EP3489921B1 - Method and device for configuring a smoke detector - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for the adjustment of a smoke detector or at least one smoke detector (adjustment method) and a device operating according to the method for the adjustment of a smoke detector or at least one smoke detector (adjustment device).

Smoke detectors are often made up of inexpensive components such as LEDs, some of which have considerable differences in their characteristic properties (component scatter). Nevertheless, all smoke detectors should have the same sensitivity as possible. This is not only relevant for use in the field, but is also required by the approval bodies within certain limits.

A smoke detector can be adjusted, for example, by immersing a scattering or reflecting object in the scattered light area, for example by designing the immersing object as a scattering body, as is shown in FIG EP 0 658 264 B1 is described.

A common method for calibrating smoke detectors is calibrating in a so-called smoke duct, in which, with a view to the throughput required for mass production, a large number of smoke detectors are usually mounted on a carrier plate and tested together in the smoke duct. The problem arises here that, due to turbulence and inhomogeneities in the distribution of the test aerosol flowing through the smoke channel, not all smoke detectors are exposed to the same aerosol conditions and thus errors occur. A comparison in a smoke channel is also difficult to integrate into series production, especially due to the space requirements of previously common smoke channels.

Another method for testing smoke detectors is known from a description entitled "Distributed Optical Smoke Sensor Calibration" by the British company AW Technology Limited. In this case, a scattered light sensor (Smoke Scatter Sensor) is attached to a smoke duct next to the obscuration sensor that is already included. This works with a blower, which conveys aerosol from the smoke channel into a sensor chamber of the scattered light sensor. A channel connects to the sensor chamber and contains one or more smoke detectors. The smoke duct thus acts as a kind of aerosol source for the volume flow passed through the duct. Although, according to the description, it should be possible to calibrate the smoke detector located in the duct, the manner in which a calibration is to be carried out is not described.

The document CN102654934 describes the arrangement of a reference smoke detector in a smoke duct so that its scattered light plane is arranged in the duct transverse to the direction of flow.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple and efficient method for adjusting a smoke detector and a corresponding device.

This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a method for automatic adjustment (adjustment method) of at least one smoke detector with the features of claim 1. According to the approach proposed here, the method provides for the following: The at least one smoke detector to be calibrated is placed in a channel charged with a flowing aerosol. In the duct, together with the at least one smoke detector to be calibrated, there is at least one already calibrated, in particular identical smoke detector functioning as a reference detector. The at least one smoke detector is automatically compared by comparing it with data available from the reference detector. With regard to the positioning of the at least one reference detector in the channel, the following is also provided: The or each reference detector is arranged in the channel in a manner which ensures that the reference detector is transverse (vertical or at least essentially perpendicular) to a scattered light plane of the Reference detector is flowed through by the aerosol flowing through the channel. The scattered light level of the reference detector is based on the sensors included in the reference detector. The sensor system includes at least one receiver and at least one transmitter for scattered light (scattered light receiver, scattered light transmitter). The sensor system defines the scattered light level and is therefore located in the scattered light level. The flow through the or each reference detector transversely to the scattered light plane allows a flow in which the aerosol flow does not come into contact with the sensor system, or at least essentially does not.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by means of a device which is designed and set up for carrying out the method. Such a device for automatic adjustment (adjustment device) of at least one smoke detector comprises a channel which can be acted upon by a flowing aerosol. The at least one smoke detector to be calibrated can be placed in the channel together with at least one already calibrated smoke detector functioning as a reference detector, in particular with at least one calibrated smoke detector of the same type. Instead of a balanced smoke detector of the same type, a scattered light arrangement of a smoke detector or for a smoke detector is also considered as a reference detector, namely a scattered light arrangement with at least one scattered light receiver and at least one scattered light transmitter and with the same scattering angles as the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted. This also applies to the method in question and to all the embodiments described below, and accordingly, with regard to the innovation in question, each time a reference detector or a smoke detector functioning as a reference detector is mentioned, such a scattered light arrangement, namely a scattered light arrangement functioning as a reference detector, should always be read and is intended to indicate this are deemed to be included in the description presented here.

During operation of the device and for the adjustment of the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted, the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted and the at least one reference detector are placed in the duct. The at least one smoke detector is automatically adjusted in that data obtainable from the reference detector by means of the device can be transmitted to the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted for its adjustment. With regard to the positioning of the at least one reference detector in the channel, the device also provides that the or each reference detector is arranged in the channel in a manner which ensures that the reference detector is transverse (perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular) to one Scattered light level of the reference detector is flowed through by the aerosol flowing through the channel.

In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, the following description applies that features and details that are described in connection with the mentioned adjustment method and any configurations also apply, of course, in connection with and with regard to the adjustment device set up to carry out the method and vice versa. Correspondingly, the adjustment method can also be developed by means of one or more method features which relate to method steps carried out by the adjustment device, and the adjustment device can also be developed by means of executing method steps carried out in the context of the adjustment method. Consequently, features and details, which are described in connection with the mentioned comparison method and any configurations, naturally also apply in connection with and with regard to the comparison device intended for carrying out the comparison method and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always mutually referenced.

