Fire detection device

Abstract

To provide a fire detection device capable of improving accuracy in detecting a fire.SOLUTION: A sensor 100 for detecting a fire in a monitoring area includes: a detection space into which a first detection object due to a fire or a second detection object due to a cause other than the fire flows; a detection section for detecting the first detection object or the second detection object inside the detection space; detection elements 700 for detecting at least humidity; and an identification section for identifying which one of the first detection object and the second detection object is detected by the detection section based on a detection result of the detection elements 700. The detection elements 700 detect the humidity of a fluid containing the first detection object or the second detection object. The identification section identifies which one of the first detection object and the second detection object is detected by the detection section based on a humidity increase to be detected by the detection elements 700.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[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). In this fire detection device, light is irradiated onto the smoke supplied to the fire detection device, and a fire is detected based on scattered light based on the irradiated light.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fire detection device of Patent Document 1, for example, when steam or vapor other than smoke is supplied, there is a possibility of misidentifying and detecting a fire even though no fire has occurred, and a technique for improving the detection accuracy of a fire 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 improving the detection accuracy of a fire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the fire detection device described in claim 1 is a fire detection device for detecting a fire in a monitoring area, comprising: a detection space into which a first detection target caused by the fire or a second detection target caused by something other than the fire flows; a labyrinth section for introducing a fluid containing the first detection target or the second detection target into the detection space; a detection unit for detecting the first detection target or the second detection target in the detection space; two physical quantity detection elements for detecting humidity; and an identification unit for identifying which of the first detection target or the second detection target the detection unit has detected based on the detection results of the two physical quantity detection elements, wherein the two physical quantity detection elements are arranged to face each other across the labyrinth section. The fire detection device comprises an inner cover that covers the detection space from the front side of the fire detection device, the inner cover comprising a protruding portion that protrudes from the base of the inner cover toward the front side, and a stepped portion which is a stepped portion corresponding to the periphery of the protruding portion, the labyrinth portion provided on the front side of the protruding portion and in contact with the front side of the protruding portion, and the two physical quantity detection elements are arranged to face each other with the labyrinth portion, the stepped portion, and the protruding portion in between.

[0007] Furthermore, the fire detection device described in claim 2 is the fire detection device described in claim 1, The aforementioned protruding portion has an elliptical shape when viewed from the front side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the fire detection device described in claim 1 ,example For example, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of fire detection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the sensor. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 6] This is a disassembled perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the outer cover. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the outer cover. [Figure 9] This is a side view of the outer cover. [Figure 10]It is a front view of the outer cover. [Figure 11] It is a rear view of the outer cover. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the inner cover. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the inner cover. [Figure 14] It is a side view of the inner cover. [Figure 15] It is a front view of the inner cover. [Figure 16] It is a rear view of the inner cover. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 20] It is a side view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 21] It is a front view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 22] It is a rear view of the smoke detection unit cover. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 24] It is a perspective view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 25] It is a side view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 26] It is a front view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 27] It is a rear view of the smoke detection unit base. [Figure 28] It is a view showing the inside of the detection space. [Figure 29] It is an enlarged view of the detection element. [Figure 30] It is a perspective view of the sensor with the outer cover and the inner cover removed. [Figure 31] It is a perspective view of the sensor with the outer cover removed. [Figure 32] It is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1. [Figure 33] It is a perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 34] It is a perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 35] This is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. [Figure 36] This is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. [Figure 37] This is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. [Figure 38] This diagram illustrates the humidity and temperature of a hot airflow. [Figure 39] This is a flowchart of the fire detection process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] 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.

[0018] [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.

[0019] In the embodiments described below, we will explain the case where the "monitoring area" is a room.

[0020] [Specific details of each embodiment] Next, the specific details of the embodiment will be described.

[0021] (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 4, the hatching of the cross-section is omitted for the sake of explanation (the same applies to the other cross-sectional views).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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, 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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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. The detector 100 is installed, for example, on the ceiling 900 which is the installation target.

