JP3895646B2 - Battery-powered alarm - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a battery-type alarm device that is operated by a battery and detects an abnormality in a monitoring area to issue an alarm, and in particular, promotes battery replacement by a user and avoids a situation where the battery is left unmonitored. It is related with the battery type alarm which can do
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a relatively small monitoring area such as a general house, a battery-type alarm device that is operated by a battery and detects an abnormality such as a fire or a gas leak and issues an alarm is widely used. Below, with reference to FIG. 4, the alarm device which concerns on this prior art is demonstrated easily.
[0003]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the alarm device according to the prior art. The alarm device 30 shown in the figure is operated by the battery 31, but basically performs a process of detecting an abnormality and issuing an alarm, as with other alarm devices operated by an AC power source. That is, the detection control circuit 34 that has received the detection signal from the fire detection unit 32 or the gas detection unit 33 determines whether a fire or gas leak has occurred, and if it determines that a fire or gas leak has occurred, A signal is output to the alarm circuit 35. On the other hand, the alarm circuit 35 that has received the alarm signal from the detection control circuit 34 outputs an alarm for notifying the occurrence of a fire or gas leak via the buzzer 36.
[0004]
The alarm device 30 also executes a process of testing whether it can operate normally and detect an abnormality. In other words, the detection control circuit 34 that has received a test signal (a signal similar to the detection signal) in response to the user pressing the test switch 38 quasi-determines whether a fire or a gas leak has occurred based on the test signal. When it is determined that a fire or gas leak has occurred, an alarm signal is output to the alarm circuit 35 in the sense that it can operate normally. On the other hand, the alarm circuit 35 that has received the alarm signal from the detection control circuit 34 also outputs an alarm in the sense of notifying that it can operate normally via the buzzer 36.
[0005]
Furthermore, the alarm device 30 also executes a process for issuing a battery exhaustion alarm, which is not found in other alarm devices operated by an AC power source. That is, the alarm device 30 is operated by the battery 31, but the battery 31 has a lifetime (for example, the lifetime when using an alkaline battery is about 1 year, and the lifetime when using a lithium battery is about 5 years). Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery 31 is low, it is necessary to issue a warning to that effect to prompt the user to replace the battery 31.
[0006]
More specifically, the voltage monitoring circuit 37 monitors the voltage of the battery 31 and outputs a voltage drop signal to the alarm circuit 35 when the voltage drops below a predetermined voltage. On the other hand, the alarm circuit 35 that has received the voltage drop signal from the voltage monitoring circuit 37 outputs an alarm through the buzzer 36 in order to notify that the remaining amount of the battery 31 has decreased. That is, according to the appraisal rule, after a buzzer sound of “beep” is continued for 72 hours or more at regular intervals (for example, once every 10 seconds), the same alarm (buzzer sound) as when a fire or gas leak occurs ) For one minute or longer is required.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the alarm device 30 according to the above-described prior art has a problem that when the remaining amount of the battery 31 is low, the replacement of the battery 31 by the user is not promoted, and there is a high possibility that the user will be left unmonitored. was there.
[0008]
That is, in the alarm device 30 described above, the buzzer sound for notifying that the remaining amount of the battery 31 is low is the same as the buzzer sound at the time of occurrence of fire or gas leak. It was difficult to understand. For this reason, the user can understand that the remaining amount of the battery 31 is low only after reading the instruction manual, the user's replacement of the battery 31 is not promoted, and the battery 31 is still dead. The vessel 30 was often left unattended.
[0009]
Further, in the alarm device 30 described above, the buzzer sound that informs the user that the remaining amount of the battery 31 is low is a harsh sound for the user, and therefore, particularly when the buzzer sound starts to sound during sleep. In many cases, the battery 31 was removed to stop the buzzer sound. That is, the replacement of the battery 31 by the user is not promoted, and the alarm device 30 is often left with the battery 31 removed.
[0010]
Further, in the alarm device 30 described above, the replacement of the battery 31 is not promoted. As a result, when the battery 31 has a sufficient remaining capacity, a warning of battery exhaustion is started early, and then a buzzer is sounded for 72 hours or more. The battery 31 was consumed wastefully such as continuing. For this reason, in addition to the above-mentioned problem of leaving the unmonitored state, there is a problem that the life of the battery 31 is shortened and the battery capacity has to be increased more than necessary.
