Method for coupling home automation devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee, said method comprising:-switching a first device into a coupling-pairing mode,-switching a second device (14) into a coupling-pairing mode,-searching for an existing wireless network by the first and / or the second device,-switching the first device into the coupling-pairing mode,-switching the second device into the coupling-pairing mode,-switching the first device into the coupling-pairing mode,-switching the second device into the coupling-pairing mode,-switching the second device into the coupling-pairing the first device creates a new wireless network if the first device does not find an existing wireless network for a predetermined time period, connects the second device to the new wireless network, and couples the second device with the first device through the new wireless network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee. Background Art

[0002] In home automation, Zigbee wireless networks are often used to connect devices (ie, to perform data transmission between devices). Zigbee is particularly characterized in that a mesh network can be realized, which allows devices that are further away from each other to communicate with each other through devices located between them.

[0003] Especially in the absence of a gateway in a Zigbee wireless network, coupling of devices can be cumbersome and complicated. When coupling, the user must perform multiple steps, which in turn need to be performed separately on the device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to specify a method for coupling devices which makes the coupling easier for a user.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 .

[0006] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0007] - switching the first device to a coupling pairing mode,

[0008] - switching the second device to coupling pairing mode,

[0009] - searching for a wireless network, in particular an already existing wireless network, by the first and / or second device,

[0010] - if the first device does not find an existing wireless network within a predetermined period of time, the first device creates a wireless network,

[0011] - Connect the second device to the new wireless network,

[0012] - Coupling, ie pairing, the second device with the first device via the new wireless network.

[0013] The invention is based on the recognition that, through the method steps mentioned, only one user intervention is required at the beginning to switch the first and second devices into the coupling pairing mode. After that, the coupling of the two devices can be carried out fully automatically, thereby saving many user interventions and thus carrying out the coupling faster and simpler.

[0014] In particular, the coupling is essentially automatic in that, after switching the first and second devices to the coupling pairing mode, the two devices first search for a wireless network, possibly an already existing wireless network. If the two devices have not yet been coupled to other devices via a wireless network, the two devices will not be able to find a wireless network when searching, and then the first device creates a new wireless network while the second device is still searching for a wireless network. Subsequently, the second device can connect to the new wireless network. Then, by connecting to the new wireless network, data can be exchanged with the first device that created the new wireless network and, for example, issued the new wireless network, so that the second device can be coupled (i.e. paired) with the first device via the new wireless network. After the coupling, the first and second devices "recognize" each other, in particular communicate with each other, and, for example, execute the corresponding instructions of the other device.

[0015] Next, the details of the method according to the present invention are further described.

[0016] In the coupling-pairing mode, the device is in particular configured to carry out the required method steps in order to couple with a new and / or additional device.

[0017] When searching for a wireless network, in particular when searching for an already existing wireless network, the first and / or second device can be connected to the already existing wireless network accordingly. The search is preferably performed after switching to the coupling pairing mode. The coupling pairing mode can be maintained until the coupling between the first and second devices is successfully performed.

[0018] Alternatively, the coupling pairing mode may also be terminated by the passage of a predetermined time (timeout). In particular, when, for example, a wireless network is generated or discovered but a successful coupling is not achieved, the first and / or second device may also terminate the coupling pairing mode. Then, the user may restart the coupling process.

[0019] The new wireless network created by the first device can be created by the first device, for example, using a universal key for the Zigbee wireless network. Alternatively or additionally, the first device can use settings pre-set for the new wireless network.

[0020] In particular, the coupling can be a 1:1 association between the first and second device. As will be described later, a plurality of devices can also be coupled in a wireless network, for example, each using a 1:1 association.

[0021] The coupling is preferably carried out by direct radio transmission between the first and second devices. Alternatively, the coupling can also be carried out by transmission via an existing wireless network, in particular a mesh network, such as a Zigbee wireless network, wherein the further device forwards the data exchanged between the first and second devices.

[0022] In particular, there is no gateway in the wireless network, which for example enables control via WLAN, for example with a smartphone etc. Instead, the wireless network is created and / or managed, in particular, by the first device.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be gathered from the description, the drawings and the dependent claims.

