Alarm

Abstract

To suppress an increase in power consumption while reducing an evacuation time.SOLUTION: An alarm 1 is installed on a structure. The alarm 1 comprises: a detection unit 2; a control unit 10; a first output unit 11; a second output unit 12; and a housing 4. The detection units 2 detects a fire. The control unit 10 determines whether or not a fire has occurred in response to information related to a fire. The first output unit 11 outputs a sound so as to indicate the occurence of a fire when it is determined in the control unit 10 that a fire occurred. The second output unit 12 outputs illumination light for illuminating a surrounding region in accordance with the information. The housing 4 houses the control unit 10, the first output unit 11, the second output unit 12, and the detection unit 2 inside. In a first space on the side of the structure of an inner space of the housing 4, the detection unit 2 is arranged. In a second space different from the first space, the first output unit 11 and the second output unit 12 are arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an alarm Device and, more particularly, to an alarm for notifying that a specific event has occurred. Device

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, a residential fire alarm described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. This residential fire alarm has a smoke detection unit with a smoke inlet opened at the center of its cover, and detects a fire when the smoke due to a fire reaches a predetermined concentration. The residential fire alarm also has a sound hole on the lower left side of the smoke detection unit in the cover, and a speaker is built in behind it to output an alarm sound and a voice message. The residential fire alarm is installed on, for example, a wall surface in a living room or a bedroom of a house, and in the event of a fire, it detects the fire and starts an alarm.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a residential fire alarm (acoustic device) that can further shorten the evacuation time of residents is desired. For example, in addition to an alarm sound, another notification function may be added to perform both the output of the alarm sound and the execution of the notification function when a specific event occurs. However, compared to the case of only outputting an alarm sound, there is a possibility that the power consumption increases.

[0005] In view of the above reasons, the present invention is made, and an object of the present invention is to provide an alarm that can shorten the evacuation time while suppressing an increase in power consumption. Device

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] ​​An alarm according to one aspect of the present invention is installed in a structure. The alarm includes a notification unit, a control unit, a first output unit, a second output unit, an operating lamp, and a housing. The detection unit detects a fire. The control unit receives information about the fire and determines whether the fire has occurred. The first output unit outputs a sound to notify the occurrence of the fire when the control unit determines that the fire has occurred. The second output unit outputs illumination light that illuminates the surrounding area according to the information. The operating lamp outputs light when the control unit determines that a fire has occurred. The housing houses the control unit, the first output unit, and the second output unit, the operating lamp, and the detection unit inside. The detection unit is disposed in a first space on the side of the structure in the internal space of the housing. The first output unit and the second output unit are disposed in a second space different from the first space. The housing has an annular slit including a window hole for guiding the illumination light output from the second output unit to the outside of the housing. The operating lamp is located inside the slit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The present invention has the advantage that it can shorten the evacuation time while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (1) Overview The following embodiments are merely one of various embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments can be variously modified according to the design and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Also, each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 4, the acoustic device 1 of the present embodiment is installed in a structure C1 (a building material such as a ceiling or a wall). As shown in FIG. 2, the acoustic device 1 includes a control unit 10, a first output unit 11, and a second output unit 12. The control unit 10 receives information regarding a specific event and determines whether the specific event has occurred.

[0013] Here, it is assumed that the “specific event” is, for example, a fire. Therefore, the acoustic device 1 is, for example, a fire alarm that outputs a sound such as an alarm sound when a fire occurs. However, the specific event is not limited to a fire as long as it is a target for sounding an alarm, and may be a gas leak, a tsunami, an earthquake, an intrusion by a suspicious person, or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the acoustic device 1 of the present embodiment further includes a photoelectric sensor (detection unit 2) that detects smoke inside it, but the detection unit 2 may be a fixed-temperature sensor that detects heat. Also, the detection unit 2 may be separate from the acoustic device 1. The control unit 10 of the acoustic device 1 may receive information regarding a fire through communication with another acoustic device (fire alarm) equipped with the detection unit 2.

[0015] The acoustic device 1 is installed on one surface (ceiling surface or wall surface) of the structure C1 such as a living room, a bedroom, a staircase, or a corridor in a house. The house may be a detached house or an apartment house (condominium). Further, the acoustic device 1 may be installed not only in a house but also in a non-residential structure C1 (such as a ceiling surface or a wall surface). Examples of non-residential buildings include office buildings, theaters, movie theaters, concert halls, amusement arcades, complex facilities, restaurants, department stores, schools, hotels, inns, hospitals, nursing homes, kindergartens, libraries, museums, art galleries, underground shopping areas, stations, airports, and the like.

[0016] When the control unit 10 determines that a fire, which is a specific event, has occurred, the first output unit 11 outputs an alarm sound to notify the occurrence of the fire. The second output unit 12 outputs light that illuminates the surrounding area R1 (see FIG. 4) according to the information regarding the fire. Note that the light of the second output unit 12 may be referred to as "illumination light", but the light of the second output unit 12 is light that illuminates the evacuation route and has a lower brightness compared to the illumination light output by general lighting fixtures. The "surrounding area R1" mentioned here is the area facing the ceiling surface when the acoustic device 1 is installed on the ceiling surface, or the area facing the wall surface (for example, the wall surface) when the acoustic device 1 is installed on the wall surface.

