Fire notification method

Abstract

To further ensure a prevention of non-fire notification by increasing an accuracy of fire determination through smoke identification.SOLUTION: A photoelectric type smoke detector 14 connected to a signal line 12-1 extending from a receiver 10 to a warning area transmits a fire signal containing smoke identification information generated in sensing zones Z1 and Z2. A sensor 18 that detects a change in a physical phenomenon other than smoke associated with a fire is installed in the sensing zones Z1 and Z2, and is connected to the signal line 12-1 via a repeater 16. The sensor 18 is at least one of a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, or a heat sensor, and a fire notification control unit 48 of the receiver 10 outputs a fire alarm when the photoelectric type smoke detector 14 detects the identification information of smoke, and when it determines that a detected value has been reached by at least one of the CO2 sensor, the CO sensor, the flame sensor, or the heat sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire alarm method for monitoring fires by connecting a fire detector to a receiver. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional fire alarm systems known as the R type, fire detectors with transmission functions and assigned unique addresses are connected to a receiver, and in normal monitoring mode, the detection values ​​of smoke concentration, temperature, etc. are collected and monitored by calling the fire detectors whose detector addresses are sequentially specified. In the event of a fire, a search command is issued from the receiver based on a fire interrupt signal from the fire detector to identify the address of the fire detector that triggered the alarm and collect the detection values. If the detection value exceeds a specified fire alarm threshold, it is determined to be a fire and a fire alarm is output, and further, linked control is performed for exhaust equipment, fire doors, automatic reporting to fire departments, etc.

[0003] In addition, conventional fire alarm systems use photoelectric smoke detectors to detect smoke generated by fires. However, conventional photoelectric smoke detectors can also trigger false fire alarms due to smoke generated by cooking or steam in the bathroom, in addition to the smoke generated by fires.

[0004] In order to prevent false fire alarms caused by factors other than fire, a so-called two-wavelength photoelectric smoke detector has been proposed (Patent Document 2), which irradiates the smoke detection space with light of two different wavelengths, determines the type of smoke by calculating the ratio of the light intensities of the different wavelengths of the light scattered by the smoke, and increases the accuracy of smoke identification, thereby ensuring the prevention of false fire alarms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-265353 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-325211 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-341661 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-225857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When such a conventional two-wavelength photoelectric smoke detector is connected to a receiver to monitor fires, the receiver can distinguish between white smoke generated by a smoldering fire and black smoke generated by a combustion fire and output a fire alarm, making it possible to respond according to the level of fire danger.

[0007] However, if steam from a bathroom or other source flows into a photoelectric smoke detector, it may produce an identification result similar to the white smoke caused by a smoldering fire, and there remains the possibility that a non-fire cause such as steam may be mistaken for a white smoke fire and a non-fire alarm may be issued.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a fire alarm method that improves the accuracy of fire detection by smoke discrimination and further ensures the prevention of false fire alarms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (Fire alarm method) The present invention provides a fire alarm method for monitoring and alarming a fire in a restricted area, comprising: A photoelectric smoke detector connected to a receiver sends a fire signal when it detects smoke in a designated security area. A sensor installed in the same alert area as the photoelectric smoke detector detects changes in physical phenomena other than smoke that occur due to a fire and sends a detection signal. The fire alarm control unit installed in the receiver Receives a fire signal from a photoelectric smoke detector and a detection signal from a sensor, When the type of smoke contained in the received fire signal corresponds to the detection value of the received detection signal, a fire is determined and a fire alarm is output. When the detected value of smoke contained in the received fire signal exceeds a predetermined smoke density, a fire is determined to have occurred and a fire alarm is output.

[0010] Here, the term "security zone" refers to a concept that indicates a unit of area that can be identified as, for example, a fire location, and refers to a room separated by walls within the security zone, a section separated by ceiling beams, etc. The shapes, spatial volumes, floor areas, etc. of multiple security zones are each arbitrary and do not need to be the same as each other.

[0011] (Fire determination based on a combination of white or black smoke fires and sensor detection values) As a sensor, at least one of a CO2 sensor that detects CO2 generated in association with a fire, a CO sensor that detects CO generated in association with a fire, a flame sensor that detects flames generated in association with a fire, and a heat sensor that detects heat generated in association with a fire is provided, The fire alarm control unit of the receiver outputs a fire alarm when it determines that smoke has been identified and that at least one of a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, or a heat sensor has detected smoke.

[0012] (Fire detection based on white smoke and CO2 detection) The fire alarm control unit of the receiver outputs a fire alarm when it determines that there is a white smoke fire and that CO2 has been detected by the CO2 sensor.

[0013] (Fire detection based on white smoke and CO detection) The fire alarm control unit of the receiver outputs a fire alarm when it determines that there is a white smoke fire and that CO has been detected by the CO sensor.

[0014] (Fire detection by black smoke and flame detection) The fire alarm control unit of the receiver outputs a fire alarm when it determines that a black smoke fire has occurred and that a flame has been detected by the flame sensor.

[0015] (Fire detection by black smoke and heat detection) The fire alarm control unit of the receiver outputs a fire alarm when it determines that a black smoke fire has occurred and that heat has been detected by the heat sensor.

[0016] (Black smoke fire, fire detection by flame and heat detection) The fire alarm control unit of the receiver outputs a fire alarm when it determines that there is a black smoke fire, a flame has been detected by the flame sensor, or heat has been detected by the heat sensor.

[0017] (multi-sensor) At least one of a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, and a heat sensor is integrally provided in the photoelectric smoke detector.

[0018] (Interlocking control according to the type of section) The fire alarm control unit of the receiver stores in advance the correspondence between the type of alert area and the linked control, and when a fire is detected, it performs the linked control corresponding to the type of area.

[0019] (Smoke detection on the detector side) Photoelectric smoke detectors are a smoke detector that detects a first smoke detection value by receiving light of a first wavelength and scattered light of smoke at a first scattering angle, and that detects a second smoke detection value by receiving light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and scattered light of smoke at a second scattering angle; a detector control unit that identifies smoke based on the first smoke detection value and the second smoke detection value detected by the smoke detection unit and transmits a fire signal including identification information of the identified smoke to a receiver; Equipped with.

[0020] (Smoke identification on the receiver side) Photoelectric smoke detectors are a smoke detector that detects a first smoke detection value by receiving light of a first wavelength and scattered light of smoke at a first scattering angle, and that detects a second smoke detection value by receiving light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and scattered light of smoke at a second scattering angle; a detector control unit that transmits a smoke detection value detection signal including the first smoke detection value and the second smoke detection value detected by the smoke detection unit to a receiver; Equipped with The fire alarm control unit of the receiver identifies smoke based on the first smoke detection value and the second smoke detection value received from the photoelectric smoke detector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] (Basic effect) The present invention is a fire alarm method for monitoring and issuing an alarm for fires in a restricted area, comprising: a photoelectric smoke detector that is connected to a receiver and transmits a fire signal including identification information for smoke generated in a specified restricted area; a sensor that is installed in the same restricted area as the photoelectric smoke detector and detects changes in physical phenomena other than smoke associated with a fire; and a fire alarm control unit that is installed in the receiver and determines a fire based on the smoke identification information from the fire signal from the photoelectric smoke detector and the detection signal from the sensor, and issues a fire alarm.Therefore, by adding the detection value of changes in physical phenomena other than smoke associated with a fire, detected by a sensor installed in the same restricted area, to the result of identifying a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire, the accuracy of fire determination can be increased, and false fire alarms can be further prevented.

[0022] (Effect of fire detection by combining white smoke fires or black smoke fires and sensor detection values) In addition, at least one of a CO2 sensor that detects CO2 generated in conjunction with a fire, a CO sensor that detects CO generated in conjunction with a fire, a flame sensor that detects flames generated in conjunction with a fire, or a heat sensor that detects heat generated in conjunction with a fire is provided as a sensor, and the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is configured to output a fire alarm when it determines that a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire has been detected by at least one of a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, or a heat sensor.Therefore, by determining that there is a fire and issuing an alarm when both the identification result of a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire and the detection value by one of a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, or a heat sensor are obtained, the accuracy of fire determination can be increased and false fire alarms can be further prevented.

[0023] (White smoke fires and the effectiveness of CO2 detection in determining fire status) In addition, the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is designed to output a fire alarm when it determines that a white smoke fire has occurred and that CO2 has been detected by the CO2 sensor.Therefore, if a white smoke fire is determined but CO2 is not detected by the CO2 sensor, it will determine that there is some non-fire factor and continue monitoring without issuing a fire alarm.On the other hand, if a white smoke fire is detected, for example, because bedding in a room has smoldered due to smoking in bed, the CO2 generation can be confirmed by detection by the CO2 sensor and a fire alarm can be output.

