JP7424774B2 - alarm - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an alarm device.

An alarm device that detects gas leaks and carbon monoxide in incompletely combusted gas has additional lighting functions, such as an emergency light function that turns on in the event of a power outage, and a night light function that turns on when the surrounding area becomes dark. (For example, see Patent Document 1.)

JP2019-53550A

There is a demand for adding this emergency light function and night light function to gas alarms for LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas). However, LP gas alarms are stipulated by regulations to be placed within 30 cm above the floor and within 4 m horizontal distance from combustion appliances such as gas stoves, and the user cannot change the installation location. Therefore, depending on the installation environment of the LP gas alarm, there may be obstacles near the alarm, which may reduce the lighting function. For example, if an alarm is installed in a corner of a room and there is a wall next to the alarm, the wall will be illuminated and the lighting function may not be fully demonstrated.

Therefore, by arranging multiple lighting LEDs around the entire circumference of the alarm and lighting them all, the above problem may be solved, but it would also turn on lights in areas that do not need to be illuminated. Consumes more power than necessary. In particular, when lighting is operated using a backup power source such as a battery, such as emergency lights that are turned on during a power outage, increased power consumption becomes a fatal drawback.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an alarm device that can optimize visibility without increasing power consumption.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the alarm device according to the present invention has the following features (1) to (8).
(1) A casing;
a plurality of light emitting units located inside the housing, in which light emitted toward the outside of the housing travels in mutually different directions;
an operation section that accepts an operation for selecting at least one of the plurality of light emitting sections;
and a control unit that switches the light emitting unit to be emitted so that the at least one selected light emitting unit emits light for use in a predetermined purpose in response to the operation. Features an alarm.
(2) comprising a substrate on which the plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at mutually different positions;
The casing has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface bridging the first surface and the second surface,
The substrate is located between the first surface and the second surface,
The alarm according to (1) above, wherein the plurality of light emitting parts are irradiated outward from at least a portion of the third surface.
(3) The control unit controls the light-emitting target so that the at least one light-emitting unit emits light in order to be used for the predetermined purpose, depending on the duration of the operation or the number of times the operation is performed. Switch the light emitting part
The alarm device according to (1) or (2) above, characterized in that:
(4) The control unit selectively causes at least one corresponding light emitting unit to emit light each time the duration of the operation passes a predetermined time or each time the number of operations increases a predetermined number of times. The alarm device according to (3) above.
(5) The control unit causes the selected at least one light emitting unit to emit light in a first color normally for illumination, and when an abnormal condition is detected, causes the at least one light emitting unit to emit light in the first color as an alarm. emit light in a second color different from
The alarm device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, characterized in that:
(6) The casing has a box shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged on each side of the box shape, and the light emitted toward the outside of the casing travels in each of the up, down, left and right directions of the casing when viewed from the front. The alarm device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized by:
(7) The casing has a box shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at adjacent corners of the box shape, and the light emitted toward the outside of the housing is directed from the center of the housing to each of the adjacent corners when viewed from the front. The alarm according to any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized in that the alarm moves in each direction toward.
(8) The casing has a disc shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at two places on both sides of a center line of a circle when the casing is viewed from the front, and the light emitted toward the outside of the casing is arranged at two places on both sides of the center line of the circle when the casing is viewed from the front. The alarm according to any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized in that the alarm moves in each direction away from the line.

According to the alarm configured in (1) above, at least one of the plurality of light emitting parts that illuminate different directions can be arbitrarily selected to change the direction of light irradiation used for a predetermined purpose. Can illuminate any direction without increasing power. Therefore, for example, in an alarm device such as an LP gas alarm device whose installation position is limited, the direction of light irradiation can be arbitrarily set according to the installation environment, so visibility can be optimized.

In particular, when adding lighting functions such as an emergency light function or a night light function to an alarm, the user can set the lighting direction so that the illumination light from the alarm is not blocked by obstacles such as walls. can use the lighting function without any inconvenience. In addition, since power consumption does not increase, users can use the lighting function (emergency light function) with peace of mind without worrying about running out of battery during a power outage.

According to the alarm configured in (2) above, when the alarm is mounted with the first or second surface in contact with a wall, etc. (mounting surface), it is possible to illuminate any direction from the side of the casing. can. Therefore, even if the alarm is installed in a corner of the room and there is a wall next to the alarm, the visibility of the light can be improved by setting the irradiation direction to the side opposite to the wall.