[0017] In this embodiment, the second output unit 12 outputs at least one of the first illumination light that blinks and the second illumination light whose brightness changes step by step as the above-mentioned illumination light.

[0018] According to this configuration, not only the output of sound but also the output of illumination light is performed. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the evacuation time. Further, the second output unit 12 outputs at least one of the first illumination light and the second illumination light. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption compared to the case where the illumination light continuously lights up at a constant brightness level, for example.

[0019] (2) Details (2.1) Overall configuration Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the acoustic device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail. Here, as an example, the acoustic device 1 is a battery-powered fire alarm. However, the acoustic device 1 may be a fire alarm that is electrically connected to an external power source (for example, a commercial power system) and drives by converting the alternating current power (for example, effective value 100V) supplied from the external power source into direct current.

[0020] Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the acoustic device 1 is installed, as an example, on the ceiling surface (one surface of the structure C1) of the bedroom in the house of the resident 100. Accordingly, the vertical, horizontal directions of the acoustic device 1 are defined and described using the vertical and horizontal arrows illustrated in FIG. 1. These arrows are merely described for the purpose of assisting the explanation and do not have an entity. Also, these directions do not limit the usage direction of the acoustic device 1.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the control unit 10, the first output unit (sound output unit) 11, the second output unit (lighting light output unit) 12, and the detection unit 2, the acoustic device 1 further includes, for example, a battery 13, an operation unit 3, a housing 4, a light-transmitting unit 5 (see FIG. 1), and an operation lamp 15. Here, as an example, the acoustic device 1 is assumed to be a single-type fire alarm and does not have a communication function for communicating with other fire alarms.

[0022] (2.2) Housing The housing 4 houses therein the control unit 10, the first output unit 11, the second output unit 12, the battery 13, the detection unit 2, the operation lamp 15, and a circuit board (not shown) on which circuit components constituting the control unit 10 and various circuits are mounted. Although illustration is omitted, the various circuits mentioned here are, for example, an acoustic circuit, a first lighting circuit, a second lighting circuit, and a power supply circuit, etc. which will be described later.

[0023] The housing 4 is made of synthetic resin, for example, flame-retardant ABS resin. The housing 4 is formed in a generally flat cylindrical shape as a whole. The housing 4 has a mounting portion on its upper surface, and is mounted on one surface (installation surface) of the structure C1 by the mounting portion.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 4 has holes 401 on its peripheral wall 400 through which smoke can be introduced into the labyrinth provided inside the housing 4. The housing 4 has a partition wall that divides its internal space into two upper and lower parts. The labyrinth and the detection unit 2 are in the upper first space, and the control unit 10, the first output unit 11, the second output unit 12, the operation lamp 15, and the circuit board, etc. are in the lower second space.

[0025] In addition, the housing 4 has a long slit-shaped window hole 403 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) on its lower wall (cover) 402. The window hole 403 is disposed opposite to the first output unit 11 housed in the housing 4. The window hole 403 guides the sound output from the first output unit 11 to the outside of the housing 4.

[0026] Further, on the lower wall 402 of the housing 4, the housing 4 supports the light-transmitting part 5 so that the lower surface of the light-transmitting part 5 is exposed to the outside of the housing 4. The light-transmitting part 5 is a disk-shaped member having light-transmitting properties. The light-transmitting part 5 is formed of a material such as acrylic resin or glass. The light-transmitting part 5 is disposed opposite to the second output unit 12 housed in the housing 4. The light-transmitting part 5 guides the light (illumination light) emitted from the second output unit 12 to the outside of the housing 4. The light-transmitting part 5 may have a lens part whose outer surface is formed in a convex shape in order to distribute the light from the second output unit 12 toward the surrounding area R1. Further, a light guide member may be provided between the light-transmitting part 5 and the second output unit 12 to efficiently guide the light from the second output unit 12 to the light-transmitting part 5.

[0027] Furthermore, on the lower wall 402 of the housing 4, the housing 4 supports the operation unit 3 so that the lower surface of the operation unit 3 is exposed to the outside of the housing 4. The operation unit 3 receives an external operation input. The operation unit 3 can be pushed upward by a pushing operation with a user's finger or the like. The operation unit 3 is a disk-shaped member having light-transmitting properties. The operation unit 3 is disposed opposite to the operation lamp 15 housed in the housing 4. Further, the operation unit 3 is configured to push a push-button switch (not shown) housed in the housing 4 by a pushing operation.

[0028] In the present embodiment, as an example, when the lower surface of the lower wall 402 is viewed from below, the window hole 403 and the operation unit 3 are arranged side by side in one direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) so that the center of the lower surface of the lower wall 402 is sandwiched between the window hole 403 and the operation unit 3. Further, when the lower surface of the lower wall 402 is viewed from below, the light-transmitting part 5 is disposed in front of the center of the lower surface of the lower wall 402.

[0029] (2.3) First output unit The first output unit 11 outputs sound (sound wave). When the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred, the first output unit 11 outputs an alarm sound to notify of the occurrence of the fire.

