The invention relates to a modular multi-sensor fire detector and a fire detection system with just that.

Fire detectors and wireless detectors are used in well-known fashion, to monitor objects, such as machines, production processes, gas turbines, bearings among other things, creation of fire dangers. This is done by sensors to detect risk characteristics, so-called fire or radio parameters are used. From the state of the art fire detection systems are known in which in a room or in a to be monitored range are installed one or more fire detectors. If the fire detectors installed in the sensors detect the respective fire characteristic, they send an alarm signal to an alarm signal receiving means. By this is according to the invention, for example, a gas alarm system, a control console, a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control panel understood as meaning a center for controlling non-erase functions (such as for parking facilities for operating shut-off devices for material and energy flows for opening and closing of Materialaustragsklappen) and the like ,

Under a fire detector, a detector according to the invention is understood to detect fire and / or hazardous characteristics and spark detection, using as fire characteristic and / or hazardous characteristics in particular electromagnetic

Radiation, aerosols (in particular smoke aerosols), temperature, gas concentrations, gas compositions and / or changes in concentration of certain gaseous components of combustion gases, thermal decomposition products, toxic or flammable gases are understood.

Thus are known so-called two-stage systems, where the fire detector is arranged in the danger area, while at one, some distant, another location, the alarm signal receiving means is positioned.

Document DE 10 2006 055 617 A1 relates to fire safety of technical equipment and plant buildings, in particular a fire alarm system. The fire alarm system comprises a fire control panel which is coupled to various sensors for detecting ambient conditions. The

Sensors to detect a hazardous area to hazards and their sizes. The sensors are for example fire detectors. The

Fire alarm system is not in or near the danger zone, but for example placed in a different room in a different place. The document DE 198 45 553 C2 relates to a fire detector with a sensor system which is formed from various sensors and with a control and evaluation unit. Via a bus interface of the fire alarm is an evaluated fire alarm signal to a fire alarm system.

The document EP 1052607 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for setting parameters of a security system. The security system comprises a control center, a detector bus plurality of hazard detectors, such as fire or Intusionsmelder, are connected from which. Programming the control panel via a connected via a communication link with the interface of the central computer.

US 2013/0315605 A1 relates to a security system, such as a fire alarm system within a building. The plant comprises a plurality of detectors which are connected to one another or coupled together over a network. Each of the fire detection sensors is logged into the fire alarm system and registered accordingly. If a sensor is replaced, the newly installed sensor is reconfigured in the system to locate these in the fire alarm system at least.

There are also multi-sensor fire detectors are known in which several sensors are permanently installed in a housing together with an evaluation unit. Here is considered a disadvantage that in case of failure of a component already, eg. One of the sensors, the whole detector must be replaced, and can take place during this period no monitoring. The application of such detectors is also very limited.

For exerting the necessary technical features and evaluation electronics is installed in addition to the pure sensor in a fire detector according to the prior art. As fire alarms at least have to be attached to the dangerous area very close to reliably ensure a hazard perception in or the fire alarm must meet stringent safety requirements and environmental requirements, for example with regard to their suitability for use in potentially explosive-hazard areas (flameproofness), its resistance to high temperature, electromagnetic radiation, or tightness against fluid entry (gaseous or liquid). Depending on the work environment, the fire detectors must be protected from dust.

The housing of the fire detectors in accordance with certain classified housings requires a high constructive and formal rules governing approval effort.

Furthermore, in certain rooms are not just one, but to monitor multiple potential sources of danger, or there are more than one fire detector needed to be able to reliably determine the occurrence of a hazardous event. The latter is known in the prior art under multi-detector dependency. A first detector signals a danger that a second detector same type or another yet to be verified first before it can be concluded that the presence of a fire and / or radio danger. This analysis of the signals from multiple devices is performed in the prior art on the part of alarm signal receiving device, which requires a high level there. In addition, the installation costs of such a multi detector system and its vote is perceived with the alarm signal receiving device as disadvantageous. This is particularly true in complex objects to be monitored with a variety of areas to be monitored and a correspondingly large number of detectors.

The invention was against this background the task of providing a fire detector, so far as possible to overcome the found in the prior art disadvantages. In particular, the invention, the object was the invention to provide a fire detector which provides undiminished high level of protection of the sensors at low system costs from environmental influences in the danger zones. Furthermore, the invention was in particular the task of providing a fire detector that can be installed in fire detection systems with little effort and retrofitted especially maintained and redesignated for the detection of other risk parameters. In addition, the invention was in particular the objective of providing a fire detector that is flexible to handle in terms of its mounting, and especially in very cramped conditions, as can be installed for example in the physical protection of machine tools.