[0024] (The effectiveness of detecting white smoke and CO fires) Furthermore, the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is designed to output a fire alarm when it determines that a white smoke fire has occurred and that CO has been detected by the CO sensor. Therefore, if a white smoke fire is determined but no CO is detected by the CO sensor, it will determine that there is some non-fire factor and continue monitoring without issuing a fire alarm. On the other hand, if a white smoke fire is determined to have occurred because, for example, furniture such as a sofa ignites due to heating by a stove in a living room and smolders while emitting white smoke and CO, the CO sensor will detect the generation of CO to confirm the fire and output a fire alarm.

[0025] (Fire detection by black smoke and flame detection) In addition, the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is designed to output a fire alarm when it determines that there is a black smoke fire and that a flame has been detected by the flame sensor. Therefore, if a black smoke fire is determined but no flame is detected by the flame sensor, it is determined that there is some non-fire factor and monitoring continues without issuing a fire alarm. On the other hand, if, for example, a fire is detected from an ashtray onto a sofa or the like due to a careless cigarette in a smoking room, and black smoke is emitted as the fire burns, it is determined that there is a black smoke fire, and the fire is confirmed by detecting the generation of flames with the flame sensor, and a fire alarm is output.

[0026] (Black smoke fires and the effectiveness of heat detection in determining fire status) In addition, the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is designed to output a fire alarm when it determines that a black smoke fire has occurred and that heat has been detected by a heat sensor. Therefore, if a black smoke fire is determined but no heat is detected by the heat sensor, it will determine that there is some non-fire factor and continue monitoring without issuing a fire alarm. On the other hand, for example, if liquid fuel leaks from a liquid fuel tank installed in a hazardous materials warehouse and ignites in the electrical system, causing flames and black smoke to rise, in addition to determining that it is a black smoke fire, the flame sensor will detect the occurrence of the flame and confirm the fire, and output a fire alarm.

[0027] (Black smoke fires, effectiveness of flame and heat detection to determine fire status) In addition, the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is designed to output a fire alarm when it determines that there is a black smoke fire, flame detection by the flame sensor, and heat detection by the heat sensor.Therefore, if a black smoke fire is determined but no flame is detected by the flame sensor or heat is detected by the heat sensor, it will determine that there is some non-fire factor and continue monitoring without issuing a fire alarm.On the other hand, for example, in a factory with fuel tanks and welding machines, if a welding spark ignites a nearby fuel tank, causing an explosive rise of flames and black smoke, in addition to determining that there is a black smoke fire, the generation of flames can be detected by the flame sensor to confirm the fire and output a fire alarm.

[0028] (Multi-sensor effect) Furthermore, since at least one of a CO2 sensor, CO sensor, flame sensor, or heat sensor is integrated into the photoelectric smoke detector, which transmits a fire signal to distinguish between white smoke fires and black smoke fires, one or more sensors that detect changes in physical phenomena other than smoke associated with a fire are integrated into the photoelectric smoke detector, making it easier to install sensors in the alert area, and detecting the values ​​of fire smoke and changes in physical phenomena other than smoke at the same position in the alert area increases the accuracy of fire judgment.

[0029] Furthermore, by integrating photoelectric smoke detectors with various sensors, processing circuits can be shared and structural parts can be used. By integrating the above, the number of parts can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce overall costs. It also makes it possible to reduce the number of addresses required for analog systems. Of course, by reducing the number of sensors installed on the ceiling, it is possible to improve the aesthetic appeal of building designs.

[0030] (Effect of interlocking control according to zone type) In addition, the fire alarm control unit of the receiver stores in advance the correspondence between the type of alert area and the linked control, and when a fire is determined to have occurred, it performs linked control corresponding to the type of area.For example, for each alert area in which a photoelectric smoke detector is installed, the correspondence between the type of area (such as a living room, smoking room, or warehouse where hazardous materials such as fuel tanks are installed) and linked controls such as exhaust, automatic notification, and fire extinguishing based on the level of danger of the area in the event of a fire can be stored in advance.For example, if the fire area is an area where the fire will not spread rapidly, linked controls such as exhaust and automatic notification can be performed to enable human response such as initial fire extinguishing.On the other hand, if the fire area is a warehouse or the like where hazardous materials such as fuel tanks are installed, there is a risk of the fire spreading rapidly, so in addition to exhaust and automatic notification, automatic fire extinguishing can be performed by spraying fire extinguishing agents or the like.

[0031] (Effect of smoke discrimination on the detector side) In addition, the photoelectric smoke detector is equipped with a smoke detection unit that detects a first smoke detection value by receiving light of a first wavelength and scattered light from smoke at a first scattering angle setting, and detects a second smoke detection value by receiving light of a second wavelength different from the first scattering angle and scattered light from smoke at a second scattering angle setting, and a detector control unit that identifies smoke based on the first smoke detection value and second smoke detection value detected by the smoke detection unit and transmits a fire signal including identification information for the identified smoke to a receiver.Since the photoelectric smoke detector identifies smoke based on two types of smoke detection values ​​detected using different wavelength and scattering angle settings, the processing burden on the receiver can be reduced.

[0032] (Effect of smoke discrimination on the receiver side) The photoelectric smoke detector also comprises a smoke detection unit that detects a first smoke detection value by receiving light of a first wavelength and scattered light from smoke at a first scattering angle, and detects a second smoke detection value by receiving light of a second wavelength different from the first scattering angle and scattered light from smoke at a second scattering angle, and a detector control unit that transmits a smoke detection value detection signal including the first and second smoke detection values ​​detected by the smoke detection unit to a receiver, and the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is configured to identify smoke based on the first and second smoke detection values ​​received from the photoelectric smoke detector.Since the receiver side identifies white smoke fires and black smoke fires based on the two types of smoke detection values ​​detected by the photoelectric smoke detector, the configuration and control function of the photoelectric smoke detector are simplified and the current consumption of the photoelectric smoke detector can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a fire alarm system. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the photoelectric smoke detector installed in the fire alarm system in Figure 1 [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the structure of the smoke detector in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing the smoke detection values ​​and their ratios detected by the smoke detector structure shown in Figure 2 when a cotton wick and kerosene are burned. [Figure 5] 1. A flowchart showing the control operation of the receiver of FIG. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the control operation of the photoelectric smoke detector in Figure 2 [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing fire detection and linked control when a CO2 sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing fire detection and linked control when a CO sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing fire detection and linked control when a flame sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram showing fire detection and linked control when a heat sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram showing fire detection and linked control when flame and heat sensors are installed in the alert zone of a photoelectric smoke detector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] [Fire alarm system] (Fire alarm system overview) Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a fire alarm system. As shown in Fig. 1, a receiver 10, for example, of type R, is installed in a monitoring center or a caretaker's room of a facility where a fire alarm system 100 is installed, and signal lines 12-1 to 12-3 are drawn out from the receiver 10 to the alert area, separated into systems.

[0035] A plurality of photoelectric smoke detectors 14, each with a transmission function and assigned a unique address, are connected to signal line 12-1. Photoelectric smoke detectors 14 are so-called dual-wavelength photoelectric smoke detectors that have the function of detecting a first smoke detection value A1 by receiving light of a first wavelength λ1 and scattered light from smoke at a first scattering angle θ1, and detecting a second smoke detection value A2 by receiving light of a second wavelength λ2 and scattered light from smoke at a second scattering angle θ2.

[0036] Here, the first smoke detection value A1 and the second smoke detection value A2 may be simply referred to as the smoke detection value A1 and the smoke detection value A2 in the following description.

[0037] In addition to the so-called two-wavelength photoelectric smoke detector 14, ordinary photoelectric smoke detectors and heat detectors with transmission functions are connected to the signal line 12-1, and on-off type fire detectors and transmitters are connected to the detector line drawn from the repeater with transmission functions, but are not shown in the figure.

[0038] The photoelectric smoke detectors 14 connected to the signal line 12-1 are installed in each of the security zones Z1 and Z2, which are the installation units. The security zones Z1 and Z2 are sections of a predetermined length, such as rooms separated by walls, zones separated by ceiling beams, or corridors, and typically one photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed in each security zone. However, installation of multiple detectors is not prohibited.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, a sensor 18 is additionally installed in each of the alert zones Z1 and Z2 where a photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed, to detect changes in physical phenomena other than smoke caused by a fire, and is connected to the signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10 via a repeater 16 which has a unique address and transmission function.

