Notification system

Abstract

A notification system (1) comprises a plurality of refrigerant sensors (11), a plurality of human detection sensors (12), a plurality of notification devices (13), and a control device (31). In a situation in which a refrigerant is detected in any of a plurality of rooms (101-110), if a person is detected in any of the rooms in a notification area (40A) constituted from the room in which the refrigerant is detected and rooms around said room, the control device (31) causes the notification device (13) provided in said room to issue a notification.

Description

Notification system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system.

[0002] Refrigerants used in refrigeration cycle devices include those that have properties that can affect the human body, such as toxic refrigerants and flammable refrigerants. If such refrigerants that have properties that can affect the human body leak from an indoor unit installed in a room, they may affect the safety of people in that room and in rooms surrounding that room.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an alarm system in which a sensor is provided in each of a plurality of rooms to detect refrigerant leakage, and when leaking refrigerant is detected in a room, at least one of text, images, sound, and light is output as information from an alarm device provided in each of the rooms in which the refrigerant is leaking and in rooms surrounding the room in which the refrigerant is leaking.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-39567

[0005] However, in the alarm system of Patent Document 1, when leaking refrigerant is detected in a room, information is unconditionally output from the alarm device in the room where the refrigerant is leaking and in rooms surrounding the room where the refrigerant is leaking, which could result in inefficient alarming, such as operating the alarm device in rooms where no one is present.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to enable efficient notification to ensure the safety of people in the event of a refrigerant leak in one of multiple rooms.

[0007] The alarm system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of refrigerant sensors, a plurality of human presence sensors, a plurality of alarm devices, and a control device. The plurality of refrigerant sensors are provided in a plurality of rooms, each of which includes an indoor unit that exchanges heat using a refrigerant, and detect refrigerant leaks in the rooms. The plurality of human presence sensors are provided in a plurality of rooms, each of which detects a person present in the room. The plurality of human presence sensors and the plurality of alarm devices are provided in a plurality of rooms, each of which issues an alarm regarding a refrigerant leak. The control device receives detection information from the plurality of refrigerant sensors and the plurality of human presence sensors and is capable of causing at least one of the plurality of alarm devices to issue an alarm. Furthermore, when refrigerant is detected in any of the plurality of rooms, the control device causes the alarm device provided in the room where the person was detected to issue an alarm when a person is detected in a notification area consisting of the room where the refrigerant was detected and rooms surrounding the room where the refrigerant was detected.

[0008] According to the alarm system of the present disclosure, when a refrigerant is detected in any of the multiple rooms in the alarm area, and a person is detected in any of the rooms in the alarm area consisting of the room in which the refrigerant was detected and the rooms surrounding the room in which the refrigerant was detected, an alarm is issued by an alarm device installed in the room where the person was detected, thereby enabling efficient alarms to ensure the safety of people.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alarm system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an alarm process for executing an alarm regarding a refrigerant leak in an alarm system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a second alarm area in an alarm system according to embodiment 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a third alarm area in an alarm system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an alarm process for executing an alarm regarding a refrigerant leak in an alarm system according to embodiment 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing, in a table format, an example of the relationship between refrigerant type and alarm area. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an alarm process for executing an alarm regarding a refrigerant leak in an alarm system according to embodiment 5. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing, in a table format, an example of the relationship between refrigerant concentration and alarm area. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an alarm process for executing an alarm regarding a refrigerant leak in an alarm system according to embodiment 6.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. While several embodiments will be described below, it was originally intended that the configurations described in each embodiment be combined as appropriate. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0011] Embodiment 1. [Example of overall configuration of notification system 1 according to embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of notification system 1 according to embodiment 1. Notification system 1 includes a plurality of refrigerant sensors 11, a plurality of human presence sensors 12, a plurality of notification devices 13, an information output device 14, and a control device 31.

[0012] The notification unit 10 is provided with one refrigerant sensor 11, one human presence sensor 12, and one notification device 13. The information output device 14 is provided in the management device 50. The control device 31 is provided in the centralized controller 30.

[0013] In one building, multiple rooms 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, and 110 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as multiple rooms 101 to 110) are provided as living rooms. Multiple rooms 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as multiple rooms 101 to 105) are arranged in a row. Multiple rooms 106, 107, 108, 109, and 110 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as multiple rooms 106 to 110) are arranged in a row.

[0014] A plurality of rooms 101 to 105 and a plurality of rooms 106 to 110 are arranged opposite each other across a passage 120. A management room 111 is also provided in one building. Note that the management room 111 may be provided in a building separate from the building in which the plurality of rooms 101 to 110 are provided.

[0015] The rooms 101 to 110 are rooms that people can enter and exit. The management room 111 is a room that people can enter and exit, and where a manager can be stationed.