The invention solves its underlying problem by proposing a modular multi-sensor fire detector according to claim. 1 The modular multi-sensor fire detector has an evaluation unit and several sensor heads, which are arranged locally spaced apart from the evaluation unit, and which are in signal-conducting connected to the evaluation unit, said evaluation unit is connectable in signal-conducting with a locally spaced alarm signal receiving means, so that the evaluation unit, the sensor heads and the alarm signal receiving means are not integrated in a common or in a plurality of the assembled housings.

The invention makes use of the insight, accordingly, that the protection of the sensor head, which is arranged directly in the hazardous area is prioritized higher than the protection of the evaluation unit, which need not necessarily be located in the danger zone. The sensor heads are deposited according to the invention following this approach, spatially separated from the evaluation unit. This has several advantages: Firstly, allow the sensor heads due to their separation from the evaluation unit a much more compact design than the prior art and can be installed in places where conventional detectors can not be used. On the other hand increase the flexibility of the insert and the maintainability; the evaluation unit, which is remotely located from both the sensor head and from the alarm signal receiving means for converting the detector architecture in a three-stage system in which the sensor head is the first stage, the evaluation unit, the second stage, and the alarm signal receiving means, the third stage of a fire alarm system.

By "remotely located" it is meant that the elements so described structurally separated from one another, a plurality of integrated the assembled housings in particular, not in a common or, and are spaced apart from each other.

The evaluation unit, the sensor heads and the alarm signal receiving means are not integrated in a common or in a plurality of the assembled housings.

According to the invention it is now possible to protect only the sensor heads according to the local requirements to environmental influences, while can be used for the evaluation itself a standard case for all applications, while the sensor heads used in hazardous areas are specifically protected, for example by means of explosion-proof, dust and / or gas inlet sheltered housing or with high IP protection. This reduces the component complexity significantly and leads to a more favorable cost balance for the overall system.

According to the invention the evaluation unit is adapted to be connected in signal-conducting optionally having a plurality of sensor heads different or the same type. This significantly increases the flexibility of the fire detector according to the invention in that always the same evaluation may be used in conjunction with a respective locally required combination of sensor heads.

The processing unit according to the invention preferably set up, regardless of which to send her compatible sensor head to a communication with the alarm signal receiving device adapted alarm signal to those. This greatly reduces the hassle of setup and programming on the part of alarm signal receiving device. Regardless of which sensors are used, the alarm signal receiving means is always received the appropriate signal in the presence of a hazard. The processing unit takes over in this way as upstream signal processing or interpretation unit evaluating the alarm signals transmitted from the sensor heads. The technical effect of such "distributed intelligence" leads to a reduction of response time because the alarm signal receiving unit is relieved by the upstream, decentralized evaluation.

The invention is further developed in that the evaluation unit has a plurality of first interfaces to the signal conductive connection of the processing unit with the sensor heads, and at least a second interface for signal-conducting connection of the processing unit to the alarm signal receiving means. With regard to the alarm signal receiving means is made to the above definition.

The processing unit is preferably arranged for bidirectional data transfer by means of the first and / or second interface. By this is meant that hence the interfaces are designed themselves to the aforementioned bi-directional data transfer. Further, it is hereby understood that also the sensor head and / or the alarm signal receiving means are each adapted for bidirectional data transfer by means of a corresponding interface. The bi-directionality of data transmission makes it possible not only to send alarm signals from the sensor heads toward the evaluation and corresponding alarm signals from this toward the alarm signal receiving direction, but conversely also sending information from the alarm signal receiving device for evaluation, and the evaluation unit to the sensor heads.

In a further preferred embodiment of the detector according to the invention the evaluation unit is adapted to interpret danger signals obtained by means of the first interfaces of the sensor heads to the presence of an alarm event out and generate a signal representative of the alarm event alarm signal in the presence of an alarm event, and using the second interface be sent to the alarm signal receiving device. These include, preferably, the evaluation unit on a suitably programmed computer unit.

More preferably, the evaluation unit is adapted to interpret the danger signals in dependence of one or more configuration parameters. The configuration parameters are preferably stored in the evaluation unit, and / or the evaluation unit is arranged to receive the configuration parameters via the second interface and / or by means of a dedicated third interface. By means of the configuration parameters, the evaluation of the use of various sensor heads "taught" by defining the configuration parameters, such as the evaluation must interpret the signals received from the respective sensor heads danger signals.

The configuration parameters preferably comprise one, several or all of the following:

Number of sensor heads,

Type or types of sensor heads,

one or more threshold values ​​of the information provided by the sensor heads danger signals, due to the exceeding of the evaluation unit registers the danger signal from the respective sensor head,

Number of required danger signal registrations by the sensor heads, as a result of which the evaluation unit transmits an alarm signal via the second interface, required time sequence of the danger signal registrations, transmitted as a result of the occurrence of which the evaluation unit an alarm signal by means of the second interface,

Region of a required time interval, preferably a maximum temporal distance between multiple registrations danger signal, transmitted as a result, compliance with the evaluation unit an alarm signal by means of the second interface.