[0030] The first output unit 11 is composed of a speaker that converts an electrical signal into sound. The speaker has a diaphragm and emits an alarm sound by mechanically vibrating the diaphragm according to the electrical signal. The speaker is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the front and is disc-shaped. The first output unit 11 outputs an alarm sound (for example, a "beep" sound) under the control of the control unit 10. In order to improve the notification performance as the alarm sound, it is preferable that the first output unit 11 outputs an alarm sound whose volume (sound pressure level) changes. The alarm sound may include, for example, a sweep sound that sweeps from a low pitch to a high pitch. The alarm sound may include a voice message such as "There is a fire. There is a fire." Here, it is assumed that the alarm sound is composed of a sweep sound and a voice message continuous with the sweep sound.

[0031] On the above circuit board, circuit components constituting an acoustic circuit are mounted, for example. The acoustic circuit has a low-pass filter, an amplifier, and the like. When the acoustic circuit receives a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal corresponding to the alarm sound generated by the control unit 10 at the time of a fire, it converts it into a sine-wave voice signal with a low-pass filter and amplifies it with an amplifier, and outputs it from the first output unit 11 as an alarm sound.

[0032] The first output unit 11 also outputs an alarm sound experimentally during operation inspection. The first output unit 11 outputs a voice message such as "It is normal." or "It is abnormal." according to the state of the acoustic device 1. The operation inspection can be executed when the operation unit 3 is operated or when a pull cord (not shown) led out from the housing 4 is pulled. The first output unit 11 may output a voice message notifying that the replacement time of the battery 13 is approaching. The battery 13 is, for example, a lithium battery.

[0033] (2.4) Second Output Unit (Illumination Light Output Unit) The second output unit 12 outputs illumination light. Under the control of the control unit 10, the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light that illuminates the surrounding area R1 according to the information related to the fire. The second output unit 12 of the present embodiment outputs illumination light (second illumination light) whose brightness changes stepwise as the illumination light.

[0034] The second output unit 12 has one or a plurality of illumination white LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 12A mounted on the above circuit board as a light source (see FIG. 2). The second output unit 12 is turned off during normal times (when monitoring for a fire), and starts lighting (outputting illumination light) when the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred.

[0035] The LED 12A is configured as a package-type LED in which at least one LED chip is mounted in the center of the mounting surface of the flat mounting substrate. The LED chip is preferably, for example, a blue light-emitting diode that emits blue light from the light-emitting surface. Further, the mounting surface of the substrate including the LED chip is covered with a sealing resin mixed with a fluorescent substance that wavelength-converts the blue light emitted from the LED chip. The LED 12A is configured to emit white illumination light from the light-emitting surface when a DC voltage is applied between its anode electrode and cathode electrode. The color of the illumination light is not limited to white, and other light colors may also be used. However, it is desirable that it does not overlap with the light color of the operation lamp 15.

[0036] Circuit components constituting a first lighting circuit for lighting the LED 12A of the second output unit 12 are mounted on the above circuit board. The first lighting circuit lights the LED 12A using DC power discharged from the battery 13 under the control of the control unit 10. When the acoustic device 1 is electrically connected to a commercial power system, the first lighting circuit converts the AC power supplied from the power system into DC current and lights the LED 12A.

[0037] Here, the second output unit 12 of the present embodiment outputs illumination light (second illumination light) with a dimming level (brightness) set to the first dimming level (first level) until a predetermined period P0 (see FIG. 3) from the start of the output of the illumination light. Further, when the predetermined period P0 is exceeded, the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light with a dimming level set to a second dimming level (second level) lower than the first dimming level. The first dimming level is 100% as an example. The second dimming level is 50% as an example.

[0038] The light (illumination light) emitted from the second output unit 12 is led out to the outside of the housing 4 through the light-transmitting unit 5, and the surrounding area R1 (here, the floor and bed of the bedroom, etc.) is illuminated. The second output unit 12 also lights up experimentally even during operation inspection. The operation inspection of the second output unit 12 can be executed by operating the operation unit 3 or pulling the pull cord, similarly to the first output unit 11. During operation inspection, the second output unit 12 preferably outputs illumination light at the first dimming level for, for example, several seconds so that the inspection operator can confirm the gradual change in brightness, and outputs illumination light at the second dimming level several seconds later. Further, adjustment knobs or the like may be provided on the acoustic device 1 so that the first dimming level and the second dimming level can be adjusted appropriately, respectively.

[0039] (2.5) Operating lamp The operating lamp 15 has a red LED 15A mounted on the above circuit board as a light source. The operating lamp 15 is turned off during normal times (when monitoring for a fire), and starts flashing (or lighting up) when the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred.

[0040] Circuit components constituting a second lighting circuit for flashing the LED 15A of the operating lamp 15 are mounted on the above circuit board. The second lighting circuit uses the DC power discharged from the battery 13 to flash the LED 15A under the control of the control unit 10. When the acoustic device 1 is electrically connected to a commercial power system, the second lighting circuit converts the AC power supplied from the power system into DC current to flash the LED 15A.

