Electrical / electronic device and method for assembling an electrical / electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical / electronic device (1) for building installation technology, in particular a light switch, with a lower part (2) and an upper part (3). In an electrical device (1) in which secure fastening is to be ensured while simultaneously maintaining the functionality of the floating mounting of the upper part, it is provided that the upper part (3) is mounted floatingly on the lower part (2), wherein at least one optical displacement sensor (6) is provided which is designed and configured to detect movements of the upper part (3) relative to the lower part (2), wherein a controller (8) is designed and configured to receive sensor data from the displacement sensor (6) and to determine an actuating force depending on the sensor data, wherein a vibration motor (17), in particular an eccentric motor, is arranged on the upper part (3), wherein a motor mount (18) is provided, by means of which the vibration motor (17) is connected to the upper part (3), wherein the motor mount (18) comprises a housing (19), wherein the motor mount (18) comprises an opening,into which the vibration motor (17) can be inserted and wherein the housing (19) comprises a cover (20) by means of which the opening can be closed.,

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical / electronic device for building installation technology, in particular a light switch, with a lower part and an upper part.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical / electronic device.

[0003] Such electrical or electronic devices are known in the prior art in a variety of designs. These electrical or electronic devices are often designed as safety sockets, orientation lights, data connection devices, switching devices, dimmers, and so on. They are intended for the electrical connection of loads and / or for influencing connected actuators, such as lighting devices, roller shutter controls, blind controls, heating controllers, and so on.

[0004] In building installations, there are a variety of touch sensors that incorporate tactile feedback, especially for influencing actuators. Force sensors are also known, which can trigger different functions depending on whether a button is pressed lightly or firmly. However, these are difficult to harmonize, as tactile feedback can negatively influence force sensors, and vice versa.

[0005] At the same time, with such electrical or electronic devices, there is the difficulty of securing the upper part to the lower part while maintaining the functionality of various sensor zones.

[0006] WO 2016 / 012 277 A1 discloses an operating unit for an electrical device with an optical displacement sensor and a vibration motor.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an electrical or electronic device and a method for assembling an electrical / electronic device, in which a secure fastening is to be ensured while at the same time maintaining the functionality of the floating mounting of the upper part.

[0008] This object is achieved in the present invention by the features of patent claim 1, firstly in that the upper part is mounted floatingly on the lower part, wherein at least one optical displacement measuring sensor is provided which is set up and configured to detect movements of the upper part relative to the lower part, wherein a controller is designed and configured to receive sensor data from the displacement measuring sensor and to determine an actuating force as a function of the sensor data, wherein a vibration motor, in particular an eccentric motor, is arranged on the upper part, wherein a motor mount is provided by means of which the vibration motor is connected to the upper part, wherein the motor mount comprises a housing, wherein the motor mount comprises an opening into which the motor can be inserted and wherein the housing comprises a cover by means of which the opening can be closed.

[0009] The upper part is preferably an actuating element with an actuating surface that can be actuated by a user. The upper part can be designed in the form of a switch or a push-button. The upper part can have a continuous, smooth actuating surface. However, it is also conceivable for the upper part to be visually and structurally divided into different sections. This can be achieved, for example, through notches, different color accents, and / or different materials.

[0010] The lower part is preferably a housing in which electrical and electronic components of the electrical / electronic device can be housed. In particular, this housing can be designed as an installation box for flush mounting. Various fastening elements can be provided on the outside of the housing, for example, retaining springs that can hold the lower part in an installation recess.

[0011] With the floating mounting of the upper part on the lower part, the upper part is arranged on the lower part so that it can move in various spatial directions. It is conceivable that the upper part is at least partially guided in at least one spatial direction. However, it can also be provided that the upper part is arranged on the lower part in such a way that it is not easily removable from the lower part. However, movement toward the lower part and, to a certain extent, parallel to the lower part is possible.

