GB2489982A

GB2489982A - Electric switch including alarm detector and evacuation route indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2489982A
Application number: GB1106359.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Copson; Opubo Igobo
Original assignee: COPUS Ltd
Current assignee: COPUS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-14
Filing date: 2011-04-14
Publication date: 2012-10-17
Also published as: GB201106359D0

Abstract

An electrical switch device 12, such as a light switch, comprises a face member (fig 2, 14) and an electrical circuit 16. The circuit has a main power supply connector 18, a connector 20 for a load 22 such as a light bulb, and a user positionable switch 24 mounted in the face member 14 to prevent or permit supply to the load 22. Circuit 16 includes an energy store such as re-chargeable battery 32 to supply power to a controller 26 that actuates an indicator on the occurrence of a predetermined event such as receipt by microphone 28 of an audible alarm signal. The indicator may comprise the light bulb 22, which may flash, and an LED indicator 52B that can include an indication (fig 5b, 30) of an escape route and a sound source. Controller 26 may include an amplifier 64, a bandpass filter 66 responsive to a range of sound frequencies such as those emitted by a nearby audible alarm such as a smoke alarm, and a timer 68 to prevent false triggering.

Description

I

Electrical Switch Devices The present invention relates to electrical switch devices.

S Conventionally, it is known to provide audible alarms such as smoke detectors and security alarms in buildings. However, such audible alarms do not warn hard of hearing or deaf people of danger. Additionally, in an emergency situation such as a fire or a break in, domestic premises usually do not have emergency back-up lighting or visual alerts in place.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical switch device, the device comprising a face member and an electrical circuit, the circuit including a supply connector for connection to a main power supply, a load connector for connection to a load, and a switch mounted in the face member which is positionable by a user in an off condition to substantially prevent power supply to the load and in an on condition to permit power supply to the load, the circuit including a control arrangement and an energy storage device which provides a power supply to the control arrangement, the control arrangement being arranged so that, in use, on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the control arrangement provides an actuation signal to actuate an indicator.

Possibly, the circuit is arranged so that the control arrangement provides an actuation signal irrespective of the condition of the switch.

Possibly, the circuit includes a power supply unit which may provide a relatively low voltage direct current (DC) supply to the energy storage device.

The power supply unit may comprise a rectifier. The relatively low voltage DC supply may be no more than 24V, and may be no more than 12V, and may be approximately 5V.

Possibly, the circuit includes an event detector to detect the predetermined event. Possibly, the event detector provides a detection signal to the control arrangement when the predetermined event is detected.

Possibly, the control arrangement is arranged so that following receipt of the detection signal, the control arrangement provides the actuation signal.

S Possibly, the energy storage device comprises one or more batteries, which may be rechargeable. The circuit may include a charger for recharging the batteries.

The indicator may provide an indication of the event occurrence to a user. The indicator may comprise one or more indication items, the or each of which may comprise the circuit. One indication item may comprise an indicator light source. One indication item may comprise a directional sign, which may be illuminated, and may indicate an escape or evacuation route.

One indication item may comprise an indicator sound source.

One indication item may comprise an alarm, which may be a visual alarm, and/or may comprise an audible alarm.

One indication item may comprise the load, which may comprise a light source.

The control arrangement may include a switch relay arrangement, which may be arranged to provide the actuation signal, which may be arranged to cause the or each indication item to cycle between off and on states.

The event detector may comprise an audible signal detector, which may comprise a device such as a microphone. The predetermined event may only include audible signals in a predetermined frequency range. The frequency range could include the frequencies commonly used by fire alarms and/or security/intruder alarms, or frequencies specific to certain products.

The frequency range may be from 100Hz to 5000Hz, and may be from 200Hz to 4000 Hz. The predetermined event may only include audible signals above a predetermined duration. The duration may at least 5 seconds.

The event detector may comprise a main power supply feed detector.

The predetermined event may comprise a break in the main power supply.

The control arrangement may comprise the event detector.

The control arrangement may include a power monitor, which may monitor the voltage of the energy storage device. The control arrangement may be arranged so that, when the voltage drops to or below a predetermined level, the control arrangement permits power supply to the load for a predetermined time period.

