ARRANGEMENT OF A SWITCHING DEVICE WITH A FUNCTIONAL MODULE, FUNCTIONAL MODULE AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF SUCH A

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of a functional module according to claim 1 for installation in an installation box with a manually operated electrical / electronic switching device of building installation technology. This functional module can be influenced by the actuation of an actuating element of an upper part of the electrical / electronic switching device connected to the electrical / electronic switching device. The functional module has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled in accordance with an actuation of the actuating element. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an arrangement according to claim 12.

[0002] Function modules for electrical / electronic switching devices in building installation technology (e.g. www.jung-group.com / de-DE / Rocker switch-universal-off-change-10-AX-250-V / 506-U), where an upper part can be placed onto 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, for example a mobile device, via radio signal. Such function 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, the function modules are designed to expand the function of electrical / electronic switching devices, for example a push-button or switch. In this respect, a function module is a component that is to be distinguished from the electrical / electronic switching device.The functional module enters into 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 operating an application on a mobile device.

[0003] A functional module or a corresponding arrangement corresponding to the preamble of the main claim is therefore known from the prior art, for example according to the website nexentro.deSuch a functional module is designed for building installation technology and has a housing consisting of a base and a cover. The housing contains at least one electrical circuit board containing the electrical / electronic components required for operation. 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. These telegrams are used to control various actuators, such as lights, blinds, or sockets, or sensors, such as touch sensors. By installing the functional modules in installation boxes, conventional electromechanical switches are made "smart."

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] In addition, 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.

[0007] AT 512 033 B1, US 2017 / 0062168 A1, DE 10 2005 063 070 A1, and EP 1 014 001 A2 disclose the possibility of transmitting actuation signals via magnetic fields for switching devices. The switching devices disclosed here are already fully assembled at the factory and, if at all possible, are only replaced as a whole. This entails the disadvantage of increased costs during conversion. Furthermore, the transmission of actuation signals via magnetic fields entails the disadvantage that expensive and, in the context of building installation technology, large (and thus requiring installation space) and / or heavy (affecting the switching feel) magnets must be installed. Furthermore, magnets have the disadvantage that they are inherently demagnetizable, for example, by other magnets, vibrations, or high temperatures.

[0008] WO 2016 / 177382 A1 describes an operating device for an electronic household appliance, comprising a cover plate with an at least partially elastically deformable and / or movable operating section and an optical sensor for detecting a pressure actuation in the region of the operating section. The optical sensor has a diode element that is arranged at a distance from a side of the cover plate facing away from the user and can be operated alternately as a radiation emitting element and as a radiation receiving element. Furthermore, a buffer device is provided that temporarily stores the energy of the emitted radiation and re-emits the temporarily stored radiation energy as electromagnetic radiation during operation of the diode element as a radiation receiving element.

[0009] DE 10 2017 127 368 A1 describes an operating device comprising a base element and a transceiver fixedly mounted on the base element, an operating element movable relative to the base element between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, and an optical element fixedly mounted on the operating element for redirecting the light from the transceiver. The transmitting part of the transceiver emits light, which is redirected and focused by the operating element toward the receiving part. For this purpose, the operating element has an optical element designed as a concave reflector.

[0010] AT 525 242 B1 describes a functional module for installation in an installation box for a switching device in building installation technology. The functional module can be influenced by an actuating element on the upper part of the switching device. A magnet is arranged on the upper part of the switching device, which changes its position when the actuating element is actuated. The functional module has a sensor for detecting the magnetic field, so that the change in the magnetic field is detected when the actuating element is actuated.

[0011] Based on this discussed prior art, the object of the invention is to create 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 wiring effort and thus the installation costs during installation are reduced, the space available in the installation box is increased and at the same time the operation of an actuator without control by a button - but as a switch - is possible, so that a particularly simple and cost-effective retrofitting of the functional modules is achieved, whereby the use of a magnet can be dispensed with.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A core idea of ​​the invention is that the functional module according to the invention of the arrangement according to the invention makes the previously required cable-based connection to the electrical / electronic switching device, in particular a switching device designed as a switch or push-button, unnecessary: ​​This is advantageously achieved in that the position of the actuating element of the switching device, which is fixedly mounted on the electrical / electronic switching device, is detected by the functional module according to the invention and evaluated accordingly.