In a further preferred embodiment the evaluation unit for receiving, preferably by means of the second interface, at least of of one, firmware, configuration data, control commands for each of the sensor heads, and, preferably, for forwarding the received data set to the sensor heads. Configuration data is, for example, threshold values ​​for a measured parameter from which a danger signal is generated understood, or threshold, from the achievement of which a malfunction of the sensor head is detected, for example, the degree of contamination of optical sensors.

As an alternative to the second interface, the evaluation unit is preferably adapted to receive the above mentioned elements by means of the third interface.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one of the sensor heads is adapted in dependence of receipt of a corresponding control command to perform a function self-test, and a signal representative of the existence or non-existence of the functional self-test information element, for example in the form of a file or discrete value , tags, etc., to be stored in a memory and / or to forward to the evaluation unit. Further preferably, the control commands include a command for performing the functional self-test. For this, the existing configuration data is used for example.

The detector according to the invention is further developed in that the sensor head or at least one of the sensor heads having a data memory and is adapted to the measured fire and / or hazard variable values ​​in the data store to

deposit, wherein the control commands include a command for reading and / or resetting of the data memory.

Preferably, the sensor head is adapted to

- a predetermined number of last detected fire and / or hazard variable values, and / or

- to deposit the maxima and / or minima of the detected fire and / or hazard variable values ​​in each case with a time stamp in the data memory in a value history.

Preferably, the sensor head in addition to its main sensor for the detection of the fire and / or hazardous characteristics or sparks a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the interior of the sensor head, and is further preferably adapted to

- a predetermined number of last detected temperature values ​​from the interior of the sensor head, and / or

- to deposit the maxima and / or minima of the detected temperature of the interior of the sensor head in each case with a time stamp in the data memory in a value history.

Examples of value history are, inter alia, the actual temperature in the interior of the sensor head, minimum and / or maximum temperature, which was exposed to the sensor head, minimum and / or maximum Rauchaerosol-, gas, and / or radiation levels.

Capturing and storing the temperatures encountered at the sensor head provides the option of creating a temperature history is documented with when the sensor head has been exposed to what temperatures. With increasing temperatures, the built-in sensor heads sensors age depending on the type sometimes accelerated. A sensor that has been exposed many times before high temperatures, thus may have a slightly different response than a sensor that this was not. By reading the temperature value memory, an operator, such as service personnel, or, preferably, the evaluation unit can detect even if the sensor head is still usable, or needs to be changed. Resetting the memory temperature value is then used to advantage when the sensor head was for instance by changing a sensor array or the like, reconditioned.

Further preferably, the sensor head is adapted to register predetermined events and to deposit in each case with a time stamp as event history in the data memory (or a dedicated data storage).

As predetermined events occur, for example, the number of performed functional tests, the number of performed self-calibration, the number of performed maintenance that number of lockouts, the number of past danger signal messages and resets the value of history and / or the event history into consideration.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor head or at least one of the sensor heads for performing a self-calibration is set up in dependence of receipt of a corresponding control command, wherein the control commands include a command for performing the self-calibration. Within the framework of self-calibration of the sensor head of the adjustment stored in the sensor head thresholds for triggering a distress signal preferably is made to those background characteristics, which are already present in the absence of the fire characteristic and are detected by the sensor head. The sensor head is for this purpose preferably configured to execute a program routine, by means of which background disturbances such as the ambient temperature, a base level of electromagnetic radiation, a gas concentration or concentrations of different gases, smoke particle concentrations detected among others. The background disturbances are preferably stored in a memory of the sensor head and / or the evaluation unit. The sensor head is preferably adapted to define in the context of self-calibration based on (depending on) the background interference thresholds and / or select sensitivity level of the sensor, wherein in particular the switch is caused to predefined levels of sensitivity. Further preferably, the sensor head is arranged to deposit the predetermined threshold values ​​of the background disturbances and / or the set sensitivity level in a memory.

More preferably, the evaluation unit or the sensor head or at least one of the sensor heads to reset the value of history and / or the event history in the data memory, in dependence of receipt of a corresponding control command (B) is arranged, wherein the control commands a command for performing the reset include.

In a further preferred embodiment of the detector, the evaluation unit, in particular its computer unit, adapted to a request signal by means of the first interfaces is to be sent to the sensor heads, and to receive in response to the request signal sensor head data from a memory of the sensor heads.

The sensor head data comprise, in particular one, several or all of the following: the type of sensor, a sensor ID, manufacturing data of the sensor head, the software used by the sensor head or firmware version, state data of the sensor, such as accumulated operating hours, maintenance intervals, remaining number of operating hours until reaching the next maintenance interval, configuration data of the sensor head, the value history and / or the event history from the data memory of the sensor head.