The electrical switch may be a light switch. The load may be a light source.

The face member may comprise one or more mountings for mounting the device to a support.

The device may include a housing, which together with the face member may define an interior in which the circuit may be housed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of indicating the occurrence of an event, the method including providing an electrical switch device, the device comprising a face member and an electrical circuit, the circuit including a supply connector for connection to a main power supply, a load connector for connection to a load, and a switch mounted in the face member which is positionable by a user in an off condition to substantially prevent power supply to the load and in an on condition to permit power supply to the load, the circuit including a control arrangement and an energy storage device which provides a power supply to the control arrangement, the control arrangement being arranged so that, in use, on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the control arrangement provides an actuation signal to actuate an indicator.

Possibly, the device includes any of the features described in any of the previous paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- 1 0 Fig. I is a schematic block diagrammatic view of an electrical circuit of a first electrical switch device; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first electrical switch device; Fig. 3 is a side view of the first electrical switch device; Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagrammatic view of an electrical circuit of 1 5 a second electrical switch device; Figs. 5A to 50 are front views of alternative versions of the second electrical switch device, or views of the second electrical switch device in different configurations; Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagrammatic view of an electrical circuit of a third electrical switch device; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the third electrical switch device; and Fig. 8 is a side view of the third electrical switch device.

Figs. 1 to 3 show an electrical switch device 12 in the form of a light switch, the device 12 comprising a face member 14 and an electrical circuit 16, the circuit 16 including a supply connector 18 for connection to a main power supply, a load connector 20 for connection to a load 22 in the form of a light bulb, and a rocker switch 24 mounted in the face member 14 which is positionable by a user in an off condition to substantially prevent power supply to the load 22 and in an on condition to permit power supply to the load 22.

The circuit 16 includes a control arrangement 26 and an energy storage device 32 which provides a power supply to the control arrangement 26, the control arrangement 26 being arranged so that, in use, on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the control arrangement 26 provides an actuation signal to actuate an indicator 30.

The circuit 16 includes a power supply unit 54 comprising a rectifier which provides a relatively low voltage direct current (DC) supply to the energy storage device 32. In one example, the relatively low DC supply could be no more than 24V, and could be no more than 12V, and optimally is approximately 5V.

The energy storage device 32 comprises one or more batteries, which are rechargeable. When the switch 24 is in the on condition, the power supply unit 54 provides a trickle charge to the rechargeable batteries via a charger 56, so that the batteries are maintained in a fully charged state without requiring user intervention.

In one example, when the switch 24 is in the on condition, the power supply unit 54 (which could comprise a bridge rectifier and a Zener diode) taps 5V from the mains line to power the circuit and charge the battery. When the switch 24 is in the off condition, the battery provides power for the circuit.

In the example shown, the indicator 30 comprises a first indication item 52A which comprises the load light bulb 22, and a second indication item 52B which comprises a light source in the form of an LED, which comprises part of the circuit 16.

The circuit 16 includes an event detector 28 to detect the predetermined event. The event detector 28 comprises an audible signal detector, which in this example comprises a microphone. The event detector generates a detection signal 58.

The control arrangement 26 includes a signal processing arrangement 76 for processing the event detection signal 58. The signal processing arrangement includes an amplifier 64, a band pass filter 66, and a programmable interval timer (or "oneshot timer") 68. The band pass filter 66 can be set so that only a predetermined range of sound frequencies detected by the microphone 28 results in a control signal 50 being generated. The predetermined range of sound frequencies could include the sound frequencies of one or more audible alarm systems which are located nearby.

In one example, the predetermined range of sound frequencies could be "tuned" to pick up only a relatively narrow band of sound frequencies including the sound frequencies of one or more audible alarm systems which are located nearby.

In one example, the predetermined range of frequencies is adjustable to suit local conditions. The predetermined range of frequencies could be from 100Hz to 5000Hz, and in another example could be from 200Hz to 4000 Hz.

The predetermined event could also be arranged to only include audible signals above a predetermined noise level and/or duration. In one example, the duration could be at least 5 seconds, and in another example the minimum duration could be at least 10 seconds. The predetermined duration is monitored by the programmable interval timer 68, which sets a delay timer.

