Alarm device

Abstract

To provide an alarm capable of outputting an equipment abnormality alarm in a state easily noticed by a person while suppressing power consumption and troublesomeness.SOLUTION: The fire alarm system includes a fire detection part 12 for detecting abnormality, a voice output part 13 and a display part 14 for outputting an alarm, and a control part 10 for executing an automatic test and causing the voice output part 13 and the display part 14 to output a device abnormality alarm when a device abnormality which is a sensitivity abnormality of the abnormality detection part is detected, and the control part 10 causes the voice output part 13 and the display part 14 to output the device abnormality alarm in a first cycle in a first period until a first prescribed time elapses after the device abnormality is detected. In a second period following the first period, the sound output part 13 and the display part 14 are made to output an equipment abnormality alarm in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alarm with automatic testing capabilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, alarm devices that detect abnormalities such as fires or gas leaks and output an alarm have been known. As such alarm devices, alarm devices that notify by voice of equipment abnormalities such as contamination or malfunction of a fire detection unit that detects the abnormality have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-148420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if an appliance abnormality alarm is output to notify a user of an appliance abnormality, it is not guaranteed that the user will notice it immediately, and if the alarm remains unnoticed, the appliance abnormality alarm will continue to be output. Continuous output of an appliance abnormality alarm via audio increases the power consumption of the alarm device, and battery-powered alarm devices will consume the battery more quickly. Continuous audio output can be annoying for people who notice the appliance abnormality alarm until they reach the alarm device. Furthermore, if no one is present in the area where the alarm device is installed, the continuous audio output can be a source of noise for people nearby. Continuous output of an appliance abnormality alarm via display not only increases power consumption as described above, but may also make it more difficult for people to notice the appliance abnormality alarm due to the same display being displayed repeatedly. Thus, when an appliance abnormality alarm is output, it is necessary to minimize power consumption and annoyance while making it easy for people to notice.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an alarm that can output an equipment abnormality alarm in a manner that is easily noticeable to people, while reducing power consumption and annoyance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The alarm device of the present invention comprises an abnormality detection section that detects abnormalities, an alarm output section that outputs an alarm, and a control section that runs an automatic test and, if an equipment abnormality that is a sensitivity abnormality of the abnormality detection section is detected, causes the alarm output section to output an equipment abnormality alarm, wherein the control section causes the alarm output section to output the equipment abnormality alarm at a first cycle during a first period from when the equipment abnormality is detected until a first specified time has elapsed, and causes the alarm output section to output the equipment abnormality alarm at a second cycle that is shorter than the first cycle during a second period that follows the first period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to output a device abnormality alarm in a manner that is easily noticeable to people while suppressing power consumption and annoyance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fire alarm 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the automatic test operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a time chart illustrating the operation of outputting an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the automatic test operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a time chart illustrating the operation of outputting an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm device 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the automatic test operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7]10 is a time chart illustrating the operation of outputting an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm device 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a time chart illustrating the operation of outputting an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a time chart illustrating the battery abnormality alarm output operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the alarm device of the present invention will be described as a fire alarm device. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the device shown in the drawings is an example of the device of the present invention, and the device of the present invention is not limited to the device shown in the drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0010] Embodiment 1 (Configuration of Fire Alarm 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fire alarm 1 according to a first embodiment. The fire alarm 1 is a device that is installed in a room of a building to monitor for fires and output an alarm when a fire is detected. The fire alarm 1 has a control unit 10, a battery 11, a fire detection unit 12, an audio output unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, a memory unit 16, and a battery voltage monitoring unit 17. In this embodiment, the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14 function as an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm.

[0011] The control unit 10 is composed of a dedicated hardware circuit or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in memory. The control unit 10 controls the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14 based on signals input from the fire detection unit 12, the operation unit 15, and the battery voltage monitoring unit 17. The control unit 10 also reads information from the memory unit 16 and writes information to the memory unit 16.

[0012] The battery 11 is, for example, a lithium battery or an alkaline battery, and supplies power to the control unit 10, the fire detection unit 12, the audio output unit 13, the display unit 14, and the memory unit 16. The battery 11 has a voltage adjustment circuit and the like for outputting a power supply voltage appropriate for each load.

