GB2532468A

GB2532468A - An emergency light and related system

Info

Publication number: GB2532468A
Application number: GB1420595.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Limpkin George
Original assignee: Inductronics Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Inductronics Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-19
Filing date: 2014-11-19
Publication date: 2016-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-19
Also published as: WO2016079707A3; WO2016079707A2; GB2532468B; GB201420595D0

Abstract

An emergency lighting device and system, suitable for use in hotels and large buildings, such as houses, hostels, hospitals, offices and schools, comprises one or more lamps 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D each having a base. The lamps are connected to a central controller 600, e.g. by power line or wireless communication, and have a removable flashlight or torch which receives a battery, such as a rechargeable battery which may be charged by inductive coupling while the flashlight or torch is mounted in the base. The flashlight or torch is activated upon receipt of a command signal from the central controller, e.g. during a power outage, and may then be removed and carried by a person to assist in evacuation of the building.

Description

An Emergency Light and Related System

Field

The present invention relates to an emergency light and related system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an emergency lighting device and system for use in hotels and large buildings, such as houses, hostels, hospitals, offices and schools.

Background

In the event of a power failure or power outage what has tended to happen in the past was that an emergency (or back up) lighting system has been switched on. This has often included one or more low voltage lighting system which were often independent of a mains power supply.

Such low voltage lighting systems are typically found in hotels or large buildings, such as cinemas, where in many jurisdictions it is obligatory to provide some sort of emergency lighting in the event of an emergency so that personnel, customers or occupants of a building can escape and make their way to emergency exits with some degree of surety and safety.

Usually the low lighting system is installed as part of an escape route and this is indicated by way of lamps or signs placed above doorways of an emergency escape exit or escape route.

A problem with the aforementioned types of emergency lighting systems was that they require a dedicated backup supply. They have therefore tended to be relatively inflexible and often, particularly in very large rooms, buildings or offices, there is no independent wiring in the event of a complete disruption to the power supply, as the emergency power supply often shares the same wiring as the regular power supply lines.

Consequently there has sometimes been complete darkness as a mains fuse or circuit breaker may have tripped or wiring may have been damaged or deliberately cut. In such cases it was possible for people to become disoriented and take longer to find a door, or an exit from a building, than would have been ideal in the circumstances. As there is usually a need to escape quickly or to make a rapid exit in the event of a fire or other emergency, the better lit an exit route is the greater the chance was for a successful evacuation of a building.

The present invention arose in an attempt to provide an emergency light system which is both versatile and reliable.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an emergency light device comprising a lamp which is connected to a central controller, the lamp has a removable flashlight or torch which receives a battery, the flashlight or torch is activated upon receipt of a command signal from the central controller.

An advantage of this system is that in the event of a power outage, which may not become immediately apparent to occupants of rooms in hotel, hostel, or hospital, is that lamps are switched on automatically so as to indicate their location.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an emergency light system comprising: a network of distributed lamps which are interconnected to a central control, the lamps have removable flashlights each fitted with a battery and the central control system is adapted to switch on one or more lamps in the event of a power outage.

Ideally batteries are rechargeable and are connected to a charger so that they are constantly in changed condition.

The central control system is adapted to switch on the lamp in the event of a power outage and to render the flashlight or torch as being capable of removal in order to assist in escape or evacuation. Ideally the torch or flashlight is configured to be removed from a base of the lamp upon receipt of a signal from the central control.

Preferably the flashlights or torches in order to operate as lamps are mounted in or integrally with support bases and are typically fixed to and located close to a bed or on shelves or tables within a room. Ideally in normal use the lamps are able to be operated in a conventional manner and are able to be switched on and off manually by user using one or more switches, as is common practice in many hotel rooms.

In one particularly preferred embodiment the lamps are configured to be removable in the event of an emergency and therefore when enabled by a control signal may be used as flashlights or torches by occupants of a room. The signal may provide an electronic enabling code or a mechanical release mechanism or both.

An advantage of this system is that not only does an occupant of a room know the location of the emergency lamp, and so is able to orient themselves in the room in order to make for a hasty escape, but also the occupant of the room is able to remove the lamp and, once enabled, use the flashlight or torch as a means of portable emergency lighting so as to facilitate an exist through what may be unlit corridors, passages and/or stairwells.

An anti-tamper device or anti-theft mechanism may optionally be provided which connects the flashlight or torch with the base and is automatically actuated when the control signal is received by the lamp. The anti-tamper mechanism may include an electronic lock which is opened by a key or code so as to permit the torch or flashlight to be used when it is removed form the lamp base. If no code is received by the flashlight or torch then it is rendered useless until it is replaced on the lamp base.

