JP7817958B2 - sound equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an acoustic device configured for acoustic testing.

Automatic fire alarm systems are available that are equipped with receivers, transmitters, repeaters, acoustic devices, sensors, etc., and protect people inside buildings and other fire-prevention targets from fires (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In automatic fire alarm systems, the sensors detect heat or smoke and send a fire signal to the receiver. Upon receiving the fire signal, the receiver issues an alarm and activates the acoustic device depending on the location of the fire, informing people inside the fire-prevention target of the occurrence of a fire.

Nohmi Bosai Co., Ltd. website, Automatic Fire Alarm System (URL: https://www.nohmi.co.jp/product/materiel/fid.html)

Such automatic fire alarm systems are subject to installation standards set according to the purpose and scale of the fire protection target, and there is also an obligation to conduct regular statutory inspections. The emergency bell (sounding unit) installed in the sound device included in the automatic fire alarm system is subject to statutory inspections, including a check of sound operation once every six months and a check of sound operation and sound pressure once a year.

When conducting sound testing to check the sound and sound pressure of sound-generating components, consideration must be given to facility users, so work that produces noise is often done at night or on holidays. Therefore, in order to ensure a healthy working environment for inspectors and reduce overtime, it is highly desirable to relax the time constraints for conducting sound testing and reduce the amount of work done at night and on holidays.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an acoustic device that can alleviate time constraints when conducting sound testing.

The acoustic device according to the present disclosure comprises a main body having a motor, a sounding unit, and a sounding mechanism, and the sounding mechanism is driven by applying a drive voltage to the motor from the outside, causing the sounding unit to vibrate, and the acoustic device further comprises a sound suppression unit that is placed in contact with the sounding unit when a sounding test is performed to check the sound , and the sound suppression unit comprises sound-absorbing material that suppresses the vibration of the sounding unit when the sounding mechanism is driven , making it possible to check the sound for any disconnection or operational abnormalities while suppressing the volume .
In addition, the acoustic device according to the present disclosure comprises a main body having a motor, a sounding unit, and a sounding mechanism, and the sounding mechanism is driven by applying a drive voltage to the motor from the outside, causing the sounding unit to vibrate, and the acoustic device further comprises a sound suppression unit that is placed in contact with the sounding unit when a sounding test is performed, the sound suppression unit having sound-absorbing material that suppresses the vibration of the sounding unit when the sounding mechanism is driven, the sound suppression unit being capable of measuring the impact energy caused by the vibration of the sounding unit when the sounding mechanism is driven, and further comprises an operation confirmation circuit that determines whether the main body is normal or not based on the magnitude of the impact energy.

This disclosure makes it possible to obtain an acoustic device that can alleviate time constraints when conducting a sound test.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an automatic fire alarm system including an acoustic device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an acoustic device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 1 is a functional block diagram of an audio device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a flowchart showing a series of processes in a sound confirmation method for a sound device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the acoustic device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
The acoustic device according to the present disclosure has a technical feature in that it is configured to vibrate the sounding unit by driving the sounding mechanism while the main body is covered with sound-deadening material to reduce noise, and then determine whether the acoustic device is normal or not based on the results of measuring the impact energy caused by the vibration. As a result, it is possible to alleviate time constraints when conducting a sounding test.

Embodiment 1.
First, an overview of a system to which the acoustic device is applied will be described.
1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an automatic fire alarm system including an acoustic device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. A fire receiver 10 is connected to an addressable transmitter 20, fire detectors 31 and 32, a detector repeater 40, and a smoke control repeater 50 via a signal line SG1.

Multiple fire detectors are connected to the detector repeater 40. Figure 1 shows two fire detectors 41 and 42. The smoke prevention and exhaust control repeater 50 is also connected to a fire door 51, a smoke exhaust fan 52, a shutter 53, and a siding wall 54.

