Fire detection systems and fire detectors

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to enable easy implementation of countermeasures against false fire alarms in relation to fire detection. [Solution] The fire detection system of the present invention comprises a fire detector equipped with a fire detection unit, a detection transmission unit, and a wireless receiving unit; a wireless transmission unit that transmits a fire detection signal to the wireless receiving unit; and an additional fire detector equipped with an additional fire detection unit that detects fire phenomena different from those detected by the fire detection unit. The additional fire detector transmits a fire detection signal from the wireless transmission unit when it detects a fire phenomenon with the additional fire detection unit, and the fire detector transmits a fire detection signal from the detection transmission unit when it detects a fire with the fire detection unit and receives a fire detection signal with the wireless receiving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire detection system and a fire detector for detecting a fire.

Background Art

[0002] Fire detectors such as smoke detectors are connected to a fire receiver, sense fire phenomena such as smoke, and transmit a fire detection signal to the fire receiver. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe fire alarm equipment including a smoke detector and a fire receiver.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a fire is detected by a smoke detector. In the field of fire detection, a non-fire alarm, in which a fire phenomenon such as smoke or flame cannot be confirmed at the site even though the fire alarm equipment has operated, is a problem. Therefore, in Patent Document 2, a smoke detector, a CO2 sensor, a CO sensor, a flame sensor, and a heat sensor are connected to a receiver via a signal line. Then, a fire alarm is output when determining the identification information of smoke by the smoke detector and the detection value by at least any one of the CO2 sensor, the CO sensor, the flame sensor, and the heat sensor, thereby preventing non-fire alarms.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the fire alarm system described in Patent Document 2, in addition to smoke detectors that detect smoke, multiple sensors that detect fire phenomena other than smoke are connected to the signal circuit. However, such fire alarm systems may have an excessive number of sensors due to false alarms. In many cases, false alarms do not occur with smoke detectors alone, and even if false alarms occur with smoke detectors alone, adding a sensor that detects one fire phenomenon may prevent false alarms. Furthermore, if a false alarm occurs in a fire alarm system with only smoke detectors, installing sensors such as CO2 sensors, CO sensors, flame sensors, and heat sensors as a countermeasure would require construction work to connect them to the signal circuit. The same applies when installing sensors that detect other fire phenomena as a countermeasure in a fire alarm system with only heat sensors other than smoke detectors if a false alarm occurs.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to enable easy implementation of countermeasures against false fire alarms in relation to fire detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A fire detection system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a fire detector equipped with a fire detection unit, a detection transmission unit, and a wireless receiving unit; a wireless transmission unit that transmits a fire detection signal to the wireless receiving unit; and an additional fire detector equipped with an additional fire detection unit that detects fire phenomena different from those detected by the fire detection unit, wherein the additional fire detector transmits a fire detection signal from the wireless transmission unit when it detects a fire phenomenon with the additional fire detection unit, and the fire detector transmits a fire detection signal from the detection transmission unit when it detects a fire with the fire detection unit and receives a fire detection signal with the wireless receiving unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the fire detector in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a fire detection unit, a detection transmission unit, and a wireless reception unit, and is characterized in that when the fire detection unit detects a fire and the wireless reception unit receives a fire detection signal from an additional fire detector, the detection transmission unit transmits a fire detection signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This invention makes it possible to easily implement measures to prevent false fire alarms in relation to fire detection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the fire alarm system in Example 1. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the configuration of the smoke detector in Example 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the fire alarm system in Example 1 when an additional fire detector is installed. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the configuration of the flame detector in Example 1. [Figure 5] Sequence diagram of fire detection in Example 1. [Figure 6] A bottom view showing the smoke detector and flame detector in Example 2. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the smoke detector and the flame detector attached to the smoke detector in Example 2. [Figure 8] A side view showing the smoke detector and flame detector in Example 3. [Figure 9] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the smoke detector and the flame detector attached to the smoke detector in Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In this embodiment, a smoke detector is used as an example of a fire detector, but the fire detector may be other types of detectors, such as heat detectors or flame detectors. The same applies to the flame detector, which is given as an example of an additional fire detector. Furthermore, the fire detector may be a smoke detector and the additional fire detector may be a heat detector. In addition, in this embodiment, the fire detector and additional fire detector are described as being installed on the ceiling, but they may also be installed on a sloped ceiling or wall. [Examples]

[0012] Figure 1 shows a fire alarm system 1 using smoke detectors 12. The fire alarm system 1 comprises a fire receiver 11, smoke detectors 12, detection wires 13, and a termination circuit 14. Multiple detection wires 13 are connected to the fire receiver 11, and the detection wires 13 connect multiple smoke detectors 12 via crossover wiring. A termination circuit 14 is provided at the end of each detection wire 13.

