Checking of an air flow monitoring device of an aspirating smoke detector in a test mode by increasing and lowering the fan rotational speed of the aspirating smoke detector

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to an aspirating smoke detector (ASD) for checking an air flow monitoring device for a blockage or interruption. The air flow (V, m) to be monitored is already set to a nominal air flow value (VN). An interruption message (U) provided in the operating mode is generated when the air flow exceeds an upper threshold (V+), and a blockage message (B) is generated when the air flow falls below a lower threshold (V-). According to the invention, for checking purposes the aspirating smoke detector switches to a test mode independently or in response to a user input (TEST). The fan rotational speed (n) or fan power (P) is increased in relation to the nominal rotational speed (nN) or nominal power value (PN), respectively, of a fan (L) for a check on interruption, and is lowered for a check on blockage. A check result (RES) is output indicating whether the upper threshold was exceeded (U+) or not (U-) in the check on interruption, and whether the lower threshold was fallen below (B+) or not (B-) in the check on blockage.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Testing an air flow monitoring device of an aspirating smoke detector in a test mode by increasing and decreasing the fan speed of the aspirating smoke detector

[0003] The invention relates to a method for testing an air flow monitoring device of an aspirating smoke detector, wherein the device is provided for monitoring an intake pipe of the aspirating smoke detector for a blockage or an interruption. In this case, an air flow containing smoke or fire gas to be detected is sucked in via the intake pipe of the aspirating smoke detector by means of a fan. The air flow to be monitored is already set to a nominal air flow value or nominal power value during commissioning or during an inspection of the aspirating smoke detector. The setting of the nominal speed value or the nominal power value is preferably carried out by means of software parameterization.Finally, the aspirating smoke detector generates an interruption message as provided for in the normal operating mode when the air flow exceeds an upper limit value, and a blockage message as provided for in the normal operating mode when the air flow falls below a lower limit value.

[0004] The invention additionally relates to an aspirating smoke detector which has at least one fire detector unit for smoke or fire gas, a fan and a fan control unit. In addition, the aspirating smoke detector comprises an intake pipe which is connected to the fan and provided with intake openings for sucking in room air containing smoke and / or fire gas to be detected. In addition, the aspirating smoke detector has a flow meter for recording an air flow of the sucked-in room air to be monitored, a data interface and an (electronic) control unit. The latter is typically connected to the fire detector unit, the air flow meter, the fan control unit and the data interface for signal and / or data purposes. By means of the fan control unit, the speed of the fan is already set to a nominal speed value, or the electrical power of the fan is already set to a nominal power value.The aforementioned settings may, for example, have already been made during commissioning or during an inspection of the aspirating smoke detector. The control unit is configured to generate an interruption message, as provided for in normal operating mode, if the detected airflow exceeds an upper limit, and to generate a blockage message, as provided for in normal operating mode, if the detected airflow falls below a lower limit.

[0005] Such aspirating smoke detectors are also known in technical terms as ASD (for Aspirated Smoke Detector).

[0006] In the first case, the fan can be driven with a constant electrical power. In this case, the fan speed increases as the intake pipe becomes increasingly blocked or contaminated. Conversely, the fan speed decreases as the intake pipe becomes increasingly leaky.

[0007] In the second case, the fan is controlled at a constant speed. In this case, the operating airflow value, which represents the currently measured airflow, decreases with increasing blockage or contamination of the intake pipe and increases with increasing leakage of the intake pipe.

[0008] An aspirating smoke detector extracts air samples from rooms via the intake pipe and feeds them to the fire detection unit. The intake pipes can extend over several hundred meters, for example, in a range of 100 m to 1000 m. Therefore, any smoke or combustion gases drawn in must be detected along their entire length up to the fire detection unit.

[0009] The intake pipes can become dirty over time. They can also leak, which leads to a dilution of the drawn-in smoke particles with ambient air. Both of these conditions result in a change in the drawn-in airflow. Periodic inspections therefore require regular monitoring of the airflow. In addition, it is important to ensure that the airflow monitoring of the aspirating smoke detector is functioning normally.

[0010] In practice, the aspiration pipe is usually manually disconnected from a pipe connection on the aspiration / detector unit of the aspiration smoke detector to check for an open circuit, and the system waits until the open circuit message is displayed on the aspiration / detector unit. To check for a blockage, the pipe connection is closed after the aspiration pipe has been manually disconnected from the aspiration / detector unit, and the system waits until the blockage message is displayed on the aspiration / detector unit.

[0011] The disadvantage is that a manual operation on the aspirating smoke detector or even a manual change to the pipe system of the aspirating smoke detector is required.

[0012] It is known from EP 2 244 236 A1 that the fan speed and thus the intake power of an aspirating smoke detector can be increased in order to shorten the transport time of the sucked-in room air through the intake pipe to the fire detection unit. This enables faster fire detection.

