Arrangement comprising a functional module, a can and a toggle switch

Abstract

An arrangement comprising a switching device (S), in particular a switch or a push button, a junction box (D) and a function module (F), which function module (F) can be influenced by the actuation of an actuating element of a top part (O) of the switching device (S) connected to the switching device (S), wherein the function module (F) has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled according to an actuation of the actuating element, wherein at least one magnet is arranged on the switching device (S) which changes its position when the actuating element is actuated, and wherein the function module (F) has a sensor (H) for detecting the magnetic field (MF) so that the change in the magnetic field (MF) is detected when the actuating element is actuated, wherein the function module (F) has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the magnetic field, which is configured toto identify, depending on the sensed magnetic field change, what type of switching device (S) the switching device is, which identification is incorporated into the function module-side control of the actuator, characterized in that the actuating element is designed as a rocker arm (K) pivotable about an axis, wherein the rocker arm (K) has the magnet.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a switching device, in particular a switch or a push button, a junction box and a functional module, which functional module can be influenced by the actuation of an actuating element of an upper part of the switching device connected to the switching device, wherein the functional module has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled according to an actuation of the actuating element, wherein at least one magnet is arranged on the switching device which changes its position when the actuating element is actuated, and wherein the functional module has a sensor for detecting the magnetic field so that the change in the magnetic field when the actuating element is actuated is detected, wherein the functional module has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the magnetic field which is configured to identify, depending on the sensed change in the magnetic field,What type of switching device the switching device is, and what identification is used in the function module-side control of the actuator.

[0002] From AT 525 242 B1, an arrangement comprising a switching device, in particular a switch or push button, a junction box, and a functional module is known. Such a functional module can be controlled by actuating an actuator (a rocker switch) connected to the switching device, for example, to switch or dim lamps or to control blinds, and can also be controlled remotely, for example, via a terminal device. For this purpose, the functional module has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled according to an actuation of the actuator. At least one magnet is arranged on the switching device—usually on the rocker switch—which changes its position when the actuator is actuated. Furthermore, the functional module has a sensor for detecting the magnetic field, so that the change in the magnetic field when the actuator is actuated is detected.It is understood that the functional module can be controlled via an end device, particularly a mobile device, to ensure convenient operation. Such a previously known functional module also includes an evaluation unit for assessing changes in the magnetic field. This unit is designed to identify the type of switching device based on the detected magnetic field change. This identification is then incorporated into the functional module's control of the actuator, thus avoiding the need to replace switches with pushbuttons. For example, dimming a lamp with a functional module requires specific control depending on whether the underlying switching device is a pushbutton or a switch. Therefore, the evaluation unit's ability to identify the switching device type is a further advantage of such a functional module.

[0003] CN 218 160 124 U, CN 207 602 454 U and CN 205 452 132 U disclose arrangements comprising a switching device, an installation box and a functional module, wherein at least one magnet is arranged on the switching device.

[0004] By using a functional module of such previously known arrangements, the installation effort can be significantly reduced with regard to the wiring required compared to conventional functional modules without magnetic field change sensing – where cables are connected between the switching device and the functional module (hereinafter referred to as "flying wires") to transmit the actuation electrically – because the functional module and switching device communicate magnetically; an electrical connection of the functional module to the switching device is therefore obsolete. Instead, the magnet, which is usually located in the rocker arm of the switch or push button, takes over the task of transmitting the actuation of the rocker arm to the sensor of the functional module in the form of a magnetic field change.

[0005] However, a problem with such previously known, generic arrangements is that they require the presence of an actuating rocker. An actuating rocker, with its front and back surfaces, offers the option of invisibly attaching a magnet to the back. Furthermore, such a rocker typically has a surface area exceeding 60 cm². 2 Each front and back side has sufficient space to accommodate a magnet. Toggle switches, on the other hand, inherently have only a few cm. 2 area (especially less than 5 cm) 2 area) so that, due to space constraints, these are not even remotely disclosed or realized in the prior art in connection with a generic arrangement.

