DE102010027944A1 - Housing for fire alarm i.e. smoke warning alarm unit, utilized in e.g. ceiling of public building, for detecting fire in private living area, has check unit converted as actuator portion from locking position into releasing position - Google Patents

Abstract

The housing has two check units i.e. molding, respectively coupled with a battery receiving portion and a cover portion. The check units are arranged such that connection of the battery receiving portion with the cover portion is blocked if a battery is missed in the battery receiving portion. One of the check units is converted as an actuator portion from a locking position into a releasing position by battery contacts (3a, 3b) that are formed as metal sheet construction. A sensor (1) detects fire emissions and optical, electrical and chemical emissions based on measurement principles.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a housing for a fire detector, in particular for a smoke detector, with a battery receiving portion for at least one battery, wherein the battery receiving portion has at least one battery contact for the at least one battery, with a cover portion which forms at least a part of a securing device, which serves to secure the at least one battery is formed in a state inserted in the battery receiving portion, and which is connectable to the battery receiving portion, with a first blocking means coupled to the battery receiving portion, and with a second blocking means coupled to the cover portion, wherein first and second locking means are formed and / or arranged so that they lock a connection of the battery receiving portion with the cover portion when at least one battery is missing in the battery receiving portion. The invention also relates to a fire detector with this housing.

Fire alarms, in particular smoke detectors, are used to detect fires in private residential areas, factories, public buildings, etc. The fire detectors usually comprise a sensor which is designed to detect emissions of the fire, such as smoke or light, and via electronics , which allows a transmission of an alarm signal to a control center or the output of an alarm sound. In known types of fire detectors are often mounted as a self-sufficient devices to the ceiling.

The power supply of the fire detectors can either be made via an external power supply or via an internal power supply with batteries. Even hybrid versions, which use batteries as an additional power supply in addition to the external power supply, are known.

A possible source of error for the functionality results when the fire detector is mounted on the ceiling and the installation accidentally the battery is not inserted, since at first glance, the malfunction of the fire alarm is not visible. For this reason is partly already legally (for example over the EN 14604 ) called for a so-called battery charge indicator on battery-operated smoke detectors, which outputs a mechanical warning signal when the battery is missing.

The publication US 5,103,216 , which is probably the closest prior art, describes a smoke detector, which has a body region and a lid area, which must be inserted into one another during assembly. The battery should be inserted in the carcass area. Various possibilities are proposed to form mechanical projections in the body region in such a way that, in the event of a missing or incorrectly inserted battery, they optionally prevent the installation of the battery or the placement of the cover area. For example, in one embodiment, the body region shows two legs which engage around the battery and are pushed apart when the battery is inserted. As long as the battery is not inserted, the lid area can not be locked securely on the body area, so that the mechanical warning signal is that the lid area on the carcass area can not be placed.

Disclosure of the invention

In the context of the invention, a housing for a fire detector with the features of claim 1 and a fire detector with the housing with the features of claim 10 is proposed. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In the context of the invention, a housing for a fire detector, in particular for a smoke detector, proposed. In particular, the fire detector comprises at least one sensor which is designed to detect emissions of a fire or fire. In this case, the sensor can detect the emission optically, electrically, chemically or based on other measurement principles. Known sensors for smoke detectors are based for example on a light barrier or an ionization effect. In addition to the use of the housing for fire alarm this can also be designed for fire detectors that detect a fire by means of temperature or optical emission.

In the context of the invention, the housing is proposed for a fire detector, which is powered exclusively via at least one battery or additionally via at least one battery with voltage. In the context of the invention, a battery is also understood to mean a rechargeable battery, in particular an accumulator.

The housing includes a battery receiving portion for the at least one battery so that the housing can accommodate one, two or more batteries. At least one battery contact, which is designed to make electrical contact with the at least one battery, is arranged on the battery receiving section.

Furthermore, the housing comprises a cover portion, which forms a securing device or a part thereof, which is designed to secure the at least one battery inserted in a state of the battery receiving portions. The securing device may thus comprise the cover portion in one piece or be formed from a plurality of parts, wherein the cover portion forms a part thereof. Battery receiving portion and cover portion are connected to each other in particular for securing the battery via a connection and in particular releasably connectable. The connection can in this case be positive, positive or cohesive in any way. It can also be provided that the cover portion is movable, for example hinged, attached to the battery receiving portion and connected via the connection for securing the battery.

