Disaster prevention equipment, and method for manufacturing disaster prevention equipment

Abstract

To provide a disaster prevention apparatus which improves visibility of marking on a black or dark color processing surface, and a manufacturing method of the disaster prevention apparatus.SOLUTION: A disaster prevention apparatus 100 comprises a detection unit 11 and a housing 2. The detection unit 11 detects a fire. The housing 2 houses the detection unit 11 therein. The housing 2 includes a black or dark color processing surface 3 in at least a part of the housing 2. The processing surface 3 includes a discolored portion 4 which is discolored by laser irradiation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to disaster prevention equipment and a method for manufacturing disaster prevention equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to disaster prevention equipment for detecting fires and a method for manufacturing disaster prevention equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses disaster prevention equipment including a circuit block and a housing. The housing has a front wall and a rear wall, and houses the circuit block between the front wall and the rear wall. At least one of the front wall and the rear wall is partially thinner and has a recess on the surface facing the inside of the housing. A part of the circuit block is in the recess.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in disaster prevention equipment, when the housing has a processed surface with a black or dark color tone and marking is performed on the processed surface by laser irradiation, there is a problem that the visibility of the marking on the processed surface with a black or dark color tone is low. Therefore, disaster prevention equipment having a processed surface with a black or dark color tone has not been very popular.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide disaster prevention equipment with high visibility of marking on a processed surface with a black or dark color tone and a method for manufacturing the disaster prevention equipment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A fire prevention device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a detection unit and a housing. The detection unit detects a fire. The housing houses the detection unit. The housing has a processed surface that is black or dark in color on at least a portion of the housing. The processed surface has a discolored portion that has been discolored by laser irradiation.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a disaster prevention device according to one aspect of this disclosure is the method for manufacturing the disaster prevention device described above. The manufacturing method includes a laser irradiation step. The laser irradiation step involves irradiating the processed surface with the laser to form the discolored portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in that the markings are highly visible on black or dark-colored processed surfaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the alarm device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same alarm device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the alarm system shown above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is another exploded perspective view of the same alarm device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the alarm device described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the display unit of the alarm device according to the modified example shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the display unit of the alarm device according to the modified example shown above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Embodiment) (1) Overview The following describes the overview of the alarm device 100 according to this embodiment with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] The alarm 100 is a type of disaster prevention device. In particular, in this embodiment, the alarm 100 is a disaster prevention device that emits an alarm when it detects smoke generated by a fire or the like. When smoke is generated during a disaster such as a fire, such a disaster prevention device detects the smoke and emits an alarm, for example, by outputting an alarm sound or linking with other devices via a communication function. In this disclosure, "disaster prevention device" refers to a device installed in a facility for purposes such as preventing disasters such as fires, preventing the spread of damage caused by disasters, or recovering from disasters. In particular, if a disaster prevention device has an alarm function that emits an alarm, it is also called an alarm. Also, if a disaster prevention device has a detection function that detects target substances, it is also called a detector. Of course, a disaster prevention device may have both an alarm function and a detection function, in which case it may be called both a detector and an alarm. Examples of facilities in which such disaster prevention devices are installed include residential facilities such as apartment buildings or detached houses, and non-residential facilities such as hotels, office buildings, schools, welfare facilities, commercial facilities, theme parks, hospitals, or factories. The alarm device (disaster prevention equipment) 100 is installed in the facility, for example, in a living room, corridor, or stairwell, mounted on the ceiling or wall.

[0012] The alarm 100 comprises a detection unit 11 and a housing 2. The detection unit 11 detects fire. The housing 2 houses the detection unit 11. The housing 2 has a processed surface 3 that is black or dark in color on at least a part of it. The processed surface 3 has a discolored portion 4 that has changed color due to laser irradiation. In other words, the discolored portion 4 is the part of the processed surface 3 that has been irradiated with a laser.

[0013] In other words, when the processed surface 3 is marked by laser irradiation, in the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, the color of the laser-irradiated marking (i.e., the discolored portion 4) on the processed surface 3 is different from the color of the portion that has not been irradiated by the laser. Therefore, the person who owns, manages, and installs the alarm device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the user) can easily see the laser-irradiated marking on a black or dark-colored processed surface.

[0014] From the above, the alarm 100 of the present embodiment has the advantage of high visibility of markings on a processed surface of black or a dark color tone.

[0015] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Alarm (Overall configuration) Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the alarm 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the alarm 100 includes a circuit block 1, a housing 2, an operation button 5, and a battery 6.