[0014] The functional module according to the invention for an electrical / electronic switching device in building installation technology, which is suitable for installation in an installation cavity, such as an installation box, can be influenced by means of the actuating element of the upper part of the switching device by arranging at least one reflective element on the switching device. Such a reflective element can, for example, be a mirror arranged on the rear side of the upper part, which is not visible to the user. Thus, when the switching device is actuated, the reflective element changes its position as a result of the movement of the upper part. This change in position is detected by a sensor for capturing the optical signal generated by a transmitter when the actuating element is actuated.Against this background, it is understood that the electrical / electronic switching device itself does not necessarily have to have an electrical / electronic switching mechanism; it is sufficient to provide an actuating element that can be moved into different positions by a user.

[0015] It is preferably provided that the reflective element is arranged on the side of the actuating element facing away from the user during operation (and is therefore invisible), in particular glued or mechanically fixed to it.

[0016] At the same time, the functional module is provided with an evaluation unit designed to detect the type of switching device that optically controls the functional module. 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 for 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 optical signal.

[0017] The functional module can be provided, in particular, as a retrofit kit. The switching device is then typically an electrical / electronic switching device. The electrical / electronic actuators present in the switching device are no longer required; their functionality is replaced by the functional module. However, a complete replacement of the electrical / electronic switching device is not necessary.

[0018] The invention cleverly utilizes existing interfaces: firstly, the interface between the switchgear base part, which is permanently installed in an installation space, and an upper part, which allows for easy replacement of the actuating element with one equipped with at least one reflective element, and secondly, the electrical interface between the actuator and the switchgear. This allows for particularly simple conversion. It can also be provided that the non-reflective element is connected to the actuating element during retrofitting.

[0019] 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, the reflective element 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 upper part is plugged onto the electrical / electronic switching device.

[0020] To determine the type of switchgear installed on the function module side, a user preferably performs a predefined operation of the switchgear during a setup routine. Based on the sensor's time-resolved detection of the optical signal generated by a transmitter, patterns can be identified that indicate a specific switchgear type. For example, a switch remains in its position after a single operation, while a push-button automatically returns to its original position. A rotary knob behaves differently. The corresponding patterns of change in the optical signal 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.This also makes it possible to calibrate the sensor, especially with regard to an upper part that is used in multiple channels (e.g. a double switch or button).

[0021] Preferably, a function module is provided for each actuator type (e.g., lights, sockets, or blinds). Thus, the actuator to be switched is known for a specific function module, so that the function module can be tailored to this actuator's control. This reduces the required storage space within the function module.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that a specific actuator-specific function is implemented in the function module for a specific actuator type, which is designed based on a standard actuation. When the function is triggered, the function module then converts the actual switchgear-side actuation type into the function-side standard actuation in software if this deviates from the standard actuation. For example: Assume the function is designed for a push-button, and the standard actuation is therefore that of a push-button. If the function module detects that the electrical / electronic switching device is actually a switch (the actual actuation is that of a switch), it converts the switching actuation internally into a push-button signal and sends this to the actuator-specific function to control the actuator.In this way, the corresponding function for only a single actuation type needs to be stored in the typically compact function module, while still allowing control using different types of switching devices. This saves storage space. Updating the function is also simplified, as less data needs to be transferred.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 optically via the sensor, complex wiring of the functional module with the electromechanical switching device is eliminated.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 optically, wiring between the functional module and the electromechanical switching device is unnecessary.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 is optically detected via the sensor, wiring between the functional module and the electromechanical switching device is advantageously eliminated.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the sensor is a photodiode that preferably emits outside the spectral range of 380 nm to 780 nm, so that the optical signal cannot be detected if it shines through between the design frame and the upper part. Particularly preferably, the sensor has a daylight blocking filter, thus further improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0033] In an alternative development of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the transmitter is a laser. This is characterized by high intensity, thus achieving a good signal-to-noise ratio.