[0028] Note that the installation target for the sensor 100 is not limited to the ceiling 900; for example, it may be installed on the wall of a room (not shown), etc. However, in this embodiment, the case where the installation target is the ceiling 900 (i.e., where the sensor 100 is installed on the ceiling 900) will be used as an example for explanation. 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 surfaces that align with the XY plane, that is, surfaces parallel to the XY plane. In this case, the reference line 801 in Figure 1 is perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0029] 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.

[0030] (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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (Components - Outer cover - Main body) The main body portion 11 is a part that has a roughly cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter.

[0034] (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.

[0035] (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.

[0036] (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.

[0037] Furthermore, "hot airflow" is a concept that refers to the flow of a fluid including the first detection target or the second detection target, or the fluid itself. "First detection target" is an object detected by the detector 100, and specifically refers to an object caused by a fire, such as smoke particles generated when a fire occurs. "Second detection target" is an object detected by the detector 100, and specifically refers to an object caused by something other than a fire, such as steam or vapor.

[0038] (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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The "detection space" 300 is a space into which a hot airflow containing the first or second detection target flows. Specifically, it is a space for detecting smoke particles, steam, or vapor, and is, for example, a light-shielded space. 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, for example, on the rear side of the stepped portion 231 and the labyrinth portion 15. Here, "rear side" may be interpreted as corresponding to "lower part".

[0041] (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.

[0042] (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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] (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."

[0046] (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.

[0047] (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.

[0048] (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.

[0049] (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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] (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.

[0053] (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).

[0054] The light-receiving side housing section 33 is the part that houses the light-receiving optical element 722 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0055] (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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] (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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] (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.

[0060] (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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The control unit of the sensor 100 is a control means for controlling the sensor 100, and also functions as a detection unit and an identification unit, for example.

[0063] The "detection unit" is a detection means that detects either a first or second detection target within the detection space 300. The "identification unit" is an identification means that identifies which of the first or second detection targets the detection unit has detected based on the detection result of the physical quantity detection element. The identification unit also identifies which of the first or second detection targets the detection unit has detected based, for example, on the increase in humidity detected by the physical quantity detection element. The identification unit identifies, for example, steam or vapor by detecting the amount or percentage of moisture contained in the hot airflow, humidity, or humidity change. The physical quantity detection element will be described later. The operation or processing of the sensor 100 performed by the control unit will also be described later.

[0064] The recording unit of the sensor 100 is a recording means for recording programs and various types of data.

[0065] (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.

[0066] (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".

[0067] 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.

[0068] (Configuration - detection element) The detection element 700 in Figures 5 and 6 is a physical quantity detection element. The term "physical quantity detection element" is a concept that includes elements that detect at least humidity, or elements that detect both humidity and temperature. In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the detection element 700 is configured to detect both the humidity and temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700. Details of the detection element 700 will be described later.

[0069] (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.

[0070] The light-emitting unit 71 in Figure 28 is a light-emitting means that emits light into the detection space 300 for detecting a first detection target (e.g., smoke particles) and a second detection target (e.g., steam or vapor). 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.

[0071] (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.

[0072] (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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] (Configuration - light receiving section) The light-receiving unit 72 in Figure 28 is a light-receiving means that receives scattered light, etc., generated when emitted light is scattered by a first detection target (e.g., smoke particles) or a second detection target (e.g., steam or vapor) in 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.

[0075] (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.

[0076] (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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] (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.

[0079] (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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] As described above, the detection element 700 is a physical quantity detection element that detects both the humidity and temperature of the hot airflow. The detection element 700 can be configured using, for example, a sensor that detects the temperature and humidity of the hot airflow and outputs temperature and humidity information indicating the detected temperature and humidity. 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. The detection element 700 can be of any shape other than the shape shown in Figure 29, as long as it is capable of detecting both the humidity and temperature of the hot airflow.

[0082] The detection unit 701 is the part that detects temperature and humidity in the detection element 700. The terminal unit 702 is a terminal for electrically connecting the detection element 700 to the electrical circuit of the sensor 100.

[0083] 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, two detection elements 700 (i.e., the detection portion 701 of the detection element 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] (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.

