A sleeping capsule and a modular capsule system comprising a number of said sleeping capsules

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sleeping capsule (1) comprising a housing (2) defining a space dimensioned to accommodate one or two user(s). Said housing is made of one or more non-combustible materials, such that the fire load of the housing is less than 40 MJ. The sleeping capsule according to the invention provides a private space for one or two person(s), and since said sleeping capsule has a very low fire load and may also comprise one or more safety systems, it is ensured, that the quest(s), staff or emergency personal easily can evaluate if a person it present in the sleeping capsule and thereby evacuate said person.

Description

[0001] A sleeping capsule and a modular capsule system comprising a number of said sleeping capsules .

[0002] The present invention relates to a sleeping capsule defining a private sleeping space , and a modular capsule system comprising a number of sleeping capsules .

[0003] Sleeping capsule are well known in the art , see e . g . JP3113233 , and US4745643 , and consist of an essentially bed-si zed independent capsule (unit ) that can be closed with either a curtain or a roller blind . Each capsule / unit is equipped with a mattress , pillow, blanket , reading light , and power outlet allowing the user to recharge their devices e . g . mobile phones etc . Some capsules even offer additional amenities like noisecanceling headphones , TVs , and Wi-Fi .

[0004] A number of sleeping capsules can be combined into a modular capsule system e . g . a capsule hotel . The capsules are placed in one or more rows and are often also double-stacked in order to provide additional accommodation without using more floor space .

[0005] Each sleeping capsule only takes up very limited space , and sleeping capsules therefore provides travelers and tourists with a possibility of obtaining an inexpensive accommodation, especially if the sole purpose of the accommodation is to satisfy the guest ' s physiological need for sleep .

[0006] In practice each guest occupies a sleeping capsule , but other belongings and luggage are normally stored in a separate locker provided by the hotel . Toilet and bathing facilitates are shared .

[0007] The capsule hotels originate from Japan (the first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979 ) and today capsule hotels can be found around the world, thus the demand for obtaining cheeps accommodation is growing .

[0008] However, one of the main problems with capsule hotels relates to the fact that a large number of sleeping capsule are stacked together in a small and / or narrow space . Thus , in case of emergencies , e . g . if a fire breaks out in a capsule hotel , it can potentially put dozens of people ' s lives at risk, especially sleeping guests .

[0009] One of the problems encountered in all fires is that people have to be removed from the fire zone and to safety as quickly as possible . However the large number of sleeping capsules normally placed in a capsule hotel in the relatively limited space normally makes fire evacuation difficult and troublesome . This is not only due to a high risk that the fire quickly will spread to adj acent and nearby sleeping capsules , but also because smoke and potential poisonous gas will gather extremely fast in the small capsules and / or in the narrow space between and around said capsules . Accordingly, an occupant of the sleeping capsule only has very limited time to react to the emergency and escape . Furthermore , the limited space and large number of guest in a capsule hotel , makes it very challenging for the responding emergency team, e . g . fire-fighters to quickly and effectively search the premise , adding to the overall risk in case of an emergency .

[0010] Even though smoke and fire detectors normally are present at a capsule hotel and accordingly will alert the guest in case of an emergency, the use of alarms relies on the quest being able to respond to the danger . However, there is a risk that the guest becomes unconscious , disoriented and / or paralyzed with fear when been exposed to smoke , gases and heat , making the guest unable to evacuate him / her-self . Thus , it is relevant that the emergency personal , e . g . firefighters , in a fast and efficient manner, knows which sleeping capsules are actually occupied in the fire zone , and which are not . Normally the only information available is which capsules have been rented out and which have not , however this information is normally only available at a central position in the capsule hotel e . g . the reception area, and it i s therefore not only time-consuming to obtain said information, but the information is also inadequate . Accordingly, it is necessary for fire-fighters to break into all sleeping capsules in the fire zone in order to check whether or not a person or persons is / are actually present in said capsule , thereby wasting critical time .

[0011] Thus , there remains demand for a novel sleeping capsule and a modular capsule system that allows guests to sleep and rest in a comfortable manner without having to worry about what will happen in case of an emergency, while at the same time providing the quests with sufficient privacy .

[0012] It is accordingly a first aspect of the present invention to provide a sleeping capsule having a reduced risk of starting and spreading a fire .

[0013] It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a sleeping capsule in which it is possible to easily detect if the sleeping capsule is occupied .