According to the alarm having the configuration (3) above, an arbitrary irradiation direction can be set depending on the duration of operation or the number of operations.

According to the alarm having the configuration (4) above, an arbitrary irradiation direction can be set while checking the actual irradiation direction.

According to the alarm device configured in (5) above, in an alarm device that has a lighting function such as an emergency light function or a night light function, the light for illumination and warning can be emitted in a direction that is easy for the user to see. It is possible to improve convenience when using lighting (when using lighting) and safety during alarms.

According to the alarm device having the configurations (6) and (7) above, either of the light emitting parts arranged on each side or adjacent corners of the box-shaped housing should be used for a predetermined purpose. Since it can be set as a light emitting part, for example, if one side of the casing is placed adjacent to a wall, the light emitting part placed on the opposite side can be used for a specific purpose, improving visibility. You can improve.

According to the alarm having the configuration (8) above, any of the light emitting parts arranged on both sides of the center line of the disc-shaped casing can be set as the light emitting part to be used for a predetermined purpose. When the body is placed adjacent to a wall, the light emitting section placed on the side away from the wall can be used for a predetermined purpose, and visibility can be improved.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an alarm device that can optimize visibility without increasing power consumption.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the alarm device of the first embodiment, with FIG. 1(a) being a plan view, FIG. 1(b) being a front view, and FIG. 1(c) being a side view. . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of component arrangement on a board within the alarm device of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a lighting switching procedure for the alarm device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of lighting during lighting switching in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of lighting when switching the lighting in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of lighting at the time of an alarm in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the alarm device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of parts of the alarm device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of installing an alarm according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of an alarm device according to the fourth embodiment, in which FIG. 10(a) is a plan view, FIG. 10(b) is a front view, and FIG. 10(c) is a side view. . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of component arrangement on a board within an alarm device according to the fourth embodiment.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to each figure.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the alarm device of the first embodiment, with FIG. 1(a) being a plan view, FIG. 1(b) being a front view, and FIG. 1(c) being a side view. . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of components on a board within the alarm device. In this embodiment, an example of a gas alarm for LP gas (LPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gas) will be described. The alarm 1 is installed within 30 cm above the floor and within a horizontal distance of 4 m from a combustion appliance such as a gas stove, in a place where LP gas, which is heavier than air, tends to accumulate. The alarm device 1 issues an alarm by emitting light and generating a buzzer sound when an abnormal condition such as a gas leak or incomplete combustion of a combustion device is detected.

The alarm device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an upper case 11 (first surface), a lower case 12 (second surface, third surface), a light guide lens 13 (third surface), gas detection ports 14a and 14b, and a switch operation. 15 and a power cord 16. Further, the alarm device 1 accommodates a board 20 shown in FIG. 2 inside an upper case 11 and a lower case 12 that constitute a housing. The upper case 11 is a plate material having a substantially square shape with rounded corners when viewed from the front, and has a hole for the switch operation part 15 near one side (lower side in FIG. 1). The lower case 12 has a substantially square bottom wall with rounded corners when viewed from the front, and a side wall surrounding the entire circumference of the bottom wall, and is open at the top and configured to be able to fit into the upper case 11. Ru. Gas detection ports 14a and 14b are provided at two locations on the side wall forming the corner of the lower case 12. Furthermore, an insertion hole for a power cord 16 connected to a circuit on the board 20 is provided at one location on the side wall of the lower case 12 .

The light guide lens 13 is an annular member (see FIG. 4) that has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. The light guide lens 13 is arranged above the substrate 20 placed on the bottom wall of the lower case 12, and its outer periphery is held between the lower case 12 and the upper case 11.
The gas detection ports 14a and 14b are openings through which the surrounding atmosphere flows into the interior of the alarm device 1, and are composed of a plurality of slits passing through the inside and outside of the lower case 12.

The switch operation unit 15 is an operation unit for switching illumination, and when pressed (operated), the switch 21 on the board 20 is pressed. As will be described later, the lighting location of the light can be switched depending on the time the button is pressed (switch ON duration). The switch operation unit 15 also serves as an operation unit for stopping the alarm, and when pressed during an alarm, that is, when an alarm is displayed and a buzzer sound is generated when a gas is detected, the switch operation unit 15 displays the alarm and the buzzer. Can stop the sound generation.
The power cord 16 has one end connected to a circuit on the board 20 and the other end connected to an external power source, for example, a commercial AC power source, via a plug, thereby supplying power to the alarm device 1 .

