Fire detection device

Abstract

To provide a fire detection device capable of estimating a direction of occurrence of a fire.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a sensor 100 for sensing a fire in a monitoring area. The sensor comprises: two detection elements 700 for detecting a temperature of a hot air stream supplied to the sensor 100, the hot air stream being generated based on the fire; a control structure for controlling a flow of the hot air stream, the control structure being configured to control a direction of a flow passage of the hot air stream; and an estimation unit for estimating a direction of occurrence of the fire with the sensor 100 defined as a reference on the basis of detection results of the two detection elements 700. The hot air stream is supplied from an outer peripheral side of the sensor 100 to a central side in a horizontal direction, and the control structure is disposed in an elliptical shape with a center of the sensor 100 defined as a reference in the horizontal direction. The two detection elements 700 are provided at both sides of the control structure while being opposed to each other on a long axis 230 of the elliptical shape of the control structure in the horizontal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 35

Description

Technical Field

[0008] , , The hot airflow is supplied horizontally from the outer periphery to the center of the fire detection device, the control structure is arranged horizontally in an elliptical or oblong shape with respect to the center of the fire detection device, and each of the two heat detection elements is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, on the major axis of the elliptical or oblong shape of the control structure in the horizontal direction. ,

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[0001] The present invention relates to a fire detection device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fire detection device for detecting a fire has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, from the viewpoint of improving disaster prevention performance, a technology for estimating the direction of fire occurrence has been demanded.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a fire detection device capable of estimating the direction of fire occurrence.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the fire detection device according to claim 1 is a fire detection device for detecting a fire in a monitoring area, and includes two heat detection elements that detect the temperature of a hot air flow generated based on the fire and supplied to the fire detection device, a control structure that controls the direction of the flow path of the hot air flow, the control structure that controls the flow of the hot air flow, and an estimation unit that estimates the direction of occurrence of the fire based on the detection results of the two heat detection elements, with reference to the fire detection device. The hot airflow is supplied horizontally from the outer periphery to the center of the fire detection device, the control structure is arranged horizontally in an elliptical or oblong shape with respect to the center of the fire detection device, and each of the two heat detection elements is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, on the major axis of the elliptical or oblong shape of the control structure in the horizontal direction.

[0008] Also, the fire detection device according to claim 2 is the fire detection device according to claim 1In the fire detection device described above, the estimation unit estimates the direction of the fire's origin as the direction based on a first straight line in which the two heat detection elements are arranged horizontally, or a second straight line intersecting the first straight line.

[0009] Furthermore, claims 3 The fire detection device described in claim 1 or 2 In the fire detection device described above, the estimation unit estimates the direction of the fire based on the correlation of the temperature rise detected by each of the two heat detection elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the fire detection device described in claim 1, it is possible to estimate the direction of fire origin based on the detection results of two heat detection elements, with the fire detection device as the reference point. Furthermore, by providing a control structure that controls the flow of hot air, it is possible to appropriately control the flow of hot air and supply it to each heat detection element, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire origin. Furthermore, since each of the two heat detection elements is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, along the major axis of the elliptical or oval shape of the control structure, it is possible to appropriately control the flow of hot air and supply that hot air to each heat detection element, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire occurrence.

[0012] Claim 2 According to the fire detection device described above, by estimating the direction of fire origination based on a first straight line in which two heat detection elements are arranged, or a second straight line intersecting the first straight line, it is possible to estimate a direction useful for disaster prevention support such as firefighting or evacuation, thereby enabling efficient and reliable disaster prevention support.

[0013] Claim 3 According to the fire detection device described above, it is possible to improve the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire by estimating the direction of fire based on the correlation of temperature rise detected by each of the two heat detection elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A side view of the perceptron according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the perceptron. [Figure 3] A front view of the perceptron. [Figure 4] A sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] An exploded perspective view of the perceptron. [Figure 6] An exploded perspective view of the perceptron. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the outer cover. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the outer cover. [Figure 9] A side view of the outer cover. [Figure 10] A front view of the outer cover. [Figure 11] A rear view of the outer cover. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the inner cover. [Figure 13] A perspective view of the inner cover. [Figure 14] A side view of the inner cover. [Figure 15] A front view of the inner cover. [Figure 16] A rear view of the inner cover. [Figure 17] A perspective view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 18] A perspective view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 19] A perspective view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 20] A side view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 21] A front view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 22] A rear view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 23] A perspective view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 24] A perspective view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 25] A side view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 26]This is a front view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 27] This is a rear view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing the interior of the detection space. [Figure 29] This is a magnified view of the detection element. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view of the sensor with the outer and inner covers removed. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view of the sensor with the outer cover removed. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. [Figure 33] This is a perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 34] This is a perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 35] This diagram illustrates the flow of hot air and the detection results of the detection element. [Figure 36] This diagram illustrates the flow of hot air and the detection results of the detection element. [Figure 37] This diagram illustrates the flow of hot air and the detection results of the detection element. [Figure 38] This diagram illustrates the flow of hot air and the detection results of the detection element. [Figure 39] This is a diagram illustrating the process for estimating the direction of fire outbreak. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the fire detection device according to this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0016] [Basic Concepts of the Embodiments] First, the basic concept of the fire detection device according to this embodiment will be explained. The fire detection device is a device for detecting fires in a monitored area. The "monitoring area" is the area that is monitored by the fire detection device, and specifically refers to an area inside or outside a room, for example, any space such as a room, stairwell, and corridor.

[0017] In the embodiments described below, we will explain the case where the "monitoring area" is a room.

[0018] [Specific details of each embodiment] Next, the specific details of the embodiment will be described.

[0019] (composition) First, the configuration of the sensor according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a side view of the sensor according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sensor, Figure 3 is a front view of the sensor, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 3, and Figures 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the sensor. In each figure, elements related to the features of the present invention in the sensor 100 are shown and described with reference numerals, and for elements other than those described, the same configuration as conventional sensors may be applied. Also, in Figure 3, the detection element 700 provided inside the sensor 100 is shown with a rectangular dotted line for the sake of explanation. Also, in Figure 4, the hatching of the cross section is omitted for the sake of explanation (the same applies to other cross-sectional views).

[0020] In each figure, the X, Y, and Z axes are assumed to be mutually orthogonal. The Z axis represents the vertical direction (i.e., the vertical or thickness direction in the installed state of the sensor 100). The -Z direction is referred to as the front side, and the +Z direction is referred to as the back side. The X and Y axes are assumed to represent the horizontal direction (i.e., the horizontal or width direction in the installed state of the sensor 100). In the XY plane of Figure 3, the direction away from the center of the sensor 100 is referred to as the outer periphery, and the direction approaching the center is referred to as the inner side or center side.

[0021] In other words, "horizontal direction" refers to the direction parallel to the installation surface (the plane on which the sensor 100 is installed) of the installation target, such as the ceiling 900, when the sensor 100 is installed on the target.

[0022] Reference line 801 in Figure 1 is a center line that passes through the center of the sensor 100 and is parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing, and is shown for the sake of explanation. Reference lines in the other figures are also shown for the sake of explanation. Reference line 802 in Figure 1 is a center line that passes through the center of the detection unit 701 (Figure 29) of the detection element 700 and is parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing. Reference line 803 is a center line that passes through the center of the detection unit 701 (Figure 29) of the detection element 700 and is parallel to the horizontal direction of the drawing.

[0023] Reference line 804 in Figure 3 is a center line that passes through the center of the sensor 100 and is parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing (the Y-axis direction in Figure 3), and reference line 805 is a center line that passes through the center of the sensor 100 and is parallel to the horizontal direction of the drawing (the X-axis direction in Figure 3), and is also a straight line that passes through the positions corresponding to the positions where the two detection elements 700 are provided.

[0024] Reference line 806 in Figure 4 is a center line passing through the center of the light-receiving section 72 and parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing, and reference line 807 is a center line passing through the center of the light-receiving section 72 and parallel to the horizontal direction of the drawing. Reference line 808 in Figure 4 is a line indicating the same height position as the base section 200, and reference line 809 is a line indicating the same height position as the outermost front position on the protruding section 23 (i.e., the same height position as the outermost front position on the stepped section 231).