Furthermore, the fire control receiver 10 is connected to audio devices 61 and 62 and an audio device repeater 70 via signal line SG2. Furthermore, multiple audio devices are connected to the audio device repeater 70. Figure 1 shows two audio devices 71 and 72 as an example.

Here, fire detectors 31, 32 and fire detectors 41, 42 correspond to multiple fire detectors that detect the occurrence of a fire in each of the pre-set fire monitoring areas.

Furthermore, the fire doors 51, smoke exhaust fan 52, shutters 53, and drop walls 54 operate in conjunction with the detection results of multiple fire detectors, and function to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, etc.

Furthermore, sound devices 61, 62 and sound devices 71, 72 correspond to multiple local sound devices that notify of the occurrence of a fire in each of the pre-set areas.

Each of the multiple fire detectors is assigned address information in advance to identify the individual fire detector. Each of the multiple fire detectors can then transmit fire-related information to the fire receiver 10, including the address information assigned to that detector. Meanwhile, the fire receiver 10 can transmit the necessary information to the desired fire detector by adding address information when transmitting the information.

In addition, each of the multiple terminal devices is assigned address information in advance to identify it. Therefore, the fire alarm control device 10 can send commands to operate the desired terminal device by adding address information and transmitting the information.

Furthermore, each of the multiple sound devices is located on a separate line for each district. By applying voltage to the sound devices connected to the same line, the fire control signal receiver 10 can activate all of the sound devices on the same line.

With this configuration, the fire receiver 10 collects fire-related information from multiple fire detectors and addressable transmitters 20 installed in various predetermined fire monitoring areas. Based on the collected fire-related information, the fire receiver 10 can then issue a fire alarm and activate a group of terminal equipment.

Furthermore, based on the collected fire-related information, the fire receiver 10 can simultaneously ring bells in an area where an alarm is required by applying voltage to the line connected to the sound device installed in the area.

In addition, although not shown in the figure, the fire receiver 10 can output an alarm signal based on the collected fire-related information, activate fire extinguishing equipment to begin fire-fighting operations, issue a fire alarm or provide evacuation guidance via an emergency broadcast device, and transmit fire-related information to a higher-level device via a network.

Note that the acoustic devices 61, 62 and the acoustic devices 71, 72 shown in Figure 1 are assumed to be installed in the same area and connected to the fire control signal 10 via the same line.

The sound devices included in automatic fire alarm systems with this configuration are required to undergo statutory inspections to check their sound operation and sound pressure. Currently, statutory inspections require that a bell be rung and a sound test be conducted.

However, if the volume of the sound generated when the bell, which is the sounding unit, is rung at the desired timing outside of statutory inspections could be suppressed, abnormalities could be discovered before the statutory inspection, and repairs could be made before or during the statutory inspection. Furthermore, if the volume generated by the sound device could be suppressed during statutory inspections as well, and it were possible to easily detect whether the sound device has a broken wire or an abnormality in its operation, it is expected that the workload of inspectors could be reduced.

Here, we will provide a detailed description of the audio device according to this embodiment 1, which is equipped with a configuration that suppresses the volume of sound generated when the sounding unit is activated.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of an audio device according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Also, Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of an audio device according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Note that the motor 211 is omitted from Figure 2. On the other hand, Figure 3 shows the motor 211 and the internal configuration of the operation check circuit 222.

The features of the acoustic device 200 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

The acoustic device 200 is configured to include a main body 210 and a sound suppression unit 220. The main body 210 has the function of sounding when an external driving voltage is applied to it, which corresponds to a function that has traditionally been included in acoustic devices.

On the other hand, the sound suppression unit 220 is installed to cover the main body unit 210 when a sound test is performed, and has the function of suppressing the volume of sound generated when the main body unit 210 sounds, which corresponds to a characteristic function of the audio device according to this embodiment 1.

The main body 210 includes a motor 211, a sounding mechanism 212, and a sounding unit 213, and is installed on a wall 1 or the like. When a drive voltage is applied to the motor 211 from the outside, the sounding mechanism 212 is driven, causing the sounding unit 213 to vibrate and sound. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the drive voltage is applied to the motor 211 from the fire control device 10.