[0017] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 described later are arranged side by side is defined as the front-rear direction, the side of the first cover 21 as viewed from the second cover 22 is defined as the front, and the side of the second cover 22 as viewed from the first cover 21 is defined as the rear.

[0018] (Circuit block) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circuit block 1 has a detection unit 11, a sound output unit 12, a printed wiring board 13, and one or more electronic components 14 including a switch.

[0019] The detection unit 11 detects a fire. More specifically, the detection unit 11 is a device that detects a target substance generated by a fire. In the present embodiment, the target substance is smoke. However, the target substance is not limited to smoke and may be carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other gases. That is, the target substance may be a substance for which detection is desired for disaster prevention. Such a target substance can also be appropriately selected according to the type of disaster prevention equipment. The detection unit 11 has a detection space and is configured to detect a target substance within the detection space. More specifically, the detection unit 11 has a case 111 (see FIG. 4), a light emitting element (not shown), and a light receiving element (not shown).

[0020] Case 111 is a hollow cylindrical shape. Case 111 is made of synthetic resin. Case 111 is, for example, a molded product made of synthetic resin. The internal space of Case 111 serves as the detection space. Case 111 suppresses the entry of light into the detection space from outside Case 111, while simultaneously capturing the target substance into the detection space from outside Case 111. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are housed in Case 111.

[0021] The detection unit 11 detects smoke based on changes in the amount of light reflected by smoke in the detection space or light transmitted through the detection space. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element emits light toward the detection space. The light-receiving element is positioned so that direct light from the light-emitting element does not enter it, but scattered light from the smoke in the detection space enters it. As a result, when there is no smoke in the detection space, the light-receiving element does not receive light emitted from the light-emitting element. When smoke is present in the detection space, the light-receiving element receives light emitted from the light-emitting element and scattered by the smoke (scattered light). Therefore, the detection unit can detect smoke present in the detection space based on the light-receiving state of the light-receiving element. The light-emitting element is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The light-receiving element is, for example, a photodiode (PD).

[0022] The sound output unit 12 is a device for generating sound. More specifically, the sound output unit 12 is an electroacoustic transducer that receives an electrical signal and outputs sound (sound waves). Examples of electroacoustic transducers include speakers and buzzers. In this embodiment, the sound output unit 12 includes a diaphragm 121. The sound output unit 12 as a whole is disc-shaped. The diaphragm 121 is also disc-shaped.

[0023] The electronic component 14 is mounted on the printed circuit board 13. The detection unit 11 is also mounted on the printed circuit board 13. The sound output unit 12 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 13 via wires or the like. The printed circuit board 13 has a socket 131, and the battery 6 is electrically connected to the socket 131 via wires or the like. In the circuit block 1, the control circuit is composed of the printed circuit board 13 and one or more electronic components 14. As an example, the control circuit controls the sound output unit 12 based on the output from the detection unit 11. More specifically, when the detection unit 11 detects a fire, the control circuit sends an electrical signal to the sound output unit 12 to generate sound.

[0024] The electronic component 14 includes a light output unit (not shown) that outputs light based on the detection result of the detection unit 11. That is, the light output unit outputs light when the detection unit 11 detects a fire. The light output unit is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The control circuit controls the light output unit based on the output from the detection unit 11. More specifically, when the detection unit 11 detects a fire, the control circuit provides an electrical signal to the light output unit to cause it to output light.

[0025] (Enclosure) The housing 2 houses the circuit block 1 (including the detection unit 11, sound output unit 12, printed circuit board 13, and one or more electronic components 14), the operation button 5, and the battery 6. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 is cylindrical in shape, appearing circular in plan view. The housing 2 is fixed to the installation surface (e.g., the ceiling). However, in this embodiment, the housing 2 is not directly fixed to the installation surface, but is indirectly fixed to the installation surface by being fixed to a mounting base that is fixed to the installation surface. Of course, the housing 2 may also be directly fixed to the installation surface.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 2 has a first cover 21, a second cover 22, and a partition 23. In the housing 2, as shown in Figure 2, the first cover 21 is the front part, and the second cover 22 is the rear part. In other words, the alarm device 100 is intended to be used by fixing the second cover 22 directly or indirectly to the installation surface.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first cover 21 comprises a front wall 211 and a peripheral wall (first peripheral wall) 212. The front wall 211 is plate-shaped. More specifically, the front wall 211 is circular plate-shaped. The first peripheral wall 212 protrudes from the periphery of the front wall 211 toward the second cover 22 side (rear side). The first peripheral wall 212 is circular and cylindrical.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first cover 21 has an opening 213 in its front wall 211. The opening 213 is formed to expose the operation button 5, as shown in Figure 2. The operation button 5 can be operated from outside the housing 2. In this embodiment, the opening 213 is circular in shape. The operation button 5 is a component for operating the switch of the circuit block 1. For example, the operation button 5 is a component that operates the switch of the circuit block 1 and stops the sound output unit 12 from generating sound. The operation button 5 is movable along the thickness of the front wall 211 relative to the first cover 21.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second cover 22 comprises a rear wall 221 and a peripheral wall (second peripheral wall) 222.