The control arrangement 26 includes a switching arrangement 40, which is arranged to provide the actuation signal 80. The switching arrangement 40 includes an in-line switching device 60 which could be, or could be the equivalent of, for example, a normally closed relay, a bypass switching device 62 which could be, or could be the equivalent of, for example, a normally open relay, and an oscillator 70. The in-line switching device 60 is located in series with the switch 24. The bypass switching device 62 is located in a parallel bypass circuit with the switch 24.

In other examples, the switching arrangement 40, the in-line switching device 60 and the bypass switching device 62 could comprise a transistor arrangement and/or triac.

The control arrangement 26 includes a power monitor 72 in the form of a comparator, which monitors the voltage of the energy storage device 32.

The control arrangement 26 includes a programmable interval timer (or "oneshot timer") 74, arranged in series with the power monitor 72.

S

The face member 14 comprises a pair of mountings in the form of holes 86 defined by the face member 14, for mounting the device 12 to a support (not shown). The device 12 includes a housing 34, which together with the face member 14 defines an interior (not shown) in which the circuit 16 is housed. The mountings 86, face member 14 and housing 34 all correspond to standard fittings sizes to permit retrofitting and easy replacement of standard fittings.

In use, in a normal condition, the switch 24 is either in the off condition or the on condition, and the predetermined event is not occurring. The microphone 28 may pick up sounds which generate a detection signal 58, but these sounds do not fall within the predetermined range of frequencies set by the band pass filter 66 and therefore do not result in a control signal 50 being generated.

In an event condition, an audible alarm sounds with a sound frequency which falls within the range of predetermined sound frequencies, and continues to sound for a predetermined duration (to prevent false activations), which is detected by the microphone 28, generating a detection signal 58.

The detection signal 58 passes through the amplifier 64, the band pass filter 66 and the timer 68, generating a control signal 50 which is split into an in-line control signal SOA and a bypass control signal SOB.

The in-line control signal SOA opens the normally closed in-line switching device 60. The bypass control signal SOB closes the normally open bypass switching device 62 to provide the actuation signal 8OB to the load bulb 22, 52A, and the oscillator 70 causes the load bulb 22, 52A to flash. The bypass control signal 50B also provides an actuation signal 80A to the LED 52B, and again the oscillator 70 causes the LED 52B to flash.

The flashing will continue for as long as device is in receipt of the predetermined event input and or a period as set by the timer 68.

The arrangement of the switching arrangement 40 with the in-line switching device 60 and the bypass switching device 62 means that when the predetermined event occurs, the actuation signal 80 is provided irrespective of the condition of the switch 24.

The energy storage device 32 also ensures that in the event of a loss of mains power to the supply connector 18, the indicator 30 will still activate when a predetermined event occurs.

In one example, the user could be deaf. An audible alarm such as a smoke alarm which comprises the predetermined event could sound, triggering in sequence a detection signal 58, control signals bOA and SOB and actuation signals 80A and 80B, causing the load bulb 52A and the LED 52B to flash, thus warning the user of the hazard. The invention thus provides an electrical switch device 12 which includes a secondary visual alarm which can be easily fitted as a replacement for standard switch or socket fittings. No special installation is required.

The switch device 12 is unobtrusive, yet provides a visual alarm which is especially required by the deaf and hard of hearing, and also provides a secondary alarm for users with normal hearing. The flashing light also provides a highly visible alarm location aid ideal for drawing outside attention, for example, to people outside a building, as it can be sometimes difficult to locate the source of sound, or the sound can be drowned out by background noise.

If, in the normal condition, the switch 24 has been in the off condition for some time, the voltage in the energy storage device 32 may fall. The power monitor 72 monitors the battery voltage, and if this falls to or below a predetermined level, the power monitor 72 provides a control signal 500 which opens the normally closed bypass switching device 62, providing power to the load bulb 52A and the power supply unit 54 which recharges the energy storage device 32 via the charger 56. After a predetermined period of time, the timer 74 times out, the control signal SOC ceases, and the bypass switching device 62 opens, shutting off the power supply to the load bulb 52A and the power supply unit 54.