[0088] The stepped portion 231 is the control structure described above, and as shown in Figure 14, for example, it is a stepped portion of the protruding portion 23 that corresponds to the periphery (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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] (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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 when viewed from the front. 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] (Assembly instructions for the sensor) 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] Next, the insect screen 61 is installed in the first opening 21 of the inner cover 2.

[0101] 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.

[0102] (Supply of hot airflow) Next, the supply of hot airflow to the sensor 100 will be described. Figures 35 to 37 are cross-sectional views of BB in Figure 1. In Figures 35 to 37, the flow of hot airflow is illustrated by white arrows. Figure 35 illustrates the case in which the hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction corresponding to the minor axis 230A of the protrusion 23 (the minor axis of the ellipse which is the circumferential shape of the outer wall 231A in a front view). Figure 36 illustrates the case in which the hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction shifted by a predetermined angle from the minor axis 230A of the protrusion 23. Figure 37 illustrates the case in which the hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction corresponding to the major axis 230 of the protrusion 23 (the major axis of the ellipse which is the circumferential shape of the outer wall 231A in a front view).

[0103] In this embodiment, for example, a case in which a hot airflow containing smoke particles (hereinafter also referred to as "fire-induced hot airflow") is supplied to the detector 100 due to a fire, and a hot airflow containing steam or vapor (hereinafter also referred to as "non-fire-induced hot airflow") is supplied to the detector 100 due to reasons other than a fire (for example, boiling water due to cooking in the monitoring area), will be described as an example.

[0104] First, in Figure 1, 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 of the outer cover 1.

[0105] (Supply of hot airflow - when hot airflow is supplied from a direction other than parallel to the long axis) If the hot airflow is supplied from a direction other than that parallel to the long axis 230 (Figure 32), a portion of the hot airflow that flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A (Figure 32) of the stepped section 231 and supplied to the detection element 700. In this case, the hot airflow is also guided and supplied to the detection element 700 by the side ends 151A of the multiple partition walls 151 in the labyrinth section 15 located on the front side of the stepped section 231.

[0106] Furthermore, another portion of the incoming hot airflow overcomes the stepped section 231 and is guided and supplied to the sensor 100 from the outer periphery to the inside through the gaps 152 (Figure 32) between the multiple partition walls 151 of the labyrinth section 15. 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.

[0107] Here, as shown in Figure 35, for example, if a hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction corresponding to the short axis 230A, the hot airflow is guided and supplied as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 35. Also, as shown in Figure 36, for example, if a hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction shifted by a predetermined angle from the short axis 230A, the hot airflow is guided and supplied as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 36.

[0108] (Supply of hot airflow - when hot airflow is supplied from a direction parallel to the long axis) Furthermore, if the hot airflow is supplied from a direction parallel to the long axis 230 (Figure 32), the hot airflow that flows into the interior of the outer cover 1 is supplied to one of the two detection elements 700.

[0109] Subsequently, a portion of the hot airflow supplied to one of the detection elements 700 is guided along the outer peripheral wall 231A (Figure 32) of the stepped portion 231 and supplied to the other detection element 700 of the two detection elements 700.

[0110] Furthermore, another portion of the hot airflow supplied to one of the detection elements 700 is guided and supplied from the outer periphery to the inside of the sensor 100 through the gaps 152 (Figure 32) between the multiple partition walls 151 of the labyrinth section 15, and flows into the detection space 300 in the same manner as described above.

[0111] Here, as shown in Figure 37, for example, if a hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction corresponding to the long axis 230, the hot airflow is guided and supplied as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 37.

[0112] (Temperature of hot airflow) Next, we will explain the temperature of the hot airflow. We will explain the case where hot airflows of the same temperature are supplied to the sensor 100 at the same flow velocity.

