Arrangement of a switching device with a functional module

Abstract

Arrangement of a functional module F for installation in a junction box D with a manually operated switching device, wherein the functional module F can be influenced by the actuation of at least one actuating element B1, B2 connected to the switching device S on at least one upper part O1, O2, wherein the functional module F has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled according to an actuation of the at least one actuating element B, wherein the functional module F has a sensor H1, H2 for detecting a magnetic field caused by a magnet M1, M2 connected to the at least one actuating element B1, B2 or the at least one upper part O1, O2, wherein the change in the magnetic field when the at least one actuating element B1, B2 is actuated by the sensor H1, H2 for detecting a magnetic field, wherein the functional module F has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the magnetic field.which is designed to identify, depending on the sensed magnetic field change, what type of switching device S is, and which identification is incorporated into the function module-side control of the actuator, . What is particularly special about this is that the switching device S is designed as a multi-channel device, having at least two upper parts O1, O2 and at least two actuating elements B1, B2, wherein a magnet M1 designed as a permanent magnet is connected to at least one actuating element B1 or upper part O1 and a magnet M2 designed as a ferrimagnet or ferromagnet is connected to at least one further actuating element B2 or upper part O2.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of a functional module for installation in an installation box with the features of patent claim 1. Function modules for electrical / electronic switching devices in building installation technology (e.g., www.jung-group.com / de-DE / Wippschalter-Universal-Aus-Wechsel-10-AX-250-V / 506-U), wherein an upper part can be placed on the electrical / electronic switching device located in an installation cavity, are generally designed to control actuators and / or sensors via their independent channels, both via a switch or push-button and via an external device, such as a mobile device, via radio signal. Such functional modules are often used as push-button interfaces, dimming actuators, switching actuators, or blind actuators and have, for example, two to four independent channels.In this respect, functional modules are intended to expand the functionality of electrical / electronic switching devices, such as a pushbutton or switch. In this respect, a functional module is a component that is distinct from the electrical / electronic switching device. The functional module forms a symbiosis with the electrical / electronic switching device by assigning additional functions to the electrical / electronic switching device and optionally also enabling remote operation of the electrical / electronic switching device, for example, dimming lights by operating the electrical / electronic switching device or by activating an application on a mobile device.

[0002] A functional module or a corresponding arrangement is thus known from the prior art, for example, according to the website www.nexentro.de. Such a functional module is designed for building installation technology and has a housing consisting of a base part and a cover part, in the interior of which the electrical / electronic components required for operation are housed on at least one electrical circuit board. The electrical circuit board is connected to several connecting cables to form an interface via which an electrical / electronic switching device is connected. Telegrams can be sent via several independent channels, whereby the telegrams are used to control various actuators, such as lights, blinds or sockets, or sensors, such as touch sensors.By installing the function modules in installation boxes, the conventional electromechanical switches are made “smart”.

[0003] To evaluate the push-button signal of an electromechanical switch on a known function module, at least three wires must be connected (outer conductor or phase L and switched output / control line, and a control line for connecting the switch). For dual-gang and blind applications, an additional control line is required; for switching or dimming applications, one or two control lines are required.

[0004] Since the limited space makes accommodating a functional module and its cabling in the flush-mounted box challenging, omitting any cable represents a significant optimization, particularly because the space required in the installation cavity and the installation effort can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the reduced number of electrical cables required makes the installation more understandable, allowing the installer to carry out the installation more safely and transparently. Consequently, there are fewer sources of error. For these reasons, a wide range of users who are not professional installers are discouraged from using the functional module described above.

[0005] Furthermore, optimal control of blinds, sockets, and dimmable light bulbs, for example, using such a functional module requires push buttons, i.e., a switch that is not permanently closed. This may require a complex conversion of the existing building system infrastructure from switches to push buttons – another factor that deters many potential users from implementing such functional modules to "smarten" dimmers, blinds, and the like.

[0006] The functional module known from AT 525 242 B1 provides a solution to this problem. In this case, the electrical communication between the switching device and the functional module is replaced by magnetic communication. This significantly reduces the amount of cabling required. The problem, however, is that with such a functional module, the sensor cannot reliably discriminate between actuations of different rockers, for example in a switch with two rockers for individually controlling two lights, even though the magnetic field is preferably evaluated three-dimensionally. In addition, when used in double switches (two rockers), for example, there is the problem that calibrating the magnetic field sensor is complex because it has to discriminate precisely between the two rockers and the changes in the magnetic field caused by the actuation of the rockers.

[0007] DE 10 2023 110 992 B3 discloses arrangements comprising a switching device and a functional module, wherein the functional module detects the change in the magnetic field upon actuation of the actuating element and derives a type of switching device therefrom, but no discrimination of the actuation between different actuating elements is disclosed.

