SIGNALING APPARATUS

Abstract

 A signaling apparatus (1) comprising a supporting frame (2) for at least one first light source (3) and a screen (4) which has, on at least one respective surface (5), a first pictogram (6a) that corresponds to the specific signal. The apparatus (1) comprises a transparent layer (7) superimposed on at least one portion of the screen (4) on which a second pictogram is applied which is represented with an ink that is sensitive to luminous radiation of predefined frequency. The apparatus also comprises at least one second light source (8) suitable for the emission of luminous radiation of the predefined frequency. Under conditions of correct operation of the element associated with the signal, the at least one first source (3) is active for the lighting of the screen and of the corresponding first pictogram (6a); under conditions of non-operation of the element, the at least one second source (8) is active for the lighting of the screen and of the corresponding second pictogram at a predefined frequency.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a signaling apparatus particularly suitable to provide safety signaling.

[0002] It is specified that due to specific currently applicable regulations in the field of safety of public places, workplaces and other specific types of environments, it is necessary to use specific signals that indicate to the people who are present any prohibitions, provide specific warnings, define mandatory requirements to be met, indicate evacuation routes or rescue areas/equipment, signal the presence of fire-fighting equipment, and the like.

[0003] In particular, it is known to use signaling of the luminous type in order to distinguish the evacuation routes and escape routes.

[0004] In fact, it is extremely important that in the event of need (for example, during a fire in which smoke can reduce visibility) it is possible to identify the escape routes in an easy and intuitive way.

[0005] In some cases other types of signals also can be illuminated in order to facilitate their rapid identification.

[0006] In general, however, it may happen that the escape route identified by a signal cannot be used safely.

[0007] This can happen if a fire breaks out right at a specific escape route or when the safety equipment indicated by a certain signal is faulty or needs to be replaced.

[0008] In this case, it becomes necessary to modify the messages expressed by the corresponding signals in order to avoid confusing the people who are present.

[0009] The easiest method of intervention consists in covering the signal (and switching off the light source that is present inside it) with an element capable of completely hiding the pictogram depicted in it.

[0010] It is furthermore known to use temporary and removable adhesive films which carry unambiguous signaling which represents the inoperative state: for example, it is possible to use transparent adhesive films which bear a red "X" which indicates the out-of-service condition of the signaled component.

[0011] However, these operations are complex and subordinated to the diligence of the assigned personnel (whose work also determines the specific operating costs that are to be incurred).

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above, proposing a signaling apparatus that can transition in a simple manner from the normal operating condition to the condition indicating lack of service, due to a malfunction or to problems of any kind.

[0013] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose a signaling apparatus which can provide an indication of the current operating condition of the apparatus to which the pictogram represented therein refers.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a signaling apparatus which indicates clearly whether the escape route that it identifies can be used or not.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to propose a signaling apparatus which can be operated and controlled remotely.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a signaling apparatus that is low-cost, is relatively easy to provide and is safe in use.

[0017] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a signaling apparatus of the type comprising a supporting frame for at least one first light source and a screen which has, on at least one respective surface, a first pictogram that corresponds to the specific signal, characterized in that it comprises

• a transparent layer superimposed on at least one portion of said screen on which a second pictogram is applied which is represented with an ink that is sensitive to luminous radiation of predefined frequency;
• at least one second light source suitable for the emission of luminous radiation of said predefined frequency;

in conditions of correct operation of the element associated with said signal said at least one first source being active for the lighting of said screen and of the corresponding first pictogram, in conditions of non-operation of said element said at least one second source being active for the lighting said screen and the corresponding second pictogram at a predefined frequency.

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the signaling apparatus according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a signaling apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the signaling apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partially sectional front view of the signaling apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of the signaling apparatus of Figure 1 in conditions of regular operation;

Figure 5 is a front view of the signaling apparatus of Figure 1 in conditions of "out-of-order" signaling;

Figure 6 is a front view of a further type of signaling apparatus in conditions of regular operation;

Figure 7 is a front view of the signaling apparatus of Figure 5 in conditions of "out-of-order" signaling.

[0019] With reference to the figures, a signaling apparatus is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0020] The signaling apparatus 1 comprises a supporting frame 2 for a first light source and a screen 4 which has, on at least one respective surface 5, a first pictogram 6a that corresponds to the specific signal.

[0021] The apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises a transparent layer 7 superimposed on at least one portion of the screen 4 on which a second pictogram 6b is applied which is represented with an ink that is sensitive to luminous radiation of predefined frequency.