[0040] The sensor 18 is at least one of a CO2 sensor that detects CO2 generated by a fire, a CO sensor that detects CO generated by a fire, a flame sensor that detects flames generated by a fire, and a heat sensor that detects heat generated by a fire. Although one of these is usually installed per compartment, installing multiple sensors per compartment is not prohibited. It is also not necessary for all compartments to have the same detection target.

[0041] Control devices such as a district sounding device 20, an exhaust device 22, and a fire door 24 are connected to the signal lines 12-2 and 12-3 via a repeater 16 having a transmission function and a unique address set thereto. The district sounding device 20, under the control of the receiver 10, outputs a predetermined district sound alarm to notify the alert area of ​​the occurrence of a fire.

[0042] The exhaust device 22 is activated by a control command from the receiver 10 to ventilate the restricted area. The fire door 24 is latched open by a control command from the receiver 10 and is operated to the closed position, closing off the compartment where the fire has occurred and preventing the fire from spreading.

[0043] The maximum number of addresses per line set for terminal devices such as photoelectric smoke detectors 14 and repeaters 16 connected to signal lines 12-1 to 12-3 is, for example, 255, and a maximum of 255 terminal devices can be connected to each of signal lines 12-1 to 12-3.

[0044] (Receiver functional configuration) The receiver 10 is provided with a main CPU 26 and sub-CPU boards 28-1 to 28-3, and each of the sub-CPU boards 28-1 to 28-3 is provided with a sub-CPU 30 and a transmission unit 32. The main CPU 26 and the sub-CPU 30 are connected by a serial transfer bus 34, and transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0045] The main CPU 26 is connected to a display 36 with a touch panel using an LCD panel or the like, a display unit 38 equipped with representative lights for fire, gas leaks, and faults, LED indicator lights, etc., an operation unit 40 equipped with various switches necessary for fire monitoring such as a fire determination switch, a district sound stop switch, and a report transfer stop switch, an acoustic alarm unit 42 equipped with a speaker, and a report transfer unit 44.

[0046] The automatic notification device 102, emergency broadcast equipment 104, fire extinguishing equipment 106, etc. are connected as notification destinations to the notification unit 44. The automatic notification device 102 operates in response to a notification signal from the receiver 10, and notifies the fire department and guard room of a fire outbreak via a public telephone line.

[0047] The emergency broadcast equipment 104 is activated by a signal from the receiver 10, and outputs an emergency broadcast from speakers installed in the alert area to notify of a fire outbreak and to guide people to evacuate. When the emergency broadcast equipment 104 is activated, the local sound alarm from the local sound device 20 is stopped.

[0048] The fire extinguishing system 106 is, for example, a dry fire extinguishing system equipped with open sprinkler heads, and branch pipes are drawn out from the water supply main for each designated protected area, to which the open sprinkler heads are connected, and in the event of a fire, fire extinguishing water is supplied and sprayed from a pressurized water supply source by opening a simultaneous release valve provided at the branch point of the branch pipe.The fire extinguishing system 106 also includes foam fire extinguishing systems that emit fire extinguishing foam and gas fire extinguishing systems that emit fire extinguishing gas.

[0049] [Receiver control functions] As shown in FIG. 1, the main CPU 26 of the receiver 10 is provided with a fire alarm control unit 48 as a function realized by executing a program.

[0050] Furthermore, a transmission control unit 46 is provided as a function realized by executing a program in the sub-CPU 30 provided on the sub-CPU boards 28-1 to 28-3 of the receiver 10. The transmission control unit 46 provided in the sub-CPU 30 on the sub-CPU board 28-1 controls the collection of the first smoke detection value A1 and the second smoke detection value A2 detected by the two-wavelength photoelectric smoke detector 14 connected to the signal line 12-1, and controls the collection of the detection value of the sensor 18.

[0051] In addition, the transmission control units 46 of the sub-CPU boards 28-2 and 28-3 perform fire linkage control by transmitting control signals specifying the addresses of the repeaters 16 that connect control devices such as the local sound device 20, exhaust device 22, and fire doors 24 connected to the respective signal lines 12-2 and 12-3.

[0052] (Detector detection data collection control) The transmission control unit 46 provided in the sub-CPU 30 of the sub-CPU board 28-1 instructs the transmission unit 32 to transmit the signal to the repeater 12-1 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 and the sensor 18 connected to the signal line 12-1. The sensor 18 controls the collection of detection data by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the repeater 16 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. In the following explanation, transmission and reception between the sensor 18 and the repeater 16 will be described as transmission and reception between the sensor 18 and the repeater 16.

[0053] The downstream signal from the transmission unit 32 to the photoelectric smoke detector 14 is transmitted in voltage mode. This voltage mode signal is transmitted as a voltage pulse that changes the line voltage of the signal line 12-1 between, for example, 18 volts and 30 volts.

[0054] On the other hand, the upstream signals from the photoelectric smoke detector 14 and the sensor 18 to the transmitter 32 are transmitted in current mode. In this current mode, a signal current is passed through the signal line 12-1 at the timing of bit 1 of the transmission data, and the upstream signal is transmitted to the receiver 10 as a so-called current pulse train.

[0055] During normal monitoring, the data collection control by the transmission control unit 46 of the sub-CPU 30 periodically instructs the transmission unit 32 to transmit a broadcast batch AD conversion signal containing a batch AD conversion command, and the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that receives this batch AD conversion signal converts the smoke detection value detection signals of the first smoke detection value A1 and the second smoke detection value A2 output from the smoke detection unit by AD conversion into digital smoke detection value signals and holds them. Also, the sensor 18 that receives the batch AD conversion signal converts the detection value signal detected at that time by AD conversion into a digital detection value signal and holds them.

[0056] Next, the transmission control unit 46 of the sub-CPU 30 transmits a call signal including a polling command that sequentially specifies the terminal addresses. When the photoelectric smoke detector 14 receives a call signal having an address that matches its own address, it transmits a call response signal including the first smoke detection value A1 and the second smoke detection value A2 that it is holding at that time to the receiver 10. When the receiving sensor 18 receives a call signal having an address that matches its own address, it transmits a call response signal including the detection values ​​that it is holding at that time to the receiver 10.

[0057] In addition, if the photoelectric smoke detector 14 is equivalent to a type 2 sensitivity smoke detector that triggers a fire alarm at a smoke density of, for example, 10% / m, the photoelectric smoke detector 14 is set with a smoke density threshold equivalent to type 1 sensitivity, for example, a smoke density threshold of 5.0% / m, as a warning display threshold AP1th for the first smoke detection value A1, and when the detected first smoke detection value A1 becomes equal to or exceeds the warning display threshold AP1th, it is determined that a fire has been triggered and a fire interrupt signal is sent to the receiver 10.

[0058] In addition, a smoke density threshold equivalent to Class 1 sensitivity, for example, a smoke density threshold of 5.0% / m, may be set as a warning indication threshold AP2th for the second smoke detection value A2 in the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and when the detected second smoke detection value A2 becomes equal to or exceeds the warning indication threshold AP2th, it may be determined that a fire has been alerted and a fire interrupt signal may be sent to the receiver 10.

[0059] When the transmission control unit 46 of the sub-CPU 30 receives a fire interrupt signal from the photoelectric smoke detector 14 via the transmission unit 32, it sends a group search command signal to identify the group that includes the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that triggered the fire alert, and then sends an intra-group search command signal to identify the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that triggered the fire alert, and intensively collects the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 and transmits them to the main CPU 26 via the serial transfer bus 34.

[0060] The transmission control unit 46 of the sub-CPU 30 performs concentrated collection of the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 by shortening the transmission period of the batch AD conversion signal and continuously collecting the first smoke detection value A1 and the second smoke detection value A2 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 by transmitting a call signal specifying the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has issued a fire alarm after transmitting the batch AD conversion signal.

[0061] In addition, when the transmission control unit 46 of the sub-CPU 30 identifies the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has issued a fire alert, it acquires the addresses of the sensors 18 that have been registered in advance and installed in the same alert area, intensively collects the detection values ​​of the sensors 18 that are installed in the same alert area as the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that issued the fire alert, and transmits them to the main CPU 26 via the serial transfer bus 34.

[0062] (Fire alarm control) The fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26 calculates the ratio R = A1 / A2 from the first smoke detection value A1 and the second smoke detection value A2 received from the sub CPU 30, and compares it with a predetermined ratio threshold value Rth. When R ≥ Rth, it determines a white smoke fire, and when R < Rth, it determines a black smoke fire. The details of the determination of white smoke fire and black smoke fire by the fire alarm control unit 48 will be clarified in the later description of the photoelectric smoke detector 14.