The processing unit is preferably adapted to identify the associated means of the respectively addressed interface sensor heads depending on the received sensor data header. This makes it possible to connect a correspondingly preconfigured evaluation unit via plug and play in the field with the need each sensor heads signal-conducting, whereupon the evaluation unit preferably automatically performs the identification of the associated sensor heads and establishes himself.

The embodiment of the detector according to the invention with a third interface is preferably further developed in that the third interface for connecting a configuration device, in particular a portable computer, tablets, proprietary service unit or a mobile phone, adapted for feeding, reading and / or editing of the following: Configuration parameters, sensor header configuration data content of the data memory of the sensor head, firmware, control commands. Under the connection, the signal connecting conductive is understood to exchange data, which can take place both wired and wireless.

Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit is adapted to receive via the second interface of the alarm signal receiving means of a, more or all of the following: Configuration parameters, sensor head data configuration data, firmware, control commands, wherein the alarm signal receiving means is preferably configured to feed the above-mentioned elements, read out and or edit /.

The processing unit is preferably for forwarding at least the configuration data, and / or firmware, and / or the control commands set up at the sensor head.

Alternatively, or in addition to configuring the evaluation unit by means of the configuration parameters that faces away from the second or third port or one of the other interfaces of the detectors preferably includes one or more hardware switch, preferably DIP switch and / or coded rotary switch for manually selecting the configuration parameters for the first interfaces with which the sensor heads are to be connected to.

The evaluation unit, in particular an integrated in the evaluation computer unit, is in a particularly preferred embodiment for carrying out a set-up mode to identify the connected to the evaluation unit sensor heads, and preferably adapted for automatic selection of appropriate configuration parameters, depending on the occurred identification of the connected sensor heads. The computer unit is preferably programmed by means of a corresponding software. Further preferably, the evaluation unit at least one externally, in particular manually actuatable switching element for activating, preferably for starting, and, preferably, to end the setup mode, wherein the switching element is formed for example as a magnetic field sensor, switch or magnetically actuated reed contact.

The setup mode described below shows the advantages of the modular multi-sensor inventive concept. The device mode illustrates a method which, in particular running on a fire detector according to one of the preferred embodiments described above and hereinafter, illustrating both a preferred embodiment of the fire detector as a program-technically achieved function of the evaluation unit, as also forms an independent aspect of the invention.

Set-up mode preferably comprises here the following steps:

Providing, preferably transferring configuration parameters to the evaluation unit, for example by means of configuration unit, for each of which a sensor head is to be connected to the first interface;

Activating the device mode;

Connecting the sensor heads have been provided to the evaluation unit by means of those interfaces for the configuration parameters;

Reading out the sensor head data, for example automatically or by means of transmitting a request signal S req from the evaluation unit to the sensor heads;

Checking whether the read data matches the sensor head with the configuration parameters for the respective first interface;

- outputting an acknowledgment signal upon coincidence between the respective configuration parameters and data for each sensor head, the sensor head interface, or outputting a fault signal upon non-coincidence between the respective sensor configuration parameters, and header data,

Completion of the setup mode, and

- transition to the operating mode.

Under the operation mode is understood that the sensor heads operate and fire and / or detect danger characteristics or radio parameters, and the evaluation unit for the reception of danger signals to the first interface is ready.

Preferably, the sensor heads are connected first, before the setup mode is activated.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is set up to continue the operation mode in the operating mode in the presence of an interfering signal of one or more sensor heads and wait for danger signals from those sensor heads who report no trouble.

More preferably, the evaluation unit is adapted, in an operational mode, in which a multi-detector dependency is predefined by means of the configuration parameters to resolve the multi-detector dependency in the presence of a failure of one of the sensor head included in the multi-detector dependency and maintain in a Einzelmelderabhän-dependence on danger signals from those sensor heads Report the no disturbance.

In a further preferred embodiment the evaluation unit is adapted to report, after removal of a fault-reporting sensor head an interference signal. Preferably, the evaluation unit is additionally configured to acknowledge when connected to a same type sensor head in place of the previously removed the sensor head the interference signal itself.

Preferably, the evaluation unit is arranged to output a request signal for connection of a sensor head of different type instead of the previously remote sensor head for acknowledgment of the interference signal and for performing a re-identification of the connected sensor head.

Alternatively, the evaluation unit is configured to acknowledge when connected to a sensor head of different type instead of the previously removed the sensor head the interference signal itself and automatically perform a re-identification of the connected sensor head.

The completion of the setup mode is preferably performed

a) automatically when present and at least one associated sensor head, preferably for each of the sensor heads connected, an acknowledgment signal is preferably present within a predetermined period from the start of the set-up mode, no interference signal, or

b) automatically as soon as preferably for all connected sensor heads exists an interfering signal, or

c) manually.