The board 20 shown in FIG. 2, like the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, has a substantially square shape with rounded corners when viewed from the front, and has an LED 22 (22a to 22d) for illumination and a power indicator at the center of each side. Each includes an LED 23 (23a to 23d) and a gas alarm display LED 24 (24a to 24d). The illumination LED 22 is a light emitting unit that emits white light, the energization display LED 23 emits green light, and the gas alarm display LED 24 emits red light. The illumination LED 22 lights up when the area around the alarm 1 becomes dark during normal times (when no gas leak is detected) (night light function). The energization display LED 23 lights up when the alarm device 1 is in the energized state. The gas alarm display LED 24 lights up when a gas leak is detected. In addition, by replacing each LED 22 to 24 with a full-color LED, all display functions such as energization display, alarm display, and lighting can be achieved with one LED, so the number of LEDs used can be reduced from 12 to 4. Contributes to cost reduction.

Further, the board 20 is provided with a switch 21 that switches the electric circuit and switches on/off so as to switch the lighting and stop the alarm in accordance with the operation of the switch operating section 15. Further, the substrate 20 is provided with a gas sensor and a microcomputer (control unit), which are not shown. The gas sensor is provided near the gas detection ports 14a and 14b when the substrate 20 is placed in the lower case 12, detects the LP gas, and outputs a detection signal according to the gas concentration to the microcomputer. The microcomputer receives an output signal from the gas sensor to turn on the gas display LED 24, and performs lighting switching control for switching the lighting portion of the light emitting section in response to the operation of the switch operation section 15, which will be described later.

The alarm device 1 is constructed by laminating a light guide lens 13 on a substrate 20 placed on the bottom wall of a lower case 12, further laminating an upper case 11, and fitting it into a lower case 12. . The light emitted from each LED 22a, 23a, 24a arranged on the upper side of the board 20 in FIG. Further, the light emitted from each of the LEDs 22b, 23b, and 24b arranged on the right side of the board 20 in FIG. 2 is led out from the right side of the alarm 1 via the light guiding lens 13. Furthermore, the light emitted from each LED 22c, 23c, 24c arranged on the lower side and each LED 22d, 23d, 24d arranged on the left side passes through the light guide lens 13 to the alarm device 1. It is led out from each side of the lower side and the left side, respectively. That is, the four illumination LEDs 22a to 22d (a plurality of light emitting parts) arranged on each side of the alarm device 1 respectively illuminate different directions outside the casing from a part of the side surface of the alarm device 1. Similarly, the four energization display LEDs 23a to 23d and the four gas alarm display LEDs 24a to 24d arranged on each side of the alarm 1 illuminate different directions outside the alarm 1, respectively.

Next, lighting switching control will be explained. In this embodiment, an example will be shown in which of the four illumination LEDs 22a to 22d arranged on each side of the board 20, which side of the illumination LEDs 22a to 22d is to be lit is switched. Further, as the lighting locations (locations) of the lighting LED 22 are switched, the lighting locations (locations) of the energization display LEDs 23a to 23d are switched. If the green light for energization indication and the white light for illumination are arranged on the same side, the white light emission will be strong and the green light emission will be difficult to see, and there is a concern that the visibility of the energization indication will deteriorate as a result. Therefore, the lighting location of the energization display LED 23 is set to the side opposite to the lighting location of the illumination LED 22.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the lighting switching procedure of the alarm device 1 of the first embodiment. The control shown in FIG. 3 is executed by a microcomputer mounted on the board 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of lighting during lighting switching in the first embodiment, and shows a plan view of the alarm device 1 in a state where the upper case 11 is seen through. When the alarm device 1 is powered on, the lighting LED 22c arranged on one side 1c of the alarm device 1 and the energization display LED 23a arranged on one side 1a, which are the initial lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(a), are turned on. It lights up (S1). When the switch operation part 15 is pressed down (ON) (S2), the alarm device 1 determines whether the duration that the switch operation part 15 is pressed down (pressing time) is 2 seconds or more (S3). . If the switch ON duration, which is the duration from when the switch operation part 15 is pressed until it is released (OFF), is less than 2 seconds, the alarm device 1 changes the brightness (S4) and displays the changed brightness. (S5) and ends the process.