[0030] The rear wall 221 is plate-shaped. In particular, the rear wall 221 is circular plate-shaped. The second circumferential wall 222 protrudes from the periphery of the rear wall 221 on both the side of the first cover 21 (front side) and the side opposite to the first cover 21 (rear side). The second circumferential wall 222 is circular tubular.

[0031] Furthermore, the second cover 22 has an opening 223 in its rear wall 221. The opening 223 is formed for the removal of the battery 6. In this embodiment, the opening 223 is rectangular.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the second cover 22 has a plurality of mounting claws 224 on its rear wall 221. The plurality of mounting claws 224 protrude from the outer surface 2211, which is the surface of the housing 2 facing outwards on the rear wall 221. The plurality of mounting claws 224 are used to attach the alarm device 100 to the mounting base described above.

[0033] The partition 23 is positioned between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. The partition 23 divides the space between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 into the space between the first cover 21 and the partition 23, and the space between the second cover 22 and the partition 23.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the partition section 23 has a partition plate 231. In this embodiment, the partition plate 231 is a circular plate. The partition plate 231 is sized to fit within the first peripheral wall 212 of the first cover 21. In this embodiment, the partition plate 231 completely covers the opening of the first peripheral wall 212. Also, the upper surface of the partition plate 231 is generally on the same plane as the lower end surface of the first peripheral wall 212.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the partition 23 has an opening 232, a battery storage section 234, a plurality of support sections 235, and a plurality of guide walls 236. The opening 232, the battery storage section 234, the plurality of support sections 235, and the plurality of guide walls 236 are formed in the partition plate 231.

[0036] The opening 232 is a hole through which the detection unit 11 protrudes into the space sandwiched between the second cover 22 and the partition 23. In other words, the opening 232 is sized to allow the detection unit 11 to pass through. In this embodiment, the opening 232 is circular in shape. In the circuit block 1, the printed circuit board 13 and the sound output unit 12 are housed in the space sandwiched between the first cover 21 and the partition 23, and the detection unit 11 is housed in the space sandwiched between the second cover 22 and the partition 23. In this way, the sound output unit 12 and the detection unit 11 are housed in separate spaces separated by the partition 23. This reduces the possibility that the detection unit 11 may be affected by the sound generated by the sound output unit 12.

[0037] The battery compartment 234 is a section for housing the battery 6. As shown in Figure 4, the battery compartment 234 has a recess 2341, which is a recessed portion on the rear side of the partition plate 231. The recess 2341 accommodates a portion of the battery 6. The battery compartment 234 also has a peripheral wall 2342 that surrounds the battery 6, which is partially housed in the recess 2341. The peripheral wall 2342 separates the interior of the battery compartment 234 from the space sandwiched between the first cover 21 and the partition 23. This protects the battery 6 from smoke flowing into the space sandwiched between the first cover 21 and the partition 23.

[0038] Multiple support parts 235 support the rear wall 221 of the second cover 22 relative to the partition plate 231. The multiple support parts 235 are prismatic in shape. The multiple support parts 235 determine the distance between the partition plate 231 and the rear wall 221. The distance between the partition plate 231 and the rear wall 221, and the dimensions of the first circumferential wall 212 and the second circumferential wall 222 are set so that the first circumferential wall 212 and the second circumferential wall 222 do not come into contact with each other, and an opening 7 (see Figures 1 and 2) is formed between the first circumferential wall 212 and the second circumferential wall 222.

[0039] The opening 7 is used to transmit sound from the sound output unit 12 to the outside of the housing 2. The opening 7 is also used to introduce smoke into the sensing space of the detection unit 11.