As configuration parameters should be provided at least: the number by means of which a sensor head is to be conductively connected to the signal evaluation unit that first interfaces, and preferably, the respective sensor type for the respective first interface. The fire described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and / or spark detector architecture is adapted to be used with a variety of different sensor heads in any combination. Preferably, the sensor heads of the detector according to the invention have at least a housing, a (main) sensor and an interface for danger signaling and are useful for detecting electromagnetic radiation of sparks and / or flames, for detecting a temperature, preferably the ambient temperature or the housing temperature in the interior of the the sensor head, the detection of gas concentrations and / or gas compositions and / or changes in concentration of certain gaseous components of combustion gases, thermal decomposition products, toxic or flammable gases or aerosols, particularly smoke aerosols established.

Particularly preferred combinations of sensor heads to the invention of fire and / or wireless detectors are:

a) two or more wireless sensor heads,

b) two or more flame detector sensor heads,

c) two or more temperature sensor heads,

d) two or more gas-sensor heads,

e) one of the variants a) to c), in combination with one or more gas-sensor heads, f) one of the variants a), b) or d), combined with one or more temperature sensor heads,

g) one of the variants a), c) or d), combined with one or more flame detector sensor heads,

h) one of the variants b) to d), combined with one or more wireless sensor heads,

i) a radio sensor head, combined with a flame detector sensor head and a temperature sensor head,

j) a radio sensor head, combined with a flame detector sensor head and a gas sensor head,

k) a flame detector sensor head, combined with a temperature sensor head and a gas sensor head,

I) a temperature-sensor head, combined with a wireless sensor head and a gas sensor head.

The system architecture provides, as will be clear from the foregoing examples, a flexible adaptation to different protection schemes and enables detection unterschiedlichster fire characteristics depending on the risk of fire in the respective environment. For example, a flexible adaptation to various production processes, types of material storage or transport of material and of the material is, for example, allows, even with the monitoring of logistic processes in factories. In a further preferred embodiment of the detector, the sensor heads each have a signal processing unit that is adapted to normalize the danger signal and to transmit as a standardized sensor head output signal to the evaluation unit. The hazard signal will be preferably converted into a discrete value such as 0 or 1, wherein the respective discrete value converted for danger or no danger stands. Using the example of 0 and 1 the discrete value 0 is, for example, "no danger", while the discrete value of 1 is "Danger". The sensor head side standardization simplifies the signal and data processing on the part of the evaluation and unifies the signal output of the sensor heads. The processing unit must be configured to a lesser extent then, because they "know" vornerein that are sent to it from the sensor heads only the normalized values ​​for "Danger" or "no risk".

The invention further relates to a fire alarm system. This includes a system for protection against fire and / or radio message and / or gas message is understood analogous to the multi-sensor fire detector according to the invention.

The invention solves its underlying, described initially task similarly for a fire alarm system in which this has at least one modular multi-sensor fire detector according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, and an alarm signal receiving means, which signal conductively connected to the modular multi-sensor fire detector, and place of is spaced him. With regard to the advantages and preferred embodiments of the fire alarm system is made to the preferred embodiments, and explanations on the detector of the invention above. Just the ability to combine different types of sensor heads and to have this combination occurring in the fire alarm system in relation to the alarm signal receiving device signally than one sensor is a solution with outstanding flexibility This is illustrated by the following example. When sparks or flying hot particles, in industrial processes and elsewhere the sparks or particles are sometimes not detected due to their rapid extinction. Nevertheless, it may come to the emergence of a smoldering fire that would not be detected with a pure wireless detectors. but for example, a wireless sensor head in combination operated with a combustion gas sensor head in the fire alarm system, in spite of the non-detected spark or glowing particle by means of the gas detecting a fire alarm may still be discontinued.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings based on a preferred embodiment. show:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a detector according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figures 2a-c show various views of an evaluation unit of the detector in accordance with

Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a fire detection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a modular, multi-sensor fire and / or wireless detector 300 (hereinafter referred to detector 300). The detector 300 has a plurality of sensor heads 100, each adapted for detecting a fire parameter, for example for detecting electromagnetic radiation, gas, smoke and / or temperatures. The sensor heads 100 are for simplicity shown all the same, but may be sensor heads of different types.

The detector 300 in addition to the sensor heads 100 has a locally spaced evaluation 200th The processing unit 200 is signal-conductively connected to the turn locally spaced from its sensor heads 100, in the present embodiment by means of a data line 150. The data line is preferably used as a power supply for the sensor heads. Alternatively, the signal conductive connection between the evaluation unit 200 and the sensor heads 100 could also take place wirelessly, the sensor heads have a dedicated power supply in the case. The processing unit 200 includes a plurality of first interfaces 219, by means of which the sensor heads are 100 signal conductively connected to the evaluation unit 200th The sensor heads 100 for this purpose each have a corresponding interface 104th The distances between the sensor heads and the processing unit are preferably 20 cm or more, especially up to several meters. The distance from the evaluation unit to the alarm signal receiving means there are no limits in the context of the possible data transmission modes.