[0014] It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a sleeping capsule which is easily to assemble and install , without the need for a lot of installation space

[0015] These and further aspects are achieved according to the present invention by providing a sleeping capsule comprising a housing defining a space dimensioned to accommodate one or two user ( s ) and wherein said housing is made of one or more non-combust ible materials, such that the fire load of the housing is less than

[0016] 40 MJ.

[0017] Within the context of the present invention the term "noncombustible means"' that the material will not ignite, burn or release flammable vapors when exposed to fire or heat.

[0018] The fire load gives an estimation of the potential size and severity of a fire, and thus the endurance required of a specific structure. The higher the fire load, the greater the potential fire severity and damage, since the duration of the burning period of the fire is considered proportional to the fire load.

[0019] Thus, by using materials for the housing of the sleeping capsules which is non-combust ible the overall risk of a fire will start and spread is significantly reduced.

[0020] Within the context of the present invention any detachable i.e. easily removable elements added to the inside of the sleeping capsule, e.g. mattress, pillows, bed linen, shelves, mirrors or the like, are not considered to be part of the housing, and are accordingly not included in the fire load calculations. However elements integrated with or into the housing e.g. wiring for Wi-Fi and electricity, integrated light (LED-spots) , ventilation (fans with or without filters) , power outlets etc. are considered to be part of said housing. It is however preferred that the fire load of the total sleeping capsule, i.e. the housing with e.g. mattress, pillows, bed linen etc. also is less than 40 MJ. Thus, it is accordingly preferred that the materials of the mattress, pillow and bed linen, as well as similar items in the sleeping capsule, are selected in order to effect the fire load as little as possible.

[0021] It is further preferred that the fire load of less than 40 MJ of the housing is independent of the dimensions of the sleeping capsule , i . e . the width, length and / or the height of said sleeping capsule . Accordingly, the fire load is also independent on whether the sleeping capsule is dimensioned to accommodate one or two persons .

[0022] Within the context of the present invention the term " fire load"' is defined as the total heat content upon complete combustion of all combustible material of the housing, optionally including the essential electronics of said sleeping capsule , or alternatively as the complete sleeping capsule . The heat content per unit area is called the fire load density .

[0023] The fire load it is given as : where f is the fire load, (MJ) , Mvis the total weight of each single combustible element of the sleeping capsule , (kg) , and Ahcis the calorific value of each combustible item, (MJ / kg) . thus , the fire load density is given as : where q is the fire load density, (MJ / m2) and A is the floor area of the sleeping capsule (m2) .

[0024] In order to determining the fire load and / or fire load density of a sleeping capsule the mass of all elements of the sleeping capsule must be found, as well as the elements calorific value . I f the fire load density is desired the floor area of sleeping capsule must also be measured / calculated .

[0025] It is in this respect preferred that the mass of an element simply is determined by weighing or alternatively by identifying its density and volume. The floor area is determined by measuring its dimensions, and the calorific values determined. The calorific value is defined as the amount of calories generated when a unit amount of substance (element) is completely oxidized. Said value can either be looked up in a standard table for building materials, see e.g. the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th edition (ISBN: 978-1-4939-2564-3) , or determined using a bomb calorimeter (e.g. Model-IKA C2000) . The later is a well known technique in the art and will not be discussed in further details .

[0026] Hotel rooms generally tend to have very high fire load density (mean around 400 MJ / m2according to Gao, et al., "Analysis on the Distribution Regularity of Fire Load in Hotel Buildings " , Fire Science and Technology Vol.31 No .2 (2012) 33-48, meaning that a fire has a tendency of spreading very quickly if said fire which is not extinguished immediately. Thus, using a sleeping capsule in which the total fire load is less than 40 MJ significantly reduces the overall risk of a fire will start and spread in a capsule hotel. It is accordingly even more preferred that the fire load of the sleeping capsule is less than 35 MJ and even more preferred less than 32 MJ, thereby significantly reducing the size and severity of a fire.

[0027] The housing of the sleeping capsule may have any desired shape and size, it is however preferred that the housing is shaped as a cube or cuboid as this make the sleeping capsules easy to place adjacent each other, and / or stack on top of each other.

[0028] The fire load density is depending on the floor area of the sleeping capsule, but for a sleeping capsule in the shape of a cuboid and having a housing intended for two guests, said base (floor) area may be around 2.1 m x 1.4 m i.e. around 2.94 m2, i.e. the fire load density will preferably be less than 15 MJ / m2. For a sleeping capsule in the shape of a cuboid intended for a single guest, the base area may be around 2.1 m x 0.9 m, i.e. 1.9 m2. The height of each sleeping capsules (intended for one or two persons) may be around 1.2 m, however the exact dimensions may vary depending on the location at which the sleeping capsule are to be installed, the intended use of said capsule, and the height may accordingly be smaller or larger.

