Telegraph transfer device

Abstract

This system ensures that unnecessary relay signals are not output when conducting tests with the relay signal blocking function enabled, or when receiving interlocking signals due to a real fire during testing, while also enabling the rapid output of relay signals when necessary. [Solution] The alarm relay device 12 is provided with an alarm relay output unit 64 that outputs an alarm relay signal, an alarm relay control unit 76 that controls an alarm relay blocking function that blocks the output of the alarm relay signal, and a test switch 54 that performs setting or deactivation operations for the alarm relay blocking function. The alarm relay control unit 76 detects a setting operation and, if a fire interlock signal is received while the alarm relay blocking function is set, generates and retains a history of fire interlock signals. When a fire recovery signal corresponding to a fire interlock signal in the reception history is received, it releases the retention of the reception history. When a deactivation operation is detected and the alarm relay blocking function is deactivated, it makes an announcement indicating that the alarm is operating while the reception history is still being retained. If an alarm relay output operation is detected while the announcement is being made, it outputs an alarm relay signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reporting device that receives a fire interlock signal from an alarm system that outputs a fire alarm in conjunction with a plurality of alarms and outputs a reporting signal to an external device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, fire alarms that detect and alarm fires in houses and the like have become widespread. Such a residential fire alarm operates on battery power and integrally includes a sensor unit that detects a fire and an alarm unit that alarms a fire. When a fire is detected based on the detection signal of the sensor unit, a fire alarm sound is output from the alarm unit. Without the need for a receiver or the like like a so-called automatic fire alarm facility, fire monitoring and alarm notification can be performed with a single alarm device. Therefore, the installation is simple and the cost is low, and it has become widespread with the obligation to install it in general houses. Hereinafter, the "fire alarm" will be simply referred to as an "alarm".

[0003] In addition, an alarm system using a wireless interlocking type alarm that performs wireless communication between a plurality of alarms so that when a fire alarm sound is output from an arbitrary alarm, a fire alarm sound is also output in conjunction with other alarms has been put into practical use and has become widespread.

[0004] Furthermore, for specific small-scale facilities with a floor area of less than 300 square meters where there is no obligation to install fire notification equipment, such as group homes that provide housework support for the elderly and the intellectually disabled, etc., automatic fire notification equipment for specific small-scale facilities has been introduced. The automatic fire notification equipment for specific small-scale facilities is composed of the same sensors as those of a residential alarm that integrally includes a sensor unit that detects a fire and an alarm unit that alarms a fire. When a fire is detected by any one of the sensors by wirelessly interlocking the sensors, all the sensors in the facility issue a report to notify the entire facility of the fire.

[0005] In alarm systems using such wireless interconnected alarms, a relay device is provided that functions as a relay to receive fire interlocking signals from the alarm system and output a relay signal to external devices. For example, an automatic reporting device that notifies the fire department of a fire outbreak is connected to the relay device.

[0006] However, if a smoke-sensing alarm that detects smoke from a fire is installed, it is necessary to periodically perform a so-called "burn test" using a smoke tester to trigger the alarm for a fire. When the alarm is triggered for the test, a transmission signal is output from the transmission device and an automatic notification is made even if there is no fire. To address this, the transmission device is equipped with a transmission blockage function that prevents the transmission signal from being output by switching it on, thus preventing the transmission signal from being output when the alarm is triggered for the test (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-203562 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-113114 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-225055 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, in the relay device installed in such conventional alarm systems, a relay blocking function that prevents the output of a relay signal even when a fire interlocking signal is received from an alarm is set by operating a switch, and the relay blocking function is released when predetermined conditions for releasing the relay blocking function are met. These conditions for releasing the relay blocking function are, for example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the setting operation of the relay blocking function, when a fire interlocking signal is received from an alarm other than the alarm that received the interlocking signal while the relay blocking is active, or when the switch for setting the relay blocking function is pressed again while the relay blocking is active.

[0009] Therefore, even if the alarm transmission blocking function is set by operating the switch on the alarm transmission device when performing a heat test on an alarm device, if, for example, a certain amount of time has elapsed while multiple alarm devices are being heat tested in sequence, the alarm transmission blocking function will be deactivated. Also, if the next alarm device is tested before the alarm that has been tested has recovered, the alarm transmission blocking function will be deactivated. As a result of deactivating the alarm transmission blocking function, an alarm transmission signal will be output, and an automatic notification may be mistakenly made.

[0010] Furthermore, if the alarm's burning test is completed and the transmission blockage function is deactivated by switching the transmission device, the alarm's test alarm continues to sound until the smoke that entered during the burning test disappears and the fire recovery signal is received, causing repeated transmission of the fire interlock signal. This leads to a problem where the transmission signal is output due to the re-reception of the fire interlock signal caused by the continued test alarm, resulting in an incorrect automatic notification.

[0011] Furthermore, even if a real fire occurs during testing of the alarm and a fire alarm signal is received, as long as the alarm transmission blockage function of the transmission device is set, automatic notification by outputting an alarm signal will not occur even if a fire alarm signal from a real fire is received. The alarm transmission blockage function will not be deactivated until the fire spreads and transmission signals are received from other alarm devices, resulting in a delay between the detection of a real fire and the output of an alarm signal for automatic notification.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a signal relay device for use in an alarm system using an alarm that reliably prevents the output of unnecessary signal relays in response to tests performed with a signal relay blocking function set, or to the reception of interlocking signals due to a real fire during a test, while also enabling the rapid output of signal relays when necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] (Alarm system) The present invention relates to a relay device that performs relaying between an alarm system having an alarm device capable of transmitting and receiving fire interlock signals and a predetermined external device, A transmission output unit that outputs a transmission signal to an external device based on the reception of a fire alarm signal, A transfer control unit controls a transfer blocking function that blocks the output of a transfer signal by the transfer output unit, An operating unit for setting or deactivating the alarm blocking function, A system was established, Furthermore, the relay control unit, When the alarm transmission blocking function is set by detecting a setting operation, if a fire interlock signal is received, a reception history of the fire interlock signal is generated and stored, and if a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history is received, the storage of the reception history is released. The system is characterized by detecting a deactivation operation and deactivating the alarm blocking function, issuing a notification indicating that the alarm is active if the reception history is still being retained, and outputting an alarm signal if a predetermined alarm output operation is detected while the notification is being issued.

[0014] (Receipt of fire restoration signal during fire alarm) The alarm transmission control unit detects a deactivation operation and deactivates the alarm transmission blocking function. If the reception history is cleared while the alarm is being broadcast, the broadcasting control unit will stop broadcasting.