[0113] As shown in Figure 35, when a hot airflow is supplied from the direction corresponding to the short axis 230A toward the inside of the sensor 100, the two detection elements 700 in Figure 35 will be supplied with a hot airflow of approximately the same temperature.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 36, when the hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction offset by a predetermined angle from the short axis 230A, the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700 on the left side of Figure 36 will be higher than the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700 on the right side of Figure 36, due to differences in how easily the hot airflow hits the surrounding structure, differences in heat diffusion into the air, and differences in heat absorption by the surrounding structure, as will be described later. However, the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700 on the left side of Figure 36 will be approximately the same as the temperature of the hot airflow in the case of Figure 35 (i.e., the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the two detection elements 700 when the hot airflow is supplied towards the inside of the sensor 100 from a direction corresponding to the short axis 230A).

[0115] ===Differences in how easily hot air flows through the surrounding structure=== In Figure 36, the detection element 700 on the left side of the drawing has no shielding (in this case, for example, the labyrinth section 15) (i.e., the labyrinth section 15 does not act as a shielding), making it easier for hot air to hit it. As a result, the amount of heat received per unit time increases, and the temperature detected at a predetermined time (predetermined timing) also increases. On the other hand, in Figure 36, the detection element 700 on the right side of the drawing is blocked by the shielding (in this case, for example, the labyrinth section 15), making it difficult for hot air to hit it. As a result, the amount of heat received per unit time decreases, and the temperature detected at a predetermined time (predetermined timing) also decreases. This difference in the amount of heat received by the two elements results in a difference in the detected temperatures.

[0116] ===Differences between heat diffusion into the air and heat absorption into the surrounding structure=== In Figure 36, the hot airflow hits the labyrinth section 15, causing the flow to split into left and right (flow separation). Starting from the point where the flow separation occurs, the detection element 700 on the left side of the drawing is closer than the detection element 700 on the right side. This results in less heat diffusion in the air and less heat absorption by the surrounding structure, leading to less heat loss and a higher detected temperature. On the other hand, the detection element 700 on the right side is further from the point where the flow separation occurs, making it easier for heat to diffuse in the air. Furthermore, the hot airflow frequently hits the surrounding structure, making it easier for heat to be absorbed by the surrounding structure. Therefore, the detection element 700 on the right side of the drawing experiences a greater heat loss due to both heat diffusion into the air and heat absorption by the surrounding structure, resulting in a lower detected temperature.

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 37, the hot airflow is along the long axis. 230 When supplied from the direction corresponding to the direction of the sensor 100 toward the inside, the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700 on the left side of Figure 37 will be higher than the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700 on the right side of Figure 37. However, the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the detection element 700 on the left side of Figure 37 will be approximately the same as the temperature of the hot airflow in the case of Figure 35 (i.e., the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the two detection elements 700 when the hot airflow is supplied from the direction corresponding to the short axis 230A toward the inside of the sensor 100).

[0118] Furthermore, although not shown, even if the hot airflow is supplied to the inside of the sensor 100 from any direction other than those shown in Figures 35 to 37, the detection element 700 to which the hot airflow of the higher temperature is supplied will be supplied with hot air at approximately the same temperature as the hot airflow in the case of Figure 35 (i.e., the temperature of the hot airflow supplied to the two detection elements 700 when the hot airflow is supplied to the inside of the sensor 100 from the direction corresponding to the short axis 230A).

[0119] These are due to the temperature distribution of the hot airflow determined by the configuration of the labyrinth section 15 and the stepped section 231, which function as control structures (particularly the configuration relating to the elliptical shape), and the configuration of the detection element 700 (particularly its placement position). However, as a result of predetermined experiments or simulations to confirm the temperature distribution of the hot airflow, by adopting the configuration described in the embodiment, as mentioned above, at least one detection element 700 (for example, a detection element 700 that detects a higher temperature) will be supplied with a hot airflow of approximately the same temperature, regardless of the direction in which the hot airflow is supplied to the sensor 100. In other words, it is possible to suppress the variation in the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the detection element 700 based on the direction in which the hot airflow is supplied.

[0120] Furthermore, the sizes of the labyrinth section 15 and the stepped section 231, as well as the size and placement of the detection element 700, may be set considering an acceptable range for the normal operation of the sensor 100 with respect to the magnitude of the aforementioned variation (i.e., variation in the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the detection element 700 based on the direction of supply).