[0006] Based on this discussed state of the art, the invention aims to create an arrangement that minimizes installation effort, comprising a switching device, an installation box and a functional module, wherein the arrangement includes a toggle switch as the switching device, which is significantly more sophisticated in terms of installation space and inconspicuousness than rocker switches or push-button devices.

[0007] This task is solved by an arrangement comprising a switching device, an installation box and a functional module, wherein the actuating element is designed as a rocker arm pivotable about an axis, the rocker arm having the magnet.

[0008] In this way, according to the invention, it is achieved that even rocker switch devices, wherein the actuating element is designed as a rocker lever pivotable about an axis, can be realized within the framework of the arrangement according to the invention with an installation box, a functional module and the rocker switch device, even though no switch device with a rocker (which regularly covers an area of ​​over 60cm) is used. 2 (each front and back have space available for a magnet).

[0009] The magnet is cleverly positioned on the rocker arm so that, when it moves as a result of actuation, it causes a change in the magnetic field, which is detected by the sensor in the functional module. Advantageously, the radial extension of the rocker arm with respect to its pivot axis and the magnet (in contrast to the more tangential extension of a rocker arm with respect to its pivot axis) is accompanied by a relatively large distance between the magnet and the pivot axis. This results in a particularly strong change in the magnetic field despite the small change in the rocker arm's position, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio (despite the greater distance of a rocker arm to the sensor compared to a rocker arm).Therefore, the inventive arrangement of the magnet on a rocker arm not only extends the application area of ​​a previously known arrangement of rocker switches that are not demanding in terms of installation space (with regard to the accommodation of a magnet) to rocker switch devices, but also further improves the signal-to-noise ratio and thus the reliability of the detection of an actuation.

[0010] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the magnet is designed as a magnetic sleeve that can be placed, for example, slipped onto the rocker arm. Such a solution offers the particularly attractive advantage that placing the magnetic sleeve onto the rocker arm, especially an existing one, is both particularly easy to assemble and creates a visually appealing and uniform appearance. Furthermore, such a sleeve not only allows for a particularly large volume for the magnet but also enhances the appearance and feel of a rocker arm already in use by effectively covering the old rocker arm—which is typically degraded both visually and tactilely by use and environmental influences—with the magnetic sleeve according to the invention.Therefore, this embodiment according to the invention not only intelligently maximizes the volume for the magnet and minimizes the assembly effort, but also achieves the symbiotic effect that the sleeve simultaneously enhances a visually and haptically aged rocker arm in a retrofit. This embodiment thus represents the most preferred embodiment within the scope of the invention.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this arrangement according to the invention, the magnetic sleeve has a wall thickness of less than 5 mm. This only marginally alters the overall optical appearance. At the same time, such a wall thickness allows for a more than sufficient volume for a magnet to achieve a very good signal-to-noise ratio at the sensor for detecting the change in the magnetic field caused by the actuation of the rocker arm.

[0012] In a further embodiment of this arrangement according to the invention, the magnetic sleeve has at least one lateral recess. This improves the fit of the magnetic sleeve, in particular its malleability – for example, by forming spring-like arms that can be spread open to be placed on the rocker arm and then exert a restoring force to fix the magnetic sleeve on the rocker arm.

[0013] In a further embodiment of this arrangement according to the invention, the magnetic sleeve has an elastic element on its inner side. This not only increases the pull-out force of the magnetic sleeve with respect to the rocker arm, but also simultaneously increases the geometric tolerance with respect to different rocker arm geometries.

[0014] In a further embodiment of this arrangement according to the invention, the magnetic sleeve is at least partially rotatably and / or slidably mounted on the rocker arm, thus adding a rotary or sliding function to the rocker arm, for example, for dimming or moving a blind. This provides the end user with an additional function on the existing rocker arm, provided the functional module is configured as a dimmer or actuator for moving a blind. The addition of a rotary function to the rocker arm can, for example, be achieved by having a magnetic rotary element and / or a sliding element on the end face of the rocker arm or on the upper or lower surface of the rocker arm (upper surface facing upwards, lower surface facing downwards).

