Fire alarm system

Abstract

To obtain a fire alarm system suitable for detecting a fire disaster on an exterior of a Shinto shrine and the like buildings which are normally unoccupied, and also, to install a flame sensor in a location on a building, which is not easily seen by others so as not to mar the building's aesthetic appeal when the building is a cultural property.SOLUTION: A fire alarm system comprises: a flame sensor (12) which is installed outdoors in a building and outputs a fire disaster signal when a fire disaster occurs; and a slave unit of an alarm unit which is installed indoors in the building and outputs a wireless signal to notify that a fire disaster has occurred in the building when the fire disaster signal is received from the flame sensor, wherein: the flame sensor (12) is installed at the lower edge of the building. Note that a plurality of the flame sensors (12) may be installed at different height positions, namely, the eaves and a lower edge, in a height direction of the building.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire alarm system, and more particularly to a fire alarm system suitable for detecting fires in buildings that are normally unoccupied. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to recent fire accidents at cultural properties, interest in disaster prevention measures for cultural properties has increased. In particular, there is a strong demand for fire alarm systems that are suitable for detecting fires in buildings that are normally unoccupied.

[0003] Taking cultural properties as an example, past causes of fires at cultural properties include arson, flying sparks, fireworks, etc., and the proportion of exterior fires accounts for about 70%. For this reason, there is a demand for reliable detection of fire causes not only indoors but also outdoors.

[0004] As a conventional technology for detecting arson at important cultural properties and the like, there is an arson detection system as described below (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The system according to Patent Document 1 includes a flame sensor having a flame detection unit, a human body sensor having a human body detection unit, a sensitivity setting unit that sets the sensitivity of the flame detection unit, a transmitting unit that transmits an intrusion signal when the human body detection unit detects a human body, and a receiving unit that receives the intrusion signal.

[0005] The system according to Patent Document 1 controls the sensitivity of the sensitivity setting unit to switch to high sensitivity when an intrusion signal is received. If a flame is detected by the flame sensor, a fire signal is wirelessly transmitted to the receiver, and the receiver, having received the fire signal and the intrusion signal, determines that arson has occurred and transfers the arson signal to a mobile terminal.

[0006] As a result, even if the device is installed outdoors with the sensitivity normally set to low, false alarms caused by sunlight and other factors are reduced, and the manager carrying the mobile device is quickly notified that a fire has been detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-303093 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the conventional technology has the following problems. The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 targets arson, and monitors for fires occurring outdoors in buildings where no one is usually present, by increasing the sensitivity when a human body is detected. However, as described above, the cause of fires is not limited to "arson," and "flying sparks," "fireworks," and other causes are also considered, and it is important to reliably detect exterior fires caused by all of these causes.

[0009] From this perspective, the system of Patent Document 1 cannot detect arson with high sensitivity unless an intrusion signal is detected, and cannot reliably detect anticipated exterior fires.

[0010] In addition, when installing flame detectors outdoors, it is important to consider how to prevent false alarms due to sunlight and how to suppress the effects of rainwater. Therefore, taking these factors into consideration, there is a strong need to establish a fire alarm system that is suitable for detecting fires on the exterior of buildings where no one is usually present.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a fire alarm system suitable for detecting fires on the exterior of a building that is normally unoccupied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The fire alarm system of the present invention comprises a flame detector that is installed outside a building and outputs a fire signal when it detects the occurrence of a fire, and an alarm sub-unit that is installed inside the building and outputs a signal notifying that a fire has occurred in the building when it receives the fire signal from the flame detector, and is characterized in that the flame detector is installed under the edge of the building. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a fire alarm system suitable for detecting fires on the exterior of a building that is normally unoccupied can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration including a fire alarm system in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each component included in the fire alarm system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, together with a geographical arrangement. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a flame detector attached to a shrine in the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a fire alarm system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] The technical feature of the fire alarm system of the present invention is that a flame detector is installed outdoors of the building to be monitored, an alarm slave unit is provided indoors which receives a signal from the flame detector and transmits a wireless signal to the alarm master unit, and the flame detector and alarm slave unit are supplied with power via a wired connection.

[0017] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration including a fire alarm system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The fire alarm system according to the first embodiment is configured to include M detection units 10(1) to 10(M) and a communication control unit 20.