[0121] (Humidity of hot air currents) Next, we will explain the humidity of the hot airflow. Figure 38 is an example of the humidity and temperature of the hot airflow. In Figure 38, humidity is shown by a solid line, temperature by a dashed line, and the timing when the hot airflow begins to be supplied to the detector 100 is "time" = "0". Also, the unit of time in the graph in Figure 38 is "seconds". Figure 38(a) is a graph showing the humidity and temperature when a fire-induced hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100, and Figure 38(b) is a graph showing the humidity and temperature when a non-fire-induced hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100. The graph in Figure 38 shows typical results of experiments or simulations to confirm the humidity and temperature detected by the detection element 700 when a hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100.

[0122] (Humidity of hot air currents - Hot air currents that cause fires) Regarding the fire-causing hot airflow, since it does not contain steam or vapor but does contain smoke particles, the amount of moisture in the hot airflow is approximately the same as the amount of moisture in the entire monitored area. Therefore, when the fire-causing hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100, the humidity remains approximately constant, as shown in Figure 38(a), and no rapid increase in humidity is observed.

[0123] (Humidity of hot airflow - Non-fire-induced hot airflow) In the case of non-fire-induced hot airflow, since it contains steam or vapor, the amount of moisture in the hot airflow is greater than the total amount of moisture in the monitored area. Therefore, when non-fire-induced hot airflow is supplied to detector 100, the humidity will rise rapidly, as shown in Figure 38(b), and a rapid increase in humidity will be observed.

[0124] (Fire detection process) Next, the fire detection process performed by the detector 100 will be described. The fire detection process is the process of detecting the occurrence of a fire. Figure 39 is a flowchart of the fire detection process. This fire detection process will start, for example, when the power to the detector 100 is turned on, and the explanation will begin from the point where the process starts. This process is performed by the control unit of the detector 100 (i.e., the detection unit, identification unit, etc.).

[0125] ===SA1=== =Process= In SA1 of Figure 39, the detection unit of the sensor 100 determines whether or not a hot airflow has been supplied to the sensor 100. Specifically, it monitors the light reception result of the light receiving unit 72 and makes a determination based on whether or not the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 72 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

[0126] Then, if the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 72 of the detector 100 is less than a predetermined amount, the detector unit determines that there are no first detection targets (smoke particles) and second detection targets (steam or vapor) in the detection space 300, and therefore does not detect these targets, and determines that no hot airflow is being supplied to the detector 100 (SA1 NO), and performs SA1 again.

[0127] On the other hand, if the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 72 of the sensor 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the sensor detects the first or second detection target in the detection space 300, determines that a hot airflow is being supplied to the sensor 100 (YES for SA1), and proceeds to SA2.

[0128] =Specific Examples= Here, for example, if neither fire-causing nor non-fire-causing heat flow is supplied to the detector 100, the system determines that no heat flow is being supplied to the detector 100 without detecting the target.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, if a fire-causing or non-fire-causing hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100, the system detects the first or second detection target and determines that a hot airflow is being supplied to the detector 100.

[0130] ===SA2=== =Process= In SA2 of Figure 39, the identification unit of the sensor 100 determines whether or not the first detection target was detected in SA1. Specifically, it acquires temperature and humidity information from the detection element 700, and based on the humidity indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information, it identifies whether the detection unit in SA1 detected the first detection target or the second detection target, and makes a decision based on the identification result.

[0131] More specifically, as explained in "(Humidity of Hot Airflow)," the processing is carried out by focusing on the fact that when a fire-causing hot airflow containing the first detection target is supplied, no rapid increase in humidity occurs, as shown in Figure 38(a), and when a non-fire-causing hot airflow containing the second detection target is supplied, a rapid increase in humidity occurs, as shown in Figure 38(b). For example, the recording unit of the detector 100 stores a humidity increase threshold for determining whether or not there is a rapid increase in humidity.

[0132] The identification unit of the sensor 100 calculates the humidity increase rate (i.e., the amount of humidity increase within a predetermined time) based on the humidity indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired from the detection element 700, and compares the calculated humidity increase rate with the humidity increase threshold of the recording unit.