[0063] Subsequently, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26 compares the detection value of the sensor 18 received from the sub CPU 30 with a predetermined threshold value, and determines that there is detection by the sensor 18 when it is not less than the threshold value.

[0064] Subsequently, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26 determines a fire based on the determination result of white smoke fire or black smoke fire and the detection by the sensor 18. That is, when a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire is determined by the fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26, but the detection by the sensor 18 is not determined, it is determined that there is some non-fire factor, and control is performed to hold without outputting a fire alarm.

[0065] On the other hand, when a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire is determined by the fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26, and at this time the detection by the sensor 18 is determined, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26 confirms the fire and performs control to output a fire alarm.

[0066] The fire alarm by the fire alarm control unit 48 lights the fire representative lamp of the display unit 38, outputs a predetermined main sound alarm indicating the occurrence of a fire from the speaker of the sound alarm unit 42, displays fire alarm information including the fire occurrence location based on the sensor address where the fire is detected on the display 36, and further performs a predetermined interlock control as necessary. <*

[0067] The interlocking control by the fire alarm control unit 48 involves sending a local acoustic control signal specifying the address of the local acoustic device 20 in the alert area corresponding to the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has activated the fire (i.e., the address of the repeater 16 to which the local acoustic device 20 is connected), and activating the addressed local acoustic device 20 to output a local acoustic alarm.

[0068] In addition, the interlocking control by the fire alarm control unit 48 specifies the address of the exhaust device 22 installed in the alert area corresponding to the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has activated the fire (i.e., the address of the repeater 16 to which the exhaust device 22 is connected) and sends a control signal, and by activating the exhaust device 22, the smoke generated by the fire is exhausted to the outside, thereby providing ventilation.

[0069] In addition, the interlocking control by the fire alarm control unit 48 specifies the address of the fire door 24 installed in the alert area corresponding to the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has activated the fire alarm (i.e., the address of the repeater 16 to which the fire door 24 is connected), and sends a control signal to release the open hold on the fire door 24 and close the fire door 24.

[0070] Furthermore, the interlocking control by the fire alarm control unit 48 operates the automatic notification device 102, emergency broadcast equipment 104, and fire extinguishing equipment 106 in response to a signal from the alarm transfer unit 44, and causes an automatic notification, an emergency broadcast, or fire extinguishing. The interlocking control by the fire alarm control unit 48 is performed according to the level of danger of the fire, and when the level of danger is low, an automatic notification and an emergency broadcast are made to urge evacuation guidance, and when the level of danger is high, fire extinguishing is also performed.

[0071] The fire alarm control unit 48 performs a fire determination and interlocking control specific to the CO2 sensor, CO sensor, flame sensor, or heat sensor provided as the sensor 18, as follows.

[0072] If the fire alarm control unit 48 determines that there is a white smoke fire but no CO2 is detected by the CO2 sensor, it determines that there is some non-fire factor and continues fire monitoring without issuing a fire alarm.On the other hand, if it determines that there is a white smoke fire and CO2 is detected by the CO2 sensor, it determines that there is a fire and controls to output a fire alarm.In this case, the linked control involves exhaust, automatic reporting, and emergency broadcasting.

[0073] Furthermore, if the fire alarm control unit 48 determines that a white smoke fire has occurred but no CO is detected by the CO sensor, it determines that there is some non-fire factor and continues fire monitoring without issuing a fire alarm. On the other hand, if the fire alarm control unit 48 determines that a white smoke fire has occurred and CO is detected by the CO sensor, it determines that there is a fire and performs control to output a fire alarm, and in this case performs linked control of exhaust, automatic reporting, and emergency broadcasting.

[0074] Furthermore, if the fire alarm control unit 48 determines that a black smoke fire exists but no flame is detected by the flame sensor, it determines that there is some non-fire factor and continues fire monitoring without issuing a fire alarm. On the other hand, when it determines that a black smoke fire exists and that a flame is detected by the flame sensor, it determines that there is a fire and controls to output a fire alarm. In this case, it controls the ventilation, automatic reporting, and emergency broadcasting in conjunction with each other, and further controls the fire extinguishing in conjunction with each other because the risk of fire is high.

[0075] Furthermore, if the fire alarm control unit 48 determines that there is a black smoke fire but no heat is detected by the heat sensor, it determines that there is some non-fire factor and continues fire monitoring without issuing a fire alarm; on the other hand, when it determines that there is a black smoke fire and heat is detected by the heat sensor, it determines that there is a fire and controls to output a fire alarm; in this case, since a black smoke fire and heat have been detected, it determines that there is a high risk of fire, and in addition to exhaust, automatic reporting and emergency broadcasting, it performs linked control including fire extinguishing.

[0076] Furthermore, if the fire alarm control unit 48 determines that there is a black smoke fire but no flame is detected by the flame sensor or heat is detected by the heat sensor, it determines that there is some non-fire factor and continues fire monitoring without issuing a fire alarm.On the other hand, when it determines that there is a black smoke fire, flame detection by the flame sensor, and heat detection by the heat sensor, it performs control to output a fire alarm.In this case, heat and flame have been detected in addition to a black smoke fire, so it determines that there is a high risk of fire, and performs linked control including fire extinguishing in addition to exhaust, automatic notification, and emergency broadcast.

[0077] In order to perform interlocking controls corresponding to such fire determinations, the fire alarm control unit 48 stores in advance the correspondence between the types of restricted areas (such as living rooms, smoking rooms, and hazardous materials warehouses with fuel tanks) and the interlocking controls corresponding to the types of restricted areas, and performs interlocking controls corresponding to the type of area when a fire is determined to have occurred. For example, if the restricted area is a living room, smoking room, or other area with a low risk of fire, the fire alarm control unit 48 stores exhaust, automatic notification, and emergency broadcast as the corresponding interlocking controls, and if the restricted area is a hazardous materials warehouse with fuel tanks, or other area with a high risk of fire, the fire alarm control unit 48 stores exhaust, automatic notification, emergency broadcast, and fire extinguishing as the corresponding interlocking controls.

[0078] [Photoelectric smoke detector] (Circuit configuration) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of a photoelectric smoke detector provided in the fire alarm system of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the photoelectric smoke detector 14 of this embodiment is composed of a detector control unit 50 consisting of a computer circuit equipped with a CPU, memory, and various input / output ports, a transmission unit 52 that transmits and receives signals to and from the receiver 10 via a signal line 12 connected to the S terminal and the SC terminal, a power supply unit 54 that converts the power supply voltage supplied via the signal line 12 into a predetermined stabilized voltage and outputs it, a light emission drive unit 56, a smoke detection unit 60, and amplifier circuit units 68 and 70.

[0079] The smoke detector 60 is provided with a light-emitting element 62 that simultaneously emits light including a first wavelength λ1 and a second wavelength λ2. The light of the first wavelength λ1 emitted from the light-emitting element 62 has a central wavelength set to 600 nm or more, and the light of the second wavelength λ2 has a central wavelength set to 500 nm or less. In this embodiment, the first wavelength λ1 is set to, for example, 700 nm, and the second wavelength λ2 is set to, for example, 450 nm.

[0080] In this embodiment, a white LED (white light emitting diode) is used as the light emitting element 62. The white LED is, for example, a combination of a blue LED and a phosphor, and the light of the blue LED passes through the phosphor to emit white light, which includes light of a first wavelength λ1 = 700 nm and light of a second wavelength λ2 = 450 nm, and the light of the first wavelength λ1 and the light of the second wavelength λ2 can be simultaneously irradiated into the smoke detection unit 60.

[0081] Furthermore, a two-color LED (two-color light-emitting diode) can also be used as the light-emitting element 62 of this embodiment. The two-color LED includes a first light-emitting chip that emits light with a first wavelength λ1=700 nm and a second light-emitting chip that emits light with a second wavelength λ2=450 nm, and by driving both chips simultaneously, the smoke detecting unit 60 can be simultaneously irradiated with light of the first wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength.

[0082] The first light receiving element 64 uses a photodiode (PD) sensitive to the first wavelength λ1, and the second light receiving element 66 uses a photodiode (PD) sensitive to the second wavelength λ2.

[0083] Furthermore, the first light receiving element 64 and the second light receiving element 66 may be broadband photodiodes sensitive to the visible light wavelength band, with a filter layer that receives only the first wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength λ2 provided on a PD molding (transparent cover member), or a filter that transmits the first wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength λ2 may be placed in front of the broadband photodiode.