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the magnet is designed as an adhesive magnet, in particular as a magnetic adhesive film. Such a solution is both inconspicuous and cost-effective and is therefore also to be considered a very advantageous embodiment. In one embodiment, the magnet is arranged on the downward-facing side of the rocker arm. Considering that the rocker arm is regularly positioned at a height of approximately 1 m above the floor, a magnet arranged on the downward-facing (i.e., towards the ground) side of the rocker arm is generally considered to be effectively invisible (to a person standing or sitting on a chair with a height of more than 1.6 m).This makes it possible, compared to the prior art (rocker switch with a back surface that readily accommodates a magnet), to find a cost-effective and visually unobtrusive solution for magnetically detecting the actuation of the actuator, even in the significantly more space-constrained category of switching devices, toggle switches. In another alternative embodiment, the magnet is positioned on the sides of the toggle lever that do not face upwards or downwards. This allows for a particularly durable and cost-effective attachment of the magnet to the toggle lever, as these sides are less frequently touched by the user when the lever is actuated.

[0016] According to a further alternative embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the magnet is implemented as a magnetic coating, in particular applied by a brush or a spray. This makes it possible to subsequently make any geometry of a rocker arm magnetic. In this respect, this embodiment is particularly versatile.

[0017] According to a further alternative embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the rocker arm comprises the magnet; in particular, the rocker arm is made of a magnetic material, especially monolithically.

[0018] In a further alternative embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the rocker arm has an internal receptacle for the magnet. This makes it particularly advantageous to arrange the magnet invisibly.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the magnet comprises neodymium. This generates particularly strong magnetic fields, so that even in the special case of the relatively small rocker arms, particularly high signal-to-noise ratios can be achieved.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the functional module has recesses that engage with projections of the junction box, establishing a mechanical connection. This effectively prevents the functional module from slipping and, by creating a preferred position, optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0021] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures and various exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1: A schematic side view of an arrangement according to the invention, comprising a switching device, a functional module and an installation box, wherein the rocker arm has an adhesive magnet, Fig. 2: a schematic side view of another arrangement according to the invention, wherein a magnetic sleeve is placed on the rocker arm, Fig. 3: a schematic side view of another arrangement according to the invention, wherein the rocker arm is further developed by means of a rotary functionality, Fig. 4: a schematic side view of a further arrangement according to the invention, wherein the rocker arm is further developed by means of a sliding functionality, and Fig. 5: a schematic side view of another arrangement according to the invention, wherein a magnetic lacquer is applied to the rocker arm, for example by a brush or a spray.

[0022] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0023] The in Fig. Figure 1, schematically depicted in a side view, comprises a switching device S, a functional module F, and an installation box D. The switching device S can be controlled, for example, to switch a lamp, by actuating an actuating element O of the upper part O of the switching device S, here: a rocker switch K. The sensor H detects the change in the magnetic field MF caused by the actuation. The functional module F has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the magnetic field, which is configured to identify, depending on the detected change in the magnetic field, the type of switching device S. This identification is then used in the functional module's control of the actuator.A switching device S can, for example, be a switch or a push button, wherein the switching device S has a magnet, here designed as a magnetic adhesive film M, on the rocker arm K. This magnetic adhesive film M is arranged on the underside of the rocker arm K, so that a user does not usually perceive it visually. An advantage of such a functional module F is that it does not require any wiring between the functional module F and the switching device S. In such an arrangement according to the invention, it is preferably advantageous to cleverly utilize the fact that, to improve the reliability of the detection of an actuation of the actuating element of the switching device S, the functional module F is fixed in the junction box D against mechanical vibrations. According to the invention, such a fixing can be achieved, for example, by an adhesive mediating between the junction box D and the functional module F.Alternatively, according to the invention, the functional module F can also have recesses (i.e., not a constant height) that engage with projections of the installation box D, in particular creating a mechanical connection. This saves valuable installation depth in the installation box D and minimizes the risk of the functional module F slipping in the installation box D.

