Fire detection fire extinguisher

Abstract

To provide a fire detection fire extinguisher that can prevent damage of an electronic apparatus due to a fire more than before.SOLUTION: A fire detection fire extinguisher includes: a detector 101 for detecting light information relating to density of smoke; a discharge part 102 for discharging a specified quantity of fire-extinguishing agent toward a desired direction; a body part 103 in which the detector 101 and the discharge part 102 are disposed and which moves; and a controller 104 for moving the body part 103 in a high-smoke density region on the basis of the light information detected by the detector 101 and discharging a fire-extinguishing agent from the discharge part 102 toward a high-smoke density direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to fire detection and extinguishing systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the number of buildings such as data centers and office buildings that have server rooms (also written as computer rooms) in which electronic devices such as information processing devices and communication devices are installed is increasing. Since electronic devices are important, there is a high demand for preventing damage to them.

[0003] One of the main causes of damage to electronic devices is damage caused by fire. As a method for preventing damage caused by fire, a method is known in which a fire detection and extinguishing device having a function of detecting fire and a function of extinguishing fire (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-126286 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The fire detection and extinguishing device described in Patent Document 1 detects and extinguishes a fire when the amount of infrared rays or ultraviolet rays emitted from the fire exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other words, if the amount of infrared rays or ultraviolet rays emitted from the fire is less than a predetermined threshold, the fire detection and extinguishing device cannot detect the fire. Therefore, there is a problem that the device may not be able to prevent damage to electronic devices caused by fire.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a fire detection and extinguishing device that can more easily prevent damage to electronic devices caused by fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. A fire detection and extinguishing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a detection unit which detects optical information relating to smoke concentration; a release unit which releases a predetermined amount of extinguishing agent in a desired direction; a main body unit in which the detection unit and the release unit are disposed and which moves; and a control unit which, based on the optical information detected by the detection unit, moves the main body unit to an area where the smoke concentration is high, and releases the extinguishing agent from the release unit in the direction of the smoke concentration.

[0008] In this way, the fire detection and extinguishing device can move to an area with a high smoke concentration and release extinguishing agent toward the area with a high smoke concentration. In other words, the fire detection and extinguishing device can move toward the source of the smoke and release extinguishing agent toward the source of the smoke. Since the fire detection and extinguishing device performs control based on optical information regarding the smoke concentration, it can move and release extinguishing agent if smoke is generated regardless of whether there is a fire or not. In other words, fire can be extinguished at an earlier timing than when a fire is detected and extinguished.

[0009] An area of ​​high smoke density is determined by comparing it with the smoke density of the surrounding area. Even if an area has a smoke density that is not visible to the naked eye, it is considered to be an area of ​​high smoke density if the smoke density is higher than the surrounding area.

[0010] In one aspect of the above invention, it is preferable that the control unit moves the main body unit along a predetermined movement route and determines areas where the smoke concentration is high based on the light information detected by the detection unit at multiple different locations.

[0011] In this way, the control unit can easily determine an area with high smoke concentration by moving along a predetermined movement route and based on light information detected at multiple different locations. In other words, the control unit can easily determine an area with high smoke concentration compared to when the control unit is based on light information detected at one location.

[0012] In one aspect of the above invention, the main body portion preferably has a self-propelled portion that moves on a floor surface. In this way, the main body has a self-propelled part, so that the fire detection and extinguishing device can move on the floor surface. Compared to the case where the main body is moved depending on a support (for example, see Patent Document 1), the self-propelled part makes it easier to set a movement route suitable for detecting optical information and releasing a fire extinguishing agent when the main body is moved on the floor surface. In other words, it is easier to detect optical information related to smoke concentration and to extinguish a fire corresponding to smoke, compared to the case where the main body is moved depending on a support.

[0013] In one aspect of the above invention, the main body unit is further provided with a communication unit capable of communicating with a remote control unit that transmits at least one of a release signal that controls the release of the extinguishing agent in the release unit and a movement signal that controls the movement of the main body unit, and it is preferable that the communication unit outputs at least one of the release signal and the movement signal received from the remote control unit to the control unit, and when at least one of the release signal and the movement signal is input from the communication unit, the control unit performs control based on the release signal and the movement signal.

