Installation device with a magnetic spring

Abstract

Electrical / electronic installation device, in particular a switch (S) or push button, for installation in a junction box (D), for triggering an action of an actuator connectable to the installation device, in particular a lamp, a blind or the like, wherein the installation device has a function module enabling remote control with a radio transmitter and with an actuation sensor, wherein the installation device comprises a magnetic spring (MF) which is mechanically compressed by actuation of the installation device through the back of a rocker (W) or rocker receptacle (WA) of the installation device, wherein this actuation is detected and evaluated by an actuation sensor designed as a magnetic field sensor (H), and the current switching position of the rocker (W) is also determined, characterized in that the magnetic spring (MF) is designed as a coil spring.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical / electronic installation device, in particular a switch or push button, for installation in a junction box, for triggering an action of an actuator connectable to the installation device, in particular a lamp, a blind or the like, wherein the installation device has a function module enabling remote control with a radio transmitter and with an actuation sensor, wherein the installation device comprises a magnetic spring which is mechanically compressed by actuation of the installation device through the back of a rocker or rocker receptacle of the installation device, wherein this actuation is detected and evaluated by an actuation sensor designed as a magnetic field sensor, and the current switching position of the rocker is also determined.

[0002] Electrical / electronic installation devices (e.g. push buttons or switches) are increasingly used in conjunction with functional modules to enable remote control of actuators connected to the installation devices, in particular a lamp, a blind or the like.

[0003] Such installation devices are known from the prior art, for example, according to the website nexentro.de. This type of functional module is designed for building installation technology and comprises a housing consisting of a base and a cover. Inside, the necessary electrical / electronic components are housed on at least one circuit board. The circuit board is connected to several cables to form an interface, through which an electrical / electronic switching device, a switch, or a push button is connected. Telegrams can be transmitted via several independent channels, and these telegrams are used to control various actuators, such as lights, blinds, or sockets, or sensors, such as touch sensors.By installing the functional modules in junction boxes, conventional electromechanical switches are made "smart".

[0004] To evaluate the momentary signal of an electromechanical switch on a known function module, at least three wires must be connected (live conductor or phase L, switched output / control line, and a control line for connecting the switch). For double and blind applications, an additional control line is required; for switching or dimming applications, one or two control lines are needed.

[0005] Since the limited space makes it challenging to accommodate a functional module and its cabling within a flush-mounted box, eliminating any cables represents a significant optimization, particularly because it considerably reduces the space required in the installation cavity and the installation effort. Furthermore, the reduced number of electrical cables makes the setup clearer and allows for safer and more transparent installation by the person performing it. This results in fewer potential errors. For these reasons, however, the use of the aforementioned functional module in conjunction with an electrical / electronic installation device is not feasible for the vast majority of users who are not qualified electricians.

[0006] From WO / 2023 104 379 A1, an electrical / electronic installation device, in particular a switch or a push button, for installation in a junction box, for triggering an action of an actuator connectable to the installation device, in particular a lamp, a blind or the like, has become known, wherein the installation device has a function module enabling remote control with a radio transmitter and with an actuation sensor, wherein the actuation sensor is designed as a magnetic field sensor. This magnetic field sensor detects the change in position of a magnet connected to the rocker switch, in particular glued to it, which accompanies the actuation.The advantage here is that the cabling effort and the space required in an installation box can be massively reduced, since no (to be manufactured) electrical cabling is required between the installation device, in particular a switch or a button, and the function module.

[0007] However, a problem with such installation devices is that, due to the distance between the magnet located on the rocker and the magnetic field sensor located in the functional module, a relatively space-consuming magnet and / or an expensive, sensitive sensor must be used to achieve a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio.

[0008] Furthermore, attaching the magnet to the rocker switch not only represents an additional assembly process, but the differences in positioning and geometry of various rocker switches can sometimes lead to an undefined and uncontrollable initial situation. This necessitates individual calibration of the magnetic field sensor with respect to the magnetic signal, making the commissioning of such an installation device with a functional module relatively complex. An undesirable side effect is that the use of heavy magnets impairs the tactile feedback during operation.

[0009] WO 2013 / 086 551 A1 discloses a generic electrical / electronic installation device according to the preamble of main claim 1.