[0029] Each sleeping capsule preferably comprising a number of panels connected to each other via a number of first elongated structural profiles and optionally a number of corner elements.

[0030] The respective elements i.e. the panels, first structural profiles, and corner elements, of said sleeping capsule may be either standard size or custom made in order to fit into a specific space at a desired location. However in all cases it is desired that the respective elements of the housing is arranged as "ready-to-assemble' ' i.e. there is no need to adjust or modify said elements, when the housing is assembled e.g. in a capsule hotel.

[0031] In a similar way the elements of the housing can be stored and transported in flat packs, thereby requiring less storage space per unit, lower delivery costs, and accordingly a smaller carbon footprint.

[0032] The first structural profile is preferably arranged as an edge profile, i.e. it is intended for being placed along one or more edges of the housing in the assembled configuration. Each first structural profile will preferably comprises at least one elongated groove arranged for accommodating at least a part of a panel, thereby providing a "ready-to-assemble"' housing which easily can be assembled at the desired location.

[0033] It is preferred that each first structural profile comprises two elongated grooves preferably arranged at angle of 90 degrees to each other in the structural profile, thereby ensuring that adj acent panels also are angled at 90 degrees in relation to each other, thereby ensuring that the desired cubic or cubiod shape can be obtained .

[0034] In order to securely hold the panel in place in the groove , each groove may comprise at least two elongated plates placed opposite one another thereby providing a U-shaped area, when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said structural profile . The panel is inserted into said U-shaped area .

[0035] In a preferred embodiment each groove have a shape and geometry configured to exactly match, or at least substantially match the edge section of the panel intended for being accommodated in said groove , not only in order for providing a simple and reliable way of assembling the housing of the sleeping capsule , but also in order to disperse forces evenly throughout the housing after assembly .

[0036] The housing may in a preferred embodiment comprise a number of corner element , and wherein the first structural profiles may further comprise a connecting channel arranged for releasably interconnecting the structural profiles with each other by means of said corner element .

[0037] The connecting channel is preferably a separate section of the first structural profile and arranged such that the one or two elongated grooves extends from said connecting channel .

[0038] The corner element preferably comprises a base and at least three legs , each leg having a shape and si ze complementary to the shape and si ze of the connecting channel . Thus , each corner element will combine three first structural profiles at a corner thereby ensuring that the assembly of the housing is relatively simple and economical . Said corner elements may be further secured to the first structural profiles by means of one or more fastening elements , e . g . bolts and nuts , screws or the like . The structural profiles may be fastened to the panels in a similar way .

[0039] The legs of the corner element and the connecting channel may in a preferred embodiment have a substantial ly triangular cross-section, taken along the longitudinal axis of the respective leg or channel .

[0040] Even though it is preferred that each sleeping capsule is an independent unit , i . e . said sleeping capsule does not need to be connected / f astened to a wall , floor or ceiling, the first one or more structural profiles may in a different embodiment be modified to comprise three or four elongated grooves whereby it will be possible to use e . g . the structural prof iles constituting part of the top of a first sleeping capsule as the base (bottom) of a second sleeping unit placed on top of said first sleeping capsule . In a similar manner the sides of the first sleeping capsule can also be the sides of an adjacent sleeping capsule etc . In such embodiment the corner element will also comprise more than three legs , in order to combine the modified first structural profiles meeting at a respective corner .

[0041] The sleeping capsule may be placed directly on the floor (base ) at a desired location, however, the sleeping capsule may also be placed on legs if desired, thereby providing a space beneath the sleeping capsule which e . g . can be used for storage , on a plinth or a similar support . Alternatively the sleeping capsule can be placed on wheels , e . g . caster wheels , thereby allowing the sleeping capsule easily to be moved around, if desired .

[0042] The housing is made of one or more materials that are either resistant to fire or non-combust ible . It is however also preferred that to construct the housing of material s that is rigid, is able to maintain confinement and / or structural loading during a fire , will not develop poisonous gases when exposed to heat and / or fire , is light weight and sound insulating .

[0043] The inventors have in this respect found that it is preferred that the panels of the housing is made of aluminum honeycomb panels as such panels will meet all said desired requirements . Such panels consist of two thin sheets of aluminum bonded to an aluminum honeycomb core , made of either aluminum or an aluminum alloy . Aluminum and its alloys are a non-combust ible material , which plays a good role in fire retardant and fire protection . In addition, the aluminum is chemical stable , and is resistant to corrosion and moisture . It is also possible to make the honeycomb panels of other materials , for instance steel or fibreglasses which also have a high tensile and compression strength, or alternatively use panels of a different material . The only requirement being that the panels are made of a noncombustible material .

