WO2025047208A1 - Sensor and disaster prevention system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a sensor and a disaster prevention system whereby light is less likely to leak out into the interior of an enclosure. A sensor (1) is provided with an enclosure (2), a sensing unit (12), and a light source unit (16). The enclosure (2) is arranged on an installation surface of a structure. The sensing unit (12) is arranged in the interior of the enclosure (2). The light source unit (16) is arranged in the interior of the enclosure (2). The enclosure (2) comprises: a body (21) supporting the weight of the sensing unit (12) and the light source unit (16); and a cover section (22). The cover section (22) extends in a first orientation so as to be spaced apart from the installation surface to a greater degree than the body (21) is. The cover section (22) comprises a plurality of cover support sections (26), a bottom plate (27), and a light guide member (29). The plurality of cover support sections (26) extend in the first orientation from the body (21). The weight of the bottom plate (27) is supported at a distal end section of the plurality of cover support sections (26). An installation surface-side end surface of the light guide member (29) in a first direction serves as an entrance surface (291) for light from the light source unit (16). An end surface on the opposite side from the installation surface serves as an exit surface (292). A side surface (293) of the light guide member (29) is covered by the cover support section (26).

Description

Detectors and disaster prevention systems

This disclosure generally relates to a sensor and a disaster prevention system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a sensor having a housing and a detection unit and a disaster prevention system including the sensor.

Patent Document 1 discloses a sensor that includes a housing, a sensing unit, a protective member, and a light-emitting body. Light from the light-emitting body passes through the protective member, causing the protective member to glow overall. The protective member functions both to protect the sensing unit and as an indicator light. The protective member is an integrally molded product that includes a light-guiding unit that faces the light-emitting body, a pillar portion that extends from the light-guiding unit along the sensing unit, and an annular portion that is located at the tip of the pillar portion. The light-emitting body and light-guiding unit are located inside the housing, and the pillar portion and the annular portion are exposed to the outside of the housing.

JP 2022-152187 A

The light guide section, which is located inside the housing, is not covered by a cover or the like. As a result, some of the light emitted from the light-emitting section and entering the light guide section is emitted from the side of the light guide section into the space inside the housing. There is a risk that the light emitted into the space inside the housing may be visible through gaps in the housing, which could result in a poor appearance.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sensor and disaster prevention system that is less likely to leak light into the housing.

A sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a detection unit, and a light source unit. The housing is disposed on the installation surface of a structure. The detection unit is disposed inside the housing. The light source unit is disposed inside the housing. The housing has a main body that supports the weight of the detection unit and the light source unit, and a cover unit. The cover unit extends from the main body in a first direction away from the installation surface. The cover unit has a plurality of cover supports and a light guide member. The plurality of cover supports extend from the main body in the first direction. The light guide member extends in a first direction parallel to the first direction, and an end surface on the installation surface side is an entrance surface for light from the light source unit, and an end surface opposite the installation surface is an exit surface. A side surface of the light guide member is covered by the cover support portion.

A disaster prevention system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the sensor, a receiver, and a repeater. The receiver communicates with the sensor and receives the detection result from the detection unit. The repeater relays the communication between the sensor and the receiver.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sensor. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor as viewed obliquely from below. Fig. 5A is a plan view of the cover of the sensor, and Fig. 5B is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 5A. 6A and 6B are plan and side views of the bottom plate unit of the cover portion of the embodiment; 7A and 7B are plan and side views of the middle plate unit of the cover portion of the same. FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the assembly of the cover portion. FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the cover portion of the same. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the main body of the sensor. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the inside of the smoke detection unit of the detector. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a disaster prevention system including the above-mentioned sensor. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a sensor provided in the disaster prevention system. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a receiver provided in the disaster prevention system. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a repeater provided in the disaster prevention system.

The sensor of the present disclosure and the disaster prevention system including the sensor will be described with reference to the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

(1) Overview Below, an overview of the detector 1 and disaster prevention system 5 according to the present disclosure will be described.

The detector 1 according to the present disclosure is a disaster prevention device that issues an alert when it detects smoke or heat generated by a fire or the like. In other words, when smoke or heat is generated during a disaster such as a fire, the detector 1 detects this smoke or heat and issues an alert, for example, by outputting an alarm sound or linking with other devices via a communication function. The "disaster prevention device" referred to in this disclosure is, for example, a device that is installed in a facility for the purpose of preventing disasters such as fires, preventing the spread of damage caused by disasters, or recovering from disasters.

The detector 1 is installed and used in a facility. In this disclosure, an example is given of the detector 1 being used in a non-residential facility, such as a historical building, a hotel, an office building, a school, a welfare facility, a commercial facility, a theme park, a hospital, or a factory. Of course, this example is not limiting, and the detector 1 may also be used in a facility such as an apartment building or a detached house. The detector 1 is installed in the facility, for example, in a room, hallway, or staircase of the facility, attached to a ceiling or wall, etc.

