JP2019114026A - Alarm and alarming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress an unnecessary abnormality alarm while including a determination function for a possibility of communication.SOLUTION: An alarm of an embodiment comprises: a communication part including a communication function with a predetermined external apparatus; a notification part for performing a notification based on a state of the alarm; and a control part for making a determination regarding a possibility of communication between the external apparatus and the communication part, and controlling operation of the notification part. The control part makes a determination regarding the possibility of communication with the external apparatus based on a receiving state of a signal from the external apparatus by the communication part during a predetermined first period P1 and a power supply state to the alarm during a predetermined second period P2 prior to the first period P1. An alarming device of an embodiment comprises a first detection part consisting of the alarm of the embodiment and a second detection part consisting of a detector that communicates with the alarm of the embodiment. Power is supplied from a commercial power source to the alarm and the detector is configured to transmit a signal to the alarm when power supply from a battery is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm and an alarm device, and more particularly to an alarm and an alarm device having a communication function.

  In recent years, an alarm system configured by an alarm that operates in conjunction with a specific external device, such as another alarm, or a plurality of alarms that interlock with each other as a device that monitors the surrounding environment and reports an abnormality Are used in factories, offices, or general homes. In such an alarm and alarm device, for example, a measurement result or an abnormal detection result of toxic gas or the like in one alarm is transmitted to the other, and an alarm is issued by the other alarm receiving the signal. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless interlocking type fire alarm that includes a wireless communication unit and performs a fire alarm in conjunction with another alarm.

JP, 2011-215903, A

  An alarm that communicates with detection results from specific external devices communicates with the other device during normal operation to ensure that it can communicate with the other device when there is an abnormality such as a gas leak. Whether or not that is confirmed by something. In the alarm disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is determined that the communication function is normal by receiving a response signal to the inspection signal transmitted to the other alarm. Then, when the response signal is not received, an abnormal alarm is issued. However, in the alarm device as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an abnormal alarm is issued immediately even if a response signal is not received due to an event that may occur even in a normal state due to the configuration of the alarm device or the other party's device. In such a case, the user not only is forced to stop the warning operation originally unnecessary, but also may cause anxiety or reduce the confidence in the alarm.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an alarm device and an alarm device capable of suppressing an unnecessary abnormal alarm while having a determination function of communication availability.

  The alarm device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an alarm device that receives power supply and reports an abnormality in the surrounding environment, and the alarm device includes a communication unit having a communication function with a predetermined external device, and the alarm device. And a control unit configured to control the operation of the notification unit while performing determination as to whether communication between the external device and the communication unit is possible, the control unit including: The determination based on a reception state of a signal from the external device by the communication unit in a predetermined first period, and a power supply state to the alarm in a predetermined second period before the first period; It is configured to do.

  The first period is a period of a predetermined length starting from a first time point at which power supply to the alarm device is started, and the second period is a period of power supply to the alarm system preceding the first time point. It may be a period of a predetermined length starting from a second time point when communication between the communication unit and the external device is determined to be possible after the start.

  The control unit is configured to be capable of receiving a signal from the external device in a first state in a first situation in which a signal from the external device is received by the communication unit in the first period. The control unit is configured to notify the notification unit, and the control unit is further configured to, during the first period, the second period of the second state in the second situation in which the communication unit does not receive a signal from the external device. In the second state different from the first aspect, in which the notification unit does not notify that the reception of the signal from the external device is impossible in the third situation in which power is continuously supplied during the period It may be configured.

  The control unit further carries out inspection of the alarm function in the alarm device, and in the first situation, makes it possible to notify the notification unit of the result of the inspection as well as being able to receive a signal from the external device. In the third situation, the notification unit may be configured to notify the result of the inspection without notifying the determination result as to whether or not communication with the external device is possible.

  The control unit notifies the notification unit that the signal from the external device can not be received in the second situation where the alarm is not continuously supplied with power for the second period. It may also be configured to

  The alarm unit further includes a storage unit to which information on power supply to the alarm unit in the second period is written, and an operated unit provided to be able to be operated from the outside, and the storage unit is configured to The control unit is configured to erase the information written in the storage unit in response to a predetermined operation on the operated unit, which is performed when power supply to the alarm device is started, in the second situation, It may be configured to determine whether the alarm has been continuously supplied for the second period based on the storage content of the storage unit.

  The alarm device according to another embodiment of the present invention is configured by any one of the above-mentioned alarm devices, and detects a specific detection target and generates an alarm, and detects a specific detection target and the external An alarm device comprising: a second detection unit configured as a device and configured to communicate with the alarm device, wherein the alarm device is configured to be supplied with power from a commercial power source; It is configured to be powered from a battery and configured to transmit a signal to the alarm when power is initiated.

  The detector is configured to transmit a signal to the alarm in a predetermined cycle that is longer than the first period and shorter than the second period, and the control unit is configured to perform the predetermined cycle. When a signal from the detector is not received by the communication unit during a predetermined third period longer than the second period, the signal from the detector can not be received. May be notified to the notification unit.