Figs 4 to 8 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs 1 to 3. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Figs 4 and 5 show a second electrical switch device 212. In this device, the indicator 30 comprises a first indication item 52A which comprises the load light bulb 22, and a second indication item 52B which comprises a directional indicator 88 including a light source which could be in the form of an LED, which comprises part of the circuit 16.

As shown in Figs 5A, SB and 50, the directional indicator 88 could include a sign such as an arrow to indicate an escape or evacuation route, which could be positionable on the face member 14 in a variety of orientations as required, or could be fixed on the face member 14 in one of a variety of orientations as required.

In this embodiment, the switching arrangement 40 includes a bypass switching device 62 which could be, or could be the equivalent of, for example, a normally open relay, an oscillator 70, but not an in-line switching device 60. The bypass switching device 62 is located in a parallel bypass circuit with the switch 24.

In use, as before, an audible alarm such as a smoke alarm which comprises the predetermined event could sound, triggering in sequence a detection signal 58, a control signal 50 and actuation signals 80A and 80B, causing the load bulb 52A and the LED 52B to illuminate. The oscillator 70 causes the directional indicator 88 (in this example LED 52B) to flash (but in this embodiment, the load bulb 25A does not flash). The LED 52B illuminates the direction indicator 88 to indicate an escape route.

Thus, for example, should a smoke alarm sound at night, the switch device 212 of the invention will turn the load bulb 22, 52A on, irrespective of the condition of the switch 24, and illuminate an arrow indicating an escape route.

In this embodiment, the energy storage device 32 ensures that in the event of a loss of mains power to the supply connector 18, the direction indicator 88 will still illuminate when a predetermined event occurs.

The switch device 212 of the invention is thus particularly suitable for use in those buildings such as domestic premises which do not usually have illuminated emergency exit safety signs, but could also be used as an additional evacuation aid in premises which do have illuminated emergency exit safety signs.

Figs 6 to 8 show a third electrical switch device 312, in which the predetermined event comprises a break in the main power supply. The control arrangement 26 comprises an event detector 28 comprising a main power supply feed detector in the form of a comparator which monitors the power from the power supply 54 to the charger 56. The circuit 16 includes a circumventing resistor 90, which allows the switch device 312 to draw a relatively small continuous current even when in operation with modern low energy bulbs. When the voltage of the power supply falls to or below a predetermined level, the comparator 28 generates an actuation signal 80 to illuminate the indicator light source 30, 52 (which could be an LED).

Thus this embodiment provides a switch device 312 which provides a low level of illumination at the switch 24, in the event of main power supply failure. The integral energy storage device 32 ensures that the illumination is provided in the event that the main power supply to the load connector 18 fails, thus providing safety and emergency lighting.

In another example, the event detector 28 could comprise a detector which detects the amount of EMF circuit interference present when the main power supply is present, and the predetermined event could be the detection of the lack of EMF interference.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The switch device of the invention could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material.

The device could comprise any suitable number and any suitable type of event detectors.

The predetermined event could include only audible signals in a predetermined frequency range. The frequency range could include only the frequencies used by fire alarms, smoke alarms and/or security/intruder alarms.

The device could comprise any suitable number and any suitable type of indication items. The indication items could include any suitable number and type of light sources. One indication item could comprise an indicator sound source. One indication item could comprise an alarm, which could be a visual alarm, and/or could comprise an audible alarm.

The switch device could use other components to achieve the functionality described. For example, relays and other components could be replaced by transistor arrangements, printed circuit boards, plc controllers, microprocessor controllers a nd/or software.

The energy storage device could be of any suitable size and type, and could include any suitable number and type of batteries.

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the

overall disclosure of this document.

There are thus provided switch devices which can be easily fitted by replacing existing switch fittings and which then provide indication of hazard 1 5 situations.