[0018] The M detection units 10(1)-10(M) are installed in buildings to be monitored for fires, and have the function of wirelessly transmitting a fire signal indicating that a fire has been detected. Each of the M detection units 10(1)-10(M) has the same configuration, and in the following, unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them, they will be simply described as detection units 10. Examples of buildings in which detection units 10 are installed include shrines, temples, castles, etc., which are cultural properties that are normally unoccupied.

[0019] On the other hand, the communication control unit 20 is located away from the building in which the detection unit 10 is installed, is installed in a facility where a watchman or the like is present, and has a function of wirelessly receiving the fire signal transmitted from the detection unit 10. Examples of facilities in which the communication control unit 20 is installed include a company office, a management center, etc.

[0020] The communication control unit 20 has a configuration capable of communicating with a server 40 and L mobile terminals 50(1) to 50(L), which are external devices, via a network 30 such as the Internet. Therefore, when the communication control unit 20 receives a fire signal, it can notify the external devices that a fire has occurred by wireless signal.

[0021] Next, specific configurations and functions of the detection unit 10 and the communication control unit 20, which are the main components of the fire alarm system according to the first embodiment, will be described.

[0022] First, the detection unit 10 will be described. The detection unit 10 is configured to include a wireless alarm slave unit 11, N flame sensors 12(1)-12(N), and an AC power source 13. Each of the N flame sensors 12(1)-12(N) has the same configuration, and below, unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them, they will be described simply as flame sensors 12.

[0023] The wireless alarm slave unit 11 is installed inside a building that is to be monitored for fires, and is supplied with power from an AC power source 13. Meanwhile, the flame detector 12 is installed outside the building so that it can detect fires on the exterior of the building, and is supplied with power from the AC power source 13. Note that Fig. 1 shows an example of a case in which power is supplied from the AC power source 13 to the flame detector 12 via the wireless alarm slave unit 11.

[0024] Here, in the first embodiment, "outside the building" refers to a location other than the interior of the building itself, such as under the eaves or under the edge of the building, which is suitable for detecting a fire on the exterior of the building.

[0025] Because the flame detector 12 is installed outside a building, it is desirable for it to have a waterproof function to prevent rainwater, etc. from entering the inside of the device. However, if the flame detector 12 is installed under an eaves or the like where it is less susceptible to the effects of rainwater, etc., a waterproof function is not essential. Also, even if the flame detector 12 is to have a waterproof function, it is possible to provide a simple waterproof function instead of a complete waterproof function.

[0026] The wireless alarm slave unit 11 installed indoors of a building is connected via wires to each of N flame detectors 12(1) to 12(N) installed outdoors of the building. When the flame detector 12 detects the occurrence of a flame, it outputs a detection signal to the wireless alarm slave unit 11.

[0027] When the wireless alarm slave unit 11 receives a detection signal from any of the flame detectors 12, it transmits a fire signal indicating that a fire has occurred in the building being monitored to the wireless alarm master unit 21 as a wireless signal.

[0028] Next, there will be described the communications control unit 20. The communications control unit 20 comprises a wireless alarm master unit 21, an AC power source 23, and a receiver 24.

[0029] The wireless alarm master unit 21 is located away from the building to be monitored, installed indoors at the facility where a monitor etc. is present, and is supplied with power from an AC power source 23. The receiver 24 is also installed indoors at the facility, and is connected to the wireless alarm master unit 21 by wire, and is supplied with power from the AC power source 23. Note that Figure 1 shows an example of a case where power is supplied from the AC power source 23 to the receiver 24 via the wireless alarm master unit 21.

[0030] The wireless alarm master unit 21 determines that a fire has occurred in a building where no one is normally present by receiving a fire signal transmitted as a wireless signal from the wireless alarm slave unit 11. Furthermore, when the wireless alarm master unit 21 determines that a fire has occurred, the receiver 24 receives an activation signal from the wireless alarm master unit 21 and is able to notify an external device of the occurrence of a fire by sounding an alarm, displaying on a panel, etc. Furthermore, it is also able to transmit an alarm signal via the network 30 to an external device to notify that a fire has occurred in the building.