For example, the sounding mechanism 212 has a gear and a striking part, and the striking part is driven by the operation of the motor 211. When the striking part strikes a gong, which is the sounding part 213, the sounding part 213 vibrates and produces sound. Furthermore, the acoustic device 200 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a sound suppression part 220 that suppresses the volume of sound produced when the sounding part 213 produces sound.

The sounding unit 213 is manufactured from, for example, an aluminum alloy. The sounding mechanism 212 strikes the sounding unit 213 at regular intervals, causing the sounding unit to vibrate, thereby producing sound.

The rumble suppression unit 220 includes a sound-deadening material 221 and an operation confirmation circuit 222. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound-deadening material 221 and the operation confirmation circuit 222 can be configured to be housed in a case 223.

When conducting a rumbling test, the rumbling suppression unit 220 is installed so as to cover the main body unit 210, resulting in direct contact between the rumbling unit 213 and the sound-deadening material 221. Figure 2(A) shows the state in which the rumbling suppression unit 220 is installed so as to cover the main body unit 210, while Figure 2(B) shows the state before the rumbling suppression unit 220 is installed on the main body unit 210.

The sound-absorbing material 221 suppresses vibrations from the sound-generating unit, and can be made from vibration-absorbing materials such as urethane, silicone, or rubber.

The operation confirmation circuit 222 includes a memory unit 222a and a determination unit 222b. The determination unit 222b has a sensor that is placed in direct contact with the sounding unit 213 when the sounding mechanism 212 is activated, and is capable of measuring the impact energy caused by the vibration of the sounding unit 213. This sensor can be an impact sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like.

Acoustic device 200 is required by law to meet volume standards. Compliance with these volume standards is confirmed when acoustic device 200 is shipped or when acoustic device 200 is installed on-site.

Therefore, once it has been confirmed in advance that the volume standard is met, the impact energy can be measured using the sensor in the determination unit 222b with the sound suppression unit 220 installed to cover the main body unit 210. Furthermore, the reference level can be set based on the impact energy measured in this way.

The set reference level is stored in advance in the memory unit 222a. Specifically, the reference level, which is a value obtained by converting impact energy into sound pressure and which corresponds to a level that meets the volume standards set by law, can be stored in the memory unit 222a.

Then, when a ringing test is performed with the ringing suppression unit 220 installed to cover the main body unit 210, the determination unit 222b calculates the sound pressure converted from the impact energy measured by the sensor as a measurement value. Furthermore, the determination unit 222b compares the measurement value with a reference level stored in the memory unit 222a.

If the comparison result indicates that the sound pressure measured during the sound test is equal to or greater than the reference level, the determination unit 222b determines that the main body unit 210 is normal and that the sound is being emitted at a level that complies with laws and regulations.

On the other hand, if the comparison result shows that the sound pressure measured during the sound test is below the reference level, the determination unit 222b determines that the main body unit 210 is abnormal and is not sounding at a level that meets the legal requirements.

In other words, the operation confirmation circuit 222 determines whether the main body unit 210 is normal or not based on the magnitude of the impact energy during the ringing test. The determination unit 222b then outputs the determination result.

For example, the determination unit 222b can transmit the determination result to the fire control signal 10. The determination unit 222b can also transmit the determination result to a mobile device carried by the inspector.

Next, a flowchart will be used to explain the series of processes involved in a sound test performed by an inspector using the acoustic device 200 according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the series of processes involved in the sound confirmation method for the acoustic device 200 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

First, in step S401, when the acoustic device 200 is shipped or when the acoustic device 200 is installed on-site, the inspector confirms that the main body unit 210 meets the volume standards set by law. Then, the inspector installs the sound suppression unit 220 to cover the main body unit 210, and stores the reference level determined by the determination unit 222b in the memory unit 222a.