[0015] (Receipt of a new fire alarm interlocking signal during the alarm system) When the alarm transfer control unit detects a deactivation operation and deactivates the alarm transfer blocking function, it outputs an alarm transfer signal if it receives a new fire interlock signal from another alarm while it is broadcasting an alert indicating that the alarm is activated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] (Basic effects) The present invention relates to a relay device that relays between an alarm system having an alarm capable of sending and receiving fire interlock signals and a predetermined external device, comprising: a relay output unit that outputs a relay signal to the external device based on the reception of a fire interlock signal; a relay control unit that controls a relay blocking function that blocks the output of the relay signal by the relay output unit; and an operation unit that performs setting or deactivation operations for the relay blocking function. Furthermore, the relay control unit detects a setting operation and, when the relay blocking function is set, issues a first notification indicating that the relay is blocked, and when a fire interlock signal is received, generates and maintains a reception history of the fire interlock signal, and when a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history is received, releases the retention of the reception history and deactivates When the deactivation operation is detected and the alarm transmission blocking function is deactivated, a second notification indicating that the alarm is active is issued while the reception history is being retained. If a predetermined alarm transmission output operation is detected while the second notification is being issued, an alarm transmission signal is output. Therefore, when the alarm's burning test, which was performed with the alarm transmission blocking function set, is completed and the alarm transmission blocking function is deactivated, even if the smoke that entered during the burning test has not completely dissipated and the alarm's test alarm continues to sound, and the second notification is being issued due to the retention of the reception history, an alarm transmission signal will not be output unless an alarm transmission output operation is performed. This reliably prevents the alarm transmission signal from being output and causing external devices to malfunction even when the alarm transmission blocking function is deactivated upon completion of the burning test.

[0017] Furthermore, when the scorching test is completed and the alarm transmission blockage function is deactivated, if a fire interlock signal due to a real fire has already been received and the reception history is maintained, a second alarm will be issued indicating that the alarm is activated. Since the second alarm continues even after sufficient time has passed for the smoke from the alarm that was triggered during the scorching test to dissipate and the alarm to recover, the tester will realize that this is not an alarm activation due to a test trigger. If a real fire is confirmed through on-site inspection, the system can perform an alarm transmission operation to quickly and reliably output an alarm transmission signal to the real fire and automatically notify the authorities.

[0018] (Receipt of fire restoration signal during the second alarm) In addition, since the transfer notification control unit stops the second notification when the reception history is canceled while the second second notification is being performed, when the baking test is completed and the transfer blocking function is canceled, even if the second notification is being performed based on the reception history of the fire interlock signal due to test reporting, the second notification is stopped when the retention of the reception history is canceled due to the recovery of test reporting, and it is possible to return to the normal monitoring state where a transfer signal is output upon reception of the fire interlock signal.

[0019] (Receiving a fire recovery signal during the first notification) In addition, since the transfer notification control unit stops the first notification when the reception history is canceled while the first notification is being performed, when the transfer blocking function is canceled after the baking test is completed and the smoke of the alarm device that has been tested for reporting has escaped and recovered, since the retention of the reception history of the fire interlock signal due to test reporting has been canceled, the first notification is stopped, and it is possible to return to the normal monitoring state where a transfer signal is output upon reception of the fire interlock signal.

[0020] (Effect of releasing the retention of the fire interlock signal's reception history by receiving a fire recovery signal) In addition, the transfer notification control unit retains a unique reporting number indicating the order of fire reporting included in the fire interlock signal as the reception history of the fire interlock signal. When a fire recovery signal with the same reporting number as the reporting number of the reception history is received while the reception history is retained, it is determined that a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history has been received, and the retention of the reception history is canceled. Therefore, it is possible to reliably identify that it is a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history, and when a cancellation operation is detected and the transfer blocking function is canceled, it is possible to prevent the second notification indicating that the alarm device is in operation from being performed.

[0021] (Effect of receiving a new fire interlock signal during the linked reception notification) Furthermore, the alarm transfer control unit is configured to output an alarm transfer signal if it receives a new fire interlock signal from another alarm while the second alarm is being broadcast. Therefore, if a new fire interlock signal from a real fire is received during the second alarm after the alarm's heating test has been completed and the alarm transfer blockage has been released while the test alarm has not been restored, an alarm transfer signal will be output regardless of the fire interlock signal from the test alarm. This allows for a prompt output of the alarm transfer signal in response to the real fire, enabling automatic notification and other alarm transfer operations.

[0022] (Effect of determining new fire alarm interlock signals based on the alarm number) Furthermore, the relay control unit maintains a reception history of fire interlock signals, which includes a unique alarm number indicating the order of fire alarms included in the fire interlock signal. When a new fire interlock signal with a different alarm number from the one in the reception history is received, the unit determines that a new fire interlock signal has been received and outputs a relay signal. Therefore, by receiving a fire interlock signal due to a test alarm during the relay blocking period and maintaining a reception history including the alarm number of that fire interlock signal, if a fire interlock signal is received during the second notification after the relay blocking function has been released, the different alarm number in the reception history will reliably identify it as a fire interlock signal due to a real fire. This allows for the output of a relay signal in response to the occurrence of a real fire, enabling quick and reliable relay control such as automatic notification.

[0023] (Effects of the first and second notification methods using indicator lights) Furthermore, the notification control unit flashes or blinks an indicator light in a predetermined first cycle or first pattern as a first notification, and flashes or blinks an indicator light in a second cycle or second pattern different from the first cycle or first pattern as a second notification. As a result, only one indicator light is needed, simplifying the configuration of the notification device, enabling miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction. In addition, by using different cycles or patterns, it is possible for personnel such as testers to reliably distinguish between the first and second notifications.

[0024] (Effects of different operations on switch 1) Furthermore, the operating unit is equipped with one switch, and the alarm transmission control unit sets the alarm transmission blockage function when the switch is operated while the alarm transmission blockage function is deactivated, and deactivates the alarm transmission blockage function when the same switch operation is detected while the alarm transmission blockage function is activated. Moreover, the alarm transmission control unit distinguishes and detects the switch operation for setting and deactivating the alarm transmission blockage function from other switch operations based on the difference in the operation time of the switch. For example, setting and deactivating the alarm transmission blockage function is performed by alternating long presses of the switch, while other operations, such as the alarm signal output operation, are performed by short presses of the switch. As a result, only one switch is needed, simplifying the configuration of the alarm transmission device, enabling miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an alarm system in which the alarm transfer device of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an interlocking alarm system. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information transfer device. [Figure 4] This is a time chart illustrating the operation when a fire alarm interlock signal is received due to a test alarm during alarm redirection suppression, the reception history is stored, and a fire restoration signal is received before the alarm redirection suppression function is released upon completion of the test. [Figure 5] This is a time chart illustrating the operation when a fire alarm interlock signal is received due to a test alarm during alarm redirection suppression, the reception history is stored, and a fire restoration signal is received after the alarm redirection suppression function is released upon completion of the test. [Figure 6] This is a time chart showing the operation of receiving a fire interlock signal due to a real fire during the test, retaining the reception history, and then outputting a transfer signal by switching it on during the second alarm after the transfer blockage function has been deactivated at the end of the test. [Figure 7] This is a time chart showing the operation when a fire-linking signal due to a real fire is received during the second alarm after the alarm transmission blocking function has been deactivated at the end of the test. [Figure 8]Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation by the alarm transfer device. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the alarm transfer device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the alarm transmission device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0027] [Basic Concepts of the Embodiment] First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be explained. The embodiment generally relates to a relay device that relays (transmits) a fire alarm system having an alarm device capable of sending and receiving fire alarm signals and a predetermined external device.