[0008] Based on this discussed prior art, the object of the invention is to provide an arrangement of a functional module for installation in an installation box with a manually operated electrical / electronic switching device of the building installation technology, with which the reliability of the discrimination of the actuation between different actuating elements is significantly improved without the required installation space being noticeably increased, whereby the calibration is also simplified.

[0009] This object is achieved by a generic arrangement as mentioned at the outset with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the description.

[0010] In the arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the functional module according to the invention of the arrangement according to the invention makes the cable-based connection to the electrical / electronic switching device, in particular a switching device designed as a switch or button, unnecessary: This is advantageously achieved by detecting the position of the actuating element of the switching device, which is fixedly mounted on the electrical / electronic switching device, using the functional module according to the invention and evaluating it accordingly. A magnet connected to the actuating element or upper part generates a magnetic field, the change in which is detected by a sensor in the functional module.

[0011] The functional module of the inventive arrangement has an evaluation unit designed to detect the type of switching device that controls the functional module via the magnetic field. There are various types of switching devices that differ in terms of their user-side actuation movement. For example, unlike a push-button, a switch does not automatically return to its original position. A rotary knob that allows continuous adjustment by turning represents a different type of switching device. This information regarding the type of switching device influences the way in which the actuator is controlled based on a specific detected change in the magnetic field and the change in the position of the actuating element, particularly when a switch is used as an electrical / electronic switching device.

[0012] The functional module can be provided, in particular, as a retrofit kit. The switching device is then typically an electrical / electronic switching device. The existing electrical / electronic actuators in the switching device are no longer required; their functionality is replaced by the functional module. A complete replacement of the electrical / electronic switching device is not necessary, although it is possible.

[0013] As a retrofit kit, the functional module usually has a housing in the interior of which the electrical / electronic components required for operation are accommodated on at least one electrical circuit board. The at least one electrical circuit board has at least one interface for connecting multiple electrical lines. Thus, all components required for operation are usually arranged compactly in a typically closed housing, with the interfaces required for operation on the outside, in particular for controlling the actuator and, if applicable, for its own power supply. The power supply can also be provided by a battery or by the power made available to the actuator or switched on, or a combination thereof. The resulting autonomy ensures simple installation.For this purpose, the electrical / electronic switching device is usually removed, the functional module is inserted into the exposed installation cavity, at least one magnet is fixed to the upper part, the cables are disconnected from the switching module and partially connected to the functional module instead, the switching module is then reinserted into the installation cavity and finally the actuating element is plugged onto the upper part of the electrical / electronic switching device.

[0014] To determine the type of switchgear installed on the function module side, a user preferably performs a predefined actuation of the switchgear during a setup routine. Based on the time-resolved detection of the magnetic field, patterns can be identified that indicate a specific switchgear type. For example, a switch remains in its position after a single actuation, while a pushbutton automatically returns to its original position. A rotary knob behaves differently. The corresponding patterns of changes in the magnetic field are compared with patterns stored in the function module or provided via an external data connection, allowing the switchgear type to be determined fully automatically.

[0015] The core idea of ​​the invention is that the electrical / electronic switching device of the building installation technology is designed with multiple channels, wherein it has at least two upper parts and at least two actuating elements, wherein a magnet designed as a permanent magnet is connected to at least one actuating element or upper part and a magnet designed as a ferrimagnet or ferromagnet is connected to at least one further actuating element or upper part. By providing, according to the invention, a permanent magnet on one actuating element or upper part and a ferrimagnet or ferromagnet on another actuating element or upper part, it is made possible in a particularly intelligent manner - under the boundary condition of minimizing installation space - to significantly improve the reliability of discrimination of actuation between different actuating elements.This is due to the invention's clever breaking of the physical symmetry of the prior art use of two permanent magnets in the respective upper parts or actuating elements. As a positive side effect, the improved discrimination achieved by the invention simplifies calibration.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention has magnets on the side of the actuating element facing away from the user during operation, which magnets are in particular glued or mechanically fixed to it.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the housing of the functional module has recesses that complementarily engage with the rear of the electrical / electronic switching device, thus saving installation depth. Thus, components with a high installation depth of the functional module can be arranged in an area without recesses, while components with a lower height can be located below the recesses. Particularly preferably, the sensor is located below the recesses of the housing without occupying an area of ​​the housing that has no recesses.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention comprises a dimming actuator for dimming dimmable loads, such as lamps. This not only enables the functionality of dimming dimmable loads, but also enables dimming without a push button (or using a rotary knob). This significantly reduces the infrastructure effort, so that the user is more likely to install a functional module according to the invention.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred development of this functional module according to the invention, which has a dimming actuator, the interface has a maximum of one connection for the neutral conductor, one connection for the phase, and one connection for the load to be dimmed. Wiring of the functional module to the electromechanical switching device is eliminated. Therefore, only three cables are required instead of five (or even six for a two-way dimmer with a button), or two cables instead of four in two-wire operation (or even five for a two-way dimmer with a button). This advantageously not only reduces installation effort but also saves considerable space in the installation box.