[0014] In this way, by providing the communication unit, the fire detection and extinguishing device can be controlled using a remote control unit disposed at a position distant from the fire detection and extinguishing device. For example, even if it is difficult to control the release of extinguishing agent or the movement of the fire detection and extinguishing device by the control unit, the operator can release the extinguishing agent or move the fire detection and extinguishing device by operating the remote control unit. Note that the fire detection and extinguishing device may release the extinguishing agent or move the fire detection and extinguishing device without being based on a release signal or a movement signal transmitted from the remote control unit.

[0015] In one aspect of the above invention, it is preferable that the main body unit further includes an imaging unit that captures images of the interior of the room and outputs image information, and that the communication unit transmits the image information output from the imaging unit to the remote control unit.

[0016] By providing the image capturing unit in this way, the operator of the remote control unit can check the situation inside the room using image information. Since the situation can be examined based on the image information, the operator of the remote control unit can more accurately determine whether or not to release the extinguishing agent. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the fire detection and extinguishing device of the present invention, the fire detection and extinguishing device can move to areas with high smoke concentrations and release extinguishing agent toward areas with high smoke concentrations, thereby making it easier to prevent damage to electronic devices caused by fire. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a fire detection and extinguishing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a fire detection and extinguishing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a server room viewed from above. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of extinguishing a fire by the fire detection and extinguishing device. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process by which a fire detection and extinguishing system identifies a parallel path with the highest smoke concentration; FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a graph illustrating a process in which the control unit identifies a parallel passage having the highest smoke concentration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process in which a fire detection and extinguishing device identifies a point where smoke concentration is highest. [Figure 8] 11 is a graph illustrating a process in which the control unit identifies a point where the smoke concentration is highest. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process in which a fire detection and extinguishing device identifies a source of a fire. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process in which a fire detection and extinguishing device releases a fire extinguishing agent toward a fire source. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a fire detection and extinguishing device and a remote control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] [First embodiment] A fire detection and extinguishing system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The fire detection and extinguishing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described as an example that detects and extinguishes a fire in a server room 900.

[0020] A server room 900 is provided with a plurality of racks 904. Electronic devices 901 are arranged in the racks 904. The electronic devices 901 are devices used for information communication and the like. For example, the electronic devices 901 are devices used as various known servers such as a web server, an application server, a database server, a DNS server, and a proxy server. The electronic devices 901 are arranged with a computing unit (not shown) such as a CPU or a GPU.

[0021] The front surface of the electronic device 901 is provided with a front opening (not shown) through which air flows in to cool the arithmetic unit. The rear surface of the electronic device 901 is provided with a rear opening (not shown) through which the air that has been sucked in is exhausted after cooling the arithmetic unit. Inside the electronic device 901, a cooling fan (not shown) is provided that sucks in air from the front opening and exhausts it from the rear opening.

[0022] A plurality of racks 904 are arranged adjacent to each other in a row to form a rack row 905. A plurality of rack rows 905 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them. A plurality of electronic devices 901 arranged in the rack row 905 are arranged with their front faces facing the same direction. The front side of the electronic devices 901 in the rack row 905 is referred to as the front side of the rack row 905. The rear side of the electronic devices 901 in the rack row 905 is referred to as the rear side of the rack row 905. The adjacent rack rows 905 are arranged so that their front faces face each other and their rear faces face each other. A cold aisle space 902 is formed on the front side of the rack row 905, and a hot aisle space 903 is formed on the rear side.

[0023] As described above, the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is an apparatus that detects and extinguishes a fire in the server room 900. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The detection unit 101 is disposed in the main body 103A of the main body, and has a configuration for detecting optical information related to the concentration of smoke in the server room 900. In this embodiment, the detection unit 101 is described as detecting the optical information related to the concentration of smoke by detecting the light attenuation rate. Note that the detection unit 101 can use a known technology for detecting optical information.

[0025] The light attenuation rate is a numerical value that expresses the concentration of smoke, and is the percentage (%) at which the smoke reduces the amount of light per unit distance (meters). For example, 10% / meter means that the smoke reduces the amount of light at a distance of 1 meter by 10%.

[0026] The smoke density detected in this embodiment may be a smoke density that is invisible to the human eye. Specifically, it is preferable to detect optical information related to the smoke density when the light attenuation rate due to smoke is within a range of 0.005% / meter or more and 2.0% / meter or less.

[0027] The discharge unit 102 is disposed in the main body 103A of the main body, and has a configuration for discharging the extinguishing agent in a desired direction. For example, the discharge unit 102 may have a nozzle for discharging the extinguishing agent and a tank for storing the extinguishing agent. The discharge unit 102 may have a known configuration other than the configuration for discharging the extinguishing agent using the nozzle and tank described above.

