JP6695660B2 - Alarm - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm device that detects and reports an abnormal state of the surrounding environment such as a gas leak or a fire, and particularly relates to an alarm device that maintains continuity of a connector to which components of the alarm device are connected.

  The alarm device that detects and informs of abnormal conditions in the surrounding environment such as gas leaks and fires has been installed in each room in a general house due to the development of related laws and has received a growing awareness of disaster prevention. It is required to supply alarm devices of stable quality at low cost. In the alarm device assembling process, each component of the alarm device is electrically connected to, for example, a wiring board. Such connections are mainly made by soldering, but from the perspective of facilitating assembly and preventing problems due to solder that tends to scatter during mounting, connectors may be used to connect some of the components. .. Further, the use of the connector may be preferable in terms of installation and maintenance of the alarm device because it enables disassembly of the alarm device and replacement of deteriorated parts. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a fire alarm device in which an alarm circuit unit that detects a fire and issues an alarm and a battery that supplies power to the alarm circuit unit are connected by a connector.

JP, 2009-110222, A

  In the connector, for example, the plug and the receptacle physically contact with each other to electrically connect the electrical components connected to each other and the electrical circuit on the wiring board. Contact bodies such as plugs and receptacles (or jacks) are mainly made of copper or the like, and preferably a plating film made of a base metal such as tin is formed on the surface. However, an oxide film is formed on the contact interface between the contact bodies with the passage of time due to oxidation of metal powder caused by fine sliding of the contact bodies. The formation of an oxide film is reduced by using a noble metal such as gold or silver for the plating film, but it is not always completely prevented, which causes a cost increase. When the oxide film is formed, the electrical resistance of the connector may be increased and the electrical characteristics of the alarm device may be deteriorated, so that a normal alarm operation may not be obtained.

  When a connector is used to connect a battery as in Patent Document 1, a relatively large current flows constantly or frequently, so that an oxide film is difficult to form, and even if it is formed, it is easily destroyed by the next energization. However, when electricity is not applied for a long period of time, a thick oxide film that is not easily destroyed may be formed, which is a particular problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is possible to maintain the continuity of the connector in the alarm device and prevent the electrical characteristics from deteriorating with the passage of time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable alarm device that can reliably perform an alarm operation even when an abnormal situation occurs.

  The alarm device of the present invention is an alarm device having a detection unit for detecting the state of the external environment, a control unit for processing the detection data of the detection unit, and an informing unit operated by a control signal from the control unit. Accordingly, at least one of the components of the alarm device is connected via a connector, and the control unit has a continuity maintaining means for performing continuity maintaining energization for maintaining the continuity of the connector at a predetermined time. is doing.

  In addition, when further having an external operation means that can be operated from the outside, and the continuity maintaining means is configured to perform the continuity maintaining energization when the external operating means is operated, at the time of a periodic inspection or by a user. This is preferable because the conduction maintaining operation can be performed at a desired time.

  Further, a periodic energizing means for periodically performing the conduction maintaining energization, a maintenance means for performing an inspection of the alarm function of the alarm device and performing the conduction maintaining energization at the time of the inspection of the alarm function, and a current flowing through the connector. It is preferable that an energization control unit that suspends the continuity maintaining energization for a predetermined period from the stop of step 1) is provided because continuity can be maintained while saving power.

  If the contact resistance of the connector is regularly inspected and a continuity inspection means is provided for conducting the continuity-maintaining current when the contact resistance is judged to be defective, an increase in contact resistance can be quickly detected. It is preferable because it can be maintained below a predetermined resistance value.

  Furthermore, if a failure notification means is provided for performing a post-test of the contact resistance of the connector after the continuity and energization and notifying the user when the post-test is defective, the user can recognize the failure early. It is preferable because it is possible.

  It is preferable that the continuity maintaining means is configured to perform the continuity maintaining energization with a current smaller than a current flowing during the operation of the component connected through the connector, since the power consumption is reduced.

  If the component connected through the connector is a sound generation device and the continuity maintaining means is configured to perform the continuity maintaining energization with a pulse having a frequency outside the audible band, it is mistaken for the user as an abnormality. It is preferable because it does not occur.

  According to the present invention, the continuity of the connector in the alarm device can be secured at a predetermined time. The continuity performance of the connector can be continuously maintained by ensuring continuity as needed or periodically. Therefore, the electrical characteristics of the alarm device do not deteriorate with time, and the performance of the alarm device can be maintained. Further, even if an abnormal situation occurs in a situation where the components connected by the connector have not been operated for a long period of time, the components connected by the connector can be reliably operated, and the safety of the user can be secured. It is possible to prevent a major accident from occurring.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the alarm device of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 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 the embodiment of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the energization control means of the embodiment of FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the inspection circuit of the continuity inspection means of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the continuity check means of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

  Next, an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, an alarm device 1 according to an embodiment includes a detection unit 2 that detects a state of an external environment, a control unit 3 that processes detection data of the detection unit 2, and a control signal from the control unit 3. And the notification unit 4 that operates according to the above. Although not shown, the alarm device 1 is composed of a plurality of components, and at least one of the components of the alarm device 1 is electrically connected to other components in the alarm device 1 via the connector 5. ing. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the electrical component 6 is connected via the connector 5. The control unit 3 has a continuity maintaining unit 7 electrically connected to the connector 5. The continuity maintaining means 7 is configured to perform continuity maintaining energization on the connector 5 for maintaining continuity of the contact portion of the connector 5 at a predetermined time.