[0013] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the smoke detector 12 of Embodiment 1. The smoke detector 12, which is a fire detector, comprises a control unit 121, a smoke detection unit 122, a detection transmission unit 123, a wireless receiver 124, a wireless power transmission unit 125, and a changeover switch 126. The smoke detection unit 122, detection transmission unit 123, wireless receiver 124, wireless power transmission unit 125, and changeover switch 126 are connected to the control unit 121. The changeover switch 126 is a DIP switch, and the operator can manually switch between "standalone" and "with additional" settings.

[0014] When the smoke detector 12 is used alone, the changeover switch 126 is set to "single". When the changeover switch 126 is set to "single", the control unit 121 deactivates the wireless receiver 124 and the wireless power transmission unit 125. The control unit 121 also connects the smoke detection unit 122 to the detection transmission unit 123. When the smoke detection unit 122 detects smoke, the two detection wires 13 connected by the detection transmission unit 123 become short-circuited. The fire alarm receiver 11 receives fire detection information because the potential difference between the two wires of the detection wire 13 disappears.

[0015] If the smoke detector 12 is used alone and no false fire alarms occur, the changeover switch 126 is set to "alone" to monitor for fires caused by smoke. However, if a false fire alarm occurs or there is a possibility of a false fire alarm, an additional fire detector is installed by the operator, and the changeover switch 126 of the smoke detector 12 is set to "with addition". The additional fire detector is a detector that senses a fire phenomenon different from that of a fire detector. In Example 1, a flame detector 15 is installed near the smoke detector 12 as the additional fire detector. The flame detector 15 senses flames, which are a fire phenomenon different from that of the smoke detector 12. When a fire is detected by both the smoke detector 12, which is a fire detector, and the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, fire detection information is transmitted to the fire receiver 11.

[0016] Fig. 3 shows the situation where the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, is installed. The flame detector 15 is installed near the smoke detector 12 under the ceiling board C. The smoke detector 12, which is a fire detector, and the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, constitute the fire detection system FS.

[0017] Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the flame detector 15 of Example 1. The flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, includes a flame sensing unit 151, a wireless transmission unit 152, and a wireless power receiving unit 153. The flame detector 15 receives power wirelessly by the wireless power receiving unit 153 and uses it as the power for the flame sensing unit 151 and the wireless transmission unit 152 to monitor for flames.

[0018] In the smoke detector 12 with the changeover switch 126 set to "with addition", power is supplied to the wireless receiving unit 124 and the wireless power transmission unit 125. Then, power is transmitted wirelessly from the wireless power transmission unit 125. For wireless power transmission, a radio wave transmission method such as a magnetic field resonance method or a microwave wireless method can be used.

[0019] The flame detector 15 shown in Fig. 4 receives the power transmitted from the wireless power transmission unit 125 of the smoke detector 12 shown in Fig. 2 by the wireless power receiving unit 153 and uses it as the power for the flame sensing unit 151 and the wireless transmission unit 152. Then, the flame sensing unit 151 monitors for fires.

[0020] [[ID=ID=19]] Next, we will explain the process leading to fire detection when using an additional fire detector. Figure 5 shows the sequence of events during fire detection. In Figure 5, in step S1, the smoke detector 12 of the fire detector detects smoke. However, since the smoke detector 12 has not received a fire detection signal from the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, the smoke detector 12 has not sent a fire detection signal to the fire receiver 11.

[0021] In step S2, when the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, detects a flame with the flame detection unit 151 shown in Figure 4, it transmits a flame detection signal, which is a fire detection signal, wirelessly from the wireless transmission unit 152 in step S3. The smoke detector 12, which receives the flame detection signal with the wireless reception unit 124 shown in Figure 2, has been detecting a fire due to smoke since step S1. Then, since the smoke detection unit 122, which is a fire detection unit, has detected a fire and the wireless reception unit 124 has received a fire detection signal, it determines in step S4 that a fire has been detected and transmits a fire detection signal in step S5.