[0133] Then, the identification unit of the detector 100 determines, based on the comparison result, that if the calculated humidity rise rate is equal to or greater than the humidity rise threshold, a rapid increase in humidity has occurred, and SA1 identifies that a non-fire-induced hot airflow has been supplied to the detector 100, and that the detection unit has detected the second detection target. In this case, the identification unit of the detector 100 determines that SA1 has not detected the first detection target (SA2 NO), and terminates processing without detecting the occurrence of a fire.

[0134] On the other hand, the identification unit of the detector 100 determines that if the calculated humidity rise rate is less than the humidity rise threshold, a rapid increase in humidity has not occurred, and identifies in SA1 that the detection unit has detected the first target, assuming that a fire-causing hot airflow has been supplied to the detector 100. In this case, the identification unit of the detector 100 determines in SA1 that the first target has been detected (YES in SA2) and then proceeds to SA3. =Specific Examples=

[0135] Here, for example, if a non-fire-causing hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100, as shown in Figure 38(b), a rapid increase in humidity occurs in the humidity detected by the detection element 700. As a result, the calculated humidity increase rate exceeds the humidity increase threshold, and SA1 identifies that the detection unit has detected the second detection target, while SA1 determines that it has not detected the first detection target.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, if a fire-causing hot airflow is supplied to the detector 100, as shown in Figure 38(a), the humidity detected by the detection element 700 will remain almost constant, and no rapid increase in humidity will occur. As a result, the calculated humidity increase rate will be less than the humidity increase threshold, and SA1 will identify that the detection unit has detected the first detection target, and then determine that SA1 has detected the first detection target.

[0137] ===SA3=== In SA3 of Figure 39, the control unit of the detector 100 detects the occurrence of a fire in the monitoring area and then performs predetermined fire prevention procedures. For example, this may involve transmitting information indicating that a fire has been detected to any fire prevention equipment such as a fire prevention receiving panel or fire prevention display panel, or illuminating the indicator light of the detector 100 in a color (e.g., red) that indicates that a fire has been detected. The process then ends.

[0138] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, by identifying whether the detection unit of the detector 100 has detected the first detection target or the second detection target based on the detection result of the detection element 700, it is possible to improve, for example, the accuracy of fire detection.

[0139] Furthermore, by detecting the humidity of the fluid containing either the first or second detection target, the detection element 700 can reliably identify, for example, which of the first or second detection target has been detected.

[0140] Furthermore, by identifying whether the detection unit of the sensor 100 has detected the first detection target or the second detection target based on the humidity increase detected by the detection element 700, it becomes possible to accurately identify, for example, which of the first detection target or the second detection target has been detected within any monitoring area having its own unique humidity.

[0141] Furthermore, by including smoke particles as the first detection target and steam or vapor as the second detection target, it becomes possible to reliably identify, for example, whether smoke particles (the first detection target) or steam or vapor (the second detection target) have been detected.

[0142] [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.

[0143] (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.

[0144] (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.

[0145] (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 such that its circumference in a front view is an oval rather than a perfect circle. Even in this configuration, it is possible to suppress variations in the temperature of the hot airflow detected by the detection element 700 based on the direction in which the hot airflow is supplied.

[0146] (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.

[0147] (Regarding the detection of fire outbreaks (Part 1)) In the above embodiment, a case was described in which the occurrence of a fire is detected using only the humidity from the temperature and humidity information provided by the detection element 700. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the invention may be configured to detect the occurrence of a fire using both the humidity and temperature indicated by the temperature and humidity information.

[0148] Specifically, with respect to fire-causing heat airflow, the system may be configured to perform the following processing, taking into account that the amount of heat increases and the temperature rises as the fire spreads. For example, after SA2's YES (i.e., after the detection unit determines that it has detected the first detection target), the control unit of the sensor 100 may be configured to continuously acquire temperature and humidity information from the detection element 700, and to detect the occurrence of a fire in the monitoring area when the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information exceeds a predetermined temperature (e.g., 110°C to 150°C). In this case, if the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information does not exceed the predetermined temperature (e.g., 110°C to 150°C), the system will not detect the occurrence of a fire in the monitoring area.