[0034] In an alternative, particularly cost-effective development of the functional module of the arrangement according to the invention, the transmitter is an LED.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the arrangement according to the invention, comprising the steps: Generating the optical signal by the transmitter, detecting the optical signal by the sensor, detecting the change in the optical signal as a result of a predetermined actuation of the actuating element as a result of the movement of the reflective element, evaluating the detected change in the optical signal by an evaluation unit to determine the type of switching device in question, in particular whether it is a switch or a push-button, and controlling an actuator by the function module in accordance with a predetermined function depending on the type of switching device.

[0037] The invention is described below with reference to various exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1:A schematic cross-sectional view of the arrangement according to the invention, wherein the functional module is joined to the rear of the switching device, and Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the functional module having a switching actuator (right) from the arrangement according to the invention in comparison to a previously known functional module (left), in each case including indicated wiring with respect to the switching device.

[0038] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0039] Figure 1shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the arrangement according to the invention, which is arranged in an installation box D, in particular a flush-mounted or cavity box. The electrical / electronic switching device S has expanding claws K, which are adjustable by means of adjustment means EM and ensure that the electrical / electronic switching device S is secured in the installation box D. Due to recesses in the functional module F, this can be complementarily engaged with the rear of the electrical / electronic switching device S, thus saving valuable installation depth T.By actuating an actuating element B of an upper part O of the electrical / electronic switching device S, which is connected to the electrical / electronic switching device S, the electrical / electronic switching device S can be influenced, for example to switch a lamp, in that the sensor H detects the change in the optical signal V emitted by the transmitter Y caused by the actuation. In the context of the invention, the transmitter Y is directed directly onto the back of the installation box D. From the back, the optical signal V is reflected in all directions, with a portion reaching the reflective element R, so that the change in position of the reflective element R is translated into a change in intensity at the sensor H.The functional module F has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the optical signal V, which is configured to identify, depending on the sensed change in the optical signal V, which type of switching device the electrical / electronic switching device S is, which identification is incorporated into the functional module-side control of the actuator. An electrical / electronic switching device S can, for example, be a switch, a push-button, or a simple, purely mechanical rocker switch. The advantage of such a functional module F is that, on the one hand, it does not require any cabling between the functional module F and the electrical / electronic switching device S, and, on the other hand, due to the reflective element R, the use of a magnet (including the associated disadvantages) is unnecessary.In particular, demagnetization or manipulation by external magnetic fields, which would limit the functionality of the arrangement according to the invention, cannot occur. Rather, in the present embodiment of the invention, the use of the reflective element R in conjunction with the transmitter Y and the sensor H is sufficient.

[0040] Figure 2shows on the left a conventional functional module F for installation in an installation box D for an electrical / electronic switching device S in building installation technology, wherein the functional module F can be influenced by means of an actuating element B of an upper part O of the electrical / electronic switching device S by mechanical actuation, in particular by actuating a rocker switch. This functional module F comprises a housing G, in the interior of which 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 a plurality of electrical lines. The number of control lines 1, 2 in the arrangement according to the invention is halved compared to the prior art, since only the control of the load to be controlled is necessary; the so-called flying wiring with regard to phase L is also omitted.In this embodiment, the present functional module F, which comprises a switching actuator SA, can switch a socket via this interface. For this purpose, in the arrangement according to the invention, comprising the functional module F (shown on the right), at least one reflective element R is arranged on the upper part O of the electrical / electronic switching device S, which changes its position when the actuating element B is actuated. This change in position, in particular due to pivoting along the axis of rotation of a rocker switch, is detected in the functional module F via a sensor H for detecting the optical signal V or its intensity in a time-resolved manner. The sensed change in the optical signal V or its intensity is then evaluated in an evaluation unit to identify the electrical / electronic switching device S as a switch. A switch can also be a rotary switch.This ensures that the control of an electrical device, such as a socket, by the function module F is carried out in such a way that the electrical / electronic switching device S is recognized and controlled as a switch. Control as a switch differs fundamentally from that of a push button, particularly in that the switch does not return to its original position and thus assumes a permanently open or closed position. This allows evaluation or identification by the evaluation unit as a switch or push button.Such identification by the evaluation unit can be achieved, for example, by detecting the optical signal V or its intensity in a time-resolved manner. This advantageously takes advantage of the fact that when a switch is actuated, in order to achieve the same change in the optical signal V as with a push-button actuation, the operator must change his grip (double actuation), so that the switch actuation usually takes longer than a push-button actuation (single actuation is sufficient). This allows for simple and reliable identification of the electrical / electronic switching device S as a push-button or switch.Such identification can alternatively be achieved by making a manual on-site setting on the function module F (e.g. via a setting option on the function module F) or via remote operation (e.g. via an application on a mobile device or otherwise via radio communication). The function module F according to the invention thus ensures that the electrical / electronic switching device S still serves as a mechanical switch for accommodating a rocker, but this electrical / electronic switching device S no longer has an electronic connection, i.e. wiring, to the function module F. This considerably reduces the overall wiring effort required. It also prevents any connected cables from becoming loose when inserting the function module F into the installation box.