[0022] It is specified that at least one second light source 8 suitable for the emission of luminous radiations of said predefined frequency (suitable to excite the photosensitive ink and therefore make it visible) is furthermore installed on the frame 2.

[0023] Under conditions of correct operation of the element (an emergency exit, an apparatus for managing emergency conditions, and the like) associated with the signaling to which the first pictogram 6a refers, the at least one first source 3 is active for the lightning of the screen 4 and of the corresponding first pictogram 6a.

[0024] In this operating mode, the apparatus 1 is designed to provide a luminous broadcast of the first pictogram 6a and, with it, of the information inherent to said first pictogram 6a.

[0025] Under conditions of non-operation of the element associated with the signaling of the first pictogram 6a (for example when the corresponding emergency exit is inactive, or when the corresponding apparatuses for managing the emergency conditions are out of order and in similar cases), the second light source 8 is active, for the lighting, at a predefined frequency, of the screen 4 and of the corresponding second pictogram 6b, which provides the indication of the "out-of-order" condition of the element with which the apparatus 1 is associated.

[0026] In this second operating condition it is possible to provide also for the switching off of the at least one first light source 3, so as to make the information conveyed by the second pictogram 6b even more evident.

[0027] It is specified that the predefined frequency may conveniently correspond to a luminous radiation that does not belong to the visible spectrum, chosen from infrared and ultraviolet.

[0028] In this manner, the radiation suitable for the optical stimulation of the photosensitive ink with which the second pictogram 6b is represented, despite not being visible to the people present, makes it possible to convey the information inherent to the second pictogram 6b in a particularly evident manner.

[0029] It is specified that, from a constructive point of view the second pictogram 6b can be advantageously constituted by a letter "X" which is superimposed on the first pictogram 6a: the superimposition of a large "X", preferably but not exclusively depicted in red, provides an unequivocal indication of the canceling of the information conveyed by the first pictogram 6a on which the second pictogram 6b is superimposed.

[0030] From a constructive point of view, the photosensitive ink is of the type preferably chosen from luminescent organic pigments and/or dyes, inorganic luminescent pigments and/or dyes, quantum dot dyes and/or pigments, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0031] With particular reference to a possible constructive solution of unquestionable interest in practice and in application, the supporting frame 2 can validly comprise means for fixing to a fixed structure (for example a wall, an opening, a ceiling and the like) which will also support the first light source 3 and the second light source 8.

[0032] The screen 4 protrudes and is coupled to the frame 2 at one of its edges 9 which is aligned with and proximate to the light sources 3, 8.

[0033] In particular, the screen 4 is positively coupled to the frame 2 by means of an edge 9 chosen from the lateral one, in a configuration in which the frame 2 is coupled to a wall and the like, the upper one (as shown in the accompanying Figures 6 and 7), in a configuration in which the frame 2 is coupled to a ceiling and the like, and the lower one, in a configuration in which the frame 2 is coupled to a flat surface and the like.

[0034] In practice, the apparatus 1, in the described cases, is shaped like a plate that protrudes from the installation surface (a wall, a ceiling, a flat surface and the like) and is lit through the edge 9 thereof coupled to the frame 2 (which supports the light sources 3, 8).

[0035] With particular reference to a constructive solution that is alternative but equally interesting in terms of application, the apparatus 1 according to the invention can advantageously be shaped like a traditional luminaire.

[0036] In this case, the screen 4 is conveniently constituted by at least one portion of the transparent closure shell of the apparatus, with careful choice of this portion among those facing the light sources 3, 8 which are coupled, even indirectly, to the rear frame 2, which is fixed to an installation surface.

[0037] Within the scope of this constructive solution, it is specified that the light sources 3, 8 can be arranged conveniently on a supporting bracket which is integral with the rear frame 2. On this bracket, the first light sources 3 and the second light sources 8 are mutually alternated, even in nonuniform groups, with a substantially periodic arrangement.

[0038] With particular reference to a version designed to optimize the quality of the information conveyed by the pictograms 6a, 6b, it is specified that the first pictogram 6a also may be represented with an ink that is sensitive to luminous radiation, but of a second frequency which corresponds to the frequency of the first light source 3.

[0039] In this case the switching on of the first light sources 3 causes the lighting of the first pictogram 6a which instead, with the sources 3 switched off, is not visible on the screen 4.