  According to the present invention, an unnecessary abnormal alarm can be suppressed while having a determination function as to whether or not to communicate.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the alarm device of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the external appearance of the alarm device of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the receiving state in the alarm device of one Embodiment, and a feeding state. It is a flowchart which shows the confirmation process of communication availability in the alarm device of one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the storage process of the information regarding the electric power feeding in the 2nd period in the alarm device of one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination processing of the communication availability by the regular communication in the alarm device of one Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the alarm device of other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the alarm device of other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the alarm of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. An example of a structure of the alarm device 1 of one Embodiment is shown with the block diagram by FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the alarm device 1 notifies based on the state of the alarm device 1, the communication unit 2 having a communication function with a predetermined external device 200, and a detection unit 5 that detects a change in the surrounding environment. A control unit 3 that makes a determination as to whether or not communication between the external device 200 and the communication unit 2 can be made, and controls the overall operation of the alarm device 1 including the operation of the notification unit 6; Is equipped. The alarm device 1 monitors the change of the surrounding environment using the detection unit 5 by receiving power supply from a commercial power source or a battery, and the user of the alarm device 1 uses the notification unit 6 to monitor the abnormality of the surrounding environment. Get informed. In the example of FIG. 1, the alarm device 1 further includes an operated portion 4 provided so as to be able to be operated from the outside. Moreover, the alarm device 1 includes a storage unit 7 in which information on power supply to the alarm device 1 is written. Note that “predetermined external device” is subjected to preparation processing for communication such as pairing at the time of communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark) so that communication specifying the other party with the alarm device 1 can be performed. Devices.

  The control unit 3 receives the reception state of the signal from the external device 200 by the communication unit 2 in a predetermined first period P1 (see FIG. 3), and a predetermined second period P2 (FIG. 3) before the first period P1. Based on the power supply state to the alarm device 1 in reference), it is configured to determine whether the external device 200 and the communication unit 2 can communicate. Therefore, according to the alarm device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary abnormal alarm while having a determination function as to whether or not communication is possible.

  As described above, in the alarm device that communicates with a specific external device, communication may be performed with the external device to confirm communication. For example, such communication is performed when the alarm device and the external device are powered on or when the user performs a predetermined operation. In the confirmation of the communication availability, the alarm device waits for, for example, a signal transmitted by the external device, and determines that communication is possible when the signal is received during a predetermined period. In that case, on the external device side, it is necessary to send a predetermined signal during the reception waiting period in the alarm device. For example, when the user causes the alarm to execute confirmation of communication availability, the user performs a predetermined operation on the alarm and executes a predetermined operation on an external device. If the alarm and the external device are configured to perform communication confirmation at power on, the user can turn on the alarm by powering on both devices simultaneously or in a short time. Execute confirmation of communication availability.

  However, contrary to the user's intention, the alarm may be in a state of waiting for reception of a signal from an external device. For example, it is assumed that an operation for confirming communication availability is performed only on the alarm device. In addition, if the alarm device and the external device are configured to execute communication confirmation when the power is turned on, and only the alarm device uses a commercial power source (the external device uses, for example, a battery), a power failure may occur. At the time of recovery etc., only the alarm unit is in the state of confirmation of communication availability. The external device does not transmit any signal because the power supply to the external device continues regardless of the power failure. In these cases, even if it is possible to communicate with an external device, the alarm unit determines that communication is not possible because no signal can be received while waiting for reception in the confirmation of communication availability. I will give an abnormal warning. Although it is possible to avoid such an abnormal alarm if the external device sends out any signal constantly or frequently, if the external device is a battery-operated device etc, such multiple transmissions require a lot of power. Consumption is involved, and thus it is not preferable to prolong the service life of the battery.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 3 that determines whether or not to communicate is not only the reception state of the signal SG in the predetermined first period P1 (see FIG. 3) but also the predetermined second period P2 (FIG. 3). It is comprised so that the decision | availability of communication may be judged also based on the electric power feeding state to the alarm device 1 in (refer). That is, when the controller 3 can not receive the signal SG from the external device 200 during the predetermined first period P1, the controller 3 does not immediately determine that “communication is not possible”, and sends the alarm 1 to the alarm 1 during the second period P2. On the basis of the power supply state, it is possible, for example, to suspend the determination of "communication failure" or to make a determination different from "communication failure". Therefore, in spite of the fact that it is possible to communicate in spite of the fact that communication is possible, it can be determined that "communication is impossible" at a low speed, and the occurrence of an abnormal alarm under the judgment can be reduced. In addition, depending on the power supply state to the alarm device 1 during the second period P2, the control unit 3 may determine that "communication is not possible" based on the fact that the signal SG could not be received during the first period P1. You can also. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of the unnecessary abnormality alarm while having the determination function regarding the availability of communication.

  The control unit 3 includes, for example, a commercially available microcomputer, a semiconductor device such as an ASIC, and the like, and preferably includes an arithmetic function, a comparison function, a clocking function, a storage function, and the like. The control unit 3 executes timing on the first period P1 and the second period P2, for example, by the timing function that it has. The control unit 3 can operate in accordance with a program incorporated in a microcomputer or the like. The built-in program determines the possibility of communication between the external device 200 and the communication unit 2, and describes a procedure for overall control of the operation of the alarm device 1 including the operation of the notification unit 6. . For example, control unit 3 is configured to operate according to a program built in the microcomputer etc. included in control unit 3 in this manner, and operates according to the program to perform various controls for communication unit 2 and notification unit 6 etc. It can run.

  As the "power supply state" to the alarm device 1 in the second period P2, which can be a place of reliance on communication availability, for example, the continuity of power supply and the number of times power supply start and stop are repeated during the second period P2. , The length of the power supply stop period, and the like. For example, in the case where the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied with power continuously without interruption during the second period P2, the control portion 3 immediately “communicates impossible even if the signal SG is not received during the first period P1. It is not necessary to judge. If the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied with power for a period longer than the predetermined length period (second period P2), that is, it operates normally, even during a limited period (first period P1) This is because even if the signal SG is not received, it can be estimated that the external device 200 is merely not in the state of transmitting the signal SG.