[0084] The amplifier circuit unit 68 amplifies the received light signal of the smoke-scattered light of the first wavelength λ1 received by the first light-receiving element 64, and outputs the received light signal to the sensor control unit 50 as a first smoke detection value A1. In addition, the amplifier circuit unit 70 amplifies the received light signal of the smoke-scattered light received by the second light-receiving element 66, and outputs the received light signal to the sensor control unit 50 as a second smoke detection value A2.

[0085] (Smoke Detection Department) Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the structure of the smoke detection unit in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, a light emitting element 62, a first light receiving element 64, and a second light receiving element 66 are arranged in a smoke detection unit 60 into which smoke from the outside flows.

[0086] For example, the light-emitting element 62 using a white LED emits light including a first wavelength λ1 and a second wavelength λ2 in the direction of the optical axis 62a, and as described above, the light of the first wavelength λ1 is set to 700 nm, and the light of the second wavelength λ2 is set to 450 nm.

[0087] The first scattering angle θ1 defined by the intersection of the optical axis 62a of the light emitting element 62 and the optical axis 64a of the first light receiving element 64 is set to be in the range of 20° to 70°.

[0088] Furthermore, the second scattering angle θ2 formed by the intersection of the optical axis 62a of the light emitting element 62 and the optical axis 66a of the second light receiving element 66 is set within the range of 90° to 170°.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first scattering angle θ1 is set to 30°, and therefore the optical axis 62a of the light-emitting element 62 and the optical axis 64a of the first light-receiving element 64 are arranged to intersect at a scattering angle of 30°, for example, and the second scattering angle θ2 is set to 120°, and therefore the optical axis 62a of the light-emitting element 62 and the optical axis 66a of the second light-receiving element 66 are arranged to intersect at a scattering angle of 120°, for example.

[0090] Since the first light receiving element 64 is sensitive to light of the first wavelength λ1 = 700 nm emitted from the light emitting element 62, when the light emitting element 62 emits light of the first wavelength λ1, the scattered light at a scattering angle θ1 = 30° caused by the smoke that has flowed into the smoke detection unit 60 is received by the first light receiving element 64, and a first smoke detection value A1 is obtained.

[0091] Furthermore, since the second light receiving element 66 is sensitive to light of the second wavelength λ2=450 nm emitted from the light emitting element 62, when the light emitting element 62 emits light of the second wavelength λ2 simultaneously with light of the first wavelength λ1, the scattered light at the second scattering angle θ2=120° caused by the smoke flowing into the smoke detection unit 60 is received by the second light receiving element 66, and a second smoke detection value A2 is obtained at the same time.

[0092] When the sensor control unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 receives a batch AD converted signal from the receiver 10 via the transmission unit 52, it instructs the light emitting drive unit 56 to drive the light emitting element 62, thereby emitting white light containing the first wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength λ2. Backscattered light at a first scattering angle θ1=30° due to the first wavelength λ1 is received by the first light receiving element 64, and the first smoke detection value A1 output from the amplifier circuit unit 68 in response to this is AD converted into digital data, read, and stored in memory.

[0093] At the same time, since backscattered light with a second wavelength λ2 and a second scattering angle θ2 = 120° is received by the second light receiving element 66, the sensor control unit 50 converts the second smoke detection value A2 output from the amplifier circuit unit 70 in response to the light received by the second light receiving element 66 into digital data, reads it, and stores it in memory.

[0094] Next, the detector control unit 50 compares the first smoke detection value A1 stored in memory with a warning display threshold AP1th that is predetermined in accordance with the set sensitivity of the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and if the first smoke detection value A1 is equal to or greater than the warning display threshold AP1th, determines that a fire has been alerted, and instructs the transmission unit 52 to transmit a fire interrupt signal to the receiver 10.

[0095] Here, as described above, if the photoelectric smoke detector 14 is equivalent to a Class 2 sensitivity with a fire alarm threshold A1th of 10% / m, the warning display threshold AP1th is set to, for example, AP1th=5% / m, which is equivalent to a Class 1 sensitivity. Also, if the photoelectric smoke detector 14 is equivalent to a Class 3 sensitivity with a fire alarm threshold A1th of 15% / m, the warning display threshold AP1th is set to, for example, APth=10% / m, which is equivalent to a Class 2 sensitivity.

[0096] (Distinguishing between white smoke fires and black smoke fires) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing smoke detection values ​​and their ratios detected by the smoke detector structure of FIG. 2 for smoke when a cotton wick and kerosene are burned.

[0097] As shown in Figure 4, the first smoke detection value A1 is the received output of scattered light with a first wavelength λ1 = 700 nm and a first scattering angle θ1 = 30°, and the second smoke detection value A2 is the received output of scattered light with a second wavelength λ2 = 450 nm and a second scattering angle θ2 = 120°.

[0098] If we take the ratio R=A1 / A2 of the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 measured when burning such a cotton wick and kerosene, then in the case of cotton wick, R=8.0 and in the case of kerosene, R=2.3. There is a significant difference in the ratio R between cotton wick and kerosene, and it is possible to identify the type of smoke based on the ratio R.

[0099] For this reason, a ratio threshold Rth for identifying the type of smoke can be set, for example, to Rth = 5, and if R ≥ 5, it can be determined to be a white smoke fire, where white smoke is being generated due to smoldering, and if R < 5, it can be determined to be a black smoke fire, where black smoke is being generated due to combustion.

[0100] In this embodiment, the receiver 10 shown in FIG. 1 collects the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 detected by the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has activated a fire alarm, and the fire alarm control unit 48 calculates the ratio R=A1 / A2 of the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2, and determines that if R≧5, it is a white smoke fire in which white smoke is being generated due to smoldering, and if R<5, it determines that it is a black smoke fire in which black smoke is being generated due to combustion.

[0101] Furthermore, when the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 determines that a white smoke fire has occurred based on the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1 and A2, it determines that a fire has been confirmed if the first smoke detection value A1 is equal to or greater than the fire alarm threshold A1th corresponding to a smoke concentration of 10% / m for type 2 sensitivity, and performs control to output a fire alarm including information indicating a white smoke fire.

[0102] Similarly, when the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 determines that a black smoke fire has occurred based on the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1 and A2, if the second smoke detection value A2 is equal to or greater than the fire alarm threshold A2th corresponding to a smoke concentration of 10% / m for type 2 sensitivity, it determines that a fire has been confirmed and performs control to output a fire alarm including information indicating a black smoke fire.

[0103] [Sensor] The sensor 18 shown in FIG. 1 has a sensor section for detecting CO2, CO, flame or heat, excluding the light emitting driver section 56, smoke detector section 60 and amplifier circuit sections 68, 70 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 shown in FIG. 2, and the other configurations and functions are configured by the same circuit sections as the detector control section 50, transmission section 52 and power supply section 54 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 of FIG. 2.

[0104] [Fire monitoring and control of fire alarm equipment] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the control operation in the receiver of Fig. 1, which is the control operation by the transmission control unit 46 and the fire alarm control unit 48 shown in Fig. 1. Also, Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation in the photoelectric smoke detector of Fig. 2, which is the control operation by the detector control unit 50. Furthermore, the control in Figs. 5 and 6 is characterized in that the receiver 10 distinguishes between a white smoke fire, a black smoke fire, and a non-fire cause.

[0105] (Receiver control) As shown in FIG. 5, in step S1, the transmission control unit 46 of the receiver 10 periodically transmits a broadcast batch AD conversion signal that designates all of the photoelectric smoke detectors 14 and sensors 18 to the signal line 12-1, AD converts the smoke detection values ​​A1 and A2, which are analog signals detected by the photoelectric smoke detectors 14, into digital signals and stores them, and also AD converts the detection signals, which are analog signals detected by the sensors 18, into digital signals and stores them, and then transmits call signals that sequentially designate the addresses of the photoelectric smoke detectors 14 and sensors 18, receives call response signals sent by the photoelectric smoke detectors 14 and sensors 18 that received the call signals, and performs call response control to monitor the status of the photoelectric smoke detectors 14 and sensors 18 to see if they are operating normally.

[0106] Next, when the transmission control unit 46 determines in step S2 that it has received a fire interrupt signal from the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has triggered a fire alert, it proceeds to step S3 and searches for the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has triggered a fire alert and sent the fire interrupt signal by sending a group search command signal and an intra-group search command signal.