[0011]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and promotes battery replacement by a user, and can avoid a situation where the user is left unmonitored. The purpose is to provide an alarm.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the battery-type alarm device according to the invention of claim 1 is a battery-type alarm device that is operated by a battery, detects an abnormality in a monitoring area, and issues an alarm. Voltage monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and when the voltage of the battery monitored by the voltage monitoring means has dropped below a predetermined voltage,Indicator lamp means that lights or blinks to notify the voltage drop, and a confirmation request for confirming whether or not the battery voltage has dropped below a predetermined voltage is received from a user of the monitoring area. Confirmation request accepting means;When the voltage of the battery monitored by the voltage monitoring means has dropped below a predetermined voltageAnd when the confirmation request is accepted by the confirmation request acceptance means,Voice output means for outputting to the monitoring area a voice message including contents for prompting replacement of the battery.
[0013]
  According to this alarm device, it is monitored whether or not the battery voltage has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and when the battery voltage has dropped below a predetermined voltage, the battery is replaced instead of a buzzer sound. A voice message including a message prompting the user is output to the monitoring area. Therefore, the user can understand that the remaining battery level is low without having to read the instruction manual, so that the user can replace the battery and leave the alarm with the battery running out. Can be avoided. That is, it becomes possible to promote the replacement of the battery by the user and avoid the situation where the user is left unattended.
  Moreover, according to this alarm device, even when the voltage of the battery is lowered to a predetermined voltage or less, it is not suddenly output, but whether or not the battery voltage is reduced to a predetermined voltage or less. The voice message is output only after the confirmation request for confirming the message is received from the user. Therefore, users (especially those who are sleeping) will not be suddenly picked up by a voice message that is output, and the battery will not be pulled out. It is possible to avoid a situation where the alarm is left unattended. That is, it becomes possible to promote the replacement of the battery by the user and avoid the situation where the user is left unattended.
  Furthermore, according to this alarm device, when the voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined voltage, instead of suddenly outputting a buzzer sound, first, a lamp or the like is turned on to notify the voltage drop. The voice message is output for the first time in response to a confirmation request from the user who notices this lighting or blinking. Therefore, users (especially those who are sleeping) will not be suddenly picking up the battery due to a buzzer sound that is output, and the lamps will be lit or flashing, and voice messages will be output. The user quickly and surely understands that the remaining battery level is low. For this reason, it becomes possible to accelerate | stimulate the replacement | exchange of a battery by a user and to avoid the situation left unattended.
[0014]
  The battery-type alarm device according to the invention of claim 2 is a battery-type alarm device that is operated by a battery, detects an abnormality in the monitoring area, and issues an alarm, and the voltage of the battery drops below a predetermined voltage. When the voltage drops below a predetermined voltage, voltage monitoring means for outputting a voltage drop signal indicating the voltage drop, and the battery voltage drops below the predetermined voltage. A confirmation request receiving means for receiving a confirmation request for confirming whether or not the monitoring area is received from a user of the monitoring area and outputting a confirmation signal indicating acceptance of the confirmation request; and the voltage output by the voltage monitoring circuit On condition that the voltage drop signal is received, an indicator lamp unit that lights or blinks to notify the voltage drop, and an input of the voltage drop signal output by the voltage monitoring unit is received. In addition, when receiving the input of the confirmation signal outputted by the confirmation request accepting means, voice output means for outputting a voice message including contents for prompting replacement of the battery to the monitoring area, Further, the confirmation request accepting unit accepts not only the confirmation request but also a test request for testing detection of the abnormality from the user, and when the confirmation request is accepted, the confirmation request A confirmation request acceptance signal indicating acceptance of this is output, and when the test request is accepted, a test signal used for testing the detection of the abnormality is output.
[0015]
  According to this alarm device, when the battery voltage is reduced to a predetermined voltage or less with a simple circuit configuration, first, a lamp or the like is lit or blinked to notify the voltage drop. The voice message is output for the first time in response to a confirmation request from the user who notices the blinking. Therefore, with the simple circuit configuration, it is possible to promote the replacement of the battery by the user and avoid the situation where the user is left unmonitored in the same manner as in the third aspect.
  Further, according to this alarm device, the test request receiving switch or the like originally provided in the alarm device also serves as a confirmation request receiving function. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the alarm device and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0016]
  The battery-type alarm device according to the invention of claim 3 is the battery-type alarm device according to the invention of claim 2, wherein the voltage monitoring means is configured so that the voltage of the battery is lower than a predetermined voltage. The voltage drop signal is continuously output, and the voice output means outputs the voice message when the voltage drop signal is input when the confirmation signal is input. .
