JP4546205B2 - Alarm output detector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm output detector that is arranged in the vicinity of an alarm device and that is equipped with the alarm device and can output an external signal by detecting an alarm output caused by, for example, an alarm buzzer sounding or lighting / flashing of an alarm lamp. Is.

  In recent years, monitoring systems that monitor abnormalities that occur in homes and the like at remote monitoring centers and management rooms have become widespread. As this monitoring system, for example, various detectors and alarm devices detect the occurrence of abnormalities and send signals to the main unit. The main unit receives signals from the detectors and alarm units and outputs alarms or remotely Something known to report to the monitoring center or management room is known. Here, between the main device and the detector, or between the main device and the alarm device, in order to reduce the trouble of wiring laying, a wireless communication as in Patent Document 1 has become mainstream. Yes.

The alarm device disclosed in Patent Document 1 operates by receiving a radio alarm signal from a child alarm device in which a radio wave generator is attached to an alarm device that generates an alarm upon detecting an abnormality such as heat or gas. It consists of a parent alarm device. In this alarm device, when the child alarm device senses an abnormality, a radio wave signal is transmitted from the child alarm device to the parent alarm device.
Published Utility Sho 49-147983

  On the other hand, in homes and the like, so-called one-point alarm devices are widely used as alarm devices for detecting and notifying an abnormality such as a fire. This one-point alarm device does not have an external contact for outputting an abnormality and outputs an alarm only by an alarm buzzer or an alarm lamp built in the main body. Since this one-point type alarm device can be provided at low cost because it does not have a relay contact, it is widely used in homes and the like.

  However, since the above-mentioned one-point type alarm device does not have a relay contact point that outputs an abnormality to the outside, it cannot output an alarm to other devices and can be applied to the above-described monitoring system. There is a problem that it cannot be done.

  Therefore, when a single-point alarm device is already installed, in order to provide a new monitoring system using the alarm device of Patent Document 1, the existing alarm device is changed to an alarm device capable of transmitting a radio signal. There was a problem in that it had to be replaced, resulting in an increase in labor and cost of construction.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention detects the alarm output of the alarm device and replaces it with another device without replacing it even if a single-point alarm device is already installed. An object is to provide an alarm output detector capable of outputting.

In order to achieve the above object, an alarm output detector according to claim 1 of the present invention is an alarm output detector that is arranged in proximity to an alarm device and detects the alarm output of the alarm device and outputs a signal. ,
A detection unit for detecting the intensity of a magnetic field that changes in accordance with an alarm output of the alarm device;
A storage unit for storing a threshold value of the magnetic field strength for determining the presence or absence of an alarm output of the alarm device;
A determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an alarm output of the alarm device by comparing the threshold value with the magnetic field intensity detected by the detection unit;
An output unit that outputs a signal when the determination unit determines that there is an alarm output of the alarm device; and
It is characterized by comprising.

The alarm output detector according to claim 2 is the alarm output detector according to claim 1,
The determination unit is configured to determine that there is an alarm output of the alarm device when the detection unit detects a magnetic field intensity exceeding the threshold value for a predetermined time, and the threshold value is determined when the magnetic field intensity is intermittent for a predetermined number of times. Means for determining that there is an abnormality in the alarm when it is detected that the value exceeds,
The output unit outputs a first signal when the determination unit determines that there is an alarm output of the alarm device, and outputs a second signal when the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the alarm device. It is characterized by doing.

The alarm output detector according to claim 3 is the alarm output detector according to claim 1 or 2,
Furthermore, one side is attached to the alarm device, and the other side is fixed to the placement surface, and is installed substantially integrally with the alarm device.

  The alarm output detector of the present invention is arranged in close proximity to the alarm device so as to be substantially integrated with the alarm device, detects the strength of the magnetic field generated from the alarm device, and detects the detected magnetic field strength and the threshold value stored in advance. Based on the comparison, the presence or absence of alarm output of the alarm device is determined and a signal is output. Therefore, the operation of the single-point alarm device having no transfer contact can be detected in a non-contact manner and output to the outside. Further, even if a single point type alarm device is already installed, it can be connected to other devices at low cost using the existing single point type alarm device.