  Further, the control unit 1 repeats the start and stop of the power supply to the alarm device 1 repeatedly a predetermined number of times or more during the second period P2, or during the second period P2, of a predetermined length. If the power supply is stopped within the range, it may be configured not to immediately determine that "communication is not possible" even if the signal SG is not received during the first period P1. For example, after installation of the alarm device 1, when it is sufficiently confirmed that communication with the external device 200 is possible, the installation procedure is known to the contractor etc. to perform intermittent power feeding a predetermined number of times or to stop power feeding for a predetermined period. If such an operation is currently being performed, it may be assumed that the reception failure during the first period P1 is simply due to the external device 200 not transmitting the signal SG. .

  The communication unit 2 performs mutual conversion between the signal in the alarm device 1 and the signal used for communication according to the control of the control unit 3 and transmits / receives a signal to / from a specific external device 200. In particular, in the present embodiment, as described above, the communication unit 2 receives the signal SG for confirming whether communication with the external device 200 is possible. The communication unit 2 can be configured by hardware such as an integrated circuit device or an electric circuit including individual electric components. The communication unit 2 may share hardware with the control unit 3 or may be incorporated in the control unit 3. Further, the communication unit 2 may include software such as a program in which a process to be executed by itself is described.

  The operated unit 4 is provided so as to be operated by the user from the outside of the alarm device 1. For example, the operated unit 4 is configured of any circuit switch (switch) such as a push button type, a toggle type, or a slide type. Further, the operated unit 4 is an arbitrary input that causes a state to be transitioned by being operated by a user or the like, and outputs a predetermined signal (for example, high level signal or low level signal) corresponding to the state to the control unit 3 It may be configured by means. For example, the operated unit 4 may be a keyboard or a touch panel, and may be configured by a microphone and voice recognition means for outputting a signal according to the voice. The operated unit 4 may also be used as a check switch operated by a user or the like to instruct the alarm device 1 to perform a self check. That is, the control unit 3 is configured to execute the inspection of the alarm function in the alarm device 1 by executing the inspection program in which the predetermined inspection procedure is described according to the operation on the operated unit 4. It is also good.

The detection unit 5 mainly includes various sensors that monitor physical phenomena in a monitoring target area around the alarm device 1 and output the result. As various sensors, for example, various gas sensors that detect carbon monoxide (CO) gas, methane gas (CH ₄ ) and propane gas (C ₃ H ₈ ), etc., temperature sensors such as thermistors, humidity sensors, smoke A sensor, and an odor sensor etc. are illustrated. The detection unit 5 may include one or more sensors.

  The notification unit 6 includes, for example, a notification unit such as a light emitting diode (LED), a buzzer and / or a speaker for the user etc., and issues an alarm mainly by emitting light and / or sound. Further, the notification unit 6 changes the monitoring area not to issue an alarm other than issuing an alarm, the result of the judgment by the control unit 3 regarding the possibility of communication with the external device 200 described above, and It may operate to notify the result of the check of the alarm function.

  The storage unit 7 is a storage area to which information related to power supply to the alarm device 1 in the second period P2 is written, and may be provided inside the control unit 3 as shown in FIG. May be separately provided in the alarm 1. The storage unit 7 mainly includes a semiconductor memory, but includes at least a non-volatile storage area such as a ROM or a flash memory. Preferably, information relating to the power supply state of the alarm device 1 in the second period P2 (see FIG. 3) is written in the non-volatile storage area of the storage unit 7. For example, the storage unit 7 may include a register or the like for a continuous feed flag, which is a flag indicating whether the alarm 1 has been continuously fed during the second period P2, and the continuous feed flag A storage space for storing the state may be included in the non-volatile storage area. The continuous power supply flag will be described in detail later. In addition, the storage unit 7 is a storage space that stores the number of times power supply start and stop are repeated during the second period P2, or power supply is performed with a length within a predetermined range during the second period P2. A storage space for a flag indicating whether it has been stopped may be included in the non-volatile storage area.

  An example of the external appearance of the alarm device 1 of this embodiment is shown by FIG. The alarm device 1 includes a casing 11 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the control unit 3 and the communication unit 2 shown in FIG. The display unit 61 visually notifies that the alarm device 1 is supplied with power and that the external environment is in an abnormal state, and the like, and an alarm sound emitted in the housing 11 and the like in the housing 11 The sound emission part 62 which discharges is provided. The display unit 61 and the sound emitting unit 62 are responsible for the notification function of the notification unit 6 (see FIG. 1) described above.

  The housing 11 further includes the operated unit 4. The to-be-operated part 4 is provided in the housing | casing 11 so that it can be pressed from the front F side in which the display part 61 etc. are provided in the housing | casing 11. FIG. When the alarm device 1 of the present embodiment includes the housing 11 shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined signal may be input to the control unit 3 when the operated unit 4 is pressed, and the control unit is based on the signal. 3 may control the operation of the communication unit 2 and the notification unit 6. In addition, when the operated unit 4 is also an inspection switch operated to instruct the alarm 1 to carry out an inspection, the user can cause the alarm 1 to perform the inspection by pressing the operated unit 4. it can.

  In FIG. 2, the power plug 1 a is connected to a power cord extending from the lower side of the housing 11. In the alarm device 1, even if power supply and stop of power to components such as the control unit 3, the communication unit 2, the notification unit 6, and the detection unit 5 are performed by inserting and removing the power plug 1 a to the outlet of the commercial power supply. Good. In addition, a power switch or the like may be separately provided, and supply and stop of power to each component may be switched by operation of the power switch. Then, when power feeding is started by such insertion of the power plug 1a into the outlet or operation of the power switch, the control unit 3 confirms whether or not communication with the external device 200 (see FIG. 1) is possible. You may go. Furthermore, when the power supply is started, the control unit 3 may check the alarm function of the alarm device 1 together with the confirmation of the availability of communication.