[0017]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery-type alarm device according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the voltage monitoring means is configured such that the voltage of the battery is reduced to a predetermined voltage or lower. Outputting a voltage drop signal to cause the voice output means to set a flag, and the voice output means outputs the voice message when the flag is set when the confirmation signal is input. It is characterized by.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of a battery type alarm device according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, after explaining the outline and main features of the alarm device, the configuration and processing procedure of each part will be described, and finally, various modifications will be described as other embodiments.
[0023]
(Outline and features of alarm device)
First, the outline and main features of the alarm device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an external configuration of an alarm device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the alarm device. This alarm device 10 is operated by the battery 20 in a relatively small monitoring area such as a general house, and issues an alarm by detecting an abnormality such as a fire or gas leak.
[0024]
That is, this alarm device 10 can roughly detect the abnormality and issue an alarm, or can operate normally and detect the abnormality, like the above-described conventional alarm device 30 (see FIG. 4). In addition to the process of testing whether or not, a process of issuing a battery exhaustion alarm is executed. The alarm device 10 has a main feature in the process of issuing a battery exhaustion alarm, and promotes the replacement of the battery 20 by the user so that the situation where the battery is left unmonitored can be avoided. .
[0025]
This main feature will be specifically described. The alarm device 10 monitors whether or not the voltage of the battery 20 has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and if the voltage has dropped below the predetermined voltage. Then, the power lamp 18 is turned on or blinked to notify the voltage drop. When the user who notices this lighting or blinking presses the switch 19 as a confirmation switch, the content of the battery 20 indicates that the battery 20 is exhausted and should be replaced. A voice message is output from the speaker 14.
[0026]
As described above, the alarm device 10 according to the present embodiment suddenly outputs a buzzer sound when the voltage of the battery 20 drops below a predetermined voltage (when the remaining amount of the battery 20 is low). Instead, first, the power lamp 18 is turned on or blinked to notify the voltage drop, and the user is urged to replace the battery 20 only when the user notices the turn-on or blink of the switch 19. Output included voice message. Therefore, the user (especially a sleeping user) does not suddenly output a buzzer sound or the like and pulls out the battery, and the user can turn on or blink the power lamp 18, Through the output of a voice message, you can quickly and surely understand that the battery level is low without reading the instruction manual. In this case, the power lamp 18 naturally needs to have lower power consumption than the buzzer “beep”, and blinking with a large duty ratio is realistic.
[0027]
Therefore, the replacement of the battery 20 by the user is promoted, and the situation where the alarm device 10 is left unattended with the battery 20 exhausted or the situation where the alarm device 10 is unattended with the battery 20 removed is avoided. can do. That is, as described above, it is possible to promote replacement of the battery 20 by the user and avoid a situation where the user is left unattended.
[0028]
(Configuration of alarm device 10)
Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the structure of the alarm device 10 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the external appearance of the alarm device 10 is as follows: a fire detection unit 12, a gas detection unit 13, a speaker 14, and various lamps (fire alarm lamp 15, CO alarm) on the front surface of a rectangular housing 11; A lamp 16, a hydrocarbon gas alarm lamp 17, and a power lamp 18) and a switch (test switch / confirmation switch) 19. The inside of the alarm device 10 includes a battery 20, a voltage monitoring circuit 21, a switch control circuit 22, a detection control circuit 23, a lamp control circuit 24, and an audio alarm circuit 25.
[0029]
Among these, the battery 20 is an operating source such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery that operates the alarm device 10. When the remaining amount of the battery 20 becomes low, the user replaces the battery 20 with a new battery 20. The voltage monitoring circuit 21 monitors whether or not the voltage of the battery 20 has dropped below a predetermined voltage. When this voltage drops below the predetermined voltage, a voltage drop signal indicating the voltage drop is sent to the lamp control circuit 24. And a processing unit for outputting to the voice alarm circuit 25. The predetermined voltage is determined in consideration of the remaining amount that will be required for the operation of the alarm device 10 after the voltage becomes lower than this voltage and before the battery 20 is replaced.
