Heat sensor

Abstract

To easily identify a type of a sensor without spoiling appearance, from a remote position and from an arbitrary direction in a situation of being installed on the ceiling, etc.SOLUTION: In a heat sensor with a light transmission member (16) which performs actuation display centering on a heat sensitive element (15), a pattern representing a type of the heat sensor is provided on the surface of the light transmission member by partially or wholly forming a coat (18) in a color of the same system as surface colors of housings (12, 13). The coat in the color of the same system of the surface colors of the housings is further constituted to have light transmissivity or a light shielding property.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat detector that detects heat accompanying a fire or the like, and particularly to a technique that is effective when it is desired to be able to identify the type (classification) of a heat detector. [Background technology]

[0002] Fire detectors come in a variety of types, including heat detectors that use heat-sensing elements such as thermistors, smoke detectors with photoelectric elements that detect smoke generated by fires, and infrared detectors with infrared sensors that detect infrared radiation emitted by flames. Furthermore, even if fire detectors of the same type have the same basic structure, they may differ in their detection methods or be waterproof or non-waterproof. Therefore, when installing fire detectors in a building, it is necessary to confirm the type of fire detector before installation. Furthermore, after installing the detectors, there may be times when you want to check the type of detector to ensure it is properly installed, and it is therefore necessary to be able to check the type of detector from a distance. Therefore, in the past, a sticker identifying the type (category) of the fire detector has been affixed to the surface of the fire detector housing, or the color of the insect screen has been changed to make it easier to identify, as in the invention described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, many fire detectors have a white-based housing (case) so that they are less noticeable when not triggering an alarm.

[0003] On the other hand, fire detectors are equipped with an operation indicator light that lights up or flashes when a fire is detected or when operation is confirmed during inspection, etc., and this operation indicator light is required to be highly visible when installed on, for example, a ceiling surface. Among fire detectors, heat detectors that use thermistors are generally configured to detect the occurrence of a fire by disposing the thermistor as a heat-sensing element in the center of a dome-shaped housing, and attaching the housing to the ceiling or other surface of a building with the thermistor facing downward. A window is provided in part of the fire detector body (housing), and the light-emitting display of the operation indicator light can be seen through the window (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Some fire detectors are also configured so that the head of a bullet-shaped LED (light-emitting diode) is directly exposed on the surface of the fire detector body (see, for example, Figure 9 of Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 02-123690 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-175860 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-180273 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, if a type (category) identification sticker that does not take into account the color of the casing is affixed to the casing of a fire detector or if the color of the insect screen is changed, a color different from the surface color of the casing will be used.Therefore, when the fire detector is installed on a ceiling or the like, the type (category) identification sticker or the insect screen with a changed color will stand out because its color is different from the surface color of the casing, and there is a problem that even if a color that matches the environment is used as the surface color of the casing, this will disrupt the harmony of the appearance of the installed detector.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat detector that can identify the type (category) of a heat detector without impairing the appearance. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat detector that is installed on a ceiling or the like and whose type (category) can be easily identified from a distance and from any direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides: In a heat detector having a light-transmitting member that indicates operation of a heat-sensing element, A pattern indicating the type of heat detector is provided on the surface of the light transmitting member by forming a coating of the same color as the surface color of the housing, either partially or entirely.

[0008] According to a heat detector having the above-described configuration, it becomes possible to identify the type (category) of the detector without damaging the appearance.

[0009] Preferably, the coating has a color similar to that of the surface of the housing and is translucent.

[0010] According to the heat detector configured as described above, when the light emitting portion emits light, the coating portion also emits light, so that the pattern indicating the type of heat detector can be made less noticeable when light is emitted.

[0011] Alternatively, the coating may have a color similar to that of the surface of the housing and may have a light-blocking property.

[0012] According to the heat detector configured as described above, when the light emitting portion emits light, the coating portion does not emit light, so that the pattern indicating the type can be recognized when light is emitted.

[0013] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a light source on the back side of the light-transmitting member that emits light in a color corresponding to the type, and the light-transmitting member takes in light from the light source and transmits it through everything except the coating portion that is formed partially or entirely, and emits the light to the front side, thereby indicating the type based on the shape of the pattern and the color of the emitted light.