[0040] The multiple guide walls 236 extend from the periphery of the partition plate 231 toward the detection unit 11 so as to guide smoke that has entered the space between the first cover 21 and the partition 23 from the opening 7 into the detection space of the detection unit 11. In addition, the rear end faces of the multiple guide walls 236 may be on the same plane as the rear end faces of the multiple support parts 235. In this case, the multiple guide walls 236 support the rear wall 221 of the second cover 22 relative to the partition plate 231, similar to the multiple support parts 235.

[0041] The housing 2 has a processed surface 3 on at least a part of the housing 2 that is black or a dark color. Here, "black or a dark color" refers to a color with low lightness and saturation. More specifically, "black or a dark color" refers to a color with medium or lower lightness and medium or lower saturation. More specifically, "black or a dark color" will be explained. "Black or a dark color" as defined by the Munsell color system is a color with a lightness of 5.0 or less and a saturation of 8.0 or less. Also, "black or a dark color" as defined by the L*a*b* color space is a color with L, which indicates lightness, of 50 or less, and chromaticity a and b, which indicate both hue and saturation, between -30 and 30. Also, "black or a dark color" as defined by the L*C*h* color space is a color with L, which indicates lightness, of 50 or less, and C, which indicates saturation, of 30 or less. Furthermore, "black or dark tones" as defined by the Japan Color Research Institute Color System (PCCS) are tones with a PCCS lightness of 7.0 or less and a PCCS saturation of 6s or less.

[0042] In this embodiment, the entire surface of the housing 2 is the processed surface 3. Here, "the surface of the housing 2" refers to the surface that can be seen from the outside of the housing 2 when the housing 2 is assembled. Therefore, it has the effect that the discolored portion 4 can be placed at any position on the surface of the housing 2. As a result, the discolored portion 4 can be placed in a position that is easily visible to the user of the alarm device 100, which has the advantage of high visibility of the marking.

[0043] The machined surface 3 includes machined surfaces 3A to 3C. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, in the first cover 21 of the housing 2, the outer surface 2111 of the front wall 211 and the outer surface 2121 of the first peripheral wall 212 are machined surfaces 3A and 3B, respectively. The outer surface 2111 is the surface of the front wall 211 that faces outwards from the housing 2. Similarly, the outer surface 2121 is the surface of the first peripheral wall 212 that faces outwards from the housing 2. In addition, in the second cover 22 of the housing 2, the outer surface 2221 of the second peripheral wall 222 is machined surface 3C. The outer surface 2221 is the surface of the second peripheral wall 222 that faces outwards from the housing 2.

[0044] The processed surface 3 has discolored areas 4 that have changed color due to laser irradiation. Furthermore, the processed surface 3 is formed of a material that changes color when irradiated with a laser. As a result, there is an advantage in that highly visible markings can be made on the processed surface 3 using a commonly available marking laser, without the need for a special laser to discolor the processed surface 3.

[0045] The material on which the processed surface 3 is formed contains a color-changing agent that changes color in response to the laser irradiation. For example, the processed surface 3 is formed from a synthetic resin containing a color-changing agent. Therefore, the processed surface 3 can be formed from a material that contains a color-changing agent in a synthetic resin commonly used in alarm devices, which has the advantage of possessing the properties required for the alarm device 100. The "properties required for the alarm device 100" here refer to, for example, fire resistance, which is the property of being resistant to deformation by heat, and strength, which is the degree of resistance to deformation and destruction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are molded articles made of synthetic resin containing a discoloration agent. The synthetic resin referred to here is, for example, ABS resin.

[0047] In this embodiment, the discolored portion 4 is the portion that has turned white due to laser irradiation. In other words, the discolored portion 4 is the portion that has changed from black or a dark color to white due to laser irradiation. That is, the material on which the processed surface 3 is formed contains a discoloring agent that reacts to the laser irradiation and changes to white. Here, "white" refers to a color with higher brightness compared to black or a dark color. As a result, the difference in color tone between the discolored portion 4 and the processed surface 3 is clearer, and there is an advantage in that the visibility of the marking on the black or dark processed surface 3 is higher.

[0048] Furthermore, "white" is preferably a high-luminosity color tone. More specifically, when defined by the Munsell color system, "white" is preferably a color tone with a luminosity of 7.0 or higher. Also, when defined by the L*a*b* color space, "white" is preferably a color tone with an L value of 60 or higher. Also, when defined by the L*C*h* color space, "white" is preferably a color tone with an L value of 60 or higher. Also, when defined by the Japan Color Research Institute Color System (PCCS), "white" is preferably a color tone with a PCCS luminosity of 7.5 or higher.