[0028] The extinguishing agent is a substance that has the property of extinguishing a fire. The substance used as the extinguishing agent may be in any form of liquid, foam, powder, or gas. Any known substance used for extinguishing a fire may be used as the extinguishing agent.

[0029] The main body 103 includes a main body 103A and a self-propelled part 103B. The main body 103A of the main body has a configuration in which the detection unit 101, the emission unit 102, and the control unit 104 are disposed. The main body 103A of the present embodiment has a base-like configuration in which the detection unit 101, the emission unit 102, and the control unit 104 are disposed and exposed on the upper surface. The main body 103A of the main body may be a housing in which the detection unit 101, the emission unit 102, and the control unit 104 are disposed.

[0030] The self-propelled unit 103B is disposed in the main body 103A of the main body, and has a configuration for moving the main body 103. In this embodiment, the self-propelled unit 103B has four wheels and a drive unit for driving the wheels. The four wheels are disposed at the bottom of the main body 103A of the main body. The self-propelled unit 103B may have a known configuration used for movement other than the above-mentioned configuration for moving using wheels.

[0031] The control unit 104 is disposed in the main body 103A of the main body, and has a configuration for controlling at least one of the detection unit 101, the self-propelled unit 103B, and the emission unit 102. In this embodiment, the control unit 104 has a configuration for controlling the detection unit 101, the self-propelled unit 103B, and the emission unit 102. The details of the control of the detection unit 101, the control of the self-propelled unit 103B, and the control of the emission unit 102 will be described later. Also, the control unit 104 has a configuration for calculating an area where the smoke concentration is high. The details of the calculation of the area where the smoke concentration is high will be described later.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 configured as described above. First, the air conditioning of the server room 900 will be described, and second, the operation of the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 will be described. 3, an air conditioner (not shown) provided in the server room 900 exhausts air toward an area on the rack row 905 side of the server room 900. Specifically, the air is exhausted toward the cold aisle space 902 of the server room 900.

[0033] The air discharged into the cold aisle space 902 is drawn into the electronic device 901 housed in the rack 904. The air flows into the interior from an opening formed on the surface of the electronic device 901 facing the cold aisle space 902. The air that flows into the interior exchanges heat with the electronic device 901. Specifically, the air that flows into the interior removes heat generated in the electronic device 901, causing the temperature to rise.

[0034] The air that has exchanged heat flows out from inside electronic device 901 to the outside. The air flows out from an opening formed on the surface of electronic device 901 opposite to cold aisle space 902. Specifically, the air flows out to hot aisle space 903. The air that has flowed out to hot aisle space 903 is drawn into an air conditioner.

[0035] Next, the operation of the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the operation of the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 when smoke is detected will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Specifically, the contents of the control by the control unit 104 will be described.

[0036] First, when the power supply of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is input, the control unit 104 performs a process of acquiring optical information from the detection unit 101 (S1). When the power supply of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is input, the detection unit 101 may start measuring the smoke concentration and output the optical information. Also, the detection unit 101 may start measuring the smoke concentration based on a measurement signal input from the control unit 104 and output the optical information. In this case, the control unit 104 outputs the measurement signal when the power supply of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is input. The detection unit 101 may start outputting the optical information when a measurement signal is input once, and may continue to output the optical information even if no measurement signal is input thereafter. Also, the optical information may be output only while the measurement signal is being input.

[0037] When the light information is acquired, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to determine whether or not the measured smoke density is less than a predetermined threshold (S2). If the measured smoke density is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (YES), it is determined that smoke has been detected. If the measured smoke density is less than the predetermined threshold (NO), it is determined that smoke has not been detected. A predetermined threshold of 0.005% meters or greater is preferable. The threshold may be any other value.

[0038] If the smoke density is less than the threshold (if NO), the process returns to S1, and the control unit 104 repeats the above-mentioned process. If the smoke density is equal to or greater than the threshold (if YES), the control unit 104 controls the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 to move along the vertical passage B.

[0039] 5, the vertical passage B is a passage extending in a direction intersecting the rack row 905 installed in the server room 900 in which the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 is installed. In this embodiment, two vertical passages B are provided in the server room 900, and the rack row 905 is sandwiched between the two vertical passages B. Moreover, the vertical passage B in this embodiment is a passage extending perpendicular to the rack row 905.

[0040] The movement signal output from the control unit 104 is input to the self-propelled unit 103B. The self-propelled unit 103B is driven based on the input movement signal. The driven self-propelled unit 103B moves the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 (S3).