[0107] Next, the transmission control unit 46 proceeds to step S4, shortens the period of the batch AD conversion signal, and by sending a call signal specifying the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that sent the fire interrupt signal, repeatedly acquires the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 from the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that has issued the fire alarm, and transmits them to the fire alarm control unit 48 of the main CPU 26.

[0108] In step S5, the fire alarm control unit 48 calculates the ratio R=A1 / A2 of the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2, and compares it with a ratio threshold value Rth=5 that is preset based on Figure 4. If R≧5, the process proceeds to step S7 and determines that the fire is a white smoke fire, and if R<5, the process proceeds to step S10 and determines that the fire is a black smoke fire.

[0109] If the fire alarm control unit 48 determines in step S7 that a white smoke fire has occurred, it proceeds to step S8, where it obtains the detection value of the sensor 18 by sending a call signal specifying the address of the sensor 18 installed in the same alert area as the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that issued the fire alarm, and in step S9 it confirms the fire based on the detection value of the sensor 18. If a fire is confirmed, it proceeds to step S13 and outputs a fire alarm.

[0110] Furthermore, if the fire alarm control unit 48 determines in step S10 that the fire is a black smoke fire, it proceeds to step S11, where it acquires the detection value of the sensor 18 by sending a call signal specifying the address of the sensor 18 installed in the same alert area as the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that issued the fire alarm, and in step S12 it confirms the fire based on the detection value of the sensor 18. If a fire is confirmed, it proceeds to step S13 and outputs a fire alarm.

[0111] In addition, the confirmation of a fire based on the detection values ​​of the sensor 18 in steps S9 and S12 is made by making a specific confirmation judgment corresponding to the CO2 sensor, CO sensor, flame sensor, and heat sensor provided as the sensor 18, and this point will be made clear later in the explanation.

[0112] Next, when the fire alarm control unit 48 determines in step S14 that the fire has been restored, it sends a fire restoration signal to the photoelectric smoke detector 14 in step S15 to restore the fire, and then returns to step S1, repeating the control from step S1.

[0113] (Photoelectric smoke detector control) As shown in Figure 6, when the detector control unit 50 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 shown in Figure 2 determines in step S21 that it has received a batch AD conversion signal from the receiver 10, it proceeds to step S22, and by driving the light-emitting element 62 to emit light, it detects a smoke detection value A1 detected by receiving light of the first wavelength λ1 and scattered light at the first scattering angle θ1, and a smoke detection value A2 detected by receiving light of the second wavelength λ2 and scattered light at the second scattering angle θ2, and stores these in memory in step S23.

[0114] Next, when the detector control unit 50 determines in step S24 that it has received a call signal specifying its own address, it proceeds to step S25 and transmits a call response signal indicating the detector status, thereby notifying the receiver 10 of its own status.

[0115] Next, the detector control unit 50 proceeds to step S26, and if it determines that the first smoke detection value A1 is equal to or greater than the alarm threshold APth=5% / m corresponding to the second sensitivity level, a fire alarm is issued, and proceeds to step S27 to send a fire interrupt signal to the receiver 10. Next, if it determines in step S28 that the group search command and intra-group search command sent from the receiver 10 have been received, it proceeds to step S29 to send a search response signal indicating a fire alarm, thereby causing the receiver 10 to obtain the address of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 that issued the fire alarm.

[0116] Next, since the receiver 10 transmits a batch AD conversion signal followed by a call signal specifying the fire alarm address at short intervals, the detector control unit 50 determines in step S30 that the batch AD conversion signal and the call signal have been received, proceeds to step S31, detects the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 by driving the light emitting element 62 to emit light and stores them in memory, and in step S32 transmits a call response signal including the smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 to the receiver 10, which determines the ratio R of the smoke detection values ​​A1, A2, determines whether the fire is a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire, and performs fire alarm control.

[0117] Next, the detector control unit 50 repeats the processing from step S30 until it determines in step S33 that a fire recovery signal has been received from the receiver 10, and when it determines that a fire recovery signal has been received, it returns to step S1 and repeats the same control operation.

[0118] In the control of Figures 5 and 6, the receiver 10 determines whether the fire is a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire, but the photoelectric smoke detector 14 may determine whether the fire is a white smoke fire or a black smoke fire, and send a fire signal including identification information for the white smoke fire or the black smoke fire to the receiver 10, which then performs the fire determination and fire alarm control.

[0119] [Specific example of fire alarm control] Next, a specific example of fire alarm control will be described when a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, or a heat sensor is used as the sensor 18 shown in FIG.

[0120] (Fire detection and linked control based on white smoke and CO2 detection) Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing fire detection and interlocking control when a CO2 sensor is installed in the alert zone of a photoelectric smoke detector. Figure 7(A) shows an outline of the equipment configuration, Figure 7(B) shows the fire detection and interlocking control in list form, and Figure 7(C) shows another fire detection and interlocking control in list form. Note that in Figures 7(B) and (C), a circle indicates detection or activation, and an cross indicates non-detection or non-activation. Furthermore, the automatic notification in the interlocking control of Figure 7(B) includes an emergency broadcast by the emergency broadcast equipment. Furthermore, the two-wavelength detector and additional sensor in Figure 7(B) correspond to the input for fire detection, and the fire alarm and interlocking control correspond to the output for fire detection.

[0121] As shown in Figure 7(A), a photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed in the alert area Z11 and connected to a signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10, and a CO2 sensor 18-1 is installed and connected to the signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10 via a repeater 16.

[0122] The security zone Z11 is a living room such as a bedroom, and is equipped with bedding and furniture such as a bed 72, a sofa 74, and a bookshelf 76. Furthermore, since the occupants smoke in bed, an ashtray 78 is placed on the table next to the bed 72.

[0123] If a resident smokes in bed in a room in such a warning zone Z11, as shown in mode A in Figure 7(B), when smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14 exceeds the warning display threshold AP1th, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 will determine that there is a white smoke fire, but since no CO2 is detected by the CO2 sensor 18-1, it will determine that the fire is caused by some non-fire factor (non-fire factor such as smoking), and will continue to monitor the fire without issuing a fire alarm, and will not perform any linked control.

[0124] On the other hand, if piled up bedding in a room in the alert area Z11 ignites due to careless disposal of a cigarette in bed, causing smoldering and the emission of white smoke and CO2, as shown in mode B of Figure 7(B), when the smoke detected by the photoelectric smoke detector 14 exceeds the warning display threshold AP1th, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 will determine that there is a white smoke fire, and at the same time, CO2 will be detected by the CO2 sensor 18-1, confirming the fire and outputting a fire alarm.

[0125] Furthermore, even if there is no ignition of bedding or the like, if a large amount of smoke not at a normal level is generated on the ashtray 78 or the like and, for example, the smoke detection value A1 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 exceeds (or continues for a predetermined period of time from) a predetermined fire alarm threshold A1th (for example, a fire alarm threshold A1th=10% / m corresponding to a type 2 sensitivity, which is higher than the warning indication threshold AP1th, which is an alarm threshold of 5% / m corresponding to a type 1 sensitivity), it may be determined that there is an abnormality (or a fire) and an abnormality alarm (or a second fire alarm) may be issued, as shown in mode C of Figure 7(C).

[0126] In addition, based on the correspondence between the room type, which is the type of alert area Z11, stored in advance and the linked control, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 activates the exhaust device 22 corresponding to the alert area Z11 shown in Figure 1 to exhaust smoke, and also activates the automatic notification device 102 to automatically notify the fire department and the guard room.

[0127] In this case, since a fire in a living room such as a bedroom will not rapidly spread (since the risk of fire is low), the fire extinguishing equipment 106 will not be controlled in conjunction with other systems, and priority will be given to the resident's response to initial fire extinguishing, thereby preventing unnecessary water damage caused by fire extinguishing.

[0128] (Fire detection and linked control based on white smoke and CO detection) Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing fire detection and interlocking control when a CO sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. Figure 8(A) shows an outline of the equipment configuration, Figure 8(B) shows fire detection and interlocking control in list form, and Figure 8(C) shows another fire detection and interlocking control in list form. Note that in Figures 8(B) and 8(C), ◯ indicates detection or activation, and × indicates non-detection or non-activation. Furthermore, the automatic notification in the interlocking control of Figure 8(B) includes an emergency broadcast by the emergency broadcast equipment.

[0129] As shown in Figure 8(A), a photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed in the alert area Z12 and connected to a signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10, and a CO sensor 18-2 is installed and connected to the signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10 via a repeater 16.

[0130] The security zone Z12 is a living room or other such room, and is furnished with furniture such as a sofa 74, a stove 80 as a heating appliance, and an ashtray 78.