[0025] The reference lines 810 and 811 in Figures 5 and 6 are centerlines that pass through the center of the sensor 100 and are parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing.

[0026] The detector 100 is a fire detection device installed in the monitoring area, for example, a device for detecting a fire in the monitoring area, and a device for estimating the direction of fire origination based on the detector 100.

[0027] The direction of fire origination is a concept that indicates the orientation of the fire origination location (i.e., the location of the fire source) relative to the installation location of the detector 100. While the direction of fire origination is a concept that includes, for example, two or more arbitrary directions, this embodiment describes a case where the detector 100 estimates one of four mutually distinct directions in mutually orthogonal directions as the direction of fire origination.

[0028] In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 3, in the installed state of the detector 100, the +Y direction indicates the north side, the -Y direction indicates the south side, the +X direction indicates the east side, and the -X direction indicates the west side. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the description will focus on the case where the detector 100 is installed such that the reference line 805 (Figure 3), which is a straight line passing through the positions corresponding to the two detection elements 700, is parallel to the east-west direction (X direction). In other words, this embodiment will focus on the case where the direction of fire occurrence estimated by the detector 100 is one of the four directions: north side (+Y direction), south side (-Y direction), east side (+X direction), and west side (-X direction).

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the detector 100 is installed, for example, on the ceiling 900, which is the target of the installation.

[0030] Note that the installation target for the detector 100 is not limited to the ceiling 900; for example, it may also be installed on the wall of a room (not shown). However, in this embodiment, the case where the installation target is the ceiling 900 (i.e., when the detector 100 is installed on the ceiling 900) will be used as an example for explanation. As a variation, if the detector 100 is installed on the wall of a room, "horizontal direction" can be interpreted as indicating the direction parallel to the installation surface of the installation target (the plane on which the detector 100 is installed) when the detector 100 is installed on the wall that is the installation target.

[0031] In this embodiment, the ceiling surface of the ceiling 900, which is the installation target, and the installation surface on which the sensor 100 is installed, are assumed to be a surface that aligns with the XY plane, that is, a surface parallel to the XY plane. In this case, the reference line 801 in Figure 1 is perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the detector 100 includes, for example, an outer cover 1, an inner cover 2, a smoke detection unit cover 3, a smoke detection unit base 5, an insect screen 61 (Figure 6), a circuit board 62, a terminal board 63, a fitting 64, a detection element 700, a light-emitting unit 71, a light-receiving unit 72, and a light guide 73.

[0033] (Components - Outer cover) Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the outer cover, Figure 9 is a side view of the outer cover, Figure 10 is a front view of the outer cover, and Figure 11 is a rear view of the outer cover. In each figure, for the sake of explanation, only some of the similar components (for example, the connection part 13 and opening 14 in Figure 9) are denoted by reference numerals and described (the same applies to other components in other figures).

[0034] Note that the reference lines 812 and 814 in Figures 10 and 11 are centerlines that pass through the center of the outer cover 1 and are parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing, while the reference lines 813 and 815 in Figures 10 and 11 are centerlines that pass through the center of the outer cover 1 and are parallel to the horizontal direction of the drawing.

[0035] The outer cover 1 covers and houses the components of the detector 100 (inner cover 2, smoke detection section cover 3, etc.) from the front, and also forms part of the outer shape of the detector 100. The outer cover 1 is made of resin, for example. The outer cover 1 includes, for example, the main body 11, top plate 12, connecting part 13, opening 14, labyrinth part 15, and light guide opening 16 (Figure 10) shown in Figure 9.

[0036] (Components - Outer cover - Main body) The main body portion 11 is a part that has a roughly cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter.

[0037] (Components - Outer cover - Top panel) The top plate portion 12 is a part located on the front side of the main body portion 11, and is a flat, circular plate with a smaller diameter than the outer circumference of the main body portion.

[0038] (Configuration - Outer cover - Connection part) The connecting portion 13 is the part that connects the main body portion 11 and the top plate portion 12 to each other, and as shown in Figure 9, for example, it is the part that extends between the main body portion 11 and the top plate portion 12.

[0039] (Structure - Outer cover - Opening) The opening 14 is an opening for allowing hot airflow to flow into the sensor 100 and for allowing the hot airflow to flow out from the sensor 100. The opening 14 is formed in the gap between the main body 11 and the top plate 12, and is divided into multiple sections by multiple connecting sections 13.

[0040] Furthermore, "hot airflow" is a concept that refers to the flow of fluid or the fluid itself that includes the detected object generated in conjunction with a fire in the monitored area, for example, the flow of a relatively high-temperature fluid or the fluid itself. "Detected object" is an object detected by the detector 100, and specifically refers to an object that is generated in conjunction with a fire in the monitored area, for example, a concept that includes smoke particles generated in conjunction with a fire.

[0041] (Structure - Outer cover - Labyrinth section) The labyrinth section 15 is a control structure that guides a hot airflow to the detection element 700. The labyrinth section 15, for example, introduces a fluid containing the object to be detected into the detection space 300 (Figure 4). Details of the labyrinth section 15 will be described later.

[0042] The "control structure" is a component for guiding the hot airflow to the detection element 700, and specifically, it is a component that controls the direction of the hot airflow path and controls the flow of the hot airflow. This control structure includes, for example, a labyrinth section 15 and a stepped section 231 (described later). The position of this control structure is arbitrary; for example, it may be in the vicinity of the detection element 700, or it may be at a location away from the detection element 700.

[0043] The "detection space" 300 is a space for detecting smoke (specifically, smoke particles) that is the target of detection caused by a fire, and it is a light-shielded space. This detection space 300 may also be interpreted as corresponding to the "smoke detection unit". The position and size of this detection space 300 are arbitrary, but as shown in Figure 4, for example, it may be configured to be located inside the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped portion 231 of the inner cover 2. Alternatively, as a variation, the detection space 300 may be positioned independently of the position of the outer peripheral wall 231A. The stepped portion 231 and outer peripheral wall 231A of the inner cover 2 will be described later. Furthermore, the detection space 300 may be located on the rear side of the stepped portion 231 and the labyrinth portion 15, for example. Here, "rear side" may be interpreted as corresponding to "lower part".

[0044] (Configuration - Outer cover - Opening for light guide) The light guide opening 16 is a through-opening that allows the tip of the light guide 73 (Figures 5 and 6) to be exposed to the outside of the sensor 100.

[0045] (Components - Inner cover) Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of the inner cover, Figure 14 is a side view of the inner cover, Figure 15 is a front view of the inner cover, and Figure 16 is a rear view of the inner cover.

[0046] In Figures 15 and 16, the major axis 230 indicates the major axis of the ellipse that forms the circumference of the protruding portion 23 (Figure 15), and also indicates a center line that passes through the center of the inner cover 2 and is parallel to the left-right direction in the drawing. In Figures 15 and 16, the minor axis 230A indicates the minor axis of the ellipse that forms the circumference of the protruding portion 23 (Figure 15), and also indicates a center line that passes through the center of the inner cover 2 and is parallel to the up-down direction in the drawing.

[0047] The inner cover 2 covers and houses the components of the detector 100 (such as the smoke detection unit cover 3), and is circular in shape when viewed from the front. The inner cover 2 is made of resin, for example. The inner cover 2 includes, for example, the first opening 21, the second opening 22, the protrusion 23, and the light guide opening 24 shown in Figure 12.

