Fire sensor

Abstract

To solve the problem that an operation of an inspection test cannot be performed quickly since an internal voltage V of a fire sensor is unlikely to decrease when the fire sensor is removed from a power supply and the fire sensor is immediately connected to an inspection tester in order to perform the inspection test, a communication mode cannot be shifted to the communication mode for the inspection test.SOLUTION: A fire sensor is connected to an inspection tester by being removed from an installation part, and includes a sensor for measuring an angular velocity, in which a communication mode for the inspection tester is started when a constant angular change of the fire sensor is detected within a predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable fire detector for testing. [Background technology]

[0002] The Fire Service Act requires that smoke detectors used as fire detectors undergo a sensitivity test once a year. The sensitivity test is performed by a qualified technician using a sensitivity tester such as that shown in Patent Document 1. The sensitivity tester is a type of inspection tester and is shaped like a portable box. As shown in FIG. 1(c), the inspection tester 4 includes a tester body 41 and a fire detector mounting base 42. FIG. 1(a) shows a fire detector 3 mounted on a ceiling mounting base 6 fixed to a ceiling 5 in a normal monitoring state, while FIG. 2(b) shows the fire detector 3 removed from the ceiling mounting base 6. FIG. 1(c) also shows the fire detector 3 mounted on the inspection tester 4. As shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c), the fire detector 3 is removed from its installation location and mounted on the mounting base 42. The inspection test is then performed by measuring the sensitivity of the fire detector 3 in the state shown in FIG. 1(c). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-149160 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The smoke detector, which is the fire detector 3, receives a communication command for inspection and testing from the inspection and testing device 4 and switches to inspection and testing mode. However, if the fire detector 3 switches to inspection and testing mode during normal monitoring while installed on a ceiling or other surface, there is a possibility that it may send an erroneous response to the receiver (not shown). For this reason, the fire detector is prohibited from switching to communication mode during normal monitoring. When the fire detector switches from a power-off state to a power-on state, it detects a voltage rise and switches to communication mode, which permits communication with the inspection and testing device for a fixed period of time. As a result, when the fire detector is attached to the inspection and testing device, power voltage is supplied and communication with the inspection and testing device is permitted for a fixed period of time, such as 30 seconds. If the fire detector 3 receives a communication command for inspection and testing during this permitted period of time, it switches to inspection and testing mode and communicates with the inspection and testing device 4 for inspection and testing.

[0005] However, modern fire detectors consume less power, and the internal voltage V of a fire detector 3 removed from its ceiling mounting base 6 slowly decreases as shown by the horizontal axis 0 to T1 in Figure 2(a) and the horizontal axis 0 to T2 in Figure 2(b). Figure 2 shows the change in the internal voltage V of the fire detector 3 over time immediately after the fire detector 3 is removed from its ceiling mounting base 6 attached to the ceiling 5 at t=0. The vertical axis represents the internal voltage V, and the horizontal axis represents time t. If the fire detector 3 is removed from its ceiling 5 or other location and immediately connected to the tester mounting base 42 of the inspection tester 4, the voltage will change as shown in Figure 2(a). Figure 2(a) shows the change in the internal voltage V over time when the fire detector 3 is removed and connected to the tester mounting base 42 of the inspection tester 4 at time T1. At time T1, the power supply voltage is supplied from the tester main body 41 to the fire detector 3 without causing a significant decrease in the internal voltage V. Therefore, the fire detector 3 does not detect the rising change in the internal voltage V when it changes from a non-supply state to a supply state, and does not enter the communication mode.

[0006] FIG. 2(b) shows the change in internal voltage V over time when the fire detector is removed from the ceiling mounting base 6 and then attached to the tester mounting base 42 of the inspection tester 4 after a sufficient amount of time has passed. At T2, the internal voltage V has dropped sufficiently, and the fire detector 3's internal voltage V rises significantly due to the power supply from the inspection tester 4, causing it to transition to communication mode. The fire detector 3 can then transition to inspection and testing mode in response to a signal from the inspection tester 4. In order for the fire detector 3 to transition to communication mode, it is necessary to wait until the internal voltage V of the fire detector 3 has dropped sufficiently, as at time T2 in FIG. 2(b), before connecting it to the inspection tester 4. As such, in the past, it was not possible to connect the fire detector 3 to the inspection tester 4 until the internal voltage V of the fire detector 3 had dropped sufficiently, which resulted in a long time required for inspection and testing.