[0013] The fire detection unit 12 is an example of an abnormality detection unit that detects abnormalities. The fire detection unit 12 of this embodiment detects a fire by detecting smoke, heat, gas, flames, etc. that are generated in association with a fire. When the fire detection unit 12 detects smoke, it has a photoelectric smoke sensor that emits light toward a smoke detection space formed in the housing and detects smoke by receiving scattered light generated by smoke present in the smoke detection space. When the fire detection unit 12 detects heat, it has a thermal sensor such as a differential or constant temperature sensor that detects heat generated by a fire. When the fire detection unit 12 detects gas, it has a gas sensor that detects gas that is generated in association with a fire. When the fire detection unit 12 detects flames, it has either an ultraviolet sensor or an infrared sensor, or both.

[0014] The audio output unit 13 is a device that outputs an alarm sound, such as a speaker. The audio output unit 13 of this embodiment outputs one of a plurality of sounds pre-stored in the storage unit 16 based on an instruction from the control unit 10.

[0015] The display unit 14 is a device that visually notifies the user, and is, for example, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode. The display unit 14 is controlled by the control unit 10 to display in a variety of modes, such as continuous lighting or blinking. The display unit 14 may also be controlled by the control unit 10 to emit light in a variety of colors.

[0016] The operation unit 15 is a button or switch operated by the user. The operation unit 15 may be a mechanical button or switch, or may be, for example, a touch switch. The operation unit 15 may be operated by a drawstring. The number of operation units 15 may be set according to the operations to be input. Furthermore, the operation unit 15 may accept different types of operations such as a long press, a short press, or a continuous press, and input a signal according to the operation to the control unit 10.

[0017] The storage unit 16 stores various data used for control by the control unit 10. The storage unit 16 also stores audio data output by the audio output unit 13. The storage unit 16 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0018] When the battery voltage output from the battery 11 falls below a predetermined threshold, the battery voltage monitoring unit 17 outputs a signal to the control unit 10. When the battery voltage monitoring unit 17 of this embodiment detects that the battery voltage has fallen below a first threshold, it outputs a first battery alarm signal to the control unit 10. When the battery voltage monitoring unit 17 detects that the battery voltage has fallen below a second threshold, which is a value that indicates that the battery is dead, it outputs a second battery alarm signal to the control unit 10. The first threshold is a value that is greater than the second threshold and less than the initial voltage of the battery 11.

[0019] The fire alarm 1 configured as described above is installed on the ceiling or wall of a room, etc., and monitors for fires in the location where it is installed. When the fire detection unit 12 detects a fire, the audio output unit 13 outputs a fire alarm by voice based on the audio data stored in the memory unit 16. Furthermore, when the fire detection unit 12 detects a fire, the display unit 14 outputs the fire alarm by lighting up or flashing in a predetermined luminous color. When a user notices the fire alarm and operates the operation unit 15, the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14 stop the fire alarm.

[0020] The fire alarm 1 also periodically performs an automatic test. The purpose of this automatic test is to detect abnormalities in the components that make up the fire alarm 1. In the automatic test, the control unit 10 performs a process to determine whether or not an abnormality exists in each component in accordance with a pre-stored program. In this embodiment, the abnormalities detected in the automatic test are malfunction, equipment abnormality, and dead battery. A malfunction refers to a component, such as a circuit, that makes up the fire alarm 1 not operating normally. An equipment abnormality refers to an abnormality in the sensitivity of the sensor in the fire detection unit 12. A dead battery refers to the voltage of the battery 11 falling below a second threshold. Note that if the fire alarm 1 is equipped with a communication circuit for communicating with other devices, the automatic test may also check for abnormalities in the communication circuit and for abnormalities in the radio waves related to interlocking communication.

[0021] If an equipment abnormality is detected during the automatic test, the audio output unit 13 outputs an equipment abnormality alarm by audio, and the display unit 14 outputs the equipment abnormality alarm by lighting or flashing a light-emitting element. If the equipment abnormality alarm is output continuously, the battery 11 will be consumed quickly and the user will feel annoyed, so it is conceivable to output the equipment abnormality alarm intermittently. However, if the equipment abnormality alarm is output intermittently, the user may not notice the equipment abnormality alarm. Therefore, in this embodiment, the equipment abnormality alarm is output in a manner that is easily noticeable by people, while suppressing the consumption of the battery 11 and the user's annoyance.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the automatic test operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the first embodiment. The fire alarm 1 determines whether it is time for an automatic test (step S1). The period for executing an automatic test is predetermined, and the control unit 10 determines that it is time for an automatic test, for example, when a predetermined time has passed since the previous automatic test was executed. If it is time for an automatic test (step S1: YES), the process proceeds to step S2. If it is not time for an automatic test (step S1: NO), the process returns to step S1 and the determination is repeated. Note that in this embodiment, an example in which an automatic test is executed periodically will be described, but an automatic test may also be executed when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 15.