[0048] (Configuration - Inner cover - First opening) The first opening 21 is an opening for allowing hot airflow to flow into the detection space 300 and for allowing the hot airflow to flow out from the detection space 300. As shown in Figure 15, the first opening 21 is, for example, a circular opening located in the center of the inner cover 2 in a front view. The first opening 21 is an opening that penetrates from the front side to the back side of the stepped portion 231. Penetrating from the front side to the back side of the stepped portion 231 may be interpreted as, for example, penetrating from the front surface of the protruding portion 23 having the stepped portion 231 towards the back side. Alternatively, the front surface of the stepped portion 231 (i.e., the front surface of the protruding portion 23) may be interpreted as corresponding to the "top surface," and the back side of the stepped portion 231 (i.e., the back side of the protruding portion 23) may be interpreted as corresponding to the "bottom surface."

[0049] (Configuration - Inner cover - Second opening) The second opening 22 is an opening through which the detection element 700 is inserted and positioned. As shown in Figure 15, the second opening 22 is, for example, an elliptical shape in front view and is a rectangular opening on the major axis 230 of the protruding portion 23 (the major axis of the ellipse which is the circumference of the outer peripheral wall 231A in front view) and is provided on both sides of the protruding portion 23.

[0050] (Structure - Inner cover - Protruding part) The protruding portion 23 is a part that protrudes toward the front from the base portion 200 (Figures 12, 14, and 15) of the inner cover 2. The "base portion" 200 is a predetermined base portion of the sensor 100, and is, for example, a surface provided on the outer circumference side of the protruding portion 23 of the inner cover 2. The configuration of the base portion 200 is arbitrary, but as shown in Figure 1, for example, it may be provided at a position slightly toward the front side (-Z direction) than the rear side (+Z direction) edge of the opening 14 of the outer cover 1 in a side view. Details of the protruding portion 23 will be described later.

[0051] (Configuration - Inner cover - Opening for light guide) The light guide opening 24 is an opening through which the light guide 73 (Figures 5 and 6) is inserted and positioned.

[0052] (Components - Smoke detection unit cover) Figures 17 to 19 are perspective views of the smoke detection unit cover, Figure 20 is a side view of the smoke detection unit cover, Figure 21 is a front view of the smoke detection unit cover, and Figure 22 is a rear view of the smoke detection unit cover.

[0053] In Figure 21, reference line 816 is a center line that passes through the center of the smoke detection unit cover 3 and is parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing, and reference line 818 is a center line perpendicular to it. Optical axis 901 indicates the optical axis of the light-emitting unit 71 (Figure 28) in the assembled detector 100. Optical axis 902 indicates the optical axis of the light-receiving unit 72 (Figure 28) in the assembled detector 100. In Figure 22, reference line 817 is a center line that passes through the center of the smoke detection unit cover 3 and is parallel to the vertical direction of the drawing, and reference line 819 is a center line perpendicular to it.

[0054] The smoke detection unit cover 3, together with the smoke detection unit base 5, covers the detection space 300 (Figure 4), the light-emitting optical element 712 (Figures 5 and 6), and the light-receiving optical element 722, that is, it partitions the inside and outside of the detection space 300. The smoke detection unit cover 3 is made of resin, for example. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the smoke detection unit cover 3 includes, for example, an opening 31, a light-emitting side housing 32, and a light-receiving side housing 33.

[0055] (Configuration - smoke detection unit cover opening) The opening 31 is an opening for allowing hot airflow to flow into the detection space 300 and for allowing the hot airflow to flow out from the detection space 300. As shown in Figure 21, the opening 31 is, for example, a circular opening and has approximately the same diameter as the first opening 21 of the inner cover 2.

[0056] (Configuration - Smoke detection unit cover - Each storage compartment) The light-emitting side housing section 32 is the part that houses the light-emitting optical element 712 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0057] The light-receiving side housing section 33 is the part that houses the light-receiving optical element 722 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0058] (Configuration - smoke detection unit base) Figures 23 and 24 are perspective views of the smoke detection unit base, Figure 25 is a side view of the smoke detection unit base, Figure 26 is a front view of the smoke detection unit base, and Figure 27 is a rear view of the smoke detection unit base.

[0059] The smoke detection unit base 5, together with the smoke detection unit cover 3, covers the detection space 300 (Figure 4), the light-emitting optical element 712 (Figures 5 and 6), and the light-receiving optical element 722, that is, it partitions the inside and outside of the detection space 300. The smoke detection unit base 5 is made of resin, for example. The smoke detection unit base 5 is, for example, a flat plate shape overall and includes a light-emitting side housing 51 (Figures 23 and 26) and a light-receiving side housing 52.

[0060] (Configuration - Smoke detection unit base - Each housing unit) The light-emitting side housing 51 is the part that houses the light-emitting side optical element 712 (Figures 5 and 6), and in the assembled sensor 100, it is located at the position corresponding to the light-emitting side housing 32 of the smoke detection unit cover 3.

[0061] The light-receiving housing 52 is the part that houses the light-receiving optical element 722 (Figures 5 and 6), and in the assembled detector 100, it is located at the position corresponding to the light-receiving housing 33 of the smoke detection unit cover 3.

[0062] (Composition - Insect net) The insect screen 61 in Figure 6 is designed to allow hot air to flow into or out of the detection space 300 (Figure 4) while preventing insects from entering the detection space 300. The insect screen 61 is, for example, a circular screen provided at the first opening 21 of the inner cover 2, and has multiple small holes (not shown) of a predetermined diameter that allow hot air to flow in or out and prevent insects from entering.

[0063] (New circuit board configuration) The substrate 62 in Figures 5 and 6 is a circuit board on which various elements, ICs (integrated circuits including microcomputers), memory, or electrical circuits including electrical wiring are mounted. As shown in Figure 6, for example, a light-emitting element 711 and a light-receiving element 721 are mounted on the front surface of the substrate 62. In addition to these elements, a detection element 700 is also mounted on the substrate 62.

[0064] The microcomputer (MPC) mounted on the circuit board 62 is the control unit of the sensor 100, and the memory mounted on the circuit board 62 is the recording unit of the sensor 100.

[0065] The control unit of the detector 100 is a control means for controlling the detector 100, and also functions as an estimation unit, for example. The "estimation unit" is an estimation means that estimates the direction of fire occurrence relative to the detector 100 based on the detection results of the two detection elements 700. In other words, the estimation unit is an estimation means that estimates the direction of fire occurrence, that is, the relative orientation of the fire occurrence location from the perspective of the detector 100. The operation or processing of the detector 100 performed by the control unit will be described later.

[0066] The recording unit of the sensor 100 is a recording means for recording programs and various types of data.

[0067] (Configuration - terminal board) The terminal board 63 in Figures 5 and 6 covers the components of the detector 100 (such as the smoke detection cover 3) from the rear. The terminal board 63 is attached to the ceiling 900 via a fitting 64, and is therefore a mounting part for attaching the detector 100 to the ceiling 900.

[0068] (Composition - Fitted alloy fittings) The fitting alloy 64 is detachably attached to the terminal board 63 and the mounting structure on the ceiling 900 side (for example, a structure that is fitted or engaged with the fitting alloy 64 to fix and mount it). By using this fitting alloy 64, the sensor 100 including the terminal board 63 can be mounted to the ceiling 900. Note that this fitting alloy 64 may also be interpreted as corresponding to the "mounting part".

[0069] Furthermore, although not shown in this embodiment, it is also conceivable that the sensor 100 may be attached to the ceiling 900 using a mounting base, which is a circular plate-shaped member with approximately the same diameter as the terminal board 63. In the case of using this mounting base, the mounting base may be interpreted as corresponding to the "mounting part." The "mounting base" is a member provided between the sensor 100 and the ceiling 900 for installing and attaching the sensor 100 to the ceiling 900, but since known configurations can be applied, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0070] (Configuration - detection element) The detection element 700 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a thermal detection element that detects the heat of the hot airflow generated in conjunction with a fire in the monitored area. Details of the detection element 700 will be described later.

[0071] (Configuration - Light-emitting part) Figure 28 shows the interior of the detection space. In Figure 28, the assembled sensor 100 is shown as viewed from the front, with the interior of the smoke detection unit cover 3 visible. For the sake of clarity, the detailed structure of the smoke detection unit base 5 is omitted from the illustration.

