Alarm device

Abstract

To provide an alarm device and an alarm system that utilize a plurality of fire extinguishers provided, can be installed simply by attaching them to the fire extinguishers, does not require construction or maintenance, and can urge people to extinguish the fire and evacuate in the event of a fire. [Solution] The alarm device K is detachable from the fire extinguisher main body S and is configured to include a fire sensor 1 that detects a fire and emits a fire sensor output signal, an output unit 2 that receives the fire sensor output signal and outputs a fire alarm signal, an operation button 3 that emits an operation button output signal when operated by an operator, a communication unit 4 that receives the operation button output signal and can communicate with other alarm devices, and an attachment unit 9 that is detachable from the fire extinguisher main body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alarm device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, emergency disaster prevention systems have been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disaster prevention support system that includes an information collection means, a communication means, a determination means, a storage means, an information processing means, a notification means, and a terminal, and that identifies obstacles on evacuation routes under normal circumstances and encourages disaster prevention personnel to take prompt action.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a disaster prevention system that includes an information receiving unit and a broadcast control unit, and that outputs a fire alarm message by voice from a speaker.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a disaster prevention system that includes a fire point identification unit, a door identification unit, and a fire notification unit, and ensures the safety of people in a building by closing doors that are effective in suppressing the spread of smoke.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 4 discloses a mini server device that includes a packet generation unit and a control unit, and that reduces the cost required for security management of a solar power generation facility or the like, and eliminates security risks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-211672 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-106399 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-77303 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2021-22175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, because emergency disaster prevention systems like those described above are large-scale systems that aggregate information on a server, they can only be installed in large facilities. They also require regular maintenance by specialized contractors. Furthermore, even a single malfunction in the communication lines or power supply between the server and the terminals can lead to a failure to detect the problem. Furthermore, if the server goes down, the entire system can immediately cease to function.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an alarm device that utilizes multiple fire extinguishers installed, can be installed simply by attaching it to the fire extinguisher, does not require construction or maintenance, and can encourage fire extinguishing and evacuation in the event of a fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The alarm device of the present invention is an alarm device (K) that can be attached to and detached from a fire extinguisher main body (S), and is configured to include a fire sensor (1) that detects a fire and emits a fire sensor output signal, an output unit (2) that receives the fire sensor output signal and outputs a fire alarm signal, an operation button (3) that emits an operation button output signal when operated by an operator, a communication unit (4) that receives the operation button output signal and can communicate with other alarm devices, and an attachment unit (9) that can be attached to and detached from the fire extinguisher main body.

[0011] Book The alarm device of the invention employs a configuration including an output unit (2) that outputs a fire alarm signal via a communication unit that can receive an output signal from an operation button of another alarm device.

[0012] good Preferably, the alarm device of the present invention further comprises a communication section (4) that receives the fire sensor output signal and is capable of communicating with other alarm devices.

[0013] In additionPreferably, the alarm device of the present invention employs a configuration including a setting section (8) that can selectively set one or more of the one or more other alarm devices to be communicable as part of the same group.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting portion of the alarm device of the present invention is a magnet.

[0015] With the above-described configuration, the alarm device of the present invention utilizes multiple fire extinguishers installed on-site and can be installed simply by attaching it to the fire extinguisher, eliminating the need for construction or maintenance, and encouraging fire extinguishing and evacuation in the event of a fire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of an alarm device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing group settings for alarm devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when another alarm device of FIG. 5 detects a fire. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a communication network according to a comparative example. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the deformation operation of the alarm device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an automatic transmission alarm device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a mounting portion of an alarm device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the multiple embodiments, substantially the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] (One embodiment) The alarm device K attached to the fire extinguisher body S and the alarm device of the fire extinguisher body S (hereinafter referred to as "alarming fire extinguisher") to which the alarm device K is attached will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig. 1 shows the basic configuration of this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a front view of the alarm device K attached to the fire extinguisher body S and an enlarged view of the alarm device K blowing out from within the front view. Fig. 3 shows the details of the configuration of this embodiment based on the basic configuration shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the fire extinguisher body S is assumed to be made of a ferromagnetic metal such as iron that is attracted to a magnet. This allows the alarm device K to be attached by being attracted to the cylindrical side surface of the fire extinguisher body S using the magnetic attachment part 9 provided on the back surface of the alarm device K (FIG. 3). Hereinafter, the magnetic attachment part 9 will also be referred to as the magnet 91.