The code may be transmitted at the same time as when the lamp is energised, so that the flashlight or torch can be removed from the lamp and used as a torch or flashlight thereafter.

Alternatively the anti-tamper device or anti-theft mechanism may include a mechanical device, such as a solenoid, which is connected to a catch and latch mechanism formed either integrally with the base or as part of a piece of furniture as part of the hotel room, thereby permitting removal of the flashlight or torch only when a command signal is received.

The lamp has a plurality of batteries which are ideally run on a charge and trickle charge basis so that they are always maintained in a topped up and ready state. The life expectancy of the batteries is typically from 3 to 5 hours preferably more than 5 hours and ideally more than 12 hours.

When operated as a lamp a switch diverts electric current from a supply to operate the lamp so that the battery is never used and therefore never risks becoming depleted. This is important in the event of the flashlight or torch being required subsequently in an emergency.

Communication between the control centre and each lamp is preferably by way of a pulsed signal which is communicated at a low data rate via the circuit which powers the lamp. Optionally however, communication to the lamp may be made via a wireless system which communicates data or instructions to the lamp so that it is switched on remotely.

Optionally the lamp may be placed in a state of readiness by an authorisation signal which is sent from a remote control centre.

A charging hub is provided which is optionally fitted integrally with furniture or may be attached to a piece of furniture so that it is relatively permanently fixed in a hotel or office. The lamp is releasable from the charging unit as mentioned above.

The lamp which when released acts as a flash light or torch may have additional intelligence built into it so as to enable, for example, an authorised controller to monitor the whereabouts of a lamp. This may be particularly beneficial in an emergency when lamps are identified as moving within a building and therefore associated with a lamp is a person who is potentially at risk. By providing trackers within lamps it is therefore apparent to rescue teams where the lamps are and where they should direct attention and effort.

Optionally a geo fenced region may be defined within a room or on a floor or within a building or block so as to alert an authorised user or a control system as to when a lamp has been removed without permission.

Such as system will prevent theft or unauthorised use of lamps when their status has not been changed from passive to emergency.

Preferably the charging hub unit is fitted with primary and secondary inductive coupling so as to enable safe charging of lamps without any risk to users or personnel or guests or in particular young children.

Other features of the invention will become apparent with reference to the detailed description below which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a lamp and a system.

Brief description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic overview of a system which is illustrated with respect to an hotel; Figure 2a shows an example of a lamp base; Figure 2b is a side view of a table lamp base with a flashlight or torch mounted on the table lamp base; Figure 2c is an under plan view of a lamp shade; Figure 2d is an overall view of the table lamp shade of Figure 2c; Figure 2e is an overall view of the assembled table lamp with the flashlight or torch mounted on the table lamp base and supporting a lamp shade; Figure 2f is an overall view of one embodiment of a flashlight or torch; Figure 2g is an overall view of a second embodiment of a lamp with a flashlight or torch mounted on a lamp base and shows a part view of a different lamp shade to that shown in Figures 2c and 2d; Figure 2h is an overall view of the second embodiment of the lamp shown in Figure 2g with the lamp shade removed; Figure 2i is an overall detailed view of the flashlight or torch shown in Figure 2f; Figure 2j is an overall view of diffusing dome for diffusing intense light from a flashlight or torch so as to provide a softer tone ambient light which is conventionally obtained from a table lamp; Figure 3 shows an example of a circuit diagram of an inductive charging unit with an inductively charged LED torch; Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an inductively charged LED torch with micro-controllers and Bluetooth (RTM) capability; and Figure 5 is an overall block diagram of one embodiment of control system for use with the flashlight or torch and shows and an inductive charging unit.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 an example of a part of a floor of an hotel 100. Rooms 101, 102, 103 and 104 are depicted on one side of a corridor 106. A ring main 110 extends around all the rooms and connected to this are individual charging units 112, 114, 116 and 118.

An example of a charging unit 112 is seen in Figure 3. Connected to the charging unit are lamps 130A, 130B, 130C and 130D. Examples of lamps 130 are also seen in greater detail in Figures 2e and 2g. Figure 2i shows an overall detailed view of the flashlight or torch and depicts USB ports 960.

Figure 2a shows an example of a lamp base. Figure 2b is a side view of a table lamp base with a flashlight or torch mounted on the table lamp base. Figure 2c is an under plan view of a lamp shade. Figure 2d is an overall view of the table lamp shade of Figure 2c. Figure 2e is an overall view of the assembled table lamp with the flashlight or torch mounted on the table lamp base and supporting a lamp shade.