[0030]
The switch 19 accepts a confirmation request from the user as a confirmation switch for confirming whether or not the voltage of the battery 20 has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and detects an abnormality by the alarm device 10 as a test switch. It is a processing unit that receives a test request for testing from a user. That is, it serves as both a confirmation switch and a test switch. For example, it functions as a confirmation switch when it is instantaneously pressed and functions as a test switch when it is continuously pressed for 2 seconds or more. Settings are made. The reason why the single switch 19 is provided with two functions in this way is to simplify the configuration of the alarm device 10 and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0031]
In addition, when the voltage of the battery 20 drops below a predetermined voltage and the power lamp 18 is lit or blinking, the user continues to press the confirmation switch (switch 19) more than necessary to exhaust the battery 20. There is a fear. For this reason, in a state in which the user presses the confirmation switch (switch 19) once and a voice message prompting the replacement of the battery 20 is output, the sound is re-sound for a certain period (for example, half a day). The switch 19 may be provided with a function to prohibit or a function to prohibit the test.
[0032]
The switch control circuit 22 is a processing unit that outputs a predetermined signal in response to pressing of the switch 19. Specifically, when the switch 19 is pressed as a confirmation switch, a confirmation signal indicating acceptance of the confirmation request is output to the voice alarm circuit 25, while when the switch 19 is pressed as a test switch. Outputs to the detection control circuit 23 a test signal (a signal similar to a detection signal described later) used for testing the detection of abnormality.
[0033]
The fire detection unit 12 is a processing unit that detects the occurrence of a fire in the monitoring area. Specifically, when the heat of the fire is detected by the thermistor type or the scattered light type, the detection control circuit 23 generates a detection signal composed of the numerical value. Output for. The gas detection unit 13 is a processing unit that detects the generation of CO gas or hydrocarbon gas in the monitoring region. Specifically, when a gas is detected by a gas detection element, a detection signal consisting of the numerical value is detected by the detection control circuit 23. Output for.
[0034]
The detection control circuit 23 is a processing unit that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on a detection signal input from the fire detection unit 12 or the gas detection unit 13 or a test signal input from the switch control circuit 22. Specifically, when a detection signal is input from the fire detection unit 12 or the gas detection unit 13, the presence or absence of a fire or a gas leak is determined by comparing this with a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that a gas leak has occurred, an alarm signal is output to the lamp control circuit 24 and the sound control circuit 25. Similarly, when a test signal is input from the switch control circuit 22, the presence or absence of a fire or the presence or absence of a gas leak is determined based on the test signal.
[0035]
Various lamps (fire alarm lamp 15, CO alarm lamp 16, hydrocarbon gas alarm lamp 17 and power lamp 18) are lit or blinked based on the control of a lamp control circuit 24 to be described later. Or an indicator lamp means such as an LED for informing the user of the detected state.
[0036]
The lamp control circuit 24 is a processing unit that controls the various lamps based on the alarm signal input from the detection control circuit 23 and the voltage stop signal input from the voltage monitoring circuit 21. Specifically, when an alarm signal is input from the detection control circuit 23, the fire alarm lamp 15, the CO alarm lamp 16, and the hydrocarbon gas alarm lamp 17 are used to notify the detection of abnormality or the success of the test. To turn on or blink the corresponding lamp. When a voltage stop signal is input from the voltage monitoring circuit 21, the power lamp 18 is turned on or blinked (for example, once every 10 seconds for 1 ms in order to notify the decrease in the voltage of the battery 20). (The flashing continues for 72 hours or more).
[0037]
The speaker 14 is a voice output means for outputting a warning buzzer sound or a voice message including contents for prompting battery replacement to the monitoring area. The sound alarm circuit 25 receives a buzzer sound from the speaker 14 based on an alarm signal input from the detection control circuit 23, a voltage stop signal input from the voltage monitoring circuit 21, and a confirmation signal input from the switch control circuit 22. A processing unit that outputs a voice message. Specifically, when an alarm signal is input from the detection control circuit 23, it corresponds to any of the occurrence of a fire, the occurrence of a gas leak, or the success of a test in order to notify the detection of an abnormality or the success of the test. A buzzer sound is output from the speaker 14.
[0038]
In addition, when a voltage drop signal is input from the voltage monitoring circuit 21 and a confirmation signal is input from the switch control circuit 22, it is urged to replace the battery 20 that “the battery is exhausted. A voice message including the content is output from the speaker 14 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds).
[0039]
Here, as a condition for outputting a voice message, the voltage monitoring signal is continuously output (while the voltage is decreasing) to the voltage monitoring circuit 21 so that the voltage decreasing signal is input when the confirmation signal is input. May also be conditional on being input. Alternatively, by causing the voltage monitoring circuit 21 to output the voltage drop signal only once and setting the voice alarm circuit 25 to which the voltage drop signal is input, the flag is set at the time when the confirmation signal is input. Also good.