[0031] As a result, the server 40 and the mobile terminals 50(1) to 50(L), which correspond to external devices, can receive the notification signal via the network 30, and can learn that a fire has broken out in a building that is the subject of fire monitoring.

[0032] Based on the above-mentioned basic configuration shown in Fig. 1, the system configuration including a specific geographical arrangement will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each component included in the fire alarm system according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with the geographical arrangement.

[0033] In Fig. 2, shrines 1 and 2 are shown as examples of buildings that are normally unoccupied, along with shrine office 3, which is located away from shrines 1 and 2 and has a guard or other personnel present. In the example of Fig. 2, shrine 2 is located on top of a mountain several hundred meters away from shrine office 3, and shrine 1 is located closer to shrine office 3 than shrine 2.

[0034] Shrine 1 is provided with detection unit 10(1), shrine 2 is provided with detection unit 10(2), and shrine office 3 is provided with communications control unit 20. Specifically, at shrine 1, alarm slave unit 11 is provided inside shrine 1, and two flame detectors 12(1) and 12(2) are provided outside under the eaves of shrine 1. Similarly, at shrine 2, alarm slave unit 11 is provided inside shrine 2, and two flame detectors 12(1) and 12(2) are provided outside under the eaves of shrine 2.

[0035] Additionally, in the shrine office 3, a wireless alarm master unit 21 and a receiver 24 are provided inside the shrine office 3.

[0036] The shrine 1 and the shrine office 3 are located relatively close to each other, and the wireless alarm slave unit 11 in the shrine 1 and the wireless alarm master unit 21 in the shrine office 3 are configured to be able to directly communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0037] Meanwhile, the shrine 2 and the shrine office 3 are located relatively far apart, several hundred metres apart, as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the wireless alarm slave unit 11 in the shrine 2 and the wireless alarm master unit 21 in the shrine office 3 cannot directly communicate wirelessly with each other. In such a case, it may be possible to provide a repeater that acts as a relay, transferring the wireless signal received from the wireless alarm slave unit 11 to the wireless alarm master unit 21.

[0038] Specifically, a wireless repeater 60 not shown in Figure 1 is provided between the shrine 2 and the shrine office 3, and an AC power source 63 for supplying power to the wireless repeater 60. By adopting such a configuration, the wireless alarm slave unit 11 in the shrine 2 and the wireless alarm master unit 21 in the shrine office 3 can communicate wirelessly with each other via the wireless repeater 60. If the wireless repeater 60 is to be installed outdoors, it is recommended that it be placed in a waterproof box made of resin, for example.

[0039] Next, a case where flame detector 12 is attached to a shrine, which is an example of a building that is a cultural asset, will be described. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example where flame detector 12 is attached to a shrine in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Shrines and the like generally have roofs with large eaves portions, and flame detector 12 is attached to the eaves portion of this roof. As shown in Fig. 3, by attaching flame detectors 12(1), 12(2) to the eaves portion, external light such as sunlight is not incident on flame detectors 12(1), 12(2), and false alarms are prevented. However, to more reliably block external light, a light-shielding cover may be attached to flame detectors 12(1), 12(2) before they are installed under the eaves.

[0041] Also, as shown in Fig. 3, in the case of shrines with raised floor structures, the flame detectors 12(3) and 12(4) may be installed under the veranda (under the floor) rather than under the eaves. Even in this case, as long as the flame detectors 12(3) and 12(4) are installed facing the ground (downward), false alarms due to external light can be prevented. Furthermore, the flame detectors 12(3) and 12(4) installed under the veranda (under the floor) can quickly and reliably detect a fire in the building caused by arson or sparks flying under the veranda.

[0042] In this way, the flame detectors 12(1)-12(4) are attached to the building, which is the object to be protected, in places that are not easily seen by people so as not to spoil the beauty of the building. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the flame detectors 12(1)-12(4) are installed at multiple positions at different heights in the height direction of the building, thereby eliminating blind spots to be monitored and reliably detecting the occurrence of a fire.

[0043] Additionally, the flame detectors 12(1) and 12(2) installed under the eaves are installed so that the field of view of the sensor unit faces toward the center of the building. This is to prevent them from detecting flames from lighters held by tourists who come to see the building, and to enable quick and reliable detection of fire in the building caused by arson or flying sparks.