[0072] The light-emitting unit 71 in Figure 28 is a light-emitting means that emits light into the detection space 300 for detecting smoke particles, which are the target of detection. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the light-emitting unit 71 includes, for example, a light-emitting element 711 and a light-emitting optical element 712.

[0073] (Configuration - Light-emitting part - Light-emitting element) The light-emitting element 711 is a component that emits light (emitted light), and can be constructed using, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The light-emitting element 711 is mounted on the substrate 62.

[0074] (Configuration - Light-emitting section - Light-emitting optical element) The light-emitting optical element 712 is a component that guides the emitted light from the light-emitting element 711 into the detection space 300 and emits it, and can be constructed, for example, using a prism. The light-emitting optical element 712 is housed, for example, in the smoke detection unit cover 3 and the smoke detection unit base 5.

[0075] The light-emitting optical element 712 is configured, for example, to emit light from the light-emitting element 711 mainly in a direction parallel to the smoke detection base 5 (i.e., a direction parallel to the XY plane in Figure 3).

[0076] (Configuration - light receiving section) The light-receiving unit 72 in Figure 28 is a light-receiving means that receives scattered light and the like, which is generated when the emitted light is scattered by smoke particles, which are the target of detection, within the detection space 300. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the light-receiving unit 72 includes, for example, a light-receiving element 721 and a light-receiving optical element 722.

[0077] (Configuration - Light-receiving section - Light-receiving element) The light-receiving element 721 is a component that receives light (scattered light, etc.), and can be constructed using, for example, a photodiode. The light-receiving element 721 is mounted on the substrate 62.

[0078] (Configuration - Light-receiving section - Light-receiving optical element) The light-receiving optical element 722 is a component that guides light from the detection space 300 to the light-receiving element 721, and can be constructed using, for example, a prism. The light-receiving optical element 722 is housed in the smoke detection unit cover 3 and the smoke detection unit base 5.

[0079] The light-receiving optical element 722 is configured to guide scattered light and the like that that are scattered by smoke particles and incident on the light-receiving optical element 722 to the light-receiving element 721.

[0080] (Configuration - Light Guide) The light guide 73 in Figures 5 and 6 is a component that functions as an indicator light for the detector 100, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, a part of it is exposed on the front side of the detector 100. For example, a light-emitting element (LED) separate from the light-emitting optical element 712 is provided on the front surface of the substrate 62, and this component guides the light from this light-emitting element and outputs it to the front side of the detector 100. An "indicator light" is a component that displays the status of the detector 100, and for example, it displays the status of the detector by outputting light of a color (for example, green or red, etc.) corresponding to the status of the detector 100.

[0081] (Configuration - Details of the detection element) Next, the details of the detection element 700 will be described. Figure 29 is an enlarged view of the detection element, Figure 30 is a perspective view of the sensor with the outer and inner covers removed, Figure 31 is a perspective view of the sensor with the outer cover removed, Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1, and Figures 33 and 34 are perspective views of the sensor.

[0082] In Figure 29, reference line 820 is a center line that passes through the center of the detection unit 701 in the detection element 700 and is parallel to the left-right direction in the drawing, and reference line 821 is a center line that passes through the center of the detection unit 701 in the detection element 700 and is parallel to the up-down direction in the drawing.

[0083] As described above, the detection element 700 is a thermal detection element that detects the heat of the hot airflow generated in conjunction with a fire in the monitored area. The detection element 700 can be configured using, for example, a thermistor that detects the temperature corresponding to the heat and outputs temperature information indicating the detected temperature. As shown in Figure 29, the detection element 700 includes, for example, a detection unit 701 and a terminal unit 702. The detection unit 701 is, for example, sandwiched on both its front and back surfaces by a film-like insulating member 703.

[0084] The detection unit 701 is the part of the detection element 700 that detects heat, for example, the part whose resistance value changes due to temperature fluctuations. The terminal unit 702 is a terminal for electrically connecting the detection element 700 to the electrical circuit of the sensor 100.

[0085] The detection element 700 is mounted on the substrate 62 as shown in Figure 30 by inserting its terminal portion 702 into the connection hole of the substrate 62 and then electrically connecting and fixing it to the wiring of the substrate 62 using solder or the like. Furthermore, since the detection element 700 is inserted through the second opening 22 (Figure 15) of the inner cover 2, the detection element 700 (i.e., the detection portion 701 of the detection element 700) is, for example, elliptical in shape when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 32, and is located on the long axis 230 of the protruding portion 23 and outside the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped portion 231. In other words, the two detection elements 700 (i.e., the detection portions 701 of the detection elements 700) are arranged opposite each other on the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped portion 231, with the protruding portion 23 having the stepped portion 231 and the labyrinth portion 15 in between. Furthermore, the two detection elements 700 are provided on both sides of the control structure (labyrinth section 15 and stepped section 231).

[0086] As shown in Figures 1 and 31, the detection element 700 is arranged to protrude, for example, from the base 200 of the inner cover 2 through the second opening 22 (Figure 31). At least a portion of the detection part 701 of the detection element 700 is located on the base 200 side, which is lower than the uppermost step of the stepped portion 231 (Figures 1 and 31) of the inner cover 2.

[0087] The uppermost step of the stepped portion 231 refers to, for example, the part of the stepped portion 231 that is closest to the front (corresponding to the lowest part in Figure 1 and the uppermost part in Figure 31). The base portion 200 side, which is lower than the uppermost step of the stepped portion 231, refers to the side that is closer to the base portion 200 in the vertical direction (the X-axis direction in Figure 1). In other words, at least a part of the detection portion 701 of the detection element 700 is provided between the height position corresponding to the uppermost step of the stepped portion 231 of the inner cover 2 and the height position corresponding to the base portion 200 in the vertical direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, for example, a part of the detection portion 701 of the detection element 700 is provided between a height position corresponding to the uppermost step of the stepped portion 231 of the inner cover 2 and a height position corresponding to the base portion 200, and another part of the detection portion 701 of the detection element 700 (that is, the part on the front side of the detection portion 701 of the detection element 700 (that is, the lower part in Figure 1)) is provided at a position further from the base portion 200 in the height direction than the height position corresponding to the uppermost step of the stepped portion 231 of the inner cover 2. Note that the arrangement of the detection element 700 is not limited to this, and for example, the entire detection portion 701 of the detection element 700 may be arranged so that it is provided in the vertical direction between a height position corresponding to the uppermost step of the stepped portion 231 of the inner cover 2 and a height position corresponding to the base portion 200.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, for example, among the two detection elements 700, the detection element 700 located on the east side (+X direction) with respect to the center of the sensor 100 in its installed state will be referred to as the first detection element 7A, and the detection element 700 located on the west side (-X direction) will be referred to as the second detection element 7B.

[0090] (Configuration - Details of the protruding part) Next, the details of the protruding portion 23 in Figures 12, 14, and 15 will be described. The protruding portion 23 is a part that protrudes from the base 200 of the inner cover 2 toward the front side, and includes, for example, a stepped portion 231.

[0091] The stepped portion 231 is the aforementioned control structure, and as shown in Figure 14, for example, it is a stepped portion corresponding to the periphery of the protruding portion 23 of the labyrinth portion 15 (i.e., the shoulder portion of the protruding portion 23). The stepped portion 231 is the portion that guides the hot airflow along the outer peripheral wall 231A (Figure 32) to the detection portion 701 of the detection element 700.

[0092] The outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped portion 231 corresponds to, for example, the inclined portion of the stepped portion 231, as shown in Figure 14. The outer peripheral wall 231A is inclined toward the center of the inner cover 2 as it moves away from the base portion 200 in the vertical direction of the drawing in Figure 14. As shown in Figure 32, the outer peripheral wall 231A has an elliptical circumference in a front view, that is, the protruding portion 23 has an elliptical shape in a front view, that is, it has an elliptical shape in the horizontal direction with respect to the center of the sensor 100.