  Next, the control unit 3 determines whether or not communication with the external device 200 is possible based on the presence or absence of reception of the signal SG from the external device in the first period P1 and the presence or absence of continuous power feeding in the second period P2. The operation of the alarm device 1 according to one embodiment will be described, taking the case where it is configured to be as an example. FIG. 3 shows first to fourth examples EX1 to EX4 regarding the reception state of the signal SG in the first period P1 and the power supply state in the second period P2. A rectangle extending in the horizontal axis direction, denoted by reference symbol V in FIG. 3, indicates that power is supplied to the alarm device 1. Moreover, the arrow attached | subjected code | symbol SG has shown the signal which should be transmitted from the external apparatus 200 (refer FIG. 1), and should be received by the communication part 2 (refer FIG. 1) of the alarm device 1. FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, the first period P1 is a period of a predetermined length starting from the first time point T1 at which the power supply to the alarm device 1 is started. Further, the second period P2 is a predetermined period starting from a second time point T2 when communication between the communication unit 2 and the external device 200 is determined to be possible after power feeding to the alarm device 1 preceding the first time point T1 is started. It is a period of length. The first period P1 and the second period P2 are not particularly limited, but the second period P2 is longer than at least the first period P1. For example, the first period P1 is at most about 5 minutes or less such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 3 minutes, for example, the second period P2 is 12 hours, 24 hours, or 72 hours, etc. It is about half a day or more and 5 days or less.

  Here, “the second point in time T2 when it is determined that communication with the external device 200 is possible” is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the signal SG is communicated during the feeding period before the first point in time T1. It is time to be received by Part 2. If the signal SG is received multiple times in the power supply period before the first time T1, the second time T2 may be any reception time. In addition, the time from the reception of signal SG to the determination by control unit 3 based on the reception is, for example, the minimum unit of timekeeping of second period P2 by control unit 3 (for example, one second unit, 30 seconds unit, or one minute). If it is longer than the unit, etc., the second time T2 may be the time when the determination is made by the control unit 3. Note that the second time point T2, which is the start point of the second period P2, may not necessarily be the time point when it is determined that communication with the external device 200 is possible. For example, a power supply period before the first time point T1. It may be at the start of the

  In FIG. 3, the first example EX1 is an example of a first situation in which the signal SG from the external device 200 is received by the communication unit 2 in the first period P1. In this first situation, the control unit 3 can communicate with the external device 200 based on the fact that the signal SG is received during the first period P1 regardless of the power supply state in the second period P2. It may be determined that Then, the control unit 3 may notify the notification unit 6 in a predetermined first mode that the signal SG from the external device 200 can be received. For example, as a first mode, the LED constituting the display unit 61 (see FIG. 2) may be turned on and / or a buzzer sound or a message may be emitted from the sound emitting unit 62 (see FIG. 2) . Also, as described above, when the control unit 3 checks the alarm function of the alarm device 1 together with confirmation of the availability of communication, the control unit 3 receives the signal SG from the external device 200 in the first situation. And the notification unit 6 may be notified of the result of the inspection of the alarm function. That is, the first aspect may include notification of the inspection result of the alarm function. For example, when the alarm function is normal, as the first aspect, the LED of the display unit 61 is turned on, and A radio wave can be received may be issued from the sound emitting unit 62.

  In FIG. 3, the second example EX2 is an example of a second situation in which the signal SG from the external device 200 is not received by the communication unit 2 in the first period P1, and further, an alarm in the second situation 1 is an example of a third situation in which power is continuously supplied during the second period P2. In the third situation, the signal SG is not received in the first period P1, but since the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied with power during the second period P2, the control unit 3 determines that the first period P1 has elapsed. Immediately after, it is not determined whether the alarm 1 and the external device 200 can communicate. Therefore, the control unit 3 does not immediately notify the notification unit 6 that the reception of the signal SG from the external device 200 is impossible in the third situation, and causes the notification unit 6 in the second mode different from the first mode. Give notice. For example, in the second aspect, an LED different from the one lit in the first aspect of the display unit 61 may be lit, or the LED lit in the first aspect may blink, and sound emission A sound of a frequency different from that of the first aspect may be emitted from the portion 62, or an intermittent sound may be emitted at a timing different from that of the first aspect. However, in the second aspect, the notification that the signal SG from the external device 200 can not be received is not notified. In addition, when the control unit 3 checks the alarm function of the alarm device 1 together with confirmation of whether the communication is possible or not, in the third situation, the control unit 3 allows the notifying unit 6 whether or not communication with the external device 200 is possible. The notification result of the check of the alarm function may be notified without notifying the judgment result of. That is, the second mode may include only notification of the check result of the alarm function, and for example, as the second mode, a message that "alarm is normal" may be issued from the sound emitting unit 62.

  In FIG. 3, the third example EX3 and the fourth example EX4 are both examples of the second situation in which the signal SG is not received in the first period P1 as in the second example EX2, but the second situation Among them, the alarm device 1 is an example of a fourth situation where power is not supplied continuously during the second period P2. The third example EX3 is an example in which the alarm device 1 is not supplied with power at all during the second period P2. In the fourth example EX4, although the total feed time before the first time point T1 is longer than that in the second period P2, power is not continuously fed in the second period P2, and the feed time in the individual feed can be obtained. Is an example shorter than the length of the second period P2. In the fourth situation, the control unit 3 causes the notification unit 6 to notify that the signal SG from the external device 200 can not be received. For example, the control unit 3 causes the notification unit 6 to perform notification in a third mode different from any of the first and second modes.