1 to 4, the detector 1 comprises a housing 2, a detection unit 12, and a light source unit 16 (see FIG. 9). The housing 2 is disposed on the installation surface of the structure. The detection unit 12 is disposed inside the housing 2. The light source unit is disposed inside the housing 2. The housing 2 has a main body unit 21 and a cover unit 22. The main body unit 21 has a main body support unit 24 and a main body tube unit 25. The main body support unit 24 supports the weight of the detection unit 12 and the light source unit 16. The main body tube unit 25 surrounds the main body support unit 24 and extends in a first direction parallel to the first direction. The cover unit 22 extends in a first direction away from the installation surface from the main body unit 21. The cover unit 22 has a plurality of cover support units 26, a bottom plate 27, and a light-guiding member 29. The plurality of cover support units 26 extend from the main body unit 21 in the first direction. The weight of the bottom plate 27 is supported by the tips of the multiple cover supports 26. The light guide member 29 extends in the first direction, with the end face on the installation surface side being the entrance surface 291 of light from the light source unit 16, and the end face opposite the installation surface being the exit surface 292. The side surface 293 of the light guide member 29 is covered by the cover support 26.

As shown in Figs. 11 to 15, the disaster prevention system 5 includes a sensor 1, a receiver 6, and a repeater 7. The receiver 6 communicates with the sensor 1 and receives the detection results from the detection unit 12. The repeater 7 relays the communication between the sensor 1 and the receiver 6.

In the sensor 1 and disaster prevention system 5 disclosed herein, light is less likely to leak into the internal space 20 of the housing 2 of the sensor 1.

(2) Details (2-1) General Description Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the detector 1 and the disaster prevention system 5 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As an example, detector 1 is a smoke detector that detects smoke, and detector 1 will be described as being attached to the ceiling wall of a facility as a structural member. Hereinafter, when detector 1 is attached to the ceiling wall, the direction perpendicular (orthogonal) to the ceiling surface (the underside of the ceiling wall, hereinafter referred to as the installation surface) will be referred to as the "up-down direction." Arrows indicating the "up-down direction" in the drawings are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and have no substance. However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction of use (mounting direction) of detector 1.

(2-2) Sensor As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the sensor 1 includes a sensor base 11 attached to a structure, and a sensor body 10 (a housing 2, described in detail below) attached to the sensor base 11. The sensor body 10 is detachably attached to the sensor base 11. By attaching the sensor body 10 to the sensor base 11, the sensor body 10 is disposed on the installation surface of the structure.

The outer shell of the sensor 1 is formed by combining the housing 2 of the sensor main body 10 and the base cover 110 of the sensor base 11. The base cover 110 is fixed to the installation surface (here, the ceiling surface). However, strictly speaking, the base cover 110 is not directly fixed to the installation surface, but is indirectly fixed to the installation surface by being fixed to a mounting base (not shown) that is fixed to the installation surface.

(2-3) Sensor Base The sensor base 11 is attached to a structure, and the housing 2 is attached to it. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sensor base 11 includes a base cover 110 that forms the outer shell of the sensor 1. The base cover 110 has an upper wall 111 and a side wall 112, and forms the sensor base 11. The upper wall 111 is a plate that is circular in plan view. That is, the upper wall 111 in this embodiment is a plate that has an annular shape in plan view.

The side wall 112 is cylindrical and extends downward from the periphery of the top wall 111. The top wall 111 and the side wall 112 are integrally formed. The top wall 111 constitutes the top wall of the outer shell of the sensor 1. Hereinafter, the term "top wall" refers not only to the top wall 111 of the base cover 110 but also to the top wall of the sensor 1.

The side wall 112 is provided with a mounting portion 113 to which the sensor body 10 is attached.

(2-4) Sensor Body The sensor body 10 includes a housing 2, a detection unit 12, a sound output unit 15, and a light source unit 16 (see FIG. 9 ). The housing 2 constitutes the outer shell of the sensor 1. In this embodiment, the sensor 1 further includes a battery 17, but the battery 17 is an optional configuration and does not have to be included in the sensor 1.

(2-5) Housing The housing 2 is placed on the installation surface of the structure. As described above, the housing 2 is placed on the installation surface of the structure via the sensor base 11. The housing 2 has a circular shape in a plan view. The housing 2 is a molded product made of resin. The housing 2 has a main body portion 21, a cover portion 22, and a rear cover portion 23.

(2-6) Main Body and Rear Cover The main body 21 has a main body support section 24 and a main body cylinder section 25. The main body support section 24 supports the weight of the detection section 12, the sound output section 15, the light source section 16, and the board 18 (circuit board). The main body support section 24 is composed of a member that is generally disk-shaped in a plan view.

Here, the direction away from the installation surface is defined as the first direction. That is, the first direction away from the installation surface is the direction of the normal to the installation surface, and since the installation surface is the ceiling surface, in this embodiment the first direction is downward (particularly, vertically downward). Also, the direction parallel to the first direction (the direction extending in the first direction and in the opposite direction) is defined as the first direction. Hereinafter, the first direction will be simply referred to as the up-down direction.

The main body tube portion 25 is composed of a tubular (particularly cylindrical) member that surrounds the main body support portion 24 and extends in the vertical direction. The main body tube portion 25 covers the outside of the main body support portion 24 and the devices (detection portion 12, sound output portion 15, and light source portion 16) whose weight is supported by the main body support portion 24. The main body support portion 24 and the main body tube portion 25 are formed integrally.