[0049] In this embodiment, there are multiple discolored portions 4. That is, the processed surface 3 has discolored portions 4A to 4E as discolored portions 4. More specifically, the processed surface 3A has discolored portion 4A, as shown in Figure 1. The processed surface 3B has discolored portion 4B. The processed surface 3C has discolored portions 4C to 4E.

[0050] The discolored portions 4A to 4E include at least one of the letters and symbols marked on the processed surface 3 by laser irradiation, and portions of the processed surface 3 that have been roughened by laser irradiation.

[0051] More specifically, each of the discolored areas 4A to 4C represents text marked on each of the processed surfaces 3A to 3C by laser irradiation. For example, the discolored areas 4A to 4C indicate the product name, model number, manufacturer, and function of the alarm device 100. Alternatively, the discolored areas 4A to 4C may indicate information related to operations performed by the operation button 5 (for example, an operation to stop the sound output of the sound output unit 12).

[0052] Furthermore, the discolored area 4D is a symbol marked on the processed surface 3C by laser irradiation. For example, the discolored area 4D is a mark to indicate that the alarm device 100 conforms to the specified standards, or to identify the material of the alarm device 100. The discolored area 4D may also be a logo indicating the manufacturer of the alarm device 100.

[0053] Furthermore, the discolored portion 4E is the part of the processed surface 3C that has been roughened by laser irradiation. As a result, the person who owns, manages, and installs the alarm device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the user) can write any content on the discolored portion 4E with a writing instrument (for example, a black oil-based pen). One example of such content is the date or location where the alarm device 100 was installed.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the discolored portion 4E is provided in a rectangular shape on the processed surface 3C. However, the shape of the discolored portion 4E is not limited to a rectangle; for example, it may be circular or a square with rounded corners.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 further comprises a display unit 8. More specifically, the front wall 211 of the first cover 21 of the housing 2 further comprises the display unit 8. In other words, the display unit 8 is provided on the front wall 211 of the first cover 21 of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the display unit 8 and the operation button 5 are integrally formed. In short, the display unit 8 in this embodiment is the operation button 5. This configuration has the advantage of eliminating the need to provide a separate display unit 8 from the operation button 5, thus allowing the disaster prevention device 100 to be miniaturized.

[0056] The display unit 8 displays the detection result of the detection unit 11. More specifically, the display unit 8 displays the detection result of the detection unit 11 by transmitting the light output from the optical output unit to the outside of the housing 2. For example, the display unit 8 displays that the detection unit 11 has detected a fire by transmitting the light output from the optical output unit to the outside of the housing 2 when the detection unit 11 detects a fire.

[0057] The display unit 8 is formed from a light-transmitting material colored black or a dark shade. The light-transmitting material is a material with higher light transmittance than the material forming the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 (for example, ABS resin). Here, "light transmittance" refers to the property of transmitting light, and "high light transmittance" indicates that a large amount of light is transmitted. The light-transmitting material is, for example, a transparent or translucent synthetic resin. As an example, the light-transmitting material is polycarbonate.

[0058] The light-transmitting material contains a light-diffusing agent that has the property of diffusing light. Examples of light-diffusing agents include spherical silica or calcium carbonate. This configuration has the advantage that light transmitted through the display unit 8 is diffused, making it easier for the user to see the detection results from the detection unit 11. It is desirable that the ratio of the light-diffusing agent to the light-transmitting material be 5% or less. However, the ratio of the light-diffusing agent to the light-transmitting material is not limited.

[0059] The display unit 8 has an incident surface 80a (see Figure 4) into which light output from the optical output unit is incident, and an exit surface 80b (see Figure 3) from which light output from the optical output unit is emitted. In this embodiment, the incident surface 80a and the exit surface 80b are opposing surfaces along the front-to-back direction. More specifically, the incident surface 80a is the rear surface (circuit block 1 side) of the display unit 8, that is, the inner surface of the display unit 8. On the other hand, the exit surface 80b is the front surface of the display unit 8, that is, the outer surface of the display unit 8. In this embodiment, the exit surface 80b is exposed through the opening 213 of the first cover 21.

[0060] (2-2) Method of manufacturing an alarm device Next, the manufacturing method of the alarm device (disaster prevention equipment) 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0061] The method for manufacturing the alarm device 100 includes a forming step ST1, a laser irradiation step ST2, and an assembly step ST3, as shown in Figure 5.