[0014] According to the heat detector configured as described above, the coating portion does not emit light when the light emitting portion emits light, so that the type can be identified not only by the pattern but also by the color of the light emitted when light is emitted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The heat detector of the present invention, when installed on a ceiling or the like, can avoid the problem of the identification mark being obscured by the fins or pillars of the protector that protects the heat sensing element depending on the viewing direction, making it easy to identify the type from any direction. Furthermore, the detector as a whole blends in with the surrounding color, making it inconspicuous and not damaging the appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a heat detector, in which (A) is a front cross-sectional view and (B) is a perspective view. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B show a detailed configuration example of an inner cover that constitutes the heat detector of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with (A) and (B) being cross-sectional views of different parts. [Figure 3] 1. (A) to (D) are perspective views of the inner cover showing examples of combinations of patterns constituting the type identification mark in the heat detector of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a heat detector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A is a side view of a heat detector according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure thereof. [Figure 6] 10 is a perspective view of an inner cover showing another example of the configuration of the type identification mark provided on the inner cover constituting the heat detector. FIG. [Figure 7] 10(A) to 10(F) are diagrams showing examples of patterns constituting the type identification mark in a heat detector of another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a heat detector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the figure, the floor side of the heat detector in its installed state will be referred to as the upper side, and the ceiling side as the lower side. FIG. 1(A) shows a front cross-sectional view of a heat detector according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1(B) shows a perspective view of the heat detector according to an embodiment. The heat detector 10 of this embodiment is a detector that uses a thermistor as a heat sensing element and can detect a fire by detecting the change in electrical resistance that occurs when air heated by the heat generated by a fire comes into contact with the thermistor, and is configured to be installed and used on the ceiling surface of a building, etc.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the heat detector 10 of this embodiment comprises a cylindrical main body case 11 with a bottom and an accommodating recess 11A for accommodating heat-sensing components and which can be connected to a base member attached to the ceiling surface of a building, an outer cover 12 which has a protector part in the center that covers the tip of the thermistor and covers the entire opening side of the main body case 11, and a decorative cover 13 which covers the peripheral part of the outer cover 12 and hides the mounting screws and wiring on the ceiling surface, and the main body case 11 and outer cover 12 form a housing with an internal accommodating space.

[0019] The heat detector 10 of this embodiment also includes a circuit board 14 accommodated in the accommodation recess 11A of the main body case 11, a thermistor 15 mounted on the circuit board 14, and an inner cover 16 having a cylindrical portion 16a with an insertion hole through which the thermistor 15 can be inserted and disposed so that its upper end is in contact with the surface of the circuit board 14, a cone-shaped portion 16b that widens downward from the cylindrical portion 16a, and a flange portion 16c provided at the lower end of the cone-shaped portion 16b. By including the cone-shaped portion 16b, the inner cover 16 is prevented from protruding downward (toward the floor) from the wall where it is installed, and this prevents it from affecting the airflow toward the thermistor 15.

[0020] The circuit board 14 is made up of a printed wiring board on whose top and bottom surfaces electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and ICs (semiconductor integrated circuits) that make up the electronic circuit for fire detection are mounted, and the tips of the lead terminals of thermistor 15 penetrate the circuit board 14 at approximately the center of the circuit board 14 and protrude from the opposite surface, and are connected by flow soldering or the like. In the heat detector of this embodiment, the outer cover 12 and the decorative cover 13 are made of white resin, and the thermistor 15 has a surface coated with white paint such as epoxy resin. If the color of the housing and the color of the thermistor coating are similar, the color should be one that easily reflects the color of the indicator light.

[0021] Since the ceilings on which fire detectors are installed are often white or white-based, installing a white-based fire detector can make the detector less conspicuous. However, many conventional heat detectors use black thermistors, which are mounted facing downward in the center of the housing and protected by a protector. Furthermore, to more easily capture hot air currents, the protector has radial fins centered on the thermistor. Therefore, while the detector itself may be inconspicuous, conventional heat detectors have a problem in that the black thermistor stands out, making the detector less compatible with the surrounding colors. Therefore, when using a white housing for the detector body, as in the heat detector of this embodiment, it is preferable to use a thermistor 15 with a white surface color.

[0022] On the other hand, the outer cover 12 has a circular opening 12A formed in its center, at least a portion of which abuts (abuts in an overlapping manner) against the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16, and a ring-shaped head portion 12B is provided located below the inner cover 16, and the thermistor 15 is arranged so that the head of the thermistor 15 reaches close to the head portion 12B. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1(B), a plurality of (e.g., six) radially arranged partition walls (fins) 12C are formed between the ring-shaped head portion 12B and the lower wall of the outer cover 12, and openings that function as inlets that allow outside air to flow into the case are provided between these partition walls 12C. The head portion 12B and the partition walls 12C form a protector portion. Here, the partition walls 12C may be plate-shaped.