[0019] Multiple lighting units L are provided on the front of the alarm device K, which automatically light up when a fire is detected and emit strong light or flash to visually warn those in the vicinity, and can also be used as a flashlight during firefighting activities. The alarm device K is also provided with a buzzer unit (not shown), which responds to the lighting units L and sounds an audible alarm in the event of a fire to warn those in the vicinity. In addition, when a fire occurs, the person who first arrives at the fire scene (where the fire extinguisher to which the alarm device K is attached is located) in response to the alarm sounded by the light and sound of the alarm device K and performs (has performed) initial fire extinguishing will be referred to below as the operator Po.

[0020] In addition to the operation button 3 located in a conspicuous place on the front, a second operation button 62 and a third operation button 63 are also located so that the alarm device K can be detached from the fire extinguisher main body S and used as a flashlight (Figs. 2 and 3). The second operation button 62 is a "light button" used as a normal flashlight, and the third operation button 63 is a "flash button" that causes the lighting unit L, which is an LED flash, to flash. Therefore, hereinafter, the second operation button 62 will also be referred to as the light button 62L. Similarly, the third operation button 63 will also be referred to as the flash button 63L. The alarm device K is attached to the fire extinguisher main body S to constitute the above-mentioned fire extinguisher with alarm.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows the detailed configuration of the alarm device K. In this embodiment, the alarm device K is detachable from the fire extinguisher main body S. The alarm device K comprises a fire sensor 1, an output unit 2, an operation button 3, a communication unit 4, and an attachment unit 9 (Fig. 1). It also comprises a second output unit 5, a second operation button 62, a third operation button 63, a control unit 7, a setting unit 8, and a housing H (Figs. 3 and 4). The output unit 2 and second output unit 5 of this embodiment are composed of multiple lighting units L and a buzzer unit (not shown). The fire sensor 1 detects a fire and emits a fire sensor output signal 1s. The fire sensor 1 includes a temperature sensor that detects heat, an optical sensor that detects smoke and flames, etc. The output unit 2 receives the fire sensor output signal 1s and outputs a fire alarm signal 2s. Specifically, as described above, each lighting unit L and buzzer unit emits light and sounds to alert those in the vicinity that a fire has occurred.

[0022] Reference will now be made to Figures 5 to 6(a), which will be described later. In Figures 6(a), 8, 11, and 12, an alarm device K that has detected a fire and issued an alarm is indicated by a bold frame. When operated by an operator Po who rushes to the scene, the operation button 3 emits an operation button output signal 3s. The communication unit 4 receives the operation button output signal 3s issued by the alarm device K that has issued the alarm, and issues a communication unit output signal 4s to the other alarm devices K that are set as the same group G (Figure 5), as will be described later. In this way, the alarm devices K always transmit and receive signals to each other via a communication line via the communication unit 4. The communication format used between the communication units 4 may be any of Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi or WiFi (registered trademark), Thread, ZigBee (registered trademark), NB-IoT, LTE-M, Sigfox (registered trademark), LoRaWAN (registered trademark), etc., and multiple communication formats may also be used in combination. There are no particular restrictions, but it is preferable for the communication format to be compatible with a peer-to-peer system (hereinafter referred to as the P2P system).

[0023] The second output unit 5 receives a communication unit output signal 4s (Fig. 6) from the communication unit 4 of another alarm device K that is set as part of the same group G (Fig. 5), and outputs a fire alarm signal 5s (Fig. 6) (Fig. 8). Like the output unit 2, the second output unit 5 also alerts the surrounding area to a fire by illuminating the lighting unit L and sounding the buzzer unit. Here, it is assumed that the operator Po will carry out initial fire extinguishing using the fire extinguisher attached to the alarm device K that triggered the alarm. Then, depending on the situation at the fire site, the operator can press the operation button 3 to issue an alarm in order to gather helpers Ph for firefighting efforts, or to urge people in the building (those who need to evacuate Pe) to evacuate if it is determined that initial fire extinguishing is difficult.