[0062] Forming step ST1 involves forming the processed surfaces 3A to 3C with a material that changes color upon laser irradiation. In this embodiment, forming step ST1 involves forming the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 with a material that changes color upon laser irradiation. More specifically, forming step ST1 involves heating and melting ABS resin containing a color-changing agent, forming it into the shapes of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 using a mold or the like, cooling and solidifying it, and then removing it.

[0063] The laser irradiation step ST2 forms discolored areas 4 by irradiating the processed surfaces 3A to 3C with a laser. More specifically, the laser irradiation step ST2 forms discolored area 4A by irradiating the processed surface 3A of the first cover 21 with a laser. Similarly, the laser irradiation step ST2 forms discolored area 4B by irradiating the processed surface 3B of the first cover 21 with a laser. Furthermore, the laser irradiation step ST2 forms discolored areas 4C to 4E by irradiating the processed surface 3C of the second cover 22 with a laser. The wavelength of the laser used in the laser irradiation step ST2 is, for example, 500 nm to 2000 nm. For example, a fiber laser, YAG laser, or YVO4 laser can be used in the laser irradiation step ST2.

[0064] Assembly step ST3 involves assembling the housing 2. More specifically, assembly step ST3 involves assembling the housing 2 such that the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 house the circuit block 1, the operation button 5, and the battery 6, and the partition 23 is positioned between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22.

[0065] The flowchart in Figure 5 is merely one example of a manufacturing method for the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, or any of the processes may be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] (3) Advantages In the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, the discolored portion 4 has a color tone that is higher in brightness and saturation than the processed surface 3. Therefore, the user can easily see the discolored portion 4 (the portion marked by laser irradiation) on the black or dark-colored processed surface 3. In other words, the alarm device 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage of high visibility of laser-induced markings on the black or dark-colored processed surface 3.

[0067] Furthermore, in the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, the discolored portion 4E is a portion that has been roughened by laser irradiation and discolored to white. Therefore, when a user writes any content on the discolored portion 4E with a commonly available black oil-based pen, the user has the advantage of being able to easily see the content written on the discolored portion 4E.

[0068] (4) Variations The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as they achieve the objectives of this disclosure.

[0069] (4-1) Modified display section As shown in Figure 6, the display unit 8a may have a light diffusion unit 81 configured to diffuse light. The light diffusion unit 81 is provided on the incident surface 80a and is configured to diffuse light incident from the incident surface 80a inside the display unit 8a. The light diffused inside the display unit 8a by the light diffusion unit 81 is emitted from the exit surface 80b. The light diffusion unit 81 is a plurality of annular protrusions on the incident surface 80a that have the same center but different radii. As shown in Figure 7, the display unit 8b may have a light diffusion unit 81a, which is a plurality of hemispherical protrusions arranged in a grid. The display units 8a and 8b having light diffusion units 81 and 81a has the advantage that the light transmitted through the display units 8a and 8b is diffused more, making it easier for the user to see the detection results of the detection unit 11.

[0070] Furthermore, the light diffusion sections 81 and 81a may be provided on the emission surface 80b. In this case, the light diffusion sections 81 and 81a are configured to diffuse the light that has passed through the inside of the display sections 8a and 8b.

[0071] (4-2) Other variations The following are examples of modifications of this embodiment. These modifications may be implemented by combining them as appropriate.

[0072] The shape of the housing 2 is not limited to this embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the housing 2 may be circular in plan view, or it may be rectangular or polygonal. In other words, the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may also be rectangular or polygonal in plan view, or they may be circular in plan view.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire surface of the housing 2 is the machined surface 3, but the inner surface of the housing 2 may also be the machined surface 3. Here, "inner surface of the housing 2" refers to a surface that cannot be seen from the outside of the housing 2 when the housing 2 is assembled. That is, all surfaces of the first cover 21, the second cover 22, and the partition portion 23 may each be the machined surface 3.

[0074] Furthermore, the entire surface of the housing 2 does not need to be a machined surface 3; at least a portion of the surface of the housing 2 needs to be a machined surface 3. In other words, the housing 2 only needs to have a machined surface 3 on at least a portion of its surface.