[0023] In the heat detector of this embodiment, the inner cover 16 having the cone-shaped portion 16b is made of a light-transmitting material such as polycarbonate resin, and an LED (light-emitting diode) 17 for indicating an operating state is mounted at a position corresponding to the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16. The LED 17 emits light of a color (e.g., red) different from that of the housing. A light-guiding portion 16e formed as a recess is provided at a position facing the LED 17 on the back surface of the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16.

[0024] Additionally, a light reflecting portion 16f is provided on the surface of the flange 16c opposite the light guiding portion 16e (the bottom surface in the figure). The light reflecting portion 16f is configured as a recess (groove) with a V-shaped cross section when viewed from the side. Light from the LED 17 entering the light guiding portion 16e is reflected by the light reflecting portion 16f and guided through the flange 16c of the inner cover 16 to the entire inner cover 16, where it is emitted from the inner cover 16, indicating that the sensor is activated. The light emitted from the inner cover 16 is emitted to the outside through the radially arranged partition walls 12C, making it visible from all directions 360 degrees, improving the visibility of the operation indicator light. Note that the number of LEDs 17 is not limited to one; two or more LEDs of different colors may be used.

[0025] Furthermore, in the heat detector of this embodiment, the light emitted from the mortar-shaped portion 16b and the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16 hits the surface of the central white thermistor 15 and is reflected, allowing the thermistor 15 to also function as a display portion, thereby increasing the apparent area of ​​the luminous display and widening the visible direction. Specifically, if the thermistor 15 is a typical black color, it will partially obscure the cone-shaped portion 16b of the inner cover 16, and the light from the operation indicator that hits the thermistor 15 will be absorbed, reducing the amount of light. However, if the surface of the thermistor 15 is a color that easily reflects the light emitted by the indicator, such as white, the light (e.g., red) emitted from the cone-shaped portion 16b will hit the surface of the thermistor 15 and be reflected, preventing a reduction in the amount of light and making the light-emitting state more visible. It is preferable to give the surface of the thermistor 15 a matte finish (a process that diffuses reflection) rather than a glossy finish. This causes the light from the cone-shaped portion 16b and the flange portion 16c to be diffusely reflected by the surface of the thermistor 15, making the light-emitting state more visible.

[0026] Furthermore, the heat detector of this embodiment employs a structure in which resin 19 is filled inside cylindrical portion 16a of inner cover 16. This allows high-pressure air to enter the housing (the circuit board storage space inside main body case 11) through a hole formed in the ceiling surface for passing wiring, etc., and then flow out through the gap between cylindrical portion 16a of inner cover 16 and thermistor 15, creating a cylindrical airflow layer around thermistor 15. This airflow prevents the inflow of hot air to thermistor 15 from being obstructed, and prevents water from adhering to thermistor 15, which can easily cause dust to accumulate and reduce the heat detection function. Furthermore, by using a white resin as the filling resin 19, the color of the inside of cylindrical portion 16a (e.g., the color of the circuit board surface) is obscured by resin 19 when viewed from the outside. Note that the filling resin 19 does not necessarily have to be white; a white coating may be formed on the surface of the resin after filling.

[0027] Next, the details of the inner cover 16 constituting the heat detector of the embodiment in Fig. 1 will be described using Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the cross-sectional shape of the inner cover 16 in a vertical plane passing through its center, and (A) and (B) respectively show the cross-sectional shapes of the inner cover 16 at different angular positions. 2(A), inner cover 16 is formed of a light-transmitting material, a concave light-guiding portion 16e is formed on the back surface of flange 16c, and LED 17 is mounted on circuit board 14 so as to face light-guiding portion 16e. In addition, a light-reflecting portion 16f is provided on the surface of flange 16c opposite light-guiding portion 16e, and light emitted from LED 17 is incident on light-guiding portion 16e, reflected by light-reflecting portion 16f, and guided from flange 16c to the entire inner cover 16.

[0028] A white coating 18, which is the same color as the outer cover 12, is formed on the inner surface (the lower surface in FIG. 2) of the conical portion 16b of the inner cover 16. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the inner cover 16 is provided with two locking pieces 16d, 16d that protrude vertically upward from the flange portion 16c (facing upward in FIG. 2, toward the circuit board 14). Claw portions are formed at the tips of the locking pieces 16d, 16d, and the inner cover 16 is joined to the circuit board 14 by engaging with locking holes formed at predetermined positions on the circuit board 14. Although this embodiment shows the case where two locking pieces are provided, three locking pieces may also be provided. Furthermore, the locking pieces 16d may be provided on the back surface of the funnel-shaped portion 16b rather than on the back surface of the flange portion 16c.