  In the third aspect, the display unit 61 may blink at intervals different from the intervals of flickering in any of the first and second aspects, and a frequency different from any of the frequencies of sounds emitted in the first and second aspects. Sound may be emitted from the sound emitting unit 62. For example, as a third mode, a sound message "not able to receive radio waves" may be issued from the sound emission unit 62 following an electronic sound or a buzzer sound such as "peep peep". Further, when the external device 200 is a detector of carbon monoxide, a message of “cannot receive radio wave of CO detection unit” may be issued instead of “cannot receive radio wave”. When the control unit 3 checks the alarm function of the alarm device 1 together with confirmation of the availability of communication, the control unit 3 reports that the inspection result of the alarm function can not be received, as well as that the signal SG can not be received. May be notified. However, in the fourth situation, it may be informed only that the signal SG can not be received. It is considered that this can urge the user etc. to take action to restore communication with the external device 200.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4 showing the flow of the reception state of radio waves from the external device 200 in the first period P1 and the communication availability based on the power supply state in the second period P2 in the form of a flowchart Do. First, in step S0 (first time point T1), a confirmation process of communication availability with the external device 200 is started by the start of power feeding or a predetermined operation by the user, and the first period P1 by the clock function of the control unit 3 is started. Timekeeping starts. In step S1, it is determined whether or not the first period P1 has elapsed, and if the first period P1 has not yet elapsed ("N" in step S1), the presence or absence of reception of a signal from the external device 200 is It is determined (step S2). If a signal from the external device 200 is not received ("N" in step S2), the control returns to step S1 and step S1 until the first period P1 elapses or a signal from the external device 200 is received. And step S2 is repeated (loop R1).

  When the signal from the external device 200 is received in step S2 ("Y" in step S2), the control unit 3 causes the notification unit 6 to execute notification in the first mode described above (step S4). That is, the alarm device 1 is in the first situation described above. At this time, the control unit 3 may store, for example, predetermined information indicating that a signal has been received in the storage unit 7 (see FIG. 1) (step S3). For example, control unit 3 may set a specific flag (hereinafter also referred to as a “signal reception flag”) provided in a storage area in storage unit 7. The signal reception flag is preferably provided in a volatile storage area where the stored contents are erased when the power supply to the alarm device 1 is stopped. The method of using the signal reception flag will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the lapse of the first period P1 is detected in step S1 ("Y" in step S1), the alarm device 1 is in the second state described above, and in step S5, the power supply state of the second period P2 is related. A judgment is made. Control unit 3 determines, for example, based on the stored contents of storage unit 7 whether alarm device 1 has been continuously supplied with power for the second period P2. When the predetermined information indicating that the alarm device 1 has been continuously supplied with power during the second period P2 is stored in the storage unit 7, the control unit 3 is affirmative with respect to the power supply state of the second period P2. Judgment ("Y" in step S5). For example, if the above-described continuous feeding flag is set, the control unit 3 makes an affirmative determination regarding the feeding state of the second period P2. In that case, the alarm device 1 is in the above-described third situation, and the control unit 3 causes the notification unit 6 to perform notification in the above-described second mode without immediately determining whether communication with the external device 200 is possible ( Step S6).

  Note that the determination regarding the power supply state in the second period P2 in step S5 may be performed based on other than the continuity of power supply in the second period P2. As described above, the basis of the determination may be the number of repetitions of power supply start and stop during the second period P2, or the length of the power supply stop period. The storage unit 7 indicates whether the number of times power feeding has been repeatedly started and stopped during the second period P2, or whether the power feeding has been stopped for a period within a predetermined range during the second period P2. Information is stored, and the control unit 3 may make the determination in step S5 by referring to them.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5 regarding the power supply state in the second period P2 ("N" in step S5), the alarm device 1 is in the fourth situation described above, and the control unit 3 The notification unit 6 is made to perform notification in an aspect (step S7).

  In FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied power during the second period P2, and a processing routine for storing predetermined information in the storage unit 7 or the like when the power supply is continuously supplied. The flowchart of is shown. FIG. 5 is an example in which the above-described continuous power supply flag is set as storage of predetermined information performed when the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied with power during the second period P2. The storage of information performed when the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied with power is not limited to the setting of any flag. Such storage of information may be storage of predetermined specific information having an arbitrary bit length to any storage area inside or outside the storage unit 7.

  A series of processes shown in FIG. 5 are performed, for example, every 30 seconds, for example, every one second, after the start of power supply to the alarm 1, preferably after the confirmation of communication availability shown in FIG. It is repeatedly executed every second or every minute. In addition, when the process shown in FIG. 5 is executed, for example, control unit 3 has a counter (not shown) whose count value is reset when power supply is started or stopped. It is used at the time of

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the processing routine is started in step SA0, it is judged whether the continuous power supply flag has already been set (step SA1), and the continuous power supply flag is set (step SA1). Y ") ends the processing routine shown in FIG. In addition, even if the processing after step SA2 is executed when the continuous power supply flag is already set, there is no particular problem because the continuous power supply flag that has already been set is not reset. Therefore, step SA1 may be omitted.

  If the determination in step SA1 is "N", it is determined in step SA2 whether or not power supply is continued. In the example of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the power supply is continued depending on whether or not the aforementioned signal reception flag is set. The signal reception flag is set when the signal from the external device 200 is received in the process shown in FIG. 4 as described above or in the periodic communication described later. Further, as described above, the signal reception flag is preferably provided in the volatile storage area of the storage unit 7 or the like, and is reset when the power supply to the alarm device 1 is stopped. In that case, by referring to the signal reception flag, after the reception of the signal from the external device 200 (after the second time point T2 (see FIG. 3)), whether the alarm 1 was continuously supplied in the second period P2 It can be determined whether or not.