[0007] The present invention addresses the problem that the internal voltage V of a fire detector is unlikely to drop when it is removed from the power source, and therefore if the fire detector is immediately connected to an inspection tester to perform an inspection test, it cannot switch to communication mode for the inspection test, making it impossible to perform the inspection test quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a fire detector that is detached from its installation section and connected to an inspection and testing device, and is characterized by having a sensor that measures angular velocity, and initiating a communication mode with the inspection and testing device when a certain angular change of the fire detector is detected within a predetermined time. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is a fire detector that is removed from its installation section and connected to an inspection tester, and is characterized in that it has a magnetic sensor and, when the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field from a magnet provided in the inspection tester, starts a communication mode with the inspection tester. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a fire detector whose internal voltage V is unlikely to drop when disconnected from a power source can be quickly inspected and tested by connecting it to an inspection and testing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the situation where a fire detector is removed and inspected using an inspection tester. [Figure 2] A graph showing the change in the internal voltage of a fire detector when it is removed from the ceiling. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a situation in which a fire detector equipped with a geomagnetic sensor is attached to a ceiling. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a fire detector equipped with a geomagnetic sensor attached to an inspection and testing device. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing the allowable range T of the angle and strength of the magnetic field detected by the geomagnetic sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a fire detector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a ceiling mounting base 6 on a ceiling 5, which is the installation location. The fire detector 1 according to the embodiment is a smoke detector and is a P-type. The fire detector 1 includes a geomagnetic sensor 11, a type of magnetic sensor. Geomagnetic sensors can detect the direction of a magnetic field in the x, y, and z directions of the sensor itself. Geomagnetic sensors are used in smartphones and other devices, and are high-performance, relatively inexpensive devices, making them suitable for use as the magnetic sensor of the present invention. The output of the geomagnetic sensor 11 is detected by a switch device 12. When the switch device 12 is turned on, the control device 13 controls the communication device 14 to initiate a communication mode with the inspection tester 2, which will be described later. Once the communication mode is initiated, the device is ready to perform an inspection test via communication from the inspection tester 2. In the state shown in FIG. 3, the geomagnetic sensor 11 does not detect any specific magnetic field, and the switch device 12 is off. Therefore, the device does not enter communication mode. Even if an operator removes the fire detector 1 from the ceiling mounting base 6 for an inspection test or the like, the geomagnetic sensor 11 does not detect a specific magnetic field before attaching it to the inspection tester 2, the switch device 12 is off, and the device does not go into communication mode. In this embodiment, the geomagnetic sensor 11 is not used to detect geomagnetism, but is used to detect a specific magnetic field, and is set so that geomagnetism is not detected as a specific magnetic field.

[0012] Because the geomagnetic sensor 11 is installed inside the fire detector 1, unlike a switch installed outside the fire detector 1, it cannot be accidentally touched by workers or the like. Furthermore, even if a child brings a magnet close to the fire detector 1 attached to the ceiling mounting base 6, the switch device 12 will not turn on because the direction of the magnetic field will be different from the predetermined direction. As will be described later, the switch device 12 will not turn on unless it detects a specific magnetic field.

[0013] 4 shows a state in which the fire detector 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been removed from the ceiling mounting base 6 on the ceiling 5, where it is installed, and connected to the tester mounting base 22 of the inspection / testing device 2. The fire detector 1 obtains power through its connection to the tester mounting base 22, and is in a power supply state. The geomagnetic sensor 11 detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet 23 and sends the detected magnetic field value to the switch device 12. The switch device 12 determines that the detected magnetic field value is a specific magnetic field and turns on. Then, the control device 13 starts the communication mode using the communication device 14.

[0014] When the fire detector 1 is attached to the ceiling mounting base 6, the geomagnetic sensor 11 is subjected to the geomagnetic field, but the switch device 12 does not turn on due to a magnetic field of geomagnetic strength or the like. When an operator removes the fire detector 1 from the ceiling mounting base 6 for inspection and testing, the fire detector 1 is put into a power-off state. The internal voltage V gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 2. If the fire detector 1 is immediately attached to the tester mounting base 22 of the inspection and testing device 2, the internal voltage V rises as shown in FIG. 2(a) T1. At this time, the geomagnetic sensor 11 of the fire detector 1 detects a specific magnetic field generated by the magnet 23 of the inspection and testing device 2. When the geomagnetic sensor 11 detects the specific magnetic field generated by the magnet 23, the switch device 12 turns on. When the switch device 12 turns on, it enters communication mode and is ready to communicate with the inspection and testing device 2. The inspection and testing device 2 sends a communication command for inspection and testing to the fire detector 1. The fire detector 1 receives the inspection test communication command and transitions to the inspection test mode.