[0016] Each of the multiple rooms 101 to 110 is provided with an indoor unit 20 that exchanges heat using a refrigerant. The refrigerant circulating in one refrigeration cycle device flows through the multiple indoor units 20 provided in each of the multiple rooms 101 to 110. These multiple indoor units 20 are provided in parallel in the refrigerant circulation path of one refrigeration cycle device.

[0017] Each indoor unit 20 is provided with one alarm unit 10. Therefore, each of the multiple rooms 101 to 110 is provided with one refrigerant sensor 11, one human presence sensor 12, and one alarm device 13. Because the alarm device 13 is provided in the indoor unit 20 in each of the multiple rooms, the indoor units 20 and the alarm system 1 can be integrated. In this configuration, the information detected by the refrigerant sensor 11 can be reflected in the operation control of the indoor units 20. For example, if refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant sensor 11 in a certain room, the control device 31 can stop the operation of the indoor unit 20 installed in that room. This can reduce the amount of refrigerant leaking in the room where refrigerant is detected.

[0018] It should be noted that each indoor unit 20 and each alarm unit 10 may be provided separately. In such a configuration, an alarm unit 10 can be additionally provided in a room where an indoor unit 20 is already provided, and the alarm system 1 can be configured using the alarm unit 10 thus added.

[0019] 1, rooms 101 and 106 are used as representative examples, and reference numerals are given to the refrigerant sensor 11, the human presence sensor 12, and the alarm device 13 included in the alarm unit 10. In FIG. 1, the reference numerals of the refrigerant sensor 11, the human presence sensor 12, and the alarm device 13 are omitted for rooms 102 to 105 and 107 to 110 other than rooms 101 and 106.

[0020] The control room 111 is provided with a control device 50. Accordingly, the control room 111 is provided with an information output device 14.

[0021] The refrigerant sensor 11 is a sensor that detects refrigerant leaked into each room and is capable of detecting the concentration of the refrigerant. The refrigerant sensor 11 is configured, for example, as a sensor that optically detects the concentration of the refrigerant, or a sensor that detects the concentration of the refrigerant using a semiconductor. The human presence sensor 12 is capable of detecting a person present in each room. The human presence sensor 12 is configured, for example, as a sensor that detects a person using infrared rays, or a sensor that detects a person using ultrasonic waves.

[0022] The alarm device 13 is a device equipped with a sound output unit that notifies each room of a refrigerant leak. The alarm device 13 can notify the user of a refrigerant leak by outputting a sound such as an alarm. The alarm device 13 may also be equipped with a voice output unit that outputs a human-like voice to notify the user of a refrigerant leak.

[0023] The information output device 14 is a device equipped with a sound output unit that notifies the user of a refrigerant leak when a refrigerant leak occurs in any of the multiple rooms 101 to 110. When notifying the user of a refrigerant leak, the information output device 14 can notify the user of the refrigerant leak by outputting a sound such as an alarm. Furthermore, when notifying the user of a refrigerant leak, the information output device 14 is equipped with a display unit that displays, by image, information indicating in which of the multiple rooms 101 to 110 the refrigerant leak occurred.

[0024] The information output device 14 may include an audio output unit and may notify the user of a refrigerant leak by outputting a human-like voice from the audio output unit. Information indicating which of the rooms 101 to 110 has had a refrigerant leak may be output by audio.

[0025] The central controller 30 including the control device 31 is provided in a location other than the plurality of rooms 101 to 110 and the management room 111. The central controller 30 including the control device 31 may also be provided in the management room 111.

[0026] The control device 31 is connected to the plurality of refrigerant sensors 11, the plurality of human presence sensors 12, the plurality of alarm devices 13 provided in the plurality of rooms 101 to 110, and the information output device 14 provided in the management room 111 so as to be able to communicate information with them via communication lines 21. Note that the control device 31 may also be provided so as to be able to communicate information with the plurality of refrigerant sensors 11, the plurality of human presence sensors 12, the plurality of alarm devices 13, and the information output device 14 via wireless communication.

[0027] The control device 31 is capable of controlling the plurality of alarm devices 13, the information output device 14, and the plurality of indoor units 20. The control device 31 receives, for example, detection information from the plurality of refrigerant sensors 11 and detection information from the plurality of human presence sensors 12, and controls the plurality of alarm devices 13 and the information output device 14 based on the received detection information.

[0028] The control device 31 includes a processor 32 that executes programs stored in the memory, and a memory 33. The processor 32 is an arithmetic processing unit of the control device 31 and is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is also called a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, or microcomputer. The processor 32 may be configured by an MPU (Multi Processing Unit).

[0029] Each function executed by the control device 31 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 33. The memory 33 is a storage unit of the control device 31 and is configured by, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM. The processor 32 realizes each function of the control device 31 by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 33.