  When the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied with power from the second time point T2 ("Y" in step SA2), a counter not shown is counted up (step SA3), and in step SA4, whether the second period P2 has elapsed It is judged whether or not. For example, an elapsed time determined by the product of the count value of the counter and the time interval (such as 1 second, 30 seconds, or 1 minute described above) in which the series of processing in FIG. It is compared with the length of period P2). Then, if the elapsed time is less than the second period P2, it is determined that the second period P2 has not elapsed ("N" in step SA4), and the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.

  On the other hand, when the product of the count value of the counter and the execution interval of the process of FIG. 5 is equal to or longer than the second period P2, it is determined that the second period P2 has elapsed (“Y” in step SA4) and the continuous power supply flag Is set (step SA5). The continuous power supply flag is preferably provided in a volatile storage area such as a register in the storage unit 7 so that the control unit 3 can quickly refer to the state. Therefore, the state of the continuous feeding flag is stored, for example, in the non-volatile storage area of storage unit 7 so that information on the feeding state in second period P2 can be held until feeding restarts when feeding is stopped. (Step SA6). At the time of power supply resumption after the power supply to alarm device 1 is temporarily stopped (first time point T1), the information stored in this nonvolatile storage area is read out, and based on the information, the continuous power supply flag is It can be set. As a result, it is possible to make a determination regarding the continuity of power feeding during the second period P2 in step S5 of FIG.

  When the alarm device 1 is not continuously supplied with power from the second time point T2 ("N" in step SA2), the count value of the counter not shown is reset (step SA7), and the process shown in FIG. 5 ends. . Thus, since the count value is reset, the control unit 3 performs the second operation even if the total feed time is longer than the second period P2 in the case of the fourth example EX4 in FIG. 3 referred to earlier. It can be determined that the alarm device 1 is not continuously supplied with power in the period P2.

  Note that the determination as to whether or not power feeding is continued in step SA2 may be performed by monitoring the voltage supplied without using the signal reception flag, and in that case, step S3 in FIG. It may be omitted. Also, in that case, a timer circuit which has a target time set to the length (time) of the second period P2 in place of a counter not shown and which is started when receiving a signal from the external device 200 and reset when power supply is stopped. Is provided in the alarm device 1 and may be used to measure the second period P2. However, judging by monitoring only the feed voltage, the continuous feed flag may be set even if the signal from the external device 200 is not received during the second period P2. That is, although power is continuously supplied during the second period P2, it is determined that the alarm device 1 is in the third situation in step S5 despite communication with the external device 200 being impossible. Is also conceivable. Therefore, it is preferable to use the signal reception flag to determine the continuity of power supply during the second period P2.

  Further, as described above, the determination regarding the feeding state of the second period P2 in step S5 of FIG. 4 is a row based on the number of repetitions of feed start and stop during the second period P2, the length of the feed stop period, and the like. Also in the case where it is used, the non-volatile storage area of the storage unit 7 can be used. For example, each time power feeding is started during the second period P2, the numerical value stored in the non-volatile storage area may be incremented by one. In addition, when power feeding is stopped in a period within a predetermined range during the second period P2, predetermined information may be stored in the nonvolatile storage area of the storage unit 7. In the case where power feeding is stopped in the second period P2 as described above, clocking for determining the elapse of the second period P2 may be performed by receiving information on the elapsed time from the external device 200, It may be performed by receiving a standard radio wave.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the non-volatile storage area of the storage unit 7 is continuously connected as information related to the power supply state to the alarm device 1 in the second period P2 (hereinafter, this information is also simply referred to as "power supply state information"). The state of the feed flag is stored. Therefore, even if the power supply is stopped, for example, the information indicating that the alarm device 1 is continuously supplied power during the second period P2 is not erased. However, the alarm device 1 may be configured to be able to erase the power supply state information temporarily stored in the storage unit 7. For example, when information on continuous feeding is stored in a non-volatile storage area by continuous feeding in aging etc. during the manufacturing process of alarm device 1, it is preferable to erase this information in preparation for installation after shipment. . Therefore, for example, the storage unit 7 may erase the power supply state information in accordance with a predetermined operation on the operated unit 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  Here, as described above, the operated unit 4 can be used not only to instruct the alarm device 1 to check, but also can be used to stop the alarm when the alarm is issued. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing erroneous operation, it is preferable that the operation on the operated unit 4 for erasing the power feeding state information is an operation that is not easily confused with the operation for other purposes. Therefore, such an operation may be a complex operation combined with an operation other than the operation on the operated unit 4, for example, the alarm 1 by inserting the power plug 1 a (see FIG. 2) into the outlet. It may be an operation performed on the operated unit 4 at the start of power supply to the circuit. In the case where the operated unit 4 is configured to be pressed as illustrated in FIG. 2, the power feeding state information may be erased by inserting the power plug 1 a into the outlet while pressing the operated unit 4. Furthermore, not only start feeding while merely pressing the operated part 4, but continue pressing on the operated part 4 for more than a predetermined time such as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds after starting feeding. The power supply state information may be erased by

  As described above, in the third situation (see FIGS. 3 and 4), the control unit 3 does not immediately determine whether or not communication with the external device 200 is possible, and notifies the notification unit 6 in the second mode. Run it. However, even when the determination of communication availability is suspended as such, the control unit 3 preferably based on the presence or absence of reception of a signal from the external device 200 separately from the determination of communication availability after the first period P1. It is regularly determined whether or not communication with the external device 200 is possible. Then, the notification unit 6 is made to execute notification in an appropriate manner based on the determination result. An example of the determination processing of communication availability by the periodic communication with the external device 200 in the alarm device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 showing the flow of the processing. In FIG. 6, the flow shown on the left side shows the flow of processing in the alarm device 1, and the flow shown on the right side shows the flow of processing performed by the external device 200.