[0041] The light emitted from the operation lamp 15 is led out to the outside of the housing 4 through the operation part 3 having translucency. The resident 100 can know that the acoustic device 1 is operating (detecting a fire) by visually recognizing the operation part 3 that blinks red. The operation lamp 15 also blinks during operation inspection. The operation inspection of the operation lamp 15 can be executed by operating the operation part 3 or pulling the pull cord, similarly to the first output part 11. Further, the operation lamp 15 blinks also when the replacement time of the battery 13 is approaching or a failure occurs. When the operation part 3 is operated during blinking, the first output part 11 outputs an audio message indicating that the replacement time is approaching or a failure has occurred.

[0042] (2.6) Detection Unit The detection unit 2 detects a fire which is a specific event. Here, as an example, the detection unit 2 is a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 2 includes, for example, a light emitting part 21 such as an LED and a light receiving part 22 such as a photodiode. The light emitting part 21 and the light receiving part 22 are arranged in the labyrinth of the housing 4 such that the light receiving surface of the light receiving part 22 is deviated from the optical axis of the irradiation light of the light emitting part 21. When a fire occurs, smoke can be introduced into the labyrinth through the hole 401 in the peripheral wall 400 of the housing 4.

[0043] When there is no smoke in the labyrinth of the housing 4, the irradiation light of the light emitting part 21 hardly reaches the light receiving surface of the light receiving part 22. On the other hand, when there is smoke in the labyrinth of the housing 4, the irradiation light of the light emitting part 21 is scattered by the smoke, and a part of the scattered light reaches the light receiving surface of the light receiving part 22. That is, the detection unit 2 receives, by the light receiving part 22, the irradiation light of the light emitting part 21 scattered by the smoke.

[0044] The detection unit 2 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The detection unit 2 transmits an electrical signal (detection signal) indicating a voltage level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 converts the amount of light of the detection signal received from the detection unit 2 into a smoke density (event level) to determine whether there is a fire. Note that the detection unit 2 may convert the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 into a smoke density and then transmit a detection signal indicating a voltage level corresponding to the smoke density to the control unit 10. Alternatively, the detection unit 2 may determine the occurrence of a fire (smoke) from the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 and transmit a detection signal including information indicating that a fire has occurred to the control unit 10.

[0045] (2.7) Control Unit The control unit 10 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. In other words, the control unit 10 is realized by a computer having a CPU and a memory, and the computer functions as the control unit 10 by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory. The program is recorded in the memory in advance here, but may be provided by being recorded through an electric communication line such as the Internet or on a recording medium such as a memory card.

[0046] The control unit 10 controls the first output unit 11, the acoustic circuit, the second output unit 12, the operation lamp 15, the first lighting circuit, the second lighting circuit, the detection unit 2, etc. Further, the control unit 10 controls a power supply circuit that generates operating power for various circuits from the DC power of the battery 13.

[0047] The control unit 10 is configured to determine whether a fire has occurred upon receiving information regarding a fire which is a specific event. Specifically, the control unit 10 monitors the detection signal (information) received from the detection unit 2 and determines whether the event level included in the detection signal exceeds a threshold value. As described above, the event level is, as an example, the converted smoke density. However, the event level may be the amount of light.

[0048] The control unit 10 stores a threshold value in its own memory. The control unit 10 periodically determines, for example, at a predetermined time interval whether the smoke concentration has exceeded the threshold value. If the smoke concentration exceeds the threshold value even once, it may be determined that a fire has occurred. The predetermined time interval is, for example, a 5-second interval. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may count the number of times the smoke concentration has continuously exceeded the threshold value and determine that a fire has occurred when the number of times reaches a specified number. Of course, if the control unit 10 receives a detection signal including information that a fire has occurred from the detection unit 2, it may directly determine that a fire has occurred.

[0049] When the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred based on the smoke concentration, it starts outputting an alarm sound from the first output unit 11. Specifically, the control unit 10 generates a PWM signal corresponding to a sweep sound whose frequency linearly changes over time and outputs it to the sound circuit. The above PWM signal is converted into an audio signal by the sound circuit, and the sweep sound (alarm sound) is output from the first output unit 11. Also, the control unit 10 generates a PWM signal corresponding to an audio message based on the message data stored in its own memory and outputs it to the sound circuit. The above PWM signal is converted into an audio signal by the sound circuit, and the audio message (alarm sound) is output from the first output unit 11.

[0050] Also, when the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred based on the smoke concentration, it starts outputting illumination light from the second output unit 12. Specifically, when the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred, it generates a first dimming signal (PWM signal) with a duty ratio corresponding to the first dimming level and outputs the first dimming signal to the first lighting circuit. Note that when the duty ratio is 0 to 5%, the dimming level (output level) is 100%, and when the duty ratio is 98% or more (excluding 100%), the dimming level is 5% (lower limit value). And when the duty ratio is greater than 5% and less than 98%, the dimming level decreases at a certain rate with an increase in the duty ratio.

[0051] When the first lighting circuit receives the first dimming signal from the control unit 10, it adjusts the output current output to the LED 12A based on the first dimming signal so that the second output unit 12 lights up at the first dimming level (dimming control).

[0052] The control unit 10 starts measuring the time elapsed since the start of the illumination light output using a timer. Then, when a predetermined period P0 has elapsed, the control unit 10 generates a second dimming signal (PWM signal) with a duty ratio corresponding to the second dimming level, and outputs the second dimming signal to the first lighting circuit.