If the pressing time of the switch operation part 15 is 2 seconds or more in S3, the alarm device 1 switches the illumination to the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(b) (S6). In the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(b), the illumination LED 22b arranged on one side 1b of the alarm device 1 and the energization display LED 23d arranged on one side 1d are lit. The alarm device 1 determines whether the switch operation part 15 has been pressed for 4 seconds or more (S7). If the switch ON duration time is 2 seconds or more and less than 4 seconds, the alarm device 1 stores the arrangement of the lighting LED 22b and the energization display LED 23d (S8), and ends the process.

If the pressing time of the switch operation part 15 is 4 seconds or more in S7, the alarm device 1 switches the illumination to the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(c) (S9). In the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(c), the illumination LED 22a arranged on one side 1a of the alarm device 1 and the energization display LED 23c arranged on one side 1c are lit. The alarm device 1 determines whether the switch operation part 15 has been pressed for 6 seconds or more (S10). If the switch ON duration time is 4 seconds or more and less than 6 seconds, the alarm device 1 stores the arrangement of the lighting LED 22a and the energization display LED 23c (S11), and ends the process.

If the pressing time of the switch operation part 15 is 6 seconds or more in S10, the alarm device 1 switches the illumination to the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(d) (S12). In the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(d), the illumination LED 22d arranged on one side 1d of the alarm device 1 and the energization display LED 23b arranged on one side 1b are lit. The alarm device 1 determines whether the switch operation part 15 has been pressed for 8 seconds or more (S13). If the switch ON duration time is 6 seconds or more and less than 8 seconds, the alarm device 1 stores the arrangement of the lighting LED 22d and the energization display LED 23b (S14), and ends the process.

If the pressing time of the switch operation part 15 is 8 seconds or more in S13, the alarm device 1 switches the illumination to the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(e) (S15). In the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4(e), the illumination LED 22c arranged on one side 1c of the alarm device 1 and the energization display LED 23a arranged on one side 1a are lit. The alarm device 1 determines whether the switch operation part 15 has been pressed for 10 seconds or more (S16). If the switch ON duration time is 8 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, the alarm device 1 stores the arrangement of the lighting LED 22c and the energization display LED 23a (S17), and ends the process.

If the pressing time of the switch operation part 15 is 10 seconds or more in S16, the alarm device 1 resets the internal timer (S18), returns to the lighting switching process in S6, and repeats the subsequent process. In this manner, the alarm device 1 can switch the setting positions of the illumination LED 22 (white) and the energization display LED (green) depending on how long the switch operation unit 15 is pressed. In the lighting switching setting, the user can set the irradiation direction of the illumination light according to the installation environment of the alarm device 1 and preference while checking the actual lighting state (FIG. 4).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of lighting when switching the lighting in the first embodiment, and similarly to FIG. 4, shows a plan view of the alarm 1 in a state where the upper case 11 is seen through. The lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4 shows an example in which one illumination LED 22 is lit, but as shown in FIG. 5, two illumination LEDs 22 arranged on two sides may be lit. By adding processing for switching to each of the lighting patterns shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) to the loop (between S16 and S18) in FIG. 3, it is possible to light two white LEDs. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), two illumination LEDs 22b and 22c arranged on two adjacent sides 1b and 1c of the alarm 1, and an energization display LED 23d arranged on one side 1d of the alarm 1. The lighting effect can be improved by turning on the lights. In this way, it is possible not only to change the location of the LEDs to be lit for illumination, but also to arbitrarily increase the number of LEDs from the minimum (0) to the maximum number (4 in this embodiment).