The lower end of the main body tube portion 25 is formed with a lower mounting portion 251 to which the cover portion 22 is detachably attached.

The upper end of the rear cover part 23 is provided with an attachment part 231 for removably attaching to the sensor base 11. The rear cover part 23 is attached to the main body part 21 with screws 19.

(2-7) Cover Section The cover section 22 extends in a first direction (downward) from the main body section 21. The cover section 22 covers the lower surface of the main body section 21 so that it is not exposed downward. The cover section 22 has a plurality of cover support sections 26, a middle plate 28, a bottom plate 27, and a light guiding member 29. The cover section 22 has a first opening 203 that communicates a first space 201 (described later) with an external space. The cover section 22 also has a second opening 204 that communicates a second space 202 (described later) with an external space.

(2-7-1) Cover support parts, mid plate, bottom plate The multiple cover support parts 26 extend in a first direction (downward) from the main body part 21. The multiple cover support parts 26 support the weight of the mid plate 28 at their intermediate parts in the up-down direction. The multiple cover support parts 26 also support the weight of the bottom plate 27 at their distal parts in the up-down direction. That is, the cover support parts 26 support the mid plate 28 and the bottom plate 27 by suspending them.

The bottom plate 27 forms the underside of the sensor body 10 (sensor 1). The bottom plate 27 has a circular shape in a plan view.

The middle plate 28 divides the space between the lower surface of the main body 21 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 27 (the internal space 20 of the cover 22) in the vertical direction. The middle plate 28 has a circular shape similar to that of the bottom plate 27 in a plan view. The space between the bottom plate 27 and the middle plate 28, i.e., the space below the middle plate 28 in the internal space 20, is defined as the first space 201. The space between the middle plate 28 and the main body 21, i.e., the space above the middle plate 28 in the internal space 20, is defined as the second space 202. The length L1 in the first direction of the first space 201 is longer than the length L2 in the first direction of the second space 202 (see FIG. 1).

The middle plate 28 and bottom plate 27 extend in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (horizontal direction).

The first space 201 is open to the external space on the side (towards the atmosphere) except for the portion where the cover support part 26 is arranged, and the portion that connects the first space 201 to the external space is referred to as the first opening 203. The second space 202 is open to the external space on the side (towards the atmosphere) except for the portion where the cover support part 26 is arranged, and the portion that connects the second space 202 to the external space is referred to as the second opening 204.

The middle plate 28 has a sound output hole 281 that connects the first space 201 and the second space 202. The sound output hole 281 is a hole (opening) for propagating the sound emitted from the sound output unit 15 and propagated to the second space 202 to the first space 201. The sound propagated to the first space 201 via the sound output hole 281 propagates from the first opening 203 to the external space. The second space 202 has an enclosure wall 267 that surrounds the sound output path from the sound output unit 15 to the sound output hole 281. The enclosure wall 267 will be described later.

(2-7-2) Bottom Plate Unit, Middle Plate Unit As shown in Figures 3 to 5B, in this embodiment, the cover portion 22 has a bottom plate unit 41 and a middle plate unit 40. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the bottom plate unit 41 has an upper frame portion 42, a first portion 261 of the cover support portion 26, a middle frame portion 43, and a bottom plate 27.

The upper frame 42 has a circular ring shape in plan view that is the same as the main body tube 25. The upper frame 42 is formed with a main body attachment portion 421 that is detachably attached to the lower attachment portion 251 formed at the lower end of the main body tube 25.

The first portion 261 of the cover support portion 26 constitutes the portion of the cover support portion 26 that is on the outer side when viewed from the center of the cover portion 22 in a plan view. As the first portion 261, a plurality of first portions 261 are formed around the center of the cover portion 22 (in the circumferential direction) in a plan view. In this embodiment, each of the eight first portions 261 is positioned at 45° intervals in the circumferential direction. The first portions 261 are formed integrally with the upper frame portion 42 so as to protrude downward from the upper frame portion 42.

The middle frame portion 43 has a circular ring shape in plan view that is the same shape as the upper frame portion 42. The weight of the inner edge of the middle frame portion 43 in plan view is supported by the middle portion of the first portion 261 in the vertical direction. The middle frame portion 43 is positioned at the same position (i.e., the same height) as the middle plate 28 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the middle frame portion 43 is positioned outside the middle plate 28 when viewed from the center of the cover portion 22 in plan view.

The bottom plate 27 is supported by being suspended from the lower end of the first portion 261. More specifically, the upper surface of the peripheral portion of the bottom plate 27 is connected to the lower end of the first portion 261 and is supported by being suspended from the first portion 261. The upper frame portion 42, the first portion 261, the middle frame portion 43 and the bottom plate 27 that constitute the bottom plate unit 41 are integrally formed. Details of the first portion 261 will be described later.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the middle plate unit 40 has the second portion 262 of the cover support portion 26 and the middle plate 28. The second portion 262 of the cover support portion 26 constitutes the portion of the cover support portion 26 that is on the inside when viewed from the center of the cover portion 22 in a plan view. As the second portion 262, a plurality of second portions 262 are formed in the circumferential direction when viewed from the plan view. In this embodiment, each of the eight second portions 262 is located at 45° intervals in the circumferential direction. The second portions 262 are formed integrally with the upper frame portion 42 so as to protrude downward from the upper frame portion 42. Details of the second portions 262 will be described later.