[0022] The fire detection signal is transmitted by the sensing transmitter 123 shown in Figure 2 by short-circuiting the two sensing wires 13 shown in Figures 1 and 3. The fire receiver 11 then receives the fire detection signal based on the voltage drop between the two sensing wires 13 and issues a fire alarm in step S6.

[0023] As described above, when the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector, detects a fire phenomenon, such as flames, with its flame detection unit 151, which is an additional fire detection unit, it transmits a fire detection signal from its wireless transmission unit 152. When the smoke detector 12, which is a fire detector, detects a fire by detecting smoke with its smoke detection unit 122, which is a fire detection unit, and also receives a fire detection signal with its wireless reception unit 124, it transmits a fire detection signal from its detection transmission unit 123. This suppresses false fire alarms. [Examples]

[0024] In Example 1, the flame detector 15 is installed separately from the smoke detector 12, while in Example 2, the flame detector 17 is installed in close contact with the smoke detector 16. The flame detector 17, which is an additional fire detector, detects the fire phenomenon of flame with its additional fire detection unit, the flame detection unit 171. Figure 6 is a bottom view showing the smoke detector 16 and flame detector 17 in Example 2. In Figure 6, the smoke detector 16 and flame detector 17 are shown separately. The smoke detector 16, which is a fire detector, has a cylindrical upper part. The flame detector 17, which is an additional fire detector, has a flame detection unit 171 at its lower part and an adhesive surface 172 on its side that connects to the smoke detector 16. The adhesive surface 172 is shaped to conform to the cylindrical shape of the upper part of the smoke detector 16. The internal configuration of the smoke detector 16 and flame detector 17 is the same as that of the smoke detector 12 and flame detector 15 shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0025] When using the flame detector 17, the adhesive surface 172 is attached to the upper side of the smoke detector 16 for fixation. Figure 7 shows the smoke detector 16 and the flame detector 17 attached to the smoke detector 16 in Embodiment 2. Figure 7(a) is a bottom view, and Figure 7(b) is a side view. The smoke detector 16, which is a fire detector, and the flame detector 17, which is an additional fire detector, constitute the fire detection system FS. The smoke detector 16 is fixed to the ceiling panel (not shown) on its top surface. When using the flame detector 17 in Embodiment 2, the smoke detector 16 is used as an integrated unit by fixing the flame detector 17 to it.

[0026] Since the smoke detector 16 and the flame detector 17 are in contact and at close range, a system suitable for short-range wireless power supply and wireless transmission is used. For example, electromagnetic induction or electric field coupling methods can be used for wireless power supply. The sequence for fire detection is the same as in Example 1. [Examples]

[0027] In Example 2, the flame detector 17 was attached to the side of the smoke detector 16 by adhesive. However, other fixing methods may be used. In Example 3, the flame detector 19 is fixed below the smoke detector 18. Figure 8 is a side view showing the smoke detector 18 and flame detector 19 in Example 3. The flame detector 19, which is an additional fire detector, detects the fire phenomenon of flame with the flame detection unit 192, which is an additional fire detection unit and will be described later.

[0028] A bottom plate 182 is provided on the lower surface of the smoke detector 18. In addition, multiple locking leaf springs 193 are provided on the side surface of the flame detector body 191 in the flame detector 19. The upper part of the locking leaf spring 193 is bent toward the center of the flame detector body 191, forming a hook portion 193a. A gap is formed between the hook portion 193a and the upper surface of the flame detector body 191. The locking leaf spring 193 is connected to the flame detector body 191 at the lower connecting portion 193b. Therefore, as shown in the left locking leaf spring 193 of the flame detector 19 in Figure 8, the upper part with the hook portion 193a is elastic and can expand outward.

[0029] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a smoke detector 18 and a flame detector 19 attached to the smoke detector 18 in Embodiment 3. The smoke detector 18, which is a fire detector, and the flame detector 19, which is an additional fire detector, constitute a fire detection system FS. A bottom plate 182 is provided below the smoke sensing section 181 inside the smoke detector 18, and the side of the smoke sensing section 181 is a smoke inlet 183. The smoke detector 18 is fixed to a ceiling plate (not shown) on its top surface.