[0028] Here, "fire alarm" refers to a concept that includes wireless interconnected residential fire alarms and fire detectors for specific small-scale facilities, which integrate a sensor unit to detect fire and an alarm unit to warn of the fire, output a fire alarm sound from the alarm unit when a fire is detected, and further include a wireless communication unit to transmit and receive signals to other fire alarms and to operate in conjunction with them.

[0029] Furthermore, an "alarm system" is a system in which multiple alarms installed in a facility being monitored communicate wirelessly with each other, so that when a fire is detected by any of the alarms, all the alarms in the facility will sound, alerting the entire facility to the fire.

[0030] In this embodiment, the facilities to which the alarm system is installed include specific small-scale facilities with a floor area of ​​less than 300 square meters that are not required to install fire alarm equipment, such as group homes that provide household support for the elderly and intellectually disabled.

[0031] Furthermore, the alarm used in this embodiment is a smoke-sensing type alarm that detects smoke from a fire and issues an alarm, and it is an alarm that requires periodic so-called smoke tests to be performed using a smoke tester to trigger the fire alarm.

[0032] Furthermore, a "transfer device" is a device that functions as a relay that receives a fire interlock signal from an alarm system having an alarm device capable of sending and receiving fire interlock signals and outputs a transfer signal to an external device, and comprises a transfer output unit, a transfer control unit, and an operation unit.

[0033] Here, the "transfer output unit" is a unit that outputs a transfer signal to an external device based on the reception of a fire interlocking signal. The "external device" is a device located outside the alarm system that operates by receiving a transfer signal from the transfer device. The type, configuration, function, and purpose of the device are arbitrary, but one example is an automatic reporting device that notifies the fire department of the occurrence of a fire.

[0034] Furthermore, the "transfer control unit" controls the transfer blocking function, which blocks the output of transfer signals by the transfer output unit to external devices. If you do not want to activate external devices in response to the reception of a fire-linking signal, you can set the transfer blocking function to prevent the output of transfer signals based on the reception of a fire-linking signal. On the other hand, if you want to activate external devices in response to the reception of a fire-linking signal, you can deactivate the transfer blocking function to output transfer signals based on the reception of a fire-linking signal.

[0035] Here, the "transfer signal blocking function" is a function that prevents the transmission of a transfer signal to an external device when a fire alarm interlock signal is received, and "blocking" is a concept that includes "stopping," "prohibiting," and "deterring."

[0036] Furthermore, "setting the relay blocking function" means enabling the relay blocking function to work, and "setting" is a concept that includes "enabling." Also, "disabling the relay blocking function" means preventing the relay blocking function from working, and "disabling" is a concept that includes "deactivating," and further, it means "setting the relay blocking disabling function."

[0037] Furthermore, "the case in which you do not want to activate external equipment in response to the reception of a fire interlock signal" refers to the case in which a fire interlock signal is received due to a fire trigger caused by a heat test of the alarm, while "the case in which you want to activate external equipment in response to the reception of a fire interlock signal" refers to the case in which a fire interlock signal is received due to a fire trigger caused by a real fire in another alarm during the heat test.

[0038] Furthermore, the "operation unit" is used to set or deactivate the alarm blocking function on the alarm blocking control unit. Its configuration, structure, and type are arbitrary, but for example, a push-button switch may be used.

[0039] The "alert control unit" of this embodiment detects a setting operation by the operation unit and, when the alert blocking function is set, issues a first notification indicating that alert blocking is in progress. Therefore, those involved can know from the first notification that the alert device is in an alert output blocking state.

[0040] Furthermore, the "transfer control unit" generates and retains a history of fire interlock signals received when a fire interlock signal is received while the transfer blocking function is set, and performs control to release the retention of the reception history when a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history is received.

[0041] Here, "reception history" refers to historical information indicating that a fire interlock signal has been received. This history is generated when a fire interlock signal is received from an alarm that has detected a fire and activated the alarm, or from an alarm that has activated the alarm during a test burn test, and is stored in the memory unit. When a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history is received, the reception history is deleted from the memory unit and its retention is released.

[0042] Furthermore, a reception history is generated even when a fire alarm signal is received from the same alarm device. The newly formed reception history updates the previous reception history, ensuring that the latest fire alarm signal reception history is always maintained.

[0043] Furthermore, the reception history is generated and stored for each fire alarm when fire alarm interlock signals are received consecutively while the alarm transmission blockage function is enabled, such as in cases of continuous alarm activation.

[0044] Furthermore, the "transfer control unit" detects a deactivation operation and deactivates the transfer blocking function, and while the reception history is still being retained, it issues a second notification indicating that the alarm is active. If a predetermined transfer output operation is detected while the second notification is being issued, it controls the unit to output a transfer signal.

[0045] Furthermore, the "transfer control unit" controls the system to stop (terminate) the second alarm if it receives a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history while the second alarm is being issued, indicating that the alarm is activated.

[0046] Furthermore, the "transfer control unit" performs control to stop (terminate) the first notification if it receives a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history while it is issuing the first notification indicating that the transfer is blocked.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the alarm device continues to sound out due to smoke that entered during the heating test and the alarm device has been heated with the alarm signal blocking function set, the alarm signal will not be output unless an alarm signal output operation is performed. This ensures that even if the alarm signal blocking function is released upon completion of the heating test, an alarm signal will not be output, preventing external devices from malfunctioning.

[0048] Furthermore, when the scorching test is completed and the alarm transmission blockage function is deactivated, if a fire-linked signal due to a real fire has already been received and the reception history is maintained, a second notification will be issued indicating that the alarm is activated. Since the second notification continues even after sufficient time has passed for the smoke from the alarm that was triggered during the scorching test to dissipate and the alarm to recover, the tester will realize that this is not an alarm activation due to a test trigger. If a real fire is confirmed through on-site inspection, the tester can perform an alarm transmission output operation to quickly and reliably output an alarm transmission signal for the real fire and automatically notify the authorities.

[0049] Here, "fire interlock signal reception history" refers to the retention of a unique alarm number indicating the sequence of fire alarms included in the fire interlock signal. When a fire recovery signal with the same alarm number as the one in the reception history is received while the reception history is retained, it is determined that a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history has been received, and the retention of the reception history is canceled.

[0050] Furthermore, the "alarm number" is a number that includes the identification information of the alarm device and the number of alarms. The format of the alarm number is arbitrary, but for example, it can be "XXYY," which is a combination of the alarm device identification number "XX" and the number of alarms "YY." Specifically, since the maximum number of alarm devices that make up the alarm system is 15, "XX" will take values ​​from 1 to 15, and the number of alarms "YY" will take values ​​from 1 to 99.

[0051] Furthermore, each alarm has a predetermined initial value set for its alarm number. When a fire alarm is triggered, a fire interlock signal is transmitted, and if the fire is subsequently extinguished, the alarm number "YY" increases by one. In addition, the alarm in this embodiment repeatedly transmits a fire interlock signal at predetermined intervals while activated by a fire alarm, and the alarm number "YY" increases by one each time the signal is transmitted.

[0052] Furthermore, when a fire alarm that has triggered a fire alarm is restored, a fire restoration signal is transmitted that includes the alarm number of the last fire alarm signal sent before the restoration. Therefore, if the transmission number of the fire alarm signal in the reception history matches the transmission number of the fire restoration signal received thereafter, it can be determined that it is a fire restoration signal corresponding to the fire alarm signal in the reception history, and the retention of the reception history can be canceled.