[0093] (Details of the structure - Labyrinth section) Next, the details of the labyrinth section 15 in Figures 8, 9, and 11 will be described. The labyrinth section 15 is the control structure described above and also introduces the fluid containing the object to be detected into the detection space 300. As shown in Figure 11, the labyrinth section 15 includes, for example, a plurality of partition walls 151.

[0094] The partition walls 151 are fixed to the rear surface of the top plate portion 12, protrude from the top plate portion 12 toward the rear by a predetermined height, and are provided adjacent to each other with gaps 152 between them. The partition walls 151 may be formed integrally with the top plate portion 12, or they may be formed separately from the top plate portion 12 and then fixed using adhesive or the like, but in this embodiment they are assumed to be formed integrally.

[0095] The partition wall 151 is configured to be erected from the upper surface (front side) of the projection 23 having the stepped portion 231 of the inner cover 2, as shown in Figure 32, in the assembled sensor 100 shown in Figure 1. The partition wall 151 extends, for example, from the inside to the outside of the sensor 100. The side end 151A of the partition wall 151 is positioned along the outer circumference of the stepped portion 231 on the front side of the stepped portion 231. Therefore, the side end 151A of the partition wall 151 is positioned in an ellipse shape in a front view, that is, it is positioned in an ellipse shape with respect to the center of the sensor 100 in the horizontal direction. Note that the side end 151A of the partition wall 151 corresponds to a part of the partition wall 151, specifically the part corresponding to the outer circumference side of the stepped portion 231 of the partition wall 151.

[0096] Since it is configured in this way, the labyrinth section 15 may be interpreted as a component in which a plurality of partition walls 151 are arranged to stand upright from the upper surface of the stepped section 231 along the outer circumference of the stepped section 231 with gaps 152 between them.

[0097] (Instructions for assembling the detector) Next, the assembly procedure for the detector 100 will be described. Here, an example of the assembly procedure for the detector 100 will be described, mainly referring to Figures 5 and 6.

[0098] First, the light-emitting optical element 712 and the light-receiving optical element 722 are housed in the light-emitting housing 51 (Figures 23 and 26) and the light-receiving housing 52 of the smoke detection base 5.

[0099] Next, the smoke detection unit cover 3 is attached to the smoke detection unit base 5 by any method (for example, by utilizing the engagement structures provided on each component). In this case, the light-emitting optical element 712 and the light-receiving optical element 722 are also housed in the light-emitting side housing 32 (Figure 19) and the light-receiving side housing 33 of the smoke detection unit cover 3.

[0100] Next, the substrate 62 on which the light-emitting element 711, the light-receiving element 721, and the detection element 700 are mounted is attached to the terminal board 63 from the front side (upper side in Figure 6) by any method (for example, by screwing it in). The fitting 64 is attached to the terminal board 63 from the back side (lower side in Figure 6) by any method (for example, by screwing it in).

[0101] Next, as shown in Figure 30, the smoke detection unit base 5 with the smoke detection unit cover 3 attached is attached to the substrate 62 from the front side (upper side in Figure 6) of the substrate 62 by any method (for example, by using the engagement structures provided on each component, or by screwing them together).

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 31, the inner cover 2 is attached to the terminal board 63, to which the smoke detection unit cover 3 and the like are attached, from the front side (upper side in the drawing of Figure 6) of the terminal board 63 using any method (for example, a method that utilizes the engagement structure provided on each component). In this case, a part of the detection element 700 is inserted through the second opening 22 of the inner cover 2 and protrudes from the inner cover 2 toward the front side. The light guide 73 is also inserted through the light guide opening 24 of the inner cover 2.

[0103] Next, the insect screen 61 is installed in the first opening 21 of the inner cover 2.

[0104] Next, the outer cover 1 is attached to the terminal board 63, to which the inner cover 2 and other components are attached, from the front side (upper side in the drawing of Figure 6) using any method (for example, a method that utilizes the engagement structure provided on each component). In this case, as shown in Figure 1, the labyrinth portion 15 of the outer cover 1 will come into contact with the protruding portion 23 of the inner cover 2. Also, the insect screen 61 is held down by a part of the partition wall 151 of the labyrinth portion 15 (the intersection portion that crosses in a cross shape at the center of the outer cover 1 in Figure 11), and the insect screen 61 is fixed to the sensor 100. The tip of the light guide 73 will be exposed to the outside of the sensor 100 through the light guide opening 16 (Figure 7) of the outer cover 1. In this way, the assembly of the sensor 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, 33 and 34 is completed.

[0105] (Supply of hot airflow and detection results from the detection element) Next, we will explain the supply of hot airflow containing smoke particles, which occurs when a fire occurs in the monitoring area, to the detector 100, and the detection results of the detection element.

[0106] Figures 35 to 38 illustrate the flow of hot air and the detection results of the detection element. In each figure, (a) is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1, and (b) is a graph showing a typical example of the temperature of the heat detected by the detection element 700.

[0107] The cross-sectional view in Figures 35 to 38(a) shows the sensor 100 in Figure 32 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. In Figures 35 to 38(a), the flow of hot air is illustrated with white arrows.

[0108] The graphs in Figures 35 to 38(b) show the time change in temperature of the heat detected by the first detection element 7A with a solid line, and the time change in temperature of the heat detected by the second detection element 7B with a dotted line. The graphs in each figure(b) show representative results of experiments or simulations conducted with respect to the sensor 100 of the present invention to confirm the correlation between the direction in which the hot airflow is supplied and the detection result of the detection element 700.

[0109] (Supply of hot airflow and detection results from the detection element - supply from the east) As shown by the white arrow in Figure 35(a), when a hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 from the east (+X direction) in a direction parallel to the long axis 230, the hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 along the ceiling 900 and flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 through the opening 14 (Figure 1) of the outer cover 1.

[0110] Next, a portion of the hot airflow that flows into the outer cover 1 is supplied to the first detection element 7A. After this, a portion of the hot airflow supplied to the first detection element 7A is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A (Figure 32) of the stepped section 231 and the side ends 151A (Figure 32) of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15, and supplied to the second detection element 7B. In this case, the hot airflow is supplied to the second detection element 7B while dissipating heat by coming into contact with the components of the sensor 100. Another portion of the hot airflow supplied to the first detection element 7A crosses the stepped section 231 and is guided from the outer peripheral side to the inside of the sensor 100 through the gaps 152 (Figure 32) between the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15, and supplied. After this, the hot airflow flows into the detection space 300 through the first opening 21 of the inner cover 2 and the opening 31 of the smoke detection section cover 3. In particular, since an insect screen 61 (Figure 6) is provided at the first opening 21 of the inner cover 2, the hot airflow flows into the detection space 300 through multiple small holes (not shown) in this insect screen 61.

[0111] Furthermore, another portion of the hot airflow that flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 is not supplied to the first detection element 7A, but is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped section 231 (Figure 32) and the side ends 151A of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15 (Figure 32), and supplied to the second detection element 7B. In this case as well, the hot airflow moves while dissipating heat by coming into contact with the components of the sensor 100 and is supplied to the second detection element 7B.

[0112] In reality, some of the hot airflow that flows into the outer cover 1 does not reach either the first detection element 7A or the second detection element 7B, but instead flows out of the outer cover 1 to the outside. However, we will omit the explanation of this portion (the same applies when hot airflow is supplied from other directions, as will be discussed later).

[0113] Therefore, as shown in Figure 35(a), when the hot airflow is supplied from the east (+X direction), the first detection element 7A receives a high-temperature hot airflow, and the second detection element 7B receives a low-temperature hot airflow. As a result, as shown in Figure 35(b), the temperature rise rate of the heat detected by the first detection element 7A (i.e., the amount of temperature increase within a predetermined time) is greater than the temperature rise rate of the heat detected by the second detection element 7B, and in particular, the difference between these temperature rise rates is relatively large. Here, "high temperature" and "low temperature" are relative expressions of temperature; that is, for example, the temperature of the high-temperature hot airflow is higher than the temperature of the low-temperature hot airflow.

[0114] A higher rate of temperature increase indicates a faster temperature rise, while a lower rate of temperature increase indicates a slower temperature rise.