[0131] In the room of such a security zone Z12, the amount of CO generated is small, and as shown in mode A in FIG. 8(B), it is below the sensitivity of the CO sensor 18-2, and therefore CO is not detected.

[0132] On the other hand, if the stove 80 heats up in a room in the alert area Z12, igniting and smoldering the nearby sofa 74, and white smoke and CO are emitted, as shown in mode B of Figure 8(B), the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 will determine that a white smoke fire has occurred based on the smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and at the same time, will confirm the fire based on the CO detection by the CO sensor 18-2 and output a fire alarm.

[0133] In addition, based on the correspondence between the room type, which is the type of alert area Z12, stored in advance and the linked control, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 activates the exhaust device 22 in Figure 1 corresponding to the alert area Z12 to exhaust smoke, and also activates the automatic notification device 102 to automatically notify the fire department and the guard room.

[0134] In this case, since a fire in a living room or other living room will not rapidly spread (because the risk of fire is low), the fire extinguishing equipment 106 will not be controlled in conjunction with other systems, and priority will be given to the resident's response to initial fire extinguishing, thereby preventing unnecessary water damage caused by fire extinguishing.

[0135] In addition, even if the furniture etc. did not catch fire, a large amount of smoke that was not at the normal level was produced in an ashtray 78 or higher. When a fire occurs and, for example, the smoke detection value A1 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 exceeds a predetermined fire alarm threshold A1th (for example, a fire alarm threshold A1th=10% / m corresponding to a second sensitivity level, which is higher than the warning display threshold AP1th, which is an alarm threshold of 5% / m corresponding to a first sensitivity level) (or when this continues for a predetermined period of time), it may be determined that an abnormality (or fire) has occurred and an abnormality alarm (or a second fire alarm) may be issued, as shown in mode C of Figure 8(C).

[0136] (Fire detection and linked control based on black smoke and flame detection) Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing fire detection and interlocking control when a flame sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. Figure 9(A) shows an outline of the equipment configuration, Figure 9(B) shows the fire detection and interlocking control in list form, and Figure 9(C) shows another fire detection and interlocking control in list form. Note that in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), ◯ indicates detection or activation, and × indicates non-detection or non-activation. Furthermore, the automatic notification in the interlocking control of Figure 9(B) includes an emergency broadcast by the emergency broadcast equipment.

[0137] As shown in Figure 9(A), a photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed in the security zone Z13 and connected to a signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10, and a flame sensor 18-3 is installed and connected to the signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10 via a repeater 16. The security zone Z13 is a smoking room, and a sofa 74 and an ashtray 78 are installed therein.

[0138] In the smoking room of this type of restricted area Z13, white smoke caused by smoking is constantly emitted, and small flames caused by lighters are also generated. For this reason, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 determines that there is a white smoke fire based on smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14, as shown in Figure 9(B), but because no flame is detected by the flame sensor 18-3, it does not confirm the fire and continues fire monitoring without outputting a fire alarm.

[0139] On the other hand, in the smoking room of the security zone Z13, if a fire spreads from an ashtray 78 to a nearby sofa 74 due to careless disposal of a cigarette, causing black smoke to be emitted along with the flames, as shown in Figure 9(B), the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 will determine that a black smoke fire has occurred based on the smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and at the same time, will confirm the fire based on the flame detection by the flame sensor 18-3 and output a fire alarm.

[0140] In addition, based on the correspondence between the smoking room type of the security zone Z13 stored in advance and the linked control, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 activates the exhaust device 22 in Figure 1 corresponding to the security zone Z13 to exhaust smoke and activates the automatic notification device 102 to automatically notify the fire department and the guard room.

[0141] In this case, since the fire in the smoking room will not spread rapidly (the risk of fire is low), the fire extinguishing equipment 106 will not be controlled in conjunction with other systems, and priority will be given to the resident's response to initial fire extinguishing, etc., to prevent unnecessary water damage caused by fire extinguishing.

[0142] Furthermore, even if there is no ignition of a sofa or the like, if a large amount of smoke not at a normal level is generated on the ashtray 78 or the like and the smoke detection value A1 of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 exceeds (or continues for a predetermined period of time from) a predetermined fire alarm threshold A1th (for example, a fire alarm threshold A1th=10% / m corresponding to a type 2 sensitivity, which is higher than the warning display threshold AP1th, which is an alarm threshold of 5% / m corresponding to a type 1 sensitivity), it may be determined that there is an abnormality (or a fire) and an abnormality alarm (or a second fire alarm) may be issued, as shown in mode C of Figure 9(C).

[0143] (Fire detection and linked control based on black smoke and heat detection) Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing fire detection and interlocking control when a heat sensor is installed in the alert area of ​​a photoelectric smoke detector. Figure 10(A) shows an outline of the equipment configuration, and Figure 10(B) shows the fire detection and interlocking control in list format. Note that in Figure 10(B), a circle indicates detection or activation, and an cross indicates non-detection or non-activation. Furthermore, the automatic notification in the interlocking control of Figure 10(B) includes an emergency broadcast by the emergency broadcasting equipment.

[0144] As shown in Figure 10(A), a photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed in the alert area Z14 and connected to a signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10, and a thermal sensor 18-4 is installed and connected to the signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10 via a repeater 16.

[0145] The restricted area Z14 is a hazardous materials warehouse, and is equipped with a fuel tank 82 storing liquid fuel. The piping from the fuel tank 82 runs near a switchboard 84.

[0146] In such a dangerous goods warehouse in the restricted area Z14, if liquid fuel leaks from the piping of the fuel tank 82 and ignites in the electrical system of the distribution board 84, causing the fire to spread, the only combustible material will be the liquid fuel, and black smoke will be produced along with the flames.

[0147] At this time, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 initially determines that the fire is a black smoke fire based on smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14, as shown in mode A of Figure 10(B), but immediately confirms the fire when heat is detected by the heat sensor 18-4, as shown in mode B of Figure 10(B), and outputs a fire alarm.

[0148] Furthermore, based on the correspondence between the type of alert area Z14 (a hazardous materials warehouse with a fuel tank) that has been stored in advance and the linked control, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 activates the exhaust device 22 in Figure 1 that corresponds to the alert area Z14 to exhaust smoke and close the fire door 24, activates the automatic notification device 102 to automatically notify the fire department and the guard room, and further activates the fire extinguishing equipment 106 to spray extinguishing agents or the like to automatically extinguish the fire.

[0149] (Black smoke fires, flame detection and heat detection for fire detection and linked control) Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing fire detection and linked control when flame sensors and heat sensors are installed in the alert zone of a photoelectric smoke detector. Figure 11(A) shows an outline of the equipment configuration, and Figure 11(B) shows the fire detection and linked control in list format. Note that in Figure 11(B), a circle indicates detection or activation, and an cross indicates non-detection or non-activation. Furthermore, the automatic notification in the linked control of Figure 11(B) includes an emergency broadcast by the emergency broadcast equipment.

[0150] As shown in Figure 11(A), a photoelectric smoke detector 14 is installed in the alert area Z15 and connected to a signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10, and a flame sensor 18-3 and a heat sensor 18-4 are also installed, each connected to the signal line 12-1 from the receiver 10 via a repeater 16.

[0151] The restricted area Z15 is, for example, a factory where a welding machine 86 is used, and a fuel tank 82 storing liquid fuel is installed.

[0152] In the factory in this kind of alert area Z15, small amounts of flames and white smoke are constantly being generated due to the use of welding machines 86, etc., and the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 determines that a white smoke fire is occurring based on smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14, as shown in mode A in Figure 11 (B).However, since it is not possible to obtain both flame detection by the flame sensor 18-3 and heat detection by the heat sensor 18-4, even if a white smoke fire is determined to be occurring, the fire is not confirmed and fire monitoring continues without issuing a fire alarm.

[0153] On the other hand, if sparks from the welding machine 86 ignite the nearby fuel tank 82, the liquid fuel will burn, producing flames and black smoke. In this case, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 will determine that a black smoke fire has occurred based on smoke detection by the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and will simultaneously confirm the existence of a fire based on both flame detection by the flame sensor 18-3 and heat detection by the heat sensor 18-4, as shown in mode B of Fig. 11(B) , and will output a fire alarm.

[0154] Furthermore, based on the correspondence between the factory in which the welding machine 86, which is the type of alert area Z15, is located and the linked control that has been stored in advance, the fire alarm control unit 48 of the receiver 10 activates the exhaust device 22 in Figure 1 that corresponds to the alert area Z15 to exhaust smoke and close the fire door 24, activates the automatic notification device 102 to automatically notify the fire department and the guard room, and further activates the fire extinguishing equipment 106 to spray extinguishing agents, etc., to automatically extinguish the fire.