[0053] Furthermore, the manner of the "first notification indicating that the alarm transfer is being blocked" and the "second notification indicating that the alarm is activated" is arbitrary, but the alarm transfer control unit controls the indicator light to blink or flash in a predetermined first cycle or first pattern as the first notification, and to blink or flash in a second cycle or second pattern different from the first cycle or first pattern as the second notification.

[0054] This first notification allows the testers to know that the alarm transmission device's transmission blocking function is set and that no transmission signal will be output even if they perform a heating test on the alarm, enabling them to proceed with the test with confidence. Furthermore, the second notification allows those involved to know that the alarm is activated due to a test or a real fire.

[0055] Furthermore, the "transfer control unit" controls the output of a transfer signal if a new fire alarm is received from another alarm while the second alarm is continuing without the test alarm being restored. In this case, the determination of "receiving a new fire alarm from another alarm" is made by storing a unique alarm number indicating the order of fire alarms included in the fire alarm reception history of fire alarm reception signals received while the transfer blocking function is set. If the alarm number of a fire alarm reception signal received while the transfer blocking function is deactivated and the second alarm is continuing differs from the alarm number of a fire alarm reception signal in the reception history, it is determined that a new fire alarm reception signal has been received, and the transfer signal is automatically output.

[0056] Furthermore, the "operation unit" is equipped with one switch, such as a test switch, and in response to this, the "transfer control unit" sets the transfer block function when the switch operation is detected while the transfer block function is deactivated, and deactivates the transfer block function when the same switch operation is detected while the transfer block function is activated.

[0057] Furthermore, if the "operation unit" is equipped with one switch such as a test switch, the "alert control unit" detects a "long press operation" as a switch operation for setting and releasing the alert blocking function, and detects other switch operations, such as an alert output operation, based on the difference in the operation time of the switch.

[0058] The following describes a specific embodiment. In the specific embodiment shown below, the "external device" is an "automatic notification device," the "case where the notification transmission blocking function is set in the notification transmission device" is the "case where a heating test is performed on the alarm device installed in the alarm system," the "first notification indicating that notification transmission is blocked" is the "flashing of the indicator light for the first cycle," and the "second notification indicating that the alarm device is activated" is the "flashing of the indicator light for the second cycle."

[0059] [Specific details of the embodiment] I will now explain the information transfer device in more detail. The details will be explained in the following sections. a. Alarm system b.Alarm device b1. Functional Configuration b2. Fire control function c. Transfer device c1. Functional Configuration c2. Alarm transfer control function d. Alarm transfer control operation] d1. Action taken when test alarm activation is restored while alarm transfer is blocked. d2. Operation when test alarm activation is restored after the alarm transfer blocking function is deactivated. d3. Action taken if a real fire occurs while the alarm is being blocked. d4. Action to take if a real fire occurs during the second alarm. e. Control operation of the relay device f. Modified versions of the present invention

[0060] [a. Alarm system] The alarm system equipped with the alarm transfer device of this embodiment will be described in more detail. In this description, refer to Figure 1, which shows the alarm system in which the alarm transfer device of this embodiment is used. Furthermore, the alarm system in this embodiment is given as an example of an alarm system consisting of wireless alarms installed in specific small-scale facilities with a floor area of ​​less than 300 square meters, such as group homes that provide household support for the elderly and intellectually disabled.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, wireless interconnected alarms 10(10-1) to 1(10-4) that detect smoke from a fire and issue an alarm are installed in common spaces such as rooms and corridors of the facility. Furthermore, a relay device 12 of this embodiment is provided that receives fire interconnection signals transmitted from alarms 10(10-1) to 1(10-4) and outputs a relay signal. An automatic notification device 14 is connected to the relay device 12 as an external device, for example, to automatically notify a fire department via a telephone line 16. Note that the external device connected to the relay device 12 is arbitrary, and other devices can be connected as needed in addition to the automatic notification device 12.

[0062] Alarm devices 10(10-1) to 10(10-4) are equipped with the function of wirelessly transmitting and receiving interlocking signals for fires and other incidents. Furthermore, alarm devices 10(10-1) to 10(10-4) form an interlocking group by using the same channel frequency. The maximum number of alarm devices forming an interlocking group in this embodiment is arbitrary, but for example, it is 15.

[0063] The interlocking group of the alarm system consists of alarm devices 10(10-1) to 10(10-4) and a transmission device 12. To configure the interlocking group, group registration is performed before installation by arranging the alarm devices 10(10-1) to 10(10-4) and the transmission device 12 on a table or the like.

[0064] The method of group registration is arbitrary, but for example, the battery power of the alarm devices 10(10-1) to 1(10-4) and the alarm transmission device 12, which are arranged on a table, is turned on, and the registration switch operation is performed on each. For example, when the registration switch operation is performed on alarm device 10(10-1), address A1 is registered on alarm device 10(10-1), and address A1 is also transmitted to and registered on the other alarm devices 10(10-2) to 10(10-4) and the alarm transmission device 12. By sequentially repeating this registration operation for the remaining alarm devices 10(10-2) to 10(10-4) and the alarm transmission device 12, the self-addresses A1 to A5 are registered on each of the alarm devices 10(10-1) to 1(10-4) and the alarm transmission device 12, and other addresses in an interlocking relationship are also registered.

[0065] If a fire were to occur at the location where alarm unit 10(10-1) is installed, alarm unit 10(10-1) would detect smoke from the fire (activate a fire alarm) and output a fire alarm indicating the source of the fire with an alarm sound and display. Alarm unit 10(10-1), having detected the fire, would also wirelessly transmit a fire interlock signal to the other alarm units 10(10-2) to 1(10-4) and the transmission device 12. When the other alarm units 10(10-2) to 1(10-4) receive the fire interlock signal from the source alarm unit 10(10-1), they would output a fire alarm indicating the destination with an alarm sound and display.

[0066] The alarm transmission device 12 can be configured to block the alarm transmission by setting and deactivating a switch on its control panel. In normal monitoring conditions, the alarm transmission blockage function is deactivated. When it receives a fire alarm signal from the source alarm device (10-1), it outputs an alarm transmission signal to the automatic notification device 14, which then activates the automatic notification device 14 to perform an automatic notification.

[0067] When an alarm stop operation is performed while a fire alarm is being output from alarm devices 10(10-1) to 1(10-4), the alarm stops itself and transmits an alarm stop interlocking signal to the other alarm devices, causing them to perform the alarm stop operation. Furthermore, when a fire recovery is detected in alarm device 10(10-1) that has detected a fire, it stops its own alarm and transmits a fire recovery signal to the other alarm devices 10(10-2) to 10(10-4) and the transmission device 12, causing alarm devices 10(10-2) to 1(10-4) to perform the alarm stop operation and stopping the output of the transmission signal by the transmission device 12.