[0029] Next, a method for attaching a type identification mark to a heat detector of the present invention will be described using Figure 3. (Note that in the following description, the type of detector will be referred to as the type.) The type identification mark in a heat detector of the present invention is formed by forming a concentric multiple ring pattern (annual ring pattern) on the inner cover 16 having the cone-shaped portion 16b, and the type can be identified by the combination of the number and position of the rings. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the type identification mark. In this embodiment, in order to be able to distinguish between the four types of sensors, any one of the models is provided with ring-shaped patterns P1 and P2 constituting a type identification mark at two locations: the inner edge of the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16 and an intermediate height position of the cone-shaped portion 16b, as shown in Fig. 3(A). Note that in Figs. 3(A) and (B), the hatched area is the portion covered by the edge of the opening of the outer cover 12. Also, the locking piece 16d is not shown in Fig. 3.

[0030] On the other hand, the inner cover 16 of other models includes one in which the ring-shaped pattern P1 is provided only on the inner edge of the flange portion 16c as shown in Fig. 3(B), one in which the ring-shaped pattern P2 is provided only on the mid-height position of the cone-shaped portion 16b as shown in Fig. 3(C), and one in which neither the pattern P1 nor the pattern P2 is provided as shown in Fig. 3(D). In other words, the surface of the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16 is the first ring-shaped pattern forming area, and the inner surface of the cone-shaped portion 16b is the second ring-shaped pattern forming area. In this embodiment, as described above, by applying ink or paint to the mortar-shaped portion 16b and the flange portion 16c so that different shape patterns are formed for each type of heat detector, the painted area becomes patterns P1 and P2, which can be used as marks to make it possible to distinguish the type of heat detector. In addition, since the area outside the ring-shaped pattern P1 in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) is covered with an outer cover, areas other than those used for the ring-shaped pattern do not need to be painted. Specifically, it is possible to distinguish between four types of sensors depending on whether they are (a) special type or type 2, and (b) waterproof or non-waterproof.

[0031] Furthermore, because the type identification mark is made up of ring-shaped patterns P1 and P2, even if the mark is partially hidden by the fins 12C of the protector part covering the front, the state of formation of the patterns P1 and P2 can be reliably seen through the gaps between the fins, since the mark is formed on the inner cover 16. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for a specific viewing direction for the type identification mark. Pattern P1 may be formed by not applying ink or paint to the surface of flange 16c of inner cover 16, or may be formed by covering the outside of pattern P1 in FIG. 3(B) with the edge of opening 12A of outer cover 12 shown in FIG. 1, with the inner edge of the upper surface of flange 16c exposed through opening 12A. FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the flange is not painted. Also, as an example, two ring-shaped patterns are provided as type identification marks, but the number of ring-shaped patterns provided on cone-shaped portion 16b may be increased.

[0032] Furthermore, in the heat detector of this embodiment, the coating 18 on the surface of the cone-shaped portion 16b of the inner cover 16 is relatively thin and translucent, so that when the LED 17 is turned on, light is emitted from the entire inner cover 16, indicating that the detector is in operation. At this time, the difference in brightness between the coating 18 and the ring-shaped patterns P1 and P2, which are the painted portions, is small, making the identification mark less visible. In other words, the ring-shaped patterns for type identification can be made less noticeable during the activation indication.

[0033] Furthermore, when the heat detector is installed on a ceiling or the like and the LED 17 is turned off, the inside of the flange 16c of the inner cover 16 is in shadow, making the whole look grayish, making the pattern P1 less noticeable. On the other hand, when the heat detector is installed on a ceiling or the like and a light is shone on it to check the type, the white coating 18 is provided on the inside of the flange 16c, and in areas where ink or paint is present, the light is diffused and brightened by the surface of the coating 18, making the relatively dark patterns P1 and P2 clearly visible.