The housing includes a first locking means coupled to the battery receiving portion and a second locking means coupled to the cover portion. The two blocking means are designed and / or arranged such that these block one or the connection of the battery receiving portion with the cover portion, in particular for securing the battery, if at least one battery is missing in the battery receiving portion. It can thus be provided that the blocking means lock the connection when exactly one battery, two, some or all batteries are missing.

The blocking of the connection forms the mechanical warning signal, as for example by the EN 14604 is required as a battery expansion indicator. These or similar requirements are thus met by the fact that the housing can not be assembled if at least one battery is removed.

In the context of the invention, it is proposed that the first blocking means can be transferred by the battery contact as an actuating portion of a blocking position into a release position. The actuation of the first blocking means is thus carried out according to the invention by or via the battery contact. In the blocking position, the battery receiving portion is not connectable to the cover portion, in the release position cover portion and battery receiving portion are connected in particular for securing the battery.

It is a consideration of the invention that when inserting the battery, the battery contact is always moved because the batteries are usually inserted with a certain bias with respect to the battery contacts. Thus, a shift of the battery contact appears to be a mandatory consequence of the insertion of the battery. In continuation of this idea can be concluded with great certainty from a lack of displacement of the battery contact directly to the absence of at least one battery in the battery receiving portion. The invention makes use of this consideration by using the battery contact as the actuating portion for the first locking means. The advantage of the invention is to be seen in particular in that a functionally reliable alternative for the implementation of a battery expansion indicator is provided.

It is particularly preferred if the first blocking means is transferred together with the battery contact during insertion of the battery from the blocking position into the release position. In particular, the battery and / or the battery contact is connected or contacted with each other via a touch contact.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first blocking means is fixedly connected to the battery contact and / or formed integrally with the battery contact. The blocking means can thus be placed on the battery contact, for example, like a rider, and optionally additionally consist of a material other than the battery contact. For example, the blocking means could be made of plastic and attached cohesively to the battery contact or even molded. In the second alternative embodiment, the blocking means is formed integrally with the battery contact, preferably the battery contact and first blocking means is even realized einmaterialig, so that the blocking means is also provided of metal or with a metallic coating.

In a structural realization of the battery contact as a sheet metal construction, in particular formed as a formed sheet, formed, which comprises a locking portion, in particular a locking tab as the first blocking element. If one looks at conventional battery contacts, they are often designed as single or multiple bent metal strips optionally with further transformations. Such conventional battery contacts can also be used in the invention. In terms of a further development of this conventional construction, the battery contact additionally comprises the blocking section, in particular the blocking tab, which is designed, for example, as a freely projecting section of the battery contact. Manufacturing technology, such a conventional sheet metal construction is inexpensive and easy to expand such a locking tab, so that just this realization of the invention represents a very economical implementation. In addition, no additional components to implement the battery expansion indicator are needed.

In a possible development of the invention it is provided that for at least two batteries, preferably for each battery, a first and a second locking means are provided so that the presence of several, preferably each individual battery is checked independently and optionally displayed.

In a preferred development of the invention, the second blocking means is designed as a molding, in particular as a rib, for example a stop rib, in the cover section. This development also supports the pursuit of a cost-effective embodiment of the invention and / or a reduction of the components of the housing. In principle, the second blocking means can be realized as desired and integrated in the cover section, since, functionally speaking, it must only ensure that a connection between the battery receiving section and cover section is possible in the release position of the first blocking means and locked in the blocking position of the first blocking means.

In a possible development of the invention, the housing comprises mechanical coding means such that the battery receiving portion and cover portion are constrained and / or defined in position during connection to one another, the first and second locking means locking the connection when the battery receiving portion and cover portion engage Forced operation are located. By the mechanical coding means, the relative position between the battery receiving portion and cover portion is fixed during assembly, so that the relative position of the first locking means and the second locking means is defined to each other. By the mechanical coding means is thus achieved in an advantageous manner that the locking means are aligned with each other and a mounting is prevented despite the lack of battery.

Particularly preferably, the battery receiving portion and the cover portion, in particular the securing device are connected to one another via a plug-pivoting movement and / or a bayonet lock. In the plug-in pivoting movement, it is preferred that the mechanical coding means implement the positive guidance in the region of the plugging movement and at the same time the first and second blocking means possibly already block the plugging movement.

