WO1990005268A1 - A portable illumination device - Google Patents

A portable illumination device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1990005268A1
WO1990005268A1 PCT/GB1989/001320 GB8901320W WO9005268A1 WO 1990005268 A1 WO1990005268 A1 WO 1990005268A1 GB 8901320 W GB8901320 W GB 8901320W WO 9005268 A1 WO9005268 A1 WO 9005268A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
illumination device
portable
portable illumination
printed circuit
battery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1989/001320
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Paul Radmall
Original Assignee
Dowty Electronic Components Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dowty Electronic Components Limited filed Critical Dowty Electronic Components Limited
Publication of WO1990005268A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990005268A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L2/00—Systems of electric lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2105/00—Planar light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/20—Electroluminescent [EL] light sources

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a portable illumination device and, in particular to a portable illumination device suitable for use as a writing surface, or as a means of back lighting material such as maps etc..
  • the reading of maps, notes etc., or writing of notes etc., at night involves the use of a high intensity light source for example, a torch, the use. of which results in a large amount of extraneous light emission, for example, glare. In certain circumstances, this may result in a dangerous situation occurring, or at least be disadvantageous, in particular during map reading in a car at night, or bird or animal watching at night or during twilight conditions.
  • a high intensity light source for example, a torch
  • a portable illumination device suitable for use as a writing surface comprises:
  • the printed circuit board includes, or has associated therewith, means to convert a DC current into an AC current and the assembled device is thin and lightweight enabling hand held use.
  • a portable illumination device made in accordance with the present invention is in a preferred embodiment designed to be placed behind the map, note etc. to enable the note or map to be read or written on by means of light that is passed therethrough i.e. it lights the note or map from the rear.
  • the light source emits a diffused light, and thereby the amount of extraneous light or glare is kept to a minimum, and in proper usage almost entirely eliminated. Therefore, the dangers and disadvantages normally encountered in using light sources, for example torches, are removed.
  • the device can be made having a surface which can be written upon with a pen so that it may be wiped clean, for example a felt tip pen.
  • the transmission of power from the battery to the electroluminescence member is effected by inductive coupling.
  • the layered electroluminescence member comprises at least one layer of electroluminescence polymeric material.
  • Electroluminescence members per se are known in the industry and have been used in a number of applications, and any one of these materials may be used, or adapted for use in the present invention.
  • the number of layers of electroluminescent material used in the portable illumination device is dependent upon the actual design criteria placed upon the particular device, for example, advertising logos, or where coloured sections are required on the surface.
  • the coupling section of the electroluminescent member comprises a conductive material painted or printed onto one layer thereof.
  • the conductive material may comprise any suitable material, for example, a conductive paint or ink, or a conductive or loaded polymer or loaded elastomer.
  • the thin printed circuit board is, preferably, a flexible printed circuit board.
  • the printed circuit board will include, or have associated therewith, an intelligent chip. This will provide the device with a degree of microcomputer/microprocessor functionality, for example, those akin to a calculator or a data recordal or recording devices.
  • the intelligent chip could be used to provide a brightness control function, that will help to preserve, and regulate, battery power.
  • the brightness control may be achieved by means of manual controls.
  • the printed circuit board is provided with means to interconnect the printed circuit board with external sources.
  • the means to interconnect the printed circuit board with external sources is a surface mounted electrical connector.
  • the thin laminar structured battery is preferably, a solid state battery, and most preferably a solid state lithium battery.
  • the battery is a rechargeable battery.
  • the portable illumination device further includes a battery recharging means.
  • This means may charge the battery completely or alternatively only partially replace the used charge.
  • the battery recharging means comprises a solar cell recharging unit.
  • the portable illumination device may include means to connect the battery to an external charging source.
  • the, or certain of the, individual components are provided with a moisture barrier to prevent degradation thereof.
  • the portable illumination device is provided with a moisture barrier which circumferentially surrounds the device as a whole.
  • the components of the device are bonded together. In this way a 'sealed for life' device is provided.
  • a method of coupling electroluminescent members or panels to a power source comprises: forming an inductive coupling means on the electroluminescent panel or member;
  • Each of the inductive coupling means may be formed in a suitable shape, for example a spiral, and may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be formed in a suitable shape, for example a spiral, and may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be formed in a suitable shape, for example a spiral, and may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect.
  • the respective inductive coupling means may be
  • Figure 1 shows an isometric split component view of a portable iHumiliation device made in accordance with the present invention.
  • a portable illuminating device 1 made in accordance with the present invention comprises:
  • the electroluminescent member 2 is provided with pressure sensitive on and off buttons 6, and a spiral transformer coil 7 which is printed, from conductive paint, on the under surface of the member, and forms one part of an inductive power transmission coupling.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 3 includes in its circuitry means which converts a DC electrical signal into an AC electrical signal. This is achieved by switching the DC electrical signal from the battery across the primary coil of a transformer (not shown) at high frequency.
  • the transformer is formed so that the coils thereof are used to provide an inductive power coupling.
  • the primary coil of the transformer is formed as a section of the flexible printed circuit board 3, and the other associated coil, as previously mentioned, is formed in association with the electroluminescent member 2.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 3 is provided with an external surface connection means 7. This enables the battery 4 to be recharged from an external source, if necessary, as well as the interphasing of an intelligent chip (not shown) provided in the flexible printed circuit board 3 with an external means (not shown).
  • the thin solid state lithium battery 4 has electrical contacts 8 provided to allow for the electrical connection between the battery and the flexible printed circuit board 3.
  • the solar cell recharg ⁇ r unit 5 is mounted onto the flexible printed circuit board 3, and acts to at least partial recharge the battery. This is of course dependent upon several factors, for example climatic conditions, extent of use. If necessary the battery 4 may be charged via the external surface connection meats 7 by an external source.
  • the portable illumination device is assembled by bonding together the individual component parts thereof. In this way a simple 'sealed for life' assembly is provided.
  • the moisture sensitive components for example, the battery, are provided with a suitable moisture barrier, for example 3M's KEL-F81 a form of Chlorotriflouroethylene.
  • a suitable moisture barrier for example 3M's KEL-F81 a form of Chlorotriflouroethylene.
  • the whole assembly may be provided with an external all enclosing moisture barrier.