[0115] (Supply of hot airflow and detection results from the detection element - supply from the west) As shown by the white arrow in Figure 36(a), when a hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 from the west side (-X direction) in a direction parallel to the long axis 230, the hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 along the ceiling 900 and flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 through the opening 14 (Figure 1) of the outer cover 1.

[0116] Next, a portion of the hot airflow that flows into the outer cover 1 is supplied to the second detection element 7B. After this, a portion of the hot airflow supplied to the second detection element 7B is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped section 231 (Figure 32) and the side ends 151A of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15 (Figure 32), and supplied to the first detection element 7A. In this case, the hot airflow is supplied to the first detection element 7A while dissipating heat by coming into contact with the components of the sensor 100. Another portion of the hot airflow supplied to the second detection element 7B flows into the detection space 300 in the same manner as described above.

[0117] Furthermore, another portion of the hot airflow that flows into the outer cover 1 is not supplied to the second detection element 7B, but is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped section 231 (Figure 32) and the side ends 151A of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15 (Figure 32), and supplied to the first detection element 7A. In this case as well, the hot airflow moves while dissipating heat by coming into contact with the components of the sensor 100 and is supplied to the first detection element 7A.

[0118] Therefore, as shown in Figure 36(a), when the hot airflow is supplied from the west (-X direction), a high-temperature hot airflow is supplied to the second detection element 7B and a low-temperature hot airflow is supplied to the first detection element 7A. As a result, as shown in Figure 36(b), the temperature rise rate of the heat detected by the second detection element 7B is greater than the temperature rise rate of the heat detected by the first detection element 7A, and in particular, the difference between these temperature rise rates is relatively large.

[0119] (Supply of hot airflow and detection results from the detection element - supply from the north side) As shown by the white arrow in Figure 37(a), when a hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 from the north side (+Y direction) in a direction parallel to the short axis 230A, the hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 along the ceiling 900 and flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 through the opening 14 (Figure 1) of the outer cover 1.

[0120] Next, a portion of the hot airflow that has flowed into the interior of the outer cover 1 is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped section 231 (Figure 32) and the side ends 151A of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15 (Figure 32), and supplied to the first detection element 7A and the second detection element 7B.

[0121] In this case, depending on the configuration of the sensor 100 (for example, the configuration of the labyrinth section 15), the amount of hot air supplied to the second detection element 7B (the hot air supplied in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 37(a)) is greater than the amount of hot air supplied to the first detection element 7A (the hot air supplied in a clockwise direction in Figure 37(a)). More specifically, as shown in Figure 37(a), on the outer periphery of the labyrinth (i.e., the outer periphery of the labyrinth section 15), the angle θ1 > θ2 between the airflow direction and the partition wall 151 results in a relatively large portion of the hot air flow toward the first detection element 7A being divided and taken into the labyrinth interior (i.e., the inside of the labyrinth section 15) through the labyrinth opening (i.e., the gap 152). As a result, the component supplied to the first detection element 7A decreases, and the amount of thermal energy received per unit time by the first detection element 7A becomes relatively small. On the other hand, the hot airflow directed toward the second detection element 7B is less prone to such splitting, and the reduction in the component supplied to the detection element 7B is suppressed, resulting in a relatively large amount of thermal energy received by the detection element 7B per unit of time. Therefore, for the same amount of time, the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the second detection element 7B is higher than the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the first detection element 7A.

[0122] Furthermore, another portion of the hot airflow that has flowed into the interior of the outer cover 1 flows into the detection space 300 in the same manner as described above.

[0123] Therefore, as shown in Figure 37(a), when the hot airflow is supplied from the north (+Y direction), as shown in Figure 37(b), the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by the second detection element 7B is greater than the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by the first detection element 7A, and in particular, the difference between these rate of temperature rise is relatively small. More specifically, the difference in the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by each detection element 700 when the hot airflow is supplied from the north (+Y direction) is extremely small compared to the difference in the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by each detection element 700 when the hot airflow is supplied from the west (-X direction).

[0124] (Supply of hot airflow and detection results from the detection element - supply from the south) As shown by the white arrow in Figure 38(a), when a hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 from the south side (-Y direction) in a direction parallel to the short axis 230A, the hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100 along the ceiling 900 and flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 through the opening 14 (Figure 1) of the outer cover 1.

[0125] Next, a portion of the hot airflow that has flowed into the interior of the outer cover 1 is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A of the stepped section 231 (Figure 32) and the side ends 151A of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15 (Figure 32), and supplied to the first detection element 7A and the second detection element 7B.

[0126] In this case, depending on the configuration of the sensor 100 (for example, the configuration of the labyrinth section 15), the amount of hot air supplied to the first detection element 7A (the hot air supplied in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 38(a)) is greater than the amount of hot air supplied to the second detection element 7B (the hot air supplied in a clockwise direction in Figure 38(a)). More specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 38(a), on the outer periphery of the labyrinth, the angle θ3 > θ4 between the airflow direction and the partition wall 151 results in a relatively large portion of the hot air flow toward the second detection element 7B being divided and taken into the labyrinth through the labyrinth opening. As a result, the component supplied to the second detection element 7B decreases, and the amount of thermal energy received per unit time by the second detection element 7B becomes relatively small. On the other hand, the hot airflow directed toward the first detection element 7A is less prone to such splitting, and the reduction in the component supplied to the detection element 7A is suppressed, resulting in a relatively large amount of thermal energy received by the detection element 7A per unit of time. Therefore, for the same amount of time, the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the first detection element 7A is higher than the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the second detection element 7B.

[0127] Furthermore, another portion of the hot airflow that has flowed into the interior of the outer cover 1 flows into the detection space 300 in the same manner as described above.

[0128] Therefore, as shown in Figure 38(a), when the hot airflow is supplied from the south (-Y direction), as shown in Figure 38(b), the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by the first detection element 7A is greater than the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by the second detection element 7B, and in particular, the difference between these rate of temperature rise is relatively small. More specifically, the difference in the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by each detection element 700 when the hot airflow is supplied from the south (-Y direction) is extremely small compared to the difference in the rate of temperature rise of the heat detected by each detection element 700 when the hot airflow is supplied from the east (+X direction).

[0129] Furthermore, it has been found through simulations and measurements by the inventors of this invention that the difference in temperature rise of each detection element 700 is more pronounced when the labyrinth outer shape is elliptical or oblong, as shown in this embodiment, and each heat detection element 700 is arranged on its major axis 230, compared to when the labyrinth outer shape (i.e., the outer shape of the labyrinth part 15) is circular, for example, if the size of the labyrinth portion 15 or the stepped portion 231 (the inner area of ​​the outer circumference of the labyrinth portion 15 or the stepped portion 231) is approximately the same.

[0130] (Fire detection operation) Next, the operation of the fire detection device 100 will be described. The control unit of the detector 100 detects a fire based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 72, for example. However, since this operation can be performed using known methods, only an overview will be provided.

[0131] (Fire detection operation - if no fire is detected) For example, if no fire occurs in the monitoring area, no hot airflow containing smoke particles flows into the detection space 300 in Figure 28. As a result, no scattered light is generated based on the emitted light from the light-emitting unit 71, and the light-receiving unit 72 does not receive scattered light. In this case, the control unit of the detector 100 does not detect a fire.

[0132] (Fire detection operation - when a fire is detected) On the other hand, for example, if a fire occurs in the monitoring area, a hot airflow containing smoke particles flows into the detection space 300 in Figure 28. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 71 is irradiated onto the smoke particles, generating a relatively large amount of scattered light, which is then received by the light-receiving unit 72. In this case, the control unit of the detector 100 detects the fire.

[0133] (Fire origin direction estimation process) Next, we will explain the fire origin direction estimation process. The fire origin direction estimation process is the process of estimating the direction in which a fire originated. Figure 39 is a diagram illustrating the fire origin direction estimation process. The timing of the execution of the fire origin direction estimation process is arbitrary, but for example, as explained in "(Fire Detection Operation)", we will assume that it is activated when a fire is detected, and we will explain from the point when the process is activated.

