Control device for controlling a lighting element
The control device automatically switches a desk lamp on and off based on load changes using wireless signal transmission, addressing the inconvenience of manual switching and improving energy efficiency and user-friendliness.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025101404
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Manual switching of desk lamps is inconvenient, often leading to unnecessary prolonged use or frequent manual activation, especially when the workspace is frequently left.
A control device with a signal unit and a signal receiving unit that enables automatic switching of a desk lamp based on load changes, such as a user sitting on a chair, using wireless signal transmission and contactless control.
The solution provides efficient, automated, and energy-efficient control of lighting elements, enhancing user-friendliness, safety, and flexibility, while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a lighting element.
[0002] When working at a desk, adequate lighting is essential to relieve eye strain and improve the readability of documents. However, manually turning a desk lamp on and off can be inconvenient, especially if you frequently leave your workstation. This results in the lamp either remaining on for an unnecessarily long time or having to be manually activated regularly. Therefore, there is a need for an effective and simple solution to this everyday problem.
[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the problems known from the prior art. In particular, a solution is to be provided that enables the automatic switching on and off of a desk lamp.
[0004] The problem is solved by a device having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are each the subject of a corresponding dependent claim.
[0005] A control device for controlling a lighting element is proposed. The control device includes a signaling unit for generating a signal. Furthermore, the control device comprises a signal receiving unit for receiving the signal generated by the signaling unit. The signal receiving unit is configured to control the lighting element based on the signal generated by the signaling unit. The proposed control device enables efficient and automated control of the lighting element. This results in increased user-friendliness, as the lighting element no longer needs to be controlled manually. Moreover, the control device can be flexibly integrated into various systems, thus ensuring adaptability to different applications, particularly smart lighting solutions.Furthermore, the signal transmission enables contactless and wireless control.
[0006] It is also advantageous if the control device includes a signaling unit to generate a signal when the load on the chair changes. Using a signaling unit in the control device enables wireless signal transmission, eliminating the need for a direct physical connection between the control device and the lighting element. This allows multiple lighting elements to be controlled simultaneously. Furthermore, the targeted detection of load changes contributes to energy efficiency, as the lighting element is only activated when the chair is actually in use, thus avoiding unnecessary power consumption. Integrating the device into a smart home network would also be conceivable, allowing the lighting to be automatically adjusted to individual user preferences or environmental conditions.
[0007] It also offers advantages if the control device includes a signal receiver unit to receive a signal generated by the signal unit and operate the lighting element. This eliminates the need for a wired connection between the chair, especially an office chair, and the lighting element, especially a work lamp. This simplifies installation and increases flexibility, as the lighting element can be positioned independently of the chair's location. Furthermore, it eliminates the potential tripping hazard of cables lying around, thus improving workplace safety.
[0008] It is advantageous if the signal unit and the signal receiver are spatially separated. Ideally, the signal unit should be mounted on a piece of furniture, such as a chair, and the signal receiver on a light fixture. This not only increases comfort but also safety, as the light switches on precisely when needed, without requiring manual operation. Particularly in dark environments, such as bedrooms or workspaces, this eliminates tripping hazards and ensures better orientation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to search for a light switch, which is especially beneficial for people with limited mobility.
[0009] Using a window contact as the signaling unit offers particular advantages. A window contact is a switching sensor that detects the state of an object, such as a window or mechanical device, by opening or closing an electrical circuit. It typically consists of two separate parts that make contact when the object is closed and break the circuit when it is opened. Window contacts are inexpensive, widely available, and easy to install. Preferably, the window contact is attached to a chair spring, especially an office chair, so that one part of the contact is mounted directly on the spring and the other part in the area into which the spring extends. When the chair is weighted down by a user, the spring moves downwards, causing the two parts of the window contact to make contact and closing the circuit.When the chair is released, the spring moves upwards, causing the two parts of the window contact to move apart and interrupting the circuit.
[0010] It is also advantageous if the signal receiving unit is a wireless power switch. A wireless power switch is a wirelessly controllable switch that receives signals from a transmitter component, such as a window contact, and then switches an electrical device, particularly a lighting element, on or off. The wireless power switch is preferably positioned near the lighting element and electrically connected to it. When the window contact closes, the wireless power switch receives the signal and activates the lighting element, particularly a table lamp. When the window contact opens, the wireless power switch receives another signal and switches the lighting element off again.
[0011] A device for activating a lighting element is proposed. The device has a chair. Furthermore, the device comprises a lighting element and a control device connected to the lighting element. The control device is designed as described above. Furthermore, the control device is attached to the chair in such a way that a change in the load on the chair by a user generates a signal in a signal unit of the control device. This results in an energy-efficient lighting solution, since the lighting element is only activated when the chair is actually in use, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
[0012] It is advantageous if the chair is a spring-loaded office chair. Spring-loaded office chairs are generally suitable for a workplace because they promote ergonomically favorable sitting positions. Furthermore, the control device can be attached to the chair's spring, allowing the change in load on the chair by the user to be reliably measured through the spring's translational movement.
[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the lighting element is a table lamp. Table lamps are best suited for a workplace because they are individually adjustable and allow for targeted lighting. However, the device is not limited to table lamps and can also be used with other types of lamps. In addition, the device can be designed to control several lighting elements simultaneously, for example, to provide more comprehensive room illumination.
[0014] It is also advantageous if the device includes a moisture-proof socket. The lighting element can be connected to the wireless power switch in the moisture-proof socket, protecting the connection point from moisture. This prevents short circuits, especially in the event of spilled liquids on the desk.
[0015] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiment. It schematically shows: Fig. 1 A perspective view of a device for operating a lighting element.
[0016] Fig.1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for activating a lighting element 3. The device 1 comprises a chair 2. A signal unit 4 is positioned on the chair 2. It is advantageous if the signal unit 4 is designed as a window contact. Preferably, the signal unit 4, in particular the window contact, is attached to the spring of the chair 2 and positioned so that it generates a signal when a user places a load on the chair 2 and generates another signal when the load is removed from the chair 2. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a signal receiving unit 5. The signal receiving unit 5 can receive a signal from the signal unit 4. Preferably, the signal receiving unit 5 is designed as a radio power switch. The device 1 has a moisture-proof socket 6. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a lighting element 3. The lighting element 3 is connected to the signal receiving unit 5.The connection point between the lighting element 3 and the signal receiver 5 is located inside the moisture-resistant junction box 6 and is therefore protected against moisture. When a user sits down on chair 2, the signal unit 4 sends a signal to the signal receiver 5, which then activates the lighting element 3. When a user gets up from chair 2, the signal unit 4 transmits another signal to the signal receiver 5, which then switches off the lighting element 3. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 chairs 3 lighting elements 4 Signal unit 5 Signal receiving unit 6 moisture-proof boxes
Claims
[1] Control device for controlling a lighting element (3), characterized by , a signal unit (4) for generating a signal, and a signal receiving unit (5) for receiving the signal generated by the signal unit (4), wherein the signal receiving unit (5) is designed to control the lighting element (3) based on the signal generated by the signal unit (4). [2] Control device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the signal unit (4) and the signal receiving unit (5) are spatially spaced from each other. [3] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the signal unit (4) is a window contact. [4] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the signal receiving unit (5) is a radio power switch. [5] Device (1) for actuating a lighting element (3), characterized by a chair (2), a lighting element (3) and a control device connected to the lighting element (3), designed according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is attached to the chair (2) in such a way that a change in the load on the chair by a user generates a signal in a signal unit (4) of the control device. [6] Device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the chair (2) is a spring-loaded work chair. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lighting element (3) is a table lamp. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) comprises a damp room socket (6).