[0149] By configuring the system in this way, the detection element 700 detects humidity and temperature, and the sensor 100 detects the occurrence of a fire based on the detection results of the detection unit and the detection results of the detection element 700, thereby further improving the accuracy of fire detection.

[0150] (Regarding fire detection (Part 2)) Regarding the processing of SA2 in Figure 39 of the above embodiment, processing may be performed using only one of the temperature and humidity information obtained from each of the two detection elements 700, or processing may be performed using both temperature and humidity information.

[0151] When processing using temperature and humidity information from only one of the two detection elements 700, for example, the humidity increase rate indicated by the temperature and humidity information obtained from each of the two detection elements 700 may be calculated separately, the larger of the calculated humidity increase rates may be selected, and the processing may be performed by comparing the selected humidity increase rate with the humidity increase threshold of the recording unit. Alternatively, as a variation, the smaller of the calculated humidity increase rates may be selected, and the processing may be performed by comparing the selected humidity increase rate with the humidity increase threshold of the recording unit.

[0152] When processing using both temperature and humidity information, for example, the humidity increase rate indicated by the temperature and humidity information obtained from each of the two detection elements 700 may be calculated separately, a statistical value (e.g., the mean) of the calculated humidity increase rate may be calculated, and the processing may be performed by comparing the calculated statistical value of the humidity increase rate with the humidity increase threshold of the recording unit.

[0153] (Regarding fire detection (Part 3)) The processing of SA2 in Figure 39 of the above embodiment was described in terms of processing that focuses on humidity increase, but it is not limited to this. For example, the processing may be configured to be performed based on the amount of humidity change or the absolute value of humidity.

[0154] Regarding the change in humidity, for example, if the humidity rises by a predetermined amount (for example, 20%RH to 30%RH) within a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 40 seconds) from the time it is determined that a hot airflow is being supplied to the sensor 100 (YES for SA1), it may be determined that a second detection target has been detected, and in all other cases, it may be determined that a first detection target has been detected.

[0155] Regarding the absolute value of humidity, for example, if the humidity exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 85%RH to 90%RH) within a predetermined time (e.g., 30 to 40 seconds) from the time it is determined that a hot airflow is being supplied to the sensor 100 (YES in SA1), it may be determined that a second detection target has been detected, and in all other cases, it may be determined that a first detection target has been detected. The predetermined humidity here may be set in advance by the administrator, or the control unit of the sensor 100 may determine the humidity before it is determined that a hot airflow is being supplied to the sensor 100 based on the temperature and humidity information from the detection element 700, and set the predetermined humidity to be a humidity that is a predetermined value (e.g., 25%RH to 30%RH) higher than the determined humidity.

[0156] (Regarding the control structure) In the above embodiment, we described a case in which the control structure is configured so that a hot airflow of approximately the same temperature is supplied to at least one detection element 700 (for example, a detection element 700 that detects a higher temperature). However, the control structure is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure it so that hot airflows of different temperatures are supplied to the detection element 700 depending on the direction of supply. That is, the outer peripheral wall 231A may be configured such that its peripheral shape in a front view is any shape other than an ellipse or an oblong.

[0157] (Regarding the detection element) The number and installation position of the detection elements 700 in the above embodiment may be changed as desired.

[0158] (Regarding the interpretation of terms) The term "detecting humidity" can be interpreted as a concept that includes not only detecting humidity values ​​expressed in units such as %RH, but also detecting other indicators related to humidity; in other words, it can be interpreted as a concept that indicates the detection of the presence of a given humidity level. Alternatively, "detecting humidity" can be interpreted as a concept that indicates the detection of a change in humidity level.