[0040]
Further, the voice message output from the speaker 14 is sufficient if it includes content that prompts the user to replace the battery 20, but in addition to this content, the type of the battery 20 to be replaced (for example, “single” Please replace two type 3 alkaline batteries. ”) And battery 20 replacement deadline (for example,“ Please replace the batteries before ** month, month, day, and hour ”). You may make it output by adding the contents useful for exchange. In addition, when outputting with the replacement deadline of the battery 20, predicting the time when the alarm device 10 can be operated with the remaining amount based on the voltage of the battery 20 monitored by the voltage monitoring circuit 21; Become.
[0041]
(Battery warning processing)
Next, a procedure for battery low alarm processing by the alarm device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of battery low alarm processing by the alarm device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the alarm device 10, the voltage monitoring circuit 21 constantly monitors whether or not the voltage of the battery 20 has dropped below a predetermined voltage (step S301). When the voltage of the battery 20 drops below a predetermined voltage (Yes at Step S301), a voltage drop signal is output to the lamp control circuit 24 and the sound alarm circuit 25 (Step S302).
[0042]
Then, the lamp control circuit 24 having received the voltage stop signal from the voltage monitoring circuit 21 starts lighting or blinking of the power lamp 18 in order to notify the decrease in the voltage of the battery 20 (step S303). Further, the switch control circuit 22 monitors whether the switch 19 is pressed as a confirmation switch (step S304).
[0043]
Subsequently, when the switch 19 is pressed as a confirmation switch by the user who notices that the power lamp 18 is turned on or blinking (Yes at Step S304), the switch control circuit 22 sends a confirmation signal to the voice alarm circuit 25. And output (step S305). The voice alarm circuit 25 that receives the voltage drop signal from the voltage monitoring circuit 21 and the confirmation signal from the switch control circuit 22 replaces the battery 20 "The battery is exhausted. Replace it." A voice message including content prompting the user is output from the speaker 14 (step S306).
[0044]
The output of the voice message is continued for a certain time (for example, 10 seconds), and the battery exhaustion warning process by the alarm device 10 returns to the above-described step S304. That is, while the power lamp 18 is turned on or blinking, it waits for pressing of the confirmation switch.
[0045]
As described above, according to the alarm device 10 according to the present embodiment, a user (especially a sleeping user) may suddenly output a buzzer sound or the like and pull out the battery. Further, the user quickly and surely understands that the remaining battery level is low without reading the instruction manual through the lighting or blinking of the power lamp 18 and the output of a voice message. That is, according to this alarm device 10, the user can replace the battery 20, and the alarm device 10 can be left with the battery 20 exhausted, or the alarm device 10 can be left with the battery 20 removed. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the alarm device 10 is left unattended.
[0046]
Furthermore, according to the alarm device 10, since the user can promote the replacement of the battery 20, it is not necessary to start the notification of battery exhaustion at an early stage when there is a sufficient margin in the remaining amount of the battery 20. . That is, the predetermined voltage serving as a reference for monitoring by the voltage monitoring circuit 21 can be set relatively low. For this reason, the battery 20 is not consumed wastefully, the life of the battery 20 can be extended or the battery capacity can be reduced, and as a result, the cost can be reduced.
[0047]
(Other embodiments)
The embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It may be implemented.
[0048]
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an alarm device that issues an alarm by detecting an abnormality such as a fire or a gas leak has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and is operated by a battery. However, any battery-type alarm device that detects an abnormality (for example, an intruder or the like) in the monitoring area and issues an alarm can be similarly applied.
[0049]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the fact that the voltage of the battery 20 has dropped to a predetermined voltage or less is notified by turning on or blinking the power lamp 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, if it is informed through the user's vision, such as lighting or blinking display on the display panel, the same applies.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the power lamp 18 is first turned on or blinked, and a voice message is output for the first time when the switch 19 is pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A voice message may be output suddenly at the timing when the power lamp 18 is turned on or blinking. Further, the voltage drop is determined by pressing the switch 19 without turning on or blinking the power lamp 18. A voice message may be output. Even when outputting a voice message at such a timing, compared with the buzzer sound described in the prior art, the user is encouraged to replace the battery 20, and the alarm device 10 is left unmonitored. It is thought that the situation can be avoided.