[0030] The control device 31 may be configured with dedicated hardware. When the control device 31 is dedicated hardware, the control device 31 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these. Each functional unit realized by the control device 31 may be realized by separate hardware, or each functional unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, the control device 31 may have some of its functions realized by dedicated hardware and some realized by software or firmware.

[0031] In the notification system 1, when a refrigerant leak occurs in each of the rooms 101 to 110, the refrigerant sensor 11 installed in each room detects the refrigerant. The control device 31 determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in each room based on the detection information transmitted from the refrigerant sensor 11 installed in each room.

[0032] In the notification system 1, when a person is present in each of the multiple rooms 101 to 110, the human presence sensor 12 installed in each room detects the person. The control device 31 determines whether a person is present in each room based on the detection information transmitted from the human presence sensor 12 installed in each room.

[0033] [Example of notification area of ​​notification system 1 according to embodiment 1] In notification system 1, when refrigerant sensor 11 detects a refrigerant leak in each of multiple rooms 101 to 110, control device 31 performs the following control.

[0034] When a person is detected by the human presence sensor 12 in any room in the first notification area 40A, which is an notification area consisting of the room in which the refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant and the rooms surrounding the room in which the refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant, the control device 31 causes the notification device 13 installed in the room in which the person was detected to output an alarm sound, thereby alerting the user that a refrigerant has leaked.

[0035] 1, an example of first notification area 40A in notification system 1 according to embodiment 1 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In notification system 1 according to embodiment 1, first notification area 40A is set to cover the range of the room in which refrigerant sensor 11 has detected a refrigerant and rooms adjacent to the room in which refrigerant sensor 11 has detected a refrigerant.

[0036] Figure 1 shows, as an example of the first notification area 40A, that when the refrigerant sensor 11 detects a refrigerant leak in room 103, the first notification area 40A is set to room 103 in which the refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant, and rooms 102 and 104 adjacent to room 103.

[0037] [Example of Notification Process of Notification System 1 According to First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a notification process for executing a notification regarding a refrigerant leak in the notification system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The processor 32 executes the following process in the notification process. In step S1, the processor 32 checks the detection information received from the refrigerant sensors 11 in all of the rooms 101 to 110. The detection information received by the control device 31 from the refrigerant sensors 11 in all of the rooms is temporarily stored in the memory 33 as refrigerant detection data. The refrigerant detection data is data indicating the refrigerant concentration. In step S1, the detection data stored in the memory 33 is checked.

[0039] In step S2, the processor 32 checks whether there is a room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected by the refrigerant sensor 11. If it is determined in step S2 that there is no room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected by the refrigerant sensor 11, the process returns to step S1.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that there is a room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected by the refrigerant sensor 11, then in step S3, the processor 32 determines a first notification area 40A as the notification area corresponding to the room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected by the refrigerant sensor 11. Specifically, in step S3, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first notification area 40A is determined to be an area consisting of the room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected and rooms adjacent to the room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected.

[0041] In step S4, the processor 32 checks the detection information received from the human presence sensors 12 in all rooms within the first notification area 40A set in step S3. In step S5, the processor 32 checks whether there is a room in which a person has been detected by the human presence sensors 12, based on the detection information checked in step S4. The detection information received by the control device 31 from the human presence sensors 12 in all rooms is temporarily stored as detection data in the memory 33. In step S4, the detection data of the human presence sensors 12 stored in the memory 33 is checked.

[0042] If the processor 32 determines in step S5 that there is a room in which a person has been detected by the human presence sensor 12, then in step S6 it outputs an alarm sound indicating a refrigerant leak in the room in which a person has been detected among the multiple rooms 101 to 110 and in the management room 111.

[0043] In step S6, the processor 32 causes the alarm device 13 to output an alarm sound in the room where a person is detected, and causes the information output device 14 to output an alarm sound in the management room 111. In step S6, the processor 32 increases the volume of the alarm sound output in the room where a person is detected over time.

[0044] On the other hand, if the processor 32 determines in step S5 that there is no room in which a person has been detected by the human presence sensor 12, in step S7, it causes the information output device 14 to output an alarm sound indicating a refrigerant leak only in the management room 111.

[0045] After step S6 or step S7 is executed, in step S8, the processor 32 transmits information about the detected refrigerant leak to an external organization, and then ends the process. The external organization to which the information is transmitted in step S8 is, for example, a service company that performs maintenance on the refrigeration cycle device. The information transmitted in step S8 is, for example, information indicating the abnormality details of the abnormal state in which refrigerant has leaked, and includes information indicating the type of leaked refrigerant and information indicating the concentration of the leaked refrigerant. In this way, transmitting information about the detected refrigerant leak to an external organization facilitates maintenance work, such as work to address the refrigerant leak, by the external organization.