In an application-oriented embodiment of the invention, the cover portion, in particular the securing device, is designed as a cover or bottom plate. In particular, in the form of a bottom plate, it is preferred that this is designed as a mounting base, which is fastened via mechanical interfaces, such as elongated holes, to the ceiling or on the wall. This latter training is based on the consideration that there are many embodiments of fire detectors, in which for changing the battery of the sensor section, which also includes the battery receiving portion must be removed from the mounting base. In a replacement of the sensor portion is ensured by the locking means that none of the batteries can be forgotten, since in the absence of a battery, the installation of the sensor portion is prevented in the mounting base by the first and the second locking means.

Another object of the invention relates to a fire detector, in particular a smoke detector, with a housing, as described above, or according to one of the preceding claims. Preferably, the battery receiving portion is part of a sensor portion and the securing device is a part of a mounting base, which must be separated from each other for a change of the battery or batteries.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Showing:

1 a schematic three-dimensional view of a sensor insert of a fire detector;

2 a mounting base for the sensor insert in the 1 ;

3 in a schematic three-dimensional representation of the mounting of the sensor insert in the mounting base of the preceding figures;

4 a detail of the sensor socket in the 1 ;

5 a similar subsection as in 4 with inserted batteries;

6 in a partially sectioned, three-dimensional representation of the building components of the preceding figures in a locked assembly;

7 in a similar representation as in the 6 with inserted batteries.

Corresponding or identical parts are each designated with corresponding or identical reference numerals.

The 1 shows in a schematic three-dimensional representation of a sensor insert 1 a smoke alarm from the bottom. Of the sensor application 1 includes on the opposite side a sensor which is designed for the detection of flue gases. Furthermore, the sensor insert comprises 1 an electronic device that allows the output or forwarding of a warning signal. Such smoke detectors are attached to ceilings, for example.

The sensor insert 1 has a circular shape. On the illustrated underside of the sensor insert 1 are two shots 2 each provided for a battery. The batteries are cylindrical and have at the two ends a contact area for contacting. For housing-side contact shows each recording 2 two battery contacts 3a , b where the external battery contacts 3a will be described in more detail below.

The 2 shows in a similar three-dimensional representation of a mounting base 4 , which is used to mount the smoke detector on the ceiling and to receive the sensor insert 1 is trained. The mounting base 4 shows a cup-shaped shape, with slots on the bottom or at the bottom 5 are arranged through the attachment means, such as screws, can be performed to the mounting base 4 to attach to the ceiling.

sensor application 1 and mounting base 4 show mechanical coding means 6a respectively. 6b , which are complementary to each other. The mechanical coding means 6a on the sensor insert 1 are formed and as edge, in the axial direction of the sensor insert 1 extending grooves or outbreaks formed. Correspondingly shows the mounting base 4 as a mechanical coding agent 6b Coding socks or tabs adapted in size to fit into the coding means formed as grooves 6a fit.

When mounting the sensor insert 1 in the mounting base 4 need the mechanical coding means 6a , b congruent superimposed, then the coding socks 6b the grooves 6a pass through, allowing the sensor insert 1 in the axial direction in the mounting base 4 can be plugged. Both the coding socks 6a as well as the noses 6b extend only over a limited range in the axial direction, wherein in this limited area sensor insert 1 and mounting base are positively constrained to each other in the axial direction and against rotation about the axial direction.

After this limited area is overcome by the plug movement, the sensor insert 1 by a rotational movement in the mounting base 4 be locked. To secure the lock, the sensor insert shows 1 radially outwardly directed snap noses 7a , which in correspondingly formed channels 7b in the mounting base 4 can intervene.

The 3 shows the interaction of the mechanical coding means 6a , b in the plug-in movement in the positively guided state in a schematic three-dimensional representation.

The 4 represents an enlarged detail of the sensor insert 1 in the field of recording 2 of the 1 represents.

The battery contacts 3a which at each of the shots 2 are arranged on the edge, are designed as a sheet metal construction, wherein a metal sheet by means of reshape, in particular beveled, was processed. At the front is the contact surface 8th for contact with the battery, not shown. In one edge area is a locking tab 9 as a locking portion oriented perpendicular to the contact surface 8th freely cantilevering in the axial direction. The locking tab 9 is through a folded portion of the battery contact 3a formed and is integrally formed with this. On the opposite side of the battery contact 3a is the battery contact 3a set in the sensor insert.