[0044] The advantage of using a honeycomb core is that thi s provides a unique cellular structure having cells that define hexagonal column-shaped closed spaces . Accordingly the air layer between the two sheets of e . g . aluminum will be divided into a plurality of closed cells that effectively will prevent air flow and heat transmittance . Accordingly, the aluminum honeycomb panel provides good heat and sound insulation properties , as well as having no or at least almost no influence on the overall fire load or fire load density .

[0045] A preferred example for an aluminum honeycomb panel used for manufacturing the housing of the sleeping capsule according to the present invention is Acebond A2 obtainable from ( Top Ace Development Limited, China) . The A2 specifies that the material has a " limited combustibility" and "very limited contribution to fire" according to the European standard : EN 13501-1 , and said panels can accordingly be disregarded when calculating the fire load and / or fire load density of the sleeping capsule.

[0046] In a similar manner, the first structural profiles are preferably also made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or another suitable non-combust ible material capable of providing the desired rigidity and stability required to provide a preferably independent sleeping capsule.

[0047] The use of components (elements) made essentially or completely of aluminum also ensures that the housing and accordingly the sleeping capsule is lightweight, i.e. more sleeping capsules can be combined without compromising the base on which the sleeping capsules are placed, e.g. in a building. The use of light-weight materials further requires less materials by volume, not only leading to material cost savings but also makes it less expensive and easier to transport, store and handle said materials, e.g. during assembly. Furthermore, materials are durable, and can accordingly be used for long periods of time, thereby reducing the impact on the environment .

[0048] Furthermore, the specific construction of the housing of the sleeping capsule according to the invention also ensures that a sleeping capsule easily can be dismantled and assembled at a different location if desired.

[0049] In order for a guest to have the desired privacy when staying the sleeping capsule, said sleeping capsule will preferably comprises a door. Said door may be placed in any side of the sleeping capsule, e.g. front or side, and be any kind of door arranged for providing privacy to the guest, such as e.g. a curtain or a roller blind. It is however preferred that the door is a sliding door, arranged in one of the sides of the sleeping capsule, e.g. the front side, and being arranged for sliding in an upper and lower sliding rail. In such embodiments , the first structural profiles in the side of the sleeping capsule that comprises the sliding door, may be modified into a second structural profile arranged for both facilitating the sliding door, and one or more panel ( s ) adj acent said sliding door . It is however preferred that if the second structural profile constituting one or more edges of the housing (either partly or completely) said second structural panel will also comprise a connecting channel , such that the housing easily can be assembled using the corner element for releasably interconnecting the respective structural profiles , and accordingly panels , with each other .

[0050] A large number of sleeping capsules according to the present invention can be combined into a modular capsule system providing affordable accommodation in a limited or finite space . One such modular capsule system is a capsule hotel providing affordable accommodations for tourist or travelers . However, the modular capsule system according to the invention can also be used in places where short-term accommodation is relevant such as in airports and train stations allowing a user to sleep / rest during a long transit period . Furthermore , inexpensive and temporary sleeping or rest accommodations are often required in disaster areas , in refugee camps or during sporting events , and the sleeping capsules and the modular capsule system according to the invention can also be used in these and similar situations .

[0051] The modular capsule system according to the invention may in a preferred embodiment comprise a control system arranged for assisting other guests , staff and / or emergency personal during an emergency, e . g . during an evacuation in case of a fire , e . g . for monitoring if a person is present in the sleeping capsule and for sending a signal to an indicator unit , i f the sleeping capsule is occupied . It is in this respect preferred that each sleeping capsule comprises a control unit communicating with at least one first sensor arranged for registering if a person is present in the sleeping capsule or not , and a visual indicator . Said control unit may, based on the signal ( s ) from the first sensor ( s ) provide a "present" signal or an " absent" signal depending on whether or not a quest is present in the sleeping capsule . The signal may be shown on the visual indicator, e . g . a display and / or a light bulb (LED ) placed outside the sleeping capsule , in order to visually show if a guest is present in the sleeping capsule or not . In a preferred embodiment the visual indicator provides a colored light for example red, when a guest is present in the sleeping capsule and green when the sleeping capsule is vacant . Thus , in the event of an emergency such as a fire , fire-fighters and hotel personnel is able to immediately determine which sleeping capsules are occupied and which are not . The fire-fighters and / or other personal can then be sure to awaken each person, without have to spend valuable time breaking down doors and inspect sleeping capsules where no persons are , in fact , present . The visual indicator may be substituted with an audible indicator arranged to provide an audible signal which e . g . is act ivated if the modular capsule system is filled with smoke , making it difficult to visually see the light signal . The control system may of course also comprise both a visual indicator and an audible indicator .