[0068] Furthermore, the alarm system for specific small-scale facilities in this embodiment is subject to mandatory periodic inspections. These inspections involve performing a smoke test using a test fixture (smoke tester) that generates simulated smoke to trigger a fire alarm (test alarm) and confirm that the system is functioning correctly. When performing this smoke test on alarms 10(10-1) to 1(10-4), the alarm transmission device 12 is configured to have its transmission blocking function activated by a switch, preventing it from outputting a transmission signal to the automatic notification device 14 even when it receives a fire interlock signal from the test alarm of alarms 10(10-1) to 1(10-4).

[0069] [b.Alarm] The alarm devices installed in the alarm system will be explained in more detail. Refer to Figure 2, which shows the functional configuration of the alarm devices, for further explanation.

[0070] (b1. Functional Configuration) The functional configuration of the alarm device will be explained in more detail. As shown in Figure 2, the alarm device 10(10-1) is equipped with a control processor 18, and the control processor 18 is connected to a communication unit 20, a smoke detection unit 22, a test switch 24, an indicator light using an LED 26, and a speaker 28. The other alarm devices 10(10-2) to 10(10-4) shown in Figure 1 are similar.

[0071] The control processor 18 is equipped with a CPU 36, and the control logic 38, ROM 40, and RAM 42 are connected to a bus 44 from the CPU 36. The control logic 38 implements various hardware functions, such as bus control, in conjunction with the control processing of the CPU 36.

[0072] The communication unit 20 is equipped with a wireless communication unit 32 to which a communication processor 30 and an antenna 34 are connected. The wireless communication unit 32 transmits and receives interlocking signals such as fire alarms to and from other alarms and transmission devices 12 according to a predetermined communication protocol. In the case of Japan, this communication protocol conforms to, for example, STD-30 (Standard for Radio Equipment of Low-Power Security System Radio Stations), which is known as the standard for low-power radio stations in the 426 MHz band.

[0073] In the 426MHz band low-power security system radio station equipment, 48 channels with a frequency bandwidth of 12.5kHz are allocated between 426.2500MHz and 426.8375MHz, and one of these channel frequencies is assigned to an interlocking group consisting of multiple alarm devices for use.

[0074] The wireless communication unit 32 modulates data signals such as fire alarm signals output from the communication processor 30 using MSK modulation, then modulates them using FM modulation, and transmits them from the antenna 34 as signal radio waves on the assigned channel frequency in the 426MHz band.

[0075] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 32 receives signal radio waves transmitted by other alarm devices via the antenna 34, performs FM demodulation, then FSK demodulation, and finally performs bit determination to demodulate data signals such as fire alarm signals.

[0076] Furthermore, the communication processor 30 instructs the wireless communication unit 32 to perform a communication test, for example, once every three days (72-hour cycle). The communication test begins when the alarm that has reached the 72-hour cycle first sends a communication test signal. If response signals are received from all other alarms and transmission devices, the test is considered to have completed successfully. If there is a destination to which no response signal is received, the test is considered to have completed abnormally. If abnormal terminations occur a predetermined number of times in a row, it is determined to be a communication error and a fault notification is issued.

[0077] The smoke detection unit 22 has a known scattered light smoke detection structure, intermittently drives a light-emitting unit using an infrared LED at a predetermined period, amplifies the received signal of the scattered light received by a light-receiving unit such as a photodiode, and outputs a smoke concentration detection signal.

[0078] The test switch 24 is, for example, a push-button switch. When the test switch 24 is pressed during normal monitoring, a predetermined test message indicating normal operation is output from the speaker 28. The test switch 24 also functions as an alarm stop switch when a fire alarm is being output via sound from the speaker 28 and indicator light 26. When the test switch 24 is pressed, the fire alarm stops, and an alarm stop interlock signal is sent to other alarm devices.

[0079] The indicator lights 26 use LEDs, and they display different information depending on whether the fire alarm is the source of the connection or the destination; for example, one lights up while the other flashes or blinks.

[0080] Speaker 28 outputs test messages, source fire alarm messages, destination fire alarm messages, etc., as audio.

[0081] (b2. Fire control function) The fire control function of the alarm system will be explained in more detail. The CPU 36 is equipped with the functions of the fire control unit 46, which are realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 40.

[0082] The fire control unit 46 reads the smoke concentration detection signal output from the smoke detection unit 22 by performing an A / D conversion, and if the smoke concentration satisfies predetermined fire determination conditions, it determines that there is a fire (fire alarm is triggered) and controls the output of a fire alarm indicating the fire at the source of the interlock. Here, "when the fire determination conditions are satisfied" means that the smoke concentration is above or exceeds a predetermined threshold, or that the state of smoke concentration being above or exceeding a predetermined threshold continues for a predetermined accumulation time.

[0083] When the fire control unit 46 outputs a fire alarm, it generates a fire interlock signal including a unique alarm number, instructs the communication unit 20 to send the fire interlock signal to the alarms in other dwelling units, and the alarms in the other dwelling units that receive the fire interlock signal output a fire alarm indicating the interlocked unit.

[0084] The format of the alarm number is arbitrary, but for example, it can be "XXYY," which is a combination of the alarm identification number "XX" and the alarm count "YY." Each alarm has a unique initial value, and if a fire is detected and then reset, and then another fire is detected, the alarm count "YY" in the alarm number will increase by one. Also, if the fire detection continues, the alarm count "YY" in the alarm number will increase by one after a predetermined time, for example, 13 minutes. Therefore, the party receiving the fire signal can determine whether it is a fire linkage signal due to continued fire detection from the same alarm or a fire linkage signal due to fire detection from a different alarm by examining the alarm number.

[0085] Furthermore, when the fire control unit 46 transmits a fire interlocking signal, it receives a response signal from another alarm that includes the source address of the response device. If the response condition is met, and response signals are received from all other destinations belonging to the interlocking group, the unit considers the operation to have completed successfully. If the response condition is not met, the unit retransmits the fire interlocking signal. If the response condition is not met even after repeating the retransmission a predetermined number of times, the unit reports a communication error.

[0086] Furthermore, when the fire control unit 46 receives a fire interlock signal transmitted by another alarm in the same interlocking group within the dwelling unit, it performs control to output a fire signal indicating the interlocking target. When the fire control unit 46 receives a fire interlock signal from another alarm, it performs control to transmit a response signal that includes its own address.

[0087] Furthermore, the fire control unit 46 also transmits alarm stop interlock signals and fire recovery signals in the same manner as for fire interlock signals, when the test switch 24 is operated during a fire alarm and when the smoke concentration in the smoke detection unit 22 falls below a threshold, thereby controlling the alarm to stop and the fire to recover. The fire recovery signal transmitted by the fire control unit 46 includes the alarm number that was included in the previously transmitted fire interlock signal. In addition, when the fire control unit 46 receives an alarm stop interlock signal or a fire recovery signal from another alarm device, it transmits a response signal that includes its own address, making it possible to determine whether the transmission at the source was completed successfully.

[0088] [c. Transfer device] The alarm transmission device of this embodiment will be described in more detail. In this description, refer to Figure 3, which shows the functional configuration of the alarm transmission device.

[0089] (c1. Functional Configuration) The functional configuration of the alarm transmission device will be explained in more detail. As shown in Figure 3, the alarm transmission device 12 is equipped with a control processor 48, and the control processor 48 is provided with a communication unit 50, a test switch 54 which functions as an operation unit, an indicator light 56 ​​using an LED, and a speaker 58 which functions as an audio output unit.