Abstract

A portable illumination device suitable for use as a writing surface comprises: a layered electroluminescence member (2); a thin printed circuit board (3); and a thin laminar structured battery (4). The thin printed circuit board (3) of the device includes, or is provided in association therewith, means to enable a DC current to be converted into an AC current.

Description

A PORTABLE ILLUMINATION DEVICE
This invention relates to a portable illumination device and, in particular to a portable illumination device suitable for use as a writing surface, or as a means of back lighting material such as maps etc..
At present, the reading of maps, notes etc., or writing of notes etc., at night involves the use of a high intensity light source for example, a torch, the use. of which results in a large amount of extraneous light emission, for example, glare. In certain circumstances, this may result in a dangerous situation occurring, or at least be disadvantageous, in particular during map reading in a car at night, or bird or animal watching at night or during twilight conditions.
The present invention is concerned with providing a portable illumination device which in use will eliminate, or drastically reduce, the emission of extraneous light. In accordance with the present invention a portable illumination device suitable for use as a writing surface comprises:
a layered electroluminescence member;
- a thin printed circuit board;
and - a thin laminar structured battery;
wherein the printed circuit board includes, or has associated therewith, means to convert a DC current into an AC current and the assembled device is thin and lightweight enabling hand held use.
Previously, the manufacture of a portable illumination devices made in accordance with the present invention has not been possible because battery technology has not been sufficiently advanced to provide a lightweight battery of sufficient power requirement and life, which may be incorporated into the device. A portable illumination device made in accordance with the present invention is in a preferred embodiment designed to be placed behind the map, note etc. to enable the note or map to be read or written on by means of light that is passed therethrough i.e. it lights the note or map from the rear. In this way the light source emits a diffused light, and thereby the amount of extraneous light or glare is kept to a minimum, and in proper usage almost entirely eliminated. Therefore, the dangers and disadvantages normally encountered in using light sources, for example torches, are removed.
Further, the device can be made having a surface which can be written upon with a pen so that it may be wiped clean, for example a felt tip pen.
Preferably, the transmission of power from the battery to the electroluminescence member is effected by inductive coupling.
Alternative forms of coupling may be employed. However for reasons of space, weight and safety the inductive coupling is preferred.
Preferably, the layered electroluminescence member comprises at least one layer of electroluminescence polymeric material.
Electroluminescence members per se, are known in the industry and have been used in a number of applications, and any one of these materials may be used, or adapted for use in the present invention.
Experimental prototype testing has shown that materials such as 'Quantaflex' and 'Trimlite' are particularly suited for use in the present invention.
The number of layers of electroluminescent material used in the portable illumination device is dependent upon the actual design criteria placed upon the particular device, for example, advertising logos, or where coloured sections are required on the surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which incorporates inductive coupling, the coupling section of the electroluminescent member comprises a conductive material painted or printed onto one layer thereof. The conductive material may comprise any suitable material, for example, a conductive paint or ink, or a conductive or loaded polymer or loaded elastomer.
The thin printed circuit board is, preferably, a flexible printed circuit board.
In certain embodiments of the portable illuminating device, it is envisaged that the printed circuit board will include, or have associated therewith, an intelligent chip. This will provide the device with a degree of microcomputer/microprocessor functionality, for example, those akin to a calculator or a data recordal or recording devices.
Further, if the device was provided with light sensors the intelligent chip could be used to provide a brightness control function, that will help to preserve, and regulate, battery power.
Alternatively, the brightness control may be achieved by means of manual controls.