[0013] From EP 2 407 946 A1 in the applicant's case, a method and a corresponding aspirating smoke detector for detecting blockages and interruptions in a pipe system are known. Air is sucked in by means of a fan via the pipe system from rooms and facilities to be monitored and monitored for fire parameters. The air flow of at least part of the sucked in air and the air temperature are measured. A blockage message is issued if the air flow falls below a predetermined lower limit and / or an interruption message is issued if the air flow exceeds a predetermined upper limit. The speed of the fan increases as the air temperature rises and decreases as the air temperature falls.

[0014] The term «air flow» refers to the air volume flow V or the air mass flow m . It is therefore a time-dependent physical quantity . Air volume flow V and air mass flow m are linked to each other via the density p according to the physical relationship m = pV . The density p is related to the air pressure p according to the physical relationship p = - P, with

[0015] R f - T is the gas constant Rf for air and is linked to the air temperature T . The density p is thus proportional to the air pressure p and inversely proportional to the air temperature T .

[0016] In principle, it can be assumed that the density p is essentially constant during normal operation of the aspirating smoke detector, i.e., it changes by less than 3%, in particular by less than 2%. Such density changes therefore have no practical influence on the airflow monitoring for the aspirating smoke detector. The air volume flow can be measured, for example, using a vane anemometer as a flow meter. The air volume flow can be determined from the measured average flow velocity times the known internal pipe cross-section.

[0017] "Operating mode" refers to normal, fire-free or smoke-free operation. This occurs, for example, after commissioning or after maintenance of an aspirating smoke detector.

[0018] The term “intake pipe” generally refers to a pipe system or a hose system. The intake pipe can be a single pipe, preferably made of plastic, or several partial pipes that are split, for example, by means of a pipe distributor. The intake pipe typically has a circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of 1 cm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 2 cm to 3 cm. In particular, the intake pipe has a minimum pipe length of 30 m, preferably 50 m. A large number of intake openings are present or incorporated along the intake pipe.

[0019] They can be located at equal intervals along the intake pipe, such as every 4 m to 8 m.

[0020] The fire detection unit can be an optical detector unit, such as one based on the scattered light or transmitted light principle, or a gas sensor sensitive to fire gases, such as a CO gas sensor. A minimum signal level value for fire detection is specifically designed to ensure a sufficiently high probability of a possible fire event, i.e., to ensure that it is significant for a possible fire event. The minimum signal level value can be determined based on empirical values ​​from a similar fire monitoring environment or by measuring it using an on-site fire test.

[0021] The intake unit—typically a fan—and the fire detection unit are usually, but not necessarily, housed in a single housing. The intake unit or fan can be positioned upstream or downstream of the fire detection unit in the direction of air flow.

[0022] An ASD planner typically calculates the key parameters to ensure that an aspirating smoke detector meets the relevant standards, such as the European standard EN 54-20, in this case in the version valid at the time of this patent application from February 2009, or the North American standard UL268, preferably from the 6th or 7th edition. Various parameters play a role here, such as the pipe length, the room size, the number of aspirating openings, the aspirating pressure and the sensitivity of the fire detector unit. Various software-supported planning tools are available for the technical design of an aspirating smoke detector, such as the ASYST planning tool from Siemens. Once the parameters have been determined, a technician assembles the aspirating pipe, drills holes for aspirating smoke detectors and configures the fire detector unit according to the specifications.

[0023] Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for checking an air flow monitoring device of an aspirating smoke detector.

[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for checking the air flow monitoring device, in which mechanical changes to the pipe system of the aspirating smoke detector are not required.

[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved aspirating smoke detector.

[0026] Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide an aspirating smoke detector in which mechanical changes to the pipe system of the aspirating smoke detector are not required for checking the air flow monitoring device.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to the invention, the aspirating smoke detector switches automatically or upon user input into a test mode to check the air flow monitoring device, i.e. from a normal operating mode to the test mode provided for checking the air flow monitoring device. The fan speed or the fan power is increased in relation to the nominal speed value or the nominal power value of the fan for a test for interruption and decreased for a test for blockage. A test result is output as to whether or not the upper limit of the air flow was exceeded during the test for interruption and whether or not the lower limit of the air flow was undercut during the test for blockage.

[0029] The increase or decrease occurs in different phases.

[0030] According to one variant of the procedure, the test result is displayed on the aspirating smoke detector.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, a test result is forwarded via a data interface of the aspirating smoke detector for display to a mobile device, a higher-level fire alarm control panel, a cloud infrastructure, or a web server. The mobile device can then, for example, be connected to the fire alarm control panel as a router via a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to the cloud infrastructure or the web server, and receive the test result from the aspirating smoke detector in this way.

[0032] The mobile device or mobile communications 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.

[0033] This advantageously allows for a particularly simple yet reliable testing of the airflow monitoring device. The latter operates independently of the actual fire detection function of the aspirating smoke detector and is therefore considered particularly sensitive to monitoring.