[0041] When the control of S3 starts, if the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is located on the vertical passage B, the control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to move the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 in the direction in which the vertical passage B extends. When the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 moves to the end of the vertical passage B, the control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to move the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 in the opposite direction. In other words, the control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to move the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 back and forth on the vertical passage B.

[0042] Furthermore, when the control of S3 starts, if the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 is not located on the vertical passage B, a movement signal is output to move the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 onto the vertical passage B. The vertical passage B to which the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 is moved may be the vertical passage B closest to the fire detection and extinguishing system 100, or may be a predetermined vertical passage B.

[0043] While or after the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 is moving along the vertical passage B, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to identify the parallel passage A having the highest smoke concentration (S4). The parallel passage A is a passage that extends in a direction parallel to the rack rows 905 installed in the server room 900. The end of the parallel passage A is connected to the vertical passage B. In this embodiment, seven parallel passages A are provided in the server room 900. Moreover, the parallel passages A in this embodiment are passages that extend in a direction parallel to the rack rows 905.

[0044] While the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 is moving along the vertical passage B, the control unit 104 repeatedly performs a process of acquiring optical information from the detection unit 101. The acquired optical information is stored in the control unit 104 in association with acquired position information on the vertical passage B. In addition, the position on the vertical passage B and the position where the parallel passage A connects are also stored in advance in the control unit 104.

[0045] The position information on the vertical passage B can be acquired by using a known method. For example, it may be acquired based on information on the travel distance acquired from the self-propelled unit 103B, or it may be acquired by receiving a position identification signal transmitted from a beacon or the like installed in the server room 900.

[0046] Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the relationship between smoke concentration and position on vertical path B. The vertical axis indicates smoke concentration based on acquired optical information. The horizontal axis indicates position on vertical path B, and the upward arrow on the horizontal axis indicates the position where parallel path A joins.

[0047] Based on the acquired optical information, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to determine the position P where the smoke concentration is the highest on the vertical path B. Once the position P is determined, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to determine the parallel path A that is closest to the position P. In other words, the control unit 104 identifies the parallel path A where the smoke concentration is the highest.

[0048] The control unit 104 controls the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 to move to the identified parallel passage A. Based on the movement signal output from the control unit 104, the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is moved to the identified parallel passage A (S5).

[0049] 7, the control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 that has been moved to the identified parallel passage A to move it in the direction in which the parallel passage A extends. When the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 has moved to the end of the parallel passage A, the control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to move it in the opposite direction. In other words, the control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to move it back and forth along the parallel passage A.

[0050] While or after the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 is moving along the parallel passage A, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to identify the position where the smoke concentration is highest in the direction along which the parallel passage A extends (S6). While the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 is moving along the parallel passage A, the control unit 104 repeatedly performs a process of acquiring optical information from the detection unit 101. The acquired optical information is linked to acquired position information along the parallel passage A and stored in the control unit 104. Note that the position information along the parallel passage A can be acquired using a known method.

[0051] 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between smoke concentration and position on the parallel path A. The vertical axis indicates the smoke concentration based on the acquired optical information, and the horizontal axis indicates the position on the parallel path A. Based on the acquired optical information, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to determine the position Q where the smoke concentration is the highest on the parallel passage A. Once the position Q is determined, the control unit 104 performs a calculation process to determine the position on the parallel passage A that corresponds to the position Q. In other words, the control unit 104 identifies the position where the smoke concentration is the highest.

[0052] The control unit 104 controls the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 to move to the position where the identified smoke concentration is the highest. Based on the movement signal output from the control unit 104, the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 is moved to the position where the identified smoke concentration is the highest (S7).

[0053] The control unit 104 outputs a movement signal to rotate the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 360° at the position where the smoke density is the highest, as shown in Fig. 9. While rotating 360°, the fire detection and extinguishing system 100 performs a calculation process to identify the point where the smoke density is the highest at the position where the smoke density is the highest. In other words, the source of the fire can be identified (S8).

[0054] When the fire source is identified, the control unit 104 outputs a discharge signal to the discharge unit 102 to discharge an extinguishing agent toward the fire source (S9), as shown in Fig. 10. The discharge unit 102 can extinguish the fire by discharging the extinguishing agent toward the fire source. Note that the discharge unit 102 may use a known function to extinguish the fire.