  Moreover, according to the alarm output detector of the present invention, an intermittent physical quantity (magnetic field strength) that changes with the alarm output of the alarm device is detected, and for example, the remaining battery level is reduced in the alarm device based on the detection result. It is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred and output a signal to the outside.

  Furthermore, since the alarm output detector of the present invention is located close to the alarm device so that the detector is positioned in the vicinity of the alarm output means of the alarm device, the alarm output of the alarm output alarm device can be more reliably turned off. It can be detected by contact.

  Hereinafter, an alarm output detector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a schematic side view showing an installation state of an alarm output detector according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of the internal configuration of the alarm output detector according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an illustration of the alarm output detector according to the present invention. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are block diagrams showing the operation of the alarm output detector according to the present invention.

  When the alarm output detector of the present invention is equipped with a one-point type alarm device, for example, a residential fire alarm device, for example, an alarm buzzer sounding or an alarm lamp installed in the main body of the residential fire alarm device. It detects alarm output caused by lighting / flashing, etc., and outputs it to the target device.

  The alarm device that the alarm output detector of the present invention detects an alarm is not limited to a one-point alarm device, and may be a multi-point alarm device having a contact for transfer.

  Here, there are various devices to be output, such as security devices, automatic fire alarm facilities, and control panels for fire extinguishing facilities. However, in this example, an abnormality in a house is detected as the device to be output. A security device applied to a monitoring system that reports to a remote monitoring center will be described as an example.

  Usually, the existing fire alarm 2 for a house is attached to a base member 3 serving as a mounting base fixed to a ceiling surface or a wall surface by engaging a mounting portion on the back surface. In this example, in order to utilize the existing residential fire alarm 2 as it is, as shown in FIG. 1, the alarm output detector 1 and the existing residential fire alarm 2 are in close proximity and substantially integrated. And attached to the ceiling surface or wall surface via the base member 3. In other words, the alarm output detector 1 of the present example has an engaging portion on one surface side that is engageable with the mounting portion on the rear surface of the residential fire alarm device 2 although not particularly illustrated. And the alarm output detector 1 is arrange | positioned in the state pinched | interposed between the base member 3 and the house fire alarm 2, and the engaging part of one surface side serves as the attachment part of the house fire alarm 2 For example, it is attached by engagement or sticking, and the placement portion 1a on the other surface side is attached to the attachment surface (placement surface) 3a of the base member 3 by, for example, engagement or sticking.

  Here, between the alarm output detector 1 and the house fire alarm 2, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, an alarm buzzer or an alarm lamp connected to a circuit board in the main body of the house fire alarm 2 In order to position a sensor 11a, which will be described later, of the alarm output detector 1 in the vicinity of the alarm output means 2a, it is fixed by, for example, engaging or pasting the engaging portion and the attaching portion in a state where the rotation at the joint portion is restricted. Is preferred.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the alarm output detector 1 is substantially integrated in a state of being sandwiched between the base member 3 and the residential fire alarm device 2 and attached to the ceiling surface or wall surface. The configuration of 3 can be omitted. In this case, as described above, for example, in a state where one surface side of the alarm output detector 1 is rotationally restricted to the mounting portion side of the residential fire alarm 2 so that the sensor 11a is positioned in the vicinity of the alarm output means 2a. It fixes by engagement or sticking, and the arrangement | positioning part 1a of the other surface side of the alarm output detector 1 is directly attached to the ceiling surface and wall surface used as a to-be-arranged surface.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the alarm output detector 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the alarm output detector 1 of this example is schematically configured to include a detection unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, a determination unit 14, and an output unit 15.