[0034] The particular advantage is that no mechanical changes to the aspirating smoke detector are required to check the air flow monitoring device and that no technical personnel are required on site.

[0035] By increasing or decreasing the fan speed, the air flow to be monitored also increases or decreases. The air flow monitoring device to be tested is therefore also exposed to real changes in the air flow. According to one variant of the process, the fan speed or electrical power of the fan is increased up to a maximum speed value UMAX or maximum electrical power value PMAX. Before or after this, the fan speed or electrical power of the fan is reduced down to a minimum speed value n MIN or minimum electrical power value P MIN , in particular to a zero value .

[0036] "Maximum increase" here refers to the maximum permissible and technically feasible electrical and / or software-based increase. This is within the technical limits that prevent damage to the fan or aspirating smoke detector.

[0037] The maximum and minimum speed value UMAX , n MIN can e.g. alternatively also be set to the nominal speed value n N The maximum speed value UMAX can, for example, be in a range of 1.1 to 2 times, in particular in a range of 1.2 to 1.5 times, the nominal speed value n N The minimum speed value n MIN can e.g. be in a range of 0. 1 to 0. 9 times, in particular in a range of 0. 5 to 0. 8 times, the nominal speed value n N lay .

[0038] An interruption pass message is issued if the upper limit was exceeded during the interruption test. Otherwise, an interruption fail message is issued if the upper limit was not exceeded during the interruption test.

[0039] A blockage pass message is issued if the lower limit is undershot during the blockage check. Otherwise, a blockage fail message is issued if the lower limit is not undershot during the interruption check.

[0040] If the maximum and minimum airflow limit values ​​are reached during the test, the test of the airflow monitoring device is successfully completed. If the maximum or minimum airflow limit values ​​are reached, the appropriate error message is output. In particular, if neither the maximum nor the minimum airflow limit values ​​are reached, a technical error in the airflow sensor or a technical error in the signal acquisition of the airflow sensor may be the cause.

[0041] According to a further variant of the method, an interruption warning message is issued if an operating air flow value recorded in normal operating mode exceeds the nominal air flow value by a predetermined first percentage value. Alternatively or additionally, a blockage warning message is issued if an operating air flow value recorded in normal operating mode falls below the nominal air flow value by a predetermined second percentage value. The first and second percentage values ​​are preferably the same. Instead of the first and second percentage values, a factor or a difference value can also be used. The first and second percentage values ​​are preferably in a range from 5% to 19%, in particular in a range from 10% to 15%.

[0042] The inadmissible deviation of a currently recorded operating air flow value from the nominal air flow value is advantageously an indication that the air flow monitoring device will respond in the near future due to inadmissibly high leakage (interruption) or contamination (blockage) of the intake pipe.

[0043] According to one variant of the method, the upper limit for the air flow is set at 1.2 times the nominal air flow value. The lower limit for the air flow is set at 0.8 times the nominal air flow value.

[0044] According to another variant of the procedure, the interruption or blockage message is output at the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector if the interruption or blockage message is present for a minimum period of, in particular, 90 seconds or 300 seconds. According to another variant of the procedure, the upper and lower limit values ​​for the air flow in relation to the nominal air flow value and a minimum period for outputting the interruption or blockage message are specified by a national, regional or international standard, in particular by European standard EN 54-20, version dated February 2009, or by standard UL268, version 6 or 7 or higher.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the invention, the object is achieved with an aspirating smoke detector whose control unit is set up or programmed to switch automatically or upon user input into a test mode for air flow monitoring. Furthermore, the control unit is set up to increase the fan speed or fan power in relation to the nominal speed value or the nominal power value of the fan in order to check for an interruption, and to reduce the fan speed or fan power in relation to the nominal speed value or the nominal power value of the fan in order to check for blockage. Finally, the control unit is set up to output a test result as to whether or not the upper limit of the air flow was exceeded during the test for an interruption, and whether or not the lower limit of the air flow was undercut during the test for blockage.

[0046] This advantageously allows for a particularly simple yet reliable testing of the airflow monitoring device. The latter operates independently of the actual fire detection function of the aspirating smoke detector and is therefore considered particularly sensitive to monitoring.

[0047] The particular advantage is that no mechanical changes to the aspirating smoke detector are required to check the air flow monitoring device, and no technical personnel are needed on-site. The (electronic) control unit is preferably a microcontroller, which is usually present or required for the entire control of the aspirating smoke detector. Furthermore, the microcontroller can have one or more integrated A / D converters for the metrological recording of the previously described input variables such as air volume flow, air mass flow, signal level and, if applicable, air temperature, air pressure and humidity. It can also have analog and / or digital input and output units (I / O) as well as communication interfaces for issuing a fire alarm, an open circuit message or a blockage message.The upper and lower airflow limits, the nominal airflow value, the minimum time period, and the minimum signal level can be stored in the microcontroller's non-volatile memory (EPROM). Furthermore, the power control unit and / or electronic components for signal conditioning or signal processing of the aforementioned input variables can already be integrated into the microcontroller.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to output the test result on a display of the aspirating smoke detector. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to forward the test result via a data interface of the aspirating smoke detector to a mobile device, in particular a smartphone, a higher-level fire alarm control center, a cloud infrastructure, or a web server for display or further processing.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed to increase the fan speed or the electrical power of the fan by means of the fan control unit up to a maximum speed value UMAX or maximum electrical power value PMAX. The control unit is also designed to increase the fan speed or the electrical power of the fan by means of the fan control unit down to a minimum speed value n MIN or minimum electrical power value P MIN , especially to a zero value. The increase or decrease occurs, controlled by the control unit, in different phases.