When inserting the battery 10 ( 5 ) pushes it against the contact surface 8th and swings the battery contact 3a around the specified area, leaving the locking tab 9 in the direction of the edge of the sensor insert 1 is offset. By inserting the battery 10 becomes the battery contact 3a together with the locking tab 9 moves, with the locking tab 9 is transferred from a blocking position to a release position.

The locking tab 9 forms a first blocking means, which in cooperation with a second blocking means in the form of Aufschlaggrippen 11 ( 2 ) in the mounting base 4 a nesting of sensor insert 1 and mounting base 4 prevents and thereby a mechanical warning signal for a removed battery 10 as a battery removal indicator forms. By moving the locking tab 9 this is from the blocking position, like this one in the 4 is shown in a release position, as this in the 5 with inserted batteries 10 is shown along the arrows 12 guided.

In the 6 , which mounting base 4 and sensor insert 1 shows in a stacked, but not connected state, it can be seen that the locking tab 9 in the blocking position in the axial direction against the Aufschlagagrippe 11 strikes so that the sensor insert 1 not in the mounting base 4 can be inserted and thus a connection between mounting base 4 and sensor application 1 implemented as a mechanical warning signal.

The 7 shows in a similar representation the same structure as in the 6 , but now the batteries 10 are installed. By the offset of the locking tab 9 from the blocking position to the release position can locking tab 9 and Auf Aufagrippe 11 Slip past each other in the axial direction, so that the sensor insert 1 in the mounting base 4 can be inserted.

It should be emphasized that a mechanical warning signal is already implemented when only one battery 10 missing, because each of the battery contacts 3a via a locking tab 9 and the mounting base 4 at the appropriate place a Aufschlag rib 11 having. When blocking by the locking tab 9 and the lipstick 11 are the mechanical coding agents 6a , b already engaged, to ensure accurate positioning of the locking means 9 . 11 to guarantee each other.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5103216 [0005]

Cited non-patent literature

• EN 14604 [0004]
• EN 14604 [0012]

Claims (10)

Housing for a fire detector, in particular for a smoke detector, with a battery receiving section ( 1 ) for at least one battery ( 10 ), wherein the battery receiving section ( 1 ) at least one battery contact ( 3a ) for the at least one battery ( 10 ), with a cover portion ( 4 ), which forms at least part of a safety device which is used to secure the at least one battery ( 10 ) in one in the battery receiving section ( 1 ) inserted state is formed, and which with the battery receiving portion ( 1 ) is connectable, with a first blocking means ( 9 ) connected to the battery receiving section ( 1 ) and with a second blocking means ( 11 ) connected to the cover section ( 4 ), wherein first and second blocking means ( 9 . 11 ) are formed and / or arranged so that these a connection of the battery receiving portion ( 1 ) with the cover portion ( 4 ) if at least one battery ( 10 ) in the battery receiving section ( 1 ), characterized in that the first blocking means ( 9 ) through the battery contact ( 3a ) can be transferred as an operating portion of a blocking position in a release position. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the first blocking means ( 9 ) together with the battery contact ( 3a ) when inserting the battery ( 10 ) is transferred from the blocking position to the release position. Housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first blocking means ( 9 ) with the battery contact ( 3a ) and / or integral with the battery contact ( 3a ) is trained. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery contact ( 3a ) is formed as a sheet metal construction, which has a locking section ( 9 ), in particular comprises a locking tab as the first blocking element. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each battery ( 10 ) a first blocking means ( 9 ) and a second blocking means ( 11 ) is available. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second blocking means ( 11 ) as a molding, in particular as a rib ( 11 ), in the cover section ( 4 ) is trained. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by mechanical coding means ( 6a , b), so that the battery receiving section ( 1 ) and cover section ( 4 ) are constrained during interconnection, wherein the first and second locking means ( 9 . 11 ) block the connection in the effective range of the forced operation. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery receiving section ( 1 ) and the cover portion ( 4 ), in particular the security device ( 4 ) are connectable to each other via a plug pivoting movement and / or a bayonet lock. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover section, in particular the securing device, as a cover or bottom plate ( 4 ) is trained. Fire alarm, in particular smoke alarm, characterized by a housing according to one of the preceding claims.

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