[0023] When the time for the automatic test arrives, the fire alarm 1 executes the automatic test (step S2). In step S3, it is determined whether or not there is an equipment abnormality during the automatic test. If there is an equipment abnormality (step S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S4, and if there is no equipment abnormality (step S3: NO), the process returns to step S1.

[0024] In step S4, the fire alarm 1 starts outputting an equipment abnormality alarm in the first cycle. If an alarm stop operation is performed on the operation unit 15 (step S5: YES), the fire alarm 1 stops the equipment abnormality alarm (step S9) and ends the processing. In step S9, both the equipment abnormality alarm from the audio output unit 13 and the equipment abnormality alarm from the display unit 14 may be stopped, or one may be stopped while the other is continued. The equipment abnormality alarm that is continued may have a different output mode from that before step S9. For example, in step S9, the equipment abnormality alarm from the audio output unit 13 may be stopped, and the equipment abnormality alarm from the display unit 14 may be continued with a different blinking cycle. If an alarm stop operation is not performed on the operation unit 15 (step S5: NO), and a first specified time has not elapsed since the detection of the equipment abnormality (step S6: NO), the fire alarm 1 returns to step S4 and continues outputting the equipment abnormality alarm in the first cycle. If the first specified time has elapsed since the detection of the equipment abnormality (step S6: YES), the fire alarm 1 starts outputting an equipment abnormality alarm in the second cycle (step S7). Here, the second cycle is a cycle shorter than the first cycle. If an alarm stop operation is performed on the operation unit 15 (step S8: YES), the device abnormality alarm is stopped (step S9) and the process is terminated, and if an alarm stop operation is not performed (step S8: NO), the output of the device abnormality alarm at the second cycle continues (step S7).

[0025] Figure 3 is a time chart illustrating the output operation of an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm 1 according to embodiment 1. In Figure 3, the time when an equipment abnormality is detected, i.e., the time when output of an equipment abnormality alarm is started, is indicated as time t0. Furthermore, a first period from the detection of the equipment abnormality until the elapse of a first specified time is indicated as D1, a second period following the first period D1 is indicated as D2, a first cycle is indicated as P1, and a second cycle is indicated as P2.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the fire alarm 1 outputs an equipment abnormality alarm intermittently at a first cycle P1 during a first period D1 after detecting an equipment abnormality (t0). For example, the audio output unit 13 outputs a "beep beep beep" sound at the timing of outputting the equipment abnormality alarm in Fig. 3, and the display unit 14 lights up or flashes. During a second period D2 after a first specified time has elapsed since detecting the equipment abnormality (t0), the fire alarm 1 outputs an equipment abnormality alarm intermittently at a second cycle P2. In other words, after time t1 when the first period D1 ends, the frequency of outputting equipment abnormality alarms increases.

[0027] As described above, in this embodiment, the output cycle of the device abnormality alarm is set shorter in the second period following the first period after the device abnormality is detected than in the first period. As a result, even if a person does not notice the device abnormality alarm in the first period, the device abnormality alarm is output with high frequency in the second period, making it easier for the person to notice the device abnormality alarm. Furthermore, because the cycle of the device abnormality alarm in the first period is long, it is possible to suppress consumption of the battery 11 in the first period and make the alarm less annoying to the person.

[0028] The manner of the device abnormality alarm in the first period D1 may be different from the manner of the device abnormality alarm in the second period D2. For example, the content of the sound output by the audio output unit 13 may be "beep beep beep" in the first period D1 and "beep beep beep, abnormality" in the second period D2 to make it easier to understand. Furthermore, the sound pressure of the sound output by the audio output unit 13 may be higher in the second period D2 than in the first period D1. This makes it easier for people to notice the device abnormality alarm from the audio output unit 13 in the second period D2. Furthermore, the amount of light output by the light emitter of the display unit 14 may be higher in the second period D2 than in the first period D1. Furthermore, the blinking rate of the light emitter of the display unit 14 may be increased in the second period D2 than in the first period D1. This makes it easier for people to notice the device abnormality alarm from the display unit 14 in the second period D2.