  The detection unit 11 includes a sensor unit 11a and a signal processing unit 11b. The sensor unit 11a is a high-sensitivity magnetic flux density measuring element, and includes, for example, a Hall element, an electronic compass, and an MR element (magnetoresistance element). The sensor unit 11a detects the magnetic field strength and magnetic flux density generated by the current flowing through the alarm output means 2a of the residential fire alarm device 2 when the residential fire alarm device 2 outputs an alarm, and detects the detected magnetic field strength. And outputs a detection signal according to the magnetic flux density. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an example in which the magnetic field strength is detected by the sensor unit 11a will be described. The intensity of the magnetic field is detected as a potential difference when the sensor unit 11a is configured by a Hall element, for example, and as a resistance value when the sensor unit 11a is configured by an MR element, and the sensor unit 11a is configured by an electronic compass, for example. Is detected as an orientation change.

  The signal processing unit 11b amplifies and rectifies the detection signal output from the sensor unit 11a, converts the detection signal into a signal that can be easily processed, and outputs the signal to the control unit 13.

  The memory | storage part 12 has memorize | stored the threshold value for determining the presence or absence of the alarm output of the fire alarm 2 for houses according to the kind of sensor part 11a.

  The control unit 13 controls the transmission and reception of signals and information with the detection unit 11, the storage unit 12, the determination unit 14, and the output unit 15. More specifically, when the determination unit 14 performs processing for determining the operating state of the residential fire alarm device 2, the control unit 13 stores the detection signal subjected to signal processing by the signal processing unit 11 b and the storage unit 12. The stored threshold value is output to the determination unit 14. Further, the control unit 13 outputs the operation information of the residential fire alarm 2 based on the determination signal from the determination unit 14 to the output unit 15. Furthermore, the control unit 13 outputs a control signal for controlling the display related to the operating state of the residential fire alarm device 2 to the output unit 15 based on the determination result of the determination unit 14.

  The determination unit 14 compares the detection signal input from the detection unit 11 via the control unit 13 with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 12. When the detection signal exceeds the threshold value, the determination unit 14 determines that the residential fire alarm device 2 is outputting an alarm (with alarm output), and outputs the determination signal to the control unit 13.

  The determination unit 14 includes a timing unit (not shown). When the detection signal exceeding the threshold value continues for a first predetermined time T1 (for example, 15 seconds), the residential fire alarm 2 alerts. It can also be configured to determine that it is outputting. This prevents false alarms due to sudden disturbances similar to the magnetic field strength at the time of alarm output.

  The output unit 15 includes an output control unit 15a, a communication unit 15b, and a display unit 15c. The operation information of the residential fire alarm device 2 based on the determination result of the determination unit 14 is input from the control unit 13 to the output control unit 15a, and the operation information is output to the communication unit 15b. The output control unit 15a controls the display of the display unit 15c by a control signal from the control unit 13 based on the determination result of the determination unit 14.

  The communication unit 15b sends the operation information of the residential fire alarm device 2 input from the output control unit 15a to a security device (not shown) by low power radio.

  The display unit 15c is configured by a display such as an LED or a liquid crystal, for example, and performs display so that the determination result by the determination unit 14 can be visually confirmed from the outside by a control signal from the output control unit 15a.

  By the way, the “10 Battery Capacity Automatic Monitoring System (related to Standard 4th 1st (10))” in the Appraisal Detailed Rules for Residential Fire Alarms (August 2001) of the Japan Fire and Fire Test Association has insufficient battery capacity. As an alarm standard in the case of the alarm, it is clearly stated that “the alarm sound can be interrupted at least once per minute for 72 hours”. For this reason, the general fire alarm 2 for homes is configured to always output an alarm sound periodically every predetermined time when the remaining battery level in the built-in battery decreases or when an abnormality occurs in the device.

  Therefore, in the alarm output detector 1 of this example, when the detection signal output from the detection unit 11 is less than the first predetermined time T1 (for example, 5 seconds), the number of output of this detection signal is counted, The determination unit 14 may determine whether or not the count value is interrupted more than a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times) at an interval within a second predetermined time T2 (for example, 1 minute) set in advance. In that case, the determination unit 14 includes a counter (not shown), and determines that there is an abnormality in the residential fire alarm device 2 when the detection signal is interrupted more than a predetermined number of times at intervals within the second predetermined time T2.