[0090] The control processor 48 is equipped with a CPU 66, and the control logic 68, ROM 70, and RAM 72 are connected to a bus 74 from the CPU 66. The control logic 68 implements various hardware functions, such as bus control, in conjunction with the control processing of the CPU 66.

[0091] The communication unit 50 is equipped with a communication processor 60, a wireless communication unit 62 to which an antenna 63 is connected, and a transmission output unit 64. The wireless communication unit 62 receives fire interlocking signals, fire recovery signals, and alarm stop interlocking signals transmitted from the alarm according to a predetermined communication protocol. The details of the communication processor 60 and the wireless communication unit 62 are basically the same as those of the wireless communication unit 32 of the alarm 10 (10-1) in Figure 2.

[0092] The alarm output unit 64 outputs an alarm signal based on instructions from the communication processor 60, and operates the automatic notification device 14 shown in Figure 1. The function and configuration of the alarm output unit 64 are arbitrary, but for example, it is a voltage-free normally open contact circuit and outputs a voltage-free normally open contact signal as the alarm signal.

[0093] The test switch 54, which functions as a switch on the control unit, is, for example, a push-button switch. When the test switch 54 is pressed for, for example, 6 seconds in the normal monitoring state where the alarm blocking function is deactivated, the setting operation of the alarm blocking function is detected, and the alarm blocking function is set on the alarm device 12. Furthermore, when the alarm blocking function is set on the alarm device 12, pressing the test switch 54 for, for example, 6 seconds is detected, the deactivation operation of the alarm blocking function is detected, the alarm blocking function of the alarm device 12 is deactivated, and the system returns to the normal monitoring state. In other words, when the test switch 54 is pressed and held while the alarm blocking function is deactivated, the alarm blocking function is set, and subsequently, when the alarm blocking function is set, the alarm blocking function is deactivated. Each press and hold operation alternates between setting and deactivating the alarm blocking function.

[0094] The indicator light 56 ​​uses an LED and flashes in a predetermined first cycle to give a first notification indicating that the alarm is being blocked, and flashes in a predetermined second cycle to give a second notification indicating that the alarm is activated.

[0095] (c2. Alarm transfer control function) The alarm control function of the alarm transfer device will be explained in more detail. As shown in Figure 3, the CPU 66 is equipped with the function of the alarm transfer control unit 76, which is realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 70.

[0096] The alarm transmission control unit 76 detects that the alarm transmission blocking function has been set by pressing and holding the test switch 54 while the alarm transmission blocking function is deactivated (normal monitoring state), and sets the alarm transmission blocking function, thereby preventing the alarm transmission signal from being output from the alarm transmission output unit 64 even when a fire interlock signal is received.

[0097] Furthermore, when the alarm transmission blocking function is set, the alarm transmission control unit 76 flashes the indicator light 56 ​​in the first cycle to provide a first notification indicating that alarm transmission blocking is in progress.

[0098] Furthermore, if the alarm transmission control unit 76 receives a fire interlock signal from an alarm while the alarm transmission blocking function is set, it generates a reception history including the alarm number included in the fire interlock signal and stores and retains it in memory. The reception history held by the alarm transmission control unit 76 is subsequently released (erased) when it detects the reception of a fire recovery signal containing the same alarm number.

[0099] Furthermore, if the alarm transmission control unit 76 detects that the alarm transmission blocking function has been deactivated by pressing and holding the test switch 54 while the alarm transmission blocking function is set, and if it has retained a history of receiving fire interlock signals during the alarm transmission blocking, it switches the indicator light 56, which had been flashing in the first cycle to provide a first notification, to flash in a second cycle different from the first cycle, and provides a second notification indicating that the alarm that transmitted the fire interlock signal during the alarm transmission blocking is still operating.

[0100] Furthermore, when the alarm control unit 76 is flashing the indicator light 56 ​​in a second cycle to indicate that the alarm is activated, and it detects that an alarm output operation has been performed by a short press of the test switch 54, it instructs the communication processor 60 of the communication unit 50 to output an alarm signal from the alarm output unit 64.

[0101] Furthermore, when the alarm transfer control unit 76 is flashing the indicator light 56 ​​in a second cycle to indicate that the alarm is activated, if it detects the reception of a fire interlocking signal that includes an alarm number different from the alarm number in the currently held reception history, it determines that it is a new fire interlocking signal transmitted due to fire detection by another alarm, and even if the second alarm is being broadcast, it instructs the communication processor 60 of the communication unit 50 to output an alarm transfer signal from the alarm transfer output unit 64.

[0102] [d. Alarm transfer control operation] Next, we will explain in more detail the alarm control operation by the alarm transfer device.

[0103] (d1. Action taken when test alarm activation is restored during alarm transfer interruption) The operation when a test alarm is restored while the alarm transmission device is shut off will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to Figure 4, a time chart showing the operation when a fire interlock signal is received due to a test alarm during alarm transmission shutdown, the reception history is retained, and a fire recovery signal is received before the alarm transmission shutdown is released upon completion of the test. Figure 4(A) shows the operation of the test switch 54, Figure 4(B) shows the reception of the fire interlock signal, Figure 4(C) shows the reception of the fire recovery signal, Figure 4(D) shows the retention of the fire interlock signal reception history, Figure 4(E) shows the setting and release of the alarm transmission shutdown function, Figure 4(F) shows the operation of the indicator light 56 ​​to provide the first and second alarms, and Figure 4(G) shows the output of the alarm transmission signal.

[0104] When a heat test is performed on alarm devices 10(10-1) to 10(10-4) installed in the alarm system shown in Figure 1 during periodic inspection, as shown in Figure 4, when the tester presses and holds the test switch 54 of the alarm transfer device 12, the setting operation of the alarm transfer blocking function by pressing and holding the test switch 54 is detected at time t1, the alarm transfer blocking function is set, and the indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the first cycle to give a first notification indicating that the alarm transfer is blocked.

[0105] If, during the transmission interruption from time t1, a fire alarm signal is detected from an alarm that was activated by a heat test at time t2, a reception history including the alarm number of the received fire alarm signal is generated and stored in memory.

[0106] The fire alarm signal received at time t2 is the signal transmitted by the last alarm's smoke test. Once the smoke from the smoke test has dissipated, the alarm transmits a fire recovery signal containing the same alarm number. When the reception of the fire recovery signal is detected at time t3, it is determined to be a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire alarm signal in the reception history, as it matches the alarm number of the fire alarm signal received at time t2, and the retention of the reception history is released (deleted).

[0107] Next, the tester presses and holds the test switch 54 again upon completion of the inspection. This detects the deactivation of the alarm transmission shutoff function at time t4. At this point, the reception history of fire interlock signals received during the alarm transmission shutoff has already been deactivated and is no longer retained. Therefore, the system returns to the normal monitoring state with the alarm transmission shutoff function deactivated without issuing a second notification indicating that the alarm is activated.