[0029] The first specified time is not limited to, but can be, for example, 72 hours. The "Ministry Ordinance on Technical Standards for Residential Fire Alarms and Residential Fire Alarm Systems (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Ordinance No. 11 of 2005)" stipulates that residential fire alarms with automatic testing functions must output an abnormality alarm for 72 hours or more. By setting the first specified time to 72 hours, it is possible to suppress the consumption of battery 11 during the first period D1, making it easier to continue the device abnormality alarm for 72 hours, and to shorten the cycle of the device abnormality alarm during the second period D2, making it easier for people to notice.

[0030] Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, the output of an equipment abnormality alarm in a third period D3 after the second period D2 will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and a description of the same configuration as embodiment 1 will be omitted. The configuration of the fire alarm 1 of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the automatic test operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the second embodiment. Steps S1 to S7 in Fig. 4 are the same as those in Fig. 2. If an alarm stop operation is performed on the operation unit 15 while an equipment abnormality alarm is being output in the second cycle in step S7 (step S8A: YES), the equipment abnormality alarm is stopped (step S9) and the processing is terminated, and if an alarm stop operation is not performed (step S8A: NO), it is determined whether a second specified time has elapsed (step S10). The second specified time is the time that has elapsed since the start of the second period (i.e., the time that has elapsed since the first specified time has elapsed), and is predetermined.

[0032] If the second specified time has not elapsed (step S10: NO), the process returns to step S7 and continues outputting the equipment abnormality alarm at the second cycle. If the second specified time has elapsed since the start of the second period (step S10: YES), the fire alarm device 1 starts outputting the equipment abnormality alarm at a specific cycle (step S11). The specific cycle will be described later. Then, if an alarm stop operation is performed on the operation unit 15 (step S12: YES), the equipment abnormality alarm is stopped (step S9) and the process ends, and if an alarm stop operation is not performed (step S12: NO), the output of the equipment abnormality alarm at the specific cycle continues (step S11).

[0033] Fig. 5 is a time chart illustrating the operation of outputting an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm device 1 according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 5, the first period D1 shown in Fig. 3 is omitted, and only the second period D2 and the subsequent third period D3 are shown.

[0034] In the third period D3, the fire alarm 1 outputs an equipment abnormality alarm at a specific cycle. The specific cycle may be, for example, a random cycle, a fixed cycle different from the first cycle P1 and the second cycle P2, or the same cycle as the first cycle P1. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the specific cycle is a random cycle. If people only periodically visit the room in which the fire alarm 1 is installed, an equipment abnormality alarm at a specific cycle may not coincide with the timing of the people's visits, making it difficult for people to notice the equipment abnormality alarm. However, by outputting an equipment abnormality alarm at a random cycle in the third period D3, the likelihood that the timing of the regular people's visits will coincide with the timing of the equipment abnormality alarm increases, making it easier for people to notice the equipment abnormality alarm.

[0035] Furthermore, by setting the specific period to a fixed period different from the first period P1 and the second period P2, it becomes easier to make people who visit regularly aware of the timing of the equipment abnormality alarm different from the timing of the first period P1 and the second period P2.

[0036] Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, the output of an equipment abnormality alarm according to the battery voltage of the battery 11 will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and a description of the same configuration as embodiment 1 will be omitted. The configuration of the fire alarm 1 of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the automatic test operation of the fire alarm 1 according to embodiment 3. Steps S1 to S7 in Figure 6 are the same as those in Figure 2. If an alarm stop operation is performed on the operation unit 15 while an equipment abnormality alarm is being output in the second cycle in step S7 (step S8B: YES), the equipment abnormality alarm is stopped (step S9) and the process ends, and if an alarm stop operation is not performed (step S8B: NO), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0038] In step S20, the control unit 10 determines whether the battery voltage is less than the first threshold. Specifically, the control unit 10 determines whether it has acquired a first battery alarm signal from the battery voltage monitoring unit 17, which is output when it detects that the battery voltage is less than the first threshold. As described in the first embodiment, the first threshold is a value greater than the second threshold indicating a dead battery, but less than the initial voltage of the battery 11. If the battery voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S20: NO), the process returns to step S7. If the battery voltage is less than the first threshold (step S20: YES), the fire alarm device 1 lengthens the second cycle (step S21) and returns to step S7. In the example of FIG. 6, the second cycle gradually lengthens each time the process of step S21 is performed.

