Switching device for the emission of visible light with such a

Abstract

Switching device (S) for building installation technology, in particular a switch or a push button, comprising an actuating element (B) of a top part (O) which can be pivoted when actuated for influencing an actuator, wherein the switching device has a design frame (DR) enclosing the actuating element (B) and a base unit which can be connected to a power supply, and wherein the actuating element (B) has a front (V) and a back (R), characterized in that a visible light (L) emitting light source (LED) is arranged on the back (R) of the actuating element (B) or on the top part (O), which light (L) passes through a passage (Ö) between the design frame (DR) and the actuating element (B) which can be enlarged during the actuating of the actuating element (B).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a switching device for building installation technology, in particular a switch or a push button, comprising an actuating element of an upper part which can be pivoted when actuated in order to influence an actuator, wherein the switching device has a design frame enclosing the actuating element and a base unit which can be connected to a power supply, and wherein the actuating element has a front and a back.

[0002] Classic switching devices, corresponding to the general category, are used billions of times over in building installation technology to switch lights, operate blinds, and the like. These switching devices do not have a lighting function.

[0003] Pushbuttons with status indicators are known, for example, from www.jung-group.com / de-DE / Wippe-fuer-Taster-1fach-mit-Lichtleiter-F10-alpinweiss / A-101-KO5-BF-WW. In this design, the actuating element, or rocker, which is mounted on a top section, has a transparent window. Visible light shines through this rocker, for example, to indicate the status of a connected actuator. However, this negatively impacts the design of the switching device, particularly its homogeneity with other switching devices.

[0004] Orientation lights are known, for example, from www.jung-group.com / de-DE / LED-Orientierungslicht-ohne-Helligkeitssensor-alpinweiss / LS-1539-OO-WW-LNW. These are not switching devices, but rather standalone electrical / electronic installation devices.

[0005] Based on this discussed state of the art, the invention aims to create a switching device for building installation technology that has a lighting functionality without affecting the design, while minimizing the degree of glare for a viewer.

[0006] This task is solved by a switching device, wherein a visible light-emitting light source is arranged on the back of the actuating element or on the top part, which light passes through a passage between the design frame and the actuating element that can be enlarged during the actuation of the actuating element.

[0007] The switching device according to the invention thus achieves a lighting function, for example as orientation lighting or for aesthetic reasons. A particularly advantageous feature is that the switching device according to the invention has a passage between the design frame and the actuating element that can be enlarged when the actuating element is actuated. This passage enlarges due to a pivoting movement of the actuating element during actuation. This passage allows visible light to pass through, thus realizing a lighting function in a completely unobtrusive design. Switching devices are typically located at a height of approximately...1 m, so that the opening between the actuator and the design frame, which can be enlarged when the actuator is pressed, points downwards (and is therefore invisible) in the typical rest position of switches (where the upper part of the actuator pivots into the plane of the wall and the lower part pivots out of the plane of the wall, thus maximizing the opening). At the same time, this allows for particularly even wall and floor lighting that does not dazzle the viewer due to the high proportion of diffused light. This is an additional advantage over conventional orientation lights, which are positioned at floor level (usually in conjunction with electrical sockets) and, due to their low height above the floor, cause unpleasant reflections from the floor.The light source is usually connected to the power supply of the base unit; however, a supply via battery or rechargeable battery is also possible.

[0008] As a result, the switching device according to the invention cleverly creates an invisible and non-glaring lighting functionality for a switching device in building installation technology.

[0009] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the light passes (at least partially) through the enlargeable opening without reflection. This results in improved light output.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the expandable passage has a width of less than 2 mm and a length of less than 80 mm. This results in particularly discreet illumination.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the light source comprises a light guide. This enables a compact design and homogeneous illumination.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the light source runs horizontally on the rear side of the actuating element, wherein the light source is arranged on a bend in the actuating element, preferably projecting into the passage between the bend and the design frame. By arranging the light source on the bend, particularly little central installation space is required on the rear side of the actuating element. This offers the advantage that as much central installation space as possible of the upper part remains available for accommodating the actuating element. Furthermore, if the light source then projects into the passage between the bend and the design frame, the advantage is achieved that not only is the space requirement on the rear side of the actuating element further reduced, but the luminous efficacy is also increased, since an increasing proportion of the light passes directly through the enlarged passage.

[0013] In a further development of the switching device according to the invention, the switching device has a receiver, in particular a radio receiver, through which a signal, in particular a radio signal, is received for switching the light source.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the light source is designed as a status indicator for the actuator connected to the switching device. This makes it possible to visualize the operating state of a connected actuator, for example, a light, a switchable socket, a relay, or a blind, without the need for a special transparent window element that would impair the design. The status indicator can include the use of different colors or continuous lighting sequences (including flashing).

[0015] According to a further development of the switching device according to the invention, the light illuminates a wall, particularly as orientation lighting or as decorative lighting. In contrast to sockets with orientation lighting near the floor, this takes advantage of the fact that switches are regularly installed at a height of approximately 1 m above the floor, so that a large area of ​​the wall is illuminated.

[0016] According to a further development of the switching device according to the invention, the rear of the actuating element or the upper part includes a brightness sensor. This allows the illumination to be controlled by the brightness level. The positioning of the brightness sensor on the rear of the actuating element or on the upper part is cleverly utilized, since the brightness is detected through the expandable opening between the actuating element and the design frame. This effectively avoids the need to integrate a window into the actuating element, possibly even in the area of ​​the front. Thus, the expandable opening is used twice: once for the concealed arrangement of the light source and once for the concealed brightness detection.