[0055] According to the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 having the above configuration, the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 can move to an area where the smoke concentration is high and release the extinguishing agent toward the area where the smoke concentration is high. In other words, the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 can move toward the source of the smoke and release the extinguishing agent toward the source of the smoke. Since the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 performs control based on optical information regarding the smoke concentration, it can move and release the extinguishing agent if smoke is generated regardless of the presence or absence of a fire. In other words, compared to a case where a fire is detected and extinguished, the fire can be extinguished at an earlier timing, and damage to the electronic device 901 caused by a fire can be more easily prevented.

[0056] Furthermore, since the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 moves along a predetermined movement route and detects optical information at a plurality of different locations, the control unit 104 can more easily determine an area where the smoke concentration is high. In other words, the control unit 104 can more easily determine an area where the smoke concentration is high compared to when the control unit 104 detects an area where the smoke concentration is high based on optical information detected at one location.

[0057] Furthermore, since the main body 103A has the self-propelled part 103B, the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 can move on the floor surface. When the main body 103A is moved on the floor surface, the self-propelled part 103B can set a movement route suitable for detecting optical information and releasing a fire extinguishing agent more easily than when the main body 103 is moved depending on a support. In other words, it is easier to detect optical information related to smoke concentration and to extinguish a fire corresponding to smoke than when the main body 103A is moved depending on a support.

[0058] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The basic configuration of a fire detection and extinguishing system 100A of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but is different in that an imaging unit 105 and a communication unit 106 are further provided. Also, a remote control unit 300 is further provided in a location other than the server room 900. In this embodiment, only the configurations that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same configurations will be omitted.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, the fire detection and extinguishing system 100A of this embodiment includes a detection unit 101, an emission unit 102, a main body unit 103, a control unit 104A, an imaging unit 105, and a communication unit 106. The control unit 104A differs from the control unit 104 of the first embodiment in that it has a configuration for controlling the imaging unit 105. Specifically, the control unit 104A has a configuration for controlling the detection unit 101, the self-propelled unit 103B, the release unit 102, and the imaging unit 105. The control content of the imaging unit 105 will be described later.

[0060] The photographing unit 105 is configured to photograph the inside of the server room 900 and output image information acquired by photographing to the communication unit 106. For example, the photographing unit 105 can photograph the situation inside the server room 900 where a fire has broken out.

[0061] The photographing unit 105 is disposed in the main body 103A of the main body unit. The photographing unit 105 is configured to photograph the inside of the server room 900 and output image information acquired by photographing to the communication unit 106. For example, the photographing unit 105 can photograph the situation inside the server room 900 where a fire has broken out.

[0062] The communication unit 106 is disposed in the main body 103A of the main body unit, and has a configuration for communicating information with the remote control unit 300. The communicated information includes image information output from the photographing unit 105, a movement signal output from the movement operation unit 303, and an operation signal output from the release operation unit 304.

[0063] The remote control unit 300 is disposed in a location other than the server room 900, and has a configuration for remotely controlling the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A. The remote control unit 300 has a configuration for enabling information communication with the communication unit 106 of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the remote control unit 300 includes a remote communication unit 301, a display unit 302, a movement operation unit 303, and a discharge operation unit 304. The remote communication unit 301 is disposed in the remote control unit 300, and has a configuration that enables information communication with the communication unit 106 of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A. The information to be communicated includes image information output from the photographing unit 105, a movement signal output from the movement operation unit 303, and an operation signal output from the release operation unit 304.

[0065] The display unit 302 is disposed in the remote control unit 300, and has a configuration for displaying image information output from the imaging unit 105. For example, the display unit 302 may be a liquid crystal display for displaying image information. Note that the display unit 302 may have a known configuration for displaying images other than the above-mentioned liquid crystal display.

[0066] The movement operation unit 303 is disposed in the remote control unit 300, and has a configuration for outputting a movement signal for moving the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A to the communication unit 106. The movement operation unit 303 has a configuration for an operator to input a movement direction of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A. For example, the movement operation unit 303 has a known configuration such as a joystick for indicating the movement direction or a cross button.