The reason why the number of lighting LEDs 22 can be increased is that when the night light function is used, power is supplied from the commercial power source, and there is little restriction on current consumption. On the other hand, when power supply from a commercial power source is stopped due to a power outage, etc., an emergency power source such as a battery is used, and the amount of power that can be used is limited depending on the type of battery used, battery capacity, etc. In that case, it is desirable to keep the number of lighting LEDs 22 turned on when using the emergency lights to the minimum necessary in order to suppress power consumption.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of lighting at the time of an alarm in the first embodiment, and similarly to FIG. 4, shows a plan view of the alarm device 1 in a state where the upper case 11 is seen through. FIG. 6(a) shows a state in which a gas alarm is issued when the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4( b ) is set. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6(a), the gas alarm display LED 24b arranged on one side 1b of the alarm 1 and the energization display LED 23d arranged on one side 1d are lit. FIG. 6(b) shows a state in which a gas alarm is issued when the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 5(a) is set. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6(b), the gas alarm display LEDs 24b and 24c arranged on one side 1b and 1c of the alarm 1 and the energization display LED 23d arranged on one side 1d are lit. FIG. 6(c) shows a state in which a gas alarm is issued when the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4( b ) or FIG. 5(a) is set. In the example shown in FIG. 6(c), the gas alarm display LEDs 24a to 24c arranged on all sides of the alarm device 1 except for one side 1d on which the energization display LED 23d is arranged are lit.

As shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c), when an alarm occurs, the gas alarm display LED 24 placed at the lighting location of the lighting LED 22 set by the user (on either side 1a to 1d of the alarm 1) is turned on. Lights up (blinks). That is, the gas alarm display LED 24 (red) at a position that is easy for the user to recognize can be turned on (flashing). Therefore, the visibility of the gas alarm display can be improved. In other words, by setting the lighting locations of the illumination LED 22 according to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the user can also set the lighting locations of the gas alarm display LED 24. Thereby, the safety of the alarm device 1 can be improved. In addition, as shown in Figure 6(c), by lighting up the gas alarm display LEDs 24 placed at all locations other than the energization display LED 23 (green), a wide area can be illuminated, thereby improving visibility. It can be further increased. However, in this case, power consumption increases, so if the power supply from the commercial power supply is stopped due to a power outage, etc., it is desirable to set the number of lights on to the minimum necessary as shown in FIG. 6(a).

According to the first embodiment described above, in the alarm device 1 to which the night light function (emergency light function) is added, at least one of the plurality of illumination LEDs 22a to 22d illuminating in different directions is arbitrarily selected to provide light. The irradiation direction can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate any direction without increasing power consumption. Therefore, in the alarm device 1 whose installation position is limited, the light irradiation direction can be arbitrarily set according to the installation environment, so that the visibility of the alarm device 1 can be optimized. That is, since the lighting direction can be set so that the lighting light from the alarm device 1 is not blocked by obstacles such as walls, the user can use the lighting function without being forced into any inconvenience. In addition, since power consumption does not increase, users can use the lighting function (emergency light function) with peace of mind without worrying about running out of battery during a power outage.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the alarm device of the second embodiment, and the arrangement of the LEDs on the board 20 in the alarm device 1 is different from that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2). Note that illustration of the switch 21 is omitted. In the second embodiment, full-color LEDs 31 and 32 are arranged at the left and right corners of the lower side of the board 20, respectively, and the light emitted from each full-color LED 31 and 32 illuminates the outside of the alarm device 1 from the corners.

7(a) to 7(d) show examples of lighting when the full-color LED 32 is set for lighting, and FIGS. 7(e) to 7(h) show lighting examples when the full-color LED 31 is set for lighting. An example of lighting is shown below. Furthermore, FIGS. 7(a) and 7(e) show the monitoring state while commercial power is being supplied, and FIGS. 7(b) and 7(f) show the night light being turned on in the monitoring state while commercial power is being supplied. Indicates the state in which Figures 7(c) and 7(g) show alarm states during commercial power supply, and Figures 7(d) and 7(h) show emergency lights turned on during power outage (commercial power supply is stopped). Indicates the state in which

When the full-color LED 32 on the right side is set for illumination, in the normal monitoring state (FIG. 7(a)), the full-color LED 31 is lit in green, and the full-color LED 32 is turned off. When the surroundings of the alarm device 1 become dark in a normal monitoring state, the full-color LED 32 lights up in white (FIG. 7(b)). When the normal monitoring state changes to the alarm state, the full color LED 32 lights up in red (FIG. 7(c)). Also in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c), the full-color LED 31 lights up in green, indicating that it is in the energized state. When a power outage occurs, the full-color LED 31 turns off and the full-color LED 32 turns on in white (FIG. 7(d)).