The advantage of the invention is that by attaching the or each reference detector with a scattered light plane transverse to the direction of flow of the aerosol flowing through the channel, it can be ensured that the aerosol does not come into contact or at least essentially does not come into contact with the sensor system of the reference detector. If the aerosol does not come into contact with the sensor system of the reference detector, or at least to a significantly lesser extent compared to a flow with an aerosol flow parallel to the scattered light level, contamination of the sensor system is avoided or at least the degree of contamination is significantly reduced over time. Due to the lack of or at least reduced contamination, a reference detector arranged in this way can be used to adjust the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted significantly longer than would be the case if an aerosol flow through it parallel to the scattered light level. Prolonged use of the at least one reference detector avoids the additional handling steps that are otherwise necessary when carrying out the method (replacing a dirty reference detector and replacing it with a new or cleaned reference detector) and accordingly facilitates the operation of the adjustment device.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The relationships used within the claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the referenced claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. They are not to be understood as a waiver of independent, objective protection for the features or combinations of features of a dependent claim. Furthermore, with regard to an interpretation of the claims and the description in the case of a more specific specification of a feature in a dependent claim, it is to be assumed that such a limitation in the respective preceding claims and a more general embodiment of the comparison method / the subject matter Adjustment device is not available. Any reference in the description to aspects of dependent claims is therefore to be read expressly as a description of optional features, even without specific reference. Finally, it should be pointed out that the adjustment method specified here can also be developed in accordance with the dependent device claims and vice versa.

In one embodiment of the adjustment method and a corresponding embodiment of the adjustment device, it is ensured that the or each reference detector in the channel is flowed through by the aerosol flowing through the channel transversely to the scattered light plane of the reference detector, in that the respective reference detector without a housing surrounding the sensor system of the reference detector the channel is placed. Removing the housing or using smoke detectors as reference detectors, which have never been used in a housing, is a particularly simple measure to ensure that they can be flowed through transversely to the scattered light level.

In a further embodiment of the adjustment method and a corresponding embodiment of the adjustment device, it is provided that the or each reference detector (in particular without a housing surrounding the sensor system of the reference detector) is or is placed in a reference detector housing belonging to the channel. Such a reference detector housing ensures that the reference detector is held securely in an orientation in which it is flowed through transversely to its scattered light plane. The internal volume of the reference detector housing is preferably matched to the space requirement of the reference detector, so that turbulences in the aerosol stream that are otherwise to be obtained due to unnecessarily large volumes are avoided. In the interior of the reference detector housing, in particular in the inner surface of the reference detector housing, there are optional holders for fixing the reference detector in the orientation mentioned.

In yet another embodiment of the adjustment method and a corresponding embodiment of the adjustment device, it is provided that an orientation of the or each scatter light transmitter of the or each reference detector to obtain the same scatter angle is adapted or adaptable to an orientation of a corresponding scatter light transmitter of the at least one smoke detector. Such adaptability enables a particularly simple and flexible adaptation of the or each reference detector to the at least one smoke detector to be calibrated. This enables a reference detector that does not exactly match the type of smoke detector to be calibrated to be used as a reference detector. Rather, by adapting the orientation of the scattered light transmitter or at least one scattered light transmitter, the respective reference detector is given a configuration which has exactly the same scatter angle as the smoke detector to be calibrated.

In one embodiment of the adjustment method, the at least one reference detector is located in the duct, in particular in a reference detector housing, upstream of the at least one smoke detector to be matched, and in a corresponding embodiment of the adjustment device, the at least one reference detector can be placed in the duct upstream of the at least one smoke detector to be matched.

In a further embodiment of the adjustment method and in a corresponding embodiment of the adjustment device, an already adjusted smoke detector functioning as a further reference detector is located in the channel and preferably downstream of the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted (in particular in a reference detector housing), with data available from the further reference detector being together can be used with the data available from the reference detector to test and / or correct the adjustment of the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted. The test can consist, for example, in that - as described below - the adjustment of the at least one smoke detector only then occurs when the reference detector and the at least one further reference detector deliver essentially the same sensor signals, so that a uniform distribution of the aerosol in the channel can accordingly be assumed. The adjustment can be corrected by using an average of the adjustment signals available from the at least two reference detectors for the adjustment.

An additional or alternative possibility for the automatic detection of a uniform distribution of the aerosol in the channel is that a temporal change in a sensor signal available from the reference detector and / or the at least one smoke detector to be compared is monitored.

In a further embodiment of the adjustment method and in a corresponding embodiment of the adjustment device, the adjustment is carried out iteratively with a predetermined or predeterminable number of steps. In each individual step, the at least one smoke detector to be calibrated is calibrated as described here and below. There is an expectation that after a first step the sensor signal obtainable from the smoke detector to be adjusted corresponds better to the reference signal. In a second step and further steps, a new adjustment takes place on the basis of the then current reference and sensor signals. This iterative adjustment process is ended when the respective number of steps has been reached and / or terminated when the sensor signal of the smoke detector to be adjusted matches the reference signal within predetermined or predefinable limits.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by means of a comparison device of the type described above, which comprises a control unit determining the essential functions of the comparison device. The control unit is thus an example of the adjustment device included Means for executing the matching process and, if necessary, special embodiments of the matching process. A computer program functioning as a control program can be executed by means of the control unit and is executed for executing the adjustment method which effects the adjustment of the at least one smoke detector. The invention is thus on the one hand also a computer program with program code instructions executable by a computer and on the other hand a storage medium with such a computer program, i.e. a computer program product with program code means, and finally also a control unit or a matching device, in the memory of which as means for carrying out the method and its configurations such a computer program is loaded or loadable.