[0046] The processor 32 can constantly monitor the plurality of rooms 101 to 110 for refrigerant leakage by repeatedly executing the processes shown in steps S1 to S8.

[0047] 2 , if it is determined in step S2 that a room has been detected as having refrigerant, and if a person is detected by the human presence sensor 12 in any room in the first notification area 40A, which includes the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected and a room adjacent to the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected, an alarm is output by the alarm device 13 provided in the room in which the person was detected in step S6. By outputting such an alarm, people staying in the room in the first notification area 40A can notice the refrigerant leak and evacuate early. In this way, in the event of a refrigerant leak, an alarm is output only in the room in which a person was detected among the rooms in the first notification area 40A that may be affected by the leaked refrigerant, thereby enabling efficient notification to ensure the safety of people.

[0048] 2, in step S6, when an alarm is output from the alarm device 13 installed in the room where a person is detected, the volume of the alarm output in the room where a person is detected is increased over time. This makes it possible to notify a person of the time that has passed since the refrigerant was detected, depending on the volume of the alarm.

[0049] More specifically, a person who hears the alarm can recognize the length of time that has elapsed since the refrigerant leaked based on the volume of the alarm, and can also recognize the degree of increase in refrigerant concentration in the room according to the length of time that has elapsed since the refrigerant leaked. This allows a person who hears the alarm to recognize the refrigerant leak status based on the volume of the alarm, and thereby determine the urgency of evacuation.

[0050] 2, when a leaked refrigerant is detected, an alarm sound is output from the information output device 14 in the management room 111 in steps S6 and S7 in both cases where a person is detected in any room in the first notification area 40A and where no person is detected in any room. This ensures that a person, such as a manager, staying in the management room 111 is aware that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0051] 2, when a leaking refrigerant is detected, step S6 outputs an alarm only in the room where a person is detected within the first notification area 40A, making it easy to identify the room where a person is detected within the first notification area 40A. This allows a person such as a manager to easily identify the room where a person is detected, making it easy for the manager to enter the room where a person is detected within the first notification area 40A and check whether or not there is anyone who has evacuated.

[0052] In the notification system 1, the rooms surrounding the room where the leaked refrigerant was detected in the first notification area 40A determined in step S3 are the rooms among the plurality of rooms 01 to 110 that are located within a predetermined range from the room where the refrigerant was detected, so that the notification can be efficiently performed within a range where the influence of the leaked refrigerant is greatest, with the room where the leaked refrigerant was detected as the center. More specifically, the rooms surrounding the room where the leaked refrigerant was detected in the first notification area 40A are the rooms among the plurality of rooms 101 to 110 that are adjacent to the room where the refrigerant sensor (refrigerant sensor 11) detected the refrigerant, so that the notification can be efficiently performed within a range where the influence of the leaked refrigerant is greatest, with the room where the leaked refrigerant was detected as the center.

[0053] In the alarm system 1, when a refrigerant is detected in any of the multiple rooms 101 to 110, the control device 31 causes the information output device 14, which is provided in a management room 111 different from the multiple rooms 101 to 110, to issue an alarm by outputting an alarm sound in steps S6 and S7, so that it can be recognized in areas other than the first alarm area 40A that a refrigerant has been detected in any of the rooms in the first alarm area 40A.

[0054] Second Embodiment [Example of Notification Area of ​​Notification System 1 According to Second Embodiment] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a second notification area 40B, which is a notification area of ​​the notification system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0055] 3, an example of second notification area 40B in notification system 1 according to Embodiment 2 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In notification system 1 according to Embodiment 1, as an example, second notification area 40B is set to include room 103 in which refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant, rooms 102 and 104 adjacent to the room in which refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant, room 108 located across passage 120 from room 103 in which refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant, and rooms 107 and 109 located across passage 120 from rooms 102 and 104 adjacent to the room in which refrigerant sensor 11 detected the refrigerant.

[0056] The second notification area 40B in this embodiment 2 is an alarm area that can respond to the leakage of a second refrigerant that is at least more toxic and flammable than the first refrigerant, whereas the alarm area that responds to the leakage of a first refrigerant is set to an area such as the first notification area 40A in embodiment 1.

[0057] The second alarm area 40B in embodiment 2 is larger than the first alarm area 40A in embodiment 1, so that in the event of a leak of a refrigerant that is highly toxic and / or flammable, the above-mentioned alarm sound can be output in a wider range of rooms than the first alarm area 40A in embodiment 1.