[0020] In an alternative development of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the functional module comprises a switching actuator, in particular for switching sockets. The socket is typically a standard household socket for supplying electrical / electronic devices with a voltage of approximately 110-230V, but can also include proprietary systems with a low voltage. Since the position of the switching device is detected magnetically via the magnetic sensor, complex wiring of the functional module with the electromechanical switching device is eliminated.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred development of this functional module of the inventive arrangement, which has a switching actuator, the interface has a maximum of one connection for the neutral conductor, one connection for the phase, and one connection for the load to be switched. Thus, only three cables are required instead of five. This advantageously not only reduces installation effort but also saves considerable space in the installation box.

[0022] In an alternative development of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the functional module comprises a blind actuator for controlling blinds. Since the position of the switching device is detected magnetically via the magnetic sensor, wiring between the functional module and the electromechanical switching device is unnecessary.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred development of this functional module of the inventive arrangement, which includes a blind actuator, the interface has a maximum of one connection for the neutral conductor, one connection for the phase, and two connections for the load to be controlled. Thus, only four cables are required instead of seven. This advantageously not only reduces installation effort but also saves considerable space in the installation box.

[0024] In an alternative development of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the functional module has a touch sensor for actuating an electrical device. Since the position of the switching device or the actuating element is detected magnetically via the magnetic sensors, wiring of the functional module to the electromechanical switching device is advantageously eliminated.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred development of this functional module of the inventive arrangement, which has a touch sensor, the interface has a maximum of one connection for the neutral conductor and one connection for the phase. Thus, only two cables are required instead of five (Note: Connection via either the neutral conductor or a control line is required). This advantageously not only reduces installation effort but also saves considerable space in the installation box.

[0026] In a particularly preferred development of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the functional module comprises an energy storage device, in particular a battery or accumulator, for power supply. This advantageously further reduces the wiring effort, since a connection to the neutral conductor and a connection to the phase can also be omitted.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the magnetic field sensor is a MEMS magnetic sensor, also known as a microsystem technology (MST) sensor. Due to the small size of the MEMS magnetic sensor, it can be placed particularly close to the measurement location, thereby achieving a higher spatial resolution compared to other magnetic field sensors. Furthermore, the MEMS magnetic sensor is particularly cost-effective and allows for particularly precise multidimensional vector analysis.

[0028] Typically, the functional module is located behind the electrical / electronic switching device within the installation cavity intended for the electrical / electronic switching device, such as a cavity wall or flush-mounted box. To ensure clear alignment during installation, the functional module's footprint is adapted to the outer dimensions of a standard installation cavity, usually over at least one segment, approximately more than 180° circular.

[0029] The invention is described below with reference to various exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an arrangement according to the invention with a functional module having a two-channel dimming actuator (right) in comparison with a previously known arrangement (left), and Fig. 2: a cross-sectional view of the arrangement according to the invention.

[0030] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows on the left a conventional arrangement with a functional module F for installation in an installation box D for an electrical / electronic switching device S of the building installation technology, wherein the functional module F can be influenced by means of two actuating elements B1, B2 of respective upper parts O1, O2 of the electrical / electronic switching device S by mechanical actuation, in particular by actuating a rocker switch, in that the magnets M1, M2 change their position upon actuation and this change is detected by the sensor H. This functional module F comprises a housing G, in the interior of which electrical / electronic components necessary for function are accommodated on at least one electrical circuit board. The at least one electrical circuit board has at least one interface for connecting a plurality of electrical lines.In the present arrangement according to the invention, the number of control lines 1, 2 is identical to the prior art, in which, as shown, electrical communication takes place between the functional module F and the electrical / electronic switching device S, whereby the control lines 1, 2 are provided for dimming two lights via the dimming actuator DA. So-called flying wiring between the functional module F and the switching device S with regard to phase L and the control lines 1, 2 is not required. The change in the magnetic field sensed by the sensor H as a result of an actuation is particularly strong according to the invention, since the ferromagnet or ferrimagnet FM of one upper part O1 or actuating element B1 interacts with the permanent magnet PM of the other upper part O2 or actuating element B2, thus cleverly breaking the magnetic symmetry of the arrangement.The change in the magnetic field thus detected is then evaluated in an evaluation unit to identify the electrical / electronic switching device S as a switch or pushbutton. Controlling it as a switch differs fundamentally from controlling it as a pushbutton, particularly in that the switch does not return to its original position and thus assumes a permanent open or closed position. This allows evaluation or identification by the evaluation unit as a switch or pushbutton and corresponding control to assume a desired position of the actuating element B1, B2 or upper part O1, O2.Such identification by the evaluation unit can, for example, be achieved by detecting the magnetic field in a time-resolved manner, advantageously taking advantage of the fact that when a switch is actuated, the operator must change his grip (double actuation) in order to bring about the same magnetic field change as with a key actuation, so that the switch actuation usually takes longer than a key actuation (single actuation is sufficient). This allows simple and reliable identification of the electrical / electronic switching device S as a button or switch. Such identification can alternatively also be achieved by performing a manual on-site setting on the function module F (for example via a setting option on the function module F) or via remote actuation (for example via an application on a mobile device or otherwise via radio communication).The detected change in the position of the actuating element B is recorded and included in the control of the actuator.