[0155] The type of alert area and the arrangement of the CO2 sensors, CO sensors, flame sensors, and heat sensors corresponding to the type of alert area are not limited to the above embodiment, and one or more different types of sensors may be installed depending on the type of alert area and the level of fire risk, so that fire confirmation and linked control can be performed when a white smoke fire or black smoke fire is determined.

[0156] Furthermore, instead of separately installing the CO2 sensor 18-1, CO sensor 18-2, flame sensor 18-3, and heat sensor 18-4, they may be configured as a multi-sensor built into the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and information from each sensor may be processed collectively. In this case, the smoke detection value of the photoelectric smoke detector 14 and information from each sensor may be sent separately to the receiver 10, and fire identification may be performed by the receiver 10. Alternatively, the same processing may be performed inside the photoelectric smoke detector 14, and a judgment value for each level at which interlocking control should be performed may be sent to the receiver 10.

[0157] In this case, the details of the fire alarm and linked control that are the output of the fire judgment in response to inputs of white smoke fires, black smoke fires, and sensor detections other than smoke by the multi-sensor will be the same as those shown in list form in Figures 7 to 11.

[0158] [Modifications of the present invention] (Photoelectric smoke detector) The above embodiment takes as an example a photoelectric smoke detector with a smoke detection section structure having one light-emitting element and two light-receiving elements, as shown in Figure 4, but is not limited to this and may be any photoelectric smoke detector with a smoke detection section structure that can obtain first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 by setting different wavelengths and scattering angles, for example, a photoelectric smoke detector with a smoke detection section structure having two light-emitting elements and one light-receiving element as shown in Patent Document 2.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the photoelectric smoke detector receives a batch AD conversion signal from the receiver, it detects the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 by driving the light-emitting element to emit light. However, the photoelectric smoke detector may also be configured to detect the first and second smoke detection values ​​A1, A2 by driving the light-emitting element to emit light intermittently at a predetermined cycle by itself, without relying on instructions from the receiver.

[0160] (P-type fire alarm system) The above embodiment takes as an example an R-type fire alarm system that monitors fires by sending and receiving signals between a receiver and an addressed photoelectric smoke detector, but the system may also be a P-type fire alarm system that, when the photoelectric smoke detector is activated, sends a white smoke fire signal, a black smoke fire signal, or a non-fire cause signal to the receiver without receiving instructions from the receiver, thereby outputting a white smoke fire alarm, a black smoke fire alarm, or a non-fire alarm warning alarm.

[0161] In such P-type fire alarm systems, a photoelectric smoke detector sends an alarm current to the signal line from the receiver, which sends a white smoke fire signal, black smoke fire signal, or non-fire signal to the receiver. In order to distinguish between the white smoke fire signal, black smoke fire signal, and non-fire signal, a specific frequency signal or pulse code signal is superimposed on the alarm current, allowing the receiver to distinguish between the smoke fire signal, black smoke fire signal, and non-fire signal and issue a white smoke fire alarm, black smoke fire alarm, or non-fire signal. A warning alarm can be output.

[0162] In addition, the interlock control of control devices such as the zone sound device, exhaust device, fire extinguishing device, etc. in the P-type fire alarm equipment is P-type interlock control performed on a line-by-line basis.

[0163] (Fire alarm equipment) The above embodiment takes a wired system in which a photoelectric smoke detector is connected to the signal line from the receiver as an example, but a wireless system in which the receiver and the photoelectric smoke detector are connected by a wireless line may also be used.

[0164] (Comparison and judgment) In the above embodiment, for example, as the comparison of the magnitudes of the ratio R and the ratio threshold value Rth, the cases of R≧Rth and R<Rth are shown, but it is not limited thereto, and the comparison of the magnitudes of the cases of R>Rth and R≦Rth may also be used.

[0165] Furthermore, in order to eliminate the influence of minute fluctuations in the value of R, it is also possible to provide a delay in the determination of Rth or to provide hysteresis. Hysteresis means, for example, that after determining white smoke when it becomes larger than the ratio threshold value Rth, the determination of white smoke is not changed until it becomes smaller than (Rth-ΔRth), which is obtained by subtracting a predetermined value ΔRth for removing the influence of minute fluctuations from the ratio threshold value Rth. The comparison of the magnitudes of other values is the same.

[0166] (Others) In addition, the present invention includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its objects and advantages, and furthermore, is not limited by the numerical values shown in the above embodiments.

Explanation of symbols

[0167] 10: Receiver 12, 12-1 to 12-3: Signal line 14: Photoelectric smoke detector 16: Repeater 18: Sensor 18-1: CO₂ sensor 18-2: CO sensor 18-3: Flame sensor 18-4: Heat sensor 20: Zone sound device 22: Exhaust system 24: Fire door 26: Main CPU 28-1 to 28-3: Sub-CPU board 30: Sub-CPU 32: Transmission unit 34: Serial transfer bus 36: Display 38: Display section 40:Operation unit 42: Acoustic alarm section 44:Transfer Department 46: Transmission control section 48: Fire alarm control unit 50: Sensor control unit 52: Transmission unit 54: Power supply section 56: Light emitting drive unit 60: Smoke Detection Department 62: Light-emitting element 62a, 64a, 66a: Optical axis 64: First light receiving element 66: Second light receiving element 68,70: Amplification circuit section 100: Fire alarm system 102: Automatic reporting device 104: Emergency broadcast equipment 106: Fire extinguishing equipment

Claims

1. A fire alarm method for monitoring and alarming a fire in a warning area, comprising: A photoelectric smoke detector connected to a receiver transmits a fire signal containing identification information of smoke occurring in a designated security area, A sensor installed in the same alert area as the photoelectric smoke detector detects changes in physical phenomena other than smoke caused by a fire and transmits a detection signal; A fire alarm control unit provided in the receiver receiving the fire signal from the photoelectric smoke detector and the detection signal from the sensor; When the type of smoke contained in the received fire signal corresponds to the detection value of the received detection signal, a fire is determined to have occurred and a fire alarm is output; When the detected value of the smoke contained in the received fire signal exceeds a predetermined smoke density, a fire is determined to have occurred and a fire alarm is output; A fire alarm method characterized by pre-storing the correspondence between the type of alert area and the linked control, and when a fire is determined to exist, outputting a fire alarm and performing linked control corresponding to the type of alert area.

2. A fire alarm method for monitoring and alarming a fire in a warning area, comprising: A photoelectric smoke detector connected to a receiver sends a fire signal when it detects smoke in a designated security area. A sensor installed in the same alert area as the photoelectric smoke detector detects changes in physical phenomena other than smoke caused by a fire and transmits a detection signal; A fire alarm control unit provided in the receiver receiving the fire signal from the photoelectric smoke detector and the detection signal from the sensor; When the type of smoke contained in the received fire signal corresponds to the detection value of the received detection signal, a fire is determined to have occurred and a fire alarm is output; The photoelectric smoke detector is a smoke detector detects a first smoke detection value by receiving light of a first wavelength and light scattered by smoke at a first scattering angle, and detects a second smoke detection value by receiving light of the first wavelength, light of a second wavelength different from the first scattering angle, and light scattered by smoke at a second scattering angle; a detector control unit transmitting to the receiver a fire signal including the first smoke detection value and the second smoke detection value detected by the smoke detection unit, or a fire signal including the type of smoke identified based on the first smoke detection value and the second smoke detection value; A fire alarm method characterized in that the fire alarm control unit determines that a fire has occurred and outputs a fire alarm when the detection value of smoke contained in the received fire signal exceeds a predetermined smoke concentration.

3. 3. The fire alarm method according to claim 2, A fire alarm method characterized in that the fire alarm control unit of the receiver is capable of identifying smoke based on the first smoke detection value and the second smoke detection value contained in the fire signal received from the photoelectric smoke detector.

4. 3. The fire alarm method according to claim 1 or 2, The sensor is a sensor for detecting CO generated in the event of a fire. ２ CO ２ a CO sensor for detecting CO generated in association with a fire, a flame sensor for detecting a flame generated in association with a fire, or a heat sensor for detecting heat generated in association with a fire, The fire alarm control unit of the receiver detects the type of smoke and the CO ２ a detection value included in a detection signal from at least one of the CO sensor, the flame sensor, and the heat sensor, and a fire alarm is output when a fire is determined to have occurred.

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