If method steps or method step sequences are described below, this refers to actions that take place on the basis of the control program or under the control of the control program, unless it is expressly indicated that individual actions are carried out by an operator of the adjustment device. At least every use of the term "automatically" means that the action in question takes place on the basis of the computer program or under the control of the computer program.

Instead of a computer program with individual program code instructions, the method described here and below can also be implemented in the form of firmware. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that instead of an implementation of a method in software, an implementation in firmware or in firmware and software or in firmware and hardware is always possible. It should therefore apply to the description presented here that the term software or the terms control program and computer program also encompass other implementation options, namely in particular an implementation in firmware or in firmware and software or in firmware and hardware.

In one embodiment of the adjustment device, the channel for receiving the at least one smoke detector to be adjusted comprises a smoke detector housing (or for each smoke detector to be adjusted, a smoke detector housing) and for receiving the or each reference detector, a reference detector housing. The housings encompassed by the duct (smoke detector housing, reference detector housing) are interconnected by means of individual duct sections. Each output side of a housing is connected to an input side of a downstream (downstream) housing along the channel in the flow direction. The aerosol stream entering one of the housings thus arrives at the downstream housing. The or each reference detector housing is intended and set up for receiving a reference detector in exactly one orientation, namely an orientation in which an aerosol flowing through the channel flows through the channel in the channel transverse to the scattered light level of the reference detector. The placement of the or each reference detector in its own reference detector housing ensures that the respective reference detector is fixed in the desired orientation.

In a further embodiment of the adjustment device, a channel section connected upstream to the reference detector housing or to one of the reference detector housings extends piece by piece into the reference detector housing. The channel section, which extends piece by piece into the reference detector housing, acts like a nozzle with regard to the concentration of the aerosol flow on the scattered light area. This causes the aerosol flow to concentrate on a scattered light area of the reference detector located in the reference detector housing. The sensor system of the reference detector defines the stray light area, but is itself outside the stray light area. A concentration of the aerosol flow on the scattered light area consequently has the effect that the aerosol flow is kept away from the sensors of the reference detector. This prevents contamination that would otherwise be caused by turbulence in the aerosol inside the reference detector housing the sensors. At least such a concentration of the aerosol flow reduces an otherwise worrying contamination of the sensor system. The length of the channel section extending into the reference detector housing can be dimensioned such that the channel section ends just above the scattered light plane. In any case, the channel section does not extend into the scattered light plane.

In an additional or alternative embodiment of the balancing device, it is provided for the concentration of the aerosol flow on the scattered light area that an effective cross section of a channel section downstream of the reference detector housing or of one of the reference detector housings is larger than an effective cross section of a channel section connecting upstream of the same reference detector housing. The different effective cross sections on the input side and on the output side of the reference detector housing lead to a pressure difference between the input side and the output side and the resulting lower pressure on the output side causes the concentration of the aerosol flow onto the scattered light area.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

The or each exemplary embodiment is not to be understood as a limitation of the invention. Rather, additions and modifications are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure, in particular those which, for example, by combining or modifying individual elements in conjunction with the features or method steps described in the general or special description part and in the claims and / or the drawings for the specialist with regard to the solution of the problem can be inferred and by combinable features to a new object or lead to new process steps or process step sequences.

FIG 1

einen Rauchmelder in einer Draufsicht mit einem Blick auf die von dem Rauchmelder umfasste Sensorik und einen von der Sensorik eingeschlossenen Streulichtbereich,

FIG 2

den auch als Referenzmelder verwendbaren Rauchmelder gemäß FIG 1 in einer Seitenansicht, wobei in der Seitenansicht eine durch die Sensorik definierte Streulichtebene eingezeichnet ist,

FIG 3

eine Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Abgleich zumindest eines Rauchmelders (Abgleichsvorrichtung) mittels zumindest eines als Referenzmelder fungierenden Rauchmelders,

FIG 4

eine Abgleichsvorrichtung gemäß dem hier vorgeschlagenen Ansatz in einer Draufsicht, wobei in der Draufsicht die vorgeschlagene spezielle Orientierung des zumindest einen als Referenzmelder fungierenden Rauchmelders erkennbar ist,

FIG 5, FIG 6 und FIG 7

Varianten eines zur Aufnahme eines Referenzmelders bestimmten Referenzmeldergehäuses der Abgleichsvorrichtung gemäß FIG 4,

FIG 8

einen Referenzmelder in einer Draufsicht mit bezüglich ihrer Position einstellbaren Streulichtsendern sowie

FIG 9

und

FIG 10

die Abgleichsvorrichtung gemäß FIG 4 mit einer zum automatischen Abgleich zumindest eines abzugleichenden Rauchmelders bestimmten Steuerungseinheit.

Show it

FIG 1

a smoke detector in a plan view with a view of the sensor system encompassed by the smoke detector and a scattered light area enclosed by the sensor system,

FIG 2

according to the smoke detector which can also be used as a reference detector FIG 1 in a side view, with a scattered light plane defined by the sensor system being shown in the side view,

FIG 3

1 shows a side view of a device for adjusting at least one smoke detector (adjusting device) by means of at least one smoke detector functioning as a reference detector,

FIG 4

a comparison device according to the approach proposed here in a plan view, wherein the proposed special orientation of the at least one smoke detector functioning as a reference detector can be seen in the plan view,

5, 6 and 7

Variants of a reference detector housing intended for receiving a reference detector according to the adjustment device FIG 4 .

