AU2014101349A4 - Improved Lighting System - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting system (10), particularly but not exclusively for use in fire escapes, car parks and the like includes a control circuit (26) and an LED light element (16). The circuit provides at least a first lighting level/state and at least a second lighting level/state. The second lighting level provides a higher level of lighting intensity than the first level. The same LED lighting element (16) provides both the first and second levels of lighting intensity. Both levels of lighting intensity are adjustable. Advantageously, the use of the same LED lighting element to provide the first and second lighting levels/states reduces the number of LED lighting elements required in the lighting system and thus reduces the complexity and cost of the system. The adjustability of both the lower and higher lighting levels provides a major advantage in that the level of lighting can be adjusted so that, particularly when used on fire stairs, the level of both lighting states can be adjusted/set so that the stairs receive the amount of lighting mandated by the appropriate standards. ____ ___ ____ ___1/2 --------- ------- 1))

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 PROLUME PTY LTD COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Title: Improved lighting system The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us: - 2 Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to an improved lighting system, particularly, but not exclusively, for use in fire escapes, car parks, passageways and other areas in buildings such as hospitals, schools, offices, shopping centres, tunnels and the like. Background [0002] The use of sensor activated security lighting is well known, as is the use of lighting systems that provide different levels of brightness. Due to their low energy usage and longevity, lighting systems which utilise LEDs are now much preferred over the use of fluorescent or incandescent lights. Note that as used herein the term LED includes organic LEDs (OLEDs) and lighting incorporating any emerging future developments of LED technologies. [0003] One example of such a system is shown in Australian Innovation Patent No 2011100078. While this systems provides two lighting levels using LED's, it is a complex system and requires two circuits and two separate sets of LEDs to provide the two desired lighting levels. [0004] The present invention aims to provide a more efficient and flexible lighting system which can cope with a range of different lighting conditions. [0005] Another problem with existing lighting systems is that when used in fire escapes, there is typically a minimum level of background light required. Further, the distance between landings on fire escapes may vary so that in some cases, where the distance between landings is relatively large, additional lighting units may be required to ensure that the level of lighting on the fire stairs meets the appropriate standards. [0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

3 [0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Summary [0008] In a first broad aspect, the present invention provides a lighting system, particularly but not exclusively for use in fire escapes, car parks and the like, the lighting system including a circuit and at least one LED lighting element, the circuit providing at least a first lighting level/state and at least a second lighting level/state, the second lighting level providing a higher level of lighting intensity than the first level wherein same LED lighting element provides the first and second levels of lighting intensity, and wherein both the first, lower level of lighting intensity and the second higher level of lighting intensity are adjustable. [0009] Advantageously, the use of the same LED lighting element to provide both the first and second lighting levels/states reduces the number of LEDs required in the lighting system and thus reduces the complexity and cost of the system. [0010] Further, the adjustability of both the lower and higher lighting level provides a major advantage in that the level of lighting can be adjusted so that, particularly when used on fire stairs, the lighting states can be adjusted/set so that the stairs receive the amount of lighting mandated by the appropriate standards. This is easier and more cost effective than utilising more units and locating them closer together. [0011] This can prevent over lighting of stairs, reducing power usage as well as ensuring that lighting installations meet the required standards. [0012] The system preferably includes a sensor, typically a microwave sensor although other sensors may be used, arranged to detect motion or changes in the local environment and provide a higher level of illumination for a predefined period.

4 Brief Description of Drawings [0013] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the invention; Description of Embodiments [0014] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an emergency lighting system 10 embodying the present invention which provides lower and higher lighting levels. The system includes an AC to DC converter indicated at 12. The converter is connected to an array of rechargeable batteries 14 which can supply power in the event of a mains electricity failure. [0015] The control gear is connected to an LED lighting element in the form of an LED module 16 containing LED lights. The same LED module is illuminated in both the lower and higher lighting levels provided by the system. [0016] The system includes a switch sensor 20 which is connected to the switched line in 22 and to the neutral line 24 and also to the LED control gear 26. The sensor switch provides the trigger for the device to move from the standby (low light level) state to the high output (high light level ) state in which it remains for a predetermined (but adjustable) period of time before returning to the standby state. The sensor is typically a microwave sensor capable of sensing movement or changes in the local environment. [0017] Where external integrated building security systems, including battery back-up and sensors, are already present, the back-up batteries 14 and sensor 20 are omitted. [0018] Both the lower and higher lighting level are adjustable. This provides a major advantage in that the level of lighting can be adjusted so that, particularly when used on fire stairs, the lighting states can be adjusted/set so that the stairs receive the amount of lighting mandated by the appropriate standards. For example typically the settings may have the lower level set to 10% of the maximum light that can be output by the system, with the higher level at 5 100%. However for longer flights of stairs or higher ceilings, the lower level may be adjusted to (for example) 20% of maximum. The upper level may be adjusted also to save energy and might be set at less than maximum, e.g. 75%, 80%, 90% etc. This is achieved by making configuration changes to the LED controller, which is typically pre-set during manufacturing assembly. [0019] Figure 2 shows a variant of the circuit shown in Figure 1. The same components have the same reference numerals. The key difference is that the circuit includes two LED modules 16 connected in series. Note that both modules are illuminated in both lower and higher level lighting states. [0020] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (4)

1. A lighting system, particularly but not exclusively for use in fire escapes, car parks and the like, the lighting system including a circuit and at least one LED lighting element, the circuit providing at least a first lighting level/state and at least a second lighting level/state, the second lighting level providing a higher level of lighting intensity than the first level, wherein the same LED lighting element provides the first and second levels of lighting intensity and wherein both the first, lower level of lighting intensity and the second higher level of lighting intensity are adjustable.

2. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 further including a sensor arranged to detect motion or changes in the local environment and provide the higher level of illumination for a predefined period.

3. A lighting system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sensor is a microwave sensor.

4. A lighting system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.