The weight of the outer edge of the middle plate 28 in plan view is supported by the middle part of the second part 262 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the second part 262 is positioned within the outer periphery of the middle plate 28 in plan view. The middle plate 28 is positioned at the same position as the middle frame in the up-down direction. Also, the middle plate 28 is positioned inside the middle frame when viewed from the center of the cover part 22 in plan view.

5A, 5B, and 8, the light guide member 29 is configured by a member extending in the first direction. The light guide member 29 is formed of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin, but may be made of a material other than resin such as glass, and the material of the light guide member 29 is not limited. The light guide member 29 has a rectangular shape in a cross section (horizontal cross section) perpendicular to the up-down direction.

In this embodiment, a plurality of light-guiding members 29 are provided in the circumferential direction of the housing 2. Specifically, two light-guiding members 29 are each arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer edge of the housing 2, that is, at opposing positions in the circumferential direction.

The end face of the light-guiding member 29 on the installation surface side (upper side in this embodiment) becomes the incident surface 291 of the light emitted from the light source unit 16. The end face of the light-guiding member 29 on the opposite side to the installation surface (lower side in this embodiment) becomes the exit surface 292 of the light that enters the inside of the light-guiding member 29. The surface of the light-guiding member 29 other than the incident surface 291 and the exit surface 292 becomes the side surface 293 of the light-guiding member 29. The light that enters the inside of the light-guiding member 29 from the incident surface 291 travels toward the exit surface 292 while being reflected by the side surface 293 of the light-guiding member 29, and most of the light exits from the exit surface 292. A portion of the light that enters the inside of the light-guiding member 29 from the incident surface 291 exits from the side surface 293.

The incident surface 291 and the exit surface 292 are not covered by any other members and are exposed. As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the exit surface 292 is exposed downward through a light guide hole 271 formed in the bottom plate 27.

The side surface 293 of the light-guiding member 29 is covered by the cover support portion 26. In this embodiment, the cover support portion 26 has a first portion 261 and a second portion 262, and the light-guiding member 29 is disposed between the first portion 261 and the second portion 262.

The first part 261 has a first cover 263 that covers the outward facing surface 294 of the four side surfaces 293 of the rectangular light guide member 29 in a plan view. The second part 262 has a second cover 264 that covers the inward facing surface 295 and the two circumferential facing surfaces 296 of the four side surfaces 293 of the rectangular light guide member 29 in a plan view. The internal space 20 of the second cover 264 becomes the storage space for the light guide member 29. The storage space for the light guide member 29 is open upward and downward, and the entrance surface 291 and the exit surface 292 of the light guide member 29 are not covered by the second part 262. However, all four side surfaces 293 of the light guide member 29 are covered by the cover support 26. This prevents a portion of the light emitted from the side surface 293 of the light guide member 29 from being irradiated into the housing 2 and leaking out of the housing 2.

The light guide member 29 has an attachment portion 297 that protrudes from the surrounding portion on a part of the side surface 293. The second portion 262 of the middle plate unit 40 has a groove portion 266 into which the attachment portion 297 can be inserted. The attachment portion 297 of the light guide member 29 is inserted into the groove portion 266 of the second portion 262. Specifically, a rod-shaped attachment portion 297 that protrudes in the circumferential direction is provided on one of the two circumferential faces of the light guide member 29. The second portion 262 is integrally provided with a groove member 265 having an internal groove portion 266 that accommodates the attachment portion 297 and protrudes in the circumferential direction. As a result, although the second portion 262 does not have a portion that supports the lower surface (emission surface 292) of the light guide member 29, the lower surface of the attachment portion 297 of the light guide member 29 can be supported by the inner surface of the groove member 265.

(2-8) Detection Unit As shown in Figures 3, 4, 9, and 10, the detection unit 12 is disposed inside the housing 2. In this embodiment, the detector 1 has, as the detection unit 12, a smoke detection unit 13 and a heat detection unit 14.

(2-9) Smoke Detection Unit The smoke detection unit 13 is disposed inside the housing 2. Specifically, the smoke detection unit 13 is disposed in the second space 202. As shown in FIG. 11 , the smoke detection unit 13 has a detection cover 131. The detection cover 131 is tubular with a bottom and has a bottom wall 132. The bottom wall 132 is a plate member that is approximately circular in a plan view. In other words, the detection cover 131 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The lower end of the smoke detection unit 13 is inserted into a smoke detection unit hole 283 (see FIG. 3 ) formed in the middle plate 28.