[0034] In the above embodiment, four types of sensors are identified by the combination of only two ring-shaped patterns P1 and P2. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 3(D), some sensors may not have either pattern P1 or P2, making them indistinguishable from conventional sensors to which the above embodiment is not applied. Therefore, in addition to the LED (red) 17 originally intended for indicating the operating status, an LED of a different color (e.g., blue) for identifying the type may be mounted on the circuit board 14, and the four types of sensors may be identified by the combination of the two patterns P1 and P2 and the LED's color. Specifically, the types can be displayed in four ways: "two patterns + red LED," "two patterns + blue LED," "one outer or inner pattern + red LED," or "one outer or inner pattern + blue LED." If the coating 18 on the surface of the cone-shaped portion 16b of the inner cover 16 is given a light-blocking property, it will be possible to check the pattern and the color of the LED simultaneously while the operation is being displayed (operation confirmation + type confirmation). To give the coating 18 a light-blocking property, methods such as applying a thick coat of paint or a light-blocking paint can be used. As an example of a method for forming (applying) the coating 18, there is a method in which paint is applied (a coating is formed) to the conical portion 16b and the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16 using a stamp.

[0035] According to the above embodiment, the size of the ring-shaped pattern can be secured to a maximum size of the opening 12A of the outer cover 12 (in this embodiment, the diameter is approximately 20 mm), and the identification mark can be enlarged in an inconspicuous manner compared to the approximately 8 mm of conventional stickers indicating the type, thereby improving visibility when checking the type from an oblique direction with the sensor installed. Furthermore, the line width of the ring-shaped pattern P1 on the flange portion 16c is made thicker than the line width of the ring-shaped pattern P2 on the cone-shaped portion 16b. This is because, for example, when a worker approximately 170 cm tall visually inspects the fire detector from directly below, the ceiling height is approximately 2.4 m (the standard ceiling height for apartment buildings is 2.1 m or higher, with the recent average being around 2.4 m), and the distance from the visual position to the fire detector is short, approximately 1 m, so a thin line width of the pattern is sufficient for sufficient inspection. However, when inspection is required from an oblique direction away from directly below the fire detector, the visual position moves away from directly below the fire detector, and the appearance of the pattern relative to the line of sight changes depending on the angle of inclination (departure from a direct angle). That is, the inner surface of the cone-shaped portion 16b approaches a direct angle relative to the line of sight, while the surface of the flange portion 16c moves away from a direction directly opposite the line of sight, making it difficult to see. Therefore, when considering confirmation from an oblique direction, the distance required for confirmation becomes longer, so it is better to make the line width of the ring-shaped pattern P1 provided on the flange portion 16c thicker than the line width P2 of the ring-shaped pattern provided on the mortar-shaped portion 16b.

[0036] Next, a second example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the heat detector of the second example, Figure 5(A) is a side view, and Figure 5(B) is a cross-sectional view. The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same numbers and will be described below. The heat detector of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 is configured as an embedded type detector, and the outer cover 12 has a cylindrical portion 12E in which the thermistor 15 and a circuit board on which a detection circuit is mounted are housed, a plate-shaped flange portion 12F, and a protector portion 12G that protects the thermistor 15.The cylindrical portion 12E is inserted into an opening formed in a ceiling surface or the like, and the back surface of the flange portion 12F is joined to the ceiling surface to be installed.

[0037] A pair of elastic wings 21A, 21B, one end of which is fixed to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 12E, extend obliquely upward from the back surface of the flange portion 12F of the outer cover 12. These elastic wings 21A, 21B are made of an elastically deformable spring material, and when both ends are pinched by fingers and inserted into an opening formed in a ceiling surface or the like, and the fingers are released, they return to the state shown in Fig. 4, and the spring force allows the back surface of the flange portion 12F of the outer cover 12 to be joined and fixed to the ceiling surface. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 5(B), a circuit board 14 on which thermistor 15 and components constituting the detection circuit are mounted is housed within the cylindrical portion 12E, and an inner cover 16 having a funnel-shaped portion 16b is installed to surround the thermistor 15.

[0038] In the heat detector of the second embodiment, as shown in a partially enlarged view in FIG. 5(B), a rib 16g, which is continuous with the mortar-shaped portion 16b and has a rounded top, is provided on the surface (the underside in the figure) of the inner edge of the flange portion 16c of the inner cover 16. The coating 18 is formed on the inner half of the rib 16g, i.e., up to the rib top R. The rib 16g is ring-shaped when viewed from above (from the floor side). Therefore, the area extending from the outer half of the rib 16g's top to the edge of the opening 12A of the outer cover 12 forms the type identification pattern P1. The elastic wing pieces 21A and 21B are not shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] As described above, by forming the rib 16g, the light emitting area of ​​the inner cover 16 can be increased when the LED 17 for informing the operating state is turned on, thereby improving visibility. In addition, because the top of rib 16g is rounded, the angle of spread of light emitted from the edge of cone-shaped portion 16b can be made larger than if it were flat, and when the sensor installed on the ceiling or the like is viewed from a distant angle (other than directly below), the visible range of cone-shaped portion 16b as a light-emitting portion including the rib is widened, thereby improving visibility. Furthermore, because the top of rib 16g is rounded, it is possible to prevent disruption of the flow of air passing between fins 12C, 12C toward thermistor 15.