FIG 8

a reference detector in a plan view with adjustable position of the scattered light transmitters and

FIG 9

and

FIG 10

the matching device according to FIG 4 with a control unit intended for automatic adjustment of at least one smoke detector to be adjusted.

The representation in FIG 1 shows - schematically highly simplified - a top view of a smoke detector 10 which is known per se. The smoke detector 10 comprises a housing 12 shown only with its edge line, the external shape of the housing 12 being expressly not limited to a circular shape. In the housing 12 there is a measuring chamber of the smoke detector 10 and, aligned with the measuring chamber, the sensor system of the smoke detector 10, namely a scattered light receiver 14, for example a photodiode, and at least one scattered light transmitter 16. In the embodiment shown, the smoke detector 10 comprises two scattered light transmitters 16 and the further description is continued - without foregoing further general validity - using the example of a smoke detector 10 with a plurality of scattered light transmitters 16. Likewise, a smoke detector 10 with only one scattered light transmitter 16 comes into consideration and each time several scattered light transmitters 16 are mentioned, a smoke detector 10 with only one scattered light transmitter 16 is also to be read.

For example, LEDs or laser diodes come into consideration as the scattered light transmitter 16. The or each scattered light transmitter 16 is directed to a region of the measuring chamber in the interior of the smoke detector 10, which region is referred to below as the scattered light region 20. There, the light emitted by the scattered light transmitters 16 is deflected (reflected), possibly due to particles 22 in the scattered light region 20, for example smoke particles, and in the case of such a deflection at least partially reaches the scattered light receiver 14. The light intensity sensed by the scattered light receiver 14 is a measure of an alarm signal possibly triggered by the smoke detector 10. To operate the sensor system (scattered light receiver 14, scattered light transmitter 16) and for evaluating a sensor signal from the scattered light receiver 14, the smoke detector 10 comprises, in a manner known per se, one that is not shown here Electronics, for example on and in the form of a circuit board, which also acts as a support for the sensors.

The housing 12 of the smoke detector 10 is shaped in a manner known per se so that no ambient light enters the interior of the smoke detector 10. However, the housing 12 allows ambient air to enter and thus possibly also smoke to enter the interior of the smoke detector 10.

The representation in FIG 2 shows the smoke detector 10 according to FIG 1 without the housing 12 and in a section along the in FIG 1 drawn section line II-II. Here too, only the sensors (scattered light receiver 14, scattered light transmitter 16) of the smoke detector 10 are shown. The sensor system can be seen in one plane or at least essentially in one plane. This level is referred to below as the scattered light level 24.

From the earlier European patent application entitled "Method and device for comparing a smoke alarm" (official application file number 17167059.9 ; Filing date: April 19, 2017) is for the calibration of a smoke detector 10 according to 1 and 2 a method for automatic adjustment (adjustment method) of at least one smoke detector 10 is known, and for the further description reference is made to the one from this earlier application FIG 3 directed. The following is provided in the method: the at least one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated is placed in a channel 28 which is supplied with a volume flow comprising an aerosol (test aerosol) 26. The flowing aerosol 26 is shown in FIG FIG 3 illustrated by block arrows. In the channel 28, together with the at least one smoke detector 10 to be matched, there is at least one already matched, in particular type-matched smoke detector 10 functioning as a reference detector 30. The at least one smoke detector 10 is automatically compared by comparing it with data derived from the reference detector 30 or the reference detectors 30 are available. The adjustment of the at least one smoke detector 10 can therefore take place automatically and is carried out by means of at least one already adjusted smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30. The adjustment in this way is comparatively simple and can also be implemented with comparatively little outlay on equipment. Special sensors are not required because the or each reference detector 30 functions as a sensor. After adjustment, the adjusted smoke detector 10 is replaced by a new smoke detector 10 to be adjusted. This can be continued continuously.

The channel 28 comprises a plurality of individual flow-through housings 32 for accommodating one smoke detector 10 each, i.e. either for receiving a smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30 or a smoke detector 10 to be calibrated. The housings 32 are connected to one another with flow-through duct sections 34 in the form of pipeline sections or the like , Due to the housing 32 which closely surrounds the respective smoke detector 10 (or reference detector 30), the aerosol 26 flowing through the channel 28 fills the measuring chambers of all detectors 10, 30 evenly after a short time, so that the same conditions are sufficient for the adjustment of the at least one smoke detector 10 are made.

The adjustment is an adjustment in the sense of an adjustment and comprises at least one measurement and an intervention in the smoke detector 10 that is dependent on the result of the measurement. The measurement supplies at least the data available from the reference detector 30, which are used, for example, as normal. The intervention in the smoke detector 10 to be adjusted adjusts it in accordance with the data available from the reference detector 30. The adjustment is preferably carried out automatically. To this extent, the intervention in the smoke detector 10 to be calibrated takes place, for example, in the form of an adaptation of data stored in the smoke detector 10.

It is preferably provided that there is a smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30 in the channel 28 upstream of the at least one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated and likewise a smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30 downstream of the at least one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated. With such a configuration, the adjustment of the at least one smoke detector 10 to be adjusted takes place, for example, as soon as both reference detectors 30 deliver the same measured values and it can therefore be assumed that there is a uniform channel 28 between the upstream reference detector 30 and the downstream reference detector 30 Has set aerosol concentration.