[0012] The optical distance sensor can, for example, be a laser-based sensor that can determine distances using triangulation. The light beam hits an object as a small point. The sensor's receiver, for example in the form of a photodiode array, detects the position of this point. Depending on the distance, the angle of incidence changes and thus the position of the light point on the receiver. Such a change can be detected and transmitted to the controller, which evaluates the signals from the distance sensor. The controller can be designed as a microcontroller located on a circuit board that can be arranged directly on the back of the upper part.

[0013] The electrical / electronic device can also include a cover frame or a design frame. The cover frame is a panel for installing the electrical or electronic device in a household installation. The cover frame both protects and conceals small electronic components, ensuring a more aesthetic appearance when installed.

[0014] The present invention provides a user with a comfortable operating experience. The underlying force sensor technology in an electrical / electronic installation device, taking into account the installation practices in the field of electrical devices, such as the variety of device boxes, frame designs, and installation environments, not only increases operating comfort but also allows for a consistent space requirement for the device in an installation recess.

[0015] To provide the user with improved tactile feedback, a vibration motor, particularly an eccentric motor, is mounted on the upper part. The vibration motor, or eccentric motor, generates a vibration that provides the user with tactile feedback, a feeling for the actuation of the upper part. By decoupling the upper part from the lower part, the vibration can be optimally transmitted to the upper part, making the vibration clearly perceptible on the user's finger. Optical displacement measurement is based on the elastic component pushing the upper part back to its original position after actuation.

[0016] The housing can be a separate housing or a housing formed on the upper part. Preferably, however, the housing is designed separately. The opening is dimensioned such that the vibration motor can be positioned within the housing through the opening. Accordingly, the cover is designed to prevent the vibration motor from easily being removed or falling out.

[0017] Electronic or electrical devices and / or other relevant devices or components according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices may be packaged on an integrated circuit (IC) or on separate IC chips. Furthermore, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit board, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or on a single substrate.Furthermore, the various components of these devices may be a process or thread running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which may be implemented in a computing device using standard memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transferable, computer-readable media, such as a CD-ROM, flash drive, or the like.A person of ordinary skill in the art should also recognize that the functionality of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or that the functionality of a particular computing device may be distributed among one or more other computing devices without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0019] In a first embodiment of the electrical / electronic device according to the invention, the motor mount is formed in one piece, with the cover being pivotably mounted on the housing. With a one-piece housing design, the assembly effort for assembling the electrical / electronic device is reduced. Thus, more units can be manufactured in the same amount of time, thereby achieving a cost reduction. The assembly effort is correspondingly reduced because no work steps are required to assemble the housing.

[0020] Advantageously, a further embodiment of the invention provides for the cover to be connected to the housing in a form-fitting manner, with the cover resting against the upper part when installed. With a preferred form-fitting connection, or optionally a frictional connection, no complex locking mechanism is required to close the housing. This embodiment also generally reduces the assembly effort for the electrical / electronic device.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the electrical / electronic device according to the invention, the cover comprises support elements that at least partially replicate the contour of the vibration motor, so that the vibration motor is mounted in the housing without play when installed. The support contour can be partial, for example, in the form of rib-like projections. However, a full-surface replica of the contour is also conceivable, so that the vibration motor is encapsulated in the housing and vibrations from the vibration motor can be transmitted to the upper part via the housing.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a further embodiment of the electrical / electronic device according to the invention can provide for the motor mount to be made of an elastic material, in particular rubber. By making it of rubber or a similarly elastic material, the vibration motor can transmit the vibrations to the upper part, while at the same time, damping ensures that the vibrations are perceived only as haptic feedback and not as disruptive movements of the upper part or the electrical / electronic device. Damping the vibrations also protects the electrical / electronic device from damage.