[0053] When the first lighting circuit receives the second dimming signal from the control unit 10, it adjusts the output current output to the LED 12A based on the second dimming signal so that the second output unit 12 lights up at the second dimming level (here, the output current is reduced).

[0054] Furthermore, when the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred based on the smoke density, it starts light output from the activation lamp 15. Specifically, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal for flashing the activation lamp 15 to the second lighting circuit. When the second lighting circuit receives the control signal from the control unit 10, it flashes the activation lamp 15.

[0055] The control unit 10 also determines the smoke density during the alarm (while the alarm sound is being reported). If the smoke density becomes equal to or less than the reference value during the alarm, the control unit 10 stops generating the PWM signal, stops the output of the alarm sound by the first output unit 11, and also transmits a stop signal to the first lighting circuit and the second lighting circuit respectively to stop the light output from the second output unit 12 and the activation lamp 15. That is, when the control unit 10 determines that the fire (smoke) has disappeared, it automatically stops the output of the alarm sound, the output of the illumination light, and the flashing of the activation lamp 15.

[0056] Also, when the push button switch inside the housing 4 is turned on by a push operation on the operation unit 3 during the alarm, the control unit 10 stops the output of the alarm sound. If the resident 100 determines that the alarm of the sound device 1 is a false alarm, the alarm sound reporting can be stopped by pressing the operation unit 3. Stopping the alarm sound reporting is also possible by pulling the pull cord.

[0057] On the one hand, when the push-button switch in the housing 4 is turned on by a push operation on the operation unit 3 during non-alarm, the control unit 10 executes a predetermined operation test for operation inspection. The operation test includes a sound output test of the first output unit 11, an illumination light output test of the second output unit 12, a blinking test of the activation lamp 15, etc. The operation test can also be performed by pulling the pull cord.

[0058] (2.8) Operation Explanation Hereinafter, the operation of the acoustic device 1 when a fire occurs will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 3 and the state of the bedroom in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the resident 100 is sleeping in the bed in the bedroom during the late-night time zone.

[0059] The control unit 10 of the acoustic device 1 repeatedly performs a determination process on whether the smoke concentration exceeds the threshold value at intervals of, for example, 5 seconds (step S1 in FIG. 3: Monitoring). When the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred (step S2 in FIG. 3: Fire Confirmation), it immediately outputs a PWM signal to the acoustic circuit after the determination. The first output unit 11 receives the audio signal converted from the PWM signal by the acoustic circuit and outputs an alarm sound (step S3 in FIG. 3: Sound Start). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the alarm sound is reported in the bedroom.

[0060] Also, the control unit 10 immediately outputs a first dimming signal to the first lighting circuit after the fire is confirmed. Therefore, the second output unit 12 is dimming-controlled by the first lighting circuit and lights up at the first dimming level (100% as an example) (step S4 in FIG. 3: Illumination (First Level)). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the bedroom that was in a state close to darkness becomes bright due to the illumination light of the second output unit 12. Also, the control unit 10 starts measuring the time elapsed since the output of the illumination light using a timer (step S5 in FIG. 3: Timing).

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 10 immediately outputs a control signal to the second lighting circuit after the fire is confirmed. Therefore, the activation lamp 15 starts to blink (step S6 in FIG. 3: Blinking Start).

[0062] When a predetermined period P0 elapses after the control unit 10 starts outputting illumination light at the first dimming level, the control unit 10 outputs a second dimming signal to the first lighting circuit. Accordingly, the second output unit 12 that was lit at the first dimming level gradually dims toward the target second dimming level (e.g., 50%) (step S7 in FIG. 3: Illumination (Second Level)). As a result, the brightness in the bedroom slightly decreases.

[0063] Thereafter, if the control unit 10 determines that the smoke density has become equal to or less than the reference value (step S8 in FIG. 3: Smoke Disappearance), the control unit 10 stops the output of the first output unit 11 (step S9 in FIG. 3: Sound Stop), and further stops the output of the second output unit 12 (step S10 in FIG. 3: Illumination Stop). Also, the control unit 10 stops the blinking of the operation lamp 15 (step S11 in FIG. 3: Blinking Stop).

[0064] Here, for example, when a fire breaks out in a house during the late-night hours, the resident 100 sleeping in the bedroom of the house may have difficulty instantly grasping the route and direction from the bed to the door connecting the bed to the corridor after hearing the alarm sound, especially in a state close to darkness. Also, the resident 100 may, for example, try to reach the wall switch by groping in the dark and turn on the bedroom lighting, and the actions until turning on the wall switch may lead to a delay in evacuation. Further, if the resident 100 is, for example, a person with hearing impairment, there is also a possibility that the resident 100 may not notice the occurrence of the fire only by the alarm sound (sound). In contrast, since the acoustic device 1 outputs not only the alarm sound but also the illumination light from the second output unit 12, the resident 100 can instantly grasp the route (evacuation route) from the bed to the door connecting the bed to the corridor, and the time required to turn on the bedroom lighting is likely to be saved. Also, even if the resident 100 is a person with hearing impairment, the illumination light from the second output unit 12 increases the possibility of noticing the occurrence of the fire. In short, since the acoustic device 1 outputs not only the alarm sound but also the illumination light, the evacuation time can be shortened.