Claims

Claims 1. An electrical switch device, the device comprising a face member and an electrical circuit, the circuit including a supply connector for connection to a main power supply, a load connector for connection to a load, and a switch mounted in the face member which is positionable by a user in an off condition to substantially prevent power supply to the load and in an on condition to permit power supply to the load, the circuit including a control arrangement and an energy storage device which provides a power supply to the control arrangement, the control arrangement being arranged so that, in use, on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the control arrangement provides an actuation signal to actuate an indicator.
2. A device according to claim 1, in which the circuit is arranged so that the i-15 control arrangement provides an actuation signal irrespective of the condition of the switch.

Lj)
3. A device according to claims 1 or 2, in which the circuit includes a power supply unit which provides a relatively low voltage direct current (DC) supply to the energy storage device.
4. A device according to claim 3, in which the power supply unit comprises a rectifier.
5. A device according to claims 3 or 4, in which the relatively low voltage DC supply is no more than 24V, and may be no more than 12V, and may be approximately 5V.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the circuit includes an event detector to detect the predetermined event.
7. A device according to claim 6, in which the event detector provides a detection signal to the control arrangement when the predetermined event is detected.
8. A device according to claim 7, in which the control arrangement is arranged so that following receipt of the detection signal, the control arrangement provides the actuation signal.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the energy storage device comprises one or more batteries, which may be rechargeable.
1O.A device according to claim 9, in which the circuit includes a charger for recharging the batteries. i-15
11.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the indicator provides an indication of the event occurrence to a user.LU
12.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the indicator comprises one or more indication items.
13.A device according to claim 12, in which one indication item comprises an indicator light source.
14.A device according to claims 12 or 13, in which one indication item comprises a directional sign, which may be illuminated, and may indicate an escape or evacuation route.
15.A device according to any of claims 12 to 14, in which one indication item comprises an indicator sound source.
16.A device according to any of claims 12 to 15, in which one indication item comprises an alarm, which may be a visual alarm, and/or may comprise an audible alarm,
17.A device according to any of claims 12 to 16, in which one indication item comprises the load, which may comprise a light source.
18.A device according to any of claims 12 to 17, in which the control arrangement includes a switch relay arrangement, which may be arranged to provide the actuation signal, which may be arranged to cause the or each indication item to cycle between off and on states.
19.A device according to claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the event detector comprises an audible signal detector, which may i-15 comprise a device such as a microphone.
20.A device according to claim 19, in which the audible signal detector is LI) arranged so that the predetermined event only includes audible signals in a predetermined frequency range.
21.A device according to claim 20, in which the frequency range could include the frequencies commonly used by fire alarms and/or security/intruder alarms, or frequencies specific to certain products.
22.A device according to claims 20 or 21, in which the frequency range is from 100Hz to 5000Hz, and may be from 200Hz to 4000 Hz.
23.A device according to any of claims 19 to 22, in which the predetermined event only includes audible signals above a predetermined duration, which may be at least 5 seconds.
24.A device according to claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the event detector comprises a main power supply feed detector, and the predetermined event comprises a break in the main power supply.S
25.A device according to claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the control arrangement comprises the event detector.
26.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the control arrangement includes a power monitor, which may monitor the voltage of the energy storage device.
27.A device according to claim 26, in which the control arrangement is arranged so that, when the voltage drops to or below a predetermined level, the control arrangement permits power supply to the load for a i-15 predetermined time period.
28.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the electrical LI) switch is a light switch, and the load is a light source. r29.A device according to claim any of the preceding claims, in which the face member comprises one or more mountings for mounting the device to a support.30.A device according to claim any of the preceding claims, in which the device includes a housing, which together with the face member defines an interior in which the circuit is housed.31.A method of indicating the occurrence of an event, the method including providing an electrical switch device, the device comprising a face member and an electrical circuit, the circuit including a supply connector for connection to a main power supply, a load connector for connection to a load, and a switch mounted in the face member which is positionable by a user in an off condition to substantially prevent power supply to the load and in an on condition to permit power supply to the load, the circuit including a control arrangement and an energy storage device which provides a power supply to the control arrangement, the control arrangement being arranged so that, in use, on the occurrence of a predetermined event, the control arrangement provides an actuation signal to actuate an indicator.32.A method according to claim 31, in which the device includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 30.33.An electrical switch device substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.34.A method of indicating the occurrence of an event substantially as i-15 herein before described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.LU r