  Then, when the determination unit 14 determines that the alarm output of the residential fire alarm device 2 is present or that there is an abnormality, the output unit 15 sends the operation information of the residential fire alarm device 2 based on this determination from the communication unit 15b. It is transmitted to the illustrated security device by low power radio. In that case, the display part 15c displays the determination result by the determination part 14 by LED etc., for example.

  When receiving the operation information of the above-described residential fire alarm device 2 from the alarm output detector 1, the security device notifies the remote monitoring center via the communication network. The monitoring center checks the content of the received signal and, if it determines that some action is required, instructs the coordinator to take appropriate action on the monitoring target. In addition, the monitoring center performs processing such as 110th and 119th notifications and telephone contact with a monitoring target or a predetermined emergency contact as necessary.

  Next, operation | movement of the alarm output detector 1 of this example is demonstrated, referring FIG.4 and FIG.5. First, in the operation of FIG. 4, when the presence or absence of alarm output of the residential fire alarm device 2 is detected and it is determined that there is an alarm output, the operation information of the residential fire alarm device 2 is output to the security device.

  When the residential fire alarm 2 outputs an alarm due to, for example, an alarm buzzer sounding as an alarm output means 2a or lighting / flashing of an alarm lamp, the sensor unit 11a detects the intensity of the magnetic field generated along with this alarm output, A detection signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the magnetic field is output to the signal processing unit 11b. In the signal processing unit 11b, the detection signal from the sensor unit 11a is amplified, rectified, converted into a signal that can be easily processed, and output to the control unit 13. When the detection signal is input from the signal processing unit 11b, the control unit 13 outputs the detection signal (a signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field) and the threshold value stored in the storage unit 12 to the determination unit 14.

  And the determination part 14 compares the detection signal from the control part 13 with a threshold value, and determines whether a detection signal is more than a threshold value (ST1). If it is determined that the detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the detection signal has continued for a first predetermined time (T1) (ST2). When it is determined that the detection signal has continued for the first predetermined time (ST2-Yes), it is determined that there is an alarm output from the residential fire alarm device 2, and an alarm detection signal is output as the operation information of the residential fire alarm device 2 Then (ST3), the process returns to the operation of comparing the detection signal of ST1 and the threshold value.

  When it is determined that the detection signal is smaller than the threshold value (ST1-No), or when it is determined that the detection signal does not continue for the first predetermined time (ST2-No), the detection signal is ST1. Return to the comparison operation with the value.

  By the way, in the operation of the alarm output detector 1 shown in FIG. 4 described above, after determining that the detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the detection signal has continued for the first predetermined time (T1). However, it is possible to omit the process of determining whether or not the detection signal has continued for the first predetermined time. In this case, in FIG. 4, when it is determined that the detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value (ST1-Yes), an alarm detection signal is output, and when it is determined that the detection signal is smaller than the threshold value (ST1-No), the detection signal is obtained. Return to the threshold value comparison process.

  Next, the operation of the alarm output detector of this example based on FIG. 5 will be described. In the operation of FIG. 5, the presence / absence of an alarm output of the residential fire alarm device 2 and the presence / absence of equipment abnormality of the residential fire alarm device 2 such as a decrease in the remaining battery level are determined. The same operations as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step symbols, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the operation of FIG. 5, if it is determined that the detection signal does not continue for the first predetermined time (T1) (ST2-No), it is determined whether the count value (number of outputs) of the detection signal is 1 or more (ST4). . When it is determined that the count value of the detection signal is smaller than 1 (count value 0) (ST4-No), the count is incremented (ST5), and the operation returns to the operation of comparing the detection signal of ST1 and the threshold value.

  If it is determined that the count value of the detection signal is 1 or more (ST4-Yes), it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the input of the detection signal indicating the previous threshold value or more is within a second predetermined time (T2). (ST6). If it is determined that the elapsed time is not within the second predetermined time (ST6-No), the count value of the counter is reset (ST7), and the operation returns to the operation of comparing the detection signal of ST1 with the threshold value.

  If it is determined that the elapsed time is within the second predetermined time (ST6-Yes), the count value of the counter is incremented by 1 (ST8), and it is determined whether the count value at that time is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (ST9). If it is determined that the count value is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value (ST9-No), the process returns to the operation of comparing the detection signal of ST1 and the threshold value.