  “Continuity-maintaining energization” means passing a current through the connector in order to reduce the contact resistance between the contact bodies in the connector. The magnitude of the contact resistance achieved by the reduction is not specified as an absolute value, but it is the resistance value at which the functions required in the alarm device among the functions of the components connected by the connector are exhibited without problems. .. Such reduction to the preferred resistance value may be achieved by passing the current once or several times. For example, the conduction maintaining power supply destroys the oxide film at the contact interface of the contact body, thereby recovering the conduction performance. However, the specific mode of maintaining or recovering the conduction is not limited to the destruction of the oxide film, but may be a change in the magnetic field due to energization or the emission of minute insulating foreign matter due to arc discharge or the like. Further, in the continuity maintaining energization, the current during normal operation of the components connected through the connector, the magnitude (amplitude), energization time, DC / AC distinction, and / or the frequency or duty in the case of AC Currents with different ratios are passed. By doing so, for example, an oxide film that cannot be destroyed in normal operation can be destroyed. And / or the user is prevented from confusing the operation of the component with continuity energization with normal operation.

  Although the connector 5 and the electric component 6 are drawn in the control unit 3 in FIG. 1, the detection unit 2 and the control unit 3 are surrounded by a two-dot chain line P extending from the detection unit 2 to the notification unit 4. It may be a component that belongs to either of the notification unit 4 and the notification unit 4. When the alarm device 1 includes one or more functional blocks other than the detection unit 2, the control unit 3, and the notification unit 4, the connector 5 and the electric component 6 may belong to such a functional block. Further, other components electrically connected to the electrical component 6 via the connector 5 also belong to any of the detection unit 2, the control unit 3, the notification unit 4, and other functional blocks not shown. Good. That is, in FIG. 1, the connector 5 is connected only to the continuity maintaining means 7, but the electrical component 6 may be electrically connected to a component other than the component forming the continuity maintaining means 7 via the connector 5. Good.

The detection unit 2 is mainly composed of various sensors (not shown) that monitor a physical phenomenon in a monitoring target area around the alarm device 1 and output monitoring data. Various sensors include, for example, various gas sensors that detect carbon monoxide (CO) gas, methane gas (CH ₄ ) or propane gas (C ₃ H ₈ ), temperature sensors such as thermistors, humidity sensors, smoke sensors, and odors. It may be a sensor or the like. The number of sensors forming the detection unit 2 may be one or plural, and the detection unit 2 may include different types of sensors. In addition to the sensors, the detection unit 2 may include a peripheral circuit that adjusts the level of the output of each sensor, for example. The detection data output from the detection unit 2 is sent to the control unit 3.

  The control unit 3 preferably records the calculation function of the input signal, the comparison function with the reference value, the timer function or the count function for monitoring the passage of time, the control program, each input data, and the calculation result and the comparison result. It has a storage function to operate and processes the detection data sent from the detection unit 2. The control unit 3 includes, for example, a commercially available microcomputer, a semiconductor device such as an ASIC, and the like, and is configured to operate according to a built-in program. The control unit 3 may include a storage element such as an EEPROM, an individual semiconductor element such as a transistor or a diode, and a passive element such as a resistor or a capacitor, in addition to such a microcomputer. The control unit 3 determines whether the environment around the alarm device 1 is in an abnormal state, and sends a control signal based on the determination to the notification unit 4.

  The notification unit 4 has, for example, a light emitting diode, a buzzer, a speaker, and / or a display device, and operates in response to a control signal from the control unit 3 and emits light or voice to cause an abnormal situation for a user or the like. To notify the occurrence of. The notification unit 4 may have a display device and a voice generation device that notify the user of the state of the alarm device 1, for example, the state of power reception and the presence / absence of a failure location, in addition to the notification of the abnormality in the surrounding environment. .. In addition to the various notification means, the notification unit 4 may include, for example, a drive device that generates a drive current such as a buzzer or a speaker based on a control signal from the control unit 3.

  Although not shown, the alarm device 1 includes a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the detection unit 2, the control unit 3, and the notification unit 4. Further, as described above, the alarm device 1 includes the functional unit other than the detection unit 2, the control unit 3, and the notification unit 4, such as sending detection data to an external device or wirelessly receiving a user's instruction. It may have a communication unit or the like. The operations from the detection of the surrounding environment by the detection unit 2 and the detection of the abnormality to the notification of the abnormal state by the notification unit 4 are the same as those of the conventional alarm device, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The connector 5 includes a contact body 5a and a contact body 5b, and the conductors connected to the contact body 5a and the conductor connected to the contact body 5b are electrically connected by coupling the contact bodies 5a and 5b. Connect to each other. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the connector 5 is a two-pole connector, the number of poles of the connector 5 may be one or three or more. Further, although FIG. 1 shows that the contact body 5a is a female type (socket) and the contact body 5b is a male type (plug), they may be opposite types. The contact bodies 5a, 5b may be connected to a conductor, or may be connected to a wiring board forming an electric circuit of the alarm device 1, or as a part of the electric component 6 or to the electric component 6. It may be formed as a part of another component that is electrically connected. In the example of FIG. 1, the connector 5 has a housing 5c that houses the contact bodies 5a and 5b, but the connector 5 may have no housing. In short, the connector 5 may be any type of connecting member that electrically connects one or more sets of conductors to each other by contact between the contact bodies.