When the left full-color LED 31 is set for illumination, the full-color LED 32 is lit in green and the full-color LED 31 is turned off in the normal monitoring state (FIG. 7(e)). When the surroundings of the alarm device 1 become dark in a normal monitoring state, the full-color LED 31 lights up in white (FIG. 7(f)). When the normal monitoring state changes to the alarm state, the full-color LED 31 lights up in red (FIG. 7(g)). Also in FIGS. 7(f) and 7(g), the full-color LED 31 lights up in green, indicating that it is in the energized state. When a power outage occurs, the full-color LED 32 turns off and the full-color LED 31 lights up in white (FIG. 7(h)).

In this way, when the two full-color LEDs 31 and 32 are used, an LED different from the one set for illumination serves as the energization indicator. The gas alarm display also serves as lighting. Since the lighting is set in the direction the user wants to illuminate, by matching the placement of the lighting and gas warning display, visibility can be improved and safety can be increased. In this way, the second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Further, by using full-color LEDs, the lighting arrangement can be changed without adding any LEDs, so the number of LEDs used can be reduced.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of parts of the alarm device according to the third embodiment, and the arrangement of the LEDs on the board 20 in the alarm device 1 is different from that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2). Note that illustration of the switch 21 is omitted. In the third embodiment, white lighting LEDs 41 to 44 are arranged at the center of each side of the board 20, and illuminate the upper, right, lower, and left sides of the alarm 1 in FIG. 8, respectively. Each of the illumination LEDs 41 to 44 may have directionality, for example as a sideways LED. Furthermore, an energization display LED 45 (green) and a gas alarm display LED 46 (red) are arranged at the center of the board 20 so as to be spaced apart from each other. The energization display LED 45 and the gas alarm display LED 46 can be provided with directionality as horizontal LEDs, for example, and can illuminate the sides of the alarm 1 (the left and right sides in FIG. 8). Furthermore, by providing through holes in the upper case 11 of the first embodiment at positions corresponding to the energization display LED 45 and the gas alarm display LED 46, each emitted light color (green, red) can be visually recognized from the top surface of the alarm 1. It may be possible. In this LED arrangement example as well, by operating a switch, the user can arbitrarily change the direction of illumination light depending on the installation environment of the alarm.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of installing an alarm according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9(a) shows an example in which the alarm device 1 is attached to the wall W1, and FIG. 9(b) shows an example of the lighting state of the LED. Since the alarm device 1 is attached to the side of the wall W2, even if the lighting LED 44 is turned on to illuminate the wall W2 side, the alarm device 1 cannot fully exhibit its function as a night light (emergency light). In this case, for example, by setting the illumination LED 42 at a position opposite to the wall W2 (a position not blocked by the wall W2), the function as a night light can be effectively used.

In this way, in the third embodiment as well, as in the first and second embodiments, the user can arbitrarily set the lighting direction according to the installation environment of the alarm device 1, so that the illumination light of the alarm device 1 can be adjusted as desired. Visibility can be optimized. In addition, by matching the set illumination direction and the gas alarm display direction, the visibility of the alarm display can be improved and safety can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of an alarm device according to the fourth embodiment, in which FIG. 10(a) is a plan view, FIG. 10(b) is a front view, and FIG. 10(c) is a side view. . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of component arrangement on a board within an alarm device according to the fourth embodiment. Regarding the alarm device 1A of the fourth embodiment, differences from the alarm device 1 of the first embodiment will be explained.

The alarm device 1A shown in FIG. 10 includes an upper case 11A (first surface), a lower case 12A (second surface, third surface), a light guide lens 13A (third surface), a gas detection port 14A, and a switch operation part 15A. , and a power cord (not shown). Further, the alarm device 1A accommodates a board 20A shown in FIG. 11 inside an upper case 11A and a lower case 12A that constitute a disc-shaped housing. The upper case 11A is a plate material having a circular shape when viewed from the front, and has a hole for the switch operation part 15A near the outer periphery (lower side in FIG. 1). The lower case 12A has a circular bottom wall when viewed from the front, a side wall surrounding the entire circumference of the bottom wall, is open at the top, and is configured to be able to fit into the upper case 11A. A gas detection port 14A is provided at one location on the side wall of the lower case 12A. Further, an insertion hole for a power cord (not shown) connected to a circuit on the board 20A is provided at one location on the side wall of the lower case 12A.