The smoke detection space 130 is a space surrounded by a detection cover 131 inside the housing 2. The smoke detection unit 13 is disposed inside the housing 2 and detects smoke in the smoke detection space 130. The smoke detection unit 13 has a light-emitting unit 134 and a light-receiving unit 135, and is of a photoelectric type. In this disclosure, "photoelectric type" refers to a method of detecting smoke using the light-emitting unit 134 and the light-receiving unit 135 based on changes in the amount of light reflected by smoke in the smoke detection space 130 or light passing through the smoke detection space 130. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 134 outputs light toward the smoke detection space 130. The light-receiving unit 135 is disposed in a position where direct light from the light-emitting unit 134 is not incident, and where scattered light from the smoke in the smoke detection space 130 is incident. As a result, when there is no smoke in the smoke detection space 130, the light receiving unit 135 does not receive the light output from the light emitting unit 134, and when there is smoke in the smoke detection space 130, the light receiving unit 135 receives the light output from the light emitting unit 134 and scattered by the smoke (scattered light). Therefore, the detector 1 can detect smoke present in the smoke detection space 130 depending on the light receiving state of the light receiving unit 135. Also, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 135 changes depending on, for example, the concentration of smoke in the smoke detection space 130 and the type of smoke (white smoke, black smoke, etc.). The light receiving unit 135 outputs an output signal corresponding to the amount of light received to the control circuit 181 of the board 18.

The detection cover 131 has multiple inlets 133 through which smoke can flow into the interior of the detection cover 131 (i.e., the smoke detection space 130). Therefore, smoke can flow into the smoke detection space 130 from the outside of the detection cover 131 through the multiple inlets 133.

In this embodiment, a labyrinth structure 136 is provided inside the detection cover 131. The labyrinth structure 136 is an assembly of multiple small pieces arranged in a circular ring shape around the circumference of the detection cover 131 inside the detection cover 131 to surround the smoke detection space 130. The labyrinth structure 136 makes it possible for smoke to be taken into the smoke detection space 130 from the outside of the detection cover 131 through the gaps between the multiple small pieces.

9, the detector 1 has a substrate 18 (circuit board) and a plurality of electronic components including switches. The plurality of electronic components are mounted on the substrate 18. The light-emitting unit 134 and the light-receiving unit 135 of the smoke detector 13 are electrically connected to the conductor portion of the substrate 18.

The substrate 18 includes a control circuit 181 (see FIG. 13) that is composed of multiple electronic components. The control circuit 181 is provided on the substrate 18 and controls the light emitting unit 134, the light receiving unit 135, etc., and drives at least the light emitting unit 134 and performs signal processing on the output signal of the light receiving unit 135. In signal processing, the control circuit 181 judges the presence or absence of smoke in the smoke detection space 130 by comparing the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 135 (the magnitude of the output signal) with a threshold value. If the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 135 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control circuit 181 judges that smoke of a certain concentration or more is present in the smoke detection space 130. If the control circuit 181 judges that smoke of a certain concentration or more is present in the smoke detection space 130, it outputs an electrical signal to an output unit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the conductor of the substrate 18 to drive the output unit.

(2-11) Heat Detection Unit As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the heat detection unit 14 is disposed inside the housing 2. Specifically, the heat detection unit 14 is disposed in the first space 201. A temperature sensor serving as the heat detection unit 14 is electrically connected to the conductor of the substrate 18. The temperature sensor is, for example, a lead-type thermistor that detects the heat of the gas that has flowed in from the first opening 203. The temperature sensor is connected to the underside of the substrate 18. Specifically, the lead wire of the temperature sensor extends into the first space 201 through a lead wire insertion hole 282 formed in the middle plate 28, and the temperature sensor connected to the tip of the lead wire is located in the first space 201.

(2-12) Sound Output Unit The sound output unit 15 is disposed inside the housing 2. Specifically, the sound output unit 15 is electrically connected to the conductor portion of the substrate 18.

The sound output unit 15 receives an electrical signal from the control circuit 181 and outputs sound. That is, the detector 1 outputs sound from the sound output unit 15 when the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 135 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The sound output unit 15 is realized by a speaker or buzzer that converts an electrical signal into sound. Specifically, the sound output unit 15 is electrically connected to the conductor portion of the substrate 18.

The sound emitted from the sound output unit 15 propagates into the second space 202, but because the sound output path from the sound output unit 15 to the sound output hole 281 is surrounded by the surrounding wall 267, the sound propagated into the second space 202 is unlikely to exit through the second opening 204. The sound that propagates into the second space 202 and reaches the sound output hole 281 propagates through the sound output hole 281 into the first space 201, and exits from the first opening 203 to the outside of the housing 2.

When sound is emitted from the first opening 203 to the outside of the housing 2, the sound pressure below the bottom plate 27 is higher than when sound is emitted from the second opening 204 to the outside of the housing 2. One reason for this is that when sound is emitted from the second opening 204 to the outside of the housing 2, part of the sound that has been emitted from the second opening 204 to the outside of the housing 2 enters the first space 201 from the first opening 203, and then exits from the first opening 203 again. It is thought that this part of the sound that again exits from the first opening 203 is offset by part of the sound that exits from the second opening 204, resulting in a lower sound pressure below the bottom plate 27.