While the sensor heads have 100 is preferably a zünddurchschlagsgesichertes, as well as dust and liquid-tight housing and having a particularly compact construction which permits installation in cramped monitoring areas, such as machine tools, comprises the evaluation unit 200, a relatively larger to housing 201 in a to the sensor heads 100 comparatively lower to protection class. The processing unit 200 further includes a second interface 208 to, preferably bi-directional, data communication with an alarm signal receiving means (301) (see Figure 3) is formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the second interface 208 is also the current or voltage supply of the evaluation unit 200. However, it is alternatively or additionally further second interfaces advantageous to guarantee at, for example, wireless communication with the alarm signal receiving unit 301 (see FIG. 3).

The sensor heads comprise in addition to their main sensor for detecting a fire the previously listed characteristics or risk or sparks preferably each have a temperature sensor 1 10, which is adapted to detect the temperature inside the housing of the sensor heads 100th The sensor heads are preferably also configured with a data storage memory 105th The sensor heads 100 further include a signal processing unit 106th In the memory 105, a history value and / or an event history are stored in accordance with the generally above-described preferred embodiments.

The data lines 150 preferably each have an identification label 151, are stored on the server information such as the type of data line, or the type of the connected sensor head 100th

Figures 2a-c show the evaluation unit 200 in the several views. In addition to the illustration according to Figure 1, a protective cap 203 is shown in Figures 2a-c, which is mounted on the side of the first interfaces 219 of the housing two hundred and first The protective cap 203 protects itself against inadvertent release of the data lines of the first interfaces 219 and (about shocks, impacts) to protect the connection against external force. The protective cap 203 is by means of fasteners 205, for example, screw, captively secured to the housing two hundred and first In Figure 2a, a third interface 222, in addition to the second interface 208 indicated. The third interface 222 is adapted to communicate bidirectionally preferably a signal-conducting with a configuration device such as a portable computer, tablet, service unit or mobile phone.

For details on the data communications resulting from the described in the following Figure 3. Figure 3 shows schematically the structure of a fire alarm system 400. In addition to the indicator 300, the processing unit 200 and the sensor heads 100 further includes the fire alarm system 400, the alarm signal receiving means 301, which is preferably in accordance with the above preferred embodiments described is formed. The processing unit 200 is locally spaced from the alarm signal receiving means 301, which is configured as a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control panel in this embodiment.

The configuration of the processing unit 200 is preferably via one or more hardware switching elements 242, for example, DIP switches, and / or via the third interface 222. The third interface 222 preferably receives from a

Configuration device 221, such as a portable computer, tablet, service unit or mobile phone, a plurality of or all of the following: Configuration parameters K, firmware, F, configuration data D, control commands B. The received elements of an electronic assembly 212 comprising a computer unit 206, for example, in form of a microcontroller, processed and / or passed on to the sensor heads 100 by means of the first interfaces 219th This is particularly true for any firmware data F, D configuration data for configuring the sensor heads 100, or control commands B for driving the sensor heads 100, for example for self-function tests or self-calibration measures. The elements of K, F, D, and B could alternatively be recorded by means of the third interface 222, and / or of the alarm signal receiving means 301 and via the second interface 208, provided that the respective interfaces are designed for bidirectional data transmission.

The processing unit 200 is by means of the electronic module 212 and the computer unit 206 adapted to store the received configuration parameters K in a memory 215 and to be configured based on the configuration parameter K, the first interfaces 219th Preferably, the first interfaces 219 are at least configured to the effect that the evaluation unit 300 assigns each of the first interfaces 219, whether the interface for the operation of a sensor head is to be connected to 100, and preferably, of which type of sensor head 100, which is to be connected , Further, the evaluation unit 200 is adapted to generate an alarm signal S based on the configuration parameter K A to generate, when danger signals S G or normalized danger signals S ou t are received in a predefined constellation of the first interfaces 219th Various constellations may be for example the following:

A prescribed sequence of signal inputs to the first interfaces 219, a prescribed (maximum) time interval between the signal inputs to the first interfaces 219, the number of required signal inputs to the first interfaces 219th

First interface 219, which are not to be used during operation are preferably closed by means of a closure cap 220th

Below the establishment of the detector 300 in the fire alarm system 400 will be described. to be monitored in a To install the detector 300

Space will first one or more configuration parameter K provided, either directly by means of hardware switching elements 242, from the memory 215 of the processing unit 200 or by the third interface 222. In addition, a setup mode is started on the processing unit 200, either by means of the configuration unit 221 via the third interface 222, or via one or more separate, externally, in particular manually actuatable switching elements 216, 217, which are preferably designed as magnetically actuated reed contacts. After a started-up mode, the evaluation unit 200 sends those first interfaces 219, which are assigned to a sensor head 100 by means of the configuration parameters K, over those first interfaces 219 a request signal S req . Unless the request signal S req is received via the interface 104 from the sensor heads 100, the sensor heads provide 100 sensor head data 1 17 219 to the first interfaces If the signal S req not to the sensor heads 100, an interference signal is generated.