The innovation proposed here is based on the approach of the earlier application mentioned above and this is included in full in the description presented here with regard to the adjustment of a smoke detector 10 to be adjusted on the basis of the data available from at least one other smoke detector functioning as reference detector 30.

According to the approach in the older application mentioned above, the or each reference detector 30 located in the channel 28 is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the scattered light plane 24 () by the aerosol 26 flowing through the channel 28. FIG 2 ) flows through. The sensor system of the respective smoke detector, which functions as a reference detector 30, comes into contact with the aerosol 26. This can lead to contamination of the sensor system of the reference detector 30. In the case of a contaminated sensor system, the sensor signal obtainable from the reference detector 30 may no longer be sufficiently accurate for a comparison of a smoke detector 10 to be adjusted. The innovation presented here opens up the possibility of avoiding or at least significantly reducing possible contamination of the sensor system of the reference detector 30. For this purpose - in short - it is provided that in the channel 28 the or each reference detector 30 is perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to the scattered light plane 24 from the through the Flows through flowing aerosol 26, as schematically simplified in the illustration in FIG FIG 4 is shown.

The representation in FIG 4 shows - just like FIG 3 - A channel 28 through which an aerosol 26 flows during operation. In contrast to the illustration in FIG 3 are in FIG 4 the channel 28 and the smoke and reference detectors 10, 30 located therein are shown in a plan view. The channel 28 comprises a plurality of housings 32 arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the aerosol 26 ( FIG 3 ). The housings 32 encompassed by the channel 28 are referred to for distinction either as a smoke detector housing 36 or as a reference detector housing 38. A smoke detector 10 to be calibrated is located in the or one smoke detector housing 36. A smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30 is located in the or each reference detector housing 38. The respective reference detector 30 is arranged and oriented in the reference detector housing 38 such that the aerosol 26 flowing through the channel 28 flows through it transversely or at least essentially transversely to the scattered light plane 24 of the respective reference detector 30. In order to enable such a flow, the reference detector 30 is preferably without the surrounding housing 12 ( FIG 1 ) in the reference detector housing 38 (ie only the scattered light arrangement of the reference detector 30). Dispensing with the housing 12 is readily possible within the scope of the adjustment, since the reference detector housing 38 and at least also the immediately adjacent duct sections 34 are opaque, so that the reference detector housing 38 of the duct 28 to a certain extent instead of one that otherwise surrounds the sensor system of the reference detector 30 Housing 12 occurs. The reference detector 30 is held in the reference detector housing 38, for example, by lateral edges of the circuit board of the reference detector 30 engaging in a guide located inside the reference detector housing 38 or formed there.

The representations in 5 to 7 basically show optional possibilities for an even better concentration of the aerosol flow flowing through a reference detector housing 38 in an area which does not or at least essentially does not reach the sensor system, that is to say, for example, in FIG FIG 1 Scattered light region 20 shown.

In FIG 5 For comparison, a reference detector housing 38 and a reference detector 30 located therein are as in FIG FIG 4 shown. In FIG 6 An embodiment is shown in which the channel section 34 connected downstream of the reference detector housing 38 to the reference detector housing 38 has a larger effective diameter than the channel section 34 preceding the reference detector housing 38. Due to the cross-sectional difference, there is a lower pressure downstream of the reference detector 38 located in the reference detector housing 38 30. This pressure difference brings about a concentration of the incoming aerosol flow on or at least essentially on the scattered light area 20 and prevents or reduces turbulence of the aerosol flow in the interior of the reference detector housing 38. The concentration results because the channel section 34 adjoining the reference detector housing 38 upstream onto the scattered light area 20 points and the aerosol flow is thus directed onto the scattered light region 20.

In FIG 7 Another embodiment for the concentration of the incoming aerosol flow on the scattered light region 20 is shown. Thereafter, it is provided that the incoming channel section 34 and the outgoing channel section 34, i.e. the upstream and the downstream channel section 34, respectively, extend into the reference detector housing 38 and there likewise bring about a concentration of the aerosol flow on or at least essentially on the scattered light area 20 and swirling of the Prevent or at least reduce aerosol flow inside the reference detector housing 38.

At the in FIG 7 In the embodiment shown, a number of measures which bring about such a concentration of the aerosol flow and a reduction in turbulence are shown in combination. For example, a difference in pressure is generated by different cross-sections of the incoming and outgoing channel section 34, as it is in connection with the explanation of the in FIG FIG 6 illustrated embodiment has been described. Furthermore, not only the incoming channel section 34, but also the outgoing channel section 34 extends into the interior of the reference detector housing 38 and finally the reference detector housing 38 is wider in the flow direction of the aerosol 26 than in the embodiments shown above. All of these measures can also be considered individually. For example, an embodiment is also conceivable in which only the incoming channel section 34 extends into the interior of the reference detector housing 38 in a nozzle-like manner and the cross sections of the incoming and outgoing channel section 34 are the same or at least substantially the same. Then, the width of the reference detector housing 38 can optionally be additionally reduced in the flow direction, so that a width results that is approximately in the middle between the in 6 and 7 shown width is.

In a particular embodiment, the edge line of the incoming channel section 34 is aligned with the edge of the scattered light region 20. This is the case when an axial projection of the lateral surface of the incoming channel section 34, in particular an axial projection of the inner lateral surface of the incoming channel section 34, onto the scattered light plane 24 the edge line of the scattered light region 20 coincides or thus at least essentially coincides.