Furthermore, the surrounding wall 267 has a longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction of the surrounding wall 267 extends toward the smoke detection unit 3. The surrounding wall 267 functions as a guide that guides the smoke that has flowed into the second space 202 to the smoke detection unit 3.

9, the light source unit 16 is disposed inside the housing 2. A light-emitting element constituting the light source unit 16 is electrically connected to the conductor portion of the substrate 18. The light-emitting element is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is mounted on the lower surface side of the substrate 18 so as to be capable of emitting light downward.

12 , a disaster prevention system 5 includes a sensor 1, a receiver 6, and a repeater 7. The receiver 6 communicates with the sensor 1 and receives the detection result by the detection unit 12. The repeater 7 relays the communication between the sensor 1 and the receiver 6.

In this embodiment, the receiver 6 and the repeater 7 are connected by a two-wire transmission line 51. The receiver 6 and the repeater 7 communicate with each other via a wired connection via the transmission line 51. However, the disaster prevention system 5 may be configured so that the receiver 6 and the repeater 7 communicate with each other via wireless communication via radio waves.

The disaster prevention system 5 of this embodiment includes multiple repeaters 7 (three in the illustrated example). In addition, multiple sensors 1 are registered to each of the multiple repeaters 7.

The multiple repeaters 7 communicate wirelessly with the sensor 1 on different channels. Therefore, each sensor 1 communicates wirelessly only with its corresponding repeater 7 among the multiple repeaters 7.

(3-1) Configuration of the Receiver As shown in FIG. 14, the receiver 6 includes a communication unit 61, a display unit 62, an operation unit 63, an audio input unit 64, an audio output unit 65, a processing unit 66, and a memory unit 67.

The communication unit 61 has a communication interface for wired communication that is connected to the transmission line 51. The communication unit 61 is connected to multiple repeaters 7 via the transmission line 51.

The display unit 62 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel display, an indicator light, a seven-segment display, etc. The display unit 62 is capable of displaying various types of information.

The operation unit 63 is equipped with various devices that accept operations by the user (facility manager) of the disaster prevention system 5.

The audio input unit 64 accepts input of sounds from the surrounding environment.

The sound output unit 65 is equipped with, for example, a speaker, and outputs various sounds. For example, when the sound output unit 65 receives a fire signal from the detector 1, it outputs an artificial voice or a beep sound recorded in memory.

The memory unit 67 stores various information. The memory unit 67 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

The processing unit 66 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories.

The processing unit 66 controls the operation of the receiver 6.

The processing unit 66 receives a fire signal from the detector 1 via the repeater 7. In other words, the processing unit 66 controls the communication unit 61 to communicate with the detector 1 and receive the disaster detection results.

If the processing unit 66 detects an abnormality in the detector 1, it causes the display unit 62 and sound output unit 65 to issue an alert.

(3-2) Configuration of the Repeater As shown in FIG. 15, the repeater 7 includes a first communication unit 71, a second communication unit 72, a storage unit 73, and a processing unit 74.

The first communication unit 71 has a communication interface for wireless communication with an external device (sensor 1). The first communication unit 71 has an antenna, a communication circuit, etc.

The second communication unit 72 has a communication interface for wired communication that is connected to the transmission line 51. The second communication unit 72 is connected to the receiver 6 via the transmission line 51.

The storage unit 73 stores various information. The storage unit 73 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, RAM, or EEPROM.

The processing unit 74 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories.

The processing unit 74 controls the operation of the repeater 7. In other words, the processing unit 74 controls the operation of the first communication unit 71, the second communication unit 72, and the memory unit 73.

The processing unit 74 controls the first communication unit 71 and the second communication unit 72 to receive a fire signal from a registered detector 1 and transmit the received fire signal to the receiver 6.

In addition, the processing unit 74 of this embodiment controls the first communication unit 71 and the second communication unit 72 to receive abnormality information from the detector 1 and transmit the received abnormality information to the receiver 6.

In addition, the processing unit 74 of this embodiment controls the first communication unit 71 and the second communication unit 72 to receive a command signal from the receiver 6 and transmit the received command signal to the detector 1.

(3-3) Configuration of the detector As shown in FIG. 13, the detector 1 includes a detection unit 12, a communication unit 81, a memory unit 82, an operation unit 83, an alarm unit 84 (sound output unit 15 in this embodiment), and a processing unit 85.

The communication unit 81 has a communication interface for wireless communication with another device (repeater 7 or another sensor 1).

The memory unit 82 stores various information. The memory unit 82 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, RAM, or EEPROM.

The operation unit 83 accepts operation input by the user. The operation unit 83 is equipped with operation buttons and the like that are operated by the user. In this embodiment, the operation buttons include a notification button. When the notification button is pressed by the user, the detector 1 notifies the user of its own identification information.

The notification unit 84 notifies various information in response to control by the notification control unit 88 of the processing unit 85. When the disaster detection unit 86 detects the occurrence of a disaster, the notification unit 84 notifies the occurrence of the disaster.