[0065] Furthermore, since the second output unit 12 of the acoustic device 1 outputs illumination light (second illumination light) whose brightness changes stepwise during an alarm, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption compared to the case where the illumination light is output at a constant brightness level, for example.

[0066] Also, the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light (second illumination light) set to the first dimming level until a predetermined period P0 elapses, and outputs illumination light (second illumination light) set to a second dimming level lower than the first dimming level when the predetermined period P0 elapses. Therefore, the power consumed by the second output unit 12 after the predetermined period P0 has elapsed is suppressed.

[0067] Incidentally, the predetermined period P0 is a period in which it is considered necessary for the resident 100 to have completed evacuation within this period after the occurrence of a fire. The predetermined period P0 is, for example, 5 minutes. When this predetermined period P0 elapses, there is a high possibility that the acoustic device 1 itself will stop functioning due to flashover or the like that may occur in the house. In other words, it is considered that the second output unit 12 may consume a large amount of power within this first predetermined period P0. In particular, since the acoustic device 1 of the present embodiment operates on power from the battery 13, the available power is limited. Therefore, in allocating a part of the available power to the power consumed in the output of the illumination light, emphasis is mainly placed on consumption in the first predetermined period P0, so the brightness is changed before and after the elapse of the predetermined period P0.

[0068] (3) Modification Some modifications will be listed below. Hereinafter, the above-described embodiment will be referred to as the "basic example". Each of the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above-described basic example and other modifications.

[0069] (3.1) Modification 1 In the basic example, the first dimming level is 100% as an example, and the second dimming level is 50% as an example. That is, in the basic example, after the control unit 10 determines that a fire has occurred (after the fire is confirmed), as time passes, the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light whose brightness gradually weakens. However, as time passes, the second output unit 12 may output illumination light whose brightness gradually increases.

[0070] For example, when the resident 100 is sleeping during a time period such as late at night and wakes up when the alarm sound starts, if suddenly bright illumination light is output from the second output unit 12, it may give the resident 100 an uncomfortable feeling due to glare. Therefore, the second output unit 12 may output illumination light with a slightly weak brightness for several seconds from the start of lighting.

[0071] (3.2) Modified Example 2 In the basic example, the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light (second illumination light) whose brightness changes step by step as the illumination light. However, the second output unit 12 may output blinking illumination light (first illumination light) as the illumination light. Also in this configuration, after the fire is confirmed by the control unit 10, compared with the case where the second output unit 12 only performs continuous lighting, for example, it is possible to shorten the evacuation time while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

[0072] By the way, after the fire is confirmed by the control unit 10, the period (time t0 to t2) during which the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light is defined as the output period P1 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The output period P1 may correspond to the predetermined period P0 of the basic example, or may correspond to a period longer than the predetermined period P0 of the basic example. The output period P1 may be, for example, the limit period during which it is possible to light at 100% dimming level using the power of the battery 13.

[0073] And, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively, the output period P1 may include a blinking period P11 during which blinking illumination light (first illumination light) is output and a continuous lighting period P12 during which illumination light is output by continuous lighting. Note that the continuous lighting period P12 is not essential, and the entire output period P1 may be the blinking period P11.

[0074] The presence of the blinking period P11 can suppress an increase in power consumption compared to, for example, a case where the blinking period P11 is not included within the output period P1. Further, the presence of the blinking period P11 can easily attract the attention of the resident 100, and the notification performance is further improved.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5A, the blinking period P11 may start, for example, simultaneously with the start time t0 of the output period P1. The blinking period P11 (time t0 to t1 in FIG. 5A) is, as an example, several seconds to several tens of seconds. Then, at time t1, the transition is made from the blinking period P11 to the continuous lighting period P12. In this way, since the blinking period P11 starts immediately after the fire is confirmed, the possibility that the sleeping resident 100 is awakened by the blinking illumination light can be increased.

[0076] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the blinking period P11 may start after the continuous lighting period P12 has elapsed (time t3). In this case, the continuous lighting period P12 may correspond to the predetermined period P0 of the basic example. In short, after the fire is confirmed by the control unit 10, the second output unit 12 may continuously light at a dimming level of 100% for, for example, 5 minutes and then start blinking after 5 minutes have elapsed.

[0077] Also, during the continuous lighting period P12, as in the basic example, the brightness may change stepwise. For example, the second output unit 12 may blink for 1 minute after the fire is confirmed, then continuously light at a dimming level of 100% for 4 minutes, and continuously light at a dimming level of 50% after 5 minutes have elapsed. Further alternatively, two or more blinking periods P11 may be set. Within the output period P1, the blinking period P11, the continuous lighting period P12, and the blinking period P11 may be set in this order.

[0078] Further alternatively, the output of the blinking illumination light may end not only by being delimited by time (period), but also, for example, by being delimited by the number of blinks. For example, when the second output unit 12 blinks 3 times from the start time t0, it may end blinking and start continuous lighting. Also, within the blinking period P11, the blinking cycle may change with the passage of time.