[0024] According to the first embodiment, the second device searches for a wireless network, in particular an already existing wireless network, for a time longer than a predetermined time period. That is, the second device searches for a wireless network for a longer time than the first device, in particular at least twice as long. Then, if the second device also fails to find a wireless network, the coupling pairing mode can be exited again. By the second device searching for a longer time than the first device, it can be ensured that during the search time of the second device, the first device has created a new wireless network, so that the second device can then also find the new wireless network and connect to the new wireless network. Therefore, a conflict between two devices that simultaneously create a new wireless network can be avoided.

[0025] Here, it should be noted that the first and second devices can be different device types. For example, as will be described in more detail later, the first device can be a controlled device, and the second device can be a controlling device. Then, due to the types of the respective devices, the predetermined time period of the first device and the search duration of the second device can be selected correspondingly, so that a reliable coupling of different device types can be achieved.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the first device, together with or after the creation of the new wireless network, assumes an identification state in which the first device can be discovered by other devices in the wireless network and / or can be coupled with other devices. In the identification state, the first device indicates to other devices (i.e., for example, the second device) that it is ready for coupling. For example, the coupling readiness may be announced by a broadcast message.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the second device is connected to the new wireless network only when the second device (in particular in the new wireless network) recognizes exactly one device in the identification state, in particular the first device. For example, if the second device discovers multiple wireless networks, it can determine which wireless network the second device is to be connected to by identifying the device in the identification state. However, the condition for the second device to be connected to the new wireless network is favorable only when exactly one device in the identification state is identified, because otherwise it would not be clear between which devices the coupling should be performed if multiple devices are in the identification state. If the second device does not find a wireless network at all within the search time, or does not find a wireless network in which exactly one device is in the identification state, the coupling pairing mode is exited and the coupling attempt is terminated.

[0028] According to another embodiment, when coupling, the second device sends a connection command and / or an identification command to the first device via a wireless network, in particular a new wireless network. After connecting to the wireless network, the second device preferably transmits a connection command ("bind-command") and an identification command ("identify command") to the first device. The second device is coupled to the first device via the connection command. In addition, the first device is explicitly informed via the identification command that the second device has been successfully coupled to the first device.

[0029] After the first and second devices have been successfully coupled, the coupling parameters can in particular be stored in a non-volatile memory of the first and / or second device. The coupling parameters can here for example comprise the network address and / or identification number of the respective other device and the identification of the wireless network used for the coupling. After restarting the devices, there is then no need to re-couple.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the first and / or second device is switched to the coupling pairing mode by pressing at least one button on the respective device. Pressing the button can be performed by the user. For example, a button combination of different buttons and / or a long press of at least one button can be included to avoid unintentional triggering of the coupling pairing mode. The button can in particular be a mechanical button, but can also be, for example, a button on a touch screen of the respective device. Preferably, the button is directly attached to the respective device.

[0031] According to another embodiment, when at least the first and / or second device has been coupled to other devices via a wireless network, the corresponding device provides the wireless network through which the coupling is performed after switching to the coupling pairing mode. That is, if, for example, the connection of three devices is to be achieved, the first and second devices are coupled to each other as described above. Then, if the first or second device and the other device are subsequently switched to the coupling pairing mode, the already coupled device sends the wireless network through which the previous coupling was performed. In this way, the other device can be connected to the same wireless network and coupled to the first or second device, so that the mentioned three-party connection can be formed. The coupling of more than two devices in a wireless network will be described in further detail below.

[0032] Another embodiment relates to coupling of another device to the first or second device. This embodiment comprises the following method steps:

[0033] - after the first and second devices are coupled, switching the further device to a coupling pairing mode,

[0034] - likewise switching the first or second device (for example once again) into a coupling pairing mode,

[0035] - the first or second device provides a wireless network via which the first or second device is coupled to a respective device different from the first and second devices,

[0036] - Additional devices connected to the wireless network,

[0037] - coupling a further device to the first or second device.