The light guiding lens 13A is an annular member having a circular shape when viewed from the front. The light guide lens 13A is arranged above the substrate 20A placed on the bottom wall of the lower case 12A, and its outer periphery is held between the lower case 12A and the upper case 11A.
The gas detection port 14A is an opening through which the surrounding atmosphere flows into the interior of the alarm device 1A, and is composed of a plurality of slits passing through the inside and outside of the lower case 12A.

The switch operation section 15A is an operation section for switching illumination, and when pressed (operated), the switch 21A on the board 20A is pressed down. The switch operation section 15A has the same function as the switch operation section 15 of the first embodiment.

Like the upper case 11A and the lower case 12A, the board 20A shown in FIG. 11 has a circular shape when viewed from the front, and includes full-color LEDs 47 and 48 at two locations near the outer periphery facing each other across the center of the circle. . The full-color LEDs 47 and 48 can realize all display functions such as energization display, alarm display, and lighting. The full-color LEDs 47 and 48 may be arranged at two places on both sides of the center line of the circle when the housing (upper case 11A) is viewed from the front, but according to the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, the full-color LEDs 47 and 48 You can increase the distance between them. Therefore, when each of the full-color LEDs 47 and 48 emits green light for energization indication and white light for illumination, by separating the two, it is possible to prevent the green light from becoming difficult to see due to the strong white light emitted. Thus, the visibility of the energization display can be maintained well.

The alarm device 1A is constructed by laminating a light guiding lens 13A on a substrate 20A placed on the bottom wall of a lower case 12A, further laminating an upper case 11A, and fitting it into the lower case 12A. . Light emitted from the full-color LED 47 arranged on the left side of the board 20A in FIG. 11 is led out from the left side of the alarm device 1A via the light guiding lens 13A. Further, the light emitted from the full-color LED 48 disposed on the right side of the board 20A in FIG. 11 is led out from the right side of the alarm device 1A via the light guide lens 13A. That is, the two full-color LEDs 47 and 48 (a plurality of light emitting parts) provided at separate positions in the alarm device 1A each illuminate different directions outside the housing from a part of the side surface of the alarm device 1A.

The full-color LEDs 47 and 48 of the fourth embodiment have the same functions as the full-color LEDs 31 and 32 of the second embodiment, and the same switching control is performed.

In this manner, in the fourth embodiment, of the two full-color LEDs 47 and 48, an LED other than the one set for illumination serves as the energization indicator. The gas alarm display also serves as lighting. Since the lighting is set in the direction that the user wants to illuminate, by matching the placement of the lighting and gas warning display, visibility can be improved and safety can be increased. In this way, the fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first and second embodiments. Further, even when the alarm 1A of the fourth embodiment is attached to the wall W1 as shown in FIG. 9(a), the full color LED 48 is set at a position opposite to the wall W2 (a position not blocked by the wall W2) This allows you to effectively use its function as a night light.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, size, numerical value, form, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited. For example, in the embodiment described above, an example of an alarm for LP gas was shown, but the alarm may also be an alarm that detects a city gas leak, a fire alarm that detects the occurrence of fire (smoke), etc. It's okay. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the lighting location of the lighting LED 22 is switched according to the duration of depression of the switch operation unit 15, but the lighting location is switched based on the number of depressions, not the duration of depression (operation duration). Good too.

Further, in the above description, an example was shown in which the arrangement of white light as illumination light is switched, but not only the arrangement but also the color may be settable by the user. As for colors, colors other than those for which the intended use is determined as a general rule, i.e., green for power indication, red for gas alarm indication, and yellow used for alarms with carbon monoxide detection function. If so, you can set the light bulb color, for example.