[0079] (3.3) Variant Example 3 In the basic example, the second output unit 12 outputs illumination light (second illumination light) whose brightness changes stepwise according to the elapsed time. However, the change in the brightness of the illumination light (second illumination light) is not limited to time dependence.

[0080] The brightness of the second illumination light may change stepwise according to, for example, the event level included in the information regarding a specific event. If the specific event is a fire as in the basic example, the brightness of the second illumination light may change according to the smoke density or light amount detected by the detection unit 2. For example, as the smoke density increases, the brightness of the second illumination light may also increase, or conversely, the brightness of the second illumination light may decrease. If the specific event is a gas leak, the brightness of the second illumination light may change according to the detected gas concentration.

[0081] In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 10 stores in advance in its memory data in which a plurality of event levels and a plurality of dimming levels are associated. The control unit 10 may refer to the data in the memory, determine the dimming level corresponding to the actually detected event level, and generate a dimming signal with a duty ratio corresponding to the dimming level. The first lighting circuit causes the illumination light to be output to the second output unit 12 based on the dimming signal.

[0082] Also, in the basic example, the brightness of the second illumination light changed only in two steps of the first dimming level and the second dimming level, but it may change in three or more steps. The brightness of the second illumination light may change gradually increasing or gradually decreasing according to the detected event level.

[0083] In this way, since the brightness of the second illumination light changes according to the event level, the resident 100 can recognize the event level of the specific event occurring based on the brightness of the illumination light. Also, it is possible to easily attract the attention of the resident 100.

[0084] Furthermore, the brightness of the second illumination light may change, for example, according to the loudness (sound pressure level) of the warning sound of the first output unit 11. In this case, a correlation can be established between the warning sound and the illumination light. The warning sound of the first output unit 11 may be, for example, a sweep sound. As the warning sound increases, the brightness of the second illumination light may increase, or conversely, the brightness of the second illumination light may decrease.

[0085] In this case, for example, it is preferable that the control unit 10 changes the duty ratio of the dimming signal output to the first lighting circuit as the frequency of the PWM signal output to the acoustic circuit increases. In this configuration, for example, by decreasing the brightness of the second illumination light as the warning sound increases, while the power consumption related to the output of the warning sound increases, the power consumption related to the output of the second illumination light can be suppressed.

[0086] (3.4) Modification Example 4 The acoustic device 1 of the basic example was a single-type fire alarm. That is, the acoustic device 1 of the basic example does not have a communication function to communicate with other fire alarms. However, the acoustic device 1 may be an interlocking-type fire alarm having a communication function to communicate with other fire alarms. The communication may be performed wirelessly or by wire.

[0087] Also, the acoustic device 1 may be configured to be communicable with devices other than the fire alarm. Devices other than the fire alarm are, for example, portable terminals (e.g., smartphones) carried by the resident 100, and security monitoring devices installed in the house.

[0088] (3.5) Modification Example 5 Incidentally, the acoustic device 1 may have a structure as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B (Modification 5). The acoustic device 1 of this modification has an annular slit 9 that is recessed upward on one surface 40 (the lower surface in FIG. 6A) of the housing 4. The slit 9 is formed along the circular outer periphery of the housing 4 when the housing 4 is viewed from below. The center of the annular slit 9 substantially coincides with the center of the circular outer periphery of the housing 4. The slit 9 has, on its inner surface (for example, the inner bottom surface), an acoustic hole H1 for guiding an alarm sound to the outside of the housing 4 and a window hole H2 for guiding illumination light to the outside of the housing 4. The first output unit 11 (speaker) is housed in the housing 4 so as to face the acoustic hole H1. The second output unit 12 is housed in the housing 4 so as to face the window hole H2.

[0089] According to this modification, since the acoustic hole H1 and the window hole H2 are provided on the inner surface of the slit 9, these holes have a structure that is not easily noticeable. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the evacuation time while suppressing the deterioration of the appearance.

[0090] (3.6) Other Modifications Functions similar to those of the audio device 1 (mainly the control unit 10) in the basic example may be embodied in a control method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium storing the program, or the like. Here, the execution entity of the audio device 1 or the control method includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. By the processor executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the functions as the execution entity of the audio device 1 or the control method are realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, or may be provided through a telecommunication line, or may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided distributed in a plurality of devices.

[0091] Particularly in the basic example, the control unit 10 not only determines a fire, but also generates a PWM signal output to the audio circuit, a dimming signal output to the first lighting circuit, and the like. However, these functions may be executed distributively by, for example, two or more processors. Also, the first lighting circuit and the second lighting circuit may be configured as, for example, one lighting circuit.

[0092] Also, although the audio device 1 in the basic example is realized by one device, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, at least one of the functions of the control unit 10, the first output unit 11, the second output unit 12, the detection unit 2, the operation unit 3, the operation lamp 15, the first lighting circuit, the second lighting circuit, the audio circuit, and the power supply circuit of the audio device 1 may be provided distributed in two or more devices. Also, at least some of the functions in the audio device 1 may be realized by, for example, a cloud (cloud computing).