  If it is determined that the count value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (ST9-Yes), for example, it is determined that a device abnormality of the residential fire alarm 2 such as a decrease in the remaining battery power has occurred, and a device abnormality signal is output (ST10). The process returns to the comparison processing between the detection signal of ST1 and the threshold value.

  As described above, the alarm output detector of this example is arranged in close proximity to the alarm device by being substantially integrated with the alarm device by engagement or sticking, and a magnetic field that changes in accordance with the alarm output from the alarm output means of the alarm device. The intensity is detected, the presence / absence of alarm output of the alarm device is determined based on a comparison between the detected magnetic field intensity and a previously stored threshold value, and a signal is output to the outside. As a result, the operation of a one-point alarm device (house fire alarm device) that does not have a transfer contact can be detected in a non-contact manner and a signal output to an external device. Further, even if a single point type alarm device is already installed, it can be connected to other devices at low cost using the existing single point type alarm device.

  If a multi-point alarm device is already installed, the alarm output detector of the present invention can detect the alarm output of the alarm device in a non-contact manner and output it to an external device. No physical wiring connection is required for the point-of-point alarm transfer contacts, and the construction work can be reduced.

  In addition, the single-point alarm device intermittently outputs an alarm when the device is abnormal, for example, when the remaining battery level is low. However, the alarm output detector of the present example has an intermittent physical quantity (magnetic field) that changes with the alarm output of the alarm device. Intensity), and based on the detection result, it is determined whether or not an alarm has occurred, and a signal can be output to an external device.

  Furthermore, since the alarm output detector of this example is located close to the alarm device with the detection unit positioned so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the alarm output means of the alarm device, the alarm output of the alarm device can be more reliably non-contacted. Can be detected.

  In this example, a fire alarm for homes has been described as an example of an alarm device to be detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various alarm devices such as a gas leak alarm device and a security alarm device are detected. Can be output.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, in the block block diagram of FIG. 3, the detection signal from the detection part 11 and the threshold value of the memory | storage part 12 are compared, and the presence or absence of the alarm output of the house fire alarm 2 is shown. Although the determination unit 14 for determination is functionally separated from the control unit 13, the function of the determination unit 14 may be included in the control unit 13.

It is a schematic side view which shows the installation state of the alarm output detector which concerns on this invention. It is a simplified diagram of the internal configuration of the alarm output detector according to the present invention. It is a block block diagram of the alarm output detector which concerns on this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the alarm output detector which concerns on this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the alarm output detector which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Alarm output detector 1a Arrangement part 2 House fire alarm (alarm)
2a Alarm output means 3 Base member 3a Mounting surface 11 Detection unit 11a Sensor unit 11b Signal processing unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 14 Determination unit 15 Output unit 15a Output control unit 15b Communication unit 15c Display unit

Claims (3)

An alarm output detector that is arranged close to the alarm device and detects the alarm output of the alarm device and outputs a signal,
A detection unit for detecting the intensity of a magnetic field that changes in accordance with an alarm output of the alarm device;
A storage unit for storing a threshold value of the magnetic field strength for determining the presence or absence of an alarm output of the alarm device;
A determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an alarm output of the alarm device by comparing the threshold value with the magnetic field intensity detected by the detection unit;
An output unit that outputs a signal when the determination unit determines that there is an alarm output of the alarm device; and
An alarm output detector comprising: The determination unit is configured to determine that there is an alarm output of the alarm device when the detection unit detects a magnetic field intensity exceeding the threshold value for a predetermined time, and the threshold value is determined when the magnetic field intensity is intermittent for a predetermined number of times. Means for determining that there is an abnormality in the alarm when it is detected that the value exceeds,
The output unit outputs a first signal when the determination unit determines that there is an alarm output of the alarm device, and outputs a second signal when the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the alarm device. The alarm output detector according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one surface side is attached to the alarm device and the other surface side is fixed to the placement surface, and is substantially integrated with the alarm device. Alarm output detector.

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