The processing unit is adapted to adjust the sensor head data received from the sensor heads 100 with the previously provided their configuration parameters K. If the sensor head data 1 17 at the respective first interface 219 correspond to the respective sensor head 100, that is in fact the one sensor head at the first interface 219 is connected, which has previously been assigned by means of the configuration parameters K, generates the evaluation unit 200 is preferably an acknowledgment signal or information element.

Are all previously by means of the configuration parameter K for the connection of sensor heads 100 configured first interfaces 219 confirmation signals or information elements before, preferably the set-up mode is automatically terminated and passed over into the operating mode. In the presence of an interfering signal, the operator is about this, preferably notified by visual and / or audible indication, and the setup mode is also terminated without, however that was transferred to the operating mode.

An interference signal is preferably not only be generated when there is no transmission of sensor head data back to the evaluation unit 200, but also when, although the sensor head data 1 were submitted 17, these, however, do not match the pre-provisioned configuration parameters K for the respective first interface 219th

As is clear from the foregoing, the invention provides a very easy way to install a complex, modular multi-sensor fire and / or radio alarm system available. The device and interpretation of the danger signals provided by the sensor heads is preferably automatically by the evaluation unit, so that the rather complex multisensor detector to the outside, so the alarm signal receiving means 301 towards communicates as a single detector. Especially with complex objects having a plurality of monitored areas and a high number of used detectors, this provides for a considerable relief on the side of the alarm signal receiving means. In addition, the multi-sensor fire detector according to the invention plays from the strength of its compact design and distributed architecture where space is limited.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS list

Sensorköpfe 100

Interface sensor head 104 central data store 105

Signalverarbeitungseinheit 106

Temperature sensor 1 10

Sensorkopfdaten 1 17

Data line 150

Identifikationsetikett 151

Processing unit 200

housing 201

Cap 203

Fasteners 205

Computer unit 206 second interface 208

Electronic assembly 212

memory 215

Switching elements 216, 217 first interface 219

Cap 220

Configuration device 221 third interface 222

Hardware switching elements 242

Detectors 300

Alarmsignalempfangseinheit 301

Brandmeldesystem 400

Configuration parameters K

Firmware F

Configuration data D

Control commands B

Alarm signal S A

Danger signals S G

Normalized danger signals S 0 ut

Request signal Sreq

WE CLAIM

1. A modular multi-sensor fire detector (300), with

an evaluation unit (200), and

a plurality of sensor heads (100) are locally spaced to the evaluation unit (200) and conductively connected to the signal evaluation unit (200)

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is connectable to a signal-conducting with a locally spaced alarm signal receiving means (301) so that the evaluation unit (200), the sensor heads (100) and the alarm signal receiving means (301) are not integrated in a common or in a plurality of the assembled housings.

2. detector (300) according to claim 1,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) comprises a plurality of first interfaces (219) for signal-conducting connection of the processing unit with the sensor heads (100), and at least a second interface (208) for signal-conducting connection of the processing unit (200) to the alarm signal receiving means (301).

3. detector (300) according to claim 2,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) for bidirectional data transfer by means of the first and / or second interface (219, 208) is arranged.

4. Detector (300) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is adapted by means of the first interface (219) of the sensor heads (100) danger signals (S obtained G to interpret> for the presence of an alarm event out, and (a signal representative of the alarm event alarm signal in the presence of an alarm event S A to generate), and to send via said second interface (208) (to the alarm signal receiving means 301).

5. detector (300) according to claim 4,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is adapted to the danger signals (S G ) in depen-dependence of one or more configuration parameters (K) to be interpreted.

6. detector (300) according to claim 5,

wherein the configuration parameters (K) in the evaluation unit (200) are stored, and / or

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is adapted by means of the second interface (208) and / or by means of a dedicated third interface (222) to receive the configuration parameters (K).