[0010] Based on this discussed state of the art, the invention aims to create an electrical / electronic installation device characterized by a good signal-to-noise ratio, simplified installation, small footprint, low manufacturing costs and good user haptics.

[0011] This problem is solved by an electrical / electronic installation device according to main claim 1.

[0012] The core idea of ​​the invention is that, by using a magnetic spring according to the invention, which is mechanically compressed by actuation of the installation device (whereby the actuation is detected and evaluated by an actuation sensor designed as a magnetic field sensor), the advantage over previously known installation devices is achieved that the need to glue a magnet to the back of the rocker is eliminated. Instead, in the installation device according to the invention, the magnetic spring is already a permanently installed component of the device. In addition to simplifying assembly, the elimination of the need to glue a magnet also inevitably avoids certain inaccuracies in the positioning of the magnet on the rocker, thus minimizing deviations in the signal-to-noise ratio.This means that even individual calibration of the magnetic field sensor with regard to the magnet on the rocker or the magnetic spring is unnecessary. The fact that the magnetic spring is compressed by actuation also has the advantage that the spring is necessarily positioned in the area between the rocker or rocker mount and the bottom of the junction box. This reduces the distance to the magnetic field sensor compared to a magnet glued to the rocker, further improving the signal-to-noise ratio. These aspects, which contribute to the improved signal-to-noise ratio, result in the additional benefit of using a more cost-effective magnetic field sensor.

[0013] Furthermore, the magnetic spring not only allows magnetic detection of the actuation of the electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention, but also simultaneously performs the task of adjusting the haptic feedback during actuation, for example, by selecting the mechanical parameters of the spring. In this respect, compared to the prior art, there is a reduction in the number of parts, assembly requirements, and space requirements.

[0014] Regarding the remote controllability of the actuators connectable to the electrical / electronic installation device, the detection and evaluation of the actuation by an actuation sensor designed as a magnetic field sensor is used, according to the invention, to deduce the current switching position of the rocker switch of the electrical / electronic installation device. The end positions during (pushbutton) or after (switch) an actuation correspond to a specific value of the magnetic field, or at least to a specific change in the magnetic field, so that the switching position can be incorporated into the control of the actuators. This makes it possible, for example, for the respective switching position to be displayed correctly in a corresponding application on a mobile device.This makes it possible, for example, for the user to (correctly) switch their light on or off when absent, for example to simulate presence during a vacation.

[0015] According to the invention, the magnetic spring is designed as a coil spring. This minimizes the required installation space compared to a normal spring (not designed as a coil spring). In a particularly preferred embodiment of this electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention, the magnetic spring is designed as a particularly space-saving conical coil spring. In this configuration, the coils of the coil spring can lie side by side when compressed.

[0016] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention, the magnetic spring is integrally formed with the functional module, which can be coupled to the electrical / electronic installation device. This allows, on the one hand, a particularly advantageous way—especially with regard to the signal-to-noise ratio—to minimize the distance between the magnetic spring and the magnetic field sensor located in the functional module, while on the other hand, it makes it possible to prefabricate the functional module with the magnetic spring and retrofit it to existing switches or pushbuttons. Previously, retrofitting with a functional module with a magnetic sensor required gluing a magnet into the rocker switch; this additional step is precisely what is avoided by the spring coupled to the functional module.Furthermore, the fixed positioning of the spring on the functional module, which is also regularly positively coupled to the switch or button, ensures a defined position of the magnetic spring relative to the magnetic field sensor.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which exhibits an exceptionally good signal-to-noise ratio, the magnetic spring is connected at its first end to the functional module at a connection point and points at its second end towards the rocker or rocker receptacle, with the magnetic field sensor being arranged less than 20 mm away from the connection point. This is achieved, for example, by arranging the connection point and the magnetic field sensor adjacent to each other in a side view.

[0018] In another, cost-effective embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field sensor is a MEMS magnetic sensor, also known as a microsystems technology (MST) sensor. Due to the small size of the MEMS magnetic sensor, it can be positioned particularly close to the measurement point, thus achieving a higher spatial resolution compared to other magnetic field sensors. Furthermore, the MEMS magnetic sensor is particularly cost-effective and allows for a highly precise multidimensional vector evaluation.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is associated with a further improved signal-to-noise ratio, the magnetic spring has a magnet coupled to it. This further strengthens the magnetic field and thus the signal-to-noise ratio. This also allows the use of less magnetically strong materials for the magnetic spring, so that a greater variety of materials can be used, allowing the haptic feedback during compression of the spring or local actuation to be better adjusted by the choice of spring material.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the functional module comprises a dimming actuator for dimming a lamp.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the functional module comprises a switching actuator for switching an electrical device.