[0108] (d2. Operation when test alarm activation is restored after the alarm transfer blocking function is deactivated) This section provides a more detailed explanation of the operation when test alarm activation is restored after the alarm activation blocking function has been deactivated by the alarm transmission device. This explanation refers to the time chart in Figure 5, which shows the operation when a fire alarm interlocking signal is received and its reception history is maintained during alarm transmission blocking, and then a fire alarm restoration signal is received after the alarm transmission blocking function is deactivated upon completion of the test. Note that Figures 5(A) to 5(G) correspond to Figures 4(A) to 5(G).

[0109] In Figure 5, at time t1, the setting operation of the alarm transmission interruption function by pressing and holding the test switch 54 is detected, and the alarm transmission interruption function is set. The indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the first cycle, and a first notification is given indicating that the alarm transmission interruption is in progress. Subsequently, at time t2, when the reception of a fire interlock signal from an alarm that was activated by a burning test is detected, a reception history including the alarm number of the received fire interlock signal is generated and stored in memory. This is the same as in Figure 4, however, in Figure 5, there is a difference in that smoke did not completely escape from the alarm that was triggered during the alarm transmission interruption, and after the alarm transmission interruption function was released, a fire recovery signal was received from the alarm that was triggered during the test.

[0110] Specifically, in Figure 5, the tester presses and holds the test switch 54 again upon completion of the inspection. This detects the release of the alarm interruption function at time t3. Since the reception history based on the reception of the fire interlock signal while the alarm interruption was active is retained at this time, the indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the second cycle, and the alarm interruption function is released while a second notification indicating that the alarm is active is given.

[0111] The inspector, upon seeing the second notification from the transmission device 12, learns that the last alarm that was triggered in the test remains operational and waits for it to be restored. After a certain amount of time, the smoke that has entered the alarm due to the heat test will dissipate, restoring fire detection and transmitting a fire recovery signal.

[0112] The transmission device 12 detects the reception of a fire recovery signal at time t4 while the second alarm is being broadcast. Since the alarm number of the fire recovery signal is the same as the alarm number of the fire interlock signal received during transmission interruption (the fire interlock signal received and detected at time t3), the device releases (deletes) the reception history, turns off the indicator light 56 ​​that is flashing in the second cycle, and stops (ends) the second alarm. This allows the inspector to confirm the recovery of the alarm that last sounded during the test broadcast, and thus the inspection work can be completed.

[0113] (d3. Action taken if a real fire occurs while the alarm is being blocked) The operation of the alarm relay device in the event of a real fire occurring while the alarm relay is shut off will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to the time chart in Figure 6, which shows the operation of receiving a fire interlock signal due to a real fire during the test, and then outputting the alarm relay signal by switching during the second alarm after the alarm relay shutoff is released at the end of the test. Note that Figures 6(A) to 6(G) correspond to Figures 4(A) to 6(G).

[0114] As shown in Figure 6, at time t1, the setting operation of the alarm transmission interruption function by pressing and holding the test switch 54 is detected, and the indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the first cycle to indicate that the alarm transmission interruption is in progress, and thereafter, the alarm burn test is repeated, and after the last alarm burn test is performed and the system is restored, a real fire occurs, and at time t2, the reception of a fire interlock signal is detected from the alarm that detected the real fire. In this case, a reception history including the alarm number of the fire interlock signal received and detected at time t2 is generated and stored in memory.

[0115] Upon completion of the inspection, the tester presses and holds the test switch 54 again. This detects the deactivation of the alarm transmission interruption function at time t3. Since the reception history of the fire interlock signal received at time t2 while the alarm transmission interruption was active is retained, the indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the second cycle, and the alarm transmission interruption function is deactivated while a second notification is being given indicating that the alarm is activated.

[0116] Upon seeing the second alarm, the testers determine that the last alarm tested has not been restored and wait for it to be restored. However, the fire alarm signal received and detected at time t2 indicates a real fire, so no fire restoration is performed.

[0117] At this time, if the indicator light 56 ​​continues to blink in the second cycle and does not stop even after the expected time for test recovery, for example 1 minute, the tester will determine that something abnormal has occurred and will perform an on-site check of the monitoring area. If it is confirmed that there is a real fire, the tester will perform a short press operation of the test switch 54. This will be detected as a transfer output operation at time t4, and the transfer signal will be output when it rises from L level to H level, which can, for example, activate the automatic notification device and make an automatic notification. In this case, the second notification is continued when the transfer signal is output, but it may also be possible to stop (terminate) the second notification in response to the output of the transfer signal.

[0118] Therefore, even if the alarm interruption function is deactivated while a real fire is occurring during the heating test, the continued notification of the second alarm allows the system to detect the abnormality and confirm the real fire, enabling a switch operation that promptly outputs an alarm signal to address the real fire.

[0119] (d4. Action taken if a real fire occurs during the second alarm) The operation of the alarm transfer device in the event of a real fire occurring during the second alarm is explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to the time chart in Figure 7, which shows the operation when a fire interlock signal due to a real fire is received during the second alarm after the alarm transfer cutoff function has been released at the end of the test. Note that Figures 7(A) to 7(G) correspond to Figures 4(A) to 7(G).

[0120] As shown in Figure 7, at time t1, the setting operation of the alarm transmission interruption function by pressing and holding the test switch 54 is detected, and upon setting the alarm transmission interruption function, the indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the first cycle to give a first notification indicating that the alarm transmission interruption is in progress. At time t2, the reception of the fire interlock signal due to the final alarm heating test is detected, and a reception history including the fire interlock signal issuance number is generated and stored in memory.

[0121] Upon completion of the inspection, the tester presses and holds the test switch 54 again. This detects the deactivation of the alarm transmission interruption function at time t3. Since the reception history of the fire interlock signal received at time t2 while the alarm transmission interruption was active is retained, the indicator light 56 ​​flashes in the second cycle, a second notification is given indicating that the alarm is activated, and the alarm transmission interruption function is deactivated.

[0122] As described above, when the second alarm is being issued from time t3, if a fire interlock signal is received from an alarm that has been activated due to a real fire, the alarm number of the received fire interlock signal will differ from the alarm number in the fire interlock signal reception history received at time t2. Based on this difference in alarm numbers, it is determined at time t4 that a new fire alarm signal has been received, and the transfer signal from the transfer output unit 64 is output by rising from L level to H level, which can, for example, activate an automatic notification device to make an automatic notification.

[0123] Therefore, even if a real fire occurs while the second alarm is being issued after the initial heating test has finished and the alarm blocking function has been deactivated, the system can reliably detect the real fire and promptly output an alarm signal to address the issue.

[0124] [e. Control operation of the alarm transfer device] Next, the control operation of the alarm transfer device will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to the flowchart in Figure 8 showing the control operation by the alarm transfer device in Figure 3, and the flowchart in Figure 9 showing the control operation of the alarm transfer device following Figure 8. Furthermore, the control operation of the alarm transfer device in Figures 8 and 9 is the control operation by the alarm transfer control unit 76 of the alarm transfer device 12 shown in Figure 3.