[0024] The in Fig. Figure 2, schematically illustrated in a side view, is characterized in that a magnetic sleeve HS is mounted on the rocker arm K. This results in particularly simple assembly, as the sleeve is simply placed onto the rocker arm K. To improve the trigger force, the inside of the magnetic sleeve HS can comprise an elastic material, for example, rubber, and / or an adhesive. A further advantage of a magnetic sleeve HS according to the invention, mounted on the rocker arm K, is that existing rocker arms K that are visually and / or haptically degraded can be subsequently upgraded by magnetizing the rocker arm K, so that various synergistic effects can be achieved for the end user with minimal effort, without having to install new rocker arm switches.

[0025] The in Fig. Figure 3, schematically depicted in a side view, is characterized in that the rocker arm K is further developed to include a rotational function. This is achieved by mounting the magnetic sleeve HS at least partially rotatably on the rocker arm K, thus providing the rocker arm K with a rotational function, for example, for dimming or moving a blind. The sensor H therefore detects not only a tilting movement, for example, for switching light on / off, but also a rotational movement, for example, for dimming light.

[0026] The in Fig. Figure 4, schematically illustrated in a side view, is characterized in that the rocker arm K is further developed to include a sliding function. This is achieved by mounting the magnetic sleeve HS at least partially slidably on the rocker arm K, thus providing the rocker arm K with a sliding function, for example, for dimming or moving a blind. The sensor H therefore detects not only a tilting movement, for example, for switching light on / off, but also a sliding movement, for example, for dimming light.

[0027] The in Fig.Figure 5 schematically illustrates the arrangement according to the invention in a side view, characterized in that a magnetic coating ML is applied to the rocker arm K, for example by a brush or a spray. This represents a universal solution for equipping the rocker arm K with a magnet, particularly suitable for different rocker arm geometries. Reference symbol list D Installation box F Functional module H Sensor HS Sleeve K rocker arm M magnetic adhesive film MF magnetic field ML magnetic paint O Top S switching device

Claims

[1] An arrangement comprising a switching device (S), in particular a switch or a push button, a junction box (D) and a function module (F), which function module (F) can be influenced by the actuation of an actuating element of an upper part (O) of the switching device (S) connected to the switching device (S), wherein the function module (F) has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled according to an actuation of the actuating element, wherein at least one magnet is arranged on the switching device (S) which changes its position when the actuating element is actuated, and wherein the function module (F) has a sensor (H) for detecting the magnetic field (MF) so that the change in the magnetic field (MF) is detected when the actuating element is actuated, wherein the function module (F) has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the magnetic field which is configured todepending on the sensed magnetic field change, to identify which type of switching device (S) is used, which identification is incorporated into the function module-side control of the actuator, . characterized by , that the actuating element is designed as a rocker arm (K) pivotable about an axis, wherein the rocker arm (K) has the magnet. [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the magnet is designed as a magnetic sleeve (HS) which can be placed on the rocker arm (K). [3] Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by that the magnetic sleeve (HS) has a wall thickness of less than 5mm. [4] Arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the magnetic sleeve (HS) has at least one lateral recess. [5] Arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the inside of the magnetic sleeve (HS) comprises an elastic material. [6] Arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the magnetic sleeve (HS) is at least partially rotatable and / or displaceable on the rocker arm (K), so that the rocker arm (K) is further developed by a rotary or sliding functionality, for example for dimming or moving a blind. [7] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the magnet is designed as an adhesive magnet, in particular as a magnetic adhesive film (M). [8] Arrangement according to claim 7, characterized by , that the magnet is located on the downward-facing side of the rocker arm (K) and / or on the sides of the rocker arm (K) that do not face downwards or upwards. [9] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnet is designed as a magnetic lacquer (ML), in particular applied by a brush or a spray. [10] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the rocker arm (K) encompasses the magnet. [11] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rocker arm (K) includes an internal receptacle for the magnet. [12] Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the magnet contains neodymium. [13] Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the functional module (F) has recesses which engage with projections of the installation box (D), in particular establishing a mechanical operative connection.

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