[0023] Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, locking hooks are formed on the upper part and locking recesses corresponding to the locking hooks are formed on the housing, the housing being fastened to the upper part when the locking hooks engage in the locking recesses, or, locking hooks are formed on the housing and locking recesses corresponding to the locking hooks are formed on the upper part, the housing being fastened to the upper part when the locking hooks engage in the locking recesses. The locking hooks preferably have a locking projection. It is conceivable for the locking hooks to comprise a spring element or to be designed to be deflectable so that they are deflected when the housing is inserted onto the upper part, the locking projections then coming into an undercut with the locking recess when the locking projections are brought back into the non-deflected position.The locking projections can be designed in a ramp-like manner, so that the locking hook is continuously deflected when inserted into the locking recess as the ramp-like locking projection is deflected by the contour of the locking recess. Due to a sudden taper of the locking hook after the highest point, it can be moved behind the locking recess into the undercut upon further insertion into the locking recess. The locking recess can be designed as an opening that has at least one contact surface corresponding to the locking projection, which causes the locking hook to enter an undercut with the locking recess.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the electrical / electronic device according to the invention, it is provided that a printed circuit board or circuit board is arranged on the upper part, wherein the printed circuit board or circuit board comprises feedthroughs for locking hooks that are formed on the upper part. The printed circuit board or circuit board can be used, for example, to accommodate necessary electronics on the upper part. The displacement sensors, for example, can be arranged directly on the printed circuit board. In order to minimize the height of the structure, the feedthrough can be provided on the printed circuit board. In this way, the printed circuit board can be optimally aligned, while at the same time ensuring secure fastening of the housing and thus of the vibration motor.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the electrical / electronic device according to the invention, it is provided that at least one guide element is formed on the upper part and that a receiving element corresponding to the guide element is provided on the lower part, wherein the guide element engages in the receiving element when the upper part is placed on the lower part. In this way, the upper part can be placed in a guided manner towards the lower part, while at the same time play can be left between the guide element and the receiving element. Thus, a floating bearing with respect to small movements can still be realized, although the upper part cannot be displaced excessively relative to the lower part.

[0026] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method for assembling an electrical / electronic device according to the invention, wherein the vibration motor is placed in the housing, the housing is closed by the cover, and the housing is snapped into place by means of snap-in connections on the upper part. The previous statements regarding the electrical / electronic device according to the invention also apply accordingly to the method according to the invention.

[0027] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0028] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows in principle an electrical / electronic device designed as an electrical light switch according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a part of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view and Fig. 3 a sectional view of a housing and a vibration motor.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an electrical / electronic device 1 for building installation technology with a lower part 2 and an upper part 3, wherein the upper part 3 is mounted floatingly on the lower part 2. The upper part 3 has an actuation side 4 and a rear side 5. In this exemplary embodiment, two optical displacement sensors 6 (not visible here) are arranged on the rear side 5, which can detect movements of the upper part 3 relative to the lower part 2. A controller 8 is arranged on a circuit board 7, which is arranged on the upper part 2, and is designed and configured to receive sensor data from the displacement sensors 6 and to determine an actuation force depending on the sensor data.

[0030] Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, four capacitive sensors 9 are arranged in the corners of the square-shaped upper part 3. The force sensor system is thus implemented using two optical displacement sensors 6, four capacitive sensors 9 in the corners, and a controller 8. When the actuating surface is touched, the upper part 3 is pushed slightly inward. This minimal change in distance between the floating upper part 3 and the rigid lower part 2 in the z-direction is detected both optically by the two displacement sensors 6 and capacitively by the capacitive sensors 9 in the corners and passed on to the controller 8. The controller 8 determines the actuation force based on the detected sensor data and sends a corresponding command to a KNX controller 10, which is arranged on a lower circuit board 11 in the lower part, in order to trigger the desired function, for example in a smart home environment.

[0031] This combination of displacement sensors 6 and capacitive sensors 9 in the corners enables homogeneous operation of the button, i.e. the button can be operated in any position, even in the outer corners.

[0032] To create a ground connection for the capacitive sensors 9, a metallic stamped part 12 is inserted into the lower part, extending around the circumference of the lower part 2. Additionally, a bent tongue 13 is provided, which is fastened to the lower circuit board 11 by means of a screw to connect the ground connection to the lower circuit board 11. Because the capacitive sensors 9 are each arranged in a corner area of ​​the upper part, the stamped part 12 can be designed as a square frame in order to use as little material as possible. The metal tongue is bent from this square frame and extends within the lower part 2 to be contacted at a corresponding location.