[0075] For example, the housing 2 may have only the machined surface 3A. The case in which the housing 2 has only the machined surface 3A will be described in more detail. In this case, in the first cover 21 of the housing 2, the outer surface 2111 of the front wall 211 is the machined surface 3A, and the outer surface 2121 of the first peripheral wall 212 is not the machined surface 3, but a color other than black or a dark color (for example, white). Also, in the second cover 22 of the housing 2, the outer surface 2221 of the second peripheral wall 222 is not the machined surface 3, but a color other than black or a dark color. Similarly, the housing 2 may have only the machined surface 3B, or it may have only the machined surface 3C.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first cover 21 of the housing 2, only a portion of the outer surface 2111 of the front wall 211 may be the processed surface 3. That is, in the first cover 21 of the housing 2, a portion of the outer surface 2111 of the front wall 211 may be the processed surface 3 which is black or a dark color, and the remaining portion of the outer surface 2111 of the front wall 211 may be a color other than black or a dark color (for example, white).

[0077] Similarly, in the first cover 21 of the housing 2, a portion of the outer surface 2121 of the first peripheral wall 212 may be the machined surface 3, and in the second cover 22 of the housing 2, a portion of the outer surface 2221 of the second peripheral wall 222 may be the machined surface 3.

[0078] In this embodiment, the discolored portion 4 is a portion that has turned white due to laser irradiation. However, in the discolored portion 4, the color that has turned white due to laser irradiation is only required to be a color that has a higher brightness and saturation than black or a dark color. That is, the discolored portion 4 may be a portion that has turned blue due to laser irradiation, or a portion that has turned red.

[0079] Furthermore, although there are multiple discolored portions 4 in this embodiment, there may be only one discolored portion 4. In other words, in this embodiment, the processed surface 3 may have multiple discolored portions 4, but it may also have only one discolored portion 4. More specifically, the processed surface 3 may have only discolored portions 4 which are characters marked on the processed surface 3 by laser irradiation, or it may have only discolored portions 4 which are symbols marked on the processed surface 3 by laser irradiation. That is, the processed surface 3 may have at least one of characters and symbols marked on the processed surface 3 by laser irradiation as discolored portions 4. In other words, the discolored portion 4 may be at least one of characters and symbols marked on the processed surface 3 by laser irradiation.

[0080] Similarly, the processed surface 3 may have only the discolored portion 4E where the processed surface 3 has been roughened by laser irradiation. In other words, the discolored portion 4 may be the portion where the processed surface 3 has been roughened by laser irradiation.

[0081] The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 in this embodiment are molded articles made of synthetic resin containing a discoloration agent. However, the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may also be molded articles made of synthetic resin that do not contain a discoloration agent, with the discoloration agent applied to the surface after molding.

[0082] The circuit block 1 of this embodiment has a sound output unit 12, but it does not have to have a sound output unit 12.

[0083] Furthermore, circuit block 1 may have a communication unit that communicates with an external device. In this case, when circuit block 1 detects a fire using the detection unit 11, it may transmit a communication signal via the communication unit to notify the external device that a fire has been detected. At that time, the external device may notify an information terminal that a fire has occurred based on the received communication signal. The information terminal referred to here is, for example, a device carried by the user, specifically a smartphone or a tablet computer. Alternatively, the information terminal may be, for example, a laptop computer or a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0084] (summary) A first embodiment of the fire prevention device (100) comprises a detection unit (11) and a housing (2). The detection unit (11) detects fire. The housing (2) houses the detection unit (11). The housing (2) has a processed surface (3) that is black or dark in color on at least a part of the housing (2). The processed surface (3) has a discolored portion (4) that has been discolored by laser irradiation.

[0085] This embodiment has the advantage of providing high visibility of the markings on a black or dark-colored processed surface (3).

[0086] In the second embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100) according to the embodiment, the discolored portion (4) is a portion that has turned white due to laser irradiation, in the first embodiment.

[0087] This embodiment has the advantage that the difference in color tone between the discolored portion (4) and the processed surface (3) is clearer, and the visibility of the marking on the black or dark-colored processed surface (3) is higher.

[0088] In the third embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100) according to the embodiment, the processed surface (3) is formed of a material that changes color when irradiated with a laser, in the first or second embodiment.

[0089] This embodiment has the advantage that a highly visible marking can be applied to the processed surface (3) using a commonly available marking laser.

[0090] In the fourth embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in the third embodiment, the material includes a color-changing agent that changes color in response to laser irradiation.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the processed surface (3) can be formed using a material that contains a discoloring agent in a synthetic resin commonly used in alarm devices, and has the advantage of having the properties required for an alarm device (100).

[0092] In the fifth embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the discolored portion (4; 4A to 4D) is at least one of letters and symbols marked on the processed surface (3) by laser irradiation.

[0093] This embodiment has the advantage that the user can easily see the content written or indicated by the discolored portion (4; 4A to 4D).