[0024] The control unit 7 transmits the fire sensor output signal 1s to the output unit 2, transmits the operation button output signal 3s to the communication unit 4, and transmits the communication unit output signal 4s issued by the communication unit 4 of another alarm device K to the second output unit 5. The control unit 7 controls the functions of elemental components such as the fire sensor 1, operation button 3, communication unit 4, light button 62L, flash button 63L, and setting unit 8, and manages the signals exchanged between the elemental components. For simplicity, in Figures 5 to 8, each elemental component is shown as being included in the control unit 7 (placed under the control of the control unit 7 and controlled by the control unit 7). In the following, the fact that each signal always passes through the control unit 7 will be omitted.

[0025] 4 shows the alarm device K together with a housing H and an attachment part 9 for attaching the alarm device K to the fire extinguisher main body S. The housing H is a container that houses the fire sensor 1, the output part 2, the operation button 3, the communication part 4, the second output part 5, the second operation button 62 (light button 62L), the third operation button 63 (flash button 63L), the control part 7, and the setting part 8. The attachment part 9 is provided on the housing H and is detachable from the fire extinguisher main body S. The attachment part 9 in this embodiment is a magnet 91. In this embodiment, the second operation button 62 and the third operation button 63 are switches for manually turning on and off the "second output unit 5," which is a plurality of lighting units L (and a buzzer unit, not shown). As described above, the second operation button 62 is the light button 62L, and the third operation button 63 is the flash button 63L. While FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the elements housed in the housing H, the position of the mounting portion 9 (magnet 91) on the back surface of the housing H in FIG. 4 is based on the actual product. In this way, the magnet 91 is attracted to the cylindrical side surface of the fire extinguisher main body S, which is made of ferromagnetic metal.

[0026] Figures 5 to 8 show the mechanism of an alarm device K based on the above configuration. A group of alarm devices K consists of multiple alarm devices K, and each alarm device K is equipped with a setting unit 8 that can selectively set one or more of the multiple alarm devices K to belong to the same group G (Figure 5). This configures an alarm device K in which the communication unit 4 of one alarm device K emits a communication unit output signal 4s only to the communication units 4 of other alarm devices K that are set to the same group. Note that Figures 5 to 8 show an example of an alarm device K made up of four alarm devices K1 to K4 that belong to the same group G. In reality, the alarm devices K are all alarm fire extinguishers (= alarm device K + fire extinguisher main body S), but for convenience of explanation and illustration, these will be abbreviated below as alarm devices K1 to K4, etc.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 and 6(a), if a fire breaks out near an alarm device K1, the fire sensor 1 of the alarm device K1 will react and sound the output unit 2 of the alarm device K1 itself to issue an alarm. An operator Po rushes to the scene in response to this alarm and uses the fire extinguisher of the alarm device K1 to initially extinguish the fire. Here, the operator Po operates the operation button 3 when he or she wants to call helpers Ph or when it is difficult to extinguish the fire initially and wants to call for evacuation of people Pe. This simultaneously sends a signal from the alarm device K1 to the alarm devices K2 to K4 of the same group G, causing the second output units 5 of the alarm devices K2 to K4 installed in the same area on the same floor, for example, to sound and issue an alarm. At this time, the alarm devices Kx1 to Kx3 that are not part of the group do not respond to the signal. This allows the alarm to be limited to the necessary area, rather than being issued over an unnecessarily wide area.

[0028] The interaction between the components of the alarm device K shown in FIG. 6 will be described. (1) When the fire sensor 1 detects a fire, it emits a fire sensor output signal 1s to the output unit 2. When the output unit 2 receives the fire sensor output signal 1s, it emits a fire alarm signal 2s. The fire alarm signal 2s is an alarm in the form of light or sound, as shown by marks in Figures 1, 3, 5-6, 8, 11-12 (Figure 6(a)). (2) When the operator Po operates the operation button 3, the operation button 3 emits an operation button output signal 3s to the communication unit 4. When the communication unit 4 receives the operation button output signal 3s, it emits a communication unit output signal 4s to the communication unit 4 of the alarm device K2. The second output unit 5 receives the communication unit output signal 4s emitted by the communication unit 4 of the alarm device K1 and outputs a fire alarm signal 5s. Like the fire alarm signal 2s, the fire alarm signal 5s is an alarm that emits light and sounds. This allows the helper Ph in the vicinity of the alarm device K2 to respond to the alarm and rush to the fire scene in the vicinity of the alarm device K1 with the alarm device K2 (fire extinguisher) (Figure 6(a)).