[0052] The at least one first sensor, e . g . an infra-red sensor, is preferably mounted inside the sleeping capsule at a convenient location e . g . the ceiling . Sensors arranged for registering if a person is present in the sleeping capsule are of a type well known in the art , and may e . g . function in response to infrared radiation received from a person . When a person enters the sleeping capsule , the body heat will radiate as infra-red radiation which will be detected by the at least one first sensor . Sensor will then send a "present" signal to the control unit which in turn is arranged for sending the relevant status to e . g . the light bulb . When the person leaves , and there is no longer infra-red stimulation of the sensor; the first sensor ( s ) will then send an " absent" signal to the control unit , or alternatively stop sending signals at all .

[0053] The cleaning personnel or hotel staff can also use the signal to register the presence or absence of a guest in the sleeping capsule , whereby the need for a guest to hang a "do not disturb"' sign on the door becomes redundant . Furthermore , problems with quest forgetting to remove the sign when they leave the sleeping capsule are also eliminated .

[0054] The modular capsule system may further comprise a central processing device arranged to be connected to , i . e . communicate with, each of the control units and for sending and / or receiving information from each of said units . In this way the staff can easily monitor which sleeping capsules are occupied and which are not . The central processing device is preferably also arranged for remotely controlling each sleeping capsule , either independently or all sleeping capsules together .

[0055] The central processing device may also be arranged for managing guest reservations and for allowing a guest to pay for the accommodation, to easily check-in at the hotel , preferably without the need for interaction with a person .

[0056] It is in this respect preferred that each sleeping capsule comprises an electronic lock, arranged for communicating with the control unit and / or the central processing device . Said lock can be operated via a display placed outside the sleeping capsule , but can preferably also be controlled remotely, e . g . via the central processing device . In this way, when a quest makes a reservation for a sleeping capsule for e . g . one night , the central processing device may generate an acces s code , e . g . a PIN-code or QR-code (depending on the lock of the respective sleeping capsule ) and transmit said access code to the relevant electronic lock for the selected period of stay e.g. the period of time a person is staying at the capsule hotel. It is preferred that the access code is activated when the guest's stay begins and inactivated when the guests stay ends. In this way the access code is active during the quests entire stay, but will automatically stop working when the quest has to check out at the latest. Said code can also be used to open other doors in the modular capsule system, e.g. the front door, garage doors, etc.

[0057] The access code may in a preferred embodiment also be transmitted to a quests user device e.g. mobile phone via email or sms, e.g. at the time the quests books the sleeping capsule, pays for the stay, and / or shortly before the stay begins.

[0058] In preferred embodiment central processing device comprises an app or website, relating to one or more specific modular capsule system(s) , e.g. a specific capsule hotel. Said app and / or website may allow the quest to make the reservation, obtain the relevant access code and preferably also pay for the stay, allows the guest to check-in and / or check-out and etc.

[0059] The sleeping capsule may also, or alternatively, comprise an interactive unit, e.g. a tablet or the like placed outside the capsule, such that the quest can book, pay, obtain the access code and / or check-in (or check-out) etc. directly at the sleeping capsule. Alternatively, the interactive unit may placed at the front door of a capsule hotel, or in a reception area of said hotel, making the process from booking to check out easy, simple and without requiring interaction with a receptionist or similar personal.

[0060] Said electronic lock may in a preferred embodiment be an electromagnetic lock, i.e. a lock that comprises a magnet and an armature plate. When electric current is applied to the magnet, it generates a strong magnetic force, thereby locking the door . Such electromagnetic locks are well known in the art and will not be discussed further in this application . However, electromagnetic locks have the disadvantage that if brute force is applied perpendicular to the magnet it is possible to pull or push the magnet away from its armature plate . It is accordingly preferred that the sleeping capsule according to the invention comprises an electronic bolt lock which physically engages one or more of the structural profiles of the housing, or alternatively a safety bar, adding an additional level of safety to the sleeping capsule . The bolt lock may in some embodiments be the only lock on the sleeping capsule .

