas to be detected is sampled via a device connected to a fire detection unit (DET) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) connected to the suction pipe (R) for the purpose of determining a fire characteristic by measurement, and wherein the suction pipe (R) has a plurality of distributed suction openings (OE) between the fire detector unit (DET) and a remote pipe end (END), characterized in that - that the user connects to the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) using a mobile device (MOB), in particular a smartphone, via a wireless data connection (IP), - that the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) switches from an operating mode to a test mode in order to check the transport time (T) in response to a user input (TEST) received from the mobile device (MOB), - that at least approximately at the same time as the user input (TEST) on the mobile terminal (MOB) by the user, a test fluid (TG) is applied by the same user in or at one of the intake openings (OE) at the remote pipe end (END), and - that the transport time (T) is determined as a time period measured by the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) between the received user input (TEST) and the detection of the test fluid (TG) in the fire detection unit (DET) and is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) to the mobile device (MOB) via the radio data connection (IP), and / or - that upon detection of the test fluid (TG) in the fire detection unit (DET), a detection signal (SIG) is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) via the radio data connection (IP) to the mobile terminal device (MOB) for determining the transport time (T) by the mobile terminal device (MOB).

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

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a test result (OK, FAIL) determined by the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) by comparing the measured transport time (T) with a reference time (TV) stored in the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) or received from the mobile terminal (MOB) is transmitted from the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) via the radio data connection (IP) to the mobile terminal (MOB) for output to the user, in particular of the mobile terminal (MOB).

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a test result (OK, FAIL) determined by the mobile terminal (MOB) is output to the user, in particular of the mobile terminal (MOB), on the mobile terminal (MOB) by comparing the transport time (T) received from the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) with a reference time (TV) stored in the mobile terminal (MOB) or received from the aspirating smoke detector (ASD).

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

6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein as a test result a pass message (OK) is output on the mobile terminal (MOB) if the measured or determined transport time (T) exceeds a predetermined reference time (TV) falls below, and in the other case a failure message (FAIL) is issued as a test result on the mobile device (MOB) to the user, in particular of the mobile device (MOB).

7. Method for checking the transport time (T) of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD) with the help of a user, whereby room air with smoke and / or fire gas to be detected is sampled via a fire detector unit (DET) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) connected to the suction pipe (R) for the purpose of determining a fire characteristic by measurement, and wherein the suction pipe (R) has a plurality of distributed suction openings (OE) between the fire detector unit (DET) and a remote pipe end (END), characterized in that - that the user connects to the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) via a wireless data connection (IP) with a mobile terminal (MOB) in order to synchronise a first logical clock of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) with a second logical clock of the mobile terminal (MOB), - that at least approximately at the same time as a user input (TEST) on the mobile terminal (MOB) by the user to save a current start time of the mobile terminal (MOB), a test fluid (TG) is applied by the same user in or at one of the intake openings (OE) at the remote pipe end (END), and - that the transport time (T) is determined as a time difference between an alarm time stored in the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and read out by the user via the radio data connection (IP) and the start time stored in the mobile device (MOB) and is output on the mobile device (MOB) for evaluation by the user.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile terminal (MOB) and the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) are connected directly or indirectly via a radio data connection (IP), in particular via an IP radio data connection, preferably based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread or NFC standard.

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

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the test mode the output of a possible fire alarm is suppressed, in particular for a predeterminable suppression time.

11. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) which has at least - an intake / detector unit (ADE) with a fire detector unit (DET) for the metrological determination of a fire characteristic and with an intake unit (L) upstream or downstream of the fire detector unit (DET) in the intake direction, in particular a fan, - an intake pipe (R) connected to the intake / detector unit (ADE) for sucking in room air with smoke and / or fire gas to be detected, wherein the intake pipe (R) has a plurality of distributed intake openings (OE) between the intake / detector unit (ADE) and a remote pipe end (END) of the intake pipe (R), - a data interface (FS, COM) and - a control unit (MC) connected to the fire detector unit (DET) and to the data interface (FS, COM), wherein the control unit (MC) is designed to output a fire alarm at the data interface (FS, COM) in the event of a detected fire, characterized in that the control unit (MC) is designed to - query the data interface (FS, COM) for receipt of a user input (TEST) to check the transport time (T), - to output a transport time (T), measured from the receipt of the user input (TEST) to the detection by the fire detector unit (DET), at the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD), and / or - to output a detection signal (SIG) upon detection by the fire detector unit (DET) directly to the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD).

12. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output a test result (OK, FAIL) determined during the check of the transport time (T) from the comparison of the measured transport time (T) with a reference time (TV) stored in the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) or received from the data interface (FS, COM) at the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD).

13. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output a pass message (OK) as a test result at the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) if the measured transport time (T) falls below a predetermined reference time (TV), and wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output a fail message (FAIL) as a test result at the data interface (FS, COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) in the other case.

14. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the data interface (FS, COM) has at least one radio data interface (FS) and wherein the at least one radio data interface (FS) is based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread, NEC, WLAN and / or mobile radio standard.

15. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 14, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output the measured transport time (T) or the detection signal (SIG) at the radio data interface (FS) and / or to receive a valid reference time (TV) from the radio data interface (FS) only if a connection setup between the radio data interface (FS) and a communication device connected or coupled thereto, in particular with a mobile terminal (MOB), has been authorized by the control unit (MC).

16. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to switch from the test mode back to the operating mode of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) if the control unit (MC) receives a deregistration of a communication device, in particular the mobile terminal (MOB), from the radio data interface (FS) or if the control unit (MC) detects the interruption of an already established radio data connection (IP) with the communication device (MOB) for a minimum period of time.

17. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the data interface (FS, COM) has a wired data interface (COM) for connecting the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) to a detector bus of a data-superior fire alarm control panel.

18. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to switch from an operating mode to a test mode upon receipt of the user input (TEST) in order to suppress at least the output of a possible fire alarm for a predeterminable suppression time.

19. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) which has at least - an intake / detector unit (ADE) with a fire detector unit (DET) for the metrological determination of a fire characteristic and with an intake unit (L) upstream or downstream of the fire detector unit (DET) in the intake direction, in particular a fan, - an intake pipe (R) connected to the intake / detector unit (ADE) for sucking in room air with smoke and / or fire gas to be detected, wherein the intake pipe (R) has a plurality of distributed intake openings (OE) between the intake / detector unit (ADE) and a remote pipe end (END) of the intake pipe (R), - a data interface (FS, COM) - a first logical clock, in particular a real-time clock, and - a control unit (MC) connected to the fire detector unit (DET), to the data interface (FS, COM) and to the first logical clock, wherein the control unit (MC) is designed to output a fire alarm at the data interface (FS, COM) in the event of a detected fire, characterized in that - that the data interface (FS, COM) has at least one radio data interface (FS), wherein the at least one radio data interface (FS) is based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread, NEC, WLAN and / or mobile radio standard, - that the control unit (MC) is configured to query the radio data interface (FS) upon receipt of a synchronization request in order to synchronize the first logical clock of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) with a time received from the radio data interface (FS) or to output a current time of the first logical clock to the radio data interface (FS), and - that the control unit (MC) is designed to query the radio data interface (FS) upon receipt of a request to output an alarm time in order to output the alarm time stored in the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) at the radio data interface (FS).

20. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 19, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to switch from an operating mode to a test mode upon receipt of the synchronization request in order to suppress at least the output of a possible fire alarm for a predefinable suppression time.

21. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the at least one radio data interface (FS) has a radio data interface (FS) based exclusively on a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread, and / or an NFC standard.

22. Computer program (T-APP), in particular test application, with program code means to carry out all the steps of any one of claims 1 to 10 when the computer program (T-APP) is executed on a microprocessor (M3) of a mobile communication terminal (MOB), in particular on a smartphone.

23. Mobile communication terminal (MOB), in particular smartphone, comprising a microprocessor (M3) and data-related components - a radio module (Ml) for outputting a user input (TEST) to start the test of a transport time (T) of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and, if necessary, Output of a reference time (TV) and reception of a transport time (T) or a detection signal (SIG) and, if applicable, the reference time (TV) or a test result (OK, FAIL) after checking the transport time (T), - a RAM (M4) , - a non-volatile memory (M2), in particular a flash memory, for storing a computer program (T-APP), in particular a test application, according to claim 21 and for possibly storing the reference time (TV), and - a touch-sensitive display (DSP) for user input (TEST) to start the transport check time (T) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and to output the test result (OK, FAIL) after checking the transport time (T) on the touch-sensitive display (DSP).

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