[0029] (3) In addition, for example, when the operator Po detaches the alarm device K1 from the fire extinguisher body S and operates the light button 62L, the light button 62L emits a light button output signal 62s to the second output unit 5. The second output unit 5, upon receiving the light button output signal 62s, continuously lights one of the lighting units L. This allows the operator Po to use the alarm device K1 as a flashlight, enabling the operator to illuminate and check the area of ​​interest even when a fire breaks out in pitch darkness and the overall situation around the fire site is difficult to grasp. Similarly, when the operator Po detaches the alarm device K1 from the fire extinguisher body S and operates the flash button 63L, the flash button 63L emits a flash button output signal 63s to the second output unit 5. The second output unit 5, upon receiving the flash button output signal 63s, causes another lighting unit L to flash, allowing the operator to use the alarm device K1 as an LED flash to more clearly communicate his or her location. This is also true for other alarm devices K, such as the alarm device K2 (FIG. 6(b)).

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an example of a method for setting alarm devices K1 to K4 as belonging to the same group G (FIG. 5). For example, when the configurator Pp presses and holds the setting unit 8 of each of the alarm devices K1 to K4, each lighting unit L will blink and switch to setting mode. When it is desired to set the alarm devices K as belonging to the same group G, all of the alarm devices K1 to K4 are switched to setting mode and placed adjacent to each other so that they can communicate with each other, and each control unit 7 recognizes that they are in setting mode via each communication unit 4. When the configurator Pp then presses each setting unit 8, the alarm devices K1 to K4 are set as alarm devices K belonging to the same group G, and this information is saved in each control unit 7. In this way, multiple alarm devices K1 to K4 are set to constitute the alarm device K. In the following description, illustrations of signals transmitted and received between the components described in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 8 shows a different pattern from the typical pattern shown in Figure 6(a) for the operation of group G (Figure 5) consisting of alarm devices K1 to K4. Figure 6(a) shows the case where alarm device K1 detects a fire, while Figure 8 shows the case where alarm device K2, not alarm device K1, detects a fire. In this way, the second output sections 5 of alarm devices K1 to K4 are characterized in that they do not sound an alarm by the alarm device K itself that has the operation button 3 operated by operator Po, but only sound an alarm by other alarm devices K that belong to the same group.

[0032] (Comparison with comparative examples) FIG. 9 shows an example of a communication network of this embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows an example of a communication network of a comparative example. A fire notification device is a device that automatically notifies the fire department of the address and name of the fire site using a pre-recorded automated voice when a fire occurs, and its installation is required by law depending on the use of the building. Specifically, it is used in group homes, special nursing homes for the elderly, medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, midwifery clinics), and buildings with a total floor area of ​​500 m. 2 The above accommodation facilities (inns, hotels, lodgings), special needs schools, shops, department stores, etc. are required to have them installed.

[0033] However, conventional fire notification devices and automatic fire alarm equipment are often large-scale systems that aggregate all information in a central processing unit C (server), which can be expensive. They also require regular maintenance by specialized contractors. Furthermore, even a single malfunction in the communication lines or power supply between the central processing unit C and each terminal can result in missed fire detections. Furthermore, if the central processing unit C goes down due to a power outage or other reason, the entire system will inevitably cease to function, making it impossible to respond to an emergency.

[0034] In contrast, the alarm device K of this embodiment utilizes existing fire extinguishing equipment consisting of multiple fire extinguishers installed in a building, and can be quickly installed by simply attaching it to each fire extinguisher. Furthermore, since a communication network can be established without a central processing unit C, simply setting up a group makes it easy to build an alarm network that prompts fire extinguishing and evacuation in the event of a fire. Furthermore, since all that is required is periodic battery replacement and operation checks, there is no need for large-scale construction or maintenance that would require the on-site presence of a specialist. Of course, it is also easy to install in private homes, allowing for a rapid fire extinguishing system to be established.