[0058] Third Embodiment [Example of Notification Area of ​​Notification System 1 According to Third Embodiment] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a third notification area 40C of a notification system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0059] In Figure 4, an example of a third notification area 40C, which is a notification area in the notification system 1 according to embodiment 3, is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In the notification system 1 according to embodiment 3, the third notification area 40C is set in an area larger than the first notification area 40A in the notification system 1 according to embodiment 1 and the second notification area 40B in the notification system 1 according to embodiment 2. Figure 4 shows an example in which the third notification area 40C is set in an area of ​​a plurality of rooms 101 to 110 that is larger than the second notification area 40B.

[0060] The third notification area 40C of the third embodiment is an alert area that corresponds to the leakage of a third refrigerant that is at least more toxic and flammable than the second refrigerant, whereas the alert area that corresponds to the leakage of a second refrigerant is set to an area such as the second notification area 40B of the second embodiment.

[0061] The third alarm area 40C of embodiment 3 is larger than the second alarm area 40B of embodiment 2, so that in the event of a leak of a refrigerant that is highly toxic and / or flammable, the above-mentioned alarm sound can be output in a wider range of rooms than the second alarm area 40B of embodiment 2.

[0062] Fourth Embodiment In a fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the notification device 13 and the information output device 14 output information about a refrigerant leak by voice.

[0063] [Example of Notification Process of Notification System 1 According to Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a notification process for executing a notification regarding a refrigerant leak in the notification system 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0064] The notification process shown in Fig. 5 differs from the notification process shown in Fig. 2 in the following points: Step S6A in Fig. 5 is executed instead of step S6 in Fig. 2. Step S7A in Fig. 5 is executed instead of step S7 in Fig. 2.

[0065] In the notification process shown in Figure 5, if the processor 32 determines in step S5 that there is a room in which a person has been detected by the human presence sensor 12, in step S6A, it outputs alarm information regarding a refrigerant leak by voice in the room in which the person was detected and in the management room 111.

[0066] In step S6A, processor 32 causes alarm device 13 to output alarm information by voice in the room where a person is detected, and causes information output device 14 to output alarm information by voice in control room 111. On the other hand, if processor 32 determines in step S5 that there is no room where a person is detected by human presence sensor 12, in step S7A, processor 32 causes information output device 14 to output alarm information regarding a refrigerant leak by voice only in control room 111.

[0067] The audio information output by the alarm device 13 and the information output device 14 may be, for example, the following audio information. The audio information includes audio indicating that a refrigerant has leaked, such as "Refrigerant has leaked. Please evacuate outdoors," and audio requesting evacuation. In this case, the audio information may at least include audio indicating that a refrigerant has leaked. Note that the audio information output from the information output device 14 may also include audio indicating that a refrigerant has leaked and information identifying the room from which the refrigerant has leaked, such as "Refrigerant has leaked in Room 1."

[0068] 5, in step S6A, the alarm device 13 installed in the room where a person is detected outputs audible alarm information regarding a refrigerant leak. By outputting such audible alarm information, people can easily recognize that a refrigerant leak has occurred. More specifically, people staying in a room within a notification area, such as the first notification area 40A, can easily notice that a refrigerant leak has occurred and can evacuate more quickly.

[0069] Fifth Embodiment The toxicity and flammability of refrigerants vary depending on the type. Therefore, if the notification range for notifying a refrigerant leak is varied depending on the type of leaked refrigerant, more efficient notification becomes possible. In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which the control device 31 determines the notification range depending on the type of leaked refrigerant.

[0070] [Example of Relationship Between Refrigerant Type and Notification Region] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between refrigerant type and notification region in table form. Fig. 6 shows the correspondence relationship between refrigerant type and notification region. Refrigerant types include a first refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant. Notification regions include a first notification region, a second notification region, and a third notification region.

[0071] The levels of danger, such as toxicity and flammability, among the types of refrigerants shown in Figure 6 have the relationship of first refrigerant < second refrigerant < third refrigerant. The widths of the notification regions shown in Figure 6 have the relationship of first notification region < second notification region < third notification region. An example of the first notification region shown in Figure 6 is the first notification region 40A in Figure 1. An example of the second notification region shown in Figure 6 is the second notification region 40B in Figure 3. An example of the third notification region shown in Figure 6 is the third notification region 40C in Figure 4.

[0072] Data indicating the relationship between the type of refrigerant and the notification area as shown in Figure 6 is stored as area designation data in memory 33. Furthermore, data indicating the type of refrigerant flowing through indoor units 20 provided in multiple rooms 101 to 110 as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4 is stored as refrigerant type data in memory 33. The refrigerant type data stored in memory 33 can be changed depending on the type of refrigerant flowing through the indoor units 20.

[0073] [Example of Notification Process of Notification System 1 According to Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a notification process for executing a notification regarding a refrigerant leak in the notification system 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0074] The notification process shown in FIG. 7 differs from the notification process shown in FIG. 2 in that steps S3A and S3B in FIG. 7 are executed instead of step S3 in FIG.