Preferably, the printed circuit board is provided with means to interconnect the printed circuit board with external sources. Preferably the means to interconnect the printed circuit board with external sources is a surface mounted electrical connector.
The thin laminar structured battery is preferably, a solid state battery, and most preferably a solid state lithium battery.
Preferably the battery is a rechargeable battery.
Preferably, the portable illumination device further includes a battery recharging means. This means may charge the battery completely or alternatively only partially replace the used charge. Preferably the battery recharging means comprises a solar cell recharging unit.
Alternatively, or additionally, the portable illumination device may include means to connect the battery to an external charging source.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the, or certain of the, individual components are provided with a moisture barrier to prevent degradation thereof.
Alternatively, the portable illumination device is provided with a moisture barrier which circumferentially surrounds the device as a whole.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the components of the device are bonded together. In this way a 'sealed for life' device is provided.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a method of coupling electroluminescent members or panels to a power source comprises: forming an inductive coupling means on the electroluminescent panel or member;
forming a second inductive coupling means in association with the power source;
and - arranging the inductive coupling means to effect the inductive coupling.
Each of the inductive coupling means may be formed in a suitable shape, for example a spiral, and may be sized and shaped relative to one another to effect a transformer type effect. In this case, the respective inductive coupling means vould act as a coil of a transformer to produce the necessary effect.
The invention will now be described, by vay of description, of a preferred embodiment cf the invention, with reference to the accompaying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an isometric split component view of a portable iHumiliation device made in accordance with the present invention.
Now referring to the drawing, a portable illuminating device 1 made in accordance with the present invention comprises:
an electroluminescent member 2 of layered construction;
a flexible printed circuit board 3;
a rechargeable thin solid state lithium battery 4;
and - a solar cell recharger unit 5.
The electroluminescent member 2 is provided with pressure sensitive on and off buttons 6, and a spiral transformer coil 7 which is printed, from conductive paint, on the under surface of the member, and forms one part of an inductive power transmission coupling. The flexible printed circuit board 3 includes in its circuitry means which converts a DC electrical signal into an AC electrical signal. This is achieved by switching the DC electrical signal from the battery across the primary coil of a transformer (not shown) at high frequency.
The transformer is formed so that the coils thereof are used to provide an inductive power coupling. The primary coil of the transformer is formed as a section of the flexible printed circuit board 3, and the other associated coil, as previously mentioned, is formed in association with the electroluminescent member 2.
The flexible printed circuit board 3 is provided with an external surface connection means 7. This enables the battery 4 to be recharged from an external source, if necessary, as well as the interphasing of an intelligent chip (not shown) provided in the flexible printed circuit board 3 with an external means (not shown).
The thin solid state lithium battery 4 has electrical contacts 8 provided to allow for the electrical connection between the battery and the flexible printed circuit board 3.
The solar cell rechargεr unit 5 is mounted onto the flexible printed circuit board 3, and acts to at least partial recharge the battery. This is of course dependent upon several factors, for example climatic conditions, extent of use. If necessary the battery 4 may be charged via the external surface connection meats 7 by an external source.
The portable illumination device is assembled by bonding together the individual component parts thereof. In this way a simple 'sealed for life' assembly is provided.
In order to preserve the condition, and thereby ensuring better operating life and characteristics, at least the moisture sensitive components for example, the battery, are provided with a suitable moisture barrier, for example 3M's KEL-F81 a form of Chlorotriflouroethylene. Alternatively, the whole assembly may be provided with an external all enclosing moisture barrier. In operation the electroluminescent member 2 is turned on and off by the switch 6, and by leaving the solar cell recharger unit 5 exposed to the sun/light during the day the battery 4 is recharged.