The representation in FIG 8 shows a representation essentially as in FIG 1 , Is shown - as in FIG 1 - A smoke detector 10 in a plan view. However, the illustration relates above all to a smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30 or to a scattered light arrangement functioning as a reference detector 30. It is provided for this or these that a scattering angle resulting from a position of the scattered light transmitters 16 is adjustable. This adjustability is provided by the scattered light transmitter 16, at least one scattered light transmitter 16 or each scattered light transmitter 16 being movable around the center of the scattered light region 20, as is illustrated in the illustration by the arrows emanating from the scattered light transmitters 16. By adjusting the scattering angle, the smoke detector functioning as reference detector 30 (the scattered light arrangement functioning as reference detector 30) can be adapted to the smoke detector 10 to be adjusted. Any necessary adjustment of the wavelength of the light emitted by the scattered light transmitters 16 can be achieved by changing to other scattered light transmitters 16, for example changing to other LEDs or laser diodes. As an alternative to such a change of the scattered light transmitters 16, it is also possible to select (to activate) the scattered light transmitters 16 arranged along a circumferential line around the scattered light region 20 (to activate them; all other scattered light transmitters 16 are or are then deactivated) can be used for an adjustment of the smoke detector 10 to be adjusted.

The representations in FIG 9 and FIG 10 show a representation essentially as in FIG 4 , Shown is a device functioning as a matching device for matching at least one smoke detector 10 in accordance with the approach proposed here. The device comprises a channel 28, which can be acted upon by a flowing aerosol (test aerosol) 26 and is shown in longitudinal section. The aerosol 26 is generated during operation of the device by means of an aerosol generator 40 and is released by this into the interior of the channel 28. The aerosol 26 is distributed evenly in the volume available in each case.

According to FIG 9 the aerosol 26 is, for example, by means of compressed air introduced into the channel 28 on the input side, for example by means of a blower or the like (not shown) passed through the channel 28, so that there is an aerosol flow (volume flow), which is shown in the representations in FIG 9 and FIG 10 (as well as the previous representations in FIG 4 and FIG 5-7 ) is illustrated by means of the block arrows.

According to FIG 10 the aerosol 26 generated by means of the aerosol generator 40 and initially located inside a housing of the aerosol generator 40 is sucked into the channel 28 by negative pressure.

A device according to FIG 9 or FIG 10 or a comparable device is intended for the automatic adjustment of at least one smoke detector 10 (of the smoke detector 10 to be adjusted). In addition to this at least one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated, there is at least one already calibrated smoke detector and functioning as a reference detector 30 in the channel 28. The reference detector 30 is preferably, but not necessary, upstream of the at least one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated, namely upstream of the at least with respect to the aerosol flow a smoke detector to be calibrated 10. The location of the inflow of the aerosol 26 is located upstream of the reference detector 30 and upstream of the or each smoke detector 10 to be calibrated The aerosol 26 is detected by the sensor system of the reference detector 30 or smoke detector 10.

By means of the device, a simultaneous adjustment of several smoke detectors 10 to be adjusted is optionally possible. Instead of exactly one smoke detector 10 to be matched, a plurality of smoke detectors 10 to be matched can be placed in the device, depending on the longitudinal extent of the channel 28, either in a correspondingly large smoke detector housing 36 or a plurality of smoke detector housings 36. In the interest of a better readability of the description, this is based exactly one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated in the channel 28 and one surrounding the smoke detector 10 Smoke detector housing 36 drafted. Then formulations such as "at least one smoke detector 10 to be adjusted" can be dispensed with. A possible plurality of smoke detectors 10 to be compared in the channel 28 must, however, always be read and regarded as being included in the description presented here. In view of the designation of the already calibrated smoke detector as a reference detector 30, the smoke detector 10 to be calibrated can also be briefly referred to below as a smoke detector 10, provided that it is clearly distinguishable.

The adjustment of the smoke detector 10 is based on the fact that the reference detector 30 has already been adjusted and that the smoke detector 10 and the reference detector 30 are the same or essentially the same, for example of the same design or of the same type, or that such an equality is achieved by an adjustment as in connection with above the explanation of the representation in FIG 8 is produced. By placing the reference detector 30 and the smoke detector 10 together in the channel 28 downstream of the supply of the aerosol 26, they are exposed to the same aerosol flow and at least essentially the same aerosol concentration.

Because of the aerosol 26, each smoke detector 10 and thus also the reference detector 30 generates a sensor signal which encodes a measure of the amount of aerosol in its measuring chamber. The sensor signal of the reference detector 30 is referred to below as a reference signal 42 for distinction. This is fed, for example, to a control unit 44 of the device. For this purpose there are, for example, contact elements (not shown) in the interior of each reference detector housing 38, which also determine the position provided for the reference detector 30. The control unit 44 can be communicatively connected to the reference detector 30 by means of the contact elements, and at least the reference signal 42 is transmitted from the reference detector 30 to the control unit 44 via the communicative connection. The reference signal 42 can be transmitted by the control unit 44, for example, in the frame a so-called service protocol can be read out. The control unit 44 comprises, in a manner known per se, a processing unit in the form of or in the manner of a microprocessor and a memory into which a control program 46 executed when the device is operating by means of the processing unit is loaded. The control program 46 comprises program code instructions in a manner known per se and defines the type of processing of the reference signal 42 and the generation of a comparison signal 48. The comparison signal 48 is transmitted to the smoke detector 10 for its comparison, for example also by means of the service protocol. For the necessary communication connection between the control unit 44 and the smoke detector 10, there are also contact elements (not shown) for the smoke detector 10 inside the smoke detector housing 36, which also determine the position provided for the smoke detector 10.