In this embodiment, the alarm unit 84 includes a speaker. When the disaster detection unit 86 detects the occurrence of a disaster, the alarm unit 84 in this embodiment outputs a sound to notify the occurrence of a disaster. The sound to notify the occurrence of a disaster includes a voice to notify the occurrence of a disaster and an alarm sound. Furthermore, when the abnormality detection unit 87 detects an abnormality, the alarm unit 84 in this embodiment outputs a sound to notify the identification information. Because the alarm unit 84 notifies the identification information by sound, it is easier for the user to identify the detector 1 in which an abnormality is occurring.

The processing unit 85 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories.

The processing unit 85 controls the operation of the sensor 1.

The processing unit 85 has a disaster detection unit 86, an abnormality detection unit 87, and an alarm control unit 88.

The disaster detection unit 86 determines whether a disaster such as a fire has occurred based on the physical quantity (or the change in the physical quantity) detected by the detection unit 12.

The abnormality detection unit 87 detects abnormalities related to the detector 1.

The abnormality detection unit 87 of this embodiment determines whether the resistance value of the thermistor in the detection unit 12 is within a predetermined range, and detects an abnormality if the resistance value of the thermistor is not within the predetermined range.

The notification control unit 88 controls the operation of the notification unit 84. In this embodiment, the notification control unit 88 causes the notification unit 84 to notify the identification information when the abnormality detection unit 87 detects an abnormality and receives a command signal from the receiver 6 via the repeater 7.

(3-4) Operation of Disaster Prevention System Next, the operation of the disaster prevention system 5 will be described.

When detector 1 detects an abnormality concerning itself, it transmits the abnormality information to repeater 7. When repeater 7 receives the abnormality information, it transmits the received abnormality information to receiver 6. When receiver 6 receives the abnormality information from repeater 7, it detects that an abnormality has occurred in detector 1 corresponding to the identification information contained in the abnormality information. Receiver 6 transmits a command signal to repeater 7 to cause detector 1 in which an abnormality has occurred to issue an alert. When repeater 7 receives a command signal from receiver 6, it transmits the received command signal to detector 1 that transmitted the abnormality information. When detector 1 receives the command signal, it reports its own identification number.

Detector 1 periodically checks whether it is alive or not with repeater 7. Sensor 1 sends a confirmation signal to repeater 7. Repeater 7 does not receive a confirmation signal from sensor 1, so it does not send a response signal to sensor 1. Sensor 1 does not receive a response signal even after a specified time has passed since it sent the confirmation signal, so it detects a communication abnormality.

As described above, the receiver 6 periodically checks whether the detector 1 is alive or not with the repeater 7. The receiver 6 transmits a confirmation signal to the repeater 7. When the repeater 7 receives the confirmation signal from the receiver 6, it transmits a response signal to the receiver 6. Here, since the repeater 7 is unable to confirm whether the detector 1 is alive or not, it transmits a response signal including identification information of the detector 1 whose aliveness has not been confirmed to the receiver 6. When the receiver 6 receives the response signal, it detects a communication abnormality in the detector 1 based on the identification information included in the response signal. The receiver 6 then reports the location within the facility where the detector 1 whose aliveness has not been confirmed is installed.

The alarm from detector 1 lets the user know that an abnormality has occurred in detector 1 and where in the facility detector 1 is installed. The user goes to the location where detector 1 is installed and performs a specified operation on operation unit 83. When detector 1 accepts the specified operation on operation unit 83, it alarms its own identification information. Based on the alarm from detector 1, the user can know which detector 1 is experiencing an abnormality.

(4) Modifications The sensor 1 has been described as including the sensor body 10 and the sensor base 11 , but the sensor 1 does not have to include the sensor base 11 .

The housing 2 is not limited to being a molded product made of resin. In other words, the material of the housing 2 is not limited to resin and may be, for example, metal.

The shape of the base cover 110 does not have to be circular in a plan view, and is not particularly limited. The shape of the main body 21 does not have to be circular in a plan view, and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the main body 21 does not have to be plate-shaped, and is, for example, frame-shaped, and is not particularly limited.

The base cover 110 may be fixed directly to the installation surface. In this case, a mounting base fixed to the installation surface is not required.

The length of the first space 201 in the first direction may be the same as the length of the second space 202 in the first direction, or may be shorter than the length of the second space 202 in the first direction.

At least a portion of the smoke detection unit 13 may be disposed in the second space 202. For example, a portion of the inlet 133 of the smoke detection unit 13 may be disposed in the second space 202.

The middle plate 28 and bottom plate 27 do not have to extend strictly in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (horizontal direction).

The cross-sectional shape of the light-guiding member 29 does not have to be rectangular and is not particularly limited.

The number of light-guiding members 29 does not have to be four and is not particularly limited.

The temperature sensor that constitutes the heat detection unit 14 may be, for example, a thermocouple, and is not limited to a thermistor.

The light emitting elements that make up the light source unit 16 are not limited to LEDs.

Light emitted from one light source unit 16 may enter through the incident surfaces 291 of multiple light-guiding members 29.

Furthermore, a sound output hole may be formed in the bottom plate 27, and a surrounding wall may be provided in the first space 201 to surround the sound path from the sound output hole 281 formed in the middle plate 28 to the sound output hole formed in the bottom plate 27.