[0051]
Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which each process by the alarm device 10 (for example, a battery exhaustion alarm process) is realized by various circuits, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each process The function can be similarly applied to the case where all or any part of the function is realized by a CPU and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU, or is realized as hardware by wired logic.
[0052]
In addition, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or the processes described as being manually performed All or a part of the above can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.
[0053]
Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.
[0054]
The battery exhaustion alarm processing method described in this embodiment can also be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and being read from the recording medium by the computer.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can understand that the remaining amount of the battery has been reduced without reading the instruction manual. It is possible to avoid a situation where the alarm is left unattended. That is, it becomes possible to promote the replacement of the battery by the user and avoid the situation where the user is left unattended.
  In addition, according to the present invention, the user (especially a sleeping user) does not need to suddenly output a voice message and pull out the battery, which facilitates battery replacement by the user. The situation where the alarm device is left with the battery removed can be avoided. That is, it becomes possible to promote the replacement of the battery by the user and avoid the situation where the user is left unattended.
  In addition, according to the present invention, a user (especially a sleeping user) does not suddenly output a buzzer sound or the like and pulls out the battery. Furthermore, through the output of the voice message, the user quickly and surely understands that the remaining battery level is low. For this reason, it becomes possible to accelerate | stimulate the replacement | exchange of a battery by a user and to avoid the situation left unattended.
[0058]
  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to promote the replacement of the battery by the user with a simple circuit configuration and to avoid the situation where the user is left unattended.
  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the alarm device and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an external configuration of an alarm device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an alarm device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a battery exhaustion alarm process by the alarm device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an alarm device according to the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Alarm
11 Case
12 Fire detection section
13 Gas detector
14 Speaker
15 Fire alarm lamp
16 CO gas warning lamp
17 Hydrocarbon gas warning lamp
18 Power lamp
19 switch (test switch and confirmation switch)
20 batteries
21 Voltage monitoring circuit
22 Switch control circuit
23 Detection control circuit
24 Lamp control circuit
25 Voice alarm circuit

Claims (4)

It is a battery-operated alarm that operates with a battery, detects an abnormality in the monitoring area, and issues an alarm.
Voltage monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined voltage;
When the voltage of the battery monitored by the voltage monitoring means has dropped below a predetermined voltage, an indicator lamp means that lights or flashes to notify the voltage drop;
Confirmation request accepting means for accepting a confirmation request for confirming whether or not the voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined voltage from a user of the monitoring area;
When the voltage of the battery monitored by the voltage monitoring means has dropped below a predetermined voltage and the confirmation request is accepted by the confirmation request accepting means, the battery is urged to be replaced. Voice output means for outputting a voice message including contents to the monitoring area;
A battery-powered alarm device comprising: It is a battery-operated alarm that operates with a battery, detects an abnormality in the monitoring area, and issues an alarm.
Voltage monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and when the voltage drops below a predetermined voltage, a voltage monitoring means for outputting a voltage drop signal indicating the voltage drop;
Confirmation request accepting means for accepting a confirmation request for confirming whether or not the battery voltage has dropped below a predetermined voltage from a user of the monitoring area and outputting a confirmation signal indicating acceptance of the confirmation request When,
Indicator lamp means that lights or blinks to notify the voltage drop on condition that the voltage drop signal output by the voltage monitoring circuit is received;
When the input of the voltage drop signal output by the voltage monitoring means is received and the input of the confirmation signal output by the confirmation request receiving means is received, a sound including contents for prompting replacement of the battery Voice output means for outputting a message to the monitoring area,
  Further, the confirmation request accepting unit accepts not only the confirmation request but also a test request for testing detection of the abnormality from the user, and when the confirmation request is accepted, the confirmation request Output a confirmation request reception signal indicating reception of the test, and when the test request is received, output a test signal used for testing the detection of the abnormality,
A battery-powered alarm device. The voltage monitoring means continuously outputs the voltage drop signal while the voltage of the battery is lower than a predetermined voltage.
The voice output means outputs the voice message when the voltage drop signal is inputted at the time when the confirmation signal is inputted;
The battery-type alarm device according to claim 2, wherein: The voltage monitoring means, when the voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined voltage, by setting the flag to the voice output means by outputting the voltage drop signal,
The voice output means outputs the voice message when the flag is set when the confirmation signal is input;
The battery-type alarm device according to claim 2, wherein:

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