[0050] The control unit is further configured to issue an interruption pass message if the upper limit is exceeded during the interruption test. Otherwise, the control unit is further configured to issue an interruption fail message if the upper limit is not exceeded during the interruption test.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to issue a blockage pass message if the lower limit is undershot during the blockage test. Otherwise, the control unit is configured to issue a blockage fail message if the lower limit is not undershot during the interruption test.

[0052] The maximum and minimum speed value UMAX, n MIN can alternatively be set to the nominal speed value n NThe maximum speed value UMAX can, for example, be in a range of 1.1 to 2 times, in particular in a range of 1.2 to 1.5 times, the nominal speed value n N The minimum speed value n MIN can be in a range of 0.1 to 0.9 times, in particular in a range of 0.5 to 0.8 times, the nominal speed value n N lay.

[0053] If the maximum and minimum airflow limit values ​​are reached during the test, the control unit successfully completes the test of the airflow monitoring device. If the maximum or minimum airflow limit values ​​are not reached, the control unit will issue the appropriate error message. In particular, if neither the maximum nor the minimum airflow limit values ​​are reached, a technical error in the airflow sensor or a technical error in the airflow sensor's signal acquisition may be the cause.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to issue an interruption warning message if an operating airflow value detected in normal operating mode exceeds the nominal airflow value by a predetermined first percentage. The control unit is further configured to issue a blockage warning message if an operating airflow value detected in normal operating mode falls below the nominal airflow value by a predetermined second percentage.

[0055] The first and second percentage values ​​are preferably equal. Instead of the first and second percentage values, a factor or a difference value can also be used. The first and second percentage values ​​are preferably in a range from 5% to 19%, in particular in a range from 10% to 15%.

[0056] The inadmissible deviation of a currently recorded operating air flow value from the nominal air flow value is advantageously an indication that the air flow monitoring device will respond in the near future due to inadmissibly high leakage (interruption) or contamination (blockage) of the intake pipe.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the upper limit for the air flow is set to 1.2 times the nominal air flow value. The lower limit is set to 0.8 times the nominal air flow value. The nominal air flow value is already set during commissioning or inspection of the aspirating smoke detector by setting the speed or the electrical power of the fan to the nominal speed value or the nominal power value P N set .

[0058] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to output the interruption or blockage message at the data interface of the aspirating smoke detector if the interruption or blockage message is present for a minimum period of, in particular, 90 seconds or 300 seconds.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the upper and lower limit values ​​for the air flow in relation to a nominal air flow value, as well as a minimum period for issuing the interruption or blockage message, are specified by a national, regional or international standard, in particular by European standard EN 54-20, version dated February 2009, or by standard UL268, version 6 or 7, or higher. The nominal air flow value is already set during commissioning or inspection of the aspirating smoke detector by adjusting the speed or electrical power of the fan to the nominal speed value or nominal power value.

[0060] According to a further embodiment of the aspirating smoke detector, the data interface has a radio data interface based on a Bluetooth, WLAN, or mobile radio standard. The radio data interface is preferably part of the aspirating / detector unit.

[0061] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is set up to output the test result at the radio data interface only if a connection establishment between the radio data interface and a communication device connected or coupled thereto, in particular with a mobile device, has been authorized by the control unit. This advantageously increases security against unauthorized access to the aspirating smoke detector by third parties. Authorization can be achieved, for example, by the mobile device transmitting a valid identifier, if necessary with login data and password, via the radio data interface to the control unit of the aspirating smoke detector. The control unit is set up accordingly to check the aforementioned identifier and, if necessary, the login data and password.Finally, the data interface has a wired data interface for connecting the aspirating smoke detector to a detector bus, particularly of a fire alarm system. The control unit is configured to monitor the data interface for receipt of a user input to check the monitoring device and / or to output the check result to the wired data interface. Typically, a fire alarm is also transmitted via this detector bus to a fire alarm control panel connected to the detector bus in the event of a fire being detected.