[0033] In this exemplary embodiment, four guide elements 14 are formed on the upper part 2, with receiving elements 15 corresponding to the guide elements 14 being provided on the lower part 3. The receiving element 15 comprises an elastic material 16. The elastic material 16 surrounds the receiving element 15. This allows the guide element 14 to be inserted into the receiving element 15 in a form-fitting manner without any play being necessary. The elastic material 16 nevertheless enables relative movement of the upper part 3 to the lower part 2, while simultaneously ensuring secure mounting of the upper part 3 on the lower part 2.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows the back 5 of the upper part 3. It can be seen that the optical displacement sensors 6 are arranged at a distance from each other on the back 5. The position of the two displacement sensors 6 was determined using empirical tests. Due to this selected arrangement, any actuation of the touch surface can now be detected.

[0035] Furthermore, the guide elements 14 are shown. Each guide element 14 engages with a respective receiving element 15 when the upper part 3 is placed on the lower part 2. In this way, the upper part 3 can be guided toward the lower part 2 while simultaneously allowing play between the guide element 14 and the receiving element 15. Thus, a floating bearing with respect to small movements can still be realized, although the upper part cannot be displaced excessively relative to the lower part.

[0036] The receiving element 15 further comprises an elastic material 16 that surrounds the receiving element 15. This allows the guide element 14 to be inserted into the receiving element 15 in a form-fitting manner without any play. The elastic material 16 nevertheless allows relative movement of the upper part 3 to the lower part 2, while simultaneously ensuring secure mounting of the upper part 3 to the lower part 2. This decoupling of the upper part 3 and lower part 2 is achieved.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be seen that a vibration motor 17 in the form of an eccentric motor is provided to provide the user with improved tactile feedback. The vibration motor 17 or the eccentric motor generates a vibration that provides the user with tactile feedback, a feeling for the operation of the upper part 3. By decoupling the upper part from the lower part, the vibration can be optimally transmitted to the upper part 3, whereby the perceived vibration is clearly felt on the user's finger.

[0038] The vibration motor 17 is held by a motor mount 18 with a housing 19. The motor mount 18 is formed in one piece, with a cover 20 (not shown here) being provided, which is pivotably mounted on the housing 19. With a one-piece design of the housing 19, the assembly effort for assembling the electrical / electronic device 1 is reduced. Thus, more units can be manufactured in the same time, thereby achieving a cost reduction. The assembly effort is correspondingly reduced because no work steps are required to assemble the housing.

[0039] In Fig.Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the motor mount 18 with a vibration motor 17 located therein, which is fastened to the upper part 3. It can also be seen that the cover 20 can be connected to the housing 19 in a form-fitting manner, wherein the cover 20 rests against the upper part 3 when installed. With a preferred form-fitting connection, optionally also a frictional connection, no complex locking mechanism needs to be provided to close the housing 19. This configuration also generally reduces the assembly effort for the electrical / electronic device. Since the housing 19 rests against the upper part 3 with the cover 20, no closure is necessary. The view shows that the cover 20 comprises support elements 21 that at least partially replicate the contour of the vibration motor 17, so that the vibration motor 17 is mounted in the housing 19 without play when installed.The support contour can be partially formed, for example, in the form of rib-like projections. However, a full-surface replica of the contour is also conceivable, so that the vibration motor 17 is encapsulated in the housing and vibrations from the vibration motor 17 can be transmitted to the upper part 3 via the housing 19.