Claims

1. A portable illumination device suitable for use as a writing surface comprises:
a layered electroluminescence member;
a thin printed circuit board;
and - a thin laminar structured battery;
wherein the printed circuit board includes, or has associated therewith, means to convert a DC current into an AC current and the assembled device is thin and lightweight enabling hand held use.
2. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission of power from the battery to the electroluminescence member is effected by inductive coupling.
3. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the layered electroluminescence member comprises at least one layer of electroluminescence polymeric material.
4. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the coupling section of the electroluminescent member comprises a conductive material painted or printed onto one layer thereof.
5. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 4, in which the conductive material comprises a conductive paint or ink.
6. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 4, in which the conductive material comprises a loaded polymer or loaded elastomer.
7. A portable illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board.
8. A portable illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable illuminatizπ. device further comprises an intelligent chip.
9. A portable iliunination device as claimed in claim 8, wherein t±t_ portable illumination device further comprises light sensors which in conjunction with th_ intelligent chip are used to control the brightness of the layered electroluminiscence member.
10. A portable illtmination device as claimed in any one of claims I to 8, wherein manual controls are provided to control the brightness of the layered electroluminescence member.
11. A portable ill nination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board is provided with means to interconnect the printed circuit board with external sources.
12. A portable ili πination device as claimed in claim 11, wherein tie means to interconnect the printed circuit boart with external sources is a surface mounted electrical connector.
13. A portable illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thin laminer structured battery is a solid state lithium battery.
14. A portable illumination device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thin laminer structured battery is a rechargeable battery.
15. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the portable illumination device further includes a battery recharging means.
16. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery recharging means is a solar cell.
17. A portable illumination device as claimed in claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the portable illumination device may include means to connect the battert to an external charging source.
18. A method of coupling electroluminescent members or panels to a power source comprises:
forming an inductive coupling means on the electroluminescent panel or member;
forming a second inductive coupling means in association with the power source;
and - arranging the inductive coupling means to effect the inductive coupling.
PCT/GB1989/001320 1988-11-08 1989-11-06 A portable illumination device WO1990005268A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8826165.6 1988-11-08
GB888826165A GB8826165D0 (en) 1988-11-08 1988-11-08 Portable illumination device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1990005268A1 true WO1990005268A1 (en) 1990-05-17

Family

ID=10646519

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1989/001320 WO1990005268A1 (en) 1988-11-08 1989-11-06 A portable illumination device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2002084A1 (en)
GB (2) GB8826165D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1990005268A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2216502A1 (en) 1997-09-25 1999-03-25 Lomak Industrial Co. Ltd. Portable light

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2323100A1 (en) * 1975-09-05 1977-04-01 Hamacher Martin Fluorescent safety lamp for use in mines - is mounted inside first housing and is inductively coupled to power supply in second housing
US4266164A (en) * 1977-05-16 1981-05-05 Schroeder Becky J Electroluminescent backing sheet for reading and writing in the dark
US4637148A (en) * 1985-07-08 1987-01-20 Barlow Dane D Electroluminescent badge

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4024404A (en) * 1975-04-11 1977-05-17 Becky J. Schroeder Electroluminescent backing sheet for reading and writing in the dark

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2323100A1 (en) * 1975-09-05 1977-04-01 Hamacher Martin Fluorescent safety lamp for use in mines - is mounted inside first housing and is inductively coupled to power supply in second housing
US4266164A (en) * 1977-05-16 1981-05-05 Schroeder Becky J Electroluminescent backing sheet for reading and writing in the dark
US4637148A (en) * 1985-07-08 1987-01-20 Barlow Dane D Electroluminescent badge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2226531A (en) 1990-07-04
GB8924976D0 (en) 1989-12-28
CA2002084A1 (en) 1990-05-08
GB8826165D0 (en) 1988-12-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6179431B1 (en) Flashlight with electro-luminescent element
CA2086564A1 (en) Electronic device
US4882581A (en) Keyboard for a portable data terminal
US7582838B2 (en) Flashlight electrical switch and charging indicator
US4165477A (en) Instrument intended to be carried at the wrist
GB1566473A (en) Vehicle battery charger
EP0334799A3 (en) Electroluminescent dome light for a convertible automobile
US20180320839A1 (en) Flexible led lighting strip
DE69421113T2 (en) Battery with tester label
DE69425841T2 (en) Control circuit with progressive exciter for battery charging by an AC generator
US6075322A (en) Self-contained electroluminescent marker and light
WO1990005268A1 (en) A portable illumination device
US6601964B2 (en) Lamp having a readable disk with an electro-luminescent element
US20050068761A1 (en) Optical effects device for a super thin lighting element
US7123550B2 (en) Assembly and method for illuminating a watch
US5929571A (en) Self-contained electroluminescent marker and light
US8076859B1 (en) Emergency sign power supply with battery charger
US8545042B2 (en) Self-illuminating battery
US20090032720A1 (en) System with optical energy producing structure and electrical device comprising solar cell
CN103249986A (en) Illumination device
EP0902604A3 (en) Lighting system
CN208939967U (en) Self-powered optical communication apparatus
WO2004016530A3 (en) Supermarket cart with advertising media through luminous self-rechargeable sign system
CN2185373Y (en) Dual-purpose desk lamp for charging and lighting
US20060097856A1 (en) Warning lamp device for bicycle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DK FI JP NO US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LU NL SE