[0017] Preferably, the light source is mounted in a sliding manner to adjust the angle of light emission through the adjustable opening. This allows the illuminated area, particularly a wall or furniture surface, to be adjusted relative to the illuminated region. Such sliding mounting can be operated not only manually but also by motor, enabling a user to adjust the illuminated area via a device. Dynamically varying illumination can be achieved not only for aesthetic reasons but also as a dynamic status indicator, illuminating different areas dynamically.

[0018] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures, using three exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1: A schematic side view of a switching device according to the invention, which is arranged in an installation box, wherein the light source is arranged on the back of the actuating element, Fig. 2: a schematic side view of another switching device according to the invention, wherein the light source is arranged on the upper part and Fig. 3: a schematic side view of another switching device according to the invention, wherein the light source is arranged on the upper part, wherein the bend of the actuating element has a light emission element which is connected to the light source via a light guide.

[0019] The in Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a switching device S according to the invention, in particular a switch or a push button, comprising an actuating element B of an upper part O that pivots when actuated for influencing an actuator. In this case, such an actuator is a light fixture. The switching device S has a design frame DR enclosing the actuating element B and a base unit connectable to a power supply (two cables shown schematically in bold). In this case, the switching device S is fixed in a junction box D by means of claws SK that are adjustable by means of adjusting means EM. The actuating element B (in this case designed as a rocker switch) has a front V and a back R.A special feature of the switching device S according to the invention is that a visible light-emitting LED is arranged on the rear side R of the actuating element B or on the upper part O. This LED emits light L through a passage Ö between the design frame D and the actuating element B, which can be enlarged when the actuating element B is actuated. This passage Ö enlarges due to a pivoting movement of the actuating element B during actuation. This passage Ö allows visible light L to pass through, thus providing a lighting function in a completely unobtrusive design. In addition to its design invisibility, an advantage is that it provides attractive illumination of the wall W (typically at least [distance] to the floor).1m) is made possible, which is suitable both for use as a diffuse (and therefore non-glaring) orientation light and for aesthetic reasons (ambient lighting). In this embodiment, the light L passes through the expandable opening Ö without reflection. The LED light source runs horizontally on the back R of the actuating element B, projecting into the opening Ö between the bend K and the design frame D to achieve optimal light output and power consumption. In this preferred embodiment, the LED light source is arranged on a bend K of the actuating element B. Here, the LED light source serves as a status indicator for the actuator connected to the switching device S, emitting light when the actuator (here: the light) is switched on or off.The user can configure the status indicator regarding the relationship between the actuator state and the lamp state, for example, via a terminal device that communicates with a receiver, particularly a radio receiver, of the switching device S. The necessary electronics, especially any receiver or power supply for the LED lamp, are preferably arranged on a circuit board (not shown for clarity). For space optimization, such a circuit board can be integrated, in particular, into the area between the base unit and the actuator.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of an alternative switching device S according to the invention, wherein the LED light source is arranged on the upper part O. This offers the advantage that the actuating element B can be retained during retrofitting. Furthermore, a different emission angle of the emitted visible light L through the passage O results. In addition, Fig. 2 the special design indicates that the LED light source is slidably mounted in order to adjust the emission angle of the light L through the enlargeable opening Ö.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 visualizes a schematic side view of another switching device S according to the invention, wherein the LED light source is arranged on the upper part O, wherein the bend K of the actuating element B has a light emission element F which is connected to the LED light source via a light guide LL. Reference symbol list B Actuating element D Installation box DR Design Frame EM setting device F Light emission element K-shaped bend L light LL fiber optic cable LED light bulbs O Top R Back S switching device V front W Wall QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] www.jung-group.com / de-DE / Wippe-fuer-Taster-1fach-mit-Lichtleiter-F10-alpinweiss / A-101-KO5

[0003]

Claims

[1] Switching device (S) for building installation technology, in particular a switch or a push button, comprising an actuating element (B) of a top part (O) which can be pivoted when actuated for influencing an actuator, wherein the switching device has a design frame (DR) enclosing the actuating element (B) and a base unit which can be connected to a power supply, and wherein the actuating element (B) has a front (V) and a back (R), characterized by , that a visible light (L) emitting light source (LED) is arranged on the back (R) of the actuating element (B) or on the top part (O), which light (L) passes through a passage (Ö) between the design frame (DR) and the actuating element (B) which can be enlarged during the actuation of the actuating element (B). [2] Switching device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light (L) passes through the magnifiable passage (Ö) without reflection. [3] Switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the enlargeable passage (O) has a width of less than 2 mm and a length of less than 80 mm. [4] Switching device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the light source (LED) includes a light guide. [5] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the light source (LED) runs horizontally on the back (R) of the actuating element (B) or on the top part (O), wherein the light source (LED) is arranged on a bend (K) of the actuating element (B). [6] Switching device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the light source (LED) protrudes into the passage (Ö) between the bend (K) and the design frame (DR). [7] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the actuating element (B) has a horizontally extending bend (K) which has a light emission element (F) on its side facing the floor, which is connected to the light source (LED) via a light guide (LL). [8] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the switching device (S) has a receiver, in particular a radio receiver, through which a signal, in particular a radio signal, is received for switching the light source (LED). [9] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the light source (LED) is designed as a status indicator of the actuator connected to the switching device (S). [10] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the light (L) illuminates a wall (W), especially as orientation light or as decorative light. [11] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the back (R) or top (O) of the actuator (B) includes a brightness sensor. [12] Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the light source (LED) is slidably mounted in order to adjust the emission angle of the light (L) through the enlargeable passage (Ö).

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