  A series of processes shown in FIG. 6 are repeatedly executed after being started (steps SB0 and SC0) by, for example, the start of power supply to the alarm device 1 and the external device 200. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, when the signal SG from the external device 200 is not received during the third period P3, it is determined that communication with the external device 200 is not possible. The external device 200 transmits the signal SG to the alarm device 1 periodically at a cycle P4 shorter than the third period P3. The alarm device 1 is provided with a third period clock timer (not shown) to monitor the elapse of the third period P3, and after the start at step SB0, the third period clock timer starts to operate. , Then continue the clocking operation. The third period P3 is shorter than the above-described second period P2, and longer than the cycle P4 in which the external device 200 transmits the signal SG. The external device 200 is provided with a periodic counting timer (not shown) to monitor the elapse of the period P4, and after starting in step SC0, the periodic counting timer starts operation, and then continues the timing operation. Do.

  In the external device 200, it is determined in step SC1 whether or not the period P4 has elapsed by referring to the periodic time counting timer. If the cycle P4 has not elapsed ("N" in step SC1), step SC1 is repeated in loop R3. Then, when the cycle P4 has elapsed (“Y” in step SC1), the signal SG is transmitted to the alarm device 1 (step SC2). Then, the periodic time counting timer is reset (step SC3), and control is returned to step SC1 in loop R3. Thus, the signal SG is transmitted from the external device 200 at a cycle P4.

  In the alarm device 1, when the signal SG from the external device 200 is received in step SB1 ("Y" in step SB1), the above-described signal reception flag is preferably set (step SB2). Then, the third period clocking timer is reset (step SB6), and the control is returned to step SB1 in loop R2. If the signal SG is not received in step SB1 ("N" in step SB1), it is determined whether the third period P3 has elapsed by referring to the third period counting timer (step SB3). If the third period P3 has not elapsed (“N” in step SB3), control returns to step SB1 in loop R2.

  If it is determined that the third period P3 has elapsed (“Y” in step SB3), the control unit 3 determines that communication with the external device 200 is not possible, and the notification unit 6 (see FIG. 1) ), For example, in the third mode described above (step SB4). That is, it is informed that the reception of the signal SG from the external device 200 is impossible. Further, preferably, control unit 3 resets the signal reception flag (step SB5). Then, the third period clocking timer is reset (step SB6), and the control is returned to step SB1. Even when the determination as to whether or not to communicate with the external device 200 is suspended after the elapse of the first period P1, preferably, the determination as to whether or not to communicate with the external device 200 is preferably performed through periodic communication in this manner. Based on the result, notification that communication with the external device 200 is not possible is notified.

  Next, an alarm device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the alarm device 100 of the other embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows an example of the appearance of the alarm device 100 of the other embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the alarm device 100 includes a first detection unit 110 that detects a specific detection target and issues an alarm, and a second detection unit 120 that includes a detector 10 that detects a specific detection target. And have. The first detection unit 110 is configured by the alarm device 1 of the embodiment described above. The detector 10 communicates with the alarm device 1 (first detection unit 110) as the external device 200 described above.

  The second detection unit 120 preferably detects a detection target different from the detection target of the first detection unit 110. For example, when the detection target of the first detection unit 110 is propane gas, the second detection unit 120 may detect carbon monoxide gas, methane gas, or the like. When the second detection unit 120 detects the gas to be detected at a concentration equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the second detection unit 120 itself may issue an alarm, and the detection information is transmitted to the first detection unit 110, and the second detection is performed. An alarm on the gas to be detected by the unit 120 may be further issued by the first detection unit 110.

  The detector 10 constituting the second detection unit 120 includes the communication unit 122, the control unit 123, the operated unit 124, the detection unit 125, and the notification unit 126 in the example of FIG. . Communication is exchanged between the communication unit 122 and the communication unit 2 of the alarm device 1. The detector 10 may not necessarily have all the components shown in FIG. 7, and may be configured to be able to detect at least one detection target and communicate with the alarm device 1. When the detector 10 includes the components shown in FIG. 7, the components may have the same configuration as the components constituting the alarm 1 described above. Therefore, in the description of the alarm device 100, the description of each component constituting the detection unit 10 (second detection unit 120) is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the detector 10 includes a display unit 1261 for visually notifying that the detector 10 is supplied with power, that the external environment is in an abnormal state, and the like. Further, an operated unit 124 used as an alarm stop switch or the like is provided on the front of the housing 121 so that it can be operated from the outside. Further, the detector 10 is provided with a second operated portion 128 provided on the side so as to be pushed into the inside of the housing 121.

  In the alarm device 100, the alarm device 1 constituting the first detection unit 110 is configured to be supplied with power from a commercial power source. On the other hand, the detector 10 which comprises the 2nd detection part 120 is comprised so that electric power may be supplied from the battery. Then, the detector 10 is configured to transmit the signal SG to the alarm 1 when the power feeding is started. Therefore, as described above, when the power supply to the alarm device 1 and the detector 10 is started at substantially the same time or at most without delay during the first period P1 or more, the communication unit of the alarm device 1 2 receives the signal SG from the detector 10. Thereby, it can be confirmed in the alarm device 1 that communication with the detector 10 is possible. On the other hand, at the time of recovery from the power failure, etc., the signal SG is not necessarily transmitted from the detector 10 at the timing according to the recovery of the power failure, and the detector 1 detects the detector during the first period P1 (see FIG. 3). It is possible that the signal SG from 10 may not be received. However, in the alarm device 100, as described above, the control unit 3 of the alarm device 1 constituting the first detection unit 110 is also based on the power supply state to the alarm device 1 in the second period P2 (see FIG. 3). In order to determine whether or not to communicate with the detector 10, unnecessary abnormal alarms can be suppressed.