[0134] =Step 1= First, in the first step, the control unit of the sensor 100 acquires temperature information from the first detection element 7A and the second detection element 7B, and based on the acquired temperature information, determines the rate of temperature rise of the heat in the hot airflow detected by the first detection element 7A and the second detection element 7B.

[0135] =Step 2= Next, in the second step, the control unit of the sensor 100 determines the magnitude of each temperature rise rate based on the temperature rise rate identified in the first step. Specifically, as shown in the "Temperature Rise Rate" column of Figure 39, it determines the relative magnitudes of the temperature rise rates of each detection element 700.

[0136] Here, for example, if a fire occurs on the east side (+X direction) of the detector 100, as shown in Figure 35(a), a hot airflow is supplied from the east side. Therefore, the control unit of the detector 100 determines that the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "1" in Figure 39.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the west side (-X direction) of the detector 100, as shown in Figure 36(a), a hot airflow is supplied from the west side. Therefore, the control unit of the detector 100 determines that the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "2" in Figure 39.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the north side (+Y direction) of the detector 100, as shown in Figure 37(a), a hot airflow is supplied from the north side. Therefore, the control unit of the detector 100 determines that the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "3" in Figure 39.

[0139] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the south side (-Y direction) of the detector 100, as shown in Figure 38(a), a hot airflow is supplied from the south side. Therefore, the control unit of the detector 100 determines that the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "4" in Figure 39.

[0140] =Step 3= Next, in the third step, the control unit of the sensor 100 determines whether the difference between each temperature rise rate is large or small, based on the temperature rise rate identified in the first step. Specifically, it determines whether the difference is large or small, as shown in the "Difference in Temperature Rise Rate" column of Figure 39.

[0141] While the specifics are arbitrary, for example, threshold information for determining whether the difference in each temperature rise rate is large or small is stored in the recording unit of the sensor 100, and the determination is made based on this threshold information. "Threshold information" is information for determining whether the difference in each temperature rise rate is large or small, and is used, for example, to distinguish between the difference in each temperature rise rate shown in Figure 35(b) and the difference in each temperature rise rate shown in Figure 38(b), and also to distinguish between the difference in each temperature rise rate shown in Figure 36(b) and the difference in each temperature rise rate shown in Figure 37(b). Here, for example, it is assumed that information indicating the value between the difference shown in Figure 35(b) and the difference shown in Figure 38(b) is stored as threshold information, which is a value sufficient to perform the above-mentioned distinction. By using this threshold information, it becomes possible to determine the magnitude of each difference shown in Figure 35(b) and the difference shown in Figure 38(b). Furthermore, the differences shown in Figure 36(b) and Figure 37(b) are almost the same values ​​as the differences shown in Figure 35(b) and Figure 38(b). Therefore, by using this threshold information, it is possible to determine the relative magnitudes of the differences shown in Figure 36(b) and Figure 37(b).

[0142] Then, the difference between each temperature rise rate identified in the first step (i.e., the difference between the temperature of the heat in the hot airflow detected by the first detection element 7A and the temperature of the heat in the hot airflow detected by the second detection element 7B) is compared with the threshold indicated by the threshold information, and identification is made based on the comparison result. Specifically, if the difference between each temperature rise rate identified in the first step is greater than the threshold indicated by the threshold information, the difference between each temperature rise rate is identified as large. Also, if the difference between each temperature rise rate identified in the first step is smaller than the threshold indicated by the threshold information, the difference between each temperature rise rate is identified as small.

[0143] Here, for example, if a fire occurs on the east side (+X direction) of sensor 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the east side as shown in Figure 35(a), the difference between each temperature rise rate becomes relatively large as shown in Figure 35(b), meaning that the threshold information becomes larger than the threshold. In this case, the control unit of sensor 100 identifies that the difference between each temperature rise rate is large, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "1" in Figure 39.

[0144] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the west side (-X direction) of the detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the west side as shown in Figure 36(a), the difference between each temperature rise rate becomes relatively large as shown in Figure 36(b), meaning that the threshold information becomes larger than the threshold. In this case, the control unit of the detector 100 identifies that the difference between each temperature rise rate is large, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "2" in Figure 39.

[0145] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the north side (+Y direction) of the detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the north side as shown in Figure 37(a), the difference between each temperature rise rate becomes relatively small as shown in Figure 37(b), meaning that the threshold information becomes smaller than the threshold. In this case, the control unit of the detector 100 identifies that the difference between each temperature rise rate is small, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "3" in Figure 39.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the south side (-Y direction) of the detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the south side as shown in Figure 38(a), the difference between each temperature rise rate becomes relatively small as shown in Figure 38(b), meaning that the threshold information becomes smaller than the threshold. In this case, the control unit of the detector 100 identifies that the difference between each temperature rise rate is small, as indicated in the column corresponding to "Number" = "4" in Figure 39.

[0147] =Step 4= Next, in the fourth step, the control unit of the detector 100 estimates the direction of the fire based on the identification results in the second and third steps. That is, it estimates the direction of the fire based on the correlation of the temperature rise detected by each of the two detection elements 700. Specifically, as shown in Figure 39, if in the second step it is determined that the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side, and in the third step it is determined that the difference between the respective temperature rise rates is large, then the direction of the fire is estimated to be the east. Also, if in the second step it is determined that the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side, and in the third step it is determined that the difference between the respective temperature rise rates is large, then the direction of the fire is estimated to be the west. Furthermore, if in the second step it is determined that the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side, and in the third step it is determined that the difference between the respective temperature rise rates is small, then the direction of the fire is estimated to be north. Furthermore, if in the second step it is determined that the temperature rise rate on the first detection element 7A side is greater than the temperature rise rate on the second detection element 7B side, and in the third step it is determined that the difference between the respective temperature rise rates is small, then the direction of the fire is estimated to be south.

[0148] In other words, the control unit of the detector 100 estimates the direction of the fire's origin as either the direction (east side, west side) based on a first straight line (long axis 230) in which two detection elements 700 are arranged horizontally, or the direction (north side, south side) based on a second straight line (short axis 230A) that intersects the first straight line.

[0149] Here, for example, if a fire occurs to the east (+X direction) of detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the east as shown in Figure 35(a), the direction of the fire is estimated to be the east, as indicated in the "Direction of Fire Occurrence" column corresponding to "Number" = "1" in Figure 39.

[0150] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs to the west (-X direction) of detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the west, as shown in Figure 36(a), the direction of the fire is estimated to be the west, as indicated in the "Direction of Fire Occurrence" column corresponding to "Number" = "2" in Figure 39.

[0151] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the north side (+Y direction) of detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the north side as shown in Figure 37(a), the north side is estimated as the direction of the fire, as indicated in the "Direction of Fire Occurrence" column corresponding to "Number" = "3" in Figure 39.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, if a fire occurs on the south side (-Y direction) of detector 100, and a hot airflow is supplied from the south side as shown in Figure 38(a), the south side is estimated to be the direction of the fire, as indicated in the "Direction of Fire Occurrence" column corresponding to "Number" = "4" in Figure 39.

[0153] =Step 5!!! Next, in the fifth step, the control unit of the detector 100 outputs fire direction information, which is information indicating the direction of fire occurrence estimated in the fourth step. Specifically, although optional, the fire direction information may be transmitted and output to any fire prevention equipment, such as a fire prevention receiving panel or fire prevention display panel, which is electrically connected to the detector 100 in a communicative manner. Alternatively, the detector 100 may be provided with a display means such as an indicator light or display for indicating the direction of fire occurrence, or an audio output means such as a speaker for outputting the direction of fire occurrence as sound, and the information may be output via these display means or audio output means. This completes the fire direction estimation process.

[0154] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, the direction of fire origin can be estimated based on the detection results of the two detection elements 700, with the sensor 100 as the reference point. For example, the direction of fire origin can be estimated. Furthermore, by providing a control structure that controls the flow of hot air, for example, the flow of hot air can be appropriately controlled and supplied to each detection element 700, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire origin.