[0040] In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the rib 16g has a rounded top, but a rib with a non-rounded, mountain-shaped cross section (a rib with an apex angle) may also be formed. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the rib 16g is formed so as to be continuous with the cone-shaped portion 16b, but the rib 16g may be formed at a position slightly outside the edge of the cone-shaped portion 16b. Furthermore, the area where the coating 18 is formed is not limited to the top R of the rib 16g, and the coating 18 may be formed to any desired extent depending on whether it is desired to highlight the identification pattern or the display portion. Furthermore, if no coating 18 is formed on the surface of the rib 16g, the apex (ridge) may be configured to coincide with the edge of the opening 12A of the outer cover 12. This allows the inclined surface 12a (see FIG. 4) at the edge of the opening 12A to be continuous with the inner surface of the rib 16g, preventing the rib 16g from disrupting the flow of air passing between the fins 12C toward the thermistor 15. The edge of the opening 12A of the outer cover 12 does not obscure the rib 16g, i.e., the pattern P1.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows another example of a pattern constituting the type identification mark. In this embodiment, in addition to the concentrically arranged ring-shaped patterns P1 and P2 in the above embodiment, a linear pattern P3 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the patterns P1 and P2, i.e., in the radial direction. It is desirable to form the pattern P3 so that it is positioned between the fins 12C of the protector portion of the sensor shown in FIG. 1. This prevents the pattern P3 from being obscured by the fin 12C and becoming difficult to see. It is also desirable to form the width of the pattern P3 to be wider than the width of the fin 12C. Furthermore, although there are two patterns P3 in FIG. 6, three or more patterns may be provided.

[0042] As described above, by providing two ring-shaped patterns P1 and P2 and a radial pattern P3, it is possible to identify up to eight different models by combining them. Specifically, it is possible to identify six types of sensors, for example, according to whether they are (a) special type or type 2, (b) waterproof or non-waterproof, and (c) differential or constant temperature. Figures 7(A) to 7(F) show examples of type identification marks that combine the three patterns P1, P2, and P3. Here, a differential heat detector is a detector that determines that a fire has occurred when it detects a sudden rise in temperature, while a constant temperature heat detector is a detector that determines that a fire has occurred when it detects that the ambient temperature has reached a certain level or higher.

[0043] In addition to the classifications (types) shown in (a) to (c) above, there are other ways of classification such as "R-type compatible or P-type compatible" and "with or without automatic test function." If the number of types of sensors increases, it is possible to distinguish between the types by providing LEDs of different light colors for confirming the type on the circuit board 14 as described above, and combining the three patterns P1, P2, P3 with the light colors of the LEDs, or by increasing the number of ring-shaped patterns provided on the mortar-shaped portion 16b to two or three. Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a heat detector, but it can also be used in other types of detectors, such as a heat smoke detector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 10 heat detector 11 Main unit case 12 Outer cover 13 Makeup cover 14 Circuit Board 15 Thermistor (heat-sensing element) 16 Inner cover 16a Cylindrical part 16b Funnel-shaped part 16c Tsubabe 16d Locking piece 16e Light guiding part 16f Reflector 16g rib 17 LED (light emitting element) 18 Coating 19 Filled Resin 21A, 21B Elastic winglets

Claims

1. A heat detector having a light-transmitting member that provides an operation indication centered on a heat-sensing element, A heat detector characterized in that a pattern indicating the type of heat detector is provided on the surface of the light-transmitting member by forming a coating of the same color as the surface color of the housing, partially or entirely.

2. The heat detector according to claim 1, wherein the coating, which has the same color as the surface color of the housing, is translucent.

3. The heat detector according to claim 1, wherein the coating, which has the same color as the surface color of the housing, has a light-blocking property.

4. A heat detector as described in claim 3, characterized in that a light source that emits light in a color corresponding to the type is provided on the back side of the light-transmitting member, and the light-transmitting member captures light from the light source and transmits it through all but the coating portion that is formed partially or entirely, and emits the light to the front side, thereby indicating the type based on the shape of the pattern and the color of the emitted light.

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