[0061] In any case , it is preferred that the electronic lock, e . g . an electrometric lock and / or a bolt lock, is arranged for being unlocked in case of an emergency , e . g . in response to a signal from the control unit and / or central processing device that an emergency is occurring . Such an arrangement will both ensure that the quest easily can exit the capsule , but also that e . g . fire-fighters does not have to use valuable time breaking the door open in case the quest becomes unconscious . Preferably, the control unit is also arranged for ensuring that the door, after being unlocked, will also open slightly .

[0062] In one embodiment the sleeping capsule may further comprise an intelligent window, also known as a smart window . Such windows are well known in the art , and have the advantage that they can be switched between frosted ( opaque ) and transparent by application of an electric current to the window . During normal use , the window is opaque ensuring the privacy of the quest , however in case of an emergency, e . g . a fire , the control unit and / or central processing device may be arranged to apply an electric current to said window, whereby the window becomes transparent , making it possible for the fire-fighters or other emergency personal to visually check if a person is present in the sleeping capsule . This may e . g . be relevant if the visual and / or audible detection system is not working properly or there is too much smoke in the areas outside the sleeping capsules .

[0063] The sleeping capsule may also comprise additional safety measures , e . g . a speaker and / or microphone allowing the staff or emergency personnel to communicate with a specif ic quest in case of an emergency, a fire sprinkler system, e . g . arranged to be activated at a predetermined temperature or in the event of smoke , Furthermore , the control unit or central processing device may also be arranged for turn-off ventilators in one or more specific sleeping capsules , in order to either deprive an on-going fire of oxygen, or prevent gases and smoke from spreading .

[0064] The main aim of the present invention is to provide sleeping capsules in which one or two persons can access a private space and sleep comfortably without being affected by ambient light and noise and where said persons does not have to worry about what happens in case of an emergency, i . e . the sleeping capsule comprises one or more safety systems (e . g . visual indicator, unlocking of the door, and smart window) in order to ensure that the quest ( s ) , staff or emergency personal easily can evaluate if a person it present in the sleeping capsule and thereby evacuate said person .

[0065] Example :

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of a sleeping capsule according to the invention, the housing is shaped as a cuboid and being dimensioned to accommodate two users . The internal floor area will be 2030 cm x 1040 cm, i . e . an area of 2 . 11 m2. The housing has a height of 120 cm, and a total weight of about 130 kg .

[0067] The housing consists of : 1. Seven aluminum honeycomb panels (ACEBOND A2) having a total area of 14.6 m2, and with a weight of 8 kg / m2 this corresponds to a total of 116.8 kg.

[0068] 2. Six steel legs (40x40x250 mm) . Each steel leg is powder coated and comprises a steel adjusting screw.

[0069] 3. Twelve structural profiles, and eight corner elements, all made of anodized aluminum, and having a total weight of 33.5 kg .

[0070] 4. Electronics consisting of: a. Two fans (diameter 125mm; 12V; total weight: 420 g) , b. Five LED spots (12V; total weight: 375 g) c. Two usb / usb-c connectors (total weight: 20 g) , d. One control unit (12V GOKI smart Access; total weight: 250 g) e. One electromagnetic lock (12V; total weight: 480 g)

[0071] Detachable elements such as mattress, pillows, and bed linen as well as a guest's personal belongings are not included in the fire load calculations.

[0072] According to the European standard: EN 13501-1, the Acebond is classified as a A2-product, i.e. said material has a "limited combustibility and very limited contribution to fire" and said panels can accordingly be disregarded when calculating the fire load and / or fire load density of the sleeping capsule. The same is the situation for the steel legs and structural profiles of aluminum. Thus, the only parts of the sleeping capsule which contributes to the fire load is the electronics, having a combined weight of about 1.55 kg which according to the Danish fire regulation: Executive Order No. 1615 of 13 Dec. 2017; Executive order on building regulations 2018 (BR18) , Chapter 5 - Guidance to Chapter 5 - Fire, Chapter 8: Verification: table 10 has a calorific value of 20 MJ / kg, i.e. 1.55 kg electronics provide a fire load of 31 MJ. As the base area of the sleeping capsule were 2 . 11 m2, the fire load density was 14 . 7 MJ / m2.

[0073] The invention will be explained in greater detail below, describing only exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which

[0074] The invention will be described below with the assumption that the housing of the sleeping capsule is cuboid, however this assumption is not to be construed as limiting, and the sleeping capsule could just as easily be in the form of a cube, in the shape of an oval , or the like . .