[0044] In order to monitor the entire building, it is desirable to install multiple flame detectors 12 all around the building so that the monitoring fields of two or more flame detectors 12 overlap each other. Note that instead of installing flame detectors 12 directly on the building, a pole higher than the building may be installed near the building, and flame detectors 12 may be installed on the pole so that the roof of the building can be monitored.

[0045] The features of the fire alarm system having the layout shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 can be summarized as follows: Configuration 1 to Configuration 4, and Effect 1 to Effect 4 can be achieved. (Configuration 1) Flame detector 12 is provided under the eaves of shrine 1 or shrine 2 (outside the building). (Effect 1) By adopting a configuration in which the flame detector 12 is placed outside the building in this way, it is possible to make it less susceptible to the effects of rainwater. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the flame detector 12 is placed outside the shrine 1 or shrine 2, it is possible to more reliably detect fires on the exterior. (Configuration 2) A wireless alarm slave unit 11 is provided inside the building which is shrine 1 or shrine 2, which receives via wired connection the detection signal transmitted from a flame detector 12 and transmits a fire signal as a wireless signal to a wireless alarm master unit 21 to notify that a fire has occurred in the building. (Effect 2) By adopting a configuration in which the flame detector 12 is connected to the wireless alarm sub-unit 11 by wire and can be supplied with AC power, unlike wireless flame detectors, a stable power supply can be established without having to worry about battery life or battery replacement, and reliable operation can be guaranteed. (Configuration 3) A wireless alarm master unit 21 that receives wireless signals is provided in a shrine office 3 away from the building that is shrine 1 or shrine 2. (Effect 3) By adopting a configuration in which a wireless signal notifying of a fire can be received at a remote location in this manner, even if there is no one at Shrine 1 or Shrine 2, which are cultural properties, the wireless signal notifying of a fire can be received by wireless alarm master unit 21 in office 3, and the administrator in office 3 can be reliably notified that a fire has occurred at the cultural property. (Configuration 4) If the distance between the wireless alarm parent unit 21 and the wireless alarm child unit 11 is greater than the allowable distance for direct wireless communication, a wireless repeater 60 capable of relaying wireless communication is provided between the wireless alarm parent unit 21 and the wireless alarm child unit 11. (Effect 4) By utilizing this type of relay function, a wireless communication system can be easily constructed via the wireless repeater 60, even if the wireless alarm parent unit is installed at a distance where it cannot directly receive wireless signals from the wireless alarm slave unit 11.

[0046] According to the fire alarm system of the present embodiment 1, by combining configurations 1 to 3, it is possible to obtain effects 1 to 3. Furthermore, according to the fire alarm system of the present embodiment 1, by further including configuration 4, it is possible to obtain effect 4. As a result, it is possible to realize a fire alarm system suitable for detecting fires on the exterior of buildings where no one is usually present. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1, 2 Shrine (building), 3 Shrine office (equipment), 10 Detection unit, 11 Wireless alarm slave unit (alarm slave unit), 12 Flame detector, 13 AC power supply, 20 communication control unit, 21 wireless alarm parent unit (alarm parent unit), 23 AC power supply, 24 receivers, 30 internet communication networks, 40 servers, 50 mobile terminals, 60 Wireless repeater, 63 AC power supply.

Claims

1. a flame detector that is installed outside a building and outputs a fire signal when it detects that a fire has occurred; and an alarm slave unit that is installed inside the building and that outputs a signal notifying that a fire has occurred in the building when it receives the fire signal from the flame detector, A fire alarm system characterized in that the flame detector is installed under the edge of the building.

2. 2. The fire alarm system according to claim 1, wherein the flame detector is installed at a plurality of positions at different heights in a height direction of the building, namely, under the eaves and under the veranda.

3. 3. The fire alarm system according to claim 2, wherein a light-shielding cover is attached to the flame detector installed under the eaves to prevent external light such as sunlight from entering the detector and to prevent false alarms.

4. A fire alarm system as described in claim 2, characterized in that the flame detector installed under the eaves is installed so that the field of view of the sensor unit faces toward the center of the building to prevent it from detecting flames from lighters held by tourists, etc.

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