[0125] As shown in Figure 8, when the alarm transmission device 12 is powered on and activated, the alarm transmission control unit 76 initializes the alarm transmission blocking function to be deactivated in step S1 and proceeds to step S2. In step S2, when the alarm transmission control unit 76 determines that it has received a fire interlock signal from the alarm that has been activated after detecting a fire, it proceeds to step S3. Since the alarm transmission blocking function was initialized to be deactivated in step S1, it instructs the alarm transmission output unit 64 to output an alarm transmission signal, which in turn activates the automatic notification device 14 to perform an automatic notification.

[0126] Furthermore, if the alarm transmission control unit 76 detects in step S4, for example, that the test switch 54 has been pressed and held in connection with the alarm heating test, it proceeds to step S5, sets the alarm transmission blocking function, and then in step S6 flashes the indicator light 56 ​​in the first cycle to give a first notification indicating that the alarm transmission is blocked.

[0127] When the alarm transmission control unit 76 is in the process of blocking alarm transmission, if it determines in step S7 that it has received a fire interlock signal from an alarm that was triggered by a heat test, it generates a reception history in step S8 that includes the trigger number of the received fire interlock signal, stores it in memory, and keeps it there.

[0128] Next, in step S9, the alarm transmission control unit 76 monitors whether or not a fire recovery signal has been received. If it determines in step S9 that a fire recovery signal has been received, it proceeds to step S10, and if the alarm number included in the fire recovery signal matches the alarm number in the reception history held in step S8, it releases and deletes the reception history held in step S8.

[0129] Next, the alarm transfer control unit 76 monitors the long press operation of the test switch 54 in step S11. When it detects that the test switch 54 has been long pressed due to the end of the heating test, it proceeds to step S12 and releases the alarm transfer blocking function.

[0130] Next, the alarm transfer control unit 76 proceeds to step S13 in Figure 9, where it determines whether or not to retain the reception history of the fire interlock signal received during the alarm transfer interruption. If it determines that the reception history is retained, it proceeds to step S14, where it flashes the indicator light 56 ​​in a second cycle, making a second notification indicating that the alarm is activated.

[0131] If the transmission control unit 76 detects in step S15 that a fire recovery signal has been received while the second alarm, which was performed in step S14, it proceeds to step S19, provided that the alarm number in the currently held reception history matches the alarm number of the received fire recovery signal, stops the second alarm, and returns to step S2 in Figure 8.

[0132] Furthermore, if the transmission control unit 76 does not determine in step S15 that a fire recovery signal has been received, it proceeds to step S16. If it receives a fire interlocking signal with the same alarm number as the alarm number in the reception history held during transmission interruption, it determines that it is not a new fire interlocking signal and proceeds to step S17. If it determines in step S17 that the test switch 54 has been briefly pressed, it proceeds to step S18, instructs the transmission output unit 64 to output a transmission signal, and then stops the second alarm in step S19, before returning to step S2 in Figure 7, and entering a state of waiting to receive a fire interlocking signal.

[0133] Furthermore, if a fire interlock signal with a different alarm number is received in step S16 than the alarm number in the reception history held during alarm shutdown, the system identifies the reception of a new fire interlock signal and proceeds to step S18, instructing the transfer output unit 64 to output a transfer signal. Subsequently, in step S19, the second alarm is stopped, and the system returns to step S2 in Figure 8, entering a state of waiting to receive a fire interlock signal.

[0134] [f. Variations of the present invention] (First Hochi and Second Hochi) The above notification system provides a first notification by flashing an indicator light in the first cycle to indicate that the alarm transfer is being interrupted, and a second notification by flashing the alarm transfer indicator light in the second cycle to indicate that the alarm is activated. However, the first notification may be performed using a first flashing pattern of the indicator light, and the second notification may be performed using a second flashing pattern different from the first flashing pattern.

[0135] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses one indicator light to provide both the first and second notifications, it is also possible to provide two indicator lights and use separate indicator lights for the first and second notifications.

[0136] Furthermore, the first and second notifications may be performed in combination with audio output from a speaker, in addition to the flashing of indicator lights.

[0137] (parent-child method) In the above embodiment, when multiple alarms are installed within a protected area to form an interlocking group, there is no distinction between master and slave units, and each alarm communicates with the others. However, it is also possible to form an interlocking group with a master unit and multiple slave units, and to provide a relay device as a slave unit of the group.

[0138] (Alarm) The above embodiment took the example of a relay device installed in an alarm system using wireless interconnected alarms that detect and sound out fires. However, the same can be applied to alarm systems that include wireless fire alarms, gas leak alarms, CO alarms, and various types of security alarms, as well as systems that include a combination of these alarms, when a relay device is installed.

[0139] Furthermore, while the above embodiment takes the example of a case where the sensor unit and the alarm output processing unit are integrated into a wireless interconnected alarm device, other embodiments may include an alarm transmission device for an alarm system using a wireless interconnected alarm device in which the sensor unit and the alarm output processing unit are separate.

[0140] Furthermore, although the above embodiment takes the example of a case where the alarm transmission device and the automatic notification device are provided as separate components, they may also be configured as an integrated device. For example, an integrated device may contain a functional unit corresponding to the alarm transmission device and a functional unit corresponding to the automatic notification device, and the functional unit corresponding to the alarm transmission device may output a signal to the functional unit corresponding to the automatic notification device.

[0141] (others) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its purpose and advantages, and is not limited by the numerical values ​​shown in the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10(10-1)~10(10-4):Alarm 12: Transfer device 14: Automatic notification device 16: Telephone line 18,48: Control processor 20,50: Communications Department 22: Smoke Detection Department 24,54: Test switch 26,56: Indicator light 28,58: Speaker 30,60: Communication processor 32,62: Wireless Communication Section 36,66:CPU 38,68: Control logic 40,70:ROM 42,72:RAM 44,74: Bus 46: Fire Control Unit 64: Transfer Output Unit 76: Report Transfer Control Unit

Claims

1. A relay device that relays signals between an alarm system having an alarm capable of sending and receiving fire-related signals and a predetermined external device, A transfer output unit that outputs a transfer signal to the external device based on the reception of the fire interlock signal, A transfer control unit controls a transfer blocking function that blocks the output of the transfer signal by the transfer output unit, An operating unit for setting or deactivating the aforementioned alarm blocking function, A system was established, Furthermore, the notification control unit, When the aforementioned setting operation is detected and the alarm transmission blocking function is set, if a fire interlock signal is received, a reception history of the fire interlock signal is generated and stored, and when a fire recovery signal corresponding to the fire interlock signal in the reception history is received, the storage of the reception history is released. A signal relay device characterized in that, when the aforementioned deactivation operation is detected and the signal relay blocking function is deactivated, it provides notification indicating that the alarm is activated while the reception history is being retained, and outputs the signal relay signal when a predetermined signal relay output operation is detected while the notification is being provided.

2. A relay device according to claim 1, The alarm transfer device is characterized in that, when the alarm transfer control unit detects the release operation and releases the alarm transfer blocking function, it stops the notification if the reception history is canceled while it is making a notification indicating that the alarm is activated.

3. A relay device according to claim 1, The alarm transfer device is characterized in that, when the alarm transfer control unit detects the release operation and releases the alarm transfer blocking function, if it receives a new fire interlock signal from another alarm while the alarm is making an announcement indicating that the alarm is activated, it will output the alarm transfer signal.

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