[0038] That is, if the first and / or second device already has a coupling, these devices in the coupling pairing mode send out the wireless network through which the coupling has been performed so far. After the other device is connected to the wireless network, as described above, in particular, one of the devices switches to the identification state, and the other device sends a connection command and / or an identification command to the device in the identification state to perform the coupling.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the existing and / or new wireless network is a Zigbee wireless network, in particular a Zigbee 3.0 wireless network. Preferably, all wireless networks mentioned here are Zigbee wireless networks and / or Zigbee 3.0 wireless networks.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the first device is a controlled device and the second device is a controlling device, wherein the second device can control the first device after coupling. Here, the control of the first device by the second device should preferably be understood as that the control leads to an action of home automation. Thus, the second device can be, for example, a wall switch, which, for example, controls a relay (i.e., the first device).

[0041] In principle, any device can be regarded as a controlled device or a controlling device. Preferably, it can be provided that if the device does not find an existing wireless network within a predetermined time period, and / or the controlled device in the coupling pairing mode adopts an identification state, the controlled device in the coupling pairing mode creates a new wireless network. That is, the controlled device can be equivalent to the first device described here, and the controlling device can be equivalent to the second device described here. The opposite allocation is also possible.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the first and / or second device is a wall switch, a switchable socket, a relay, a dimmer, a lamp / luminaire, a motor or a sensor. The wall switch can be operated manually by a user, for example, in order to control a lamp, for example via a wireless network. In general, actuators can be considered controlled devices, and (wall) switches and sensors (such as motion detectors, brightness sensors, anemometers, etc.) can be considered controlling devices.

[0043] Each device mentioned here is preferably an independent Zigbee device.

[0044] Each of the devices mentioned herein may include software and / or firmware that enables the device to perform the method steps described herein. To this end, each device may have a computing device for executing the software and / or firmware. It should be understood that each device may also include a power supply, a transceiver, and an associated antenna.

[0045] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system of home automation devices that can be coupled to a first device and a second device, wherein:

[0046] - the first device is able to switch to coupling pairing mode,

[0047] - the second device can switch to coupling pairing mode,

[0048] - the first and / or the second device is designed to search for a wireless network, in particular an already existing wireless network, in particular a Zigbee wireless network, in a coupling pairing mode,

[0049] - the first device is configured to create a new wireless network if the first device does not find an existing wireless network within a predetermined period of time,

[0050] - the second device is configured to connect to the new wireless network,

[0051] - The first and second devices are configured to be coupled via a new wireless network.

[0052] Furthermore, the invention relates to a home automation device which can be coupled to a further device, wherein:

[0053] -The device can be switched to coupling pairing mode,

[0054] - the device is designed to search for a wireless network, in particular an already existing wireless network, in particular a Zigbee wireless network, in a coupling pairing mode,

[0055] - the device is configured to create a new wireless network if the device does not find an existing wireless network within a predetermined period of time,

[0056] The device is designed to couple to a further device via the new wireless network, the further device preferably already being connected to the wireless network. The aforementioned device may correspond to the first device described herein.

[0057] Furthermore, the invention relates to a home automation device which can be coupled to a further device, wherein:

[0058] -The device can be switched to coupling pairing mode,

[0059] - the device is designed to search for a wireless network, in particular an already existing wireless network, in particular a Zigbee wireless network, in a coupling pairing mode,

[0060] - the device is configured to connect to a wireless network,

[0061] The device is designed to couple via the new wireless network to a further device, which preferably has already created a wireless network.

[0062] The aforementioned device may correspond to the second device described herein.

[0063] The statements made about the method according to the invention described herein apply correspondingly to the system according to the invention and to the device according to the invention. This applies in particular with regard to advantages and embodiments.

[0064] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee, wherein the method comprises:

[0065] - switching the first device to a coupling pairing mode,

[0066] - switching the third device to coupling pairing mode,

[0067] - a wireless network is provided by the first device,

[0068] - searching for wireless networks by a third device,

[0069] - together with or after provision of the wireless network, the first device assumes an identification state, wherein in the identification state the first device can be found by other devices in the wireless network and enables coupling with other devices,

[0070] - enable a third device to connect to the wireless network,

[0071] - coupling the third device to the first device via the wireless network.