Figure 2f is an overall view of one embodiment of a flashlight or torch. Figure 2g is an overall view of a second embodiment of a lamp with a flashlight or torch mounted on a lamp base and shows a part view of a different lamp shade to that shown in Figures 2c and 2d. Figure 2h is an overall view of the second embodiment of the lamp shown in Figure 2g with the lamp shade removed.

Figure 2j is an overall view of diffusing dome for diffusing intense light from a flashlight or torch so as to provide a softer tone ambient light which is conventionally obtained from a table lamp. The dome is removable or optionally may be detached with the flashlight or torch in order to protect it from heat.

Flashlight or torches act as lamps 130 when fitted to a table lamp column, as shown in Figure 3. A flashlight or torch has rechargeable batteries 140 and an LED output array 610 and a secondary coupling 150 which connects to a primary coupling 160 in the charging unit or hub 112. Optionally included within the flashlight or torch (Figures 2b, 2f and 2i) and/or the lamp 130 are LED indicators 150 which indicate the status of the flashlight or torch and/or the lamp and the amount of charge in the batteries 140. Other sensors, such as temperature sensors may also be included, so that the flashlight or torch can act as an early warning on local temperature conditions. Such local temperature data may be sued to control air-conditioning or other intelligent climate controllers (not shown) as well as serving as an early precursor to a potential fire hazard In another embodiment the flashlight or torch (Figures 2b, 2f and 2i) includes a camera 400, which optionally has an infra-red (IR) capability which enables images to be obtained and relayed to a remote location or central controller 600 which may be a display (not shown) that is viewable by a fireman or other rescue personnel.

Alternatively, or in addition to the aforementioned arrangement, the flashlight or torch has a GSM or GPS 800 beacon in order to locate the flashlight or torch to within a few metres in a building.

A Bluetooth (RTM) or a similar wireless broadcast beacon 700 is fitted centrally or throughout a building as discrete devices 701, 702, 703 and communicates to similar devices 711, 712, and 713 in the flashlight or torches. Other systems, such as Zigbee (RTM), may be used.

Bluetooth (RTM) or a similar wireless devices 711, 712, 713 fitted to the flashlight or torch enables its location to be tracked, so that the motion of the torch through a building can be monitored. An advantage of this is that personnel or guests leaving the building, carrying the torch, can be tracked thereby assisting search and rescue efforts.

Another benefit with a wireless communication network is that it permits communication between a user of the flashlight or torch and a remote location. Thus, in one particularly preferred embodiment a microphone and loudspeaker (not shown) may be provided and built in to the flashlight or torch so as to permit two-way voice communication between users of the torch and rescue personnel in an emergency scenario. It is also understood that instructions may be provided through the loudspeaker -either as a recorded message or as bespoke instructions -about how to disassemble the lamp, what to do in an emergency and how to use the flashlight or torch to assist a person as to an escape procedure or route.

An system optionally includes a geo-fenced region 1000 which is defined to alert an authorised user or a control system as to when a flashlight or torch has been moved from an authorised zone, in this case room 102, to an unauthorised zone without permission.

A security alarm 950 is also be connected to the charging hub 112 and may be activated by the central controller or triggered when there is unauthorised removal of the flashlight or torch from the lamp, when the system is in its quiescent (normal operational) or safe state.

The security alarm 950 may be an audible alarm and may be local to the lamp or alternatively it may be audible remote from the lamp at a central control 600 room. This may be triggered when a flashlight or torch is removed from the authorised location or room.

Universal service bus (USB) charging ports 960 are provided on the removable flashlight or torch so that in the event of an emergency a guest may be able to operate a mobile telephone or cellphone with residual charge in the rechargeable batteries 140, for example after having escaped a building or at a muster station, so as to be able to contact third parties.

Figure 3 shows an example of a circuit diagram of an inductive charging unit with an inductively charged LED flashlight or torch and depicts a high frequency AC power to AC inductive coupler in a charging unit or hub 112. Other features of the LED rechargeable flashlight or torch are shown having the same reference numerals as in Figure 4. Typically the number of turns in the primary inductive coupler are 6 and the number of turns in the secondary coupler are 12. A rechargeable battery 140 of around 21 to 22 volts delivers a 2 Amp hour current.

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an inductively charged LED torch with micro-controllers and Bluetooth (RTM) capability. The status of the lamp in typical normal use is, for example, indicated with a green light emitting diode (LED) 150 and this shows that all current is properly running and the lamp may be used as a reading or a display lamp. However, when a control signal is broadcast, either via a hardwire connection such as the ring main 110 or via a wireless connection, such as wireless beacons 701, 702 and 703, the status of the LED 150 changes from green to red. This indicates a power failure or an emergency.