[0041] In all embodiments, the wiring effort with regard to the connection of the functional module F according to the invention to the phase L and the neutral conductor N can be reduced even further if the functional module F is supplied with energy via an energy storage device, in particular a battery.

[0042] The invention is described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, numerous further possibilities for implementing it will become apparent to a person skilled in the art without the need for detailed explanation within the scope of these statements. However, the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols

[0043] BBactuating element Dinstallation box EMadjusting device Ffunction module GGose Kspreading claw Lphase Hsensor Nneutral conductor OOpper Rreflective element SAswitching actuator Selectrical / electronic switching device TEmbedding depth TButton interface Voptical signal XRecess YSender 1-2Control lines

Claims

1. Arrangement of a function module (F) for installation in a wall box (D), a wall box (D) and a manually operable electrical / electronic switching device (S) for building installation systems, which function module (F) can be influenced by operation of an operating element (B) of a top part (O) of the switching device (S), which operating element is connected to the electrical / electronic switching device (S), the function module (F) having at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled corresponding to an operation of the operating element (B), characterised in that the function module (F) has a transmitter (Y) and a sensor (H) for detecting an optical signal (V) generated by the transmitter (Y), wherein at least one reflective element (R) is arranged on the electrical / electronic switching device (S), which changes its position when the actuating element (B) is actuated, so that the change in the optical signal (V) is detected by the sensor (H) when the actuating element (B) is actuated, wherein the transmitter (Y) is directed directly onto a rear side of the wall box (D) and the optical signal (V) is reflected from the rear side in all directions, wherein a part of the reflected optical signal (V) reaches the reflecting element (R) so that a change in position of the reflecting element (R) is translated into an intensity change at the sensor (H), and wherein the function module (F) has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the optical signal (V), which is set up to identify, as a function of the sensed change in the optical signal (V), which type of switching device the electrical / electronic switching device (S) is, which identification is incorporated into the activation of the actuator on the side of the function module.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the reflecting element (R) is arranged on the side of the operating element (B) facing away from the user during operation, in particular glued or mechanically fixed to it.

3. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the electrical / electronic switching device (S) is designed as push-button or as switch.

4. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the function module (F) comprises a dimming actuator for dimming of a dimmable load.

5. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the function module (F) comprises a switching actuator (SA), in particular for switching socket outlets, usually household socket outlets.

6. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the function module (F) comprises a shutter actuator to control shutters.

7. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the function module (F) comprises a push-button sensor for operation of an electrical device.

8. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the sensor (H) is a photoelectric diode.

9. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transmitter (Y) emits outside the spectral range from 380 nm to 780 nm.

10. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor (Y) has a daylight cut filter.

11. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the function module (F) is supplied with energy by means of an energy store, in particular a battery.

12. Method for operating an arrangement according to one of claims 1-11, comprising the steps of: - generating the optical signal (V) by the transmitter (Y), - detecting the optical signal (V) by the sensor (H), - detecting the change in the optical signal (V) as a result of a predetermined actuation of the actuating element (B) as a result of the movement of the reflecting element (R), - evaluating the detected change in the optical signal by means of an evaluation unit, in order to determine which type of switching device the electrical / electronic switching device (S) is, in particular whether it is a switch or a push-button, and - activating an actuator by means of the function module (F) in accordance with a predetermined function depending on the type of switching device.