  The component (electrical component 6 in the example of FIG. 1) connected via the connector 5 may be any component that constitutes the alarm device 1 and that operates by energization. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the electric component 6 includes two electrodes, the electric component 6 may have one pole or three or more poles. The electrical component 6 may be, for example, various sensors in the detection unit 2, various semiconductor elements or passive elements in the control unit 3, a speaker, a buzzer, or a display member in the notification unit 4. Good. By connecting the electrical component 6, which is one of the components of the alarm device 1, via the connector 5, it may be easy to assemble the alarm device 1 or replace the electrical component 6 when a failure occurs. The components connected via the connector 5 are not particularly limited in this way, but are not always energized while the alarm device 1 is operating, but are energized only under specific conditions such as when an abnormality is detected. In this case, the conduction maintaining energization according to the present embodiment is particularly effective. This is because formation of a thick oxide film during a long non-energization period can be prevented, and the alarm device 1 can be normally operated when an alarm operation is required.

  The continuity maintaining means 7 maintains continuity between the contact body 5a and the contact body 5b of the connector 5 by performing continuity maintaining energization in which a current is supplied to the connector 5 at a predetermined time. The continuity maintaining means 7 is, for example, a computing device such as a microcomputer or ASIC in the control unit 3, a control program that defines the operation of the computing device, a storage device such as a ROM in which the control program is recorded, or a computing device. And a device that generates a current flowing through the connector 5 based on a signal from the arithmetic device. The device that generates a current may be a drive device that generates a drive current for the electric component 6 during normal operation of the electric component 6, or may be an amplifier that operates by power supply from a power supply unit (not shown). A current is passed from the continuity maintaining means 7 to the connector 5, whereby the continuity of the connector 5 is maintained. For example, when an oxide film is formed between the contact bodies 5a and 5b in the connector 5 and the contact resistance between them is so large as to hinder the normal operation of the electric component 6, the conduction maintaining means 7 is energized. The electrical conductivity of the connector 5 is maintained by destroying the oxide film and recovering the electrical conductivity between the contact bodies 5a, 5b (hereinafter, simply "maintaining electrical conductivity" including the case where the electrical conductivity is recovered or "Maintaining continuity").

  The mode of the conduction maintaining current supplied to the connector 5 by the conduction maintaining current is determined by the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3 that constitutes the conduction maintaining unit 7 according to the type of the electrical component 6. For example, the continuity maintaining current may be alternating current or direct current. The conduction maintaining current may be a direct current having a larger average value or an alternating current having a larger amplitude or effective value than the current flowing during the normal operation of the electric component 6. The conduction maintaining current may be a pulse current whose high-level current value is higher than the current value of the electrical component 6 during normal operation. When the magnitude of the continuity maintaining current is large, the oxide film between the contact bodies 5a and 5b, which is not destroyed by the normal operation of the electric component 6, may be destroyed.

  However, the conduction maintaining current may be preferably smaller than the current value of the electric component 6 during the normal operation as long as the conduction maintaining current can be maintained. For example, when the alarm device 1 is a battery-type alarm device that does not require a commercial power source, the smaller the current value of the conduction maintaining current, the smaller the power consumption and the longer the battery can last. Further, even when the electric component 6 is a buzzer, a speaker, a light emitting diode, or the like that configures the notification unit 4, it may be preferable that the current value of the conduction maintaining current is small. It is possible to prevent the user from erroneously recognizing that an abnormality in the surrounding environment or a failure of the alarm device 1 has been notified by energizing with a current value that only produces a sound or light with a volume or luminous intensity that the user cannot recognize. it can. For example, when a current of about 200 mA to 300 mA flows during normal operation of the electric component 6, the conduction maintaining current may be preferably about 100 μA to 10 mA, which is smaller by one digit or more, and more preferably about 500 μA to 5 mA. Sometimes it is preferable.

  Further, when the electric component 6 is a sound generating component such as a speaker or a buzzer that configures the notification unit 4 and a sound is generated according to the frequency of the energized current, the conduction maintaining current is set to a frequency outside the audible band. By using the alternating current or the pulsed current that the user has, it is possible to make the sound that can be generated by the conduction maintaining energization into the sound in the range that the user cannot recognize. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously recognizing the alarm as an abnormal condition, as in the case where the volume is low. Therefore, the frequency of the conduction maintaining current may be preferably 20 Hz or lower, or 20 kHz or higher, for example.