[0075] Fig . 1 is a schematic view of a sleeping capsule according to the present invention,

[0076] Fig . 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first structural profile of the housing of the sleeping capsule shown in fig . 1 ,

[0077] Fig . 3 shows a corner element for connecting three first structural profiles in a corner,

[0078] Fig . 4 and 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an upper and lower edge of a second structural profile of the housing arranged for accommodating a sliding door, and

[0079] Fig . 6 shows a modular capsule system according to the invention .

[0080] Fig . 1 shows a schematic representation of a sleeping capsule 1 according to the present invention . Said sleeping capsule 1 comprises a housing 2 dimensioned to accommodate two user ( s ) . Said housing 2 comprises a number of panels 3 made of a noncombustible material and being interconnected via a number of first structural profiles 4 , a number of second structural profiles 5a, 5b, and a number of corner elements 6 . One of said panels 3a, constitutes a sliding door 7 , placed in a front section 8 of the sleeping capsule 1 .

[0081] The sleeping capsule 1 also comprises a display 9 which communicates with an electronic lock (not shown) of the sleeping capsule 1 , i . e . for locking / unlocking the door 7 . A visual indicator ( light bulb) 10 , for visually showing if a person is present in the sleeping capsule is also placed on the outside of the sleeping capsule 1 .

[0082] A cross-section of the first structural profile 4 i s shown in fig . 2 . Said profile 4 comprises two elongated grooves 11 arranged at angle of 90 degrees to each other . Each groove 11 comprise two plates 12 arranged opposite one another thereby providing a substantially U-shaped groove 11 , having a geometry that matches the edge section 13 of the panel 3 intended for being accommodated in said groove 11 . Said groove 11 extends in the complete length of the structural profile 4 thereby ensuring that the housing 2 can be assembled in an easy manner and that forces acting on the housing 2 is evenly distributed .

[0083] The structural profiles 4 also comprise a connecting channel 14 arranged for releasably interconnecting the structural profiles 4 and panels 3 with each other via the corner element 6 shown in details in fig . 3 .

[0084] The connecting channel 14 is separate section of the structural profile 4 i . e . divided from the two elongated grooves 11 by a partition wall 15 .

[0085] The corner element 6 shown in fig . 3 comprises a base 16 and three legs 17 , each leg 17 having a shape and si ze complementary to the shape and si ze of the connecting channel 14 and is arranged for providing a tight fit with the respective connecting channel 14 . In this way can each corner element combine three first structural profiles 4 at a corner of the housing 2 . The base 16 has a slightly larger extension than the tree legs in order to ensure that the surfaces of the first structural profiles 4 and corner element 6 smoothly merges into each other .

[0086] In the embodiment shown the legs 17 of the corner element 6 and the connecting channel 14 have a substantially triangular cross-section, taken along the longitudinal axis of the respective leg or channel , however other shapes are also contemplated within the scope of the present invent ion .

[0087] Since the housing 2 comprises a sliding door 7 , the upper and lower structural profiles of the front section are modified into two second structural profile 5a, 5b, an upper and a lower, as shown in fig . 4 and 5 , respectively . Each second structural profile 5a, 5b is arranged for both facilitating the sliding door 7 , and one or more panels 3 adj acent said sliding door 7 .

[0088] The upper and lower second structural profiles 5a, 5b, shown respectively in cross-section in fig . 4 and 5 , both comprises two U-shaped grooves 11 , corresponding to the U-shapes grooves of fig . 2 . However, one of said U-shaped grooves 11 ' does not accommodate a panel but instead accommodates a first part 18 of a sliding rail 19 . Said first part 18 is arranged for engaging a second part 20 of the sliding rail 19 connected to a first U- shaped profile 21 which is attached to the sliding door 7 , in a similar manner as the panels 3 of the housing 2 . In order to ensuring that the guiding rail 19 cannot be viewed, the first U-shaped profiles 21 holding the sliding door 7 comprises a cover section 22 extending in the complete length of the siding door 7 .

[0089] In order for the sliding door 7 to slide past the adj acent and fixed panel 3b of the housing 2 the fixed panel 3a is placed in a second U-shaped profile 23 ( only shown in fig . 5 ) , which again is connected to the upper and lower second structural profiles 5a, 5b .

[0090] As is evident from the drawings , the structural profiles 4 , 5a, 5b constituting the edges of the housing 2 , and the corner elements 6 are all rounded in order to provide a sleeping capsule 1 without any sharp edges .

[0091] Fig . 6 shows a modular capsule system 24 according to the invention, in which a number sleeping capsules 1 as shown in fig . 1 are placed in a row and being double-stacked, thereby providing additional accommodation without using more floor space .