[0030] The flame detector 19 has a flame sensing section 192 at the bottom of the flame detector body 191. In the multiple locking leaf springs 193, the hook portion 193a enters the interior of the smoke detector 18 from the smoke inlet 183 and rests on the bottom plate 182, while the locking leaf spring 193 is in contact with the outer surface of the bottom plate 182. The upper surface of the flame detector body 191 is in contact with the lower surface of the bottom plate 182, and the bottom plate 182 is located in the gap between the hook portion 193a and the upper surface of the flame detector body 191. The locking leaf spring 193 is attached to the bottom plate 182 by temporarily bending due to its elasticity, as shown in the left locking leaf spring 193 of the flame detector 19 in Figure 8. As described above, the flame detector 19 is attached to the smoke detector 18 by the locking leaf springs 193 of the flame detector 19.

[0031] Similar to Example 2, since the smoke detector 18 and flame detector 19 are in contact and at close range, a system suitable for short-range wireless power supply and wireless transmission is used. For example, electromagnetic induction or electric field coupling methods can be used for wireless power supply. In the fire detection system FS of Example 3, it is possible to form large-diameter, thin coils on the bottom plate 182 and on the top of the flame detector body 191. The sequence for fire detection is the same as in Examples 1 and 2.

[0032] In Example 1, the smoke detector 12 detects a fire with its smoke detection unit 122 and receives a fire detection signal from the flame detector 15 with its wireless receiver 124, and determines that a fire has been detected, then transmits a fire detection signal. In Example 1, a fire is detected when both smoke and flame, which are different fire phenomena, are detected. However, depending on the installation location, a fire may be detected when either of the different fire phenomena is detected. For example in this case, the smoke detector determines that a fire has been detected when it detects a fire with its smoke detection unit or when it receives a fire detection signal with its wireless receiver, and transmits a fire detection signal. The same applies to Examples 2 and 3. Including the case where the smoke detector and flame detector are reversed in the embodiment, one of the fire detector and the additional fire detector may be a smoke detector and the other a flame detector.

[0033] In Example 1, the wireless power transmission unit 125 is installed on the smoke detector 12, which is a fire detector, and the wireless power receiving unit 153 is installed on the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector. However, if the power transmission method is a radio wave transmission method such as a microwave wireless method, the wireless power transmission unit may not be installed on the smoke detector, which is a fire detector, but rather the wireless power transmission device may be installed at a location slightly away from the smoke detector in the room, etc., and power may be supplied to the flame detector 15, which is an additional fire detector.

[0034] Furthermore, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. In addition, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies, as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purpose and configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] C Ceiling panels, FS Fire detection system, 1. Fire alarm system, 11. Fire alarm receiver, 12 Smoke detector, 121 Control unit, 122 Smoke detection unit, 123 Detection transmission unit, 124 Wireless receiver, 125 Wireless power transmission unit, 126 Changeover switch, 13 Sensing line, 14 termination circuit, 15 Flame detector, 151 Flame detection unit, 152 Wireless transmission unit, 153 Wireless power receiving unit, 16 smoke detector, 17 flame detector, 171 flame sensing part, 172 adhesive surface, 18 Smoke detector, 181 Smoke detection part, 182 Bottom plate, 183 Smoke inlet, 19 Flame detector, 191 Flame detector body, 192 Flame detection unit, 193 Locking plate spring, 193a Hook part, 193b Connection part

Claims

1. A fire detector comprising a fire detection unit, a detection transmission unit, and a wireless receiver unit, The device comprises a wireless transmitting unit that transmits a fire detection signal to the wireless receiving unit, and an additional fire detector equipped with an additional fire detection unit that detects fire phenomena different from those detected by the fire detection unit, When the additional fire detector detects a fire phenomenon with the additional fire detection unit, it transmits a fire detection signal from the wireless transmission unit. The fire detection system is characterized in that the fire detector detects a fire with the fire detection unit and, upon receiving a fire detection signal with the wireless receiving unit, transmits a fire detection signal from the detection transmitting unit.

2. The fire detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional fire detector comprises a wireless power receiving unit.

3. The aforementioned fire detector is equipped with a wireless power transmission unit, The fire detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the additional fire detector includes a wireless power receiving unit that receives power from the wireless power transmission unit.

4. A fire detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of the fire detector and the additional fire detector is a smoke detector and the other is a flame detector.

5. It is equipped with a fire detection unit, a detection transmission unit, and a wireless receiver unit. A fire detector characterized in that, when the fire detection unit detects a fire and the wireless receiving unit receives a fire detection signal from an additional fire detector, the detection transmitting unit transmits a fire detection signal.

6. A fire detector according to claim 5, characterized in that it is equipped with a wireless power transmission unit.

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