  Although the power supplied from the battery in the detector 10 may be directly supplied to each element constituting the detector 10, detection is performed by the second operated unit 128 being pushed into the inside of the housing 121. Power supply to each of the elements constituting the unit 10 may be started. That is, the detector 10 may transmit the signal SG to the alarm 1 when the second operated portion 128 is pushed into the housing 121.

  The first detection unit 110 and the second detection unit 120 may perform the periodic communication described with reference to FIG. 6 as the communication between the alarm device 1 and the external device 200. In that case, the detector 10 periodically transmits the signal SG to the alarm device 1 that configures the first detection unit 110 as the external device 200. That is, the detector 10 transmits the signal SG to the alarm 1 at a predetermined period P4 longer than the first period P1 and shorter than the second period P2. The period P4 is not particularly limited, but since power is consumed for each transmission, for example, a period as short as possible within the range where the battery life of the detector 10 is not shorter than the useful life of the gas sensor and the like included in the detector Preferred as P4. For example, as the period P4, 4 hours, 8 hours or 12 hours are exemplified.

  On the other hand, when the communication unit 2 does not receive the signal from the detector 10 during the predetermined third period P3, the control unit 3 of the alarm device 1 can not receive the signal from the detector 10. The notification unit 6 is notified. In this case, the notification unit 6 performs notification in the third mode described above, for example. The third period P3 is longer than the predetermined period P4 in which the signal SG is transmitted, and is shorter than the second period P2. As the third period P3, a period about 0.5 hours, 1 hour or 2 hours longer than the second period P2 is promptly communicated while allowing a timing error between the alarm 1 and the detector 10. It is preferable at the point which can notify an incapability. Even when the determination as to whether the alarm 1 and the detector 10 can communicate with each other is suspended after the first period P1 has elapsed, periodical communication is performed as described above. It can be judged appropriately. That is, when communication is currently impossible, the user can be notified that communication is not possible.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the description of the embodiments described above but by the claims, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  Further, in the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the processing operation of the alarm device of the embodiment has been described using a flow drive type flowchart for sequentially processing along the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. . In the present invention, the processing operation of the alarm device may be performed by an event driven type (event driven type) processing that executes processing on an event basis. In this case, the operation may be completely event driven, or the combination of event driving and flow driving may be performed.

Reference Signs List 1 alarm 2 communication unit 3 control unit 4 operated unit 6 notification unit 7 storage unit 10 detector 100 alarm device 110 first detection unit 120 second detection unit 128 second operated unit 200 external device P1 first period P2 second 2 period P3 third period P4 predetermined period T1 first time point T2 second time point

Claims (8)

It is an alarm which receives power supply and reports an abnormality of the surrounding environment, and the alarm is
A communication unit having a communication function with a predetermined external device;
A notification unit that gives notification based on the state of the alarm;
A control unit configured to determine whether communication between the external device and the communication unit is possible and to control an operation of the notification unit;
The control unit is based on a reception state of a signal from the external device by the communication unit in a predetermined first period, and a power supply state to the alarm in a predetermined second period before the first period. An alarm configured to make the determination. The first period is a period of a predetermined length starting from a first time point at which power supply to the alarm device is started, and the second period is a period of power supply to the alarm system preceding the first time point. The alarm according to claim 1, which is a period of a predetermined length starting from a second time point when communication between the communication unit and the external device is determined to be possible after the start. The control unit is configured to be capable of receiving a signal from the external device in a first state in a first situation in which a signal from the external device is received by the communication unit in the first period. Configured to cause a notification unit to make a notification;
The control unit is further configured such that, in a second situation in which a signal from the external device is not received by the communication unit in the first period, the alarm is continuously supplied for the second period. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is configured to notify in a second mode different from the first mode that does not notify that reception of a signal from the external device is impossible in three situations. Alarm of description. The control unit is further configured to:
Conduct an inspection of the alarm function of the alarm device,
In the first situation, the notification unit is notified that the signal from the external device can be received and the result of the inspection.
The alarm according to claim 3, wherein in the third situation, the notification unit is configured to notify the result of the inspection without notifying the determination result as to whether or not communication with the external device is possible. The control unit notifies the notification unit that the signal from the external device can not be received in the second situation where the alarm is not continuously supplied with power for the second period. The alarm according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the alarm is configured to The alarm unit further includes a storage unit to which information on power supply to the alarm unit in the second period is written, and an operated unit provided to be able to be operated from the outside;
The storage unit is configured to erase the information written in the storage unit in response to a predetermined operation performed on the operated unit, which is performed when power supply to the alarm device is started.
The control unit is configured to determine, in the second situation, whether or not the alarm has been continuously supplied with power for the second period based on the storage content of the storage unit. The alarm of any one of 3-5. A first detection unit configured by the alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, for detecting a specific detection target and emitting an alarm;
An alarm device comprising: a second detection unit configured to detect a specific detection target and communicate with the alarm as the external device;
The alarm is configured to be powered from a commercial power source,
The alarm device, wherein the detector is configured to be powered from a battery and configured to transmit a signal to the alarm when power is initiated. The detector is configured to transmit a signal to the alarm at a predetermined cycle that is longer than the first period and shorter than the second period.
The control unit is configured to receive the signal from the detector from the detector when the communication unit does not receive a signal from the detector during a predetermined third period that is longer than the predetermined period and shorter than the second period. The alarm device according to claim 7, wherein the alarm unit is configured to notify that the notification unit can not receive the signal.

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