[0075] In the notification process shown in FIG. 7, if it is determined in step S2 that there is a room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected by refrigerant sensor 11, then in step S3A, processor 32 reads the above-mentioned area designation data and the above-mentioned refrigerant type data from memory 33.

[0076] In step S3B, processor 32 uses the area designation data read in step S3A to select the type of notification area corresponding to the type of refrigerant indicated by the refrigerant type data read in step S3A, and determines the notification area corresponding to the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected based on the selected type of notification area. Processor 32 then performs the processes from step S4 onwards.

[0077] 7, steps S3A and S3B are performed to select the size of the notification area depending on the type of leaked refrigerant, and an audible alarm indicating a refrigerant leak can be output from the notification device 13 for the notification area of ​​the selected size. This allows the notification range for issuing a notification regarding a refrigerant leak to be determined depending on the type of leaked refrigerant, making it possible to issue a more efficient notification.

[0078] Steps S3A and S3B as shown in Fig. 7 may be executed instead of step S3 in the notification process shown in Fig. 5. In other words, the size of the notification area is selected depending on the type of leaked refrigerant, and notification of a refrigerant leak is made to the notification area of ​​the selected size, which may be applied to the technology for outputting alarm information related to a refrigerant leak by voice as described in the second embodiment.

[0079] 6 , the region designation data indicating the relationship between refrigerant type and notification region may be configured so that region types correspond to two or more types of refrigerant. Furthermore, the region designation data may assign the same notification region to two or more types of refrigerant. That is, the region designation data may associate one notification region with one type of refrigerant, or may group refrigerant types and assign one notification region to each refrigerant in each group.

[0080] In this way, in the notification system 1 of the fifth embodiment, the notification area is determined depending on the type of refrigerant, so that safety measures can be taken depending on the type of refrigerant.

[0081] Sixth Embodiment The toxicity and flammability of refrigerant vary depending on the concentration. Therefore, if the notification range for notifying a refrigerant leak is varied depending on the concentration of the leaked refrigerant, more efficient notification becomes possible. In the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which the control device 31 determines the notification area depending on the concentration of the leaked refrigerant. The concentration of the leaked refrigerant increases as the amount of leakage increases in each of the multiple rooms 101 to 110.

[0082] [Example of Relationship Between Refrigerant Concentration and Notification Region] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between refrigerant concentration and notification region in table form. Fig. 8 shows the correspondence relationship between refrigerant concentration and notification region. The refrigerant concentration includes a first concentration range, a second concentration range, and a third concentration range. The notification region includes a first notification region, a second notification region, and a third notification region.

[0083] The degree of danger, such as toxicity and flammability, at the refrigerant concentrations shown in FIG. 8 increases as the refrigerant concentration increases. The refrigerant concentrations have the relationship of first concentration range < second concentration range < third concentration range. The widths of the notification regions shown in FIG. 8 have the relationship of first notification region < second notification region < third notification region, as in the case of FIG. 6. An example of the first notification region shown in FIG. 8 is the first notification region 40A in FIG. 1. An example of the second notification region shown in FIG. 8 is the second notification region 40B in FIG. 3. An example of the third notification region shown in FIG. 8 is the third notification region 40C in FIG. 4.

[0084] Data showing the relationship between the refrigerant concentration and the notification area as shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the memory 33 as area determination data.

[0085] [Example of Notification Process of Notification System 1 According to Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a notification process for executing a notification regarding a refrigerant leak in the notification system 1 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0086] The notification process shown in FIG. 9 differs from the notification process shown in FIG. 2 in that steps S3C and S3D in FIG. 9 are executed instead of step S3 in FIG.

[0087] In the notification process shown in FIG. 9, if it is determined in step S2 that there is a room in which leaked refrigerant has been detected by refrigerant sensor 11, then in step S3C, processor 32 reads from memory 33 the above-mentioned area determination data and the detection data of the refrigerant concentration of the room in which leaked refrigerant was detected in S2.

[0088] In step S3D, processor 32 uses the region determination data read in step 3C to select the type of notification region corresponding to the refrigerant concentration indicated by the refrigerant concentration detection data read in step 3C, and determines the notification region corresponding to the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected based on the selected type of notification region. Processor 32 then performs the processes from step S4 onwards.

[0089] Steps S3C and S3D as shown in Fig. 9 may be executed instead of step S3 in the notification process shown in Fig. 5. In other words, the size of the notification area is selected according to the concentration of refrigerant in the room where the refrigerant has leaked, and notification of the refrigerant leakage is made to the notification area of ​​the selected size, which may be applied to the technology for outputting alarm information related to the refrigerant leakage by voice as described in the second embodiment.

[0090] In this way, in the alarm system 1 of embodiment 6, the alarm area is determined according to the refrigerant concentration in the room where the refrigerant is detected, so safety measures can be taken according to the refrigerant concentration.