[0094] In the sixth embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the discolored portion (4; 4E) is a portion of the processed surface (3) that has been roughened by laser irradiation.

[0095] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that when a user writes any content on the discolored area (4E) with a commonly available black oil-based pen, the user can easily see the content written on the discolored area (4;4E).

[0096] In the seventh embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, there are multiple discolored portions (4). The multiple discolored portions (4; 4A to 4E) include at least one of letters and symbols marked on the processed surface (3) by laser irradiation, and portions on the processed surface (3) that have been roughened by laser irradiation.

[0097] This embodiment has the advantage that the user can easily see the content written or indicated by the discolored portion (4;4A~4D). Furthermore, if the user writes any content on the discolored portion (4;4E) with a commonly available black oil-based pen, the user can easily see the content written on the discolored portion (4;4E).

[0098] In the eighth embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the entire surface of the housing (2) is a processed surface (3).

[0099] According to this embodiment, the discolored portion (4) can be placed in a position that is easily visible to the user of the disaster prevention equipment (100), which has the advantage of high visibility of the marking.

[0100] In the ninth embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the housing (2) has display units (8, 8a, 8b) that display the detection results of the detection unit (11). The display units (8, 8a, 8b) are formed of a light-transmitting material colored black or a dark color. The light-transmitting material contains a light-diffusing agent that has the property of diffusing light.

[0101] This embodiment has the advantage that it makes it easier for the user to see the detection results of the detection unit (11).

[0102] In the disaster prevention device (100) of the tenth embodiment, in the ninth embodiment, the display unit (8a, 8b) has a light diffusion unit (81, 81a) provided on the incident surface (80a) into which light is incident and configured to diffuse the light internally.

[0103] This embodiment has the advantage that the detection results of the detection unit (11) are easier for the user to see.

[0104] In the 11th embodiment of the disaster prevention device (100), in the 9th or 10th embodiment, the display unit (8, 8a, 8b) is an operation button (5) that can be operated from outside the housing (2).

[0105] This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the disaster prevention equipment (100) to be miniaturized.

[0106] A manufacturing method for the disaster prevention device (100) according to the 12th embodiment is a manufacturing method for the disaster prevention device (100) according to any of the 1st to 11th embodiments. The manufacturing method includes a laser irradiation step (ST2). The laser irradiation step (ST2) involves irradiating the processed surface (3) with a laser to form a discolored portion (4).

[0107] This embodiment has the advantage of providing a disaster prevention device (100) with high visibility of markings on a black or dark-colored processed surface (3).

[0108] The embodiments described above are merely examples of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made to the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100 Alarm (disaster prevention equipment) 11 Detection unit 2 cabinets 3(3A, 3B, 3C) Machining surface 4(4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E) Discolored area ST2 Laser irradiation step 5 Operation buttons 8, 8a, 8b display section 80a entrance plane 81, 81a Light Diffusion Section

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects fire, The system comprises a housing that houses the detection unit, The housing has a processed surface that is black or dark in color on at least a part of the housing, The processed surface has a discolored portion that has been discolored by laser irradiation. Disaster prevention equipment.

2. The discolored portion is the portion that has turned white due to the laser irradiation. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

3. The processed surface is formed of a material that changes color upon laser irradiation. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

4. The material contains a color-changing agent that changes color in response to the laser irradiation. The disaster prevention device according to claim 3.

5. The discolored portion is at least one of the characters and symbols marked on the processed surface by the laser irradiation. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

6. The discolored portion is the portion of the processed surface that has been roughened by the laser irradiation. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned discolored areas are numerous, The plurality of discolored portions include at least one of the characters and symbols marked on the processed surface by the laser irradiation, and portions on the processed surface that have been roughened by the laser irradiation. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

8. The entire surface of the housing is the processed surface. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

9. The housing has a display unit that displays the detection result of the detection unit, The display section is formed of a light-transmitting material colored black or a dark shade. The light-transmitting material includes a light-diffusing agent having the property of diffusing light. The disaster prevention device according to claim 1.

10. The display unit has a light diffusion unit provided on the incident surface into which light is incident and configured to diffuse the light internally. The disaster prevention device according to claim 9.

11. The display unit is an operation button that can be operated from outside the housing. The disaster prevention device according to claim 9.

12. A method for manufacturing a disaster prevention device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The process includes a laser irradiation step in which the laser is irradiated onto the processed surface to form the discolored portion, Manufacturing methods for disaster prevention equipment.

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