Simultaneously with the broadcast of a power failure or emergency status broadcast signal a mechanical or electro-mechanical coupling (not shown) is released between the primary and secondary inductive couplers of the charging hub or in a lamp column. This acts to release the flashlight or torch and so permits removal of the flashlight or torch from the lamp or charging unit 112.

Figure 5 is an overall block diagram of one embodiment of control system for use with the flashlight or torch and shows and an inductive charging unit, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals as Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 5 shows wireless beacons 701, 702 and 703 as well as an example of a charging hub or unit 112.

The inductive charging unit with an inductively charged LED flashlight or torch and with a high frequency AC power to AC inductive coupler in a charging unit or hub is ideally suited for using in emergency light system installed in a ship or vessel. Ships and vessel operate on water, especially seawater which is electrically conductive. In the event of a disaster to the ship, water may enter the ship or vessel. The present invention has inductive coupling so the inductively charged LED flashlight could be picked up bare handed without risk of shock if cabins or hallways were flooding by persons who need to find their way out of the vessel quickly. The LED flashlight would be a lifesaver to persons who would otherwise be unable to see in the pitch black interior of the vessel if the electrical power failed.

A ship or vessel including the emergency light system as described herein and a ship cabin or ship hallway or ship galley or ship engine room including the emergency light system as described herein are practical applications.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An emergency light comprising a lamp having a base, the lamp is connected to a central controller and has a removable flashlight or torch which receives a battery, the flashlight or torch is activated upon receipt of a command signal from the central controller.
2. An emergency light device according to claim 1 wherein the battery is/are rechargeable.
3. An emergency light device according to claim 1 wherein the lamp is switched on automatically by the central controller so as to indicate their location.
4. An emergency light device according to wherein a flashlight or torch in order to operate as a lamp is mounted in or integrally with a support bases.
5. An emergency light device according to claim 4 wherein the support base is fixed to an item of furniture.
6. An emergency light device according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the support base is fitted with a manual on/off switch.
7. An emergency light device according to any preceding claim wherein the torch or flashlight is adapted to be removable from a base of the lamp upon receipt of a signal from the central control.
8. An emergency light device according to claim 7 wherein the torch or flashlight and base are fitted with a catch and latch mechanism which is actuated upon receipt of the command signal to permit removal of the torch or flashlight from the base of the lamp.
9. An emergency light device according to claim 7 wherein the torch or flashlight is actuated upon receipt of an enabling code or the so as to enable the torch or flashlight to be removed from the base and be operable.
10. An emergency light device according to any preceding claim includes a trickle charger.
11. An emergency light device according to claim 10 which is configured to operate as a lamp so that the battery is never used and therefore never risks becoming depleted.
12.An emergency light device according to any preceding claim which receives command signal from a control centre via a hardwire connection.
13.An emergency light device according to claim 12 which receives the command signal via a light.
14.An emergency light device according to any of claim 1 to 11 has a wireless receiver which receives a command signal from a control centre via a wireless system which communicates data and/or instructions to the lamp so that it is switched on remotely.
15. An emergency light device according to any preceding claim includes a beacon that transmits its location to identify the position of the flashlight or torch within a building.
16. An emergency light device according to claim 15 includes a means for transmitting the status of the flashlight or torch, including the level of battery charge.
17. An emergency light device according to any preceding claim includes a transceiver, a microphone and a loudspeaker so as to permit bidirectional voice communication between a user of the flashlight or torch and a remotely located person.
18. An emergency light device according to any preceding claim includes a camera and a means for encoding an image and a transmitter for transmitting the image.
19.An emergency light system comprising: a plurality of emergency light devices according to any of claims 1 to 18 arranged in a network and connected to a central controller, the lamps have removable flashlights each fitted with a battery and the central controller is adapted to switch on one or more lamps in the event of a power outage.
20. An emergency light system according to claim 19 wherein the central controller transmits a signal that enables a flashlight or torch to be removed from its base.
21. An emergency light system according to either claim 19 or 20 includes a geo-fenced region which is defined to alert an authorised user or a control system as to when a flashlight or torch has been moved from an authorised zone to an unauthorised zone without permission.
22.A ship or vessel including the emergency light system according to any of claims 19 to 21.
23.An emergency light system substantially as herein defined and with reference to the Figures.
24.An emergency light device substantially as herein defined and with reference to the Figures.