[0155] Furthermore, since each of the two detection elements 700 is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, on the major axis 230 of the elliptical shape of the control structure, it is possible to appropriately control the flow of hot air and supply the hot air to each detection element 700, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire occurrence.

[0156] Furthermore, by estimating the direction of fire origination based on the first straight line (major axis 230) on which the two detection elements 700 are arranged (east side, west side), or the direction (north side, south side) based on the second straight line (minor axis 230A) that intersects the first straight line, it becomes possible to estimate a direction useful for disaster prevention support such as firefighting or evacuation, thereby enabling efficient and reliable disaster prevention support.

[0157] Furthermore, by estimating the direction of fire origination based on the correlation of temperature rise detected by each of the two detection elements 700, it is possible to improve the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire origination, for example.

[0158] [Modifications of the embodiment] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of ​​each invention described in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0159] (Regarding the problems to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may solve problems not described above, produce effects not described above, solve only some of the problems described above, or produce only some of the effects described above.

[0160] (About the Labyrinth Club) In the above embodiment, the case in which the labyrinth section 15 shown in Figure 8 is provided on the outer cover 1 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the labyrinth section 15 may be provided on the inner cover 2. Specifically, the labyrinth section 15 may be formed integrally with the inner cover 2, or a separately formed labyrinth section 15 may be fixed to the inner cover 2 using an adhesive or the like.

[0161] (Regarding the outer walls) In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 231A is described as having an elliptical circumference in a front view, as shown in Figure 32, meaning that the protruding portion 23 is elliptical in a front view. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the outer peripheral wall 231A may be configured so that its circumference in a front view is an oval rather than a perfect circle. Alternatively, the outer peripheral wall 231A may be configured to have any other shape other than an ellipse or an oval.

[0162] (Regarding the protruding part) In the above embodiment, the protruding portion 23 is exemplified as having a shape in which the entire portion protrudes from the base portion 200, as shown in Figure 12, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can be any shape as long as it has the function of the stepped portion 231 described above, and for example, only the configuration corresponding to the stepped portion 231 may be provided on the inner cover 2. In this case, for the protruding portion 23 in Figure 12, a protruding portion corresponding to the stepped portion 231 may be provided on the circumference, and the inside of the protruding portion may be recessed so that it is at the same height as the base portion 200.

[0163] (Regarding the control structure) The specific configurations of the labyrinth section 15 and the stepped section 231 corresponding to the control structure of the above embodiment are not limited to the configurations described in the embodiment. For example, as explained above in "(Supply of hot airflow and detection results of the detection element)", the detection results of the detection element 700 when hot airflow is supplied from each direction are arbitrary as long as they exhibit the characteristics shown in Figures 35 to 38, and other configurations other than those shown may be applied.

[0164] (Regarding the interpretation of terms) In the above embodiment, the stepped portion 231 was described as corresponding to the "control structure," but for example, it may also be interpreted that the protruding portion 23 including the stepped portion 231 corresponds to the "control structure."

[0165] (Regarding combinations) The features of the above embodiments and the features of the modified embodiments may be combined in any way.

[0166] (Note) The fire detection device described in Appendix 1 is a fire detection device for detecting a fire in a monitored area, comprising: two thermal detection elements that detect the temperature of a hot airflow generated based on the fire and supplied to the fire detection device; a control structure that controls the direction of the flow path of the hot airflow, and an estimation unit that estimates the direction of the fire's occurrence relative to the fire detection device based on the detection results of the two thermal detection elements.

[0167] The fire detection device described in Appendix 2 is the same as the fire detection device described in Appendix 1, wherein the hot airflow is supplied horizontally from the outer periphery to the center of the fire detection device, the control structure is arranged horizontally in an elliptical or oblong shape with respect to the center of the fire detection device, and each of the two heat detection elements is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, on the major axis of the elliptical or oblong shape of the control structure in the horizontal direction.

[0168] The fire detection device described in Appendix 3 is the fire detection device described in Appendix 1 or 2, in which the estimation unit estimates the direction of fire origin as the direction based on a first straight line in which the two heat detection elements are arranged horizontally, or a second straight line intersecting the first straight line.

[0169] The fire detection device described in Appendix 4 is a fire detection device described in any one of Appendix 1 to 3, in which the estimation unit estimates the direction of the fire's occurrence based on the correlation of the temperature rise detected by each of the two heat detection elements.

[0170] (Effect of the note) According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 1, it is possible to estimate the direction of fire origin based on the detection results of two heat detection elements, using the fire detection device as a reference. Furthermore, by providing a control structure that controls the flow of hot air, it is possible to appropriately control the flow of hot air and supply it to each heat detection element, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire origin.

[0171] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 2, each of the two heat detection elements is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, on the major axis of the elliptical or oblong shape of the control structure. This allows for, for example, appropriate control of the flow of hot air and supplying that hot air to each heat detection element, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire occurrence.

[0172] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 3, by estimating the direction of fire origination based on the direction of a first straight line in which two heat detection elements are arranged, or the direction of a second straight line intersecting the first straight line, it is possible to estimate a direction useful for disaster prevention support such as firefighting or evacuation, thereby enabling efficient and reliable disaster prevention support.

[0173] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 4, it is possible to improve the accuracy of estimating the direction of fire by estimating the direction of fire occurrence based on the correlation of temperature rise detected by each of the two heat detection elements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0174] 1. Outer cover 2. Inner cover 3. Smoke detection unit cover 5. Smoke detection unit base 7A First detection target 7B Second detection element 11 Main body 12 Top panel 13 Connection part 14 Opening 15 Labyrinth Section 16 Light guide opening 21 First opening 22. Second opening 23 Protrusion 24 Light guide openings 31 Opening 32 Light-emitting side housing 33 Light-receiving side housing 51 Light-emitting side housing 52 Light-receiving side housing 61 Insect net 62 circuit boards 63 Terminal board 64 Fittings 71 Light-emitting part 72 Light receiving part 73 Light Guide 100 sensors 151 Partition Wall 151A side end 152 Gap 200 base 231 Stepped section 231A Peripheral wall 230 long axis 230A short shaft 300 detection space 700 detection elements 701 Detection Unit 702 Terminal section 703 Insulating material 711 Light-emitting element 712 Light-emitting optical element 721 Photodetector 722 Light-receiving optical element 801 Reference Line 802 Reference Line 803 Reference Line 804 Reference Line 805 Reference Line 806 Reference Line 807 Reference Line 808 Reference Line 809 Reference Line 810 Reference Line 811 Reference Line 812 Reference Line 813 Reference Line 814 Reference Line 815 Reference Line 816 Reference Line 817 Reference Line 818 Reference Line 819 Reference Line 820 Reference Line 821 Reference Line 900 ceiling

Claims

1. A fire detection device for detecting fires in a monitored area, Two thermal detection elements detect the temperature of the hot airflow generated as a result of the fire and supplied to the fire detection device. A control structure for controlling the direction of the flow path of the hot airflow, comprising the control structure for controlling the flow of the hot airflow, The system includes an estimation unit that estimates the direction of fire occurrence based on the detection results of the two heat detection elements, with reference to the fire detection device. The aforementioned hot airflow is supplied horizontally from the outer periphery to the center of the fire detection device. The control structure is arranged in an elliptical or oblong shape in the horizontal direction with respect to the center of the fire detection device. Each of the two heat detection elements is provided on both sides of the control structure, facing each other, along the major axis of the elliptical or oblong shape of the control structure in the horizontal direction. Fire detection device.

2. The estimation unit estimates the direction of the fire's origin as either a direction based on a first straight line in which the two heat detection elements are arranged horizontally, or a direction based on a second straight line intersecting the first straight line. The fire detection device according to claim 1.

3. The estimation unit estimates the direction of the fire's occurrence based on the correlation of the temperature rise detected by each of the two heat detection elements. The fire detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

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