[0067] The discharge operation unit 304 is disposed in the remote control unit 300, and has a configuration for outputting a discharge signal for discharging an extinguishing agent from the discharge unit 102 to the communication unit 106. The discharge operation unit 304 has a configuration for an operator to input an instruction to discharge an extinguishing agent. For example, the discharge operation unit 304 has a known configuration such as a push button that instructs discharging an extinguishing agent when pressed, or a rotary switch that instructs discharging an extinguishing agent when rotated in a predetermined direction.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of an operation of operating the fire detection and extinguishing system 100A by the above-configured remote control unit 300. Note that a description of the same operations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A is operated based on a signal issued from the control unit 104A in principle, but when the remote control unit 300 is operated, an example will be described in which the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A is operated based on a signal issued from the remote control unit 300. In other words, the control by the remote control unit 300 takes precedence over the control by the control unit 104A. Note that the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A may be controlled based only on a signal issued from the remote control unit 300, not based on a signal issued from the control unit 104A.

[0069] First, when the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A and the remote control unit 300 are activated, the control unit 104A performs a process of causing the photographing unit 105 to start photographing the server room 900. Specifically, the photographing unit 105 may start photographing the server room 900 based on a photographing signal input from the control unit 104A. Note that the photographing unit 105 may start photographing the server room 900 when only the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A is activated.

[0070] The captured image information of the server room 900 is output to the remote communication unit 301 via the communication unit 106. The output image information is displayed on the display unit 302. In other words, the operator can check the situation inside the server room 900 even from a long distance. For example, the situation of a fire inside the server room 900 can be checked.

[0071] Next, control regarding movement in the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A based on the remote control unit 300 will be described. The movement control unit 303 controls the movement of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A. A movement signal output from the movement control unit 303 is output to the communication unit 106 via the remote communication unit 301. The output movement signal is output to the self-propelled unit 103B. The self-propelled unit 103B is driven based on the movement signal, and the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100A moves.

[0072] Next, control regarding fire extinguishing in the fire detection and extinguishing system 100A based on the remote control unit 300 will be described. The release operation unit 304 controls the release of extinguishing agent from the release unit 102. A release signal output from the release operation unit 304 is output to the communication unit 106 via the remote communication unit 301. The output release signal is output to the release unit 102. The release unit 102 releases the extinguishing agent based on the output release signal.

[0073] In this way, by providing the communication unit 106, the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 can be controlled using the remote control unit 300 arranged at a position remote from the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100. For example, even if it is difficult to control the release of extinguishing agent or the movement of the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100 using the control unit 104A, the operator can operate the remote control unit 300 to release the extinguishing agent or move the fire detection and extinguishing apparatus 100.

[0074] Furthermore, by providing the photographing unit 105, the person operating the remote control unit 300 can check the situation in the room using image information. Since the operator can make an examination based on the image information, the person operating the remote control unit 300 can easily improve the accuracy of the judgment of the release of the extinguishing agent. For example, when a fire breaks out in the server room 900, the situation of the fire can be obtained as image information, and the fire detection and extinguishing device 100 can be controlled at a remote location based on the image information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100, 100A...fire detection and extinguishing device, 101...detection unit, 102...emission unit, 103...main body unit, 103A...main body unit main body, 103B...self-propelled unit, 104, 104A...control unit, 105...imaging unit, 106...communication unit, 300...remote control unit, 301...remote communication unit, 302...display unit, 303...movement operation unit, 304...emission operation unit, 900...server room, 901...electronic equipment, 902...cold aisle space, 903...hot aisle space, 904...rack, 905...row of racks, A...vertical aisle, B...vertical aisle, P, Q...points.

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects optical information related to smoke concentration; A discharge part that discharges a predetermined amount of extinguishing agent in a desired direction; a main body portion in which the detection portion and the emission portion are disposed and moved; Based on the optical information detected by the detection unit, a control unit that moves the main body to an area where the smoke concentration is high and releases the extinguishing agent from the release unit toward the area where the smoke concentration is high; A fire detection and extinguishing device comprising:

2. The control unit moves the main body along a predetermined movement route, 2. The fire detection and extinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the area where the smoke concentration is high is determined based on the optical information detected by the detection unit at a plurality of different locations.

3. 2. The fire detection and extinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion has a self-propelled portion that moves on a floor surface.

4. The main body is further provided with a communication unit capable of communicating with a remote control unit that transmits at least one of a discharge signal for controlling the discharge of the extinguishing agent in the discharge unit and a movement signal for controlling the movement of the main body, The communication unit outputs at least one of the release signal and the movement signal received from the remote control unit to the control unit, The fire detection and extinguishing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when at least one of the release signal and the movement signal is input from the communication unit, the control unit performs control based on the release signal and the movement signal.

5. The main body unit is further provided with an image capturing unit that captures an image of the interior of the room and outputs image information, 5. The fire detection and extinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits image information output from the image capturing unit to the remote control unit.

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