[0032] Thus, the functional module F of the inventive arrangement enables particularly reliable discrimination regarding a physically symmetrical arrangement of two permanent magnets PM in the respective upper parts 01, 02 (according to the prior art) (through the inventive provision of a permanent magnet PM and a ferromagnet or ferrimagnet FM). This advantageously also results in simpler calibration.

[0033] Fig.Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement according to the invention. The electrical / electronic switching device S is held to the installation box D by means of expanding claws K, wherein the expanding claws K can be adjusted via adjustment means EM. The illustrated housing G of the functional module F has recesses X that complementarily engage with the rear of the electrical / electronic switching device S, thus saving installation depth T. The sensor H is located below the recesses X of the housing G without occupying an area of ​​the housing G that does not have recesses X. This area of ​​maximum depth is thus reserved for electronic components that require a large installation depth (e.g., dimmers, relays, or the like). In this respect, the illustrated embodiment is particularly space-efficient, which is particularly advantageous for multi-channel switching devices or functional modules. List of reference symbols B1, B2 actuating element D Installation box DA dimmer actuator EM setting agent F Function module G Housing H Sensor K Spreader claw L-Phase M control line M1, M2 magnet N neutral conductor O1, O2 upper part PM permanent magnet FM Ferro- or Ferrimagnet S electrical / electronic switching device T Installation depth X recess 1-2 control lines

Claims

[1] Arrangement of a functional module (F) for installation in an installation box (D) with a manually operated electrical / electronic switching device (S) of the building installation technology, wherein the functional module (F) can be influenced by the actuation of at least one actuating element (B1, B2) connected to the electrical / electronic switching device (S) on at least one upper part (O1, O2) of the electrical / electronic switching device (S), wherein the functional module (F) has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled in accordance with an actuation of the at least one actuating element (B), wherein the functional module (F) has a sensor (H1, H2) for detecting a magnetic field caused by a magnet (M1, M2) connected to the at least one actuating element (B1, B2) or the at least one upper part (O1, O2),wherein the change in the magnetic field upon actuation of the at least one actuating element (B1, B2) is detected by the sensor (H1, H2) for detecting a magnetic field to determine the position of the at least one actuating element (B1, B2), wherein the functional module (F) has an evaluation unit for evaluating the magnetic field change, which is designed to identify, depending on the sensed magnetic field change, which type of switching device the electrical / electronic switching device (S) is, which identification flows into the functional module-side control of the actuator, , characterized bythat the electrical / electronic switching device (S) of the building installation technology is designed as a multi-channel device, wherein it has at least two upper parts (O1, O2) and at least two actuating elements (B1, B2), wherein a magnet (M1) designed as a permanent magnet is connected to at least one actuating element (B1) or upper part (O1) and a magnet (M2) designed as a ferrimagnet or ferromagnet is connected to at least one further actuating element (B2) or upper part (O2). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnets (M1, M2) are arranged on the side of the at least one actuating element (B1, B2) facing away from the user during operation, in particular glued or mechanically fixed to it. [3] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized bythat the housing (G) of the functional module (F) has recesses (X) which are complementarily engaged with the rear of the electrical / electronic switching device (S), so that installation depth (T) is saved. [4] Arrangement claim 3, characterized by that the sensor (H) is located below the recesses (X) of the housing (G) without occupying an area of ​​the housing (G) which has no recesses (X). [5] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the electrical / electronic switching device (S) is designed as a push-button or as a switch, wherein the functionality as a push-button or as a switch can be replaced via the functional module (F), in particular via a terminal device which is connected to the functional module (F). [6] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the functional module (F) comprises a dimming actuator for dimming a dimmable load. [7] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the functional module (F) comprises a switching actuator (SA), in particular for switching sockets, usually household sockets. [8] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the functional module (F) comprises a blind actuator for controlling blinds. [9] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the functional module (F) comprises a touch sensor for operating an electrical device. [10] Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the functional module (F) is formed integrally with the electrical / electronic switching device (S).

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