[0022] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures and an exemplary embodiment. It shows: Fig. 1: A schematic representation of the electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention comprising a rocker switch, a switch and a functional module, and Fig. 2: A schematic representation of the electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention in a side view, wherein the electrical / electronic installation device is installed in an installation box.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention, comprising a rocker switch W, a switch S, and a functional module F, in whose housing G a dimming actuator DA is arranged. For installation in a junction box D, such a functional module F has a control line 1, as well as a connection to the phase L and to the neutral conductor N. Unlike conventional functional modules, an electrical connection of the functional module F to the switch S is not required, thus reducing the amount of cabling that needs to be accommodated in the junction box D. The magnetic field sensor H housed in the functional module detects the mechanical compression of the magnetic spring MF as an indicator of actuation of the switch S. An advantage of this is that the magnetic spring MF, in particular by adjusting the spring constant, provides the restoring force and thus the tactile feedback when the rocker switch W is actuated.This degree of freedom is particularly interesting because no electrical contact (as with conventional switches or pushbuttons) needs to be established when the rocker arm W is actuated, thus significantly reducing the force required. In this respect, the haptic feedback during actuation can be adjusted particularly well, especially to a very gentle feel, while at the same time, the fact that the spring is magnetic eliminates the need for the magnet used in the prior art.

[0024] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the electrical / electronic installation device according to the invention, wherein the electrical / electronic installation device is installed in a junction box D. It is secured in the junction box D by means of claws K, which can be operated via adjustment means EM. It can be seen that the rocker arm WA has a rocker W, and in the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic spring MF is arranged such that it is compressed when the switch S is actuated locally, so that the associated change in the magnetic field is detected and evaluated in the magnetic field sensor H, allowing the switching position of the rocker W to be determined. This enables remote control via the function module F, which includes a radio transmitter, whereby the current switching state can be visualized and taken into account on an end device.In another embodiment of the invention, the functional module F can also be coupled to the switch S or a push button from the rear, wherein the magnetic spring MF in such a case extends through the switch S or push button.

[0025] The invention is described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous further possibilities for implementing it, without the need to explain these in detail within the scope of this text. Reference symbol list 1 control line DA dimmer actuator D Installation box EM setting device F Functional module G Housing H magnetic field sensor K Spreading claw L Phase MF magnetic spring N Neutral conductor S switch WA rocker arm W rocker

Claims

[1] Electrical / electronic installation device, in particular a switch (S) or push button, for installation in a junction box (D), for triggering an action of an actuator connectable to the installation device, in particular a lamp, a blind or the like, wherein the installation device has a function module enabling remote control with a radio transmitter and with an actuation sensor, wherein the installation device comprises a magnetic spring (MF) which is mechanically compressed by actuation of the installation device through the back of a rocker (W) or rocker receptacle (WA) of the installation device, wherein this actuation is detected and evaluated by an actuation sensor designed as a magnetic field sensor (H), and the current switching position of the rocker (W) is also determined, characterized by that the magnetic spring (MF) is designed as a coil spring. [2] Electrical / electronic installation device according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnetic spring (MF) is designed as a conical spiral spring. [3] Electrical / electronic installation device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the magnetic spring (MF) is connected at its first end to the functional module (F) at a connection point and points at its second end towards the rocker (W) or rocker receptacle (WA), wherein the magnetic field sensor (H) is located in the area of ​​less than 20 mm away from the connection point. [4] Electrical / electronic installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the magnetic field sensor (H) is a MEMS magnetic sensor. [5] Electrical / electronic installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that another magnet is coupled to the magnetic spring (MF), which further increases the magnetic field. [6] Electrical / electronic installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the electrical / electronic installation device is a switch (S) or a push button. [7] Electrical / electronic installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the functional module (F) includes a dimming actuator (DA) for dimming a lamp. [8] Electrical / electronic installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the functional module (F) includes a switching actuator for switching an electrical device. [9] Electrical / electronic installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the function module (F) is connected to a relay.

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