[0093] (4) Advantages As described above, the acoustic device (1) according to the first aspect is installed in the structure (C1). The acoustic device (1) includes a control unit (10), a first output unit (11), and a second output unit (12). The control unit (10) receives information regarding a specific event and determines whether or not the specific event has occurred. When the control unit (10) determines that the specific event has occurred, the first output unit (11) outputs sound so as to notify the occurrence of the specific event. The second output unit (12) outputs illumination light that illuminates the surrounding area (R1) according to the above information. The second output unit (12) outputs at least one of the first illumination light that blinks and the second illumination light whose brightness changes stepwise as the above illumination light. According to the first aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption while shortening the evacuation time.

[0094] Regarding the acoustic device (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the second output unit (12) starts outputting the second illumination light when the control unit (10) determines that the specific event has occurred. It is preferable that the second output unit (12) outputs the second illumination light whose brightness is set to the first level from the start of the output of the second illumination light until a predetermined period (P0). Further, when exceeding the predetermined period (P0), it is preferable that the second output unit (12) outputs the second illumination light whose brightness is set to the second level lower than the first level. According to the second aspect, for example, compared to the case where the brightness of the illumination light remains at the first level and constant even after exceeding the predetermined period (P0), it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption.

[0095] Regarding the acoustic device (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the second output unit (12) includes a blinking period (P11) in which the first illumination light is output and a continuous lighting period (P12) in which the illumination light is output by continuous lighting as an output period (P1) of the illumination light. According to the third aspect, for example, compared to the case where the blinking period (P11) is not included within the output period (P1), it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption. Further, the presence of the blinking period (P11) can easily attract the attention of the user (for example, a resident), and the notification performance is further improved.

[0096] Regarding the acoustic device (1) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the brightness of the second illumination light changes according to the event level included in the above information. According to the fourth aspect, the user can recognize the event level of the specific event that is occurring based on the brightness of the illumination light. In addition, it is possible to easily attract the user's attention.

[0097] Regarding the acoustic device (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the first output unit (11) outputs a sound whose volume changes. According to the fifth aspect, the notification performance as an alarm sound is further improved.

[0098] Regarding the acoustic device (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the brightness of the second illumination light changes according to the volume of the sound. According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to provide a relationship between the sound and the illumination light.

[0099] Regarding the acoustic device (1) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, it is preferable that the specific event is a fire. The acoustic device (1) preferably further includes a detection unit (2) for detecting a fire. The control unit (10) preferably receives the detection result from the detection unit (2) as the above information and determines whether or not a fire has occurred. According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to provide an acoustic device (1) with a detection unit (2) that can suppress an increase in power consumption while shortening the evacuation time in the event of a fire.

[0100] The control method according to the eighth aspect is a control method for an acoustic device (1) installed in a structure (C1). The control method includes a determination step, a first output step, and a second output step. In the determination step, information regarding a specific event is received and it is determined whether the specific event has occurred. In the first output step, when it is determined that the specific event has occurred, the first output unit (11) is caused to output sound so as to notify the occurrence of the specific event. In the second output step, in accordance with the above information, the second output unit (12) is caused to output illumination light for illuminating the surrounding area (R1). In the second output step, at least one of the first illumination light that blinks and the second illumination light whose brightness changes stepwise is output to the second output unit as the above illumination light. According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a control method capable of shortening the evacuation time while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

[0101] The program according to the ninth aspect causes a computer system to execute the control method in the eighth aspect. According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to provide a function capable of shortening the evacuation time while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

Explanation of Signs

[0102] 1 Acoustic device 10 Control unit 11 First output unit 12 Second output unit 2 Detection unit C1 Structure R1 Surrounding area P0 Predetermined period P1 Output period P11 Blinking period P12 Continuous lighting period

Claims

1. An alarm installed in a structure, comprising: a detection unit for detecting a fire; a control unit for receiving information about the fire and determining whether the fire has occurred; a first output unit for outputting a sound to notify the occurrence of the fire when the control unit determines that the fire has occurred; a second output unit for outputting illumination light for illuminating a surrounding area according to the information; an operating lamp for outputting light when the control unit determines that the fire has occurred; a housing for internally accommodating the control unit, the first output unit, the second output unit, the operating lamp, and the detection unit; The detection unit is disposed in a first space on the side of the structure within the internal space of the housing; The first output unit and the second output unit are disposed in a second space different from the first space; The housing has an annular slit including a window hole for guiding the illumination light output by the second output unit to the outside of the housing; The operating lamp is located inside the slit. Alarm.

2. The control unit stops outputting the illumination light when a value indicating the occurrence of the fire becomes equal to or less than a reference value. The alarm according to Claim 1.

3. The second output unit outputs, as the illumination light, one of a first illumination light that blinks and a second illumination light whose brightness changes step by step. The alarm according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The brightness of the second illumination light changes according to an event level included in the information. The alarm according to Claim 3.

5. The first output unit outputs the sound whose volume changes. The alarm according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The first output unit outputs the sound whose volume changes, and the brightness of the second illumination light changes according to the volume of the sound. The alarm according to Claim 3 or 4.

7. The slit further includes a sound hole for guiding the sound output by the first output unit to the outside of the housing. The alarm according to any one of Claims 1 to 6. ​ ​

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