  The time when the continuity maintaining means 7 conducts the continuity maintaining energization may be appropriately set according to various circumstances such as the type and characteristics of the alarm device 1 and the installation location. For example, when the detection data from the detection unit does not result in an alarm but changes by exceeding a predetermined threshold value, the connector 5 to which the electrical component 6 in the notification unit 4 is connected is prepared for the alarm operation in the near future. A continuity maintaining current may be applied to. The conduction maintaining energization is not limited to this, and may be performed according to the user's request or may be performed periodically. As an example, an alarm device 10 (see FIG. 2) of another embodiment including some means for causing the continuity maintaining means 7 to perform continuity maintaining energization at various times when the continuity maintaining energization is performed by the continuity maintaining means 7. , As described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the alarm device 10 has the detection unit 2, the control unit 3, the notification unit 4, and the continuity maintaining unit 7 as in the alarm unit 1 of FIG. Have eight. In FIG. 2, the connection between the connector 5 and the electric component 6 and each means such as the continuity maintaining means 7 and the external operating means 8 is not shown. The external operation means 8 is provided in a part of the casing 91 (see FIG. 3) of the alarm device 10 so that a user or the like can operate the alarm device 10 from the outside, and a predetermined voltage or electric signal is supplied to the control unit 3. It is electrically connected to the control unit 3 so that it can be input or a part of the electric circuit of the control unit 3 can be grounded. By providing the external operation means 8, the user can cause the alarm device 10 to perform a desired specific operation at a desired timing. The specific configuration of the external operation means 8 is not particularly limited as long as it can function in this way, and may be, for example, push-button type or slide-type switches as shown in FIG. , A keyboard equipped with some keys to enable input of somewhat complicated information, or a touch panel type display, etc., and a switch provided on a remote controller or mobile terminal that is separate from the alarm device It may be a kind. In the alarm device 10 of the embodiment, the operation state of the external operating means 8 is configured to be directly or indirectly transmitted to the conduction maintaining means 7, and the conduction maintaining means 7 sets the external operating means 8 to a predetermined state. It is configured to conduct electricity for maintaining continuity when operated.

  For example, the external operation means 8 is a push button switch connected between one of the input terminals of the arithmetic unit in the control section 3 which constitutes the continuity maintaining means 7 and a power source section (not shown) or the ground potential of the alarm device 10. May be Then, when the external operating means 8 is pressed, a voltage having substantially the same potential as the power supply or the ground is input to the input terminal of the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3 connected to the external operating means 8, and the conduction maintaining means is triggered by the voltage. The conduction maintaining energization by 7 may be performed.

  The external operation means 8 may be operated to cause the alarm device 10 to perform another operation other than causing the conduction maintaining means 7 to perform conduction maintaining electricity. For example, the external operation means 8 may be a switch operated by the user when causing the alarm device 10 to perform a self-check including inspection of an alarm function. That is, the continuity maintaining means 7 may be configured to perform continuity energization at the time of regular inspection of the alarm device stipulated by law or at the time of inspecting the alarm device voluntarily performed by the user at a desired timing. .. By being configured to perform continuity maintaining energization at the time of inspection prescribed by law, continuity maintaining energization is performed regularly without the non-energized state continuing for a long time. Thereby, the electrical continuity of the connector 5 is continuously maintained. Note that, when the continuity maintaining energization is performed in response to the operation of the external operation means 8, even if the electric component 6 is a speaker or a display device in the notification unit 4, it is necessary to emit a sound or light that can be recognized by the user. In some cases, it is preferable that the continuity maintaining energization is performed. This is because it is preferable for the user not to be mistaken for an alarm and to be able to recognize that the inspection operation is performed normally.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the alarm device 10 further includes a periodic energizing means 9, a maintenance means 11, an energizing control means 12, a continuity checking means 13, and a failure notifying means 14. Each unit is described separately from the control unit 3, the notification unit 4, and the like, but the components of the alarm device 10 belonging to the control unit 3, the notification unit 4, and / or the detection unit 2 and / or their components. It consists of individual elements within each component that provide the specific functionality that the component has. Each means may include, for example, both a component belonging to the control unit 3 and a component belonging to the notification unit 4, and thus is described separately from each unit.

  Specifically, each means is, for example, a computing element or a determination element in a computing device such as a microcomputer or ASIC in the control unit 3, a control program that defines the operation of the computing device, and a ROM in which the control program is recorded. It is composed of a storage device such as or a storage element in the arithmetic unit. Each means may include an oscillator or a clock generating element in the arithmetic unit for monitoring the elapsed time, and a counter or a timer element, if necessary, and a measurement for measuring the contact resistance of the connector 5. It may include a circuit, a measurement current generating element and a voltage sensing element. The operation of each unit is defined by, for example, a control program recorded in a storage device in the control unit 3 or a storage element in the arithmetic device. A predetermined operation of each unit is performed by an arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer executing this control program. The operation of each means will be described below in order.

  The regular energizing means 9 is configured to cause the continuity maintaining means 7 to regularly conduct continuity maintaining energization. For example, the regular energizing means 9 counts the output of the oscillator in the control unit 3 or the clock of the clock element in the arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer with a counter or monitors it with a timer element. The regular energizing means 9 transmits, for example, a trigger signal to the continuity maintaining means 7 so as to perform the continuity maintaining energization when the count number of the counter reaches a predetermined number or when the elapse of a predetermined time is detected by the timer element. To send instructions. When the regular energizing means 9 sends an instruction to the continuity maintaining means 7, it resets the counter or the timer element, and then continues the clock counting operation and the elapsed time monitoring operation. The continuity maintaining means 7 performs continuity maintaining energization each time it receives an instruction from the regular energizing means 9. As a result, continuity maintaining energization is performed periodically, and continuity of the connector 5 is maintained.