[0040] The switching off of the sources 3 and the switching on of the light sources 8 instead causes the lighting of the second pictogram 6b, which previously was not visible.

[0041] In this manner it is possible also to modify the messages conveyed by a same apparatus 1 between two different conditions of use (which correspond to the alternate operation of the two light sources 3, 8 that are present).

[0042] In general, by using a common control center for all the apparatuses 1 according to the invention, it is possible to control remotely the switching on and off of the first source 3 or of the source 8 (providing also on and off conditions of both).

[0043] The use of specific sensors controlled by the installation environments of the apparatuses 1 (or of the specific elements that they are to signal) may also ensure the automatic transition from an on condition of the first source 3 (and possible switching off of the second source 8), to the on condition of the second source 8 (and possible switching off of the first source 3). This will ensure that the messages conveyed by the apparatus are always correct and need not depend on a command on the part of operators intended to control them.

[0044] Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems described above, proposing a signaling apparatus 1 that can transition in a simple manner from the normal operating condition to the condition indicating out-of-service, due to a malfunction or to problems of any kind.

[0045] Conveniently, the signaling apparatus 1 according to the invention may provide an indication of the current operating condition of the element to which the pictogram represented therein refers (i.e., its regular operation and/or the "out of order" condition).

[0046] Positively, the signaling apparatus 1 according to the invention indicates in a clear manner whether the escape route it identifies can be used, as it integrates both messages and can transition from conveying one message or the other easily and quickly.

[0047] Usefully, the signaling apparatus 1 according to the invention can be operated and controlled remotely, as well as being able to be controlled by respective local sensors that detect any malfunction conditions and automatically send a signal to the apparatus 1, which corresponds to the switching on of the second light sources 8 (and possibly the switching off of the first ones 3).

[0048] Validly, the signaling apparatus 1 according to the invention is relatively easy to provide in practice and low-cost: these characteristics make the apparatus 1 according to the invention an innovation of secure application.

[0049] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

[0051] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0052] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102020000005149 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A signaling apparatus of the type comprising a supporting frame (2) for at least one first light source (3) and a screen (4) which has, on at least one respective surface (5), a first pictogram (6a) that corresponds to the specific signal, characterized in that it comprises

- a transparent layer (7) superimposed on at least one portion of said screen (4) on which a second pictogram (6b) is applied which is represented with an ink that is sensitive to luminous radiation of predefined frequency;

- at least one second light source (8) suitable for the emission of luminous radiation of said predefined frequency;

under conditions of correct operation of the element associated with said signal, said at least one first source (3) being active for the lighting of said screen and of the corresponding first pictogram (6a); under conditions of non-operation of said element, said at least one second source (8) being active for the lighting of said screen and of the corresponding second pictogram (6b) at a predefined frequency.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said predefined frequency corresponds to a luminous radiation that does not belong to the visible spectrum, chosen between infrared and ultraviolet and corresponding to the radiation suitable for the optical stimulation of said photosensitive ink with which said second pictogram (6b) is represented.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said second pictogram (6b) is constituted by a letter X which is superimposed on the first pictogram (6a), to indicate the canceling of the information conveyed by said first pictogram (6a).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said photosensitive ink is of the type chosen from luminescent organic pigments and/or dyes, inorganic luminescent pigments and/or dyes, quantum dot dyes and/or pigments, combinations thereof and the like.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting frame (2) comprises means for fixing to a fixed structure which support said first (6a) and second (6b) light sources, said screen (4) protruding and being coupled to said frame (2) at an edge (9) thereof that is aligned with and proximate to said light sources (6a, 6b).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said screen (4) is coupled to said frame (2) by means of an edge (9) which is chosen between a lateral one, in the configuration in which the frame (2) is coupled to a wall and the like, an upper one, in the configuration in which the frame (2) is coupled to a ceiling and the like, and a lower one, in the configuration in which the frame (2) is coupled to a flat surface and the like.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is shaped like a traditional luminaire, said screen (4) being constituted by at least one portion of the transparent closure shell of said apparatus, said portion facing said light sources (3, 8) which are coupled, even indirectly, to the rear frame (2) which is fixed to an installation surface.

8. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said light sources (3, 8) are distributed on a supporting bracket that is integral with said rear frame (2), said first (3) and said second (8) light sources being mutually alternated, even in nonuniform groups, with a substantially periodic arrangement.

9. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first pictogram (6a) is represented with an ink that is sensitive to luminous radiation of a second frequency which corresponds to the frequency of said first light source (3).

Drawing