[0062] The invention and advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained using the example of the following figures. In these figures:

[0063] FIG 1 an example of an aspirating smoke detector,

[0064] FIG 2 shows the functional structure of an aspiration / detector unit of the aspiration smoke detector shown in FIG 1,

[0065] FIG 3 shows the aspirating smoke detector shown in FIG 1 in an exemplary direct radio data connection with a mobile terminal,

[0066] FIG 4 shows the mobile terminal according to FIG 3 waiting to receive a test result from the aspirating smoke detector after starting the test method according to the invention,

[0067] FIG 5 the mobile terminal according to FIG 3 after receiving a successful verification result and with the output of a pass message on a display of the mobile terminal,

[0068] FIG 6 shows the mobile terminal according to FIG 3 after receiving an unsuccessful check result and with the output of a failure message on a display of the mobile terminal, and FIG 7 shows an example of an output of an unsuccessful check result on the display of a mobile terminal with further operational parameters and measured variables.

[0069] FIG 1 shows an example structure of an aspirating smoke detector ASD . On the left, an aspirating / detector unit ADE can be seen as a structural unit, to which an aspirating pipe R with a large number of distributed aspirating openings OE is connected . The latter are usually holes drilled into the aspirating pipe R . The aspirating openings OE typically have a non-uniform cross-section in order to achieve essentially the same “hole sensitivity” for all aspirating openings OE . This means that in normal operating mode, each of the aspirating openings OE sucks in approximately the same volume of air per unit of time . The aspirating pipe R shown is plugged onto a pipe connection AN as an example.

[0070] The suction / detector unit ADE shown in the left part of FIG. 1 comprises a suction unit L in the form of a fan, such as a radial fan, and a fire detector unit DET connected upstream in the direction of flow. Furthermore, the suction / detector unit ADE comprises a data interface COM, FS with a wired detector bus connection or detector bus interface COM and with a wireless radio data interface FS. The latter is, for example, a Bluetooth radio data interface.

[0071] FIG 2 shows an example of an aspirating smoke detector ASD according to the invention. The functional structure of the aspirating / detector unit ADE is shown in detail. In the right-hand part of the aspirating / detector unit ADE, which is implemented as a modular unit, the pipe connection AN can be seen, to which the aspirating pipe R is connected. The aspirating / detector unit ADE itself comprises the fire detector unit DET for the metrological determination of the signal level DL of a fire parameter. In the present example, the latter is a smoke concentration level. The signal level DL is recorded by a downstream electronic control unit MC, here a microcontroller, and analyzed for the presence of a fire. When a fire is detected, the control unit MC then issues a fire alarm AL, preferably via a detector bus connection COM, to a higher-level fire alarm control panel (not shown) and / or on a display unit ANZ of the aspirating / detector unit ADE.In addition, the intake / detector unit ADE comprises an air flow meter SEN connected to the control unit MC for measuring the air flow V, m. The air flow V, m can be an air volume flow V or a mass flow m. With v. M is an average air velocity of the air flow V, m flowing through the intake / detector unit ADE. The air flow meter SEN outputs a corresponding air flow measurement signal which represents the air volume flow V or the air mass flow m. The air flow meter SEN can be, for example, a vane anemometer, a hot wire anemometer or an ultrasonic sensor. In addition, the aspirating smoke detector ASD or the intake / detector unit ADE includes a power control unit DR for the fan L. The power control unit DR is controlled via the control unit MC.

[0072] By means of this fan control unit DR, the speed n of the fan L is first adjusted to a nominal speed value n N or the electrical power P of the fan L to a nominal power value P N set to a nominal air flow value V N for normal intended operating mode.

[0073] These parameters, which are to be determined during commissioning of the aspirating smoke detector ASD and subsequently repeatedly during an inspection of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, N , P Nare preferably stored in a non-volatile electronic memory of the MC control unit. In the non-volatile memory MEM, such as an EPROM, a nominal air flow value VN, an upper air flow limit value V+ and a lower air flow limit value V- can also be stored. The above-mentioned values ​​can also be output via the MC control unit to the data interface COM, FS or to the display unit ANZ of the intake / detector unit ADE. If the display unit ANZ is also a touchscreen or a touch-sensitive display, then the above-mentioned nominal and limit values ​​V N , Pm n N , V + , V - can also be changed by the user there.

[0074] The control unit MC is further set up or programmed to issue an interruption message U for the technical implementation of air flow monitoring in normal operating mode if the detected air flow V, m exceeds a predetermined upper limit value V+ for a minimum period of time. The control unit MC is further set up or programmed to issue a blockage message V if the detected air flow V, m falls below a predetermined lower limit value V- for a minimum period of time. The two messages U, B can then be output by means of the electronic control unit MC, e.g. at the data interface COM, FS or also at the display unit ANZ of the suction / detector unit ADE.

[0075] According to the invention, the control unit MC is designed to switch to a test mode for air flow monitoring either automatically or in response to a user input TEST. By “automatically” we mean that the control unit switches to test mode regularly, for example weekly, monthly or annually. The user input TEST can also be made directly on the intake / detector unit ADE, for example via the touch-sensitive display ANZ. The user input TEST is preferably made via a query on the data interface COM, FS in response to such a query. The user input TEST itself can then ultimately originate, for example, from a mobile device MOB, in particular from a smartphone.