  The predetermined interval of the regular energization / maintenance energization by the regular energization unit 9 may be defined in a control program that defines the operation of the regular energization unit 9, or may be recorded separately in a storage element such as a ROM. May be. In addition, the predetermined interval may be appropriately changed by the user or the like by operating the external operation means 8. Two months is illustrated as the predetermined interval of the periodic conduction maintaining energization. Power consumption is saved without forming a thick oxide film.

  The maintenance means 11 is configured to inspect the alarm function of the alarm device 10 and cause the continuity maintaining means 7 to perform continuity maintaining energization when the alarm function is inspected. The inspection of the alarm function by the maintenance means 11 is performed, for example, according to an inspection program recorded in a storage device such as a ROM in the control unit 3 or a storage element in a computing device such as a microcomputer. By executing the inspection program, it is inspected whether or not the detection unit 2 and the notification unit 4 can operate normally. A series of inspection processes performed by executing the inspection program may be the same as those performed by the conventional alarm device, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The inspection of the alarm function by the maintenance means 11 may be performed regularly, and may be performed, for example, in response to a user's request. For example, the alarm device may be inspected by the maintenance means 11 according to the operation of the external operation means 8. In other words, the above-mentioned self-check and periodical inspection performed according to the operation of the external operation means 8 may be an inspection of the alarm function of the alarm device 10 by the maintenance means 11. For example, the maintenance means 11 detects a change such as a signal input to the maintenance means 11 according to the operation of the external operation means 8 and executes the inspection program of the alarm function. Then, the maintenance means 11 sends an instruction to the continuity maintaining means 7 to perform continuity maintaining energization by a trigger signal or the like before, during, or after the execution of the alarm function inspection program.

  The energization control unit 12 is configured to control the continuity maintaining energization by the continuity maintaining unit 7. For example, the energization control unit 12 causes the continuity maintaining unit 7 to suspend the continuity maintaining energization for a predetermined period after the current flowing through the connector 5 is stopped, that is, when the last current flowing through the connector 5 ends. Is composed of. While an electric current is flowing through the connector 5, it is difficult for an oxide film or the like to be formed between the contact bodies of the connector 5. Therefore, after a certain electric current is applied to the connector 5, the conduction maintaining energization is stopped for a predetermined period. It is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining the continuity of the connector 5. In that case, the energization control means 12 directly monitors the current flowing through the connector 5, or operates the continuity maintaining means 7, or generates the drive current during the normal operation of the electrical component 6 connected to the connector 5. Is configured to monitor the operation of a driving device (not shown). That is, the energization control unit 12 maintains the continuity maintaining unit for a predetermined period after the end of the flow of both the current flowing by the continuity maintaining energization of the continuity maintaining unit 7 and the current flowing in the normal operation of the electric component 6. 7 may be configured to suspend the conduction maintaining energization. However, if the current value of the electrical component 6 during normal operation is not large enough to destroy the oxide film formed between the contact bodies of the connector 5, for example, only for a predetermined period after energization by the continuity maintaining means 7. It may be configured to suspend the continuity maintaining energization.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the energization control means 12. In FIG. 4, steps S11a and S16a are operations performed by the conduction maintaining means 7 in response to an instruction from the energization control means 12. The energization control unit 12 monitors the current flowing through the connector 5 directly, or monitors the operation of the continuity maintaining unit 7 or the operation of the drive device that generates the drive current during the normal operation of the electrical component 6, and thereby the connector 5 is connected. The energization start of is detected (step S10). When the energization to the connector 5 is detected, the continuity maintaining energization suspension is instructed by transmitting a signal to the continuity maintaining means 7 or the like (step S11). The continuity maintaining means 7 receives an instruction from the energization control means 12 and changes from a normal mode in which continuity maintaining energization is performed at a predetermined time to a continuity maintaining energization suspension mode in which continuity maintaining energization is not performed even when a predetermined time comes. The state is changed (step S11a). The energization control unit 12 resets, for example, a counter or the like in the control unit 3 (step S12) and then continues to monitor the energized state of the connector 5 (loop in the case of N in step S13).

  When the energization control means 12 detects the stop of the current to the connector 5 (Y in step S13), it counts up the counter (step S14), and whether the count number of the counter reaches a number corresponding to a predetermined time. It is determined (step S15). If the count number of the counter has not reached the predetermined value (N in step S15), the process returns to step S14 and the loop of steps S14 and S15 is repeated. When the number of counts reaches a predetermined value (Y in step S15), the continuity maintaining means 7 is notified of cancellation of the continuity maintaining energization suspension (step S16). Upon receiving the notification from the energization control unit 12, the continuity maintaining unit 7 returns to the normal mode in which the continuity maintaining energization is performed at a predetermined time (step S16a). If the connector 5 is energized again during the loop between step S14 and step S15, the process returns to step S12 to reset the counter.

  The suspension of the conduction maintaining energization by the energization control means 12 may be applied only to the conduction maintaining energization triggered by the regular energizing means 9, for example, and the conduction maintaining energization triggered by the external operation means 8 or the maintenance means 11 may be performed. Only one may be targeted, or both may be targeted. This selection may be set by the control program of the continuity maintaining means 7.