[0159] The term "detecting temperature" can be interpreted as a concept that includes not only detecting temperature values ​​expressed in units such as °C, but also detecting other indicators related to temperature; in other words, it can be interpreted as a concept that indicates the detection of the presence of a given heat. Alternatively, "detecting temperature" can be interpreted as a concept that indicates the detection of a change in heat or a change in temperature.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the stepped portion 231 was described as corresponding to the "control structure," but for example, the protruding portion 23 including the stepped portion 231 may be interpreted as corresponding to the "control structure."

[0161] (Regarding combinations) The features of the above embodiments and the features of the modified embodiments may be combined in any way.

[0162] (Note) The fire detection device described in Appendix 1 is a fire detection device for detecting a fire in a monitored area, comprising: a detection space into which a first detection target caused by the fire or a second detection target caused by something other than the fire flows; a detection unit for detecting the first detection target or the second detection target within the detection space; a physical quantity detection element for detecting at least humidity; and an identification unit for identifying which of the first detection target or the second detection target the detection unit has detected based on the detection result of the physical quantity detection element.

[0163] The fire detection device described in Appendix 2 is the same as the fire detection device described in Appendix 1, wherein the physical quantity detection element detects the humidity of the fluid containing the first detection target or the second detection target.

[0164] The fire detection device described in Appendix 3 is the fire detection device described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the identification unit identifies whether the detection unit has detected the first detection target or the second detection target based on the increase in humidity detected by the physical quantity detection element.

[0165] The fire detection device described in Appendix 4 is a fire detection device described in any one of Appendix 1 to 3, wherein the physical quantity detection element detects humidity and temperature, and the fire detection device detects the occurrence of the fire based on the detection result of the detection unit and the detection result of the physical quantity detection element.

[0166] The fire detection device in Appendix 5 is a fire detection device described in any one of Appendix 1 to 4, wherein the first detection target includes smoke particles, and the second detection target includes steam or vapor.

[0167] (Effect of the note) According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 1, the detection unit can improve the accuracy of fire detection by identifying whether it has detected the first or second detection target based on the detection result of the physical quantity detection element.

[0168] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 2, the physical quantity detection element can reliably identify, for example, which of the first or second detection targets has been detected by detecting the humidity of the fluid containing the first or second detection target.

[0169] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 3, the detection unit identifies whether it has detected the first or second detection target based on the increase in humidity detected by the physical quantity detection element. This makes it possible to accurately identify, for example, whether it has detected the first or second detection target within any monitoring area having its own unique humidity.

[0170] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 4, the physical quantity detection element detects humidity and temperature, and the fire detection device detects the occurrence of a fire based on the detection results of the detection unit and the detection results of the physical quantity detection element, thereby making it possible to further improve the accuracy of fire detection.

[0171] According to the fire detection device described in Appendix 5, the first detection target includes smoke particles, and the second detection target includes steam or vapor, making it possible to reliably identify, for example, whether smoke particles (the first detection target) or steam or vapor (the second detection target) has been detected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0172] 1. Outer cover 2. Inner cover 3. Smoke detection unit cover 5. Smoke detection unit base 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 Multilayered 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, A detection space into which a first detection target caused by the aforementioned fire or a second detection target caused by something other than the aforementioned fire flows in, A labyrinth section for introducing a fluid containing the first or second detection target into the detection space, A detection unit for detecting the first detection target or the second detection target within the detection space, At least two physical quantity detection elements that detect humidity, The system includes an identification unit that identifies whether the detection unit detected the first detection target or the second detection target based on the detection results of the two physical quantity detection elements, The two physical quantity detection elements are arranged so as to face each other with the labyrinth section in between. The fire detection device comprises an inner cover that covers the detection space from the front side of the fire detection device, The aforementioned inner cover is A protruding portion that extends from the base of the inner cover toward the front side, The system includes a stepped portion which is a stepped portion corresponding to the periphery of the aforementioned protruding portion, The labyrinth portion is provided on the front side of the protrusion and is in contact with the front side of the protrusion. The two physical quantity detection elements are arranged to face each other with the labyrinth portion, the stepped portion, and the protruding portion in between. Fire detection device.

2. The aforementioned protruding portion has an elliptical shape when viewed from the front side. The fire detection device according to claim 1.

Images