[0076] Further according to the invention, the control unit is designed to check for interruption the fan speed n or fan power P in relation to the nominal speed value n N or to the nominal power value P Nof the fan L. This causes an increase in the air flow, which must be detected by the air flow monitoring device operating independently of the fire detection.

[0077] Further according to the invention, the control unit is designed to check for blockage the fan speed n or fan power P in relation to the nominal speed value n N or to the nominal power value P N of the fan L. This causes a reduction in the air flow, which in turn must be detected by the air flow monitoring device, which operates independently of the fire detection system.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the invention, a test result RES is output on a display ANZ of the aspirating smoke detector ASD. Alternatively or additionally, the test result RES can be output at the data interface COM, FS of the aspirating smoke detector ASD. The latter is preferably used to show the test result RES on the display DSP of a mobile terminal device that has a data connection to the aspirating smoke detector ASD (see the following figures FIG 5 to FIG 7). The test result RES can, for example, comprise the detailed result, such as an interruption pass message U+, an interruption fail message U-, a blockage pass message B+ and a blockage fail message B-.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit MC can be configured to issue an interruption warning message Wu if an operating air flow value V detected in normal operating mode Bexceeds the nominal air flow value VN by a predetermined first percentage value, such as 10%. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit MC can be set up to issue a blockage warning message W B output if an operating air flow value V recorded in normal operating mode B falls below the nominal air flow value VN by a predetermined second percentage value, such as 10% again. The first and second percentage values ​​can, however, not be shown in FIG. 2, be stored in the non-volatile memory MEM. The aforementioned interruption warning message Wu, blockage warning message W B and the currently recorded operating air flow value V BAs shown in FIG. 2, they can also be output on the ANZ display of the suction / detector unit ADE and via the radio data interface FS. A mobile device connected to a radio data connection (IP, BT) can then, for example, capture these data and messages and output them on its display.

[0080] Finally, a computer program product PRG can be stored in the non-volatile memory MEM of the electronic control unit MC. The computer program product PRG is programmed to carry out the inventive testing method on an electronic control unit MC, preferably, as here, on a processor-based microcontroller, of the aspirating smoke detector ASD or the aspirating / detector unit ADE. It comprises corresponding suitable program steps and program routines for the operation, i.e., for the control and monitoring, of the aspirating smoke detector ASD or the aspirating / detector unit ADE of the aspirating smoke detector ASD.

[0081] FIG 3 shows the aspirating smoke detector ASD shown in FIG 1 in an example of a direct radio data connection IP with a mobile device MOB . The mobile device MOB shown is an example of a smartphone . After setting up a radio data connection IP, here an IP-based Bluetooth data connection BT , between the smartphone MOB and the aspirating / detector unit ADE of the aspirating smoke detector ASD, a user is requested to start the inventive test of the aspirating smoke detector ASD by pressing a button BUT . In this case, the BUT button is a so-called soft key on the touch-sensitive display (touchscreen) DSP of the smartphone MOB . The smartphone MOB then sends a test request TEST via the radio data connection IP, BT to the aspirating / detector unit ADE . The user can initiate the setup of the radio data connection IP, preferably the Bluetooth data connection BT beforehand.Alternatively, the wireless data connection IP can be established automatically as soon as the user is within wireless range of the suction / detector unit ADE with his or her smartphone MOB.

[0082] For the technical implementation of the airflow monitoring test according to the invention, a suitable programmed application (APP), abbreviated to "App," is loaded and executed on the smartphone MOB. This application (APP), in conjunction with the computer program product (PRG), which is executed on the microcontroller MC of the intake / detector unit ADE, coordinates the establishment of the wireless data connection (IP, BT), the start of the airflow monitoring test according to the invention, and the transmission of the test results (RES; U+, U-, B+, B-) to the smartphone MOB.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows the mobile terminal MOB according to FIG. 3 waiting to receive a test result RES from the aspirating smoke detector ASD after starting the test method according to the invention. For example, the text "WAIT..." appears on the DSP display of the smartphone MOB shown.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows the mobile terminal MOB according to FIG. 3 after receiving a successful check result RES and displaying a pass message U+, B+ on the DSP display. The entire check for interruptions and blockages was thus successfully completed.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows the mobile terminal MOB according to FIG. 3 after receiving an unsuccessful test result RES and displaying a failure message B- on a DSP display of the mobile terminal MOB. The reason for this could be a partial failure or contamination of the air volume sensor SEN.