  Further, the predetermined period for suspending the conduction maintaining energization is not particularly limited, and may be selected depending on the installation environment of the alarm device 10 and the magnitude of the drive current during the normal operation of the electric component 6. For example, the period is set to about one month. This is because it is considered that an oxide film that hinders the function of the electrical component 6 is unlikely to be formed during this period.

  The continuity inspection unit 13 is configured to inspect the contact resistance between the contact bodies 5a and 5b (see FIG. 1) of the connector 5. Further, the continuity inspection unit 13 may be configured to inspect the contact resistance of the connector 5 at regular intervals. Further, the continuity inspection unit 13 may be configured to cause the continuity maintaining unit 7 to perform continuity maintaining energization when the inspection result of the contact resistance of the connector 5 is a defect determination.

  FIG. 5 shows a circuit 13a which is an example of a circuit for inspecting the contact resistance between the contact bodies 5a and 5b of the connector 5 by the continuity inspection means 13. The connector 5 has a first pole 51 and a second pole 52. The circuit 13a includes resistors R1, R2 and R3 connected in series between the terminal 131 and the ground potential, and a resistor connected between the contact body 5a of the second pole 52 of the connector 5 and the ground potential. R4 and. The contact body 5a of the first pole 51 of the connector 5 is connected to the connection point between the resistor R1 and the resistor R2. A connection point between the resistor R2 and the resistor R3 is drawn out as a terminal 132. The contact resistance between the contact bodies 5a and 5b of the first pole 51 of the connector 5 is shown as Rc1, and the contact resistance between the contact bodies 5a and 5b of the second pole 52 is shown as Rc2, which are pseudo-dashed lines. .. For example, the terminals 131 and 132 are connected to a current generation element and a voltage detection element in an arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer in the control unit 3 (see FIG. 2), respectively. In this way, the continuity inspection means 13 includes an inspection circuit including a resistor connected around the connector 5, a current or voltage generating element in the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3, and a voltage or current detection element. May be included.

  The contact bodies 5 b of the first and second poles 51, 52 of the connector 5 are connected to the electric component 6. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the electric component 6 is the speaker 6a. On the other hand, the contact bodies 5a of the first and second poles 51 and 52 of the connector 5 are connected to the drive circuit 17 in addition to the resistors R2 and R4. The drive circuit 17 is a circuit in the drive device that generates a drive current during normal operation of the electric component 6. The drive circuit 17 may be a circuit in the device that generates the conduction maintaining current in the conduction maintaining unit 7.

  The contact resistance of the connector 5 is inspected by the continuity inspection means 13 using the circuit 13a, for example, as follows. A predetermined inspection current Im is supplied to the terminal 131 from the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3. The inspection current Im is shunted to the resistors R2 and R3 side and the connector 5 side through the resistor R1, and flows into the ground potential. The voltage V12 at the connection point N12 between the resistors R1 and R2 is the resistance R2 to R4, the internal resistance Rp of the electrical component 6, the combined resistance Rm of the contact resistances Rc1 and Rc2 of the connector 5, and the resistance R1. The voltage depends on the ratio. Then, the voltage V23 at the connection point N23 between the resistors R2 and R3, which is obtained by dividing the voltage V12 by the resistors R2 and R3, is input from the terminal 132 to the voltage detection element of the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3. It The magnitude of the inspection current Im is, for example, about 1 μA to 10 μA. Even if the contact resistance of the connector 5 is regularly inspected, the power consumption does not increase so much, which is preferable.

  The voltage V23 detected by the voltage detection element of the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3 is compared with a predetermined threshold value recorded in a storage element or the like by a comparison element or the like in the arithmetic unit, and the contact resistance Rc1 of the connector 5 is The quality of Rc2 is determined. When the contact resistances Rc1 and Rc2 increase, the combined resistance Rm increases, which increases the voltages V12 and V23, respectively. Therefore, by comparing the voltage V23 with an appropriate threshold value, it is determined whether the contact resistances Rc1 and Rc2 are good or bad. Can be done.

  The values of the resistors R1 to R4 depend on the sizes of the contact resistances Rc1 and Rc2 of the connector 5 at the normal time, the sizes of the internal resistance Rp of the electric component 6, and the power supply voltage of the arithmetic unit in the control unit 3. It is selected appropriately. As described above, the contact resistance of the connector 5 is inspected by the continuity inspection unit 13 by using the drive circuit 17 that generates the drive current during the normal operation of the electric component 6 and the continuity maintenance current generation circuit in the continuity maintenance unit 7. May be done without. However, the inspection of the contact resistance of the connector 5 by the continuity inspection means 13 is not limited to the method using the circuit shown in FIG. 5, and may be performed by another method.

  The continuity inspection unit 13 periodically inspects the contact resistance of the connector 5 and causes the continuity maintaining unit 7 to perform continuity maintaining energization when the inspection result is a failure determination for a predetermined number of times or continuously for a predetermined time. May be configured. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the continuity inspection means 13 configured as described above.

  The continuity inspection unit 13 resets, for example, two counters or timer elements in the control unit 3 (steps S20 and S21), detects the contact resistance of the connector 5 (step S22), and determines whether the contact resistance is good or bad (step S22). Step S23). In the example of FIG. 6, the first counter is used to measure the timing of instructing the continuity maintaining means 7 to conduct continuity and energization, and the second counter is used to measure the timing of inspecting the contact resistance of the connector 5. Further, steps S22 and S23 may be performed by the operation described with reference to FIG.