(summary)
The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

The sensor (1) of the first aspect comprises a housing (2), a detection unit (12), and a light source unit (16). The housing (2) is arranged on the installation surface of the structure. The detection unit (12) is arranged inside the housing (2). The light source unit (16) is arranged inside the housing (2). The housing (2) has a main body unit (21) that supports the weight of the detection unit (12) and the light source unit (16), and a cover unit (22). The cover unit (22) extends in a first direction away from the installation surface from the main body unit (21). The cover unit (22) has a plurality of cover support units (26) and a light-guiding member (29). The plurality of cover support units (26) extend in a first direction from the main body unit (21). The light guide member (29) extends in a first direction parallel to the first orientation, and the end face on the installation surface side is the incident surface (291) of light from the light source unit (16), and the end face opposite the installation surface is the exit surface (292). The side surface (293) of the light guide member (29) is covered by the cover support portion (26).

According to the first aspect, the light emitted from the light source unit (16) is less likely to leak into the internal space (20) of the housing (2).

In the second embodiment of the detector (1), in the first embodiment, the cover portion (22) has a bottom plate unit (41) and a middle plate unit (40). The bottom plate unit (41) has a bottom plate (27) whose weight is supported by the tip portions of the multiple cover supports (26), and a first portion (261) of the cover supports (26). The middle plate unit (40) has a middle plate (28) whose weight is supported by the middle portions of the multiple cover supports (26), and a second portion (262) of the cover supports (26). The light guide member (29) is disposed between the first portion (261) and the second portion (262).

According to the second aspect, the light-guiding member (29) is covered by two members, the first portion (261) and the second portion (262), making it easy to cover the light-guiding member (29).

In the third embodiment of the sensor (1), in the second embodiment, the light-guiding member (29) has an attachment portion (297) that protrudes from the surrounding portion at a portion of the side surface (293). The second portion (262) has a groove portion (266) into which the attachment portion (297) can be inserted. The attachment portion (297) is inserted into the groove portion (266).

According to the third aspect, when the light-guiding member (29) is attached to the middle plate unit (40), the mounting portion (297) of the light-guiding member (29) is supported by the inner surface of the groove member (265), and the light-guiding member (29) does not fall off the middle plate unit (40).

In the fourth embodiment of the sensor (1), in any of the first to third embodiments, a plurality of light-guiding members (29) are provided around the housing (2) in the first direction.

According to the fourth aspect, a single sensor (1) can be provided with multiple light-guiding members (29).

In the fifth aspect of the sensor (1), in any of the first to fourth aspects, the sensor (1) is attached to a structure and further includes a sensor base (11) to which the housing (2) is attached.

The fifth aspect makes it easy to attach the sensor (1) to a structure.

A disaster prevention system (5) of a sixth aspect includes a sensor (1) of any one of the first to fifth aspects, a receiver (6), and a repeater (7). The receiver (6) communicates with the sensor (1) and receives the detection result from the detection unit (12). The repeater (7) relays the communication between the sensor (1) and the receiver (6).

According to the sixth aspect, the light emitted from the light source unit (16) is less likely to leak into the internal space (20) of the housing (2).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Sensor 11 Sensor base 12 Detection section 16 Light source section 2 Housing 21 Main body section 22 Cover section 24 Main body support section 25 Main body cylinder section 26 Cover support section 261 First section 262 Second section 266 Groove section 27 Bottom plate 28 Middle plate
29 Light guide member 291 Incident surface 292 Exit surface 293 Side surface 297 Mounting portion 40 Middle plate unit 41 Bottom plate unit 5 Disaster prevention system 6 Receiver 7 Repeater

Claims (6)

A housing to be placed on an installation surface of the structure;
A detection unit disposed inside the housing;
A light source unit is disposed inside the housing,
The housing includes:
a main body portion supporting the weight of the detection portion and the light source portion;
a cover portion extending from the main body portion in a first direction away from the installation surface,
The cover portion is
a plurality of cover support portions extending in the first direction from the main body portion;
a light guiding member extending in a first direction parallel to the first orientation, the light guiding member having an end surface on the installation surface side that serves as an incident surface of light from the light source unit and an end surface opposite to the installation surface that serves as an exit surface of light,
A side surface of the light guide member is covered by the cover support portion.
Sensor. The cover portion is
a bottom plate unit including a bottom plate whose weight is supported by tip portions of the plurality of cover supports and a first portion of each of the plurality of cover supports;
a mid-plate unit including a mid-plate whose weight is supported by intermediate portions of the plurality of cover supports and second portions of the plurality of cover supports;
The light guide member is disposed between the first portion and the second portion.
2. The detector of claim 1. the light guide member has an attachment portion protruding from a surrounding portion of the side surface,
the second portion has a groove into which the mounting portion can be inserted,
The mounting portion is inserted into the groove.
3. The detector of claim 2. A plurality of the light guide members are provided around the housing in the first direction.
A detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a sensor base attached to the structure and to which the housing is attached;
A detector according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
a receiver that communicates with the sensor to receive a detection result from the detection unit;
a repeater that repeats the communication between the sensor and the receiver;
Equipped with
Disaster prevention system.

Images