[0091] [Modifications of the Embodiments] (1) In the first to sixth embodiments, a leaked refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant sensor 11. The control device 31 determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred when the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant sensor 11 is higher than a reference value. This reference value may be set to 0% or may be set to a low concentration higher than 0% that does not affect people.

[0092] (2) In the first to sixth embodiments, examples have been described in which the multiple indoor units 20 are connected to one refrigeration cycle device. However, the multiple indoor units 20 may be configured such that one indoor unit is connected to multiple refrigeration cycle devices.

[0093] (3) In the first to sixth embodiments, the refrigerant sensor 11 that detects the concentration of the refrigerant is used to detect leaked refrigerant. However, this is not limiting. The control device 31 may determine whether or not a refrigerant leak has occurred based on detection information from a pressure sensor that is provided in the refrigeration cycle device and detects the pressure within the refrigerant circuit. For example, when a refrigerant leaks, the pressure within the refrigerant circuit drops below a reference pressure. Therefore, the control device 31 may determine that a refrigerant leak has occurred based on detection information from the pressure sensor when the pressure in the refrigerant circuit drops below the reference pressure.

[0094] (4) The control device 31 as described above may be provided in each alarm unit 10 instead of in the centralized controller 30, and the alarm device 13 provided in each alarm unit 10 may execute the above-described alarm in response to the detection information of the refrigerant sensor 11 and the detection information of the human presence sensor 12 provided in each alarm unit 10. In this case, the alarm units 10 may be configured to be able to communicate information with each other. For example, the control device 31 in a room where a leaked refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant sensor 11 may determine a notification area as described above and collect detection information by the human presence sensor 12 from the control device 31 in each room within the determined notification area. The control device 31 in the room where the leaked refrigerant is detected may then transmit information regarding the alarm to the control device 31 in a room where a person is detected by the human presence sensor 12. The control device 31 in the room that receives the information regarding the alarm may then cause the alarm device 13 in that room to execute the above-described alarm. Then, the control device 31 in the room where the leaked refrigerant was detected sends information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected to the management device 50 in the management room 111, and causes the information output device 14 to issue the above-mentioned alert.

[0095] [Summary of the embodiment] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be summarized again with reference to the drawings.

[0096] (Section 1) The present disclosure relates to an alarm system (alarm system 1). The alarm system (alarm system 1) includes a plurality of refrigerant sensors (refrigerant sensors 11) provided in a plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110) each having an indoor unit (indoor unit 20) that exchanges heat using a refrigerant, the plurality of refrigerant sensors (refrigerant sensors 11) configured to detect refrigerant leaking into the room, a plurality of human presence sensors (human presence sensors 12) provided in the plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110) each detecting a person present in the room, a plurality of alarm devices (alarm devices 13) provided in the plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110) each providing an alarm regarding a refrigerant leak, and the plurality of refrigerant sensors (refrigerant sensors 11) and the plurality of human presence sensors (human presence sensors 12). and a control device (control device 31) capable of receiving detection information from the plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110) and causing at least one of the plurality of alarm devices (alarm device 13) to issue an alarm. When a refrigerant is detected in any of the plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110), the control device (control device 31) causes an alarm to be issued by the alarm device (alarm device 13) installed in the room where the person was detected when a person is detected in any of the rooms in the alarm area (first alarm area 40A, second alarm area 40B, third alarm area 40C) consisting of the room where the refrigerant was detected and the rooms surrounding the room where the refrigerant was detected (steps S6, S6A).

[0097] With this configuration, when refrigerant is detected in any of the multiple rooms in the notification area, and a person is detected in any of the rooms in the notification area consisting of the room in which the refrigerant was detected and the rooms surrounding the room in which the refrigerant was detected, an alarm is issued by the alarm device installed in the room where the person was detected, thereby enabling efficient alarms to be issued to ensure the safety of people.

[0098] (2) In the alarm system (alert system 1) described in paragraph 1, the surrounding rooms are rooms among the multiple rooms (rooms 101 to 110) that are located within a predetermined range from the room in which the refrigerant was detected.

[0099] With this configuration, the surrounding rooms in the notification area are those rooms among multiple rooms that are located within a predetermined range from the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected, so notifications can be efficiently made within the range affected by the leaked refrigerant, centered on the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected.

[0100] (3) In the alarm system (alert system 1) described in paragraph 2, the surrounding rooms are, among the multiple rooms (rooms 101 to 110), rooms adjacent to the room in which the refrigerant sensor (refrigerant sensor 11) detected the refrigerant.