[0015] The magnet 23 of the inspection tester 2 is installed so that its north pole is in the +z direction in Fig. 4. The switch device 12 of the fire detector 1 is turned on when the geomagnetic sensor 11 detects a magnetic field of the north pole in the -z direction in Fig. 4. Then, the control device 13 starts communication with the tester main body 21 via the communication device 14. Considering the magnetic field caused by pranks such as bringing a magnet close, it is preferable that the allowable angle of the north pole direction is small.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the tolerance range T for the angle and strength of the magnetic field detected by the geomagnetic sensor 11. The horizontal axis represents the deviation angle Δθ from the z-direction, and the vertical axis represents the magnetic field strength H. When the angle and strength of the magnetic field detected by the geomagnetic sensor 11 are within the tolerance range T, which is a certain range of the deviation angle Δθ and the magnetic field strength H, the switch device 12 is turned on. If a magnet is brought close as a prank, the probability that the angle and strength of the magnetic field detected by the geomagnetic sensor 11 will be within the tolerance range T, which is a certain range of the deviation angle Δθ and the magnetic field strength H, is low. In this way, the switch device 12 is turned on when the geomagnetic sensor 11 detects a magnetic field of a specific direction and strength. Therefore, the switch device 12 will not be turned on by a magnetic field caused by a prank or the like, and the start of the communication mode is suppressed.

[0017] Furthermore, the detection of the specific magnetic field may be performed over a predetermined detection period, where the angle and strength of the magnetic field are within a tolerance range T, which is a certain range of the deviation angle Δθ and the magnetic field strength H. In this case, detection is performed four times within a predetermined detection period of, for example, one second, and if the deviation angle Δθ and the magnetic field strength H are within the tolerance range T shown in FIG. 5 in all of the detections, the switch device 12 turns on. Even if a magnet is brought close as a prank, the probability that the deviation angle Δθ and the magnetic field strength H will be within the tolerance range T shown in FIG. 5 in all four detections is extremely small. This further prevents communication from being started due to pranks, etc.

[0018] The geomagnetic sensor 11, switch device 12, and control device 13 of the fire detector 1 are activated by the internal voltage V remaining in the fire detector 1. The operable voltage Vd at which these devices can be activated is preferably equal to or lower than the off-voltage Voff at which a rising change in the internal voltage V can be detected when the fire detector 1 changes from a non-supply state to a supply state. Even if the operable voltage Vd is not equal to or lower than the off-voltage Voff, it is preferable that the operable voltage Vd be a voltage close to or lower than the off-voltage Voff. By setting the operable voltage Vd at such a level, the fire detector 1 can be quickly switched to the communication mode even if some time has passed since it was removed from the ceiling mount base 6.

[0019] The magnetic sensor may be provided in the tester body 21 as in the embodiment, or may be provided in the tester mounting base 22. The magnet provided in the inspection tester may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The switch device may be incorporated into the control device and implemented by a program.

[0020] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a geomagnetic sensor is used as the magnetic sensor, but other magnetic sensors or sensors that measure angular velocity, such as a gyro sensor, can also be used. When using a gyro sensor, it is assumed that a method is used in which, when the fire detector 1 is turned upside down to be attached to an inspection tester, the angle and time are detected and communication is permitted. For example, if the state in which the fire detector is attached to the ceiling is defined as 0°, and the state in which the fire detector is removed and turned upside down is defined as 180°, communication can be permitted when the gyro sensor detects an angle change from 120° to 240° within a predetermined time.

[0021] In the embodiment, a fire detector mounted on a ceiling is shown as an example, but it may also be a fire detector installed on a slanted ceiling, a wall, etc. Also, in the embodiment, the fire detector 1 is a P-type smoke detector, but it may also be another fire detector or inspection tester that transitions to communication mode when an internal voltage rises.

[0022] Furthermore, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0023] 1 Fire detector, 11 Geomagnetic sensor, 12 Switch device, 13 Control device, 14 Communication device, 2 inspection tester, 21 tester body, 22 tester mounting base, 23 magnet, 3 fire detector, 4 inspection tester, 41 tester body, 42 tester mounting base, 5 Ceiling, 6 Ceiling mounting base

Claims

1. A fire detector that is removed from the installation section and connected to an inspection and testing device, A sensor for measuring angular velocity is provided. A fire detector characterized in that when the sensor detects a certain angular change of the fire detector within a predetermined time, it starts a communication mode with the inspection / testing device.

2. a magnetic sensor is provided in place of the sensor for measuring angular velocity; 2. A fire detector according to claim 1, wherein a communication mode with said inspection / testing device is initiated when said magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field from a magnet provided in said inspection / testing device.

3. A fire detector that is removed from the installation section and connected to an inspection and testing device, A magnetic sensor is included. A fire detector characterized in that when the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field from a magnet provided in the inspection tester, it starts a communication mode with the inspection tester.

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