As is known, in the case of a smoke detector 10 - and accordingly also in the case of the smoke detector functioning as a reference detector 30 - possible smoke particles are detected on the basis of light scattering on the smoke particles. A test light beam emitted inside the smoke detector 10, 30 by means of the scattered light transmitters 16 is scattered on the smoke particles and scattered light reaches a light-sensitive sensor, the scattered light receiver 14. An alarm is triggered when at least one sensor generated and possibly further processed by the sensor sensor signal proportional to the amount of incident light scattered on the smoke particles exceeds a defined threshold value.

Such a sensor signal from reference detector 30 is used as reference signal 42 in the approach proposed here. The reference signal 42 is proportional to the amount of aerosol entering the scattered light region 20 of the reference detector 30 due to the aerosol flow in the channel 28. With a smoke detector 10 of the same type and an essentially constant volume flow in the channel 28, it can be assumed that the same amount of aerosol enters the smoke detector 10 and its scattered light region 20 due to the aerosol flow in the channel 28. Consequently, the sensor signal of the smoke detector 10 should correspond to the sensor signal (reference signal 42) of the reference detector 30 or at least essentially correspond. A possible deviation, in particular a deviation exceeding a predetermined or predeterminable limit value, is corrected by comparing the smoke detector 10.

The smoke detector 10 can be compared in different ways on the basis of the reference signal 42 available from the reference detector 30. Individual options that are fundamentally possible for comparing a smoke detector 10 are explained below - merely by way of example and without foregoing further general validity:
The smoke detector 10 can be put into an adjustment mode by means of the control unit 44 and the reference signal 42 can then be transmitted to the smoke detector 10 by the control unit 44 as an adjustment signal 48. Then, the reference signal 42 is basically only passed to the smoke detector 10 by means of the control unit 44. The smoke detector 10 internally compares the adjustment signal 48 with the sensor signal generated by its own sensor system and optionally makes a correction, for example a correction of an adjustment factor or at least one adjustment factor. The adjustment factor or the respective adjustment factor results, for example, as a quotient of the reference signal 42 and the own sensor signal or generally on the basis of a predetermined calculation of the reference signal 42 and the own sensor signal. The smoke detector 10 is adjusted as soon as, after a possible adjustment of the adjustment factor, the smoke detector 10 outputs the internal sensor signal weighted with the adjustment factor as a sensor signal. Alternatively, it can be provided that, based on the ratio of reference signal 42 and own sensor signal, a pulse duration of the periodically emitted inside the smoke detector 10 Test light beam is increased and / or that the power of the scattered light transmitter 16 acting as a test light source is adapted. Additionally or alternatively, an offset, a gain and / or further parameters can also be adapted.

At the in FIG 9 and FIG 10 In the embodiment of the device for automatic adjustment of at least one smoke detector 10 shown, the use of two reference detectors 30 is provided in a fundamentally optional manner, namely a reference detector 30 upstream of the smoke detector 10 and a reference detector 30 downstream of the smoke detector 10. The two reference detectors 30 should be considered already calibrated smoke detectors deliver the same or at least essentially the same sensor signals (reference signal 42). As long as there is no equality or at least sufficient equality, a uniform distribution of the aerosol 26 in the channel 28 cannot be assumed. In the case of a device for automatic adjustment of at least one smoke detector 10 based on the use of two or more reference detectors 20, the control unit 44 accordingly compares the reference signals 42 received from the reference detectors 30 and the adjustment only begins when the reference signals 42 are sufficiently identical.

Under control of the control program 46, for example, the reference signal 42 received from the reference detector 30 is output as a calibration signal 48 to the at least one smoke detector 10 to be calibrated. Each smoke detector 10, which receives the adjustment signal 48, adjusts itself to a certain extent based on the adjustment signal 48, as has already been explained above. Alternatively, the adjustment factor of a smoke detector 10 can also be determined by the control unit 44. The control unit 44 then processes the reference signal 42 and the sensor signal of each smoke detector 10 to be adjusted. The control unit 44 forms, for example, the quotient and / or one or more correction factors and transmits this in the form of the adjustment signal 48 to the respective smoke detector 10. The smoke detector 10 then implements, for example, the value transmitted with the adjustment signal 48 as an internal adjustment factor or uses this to adjust a pulse duration of the test light beam periodically emitted inside the smoke detector 10 and / or to adapt the power of the test light source.

In a special, optional embodiment, it can also be provided that the control unit 44 automatically influences the aerosol concentration, for example by correspondingly controlling the aerosol generator 40 and / or by activating one or more switchable dilution stages. This enables a comparison of different types of smoke detectors and / or smoke detectors 10 with a large dynamic range.

In the case of a plurality of reference detectors 30, the control program 46 optionally includes, for example, program code instructions for comparing the reference signals 42 available from the reference detectors 30. Only when these match within predefined or predefinable limits during a predefined or predefinable period of time, that is to say, for example, by a difference between two reference signals 42 a predefined one or predeterminable threshold value during the period, the or each smoke detector 10 to be adjusted is adjusted by only then automatically generating the adjustment signal 48.