[0101] With this configuration, the surrounding rooms in the notification area are at least the rooms adjacent to the room in which the refrigerant sensor detected the refrigerant, among the multiple rooms. Therefore, notifications can be efficiently made in the area where the influence of the leaked refrigerant is greatest, centered on the room in which the leaked refrigerant was detected.

[0102] (4) In the notification system (notification system 1) described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the control device (control device 31) determines the notification area depending on the type of refrigerant (step S3B).

[0103] According to this configuration, the notification area is determined depending on the type of refrigerant, so that safety measures can be taken depending on the type of refrigerant.

[0104] (5) In the alarm system (alarm system 1) described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, multiple refrigerant sensors (refrigerant sensors 11) are capable of detecting the concentration of refrigerant, and the control device (control device 31) determines the alarm area according to the concentration of refrigerant in the room where the refrigerant is detected (step S3D).

[0105] According to this configuration, the notification area is determined according to the concentration of the refrigerant in the room where the refrigerant is detected, so that safety measures can be taken according to the concentration of the refrigerant.

[0106] (6) The alarm system (alarm system 1) described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 5 further includes an information output device (information output device 14) that is provided in a management room (management room 111) different from the plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110) and is capable of alerting to an abnormality such as a refrigerant leak, and the control device (control device 31) causes the information output device (information output device 14) to issue an alert when refrigerant is detected in any of the plurality of rooms (rooms 101 to 110) (steps S6, S6A, S7, S7A).

[0107] With this configuration, if a refrigerant is detected in any of the multiple rooms in the notification area, an alert is issued by an information output device installed in a control room different from the multiple rooms, so that the fact that a refrigerant has been detected in any of the rooms in the notification area can be recognized in areas other than the notification area.

[0108] (7) In the alarm system (alarm system 1) described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the control device (control device 31) controls the alarm device (alarm device 13) so that the alarm is made by sound and the volume of the alarm increases as the period of time that has elapsed since the refrigerant was detected increases (step S6).

[0109] According to this configuration, the notification is made by sound, and the volume of the notification increases as the time that has passed since the refrigerant was detected increases, so that the person can be informed of the time that has passed since the refrigerant was detected depending on the volume of the notification.

[0110] (Section 8) In the notification system (notification system 1) described in any one of Sections 1 to 6, the control device (control device 31) controls the notification device (notification device 13) so that the notification is made by voice (step S6A).

[0111] According to this configuration, the notification is made by voice, so that a person can easily recognize that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0112] (Item 9) In the alarm system (alarm system 1) described in any one of items 1 to 8, an alarm device (alarm device 13) is provided in the indoor unit (indoor unit 20) in each of the multiple rooms (rooms 101 to 110).

[0113] According to this configuration, an alarm device is provided in the indoor unit in each of the plurality of rooms, so that the indoor unit and the alarm system can be integrated.

[0114] The embodiments disclosed herein are examples and are not intended to be limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, not the scope described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0115] 1 Notification system, 3 Indoor unit 20, 101 to 110 Room, 11 Refrigerant sensor, 12 Human presence sensor, 13 Notification device, 40A First notification area, 40B Second notification area, 40C Third notification area.

Claims

1. A notification system includes a plurality of refrigerant sensors respectively provided in a plurality of rooms each having an indoor unit that performs heat exchange using a refrigerant, for detecting refrigerant leaked indoors; a plurality of human sensors respectively provided in the plurality of rooms, for detecting people present indoors; a plurality of notification devices respectively provided in the plurality of rooms, for notifying about refrigerant leakage; and a control device that receives detection information from the plurality of refrigerant sensors and the plurality of human sensors and is capable of causing at least one of the plurality of notification devices to give a notification. When the refrigerant is detected in any one of the plurality of rooms, the control device causes the notification to be given by the notification device provided in the room where a person is detected, in a notification area consisting of the room where the refrigerant is detected and the rooms around the room where the refrigerant is detected.

2. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding rooms are rooms existing within a predetermined range from the room where the refrigerant is detected among the plurality of rooms.

3. The notification system according to claim 2, wherein the surrounding rooms are rooms adjacent to at least the room where the refrigerant sensor has detected the refrigerant among the plurality of rooms.

4. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device determines the notification area according to the type of the refrigerant.

5. The plurality of refrigerant sensors are capable of detecting the concentration of the refrigerant, and the control device determines the notification area according to the concentration of the refrigerant in the room where the refrigerant is detected. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an information output device provided in a management room different from the plurality of rooms, capable of notifying about an abnormality of refrigerant leakage. When the refrigerant is detected in any one of the plurality of rooms, the control device causes the notification to be given by the information output device.

7. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device controls the notification device so that the volume of the notification increases as the period elapsed since the refrigerant was detected becomes longer, when the notification is made by sound.

8. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device controls the notification device so that the notification is performed by voice.

9. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the notification device is provided in the indoor unit in each of the plurality of rooms.

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