[0072] In the method described above, it can be assumed that the first device has been coupled to the second device via a wireless network. In this case, the first device in coupling pairing mode provides a wireless network. The provided wireless network is in particular the wireless network through which the first device has been coupled to the second device. In addition, the first device assumes an identification state so that the third device can find the first device in the wireless network. If the first device is, for example, a controlled device, then after coupling with the third device, the first device can be controlled by both the second device and the third device. This can be used, for example, to control a lamp or a lamp via two different wall switches. The third device can correspondingly be a controlling device.

[0073] Finally, the invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee, wherein the method comprises:

[0074] - switching the second device to coupling pairing mode,

[0075] - switching the fourth device to coupling pairing mode,

[0076] - a wireless network is provided by a second device,

[0077] - searching for wireless networks by the fourth device,

[0078] - enabling a fourth device to connect to the wireless network,

[0079] - the fourth device assumes an identification state, wherein in the identification state the fourth device can be found by other devices in the wireless network and can be coupled with other devices,

[0080] - coupling the fourth device to the second device via the wireless network.

[0081] In the method described above, it can be assumed that the second device is already coupled to the first device. The second device can then in particular provide the wireless network via which the second device is already coupled to the first device. The fourth device can preferably be a controlled device (like the first device). Thus, after the fourth device is coupled to the second device, the first and / or fourth device can be controlled by the second device. Thus, for example, a switchable socket (first device) and a lamp (fourth device) can be activated / deactivated simultaneously by a single wall switch (second device).

[0082] It should be understood that, accordingly, not only two or three devices can be coupled via the same wireless network. Alternatively, another device can also be coupled to an already coupled device in the same manner as the third and fourth devices.

[0083] Furthermore, the statements about the first described method apply correspondingly to the two methods described last. This applies in particular with regard to advantages and embodiments. It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, all features and embodiments mentioned here can be combined with one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] The present invention is described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0085] Figure 1 showing first and second devices connected via a wireless network;

[0086] Figure 2 schematically illustrates method steps for coupling a first and a second device;

[0087] Figure 3 showing first, second and third devices connected via a wireless network;

[0088] Figure 4 Schematically illustrating method steps for coupling a first and a third device;

[0089] Figure 5 showing first, second, and fourth devices connected via a wireless network; and

[0090] Figure 6 The method steps for coupling the second and fourth devices are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Figure 1 The system 10 is shown, which comprises a first device 12 and a second device 14. In this case, the first device 12 is designed as a switchable socket and the second device 14 is designed as a wall switch.

[0092] The first and second devices 12, 14 can be coupled to each other via the Zigbee wireless network 16, so that the first device 12 can be controlled by the second device 14 (in Figure 1 indicated by arrows).

[0093] In order to enable the first device 12 to be controlled by the second device 14, the first and second devices 12, 14 need to be coupled. Figure 2 The method steps performed during the coupling are schematically shown in FIG.

[0094] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the time lapse t is provided from top to bottom, wherein the method steps executed by the first device 12 are shown in the left column and the method steps executed by the second device 14 are shown in the right column.

[0095] User intervention is only required initially in order to couple the first and second devices 12, 14. Thus, in step 100, the first and second devices 12, 14 are switched to a coupling pairing mode, for example by pressing a key combination.

[0096] In the following step 110 , the two devices 12 , 14 search for an already existing Zigbee wireless network 16 .

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in , it is assumed that the first device 12 does not discover the Zigbee wireless network 16 within a predetermined time period (e.g., 30 seconds). Then, in step 120, the first device creates a (new) Zigbee wireless network 16. During or after the first device 12 creates the Zigbee wireless network 16, the second device 14 still searches for the Zigbee wireless network 16. The search time of the second device 14 can be, for example, 60 seconds, thereby ensuring that the second device 14 also discovers the Zigbee wireless network 16 provided by the first device 12.

[0098] After the second device 14 discovers the Zigbee wireless network 16, in step 130, the second device 14 connects to the Zigbee wireless network 16. In parallel or later, the first device 12 takes an identification state in step 140, in which the second device 14 can discover the first device 12 through the Zigbee wireless network 16.