[0039] Note that the process of lengthening the second period in step S21 may be performed only once. That is, the second period is lengthened only in the first step S21, and the lengthened second period is maintained in subsequent steps S21. Alternatively, the process of lengthening the second period in step S21 may be performed intermittently. That is, the second period is lengthened initially, and then the second period is lengthened in step S21 at predetermined time intervals, thereby lengthening the second period in stages. Such an operation will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0040] Figure 7 is a time chart illustrating the output operation of an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm device 1 according to embodiment 3. In Figure 7, the first period D1 shown in Figure 3 is omitted, and only the second period D2 is shown. In Figure 7, a first battery alarm signal is detected at time t2A while an equipment abnormality alarm is being output at the second period P2. Upon detecting the first battery alarm signal, the fire alarm device 1 outputs an equipment abnormality alarm at a second period P2A that is longer than the second period P2, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, outputs an equipment abnormality alarm at a second period P2B that is also longer than the second period P2A.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, if the voltage of battery 11 falls below the first threshold while an equipment abnormality alarm is being output during the second period, the second cycle is lengthened. This makes it possible to slow down the rate at which battery 11 is consumed during the second period, and extend the time until the fire alarm 1 runs out of battery.

[0042] (Variation) Instead of or in addition to lengthening the second cycle in step S21, the sound pressure of the sound output by the sound output unit 13 may be reduced, or the amount of light output by the light emitter of the display unit 14 may be reduced. By doing so, the power consumption of the sound output unit 13 and the display unit 14 can be reduced, so that the rate at which the battery 11 is consumed can be slowed down while the device abnormality alarm can be continued.

[0043] Embodiment 4 In this embodiment, an example of operation will be described in which an equipment abnormality alarm is output at different intervals by the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14 that constitute the alarm output unit. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and a description of the same configuration as embodiment 1 will be omitted. The configuration of the fire alarm 1 of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] Fig. 8 is a time chart illustrating the output operation of an equipment abnormality alarm of the fire alarm 1 according to embodiment 4. In Fig. 8, the output cycles in the second period D2 are different between the equipment abnormality alarm by the audio output unit 13 and the equipment abnormality alarm by the display unit 14. Specifically, in the first period D1, the audio output unit 13 and the light-emitting elements of the display unit 14 output the equipment abnormality alarm at a first cycle P1. Then, in the second period D2, the light-emitting elements of the display unit 14 continue to output the equipment abnormality alarm at the first cycle P1, while the audio output unit 13 outputs the equipment abnormality alarm at a second cycle P2 that is shorter than the first cycle P1.

[0045] In this way, by differentiating the output cycle of the device abnormality alarm during the second period D2 between the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14, the output timing of the device abnormality alarm from both units is shifted. This increases the combined output frequency of the device abnormality alarm from the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14, making it easier for people to notice the device abnormality alarm. Furthermore, compared to when the cycle of the device abnormality alarm from both units is shorter than that of the first period D1, the power consumption related to the output of the device abnormality alarm can be reduced.

[0046] (Variation) 8 may be interchanged. That is, in the second period D2, the audio output unit 13 outputs the device abnormality warning in the first cycle P1, and the display unit 14 outputs the device abnormality warning in the second cycle P2. In this way, the above-mentioned technical effect can also be obtained.

[0047] Embodiment 5. In this embodiment, a battery abnormality alarm that notifies the user that the battery is dead will be described. This embodiment can be combined with each of the first to fourth embodiments. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. The configuration of the fire alarm 1 of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a time chart illustrating the battery abnormality alarm output operation of the fire alarm 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that no device abnormality is detected, and a battery abnormality is detected at time t3. Specifically, the control unit 10 detects a battery abnormality when it receives a second battery alarm signal from the battery voltage monitoring unit 17 indicating that the voltage of the battery 11 has fallen below the second threshold, which indicates a dead battery. Upon detecting a battery abnormality, the fire alarm 1 intermittently outputs a battery abnormality alarm in the third cycle P3. For example, the audio output unit 13 outputs a "beep" sound at the timing of outputting the battery abnormality alarm in FIG. 9, and the display unit 14 lights up or blinks. The battery abnormality alarm may be in the same form as the device abnormality alarm, but preferably in a different form. During a fourth period D4 from the detection of the battery abnormality (t3) until the third specified time has elapsed, the fire alarm 1 continues to output the battery abnormality alarm in the third cycle P3.

[0049] During a fifth period D5 after a third specified time has elapsed since the detection of a battery abnormality (t3), the fire alarm 1 intermittently outputs an abnormality alarm at a fourth cycle P4. The fourth cycle P4 is longer than the third cycle P3. In other words, after the end of the fourth period D4 at time t4, the fire alarm 1 outputs a battery abnormality alarm at a reduced frequency.