[0086] FIG 7 shows an example of an output of an unsuccessful verification result RES on the display DSP of a mobile terminal MOB with further operational parameters V + , V - and measured variables V Ü B - In this case, an interruption failure message (U-) and a blockage failure message (B-) are output as the test result (RES) on the DSP display. The reason for this could be a complete failure of the air volume meter (SEN). Reference character list

[0087] ADE suction / detector unit

[0088] AL fire alarm

[0089] AN pipe connection, nozzle

[0090] ANZ ad

[0091] APP app, application, computer program

[0092] ASD aspirating smoke detector, ASD

[0093] B Blockage message, clogging message

[0094] B+ Blockade Passed Report

[0095] B- Blockade failure report

[0096] BT Bluetooth data connection

[0097] BUT button, softkey

[0098] COM wired communication interface,

[0099] Detector bus connection, detector line connection

[0100] DET fire detector unit

[0101] DSP display

[0102] DL signal level

[0103] DR power control unit, driver

[0104] END pipe end

[0105] FS radio data interface

[0106] IP data connection, IP data connection

[0107] L intake unit, fan, pump m air mass flow

[0108] MC electronic control unit, microcontroller

[0109] MEM non-volatile memory, EPROM

[0110] MOB mobile device, smartphone, tablet, mobile phone n fan speed n N Rated speed

[0111] OE intake port, bore

[0112] P intake power

[0113] P N Nominal power value

[0114] PRG program, computer program product

[0115] R intake pipe, pipe system

[0116] RES test result

[0117] SEN Air volume meter, flow meter, air mass meter TEST User input, test command

[0118] U Interruption message

[0119] U+ Interruption-Passed Report

[0120] U- Interruption failure message V Air volume flow

[0121] VB Operating air flow value v M average air flow velocity

[0122] VN Nominal air flow value

[0123] V - lower airflow limit V + upper airflow limit

[0124] W B Blockade warning message

[0125] Wu interruption warning message

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for testing an air flow monitoring device of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD), wherein the device is provided for monitoring an intake pipe (R) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) for a blockage or an interruption, wherein an air flow (Ü, m ) with smoke or fire gas to be detected is sucked in via the intake pipe (R) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) by means of a fan (L), wherein the air flow (Ü, m ) to be monitored is already set to a nominal air flow value (V N ) by adjusting the speed (n) or electrical power (P) of the fan (L) to a corresponding nominal speed value (n N ) or nominal power value (P N), wherein the aspirating smoke detector ASD generates an interruption message (U) provided for in the normal operating mode when the air flow (Ü, m ) exceeds an upper limit value (V + ), and wherein a blockage message (B) provided for in the normal operating mode is generated when the air flow (Ü, m ) falls below a lower limit value (V - ), characterized in that - that the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) switches to a test mode automatically or upon user input (TEST) to check the air flow monitoring device, - that the fan speed (n) or the fan power (P) is related to the rated speed value (n N ) or to the nominal power value (P N ) of the fan (L) is increased for an open circuit test and decreased for a blockage test, and - that a test result (RES) is output as to whether the upper limit value (V + ) of the air flow (Ü, m ) has been exceeded (U+) or not (U-) during the test for interruption, and whether the lower limit value (V - ) of the air flow (Ü, m ) has been undercut (B+) or not (B-) during the test for blockage.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the verification result (RES) is output on a display (ANZ) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and / or wherein the verification result (RES) via a data interface (COM, FS) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) for display or further processing to a mobile device (MOB), in particular to a smartphone, to a higher-level fire alarm control panel, to a cloud infrastructure or to a web server.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, - whereby the fan speed (n) or electrical power (P) of the fan (L) is increased to a maximum speed value UMAX or maximum electrical power value PMAX, - where the fan speed (n) or electrical power (P) of the fan (L) is reduced to a minimum speed value n MIN or minimum electrical power value P MIN , in particular to a zero value, - where an interruption pass message (U+) is issued if the upper limit value (Ü+ ) has been exceeded during the interruption test, - where an interruption failure message (U-) is issued if the upper limit value (Ü+ ) has not been exceeded during the interruption test, - whereby a blockage pass message (B+) is issued if the lower limit value (V - ) is undershot during the blockage test, and - whereby a blockage failure message (B-) is issued if the lower limit value (V - ) has not been undercut during the interruption test.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, - whereby an interruption warning message (Wu) is issued if an operating air flow value (Ü B) recorded in normal operating mode exceeds the nominal air flow value (Ü N ) by a predetermined first percentage value, and / or - where a blockage warning message (W B ) is output when an operating air flow value (Ü B ) the nominal air flow value (Ü N ) by a predetermined second percentage value.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper limit value (V + ) for the air flow (Ü, m ) is set to 1.2 times the nominal air flow value (V N) and wherein the lower limit value (V - ) for the air flow (Ü, m ) is set to 0.8 times the nominal air flow value (V N ) is specified.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the interruption or blockage message (U, B) is output at the data interface (COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD), in particular to a higher-level fire alarm control panel, if the interruption or blockage message (U, B) is present for a minimum period of in particular 90 seconds or 300 seconds.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper and lower limit values ​​(Ü + , V - ) for the air flow (Ü, m ) in relation to the nominal air flow value (V N) and a minimum period for issuing the interruption or blockage message (U, B) are specified by a national, regional or international standard, in particular by European standard EN 54-20, version dated February 2009, or by standard UL268, version 6 or 7, from the 6th or 7th edition.

8. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) which has at least - a fire detection unit (DET) for smoke or fire gas, - a fan (L) and a fan control unit (DR), - an intake pipe (R) connected to the fan (L) and provided with intake openings (OE) for sucking in room air containing smoke and / or fire gases to be detected, - a flow meter (SEN) for detecting an air flow (Ü, m ) of the sucked-in room air to be monitored, - a data interface (COM, FS), and - a control unit (MC) which is connected to the fire detector unit (DET), the air flow meter (SEN), the fan control unit (DR) and the data interface (COM, FS), - whereby the fan control unit (DR) already adjusts a speed (n) of the fan (L) to a nominal speed value (n N ) or an electrical power (P) of the fan (L) to a nominal power value (P N ) is set, and - wherein the control unit (MC) is designed to generate an interruption message (U) provided in the normal operating mode if the detected air flow (Ü, m ) exceeds an upper limit value (V + ), and to generate a blockage message (B) provided in the normal operating mode if the detected air flow (Ü, m ) falls below a lower limit value (V - ), characterized by the control unit, designed to - to switch to a test mode for air flow monitoring automatically or upon user input (TEST), - to check for interruption, the fan speed (n) or fan power (P) in relation to the nominal speed value (n N ) or to the nominal power value (P N ) of the fan (L), - to check for blockage, the fan speed (n) or fan power (P) in relation to the nominal speed value (n N ) or to the nominal power value (P N ) of the fan (L), and - to output a test result (RES) as to whether the upper limit value (V + ) of the air flow (Ü, m ) has been exceeded (U+) or not (U-) during the test for interruption, and whether the lower limit value (V - ) of the air flow (Ü, m ) has been undercut (B+) or not (B-) during the test for blockage.

9. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to - to display the test result (RES) on a display (ANZ) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and / or - the test result (RES) via a data interface (COM, FS) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) for display or For further processing, forward the data to a mobile device (MOB), in particular to a smartphone, to a higher-level fire alarm control center, to a cloud infrastructure or to a web server.

10. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to - increase the fan speed (n) or the electrical power (P) of the fan (L) by means of the fan control unit (DR) up to a maximum speed value UMAX or maximum electrical power value PMAX ZU, - the fan speed (n) or the electrical power (P) of the fan (L) by means of the fan control unit (DR) down to a minimum speed value n MINor minimum electrical power value P MIN , in particular to a zero value, - to issue an interruption pass message (U+) if the upper limit (Ü+ ) has been exceeded during the interruption test, - to issue an interruption failure message (U-) if the upper limit (Ü+ ) has not been exceeded during the interruption test, - to issue a blockage passed message (B+) if the lower limit value (V - ) has been undercut during the blockage test, and - to issue a blockage failure message (B-) if the lower limit value (V - ) has not been undercut during the interruption test.

11. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the control unit (MC) is arranged to - to issue an interruption warning message (Wu) if an operating air flow value (Ü B) recorded in normal operating mode exceeds the nominal air flow value (Ü N ) by a predetermined first percentage value, and / or - a blockage warning message (W B ) if an operating air flow value (Ü B ) the nominal air flow value (Ü N ) by a given second percentage value.

12. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the upper limit value ( V + ) for the air flow ( V , m ) is set to 1.2 times a nominal air flow value (f K ), with the lower limit value ( V - ) being set to 0.8 times the nominal air flow value (f K ) and where the nominal air flow value (f K) during commissioning or revision of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) by setting the speed (n) or the electrical power (P) of the fan (L) to the nominal speed value (n N ) or to the nominal power value (P N ) is set.

13. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output the interruption or blockage message (B, U) at the data interface (COM) of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) if the interruption or blockage message (B, U) is present for a minimum period of, in particular, 90 seconds or 300 seconds.

14. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the upper and lower limit values ​​(Ü+, Ü-) for the air flow (Ü, m) are related to a nominal air flow value (V N) and a minimum period for the issuance of the interruption or blockage signal (B, U) are specified by a national, regional or international standard, in particular by the European standard EN 54-20 with the edition of February 2009 or by the standard UL268 from the 6th or 7th edition, and where the nominal air flow value (V N ) already during commissioning or revision of the aspirating smoke detector (ASD) by adjusting the speed (n) or the electrical power (P) of the fan (L) to the rated speed value (n N ) or to the nominal power value (P N ) is set.

15. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the data interface (FS, COM) has a radio data interface (FS) based on a Bluetooth, WLAN or mobile radio standard.

16. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to claim 15, wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to output the verification result (RES) at 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).

17. Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) according to one of claims 8 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 and wherein the control unit (MC) is configured to monitor the data interface (COM) for receipt of a user input (TEST) for testing the monitoring device and / or to output the test result (RES) at the wired data interface (COM).

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