  When the contact resistance is determined to be non-defective (“OK” in step S23), the second counter is counted up (step S28), and the count number of the second counter is set to a predetermined value in the regular contact resistance inspection. It is determined whether the number corresponding to the interval has been reached (step S29). When the count number of the second counter has not reached the predetermined number (N in step S29), the loop of steps S28 and S29 is repeated, and when the count number of the second counter reaches the predetermined number (in step S29, Y), reset the second counter (step S30), and return to step S22 to inspect the contact resistance of the connector 5.

  When the contact resistance is determined to be defective (“NG” in step S23), the first counter is counted up (step S24) and it is determined whether the count number of the first counter has reached a predetermined number. Yes (step S25). If the count number of the first counter has not reached the predetermined number of failure determination continuations or the predetermined failure determination duration time in which the continuity maintaining means 7 conducts the continuity maintaining energization (N in step S25), the step is performed. Proceed to S28. When the count number of the first counter has reached a predetermined number (Y in step S25), an instruction is sent to the continuity maintaining means 7 so as to perform continuity maintaining energization, for example, by transmitting a trigger signal (step S26). ), The first counter is reset (step S27), and then the process proceeds to step S28.

  In addition, when the continuity maintaining means 7 is caused to immediately conduct the continuity maintaining energization by one defect determination, steps S20, S24, S25 and S27 are omitted.

  The failure determination duration time and the number of failure determination continuations for causing the continuity maintaining means 7 to perform continuity maintaining energization are set according to the type of the detection target of the alarm device such as gas leak, fire, and the installation location. For example, 10 hours are illustrated as the failure determination continuation time for conducting the conduction maintaining current, and 3600 times are illustrated as the failure determination continuation frequency. In this case, it is possible to prevent the continuity-maintenance energization from being performed more frequently than necessary due to variations in inspection, and to reduce power consumption.

  Further, the criterion for determining the contact resistance of the connector 7 is also appropriately set according to the magnitude of the contact resistance in the normal state and the robustness of the electric component 6 against the increase of the contact resistance, and / or the internal resistance of the electric component 6. .. For example, if the internal resistance of the electric component 6 is about 8Ω, and the resistance value between the two poles of the connector 7 including the internal resistance of the electric component 6 is 100 kΩ or more, it is determined to be defective. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the continuity-maintenance energization from being performed more frequently than necessary due to variations in inspection, and thus it is possible to save power consumption. Note that the resistance value between the two poles of the connector 7 including the internal resistance of the electric component 6 means, for example, from the contact body 5a of the first pole 51 to the contact body 5b of the first pole 51 shown in FIG. It means the resistance value of the path from the component 6 and the contact body 5b of the second pole 52 to the contact body 5a of the second pole 52.

  By the operation of the continuity inspection unit 13, it is possible to perform continuity maintaining energization only when it is determined that the contact resistance of the connector 5 is defective. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption due to excessive energization. As a result, the electrical continuity of the connector 5 can be efficiently maintained. However, the continuity checking means 13 may operate together with the regular energizing means 9 and the maintenance means 11.

  The failure notification means 14 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to notify the user when a failure of the alarm device is detected as a result of the inspection of the alarm function of the alarm device described above or the periodic inspection. Therefore, the failure notification unit 14 preferably includes at least one of sound generation components such as a buzzer and a speaker belonging to the notification unit 4 and a display member such as a light emitting diode and a display. In response to the detection of the failure of the alarm device 10, the failure notification means 14 generates a sound, for example, by a buzzer, and / or indicates that the alarm device 10 has a failure by lighting or blinking a light emitting diode or the like. To inform.

  The failure notification unit 14 may be configured to inspect the contact resistance of the connector 5 (post-test) after the continuity-maintaining current is supplied by the continuity-maintaining unit 7 and notify the user when the post-test is a failure determination. .. The subsequent inspection by the failure notification unit 14 may be performed by the same method as the contact resistance inspection by the continuity inspection unit 13. Further, when the contact resistance inspection unit 13 regularly inspects the contact resistance, the failure notification unit 14 performs the subsequent inspection after the continuity maintaining energization during the operation of the continuity inspection unit 13 (step S26 in FIG. 6). May be done. That is, if the contact resistance of the connector 5 is determined to be defective for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, the continuity-maintaining current is supplied, and if a subsequent contact resistance inspection still results in a defective determination, a failure notification is issued. You may. In this case, since the failure notification means 14 tests the contact resistance after step S26 in FIG. 6, the continuity test means 13 is configured to reset the second counter before proceeding to step S28 in FIG. May be.

  In addition, except for the case where the contact resistance is still high even after the conduction maintaining means 7 is energized to maintain the continuity and a failure is determined, the deterioration factor of the conduction performance due to the oxide film is removed after the conduction maintaining electricity is applied. It is believed that Therefore, it may be possible to accurately grasp the state of deterioration of the conduction performance due to a factor different from the oxide film or the like by performing a post-inspection after the conduction maintaining electricity is supplied. For example, the contact body of the connector 5 may be slightly deformed due to deterioration over time, and it may be possible to detect an increase in contact resistance due to a decrease in contact pressure. The alarm device 10 may be prevented from malfunctioning due to deterioration of the connector 55.