[0092] Fig . 6 shows six sleeping capsules , where three sleeping capsules is stacked on top of three sleeping capsules , but the modular capsule system may comprise more or fewer s leeping capsules , and said sleeping capsules may be arranged in any relevant configuration, e . g . as a stand alone capsule , two capsules together, the capsules may be triple-stacked, etc . Ladders (not shown) may be added to the system for the quests to be able to access the second, or higher row ( s ) of sleeping capsules .

[0093] Each sleeping capsule 1 comprises a control unit (not shown) that communicates with the display 9 ; see e . g . fig . 1 , placed in proximity to the sliding door 7 . Said control unit also communicates with a central processing device arranged for remotely controlling each sleeping capsule , either independently or together .

[0094] An infra-red sensor (not shown) is placed inside the sleeping capsule . Said sensor communicates with the control unit , which in response to whether or not infra-red radiation from a person is received by said sensor, activates the light bulb 10 present outside the sleeping capsule 1 , thereby visually showing if a guest is present in the sleeping capsule 1 or not .

[0095] In the event of a fire the visual light ensure that the firefighters immediately can determine which sleeping capsules are occupied and which are not , and the fire-fighters does therefore not have to spend valuable time checking un-occupied sleeping capsules . Instead they can concentrate on the sleeping capsules 1 in which there is in fact a person present .

[0096] In the embodiment shown the control unit and / or central processing system also communicates with the electronic lock (not shown) . Thus , in case of an emergency, the control unit and / or central processing device can send a signal to the lock that is shall be unlocked and the sliding door should preferably also be forced to open slightly . Such an arrangement will not only ensure that the quest easily can exit the capsule , but also that e . g . fire-fighters does not have to use valuable time breaking the door in, in case the quest becomes unconscious .

[0097] Thus , the sleeping capsule according to the invention provides a private space for a person, and since said sleeping capsule not only has a very low fire load ( compared to convention hotel rooms ) but also comprises one or more safety systems it is ensured, that the quest ( s ) , staff or emergency personal easily can evaluate if a person it present in the sleeping capsule and thereby evacuate said person .

[0098] Modifications and combinations of the above principles and designs are foreseen within the scope of the present invention .

Claims

Claims1. A sleeping capsule (1) comprising a housing (2) defining a space dimensioned to accommodate one or two user(s) and, wherein said housing (2) is made of one or more materials that is non-combustible, such that the fire load of the sleeping capsule is less than 40 MJ.

2. A sleeping capsule according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a number of panels (3) connected to each other via a number of first elongated structural profiles (4) , and wherein each first structural profile (4) comprises at least one elongated groove (11) arranged for accommodating at least a part (13) of a panel (3) .

3. A sleeping capsule according to claim 2, wherein each first structural profile (4) comprises two elongated grooves (11) arranged at angle of 90 degrees to each other.

4. A sleeping capsule according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each groove comprise at least two elongated plates (12) opposite one another, providing a U-shaped groove, when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said structural profile (4) .

5. A sleeping capsule according to any of the preceding claims 2 - 4, wherein the housing (1) further comprises a corner element (6) , and wherein the first structural profiles (4) comprise a connecting channel (14) arranged for releasably interconnecting the first structural profiles (4) with each other by means of said corner element (6) .

6. A sleeping capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (3) of the housing (2) are aluminum honeycomb panels and / or the first structural profiles are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

7. A modular capsule system (24) comprising a number of sleeping capsules (1) according to any of the claims 1 - 6, and said modular capsule system comprises a control system arranged for monitoring if a person is present in the sleeping capsule and for at least sending a signal to an indicator unit if the sleeping capsule (1) is occupied.

8. A modular capsule system (24) according to claim 7, wherein each sleeping capsule (1) comprises a control unit preferably communicating with at least one first sensor e.g. an infra-red sensor, arranged for registering if a person is present in the sleeping capsule (1) or not, and wherein said control unit is part of the control system.

9. A modular capsule system (24) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each sleeping capsule (1) comprises an electronic lock, preferably an electromagnetic lock, arranged for communicating with the control system e.g. the control unit and / or a central processing device, such that said electronic lock can be controlled remotely, e.g. unlocked in response to a signal from the control unit and / or the central processing device that an emergency is occurring.

10. A modular capsule system (24) according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the sleeping capsule comprise an intelligent window, and wherein the control unit and / or the central processing device may be arranged to apply an electric current to said window in case of an emergency, whereby the window becomes transparent.

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