Here, the features of the alarm device according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [8].
[1] Housing (upper case 11, 11A, lower case 12, 12A),
A plurality of light emitting parts (LEDs 22a to 22d for illumination, 41 to 44, LEDs 23a to 23d for displaying energization) are located inside the casing and the light emitted toward the outside of the casing travels in different directions. , 45, gas alarm display LEDs 24a to 24d, 46, full color LEDs 31, 32, 47, 48),
an operating section (switch operating section 15, 15A, switch 21, 21A) for setting at least one of the plurality of light emitting sections as one to be used for a predetermined purpose;
An alarm device (1, 1A) comprising: a control unit that sets a direction illuminated by the selected at least one light emitting unit as an irradiation direction in accordance with the operation.
[2] A substrate (20, 20A) on which the plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at different positions,
The housing has a first surface (bottom wall of the lower case 12, 12A), a second surface (upper case 11, 12A) opposite to the first surface, and the first surface and the second surface. It has a third surface (side wall of lower case 12, 12A, light guide lens 13, 13A) that is bridged,
The substrate is located between the first surface and the second surface,
The alarm device according to [1] above, wherein the plurality of light emitting parts are irradiated outward from at least a portion of the third surface (light guide lenses 13, 13A).
[3] The control unit sets a direction in which the at least one light emitting unit illuminates as a direction to be used for the predetermined purpose, depending on the duration of the operation or the number of operations. The alarm device according to [1] or [2] above.
[4] The control unit selectively causes at least one corresponding light emitting unit to emit light each time the duration of the operation passes a predetermined time or each time the number of operations increases a predetermined number of times (S6, S9 , S12, S15)
The alarm device according to item [3] above.
[5] The control unit sets the selected at least one light emitting unit to be used for lighting normally, and to use it as an alarm when an abnormal state is detected. The alarm device according to any one of [1] to [4] above, characterized by:
[6] The casing has a box shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged on each side of the box shape, and the light emitted toward the outside of the housing travels in each of the up, down, left and right directions of the housing when viewed from the front. The alarm device according to any one of [1] to [5] above, characterized by:
[7] The casing has a box shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at adjacent corners of the box shape, and the light emitted toward the outside of the housing is directed from the center of the housing to each of the adjacent corners when viewed from the front. The alarm according to any one of [1] to [5] above, characterized in that the alarm moves in each direction toward.
[8] The casing has a disc shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at two places on both sides of a center line of a circle when the casing is viewed from the front, and the light emitted toward the outside of the casing is arranged at two places on both sides of the center line of the circle when the casing is viewed from the front. The alarm according to any one of [1] to [5] above, characterized in that the alarm moves in each direction away from the line.

1, 1A Alarm device 1a to 1d Side 11, 11A Upper case 12, 12A Lower case 13, 13A Light guide lens 14a, 14b, 14A Gas detection port 15, 15A Switch operation part 16 Power cord 20, 20A Board 21, 21A Switch 22, 22a-22d, 41-44 LED for lighting
23, 23a to 23d, 45 Power indicator LED
24, 24a to 24d, 46 Gas alarm display LED
31, 32, 47, 48 Full color LED

Claims (8)

A casing and
a plurality of light emitting units located inside the housing, in which light emitted toward the outside of the housing travels in mutually different directions;
an operation section that accepts an operation for selecting at least one of the plurality of light emitting sections;
and a control unit that switches the light emitting unit to be emitted so that the at least one selected light emitting unit emits light for use in a predetermined purpose in response to the operation. Features an alarm. comprising a substrate on which the plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at different positions,
The casing has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface bridging the first surface and the second surface,
The substrate is located between the first surface and the second surface,
The alarm according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting parts are irradiated outward from at least a portion of the third surface. The control unit controls the light emitting unit to emit light so that the at least one light emitting unit emits light in order to be used for the predetermined purpose, depending on the duration of the operation or the number of times the operation is performed. switch
The alarm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit selectively causes at least one corresponding light emitting unit to emit light each time the duration of the operation passes a predetermined time or each time the number of operations increases a predetermined number of times. The alarm device described in 3. The control unit causes the selected at least one light emitting unit to emit light in a first color , usually for illumination, and when an abnormal state is detected, a light emission unit emits light in a first color different from the first color as an alarm. Lights up in two colors
The alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The casing has a box shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged on each side of the box shape, and the light emitted toward the outside of the housing travels in each of the up, down, left and right directions of the housing when viewed from the front. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by: The casing has a box shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at adjacent corners of the box shape, and the light emitted toward the outside of the housing is directed from the center of the housing to each of the adjacent corners when viewed from the front. The alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the alarm moves in each direction toward. The casing has a disc shape,
The plurality of light emitting parts are arranged at two places on both sides of the center line of the circle when the casing is viewed from the front, and the light emitted toward the outside of the casing is arranged at two places on both sides of the center line of the circle when the casing is viewed from the front. The alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the alarm moves in each direction away from the line.

Images