[0099] If the second device 14 now recognizes exactly one device in the identification state, namely the first device 12 , in the Zigbee wireless network 16 , the second device 14 sends a connection command and an identification command to the first device via the Zigbee wireless network 16 . This is done in step 150 .

[0100] Through the connection command and the identification command, the first and second devices 12, 14 are coupled, and the first device 12 is also notified that the coupling is successful. Therefore, in step 160, the coupling is successfully performed.

[0101] After successful coupling, the socket of the first device 12 can be activated and deactivated through the Zigbee wireless network by the switch of the second device 14.

[0102] exist Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 1 A system in which another wall switch, namely a third device 18, has been added to the system. The third device 18 is also coupled to the first device 12. Figure 4 The method steps performed for this purpose are shown in FIG.

[0103] with Figure 2 The method steps shown in Figure 4 , the steps shown in the right column relate to the third device 18. In this case, firstly in step 100, the first and third devices are placed in a coupling pairing mode. The third device 18 is not yet coupled and correspondingly starts searching for the Zigbee wireless network 16 in step 110. On the other hand, the first device 12 already has a coupling and therefore in step 125 provides the following Zigbee wireless network, via which the first device 12 is already coupled to the second device 14.

[0104] In step 130, the third device 18 connects to the Zigbee wireless network 16. Furthermore, in step 140, the first device 12 assumes an identification state.

[0105] As already described with respect to the second device 14, the third device 18 now only recognizes the first device 12 in the identification state and therefore sends a connection command and an identification command in step 150, so that there is also a successful coupling between the first and third devices 12, 18 in step 160. Both the wall switch of the second device 14 and the wall switch of the third device 18 can now switch the socket of the first device 12 via the Zigbee wireless network 16.

[0106] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 The system 10 includes an additional switchable socket, i.e., a fourth device 20. Figure 6 , the steps for coupling the fourth device 20 with the second device 14 are shown. Figure 6 Accordingly, method steps performed by fourth device 20 are shown in the left column and method steps performed by second device 14 are shown in the right column over the time curve t.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, in step 100, the fourth device 20 and the second device 14 are first placed in a coupling pairing mode by pressing a key combination by the user. Because the second device 14 is already coupled with the first device 12, in step 125, the second device 14 provides the following Zigbee wireless network 16, which has been used to couple with the first device 12.

[0108] In step 110, the fourth device 20 searches for the Zigbee wireless network 16. Subsequently, in step 130, the fourth device 20 connects to the Zigbee wireless network 16 emitted by the second device 14. Then, in step 140, the fourth device 20 takes an identification state.

[0109] Then, the second device 14 recognizes that only the fourth device 20 is in the identification state, and then in step 150, the second device 14 sends a connection command and an identification command to the fourth device 20, thereby successfully coupling in step 160. Now, the sockets of the first and fourth devices 12 and 20 can be switched by the switch of the second device 14.

[0110] Reference numerals list

[0111] 10 System

[0112] 12 First Equipment

[0113] 14 Second Device

[0114] 16 Zigbee Wireless Network

[0115] 18 Third Device

[0116] 20 Fourth Equipment

[0117] 100 Switch to coupling pairing mode

[0118] 110 Search for Zigbee wireless network

[0119] 120 Create a Zigbee wireless network

[0120] 125 Provide Zigbee wireless network

[0121] 130 Connect to Zigbee wireless network

[0122] 140 Take the identification state

[0123] 150 Send connection command and identification command

[0124] 160 Successful coupling

[0125] t Time trend

Claims

1. A method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network (16), in particular by means of Zigbee, wherein: The method comprises: - switching the first device (12) to a coupling pairing mode, - switching the second device (14) to a coupling pairing mode, - searching for a wireless network (16) by the first and / or second device (12, 14), - if the first device (12) does not find an existing wireless network (16) within a predetermined period of time, the first device (12) creates a new wireless network (16), - connecting said second device (14) to a new wireless network (16), - coupling said second device (14) to said first device (12) via a new wireless network (16).

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The second device (14) searches for a wireless network (16) for a period of time longer than the predetermined period of time.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, Together with or after the creation of a new wireless network (16), the first device (12) assumes an identification state in which the first device (12) can be discovered by other devices in the wireless network (16) and can be coupled to other devices.