[0040] The motor mount 18 is made of an elastic material. Due to this design, for example from rubber or a similarly flexible material, the vibration motor 17 can transmit the vibrations to the upper part 3, while at the same time, damping ensures that the vibrations are perceived only as haptic feedback and not as disruptive movements of the upper part 3 or the electrical / electronic device 1. The damping of the vibrations also protects the electrical / electronic device from damage. Furthermore, locking hooks 22 are formed on the upper part 3. Locking recesses 23 corresponding to the locking hooks 22 are formed on the housing 19, wherein the housing 19 is fastened to the upper part 3 when the locking hooks 22 engage in the locking recesses 23. The locking hooks have a locking projection 24.When the housing 19 is inserted onto the upper part 3, the locking projections 24 engage in an undercut with the locking recesses 23.

[0041] A circuit board 7 is arranged on the upper part 3, wherein the circuit board 7 comprises passages 25 for locking hooks 22, which are formed on the upper part 3. The circuit board 7 can be used, for example, to accommodate necessary electronics on the upper part 3. For example, the displacement sensors 6 can be arranged directly on the circuit board 7. To minimize the height of the structure, the passage 25 can be provided on the circuit board 7. In this way, the circuit board 7 can be optimally aligned, while at the same time securely fastening the housing 19 and thus the vibration motor 17 can be achieved. List of reference symbols 1 Electrical / electronic device 2 lower part 3 Top 4 Operating side 5 Back 6 displacement sensor 7 circuit board 8 controllers 9 Capacitive sensor 10 KNX controllers 11 Lower circuit board 12 punched part 13 Tongue 14 Guide element 15 receiving element 16 Elastic material 17 Vibration motor 18 Engine mount 19 housings 20 lids 21 Support element 22 locking hooks 23 Recess 24 locking projection 25 Implementation

Claims

[1] Electrical / electronic device (1) for building installation technology, in particular light switch, with a lower part (2) and with an upper part (3), wherein the upper part (3) is mounted floating on the lower part (2), wherein at least one optical displacement sensor (6) is provided, which is designed and configured to detect movements of the upper part (3) relative to the lower part (2), wherein a controller (8) is designed and configured to receive sensor data of the displacement sensor (6) and to determine an actuating force depending on the sensor data, wherein a vibration motor (17), in particular an eccentric motor, is arranged on the upper part (3), wherein a motor mount (18) is provided, by means of which the vibration motor (17) is connected to the upper part (3), wherein the motor mount (18) comprises a housing (19), wherein the motor mount (18) comprises an opening into which the vibration motor (17) can be inserted and wherein the housing (19) comprises a cover (20) by means of which the opening can be closed. [2] Electrical / electronic (1) device according to claim 1, wherein the motor mount (18) is formed in one piece, wherein the cover (20) is pivotally formed on the housing (19). [3] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover (20) can be connected to the housing (19) in a form-fitting manner and wherein the cover (20) rests against the upper part (3) in the installed state. [4] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover (20) comprises support elements (21) which at least partially reproduce the contour of the vibration motor (17), so that the vibration motor (17) is mounted in the housing (19) without play when installed. [5] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the motor mount (18) is made of an elastic material, in particular rubber. [6] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein latching hooks (22) are formed on the upper part and wherein latching recesses (23) corresponding to the latching hooks (22) are formed on the housing (19), wherein the housing (19) is fastened to the upper part (3) when the latching hooks (22) engage in the latching recesses (23), or wherein latching hooks (22) are formed on the housing (19) and wherein latching recesses (23) corresponding to the latching hooks (22) are formed on the upper part (3), wherein the housing (19) is fastened to the upper part (3) when the latching hooks (22) engage in the latching recesses (23). [7] Electrical / electronic (1) device according to claim 6, wherein a circuit board (7) is arranged on the upper part (3), wherein the circuit board (7) comprises passages (25) for latching hooks (22) which are formed on the upper part (3). [8] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one guide element (14) is formed on the upper part (3) and that a receiving element (15) corresponding to the guide element (14) is provided on the lower part (2), wherein the guide element (14) engages in the receiving element (15) when the upper part (3) is placed on the lower part (2). [9] Method for assembling an electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vibration motor (17) is placed in the housing (19), wherein the housing (19) is closed by the cover (20) and wherein the housing (19) is snapped into the upper part (3) by means of snap-in connections.

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