[0035] Furthermore, the power for the terminal (alarm device K) itself is secured by an independent power source (battery), so it can operate without being affected by power outages. Furthermore, if P2P communication is possible, each terminal can function as a relay for the other terminals, as shown in FIG. 11, ensuring a more reliable reporting system.

[0036] (Other embodiments) (1) In the above embodiment, when the fire sensor 1 of one alarm device K is activated, a fire alarm signal 2s is output from the output unit 2, and when the fire sensor 1 of another alarm device K is activated, a fire alarm signal 5s received via the communication unit 4 is output from the second output unit 5, but the alarm output configuration is not limited to this. For example, the output unit 2 may be configured to also perform the function of the second output unit 5. In this case, the output unit 2 of one alarm device K is configured to receive the fire alarm signal 2s via the communication unit 4 not only when the fire sensor 1 of that one alarm device K itself has activated an alarm, but also when the fire sensor 1 of another alarm device K has activated an alarm, and to output the same from the output unit 2.

[0037] (2) In the above embodiment, the other alarm devices K were not notified unless the operator Po pressed the operation button 3, but the communication method between the alarm devices K is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when an alarm device K close to the fire scene issues an alarm, it may be configured to automatically notify a group of other alarm devices K that have been set as a group, without waiting for a decision by the operator Po.

[0038] (3) The mounting portion 9 is not limited to the magnet 91. For example, the mounting portion 9 may be a double-sided tape 92t as shown in FIG. 13(a). In this case, the receptacle 92 (receptacle) with the double-sided tape 92t is attached to the fire extinguisher body S and fixed, and the alarm device K is fitted into the receptacle 92 and fixed. With this method, the alarm device K can be attached even to a fire extinguisher body S made of aluminum or the like that has weak magnetic attraction, and the alarm device K can be configured as a fire extinguisher with an alarm.

[0039] (4) The attachment portion 9 is not limited to the magnet 91 or the double-sided tape 92t. For example, the attachment portion 9 may be As shown in Figure 13(b), a hook and loop fastener 93 similar to Magic Tape (registered trademark) or Velcro (registered trademark) may be used. In Figure 13(b), a hook surface 93a is provided on the side of the alarm device K, and a loop surface 93b is provided on the side of the fire extinguisher main body S. The arrangement of the hook surface 93a and the loop surface 93b may be reversed.

[0040] (5) In the above embodiment, the alarm device K is attached to the fire extinguisher body S, but the fire extinguisher body to which the alarm device of the present invention can be detached is not limited to conventional fire extinguishers. The alarm device of the present invention can also be applied to a lightweight stick-shaped fire extinguisher body. The stick-shaped fire extinguisher body referred to here includes, for example, a small fire extinguisher that extinguishes fires using an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

[0041] (6) In the above embodiment, the group setting method is exemplified by long pressing the setting unit 8, but the setting method is not limited to this. The setting unit of the present invention may be configured to use a PC or smartphone and to enable setting by RFID such as that used in My Number cards. (7) The alarm device of the present invention can be used for evacuation purposes as a fire alarm signal output from the output unit to alert people in the vicinity. It can also be used as a device that outputs lighting functions such as light and warning sounds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 fire sensor, 2 output section, 3 operation button, 4 communication section, 8 setting section, 9 mounting section K alarm device

Claims

1. An alarm device (K) that is detachable from a fire extinguisher body (S), a fire sensor (1) that detects a fire and emits a fire sensor output signal; an operation button (3) that generates an operation button output signal when operated by an operator; a communication unit (4) capable of receiving the operation button output signal, communicating with the other alarm devices, and receiving the operation button output signal from the other alarm devices; an output unit (2) that receives the fire sensor output signal and outputs a fire alarm signal, or outputs a fire alarm signal via the communication unit that receives the operation button output signal of the other alarm device; An alarm device comprising the fire extinguisher body and a detachable mounting part (9).

2. 2. The alarm device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication section (4) that receives the fire sensor output signal and is capable of communicating with other alarm devices.

3. 3. The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is a magnet.

4. 3. The alarm device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit (8) that can selectively set one or more of the other one or more alarm devices to be able to communicate as part of the same group.

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