4. The method according to claim 3, in, Only when the second device (14) happens to recognize a device in the identification state, in particular the first device (12), the second device (14) connects to a new wireless network (16).

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, When coupling is performed, the second device (14) sends a connection command and / or an identification command to the first device (12) via a wireless network (16).

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, By pressing at least one button on the corresponding device, the first and / or second device (12, 14) is switched to a coupling pairing mode.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, When at least a first or second device (12, 14) has been coupled to another device via a wireless network (16), the corresponding device provides the wireless network (16) via which the coupling is performed after switching to a coupling pairing mode.

8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, - after the first and second devices (12, 14) are coupled, switching the other device to a coupled pairing mode, - likewise switching the first or second device (12, 14) to a coupling pairing mode, - the first or second device (12, 14) provides a wireless network (16) via which the first or second device is coupled to a respective device different from the first and second devices (12, 14), - the further device is connected to the wireless network (16), - coupling the further device to the first or second device (12, 14).

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The existing and / or new wireless network (16) is a Zigbee network, in particular a Zigbee 3.0 network.

10. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The first device (12) is a controlled device, and the second device (14) is a controlling device, wherein the second device (14) preferably controls the first device (12) after coupling.

11. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The first and / or second device (12, 14) is a wall switch, a switchable socket, a relay, a dimmer, a lamp, a motor or a sensor.

12. A system of home automation devices capable of coupling with a first device (12) and a second device (14), wherein: - the first device (12) is capable of switching to a coupling pairing mode, - the second device (14) is capable of switching to a coupling pairing mode, - the first and / or second device (12, 14) is designed to search for a wireless network (16), in particular a Zigbee network, in a coupling pairing mode, - the first device (12) is configured to create a new wireless network (16) if the first device (12) does not find an existing wireless network (16) within a predetermined period of time, - the second device (14) is configured to connect to a new wireless network (16), - The first and second devices (12, 14) are configured to be coupled via a new wireless network (16).

13. A home automation device (12, 20) capable of being coupled to a further device (14, 18), wherein: - the device (12, 20) is capable of switching to a coupling pairing mode, - the device (12, 20) is designed to search for a wireless network (16), in particular a Zigbee network, in a coupling pairing mode, - the device (12, 20) is configured to create a new wireless network (16) if the device (12, 20) does not find an existing wireless network (16) within a predetermined period of time, The device (12, 20) is designed to couple to a further device (14, 18) via a new wireless network (16), the further device preferably already being connected to the wireless network (16).

14. A home automation device (14, 18) capable of being coupled to another device (12, 20), wherein: - the device (14, 18) is capable of switching to a coupling pairing mode, - the device (14, 18) is designed to search for an (already existing) wireless network (16), in particular a Zigbee network, in a coupling pairing mode, - the device (14, 18) is configured to connect to a wireless network (16), The device (14, 18) is designed to couple via a new wireless network (16) to a further device (12, 20), which preferably has already created the wireless network (16).

15. A method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network (16), in particular by means of Zigbee, wherein: The method comprises: - switching the first device (12) to a coupling pairing mode, - switching the third device (18) to a coupling pairing mode, - providing a wireless network (16) by said first device (12), - searching for a wireless network (16) by the third device (18), - together with or after provision of the wireless network (16), the first device (12) assumes an identification state, wherein in the identification state the first device (12) is discoverable by other devices in the wireless network (16) and enables coupling with other devices, - connecting the third device (18) to the wireless network (16), - coupling (pairing) the third device (18) with the first device (12) via a wireless network (16).

16. A method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network (16), in particular by means of Zigbee, wherein: The method comprises: - switching the second device (14) to a coupling pairing mode, - switching the fourth device (20) to a coupling pairing mode, - providing a wireless network (16) by the second device (14), - searching for a wireless network (16) by the fourth device (20), - connecting the fourth device (20) to the wireless network (16), - the fourth device (20) assumes an identification state, wherein in the identification state the fourth device (20) can be discovered by other devices in the wireless network (16) and can be coupled to other devices, - coupling (pairing) the fourth device (20) with the second device (14) via a wireless network (16).

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