[0050] If an alarm stop operation is performed on the operation unit 15 while a battery abnormality alarm is being output, the fire alarm 1 will stop outputting the battery abnormality alarm. At this time, both the battery abnormality alarm from the audio output unit 13 and the battery abnormality alarm from the display unit 14 may be stopped, or one may be stopped while the other is continued. In addition, the battery abnormality alarm that is continued may have a different output mode from that before the alarm stop operation was performed.

[0051] In this way, in this embodiment, a battery abnormality alarm is output when a battery abnormality is detected, and the frequency of battery abnormality alarm outputs is reduced over time, thereby reducing the power consumption of the alarm output units, i.e., audio output unit 13 and display unit 14, and slowing down the rate at which battery 11 is consumed, thereby lengthening the operating time of fire alarm 1.

[0052] (Variation) Instead of or in addition to lengthening the output cycle of the battery abnormality alarm, the sound pressure of the sound output by the audio output unit 13 may be reduced, or the amount of light output by the light emitter of the display unit 14 may be reduced. By doing so, the power consumption of the audio output unit 13 and the display unit 14 can be reduced, so that the battery abnormality alarm can be continued while the rate at which the battery 11 is consumed is slowed.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first to fifth embodiments, the fire alarm 1 that issues an alarm independently has been described as an example, but the fire alarm 1 may also issue a linked alarm. In other words, the fire alarm 1 may form part of a linked alarm system in which, when one of multiple fire alarms 1 detects a fire, the other fire alarms 1 output linked alarms.

[0054] Furthermore, the operation of the fire alarm device 1 described in the first, second and fourth embodiments can also be applied to an alarm device that receives power from a commercial power source.

[0055] Furthermore, although the first to fifth embodiments have been described taking as an example a fire alarm 1 that detects fires, the present invention can also be applied to alarms that detect abnormalities other than fires, such as gas leaks. Furthermore, although the first to fifth embodiments have been described as outputting an equipment abnormality alarm when an equipment abnormality is detected, an equipment abnormality alarm may also be output when an abnormality other than an equipment abnormality, such as a malfunction or an abnormality in a communication circuit, is detected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Fire alarm, 10 Control unit, 11 Battery, 12 Fire detection unit, 13 Audio output unit, 14 Display unit, 15 Operation unit, 16 Memory unit, 17 Battery voltage monitoring unit.

Claims

1. an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality; an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm; a control unit that executes an automatic test and causes the alarm output unit to output an equipment abnormality alarm when an equipment abnormality that is a sensitivity abnormality of the abnormality detection unit is detected, The control unit causing the alarm output unit to output the equipment abnormality alarm at a first cycle during a first period from when the equipment abnormality is detected until a first specified time has elapsed; During a second period following the first period, the alarm output unit outputs the device abnormality alarm at a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. alarm.

2. The control unit During a third period after a second specified time has elapsed from the start of the second period, the alarm output unit outputs the equipment abnormality alarm at a cycle different from the second cycle. The alarm of claim 1.

3. the alarm output unit includes a voice output unit that outputs the device abnormality alarm by voice, The alarm output unit outputs the equipment abnormality alarm at a sound pressure that is higher during the second period than during the first period.

3. An alarm according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the alarm output unit includes a light-emitting body that outputs the equipment abnormality alarm by light, The control unit causes the light emitter to output the equipment abnormality alarm with a light amount increased during the second period compared to the first period.

3. An alarm according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the alarm output unit is an audio output unit that outputs the device abnormality alarm by audio, a light emitter that outputs the equipment abnormality alarm by light, The light emitter is In the first period and the second period, the equipment abnormality alarm is output in the first cycle.

3. An alarm according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a battery that supplies power to the abnormality detection unit and the alarm output unit; a battery voltage monitoring unit that monitors the voltage of the battery; The control unit If the voltage of the battery becomes less than the first threshold during the second period, the second period is lengthened and the device abnormality alarm is output.

3. An alarm according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The control unit When the device abnormality is not detected, if a battery abnormality is detected in which the voltage of the battery is less than a second threshold value, causing the alarm output unit to output a battery abnormality alarm at a third cycle during a fourth period from when the battery abnormality is detected until a third specified time has elapsed; During a fifth period following the fourth period, the battery abnormality alarm is output at a fourth cycle that is longer than the third cycle.

7. The alarm according to claim 6.

Images