An additional or alternative possibility for the automatic start of the adjustment is that the control unit 44 monitors the sensor signal (reference signal 42) of at least one reference detector 30 and / or the sensor signal of at least one smoke detector 10 and the adjustment only begins when a fluctuation range of the respective sensor signal during a time span with a predefined or predefinable duration falls below a predefined or predefinable limit value, that is, when the monitored sensor signal changes or no longer or only slightly changes the monitored sensor signals. Even then it can be assumed that there is a uniform distribution of the aerosol 26 in the channel 28 which is sufficient for the adjustment.

The control program 46 then optionally includes, for example, program code instructions, which have the effect that it is automatically monitored whether the respective sensor signal does not change or changes only slightly during a predetermined or predeterminable period of time. If this has been recognized, the adjustment takes place in that the adjustment signal 48 is only then generated automatically. According to a further optional embodiment, it can be provided that the start of the comparison depends on the expiration of a waiting time with a predefined or predefinable duration. The control program 46 then includes program code instructions for maintaining the waiting time.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed example or examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Individual aspects of the foreground of the description submitted here can thus be briefly summarized as follows: A method and a device 10 operating according to the method for the adjustment of a smoke detector 10 are specified, the adjustment being carried out by means of a smoke detector which has already been adjusted and acts as a reference detector 30.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

smoke detector

12

(Smoke detector) housing

14

Scattered light receiver

16

Scattered light transmitter

18

(free)

20

Scattered light area

22

Particles, smoke particles

24

Scattered light level

26

aerosol

28

channel

30

reference detector

32

casing

34

channel section

36

smoke detector housing

38

Reference detector housing

40

aerosol generator

42

reference signal

44

control unit

46

control program

48

balance signal

Claims (11)

1. Method for the automatic calibration of at least one smoke detector (10),
   wherein the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated is placed in a channel (28) exposed to an aerosol flow (26),
   wherein, together with the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated, at least one smoke detector that also functions as a reference detector (30) and has already been calibrated is located in the channel (28),
   wherein the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated is calibrated by means of data (42) that can be received by the reference detector (30),
   wherein the or each reference detector (30) comprises as sensing means in a scattered light plane (24) at least one scattered light receiver (14) and at least one scattered light transmitter (16) and
   wherein the aerosol flowing (26) through the channel (28) flows through the or each reference detector (30) in the channel (28) transversely to the scattered light plane (24) of the reference detector (30).
2. Method according to claim 1,
   wherein the or each reference detector (30) is placed in the channel (28) without a housing (12) surrounding the sensing means of the reference detector (30).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the or each reference detector (30) is placed in a reference detector housing (38) belonging to the channel (28).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein an orientation of a scattered light transmitter (16) of the or each reference detector (30) is adapted to an orientation of a corresponding scattered light transmitter (16) of the at least one smoke detector (10).
5. Device for the automatic calibration of at least one smoke detector (10),
   wherein the device (10) comprises a channel (28) that can be exposed to an aerosol flow (26),
   wherein the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated can be placed in the channel (28),
   wherein, together with the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated, at least one already calibrated smoke detector that functions as a reference detector (30) can be placed in the channel (28),
   wherein the device is able to transmit data (42) that can be received by the reference detector (30) to the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated for the calibration thereof,
   wherein at least the or each reference detector (30) comprises as sensing means in a scattered light plane (24) at least one scattered light receiver (14) and at least one scattered light transmitter (16) and
   wherein the aerosol flowing (26) through the channel (28) can flow through the or each reference detector (30) in the channel (28) transversely to the scattered light plane (24) of the reference detector (30).
6. Device according to claim 5,
   wherein the channel (28) comprises at least one smoke detector housing (36) to accommodate the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated, and a respective reference detector housing (38) to accommodate the or each reference detector (30),
   wherein the housings (36, 38) comprised by the channel (28) are connected to each other by means of channel sections (34) such that each output side of a housing (36, 38) is connected to an input side of a downstream housing (36, 38) along the channel (28) and
   wherein the or each reference detector housing (38) is intended and configured to accommodate a reference detector (30) in precisely one orientation, namely an orientation in which the aerosol flowing (26) through the channel (28) flows through the reference detector (30) in the channel (28) transverse to scattered light plane (24) of the reference detector (30).
7. Device according to claim 6,
   wherein, in order to concentrate the aerosol flow in a scattered light region (20) of the reference detector (30) located in the reference detector housing (38), a channel section (34) connected upstream to the reference detector housing (38) or to one of the reference detector housings (38) extends piece-by-piece into the reference detector housing (38).
8. Device according to claim 6 or 7,
   wherein a cross section of a channel section (34) connected downstream to the reference detector housing (38) or to one of the reference detector housings (38) is larger than a cross section of a channel section (34) connected upstream to the same reference detector housing (38).
9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8,
   wherein a position of at least one scattered light transmitter (16) of the or a smoke detector functioning as a reference detector (30) is variable.
10. A computer program (46) with program code means for controlling or monitoring the device according to one of claims 5 to 9,
    wherein under control of the computer program (46), sensor signals (42) of the reference detector (30) and/or the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated are processed for the calibration of the at least one smoke detector (10) to be calibrated.
11. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9 with a control unit (44) and a memory into which a computer program (46) according to claim 10 is loaded for execution during the operation of the device by the control unit (44).

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