  An example of the external appearance of the alarm device 10 of the embodiment having the external operation means 8 and the like is shown in FIG. The alarm device 10 is covered with a housing 91 that houses the detection unit 2, the control unit 3 and the notification unit 4 shown in FIG. 2, a power supply unit (not shown), and the like. A push button switch 8a is provided as an external operation means. In addition, a display window 94 is provided in the lower left and upper corners of the housing 91 in FIG. 3, and a display device showing the power supply state from the power supply unit so that the display state can be visually recognized through the display window 94. 40 are arranged. The display 40 may be the electrical component 6 connected by the connector 5 or may be a component belonging to the notification unit 4.

In FIG. 3, above the push button switch 8a, a light emitting diode 16 indicating that the alarm device 10 is in a failure state, and a light emitting diode 18a as an alarm means when the detecting unit 2 detects an abnormality in the surrounding environment. ~ 18e are provided in two rows. The light emitting diode 16 may be a display member that constitutes the failure notification unit 14. Further, the light emitting diode 18a may be an alarm means for detecting CO ₂ exceeding the specified value, the light emitting diode 18b may be an alarm means for gas leakage, and the light emitting diodes 18c to 18e may be an alarm means for fire. The light emitting diodes 18c to 18e may be controlled so that only one or all of the light emitting diodes 18c to 18e are lit or sequentially blinked for calling attention. The light emitting diodes 18a to 18e may be components belonging to the notification unit 4. In addition, an opening 92 is provided in the upper right position in FIG. 3 in the housing 91. The ringing sound is emitted without being blocked by the housing 91.

  A power switch 93 for inserting and removing the alarm device 10 is provided on a side surface of the housing 91. The alarm device 10 is installed with the back side facing the wall or ceiling of the room in FIG. After installation, the power switch 93 is provided at a position that is relatively inaccessible to the user so that an abnormality can always be detected without being easily stopped. On the other hand, the push button switch 8a, the display window 94, the respective light emitting diodes 16, 18a to 18e, and the opening 92 described above are provided on the front surface of the housing 91 so that the user can easily operate them and can easily recognize light or sound. It is provided on the front of FIG. 3. The appearance of the alarm device 10 of the present embodiment, the positions of the opening 92 and the display window 94, and the arrangement of the light emitting diodes and the like are not limited to those exemplified in FIG. May be placed in position.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 and 10 Alarm device 2 Detection part 3 Control part 4 Notification part 5 Connector 5a, 5b Contact body 6 Electrical component 7 Electrical continuity maintenance means 8 External operation means 9 Regular energization means 11 Maintenance means 12 Energization control means 13 Continuity inspection means 13a Continuity inspection Contact resistance inspection circuit 14 for failure means Failure notification means 16a, 18a to 18e Light emitting diode 40 Display 91 Housing 92 Opening

Claims (7)

An alarm device comprising a detection unit for detecting a state of an external environment, a control unit for processing detection data of the detection unit, and an alarm unit operated by a control signal from the control unit,
At least one of the components of the alarm is connected via a connector,
The control unit has a continuity maintaining unit that performs continuity maintaining energization for maintaining the continuity of the connector at a predetermined time,
An alarm device is provided, which is provided with an energization control unit that detects the stop of the current flowing through the connector and suspends the conduction maintaining energization for a predetermined period from the detection of the stop based on the time elapsed from the detection of the stop. . An alarm device comprising a detection unit for detecting a state of an external environment, a control unit for processing detection data of the detection unit, and an alarm unit operated by a control signal from the control unit,
At least one of the components of the alarm is connected via a connector,
The control unit has a continuity maintaining unit that performs continuity maintaining energization for maintaining the continuity of the connector at a predetermined time,
The component connected through the connector operates by energization when an abnormality is detected in the alarm device,
An alarm device, wherein the continuity maintaining means is configured to perform the continuity maintaining energization with a current smaller than a current flowing when the component is operating. An alarm device comprising a detection unit for detecting a state of an external environment, a control unit for processing detection data of the detection unit, and an alarm unit operated by a control signal from the control unit,
At least one of the components of the alarm is connected via a connector,
The control unit has a continuity maintaining unit that performs continuity maintaining energization for maintaining the continuity of the connector at a predetermined time,
An alarm device in which a component connected through the connector is a sound generation device, and the continuity maintaining means is configured to perform the continuity maintaining energization with a pulse having a frequency outside the audible band. The external operation means operable from the outside is further provided, and the conduction maintaining means is configured to perform the conduction maintaining energization when the external operating means is operated. The alarm device described in the item. Further, a periodic energizing means for periodically performing the conduction maintaining energization and / or a maintenance means for performing an inspection of the alarm function of the alarm device and performing the conduction maintaining energization at the time of the inspection of the alarm function are provided. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is present. 6. A continuity inspection means for periodically inspecting the contact resistance of the connector, and performing the continuity maintaining energization when the contact resistance is judged to be defective, according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The alarm device described. Further, there is provided failure notification means for performing a post-test of the contact resistance of the connector after the continuity-maintaining energization and notifying the user when the post-test is a failure determination. The alarm device described in the item.

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