7. detector (300) according to claim 5 or 6,

wherein the configuration parameters (K), several or all of the following, comprising a:

- the number of sensor heads (100)

Type or types of sensor heads (100)

Danger signals transmitted one or more of the threshold values of the sensor heads (100) (S G ) due to the exceeding of the evaluation unit (200) the danger signal (S G registered) by the respective sensor head (100)

- number of required danger signal registrations by the sensor heads (100), as a result of which the evaluation unit (200) an alarm signal (S A ) by means of the second interface (208) transmitted,

required time sequence of the danger signal registrations (S due to the occurrence of which the evaluation unit (200) an alarm signal A ) transmitted by the second interface (208)

Region of a required time interval, preferably a maximum temporal distance between a plurality of danger signal registrations, as a result, compliance with the evaluation unit (200) an alarm signal (S A ) by means of the second interface (208) transmitted.

8. Detector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) for receiving at least one of: firmware (F), configuration data (D), control commands (B), for each of the sensor heads (100), and, preferably, for forwarding the received data to the sensor heads (100) is is -richtet.

9. Detector (300) according to claim 8,

wherein at least one of the sensor heads (100) is adapted in dependence of receipt of a corresponding control command (B) a functional self-test durchzufüh-ren, and a signal representative of the existence or non-existence of the functional self-test information element in a memory (105) to deposit and / or to forward to the evaluation unit (200), and wherein

the control commands (B) include a command for performing the functional self-test.

10. detector (300) according to claim 8 or 9,

wherein said sensor head (100) or at least one of the sensor heads (100) comprises a data memory (105), and the measured fire and / or risk parameters in the data memory (105) are adapted to be deposited, and wherein

the control commands (B) a command for reading and / or resetting of the data memory (105) comprise.

11th Detector (300) according to claim 10,

wherein said sensor head (100) is adapted to

- a predetermined number of last detected fire and / or hazard variable values, and / or

- to deposit the maxima and / or minima of the detected fire and / or hazard variable values ​​in each case with a time stamp in the data memory in a value history.

12. detector (300) according to claims 10 or 1 1,

wherein said sensor head (100) comprises a temperature sensor (1 10) for detecting the temperature inside of the sensor head, and is preferably adapted to receive a predetermined number of last detected temperature values ​​from the interior of the sensor head, and / or

- to deposit the maxima and / or minima of the detected temperature of the interior of the sensor head in each case with a time stamp in the data memory (105) in a value history.

13. detector (300) according to any one of claims 10 to 12,

wherein said sensor head (100) is arranged to register predetermined events and to deposit in each case with a time stamp as event history in the data memory (105).

14. detector (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 13,

wherein said sensor head (100) or at least one of the sensor heads (100) for performing a self-calibration in response to the receipt of a corresponding control command (B) is arranged, and wherein

the control commands (B) include a command for performing the self-calibration.

15. detector (300) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is adapted to a request signal (S req ) by the first interface (219) to the sensor heads (100) to be sent, and in response to the request signal (S req ) sensor head data (1 17) from a memory (105) of the sensor heads (100) to be received.

16. detector (300) according to claim 15,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is adapted to identify the means of the respective first interface (219) connected to the sensor heads (100) in response to the received sensor data head (1 17).

17. detector (300) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the third interface (222) for connecting a configuration device (221) for feeding, reading and / or editing of one, several or all of the following is arranged: the configuration parameters, the sensor head data content of the data memory of the sensor head, configuration data, firmware, control commands.

18. Detector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) is adapted to receive via the second interface (208) of the alarm signal receiving means (301) of one, several or all of the following: Configuration parameters, sensor head data configuration data, firmware, control commands.

19. Detector according to one of the preceding claims,

with one or more hardware switches (242) for manually selecting the configuration parameters (K) for the first interface (219) with which the sensor heads are to be connected.

20. detector (300) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation unit (200) for performing a set-up mode to identify to the evaluation unit (200) connected to the sensor heads (100) and preferably for the automatic selection of appropriate configuration parameters (K) established depending on the occurred identification of the connected sensor heads (100), and preferably at least having an externally, in particular manually actuatable switching element (216, 217) for activating, and, preferably, to end, of the device mode.

21st Detector (300) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the sensor heads (100) for detecting

electromagnetic radiation of sparks and / or flames,

a temperature, preferably the ambient temperature or the temperature inside the housing of the sensor head (100)

of gas concentrations, gas compositions and / or changes in concentration of certain gaseous components of combustion gases, thermal decomposition products, toxic or flammable gases, or

are adapted to control particulates, especially smoke aerosols.

22. detector (300) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the sensor heads (100) each having a signal processing unit (106) which is adapted to the danger signal (S G ) to normalize and as a standardized sensor-head output signal (S out ) to the evaluation unit (200) to forward.

23. Brandmeldesystem (400),

with at least one modular multi-sensor fire detector (300) according to one of claims 1 to 17 and an alarm signal receiving means (301), which is signal-conducting manner to the modular multi-sensor fire and / or spark detector (300) and is locally spaced from it.