The inspector can manually press the main body 210 against the rumbling suppression unit 220, allowing the rumbling suppression unit 220 to be installed so that it covers the main body 210. It is also possible to provide a mechanism that allows the rumbling suppression unit 220 to be attached and detached to the main body 210.

Next, in step S402, the inspector measures the impact energy using the determination unit 222b with the sound suppression unit 220 attached to the main body unit 210 at the desired timing for the sound test.

Next, in step S403, the inspector obtains from the judgment unit 222b the output of the judgment result based on the comparison process between the reference level in step S401 and the measured value in step S402, and thereby determines whether the sound test passed or failed.

As described above, according to this first embodiment, a sound test can be performed on the audio device with the main body covered by the sound suppression unit, making it easy to determine whether the sound meets the volume standards set by law. As a result, the sound test can be performed while suppressing the volume emitted from the audio device, easing time constraints when performing the sound test.

In a typical automatic fire alarm system like the one shown in Figure 1, a drive voltage is applied from the fire receiver to all audio devices in the same area that are connected to the same line, causing all audio devices in the same area to sound simultaneously.

One possible solution is to assign a unique address to each sound device and individually control each sound device from the fire alarm receiver, allowing only the desired sound device to sound. In this case, an inspector can install a sound suppression unit on the main body of the desired sound device and conduct a sound test based on the individual control from the fire alarm receiver.

In this first embodiment, the case where the rumbling suppression unit 220 is installed so as to cover the main body unit 210 as shown in Figure 2 has been described, but the installation of the rumbling suppression unit 220 is not limited to that shown in Figure 2. When performing a rumbling test, the rumbling suppression unit 220 can also be installed so that it comes into contact with the rumbling unit 213, thereby fulfilling the function of suppressing the volume of sound generated when the main body unit 210 rumbles.

For example, if you want to suppress vibrations when the striking part (sounding mechanism 212) strikes the gong (sounding part 213), it is possible to install the sound suppression part 220 so that it comes into contact with the part of the sounding part 213 that corresponds to the point where the gong strikes.

Furthermore, instead of manually setting the rumbling suppression unit 220 when performing a rumbling test, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the rumbling suppression unit 220 is automatically set to contact the rumbling unit 213 in response to an external signal indicating that a rumbling test is to be performed.

61, 62, 71, 72, 200: Acoustic device, 210: Main body, 211: Motor, 212: Sound mechanism, 213: Sound unit, 220: Sound suppression unit, 221: Sound-absorbing material, 222: Operation confirmation circuit, 222a: Memory unit, 222b: Determination unit, 223: Case.

Claims (3)

An acoustic device comprising: a main body having a motor, a sounding unit, and a sounding mechanism; wherein the sounding mechanism is driven by applying a drive voltage to the motor from an external source, and the sounding unit vibrates to produce a sound;
Further, a sound suppressing unit is provided which is arranged to come into contact with the sounding unit when a sound test is performed by checking sound generation ,
the sound suppressing unit includes a sound-deadening material that suppresses vibration of the sounding unit when the sounding mechanism is driven ,
It is possible to check for disconnection or operational abnormalities by sound while suppressing the volume.
sound equipment. An acoustic device comprising: a main body having a motor, a sounding unit, and a sounding mechanism; wherein the sounding mechanism is driven by applying a drive voltage to the motor from an external source, and the sounding unit vibrates to produce a sound;
Further, a sound suppressing unit is provided which is arranged to come into contact with the sound generating unit when a sound test is performed,
the sound suppressing unit includes a sound-deadening material that suppresses vibration of the sounding unit when the sounding mechanism is driven ,
The sound suppression unit is capable of measuring impact energy caused by vibration of the sound suppression unit when the sound suppression mechanism is activated, and an operation confirmation circuit is configured to determine whether the main body unit is normal or not based on the magnitude of the impact energy.
The sound device further comprises : 3. The acoustic device of claim 1 , wherein the rumble suppressor is automatically set to contact the rumble unit in response to an external signal indicating that a rumble test is to be performed.