Arrangement with a switching device and a functional module installed there behind
The flexible light guide in the functional module addresses the lack of universal status indicators and orientation lighting in switching devices by directing light through an enlarged passage, achieving efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting without obstructing the design or requiring component replacement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INSTA ELEKTRO GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional switching devices in building installation technology lack a universally applicable status indicator or orientation lighting solution, as existing functional modules obstruct light emission and require installation behind all devices, complicating retrofitting and design homogeneity.
A flexible light guide is molded onto the functional module to direct light from the light source into the actuating element, allowing light to pass through an enlarged passage between the design frame and actuating element during actuation, providing a retrofitable and unobtrusive lighting function.
Enables effective status indication and orientation lighting with high light intensity and diffused illumination, maintaining design homogeneity and allowing universal installation without replacing components, and avoiding glare.
Smart Images
Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a switching device for building installation technology, in particular a switch or a push button, comprising an actuating element of an upper part that can be pivoted when actuated in order to influence an actuator, wherein the switching device has a design frame enclosing the actuating element, wherein the arrangement further comprises a functional module installed behind the switching device, for example for pressing or switching or dimming light or for operating a blackout device, with at least one light source.
[0002] Conventional switching devices used in building installation technology are employed billions of times over to switch lights, operate blinds, and similar functions. These switching devices do not have a lighting function.
[0003] Pushbuttons with status indicators are, for example, made of www.jung-group.com / de-DE / Rocker switch for single push button with light guide F10 alpine white / A-101-KO5-BF-WW This is known. The actuating element, or rocker switch, which is mounted on a top part, has a transparent window element. Visible light shines through this rocker switch, for example, to indicate the status of a connected actuator. However, this negatively affects the design of the switching device, particularly its homogeneity with other switching devices. Furthermore, it is not a retrofit product.
[0004] Orientation lights, for example, are made of www.jung-group.com / de-DE / LED orientation light without brightness sensor, alpine white / LS-1539-OO-WW-LNW This is known. It is not a switching device, but a standalone electrical / electronic installation device.
[0005] From AT 525 242 B1, an arrangement with a switching device and a function module installed behind it is known. This makes it possible to retrofit an existing switching device in building installation technology, in particular a switch or push button, by means of a function module installed behind the switching device, for example, for switching, dimming, or operating a blackout device, and to add functionalities, while retaining the design frame and the operating element. Such a function module regularly also includes a light source, which is used to provide visual feedback during commissioning (but is not intended for the implementation of an orientation light or a status indicator).A disadvantage of this design is that placing the functional module containing the light source behind the switching device in the junction box (and thus blocking the light emitted by the light source) prevents both a status indicator for the actuator connected to the functional module and orientation lighting. Furthermore, the challenge lies in the fact that the functional module must be installed behind all switching devices in the building's electrical installation system, which further complicates the creation of a universally applicable status indicator or orientation lighting solution.
[0006] Based on this discussed state of the art, the invention aims to create an arrangement with a switching device and a functional module installed behind it, which enables an effective and universally applicable status indicator or orientation lighting – i.e., for all switching devices.
[0007] This task is solved by an arrangement with a switching device and a functional module, wherein a flexible light guide is molded onto the functional module in order to direct light generated by the light source into the area of the actuating element.
[0008] This achieves a lighting function according to the invention, for example as orientation light, for aesthetic reasons, or as a status indicator for the actuator connected to the functional module. 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 manner, and can be retrofitted without having to replace the actuating element, the switching device, or the design frame. 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 operated, 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 located 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.
[0009] The inventive approach – both intelligent and advantageous – involves forming a flexible light guide onto the functional module or its light source to direct the light generated by the light source towards the operating element. This not only achieves a high light intensity outside the switching device, but also allows the installer to adapt the light guide to the specific situation within the junction box, which is typically defined by the switching device and cable, for example, through openings in the switching device, the mounting ring, or similar features. Furthermore, the user has the option of easily cutting the light guide to the desired length, for example, using scissors or another cutting tool.This achieves an exceptionally high degree of universality regarding installation, making one and the same functional module usable for any switching device.
[0010] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the light passes through a passage between the design frame and the actuating element, the size of which can be increased during actuation of the actuating element. This results in a particularly high intensity of light being extracted from the area of the switching device.
[0011] Preferably, the light serves as a status indicator for the actuator and / or as an orientation light.
[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the end of the light guide is arranged in the area outside the box, so that the coupling efficiency from the switching device is improved.
[0013] In a particularly practical embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the switching device has an opening through which the light guide is passed. This not only simplifies installation but also provides mechanical protection for the light guide.
[0014] According to a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the light guide is connected to a light receiver, so that touching the end of the light guide leads to a change in reflectivity as an indication of actuation by a user during installation / parameterization.
[0015] In a brightness-optimized embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the light source is designed as an LED.
[0016] According to a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the functional module has a receiver, in particular a radio receiver, through which a signal, in particular a radio signal, is received to control the actuator.
[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the light serves as a status indicator for the communication of the functional module. For example, this could indicate successful activation, which is not possible with conventional status indicators or orientation lights.
[0018] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the end of the light guide has a diffuser. Such a diffuser can be coupled to the light guide or be designed to be coupled to it. In any case, this improves the homogeneity of the coupled-out intensity of the light. To generate a particularly homogeneous distribution of the light, the diffuser surrounds the upper part at least section by section, preferably completely.
[0019] 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 previously known arrangement with a switching device and a function module, wherein the light source of the function module shines towards the back of the switching device, Fig. 2:a schematic side view of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein a flexible light guide is formed on the functional module in order to direct light generated by the light source into the area of the actuating element (B), Fig. 3: a schematic side view of a further arrangement according to the invention, wherein a diffuser connected to the light guide to create a homogeneous distribution of the light surrounds the upper part at least section by section, preferably completely, and Fig. 4: a schematic top view of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein the switching device has an opening through which the light guide is passed.
[0020] The in Figure 1A previously known arrangement, schematically depicted in a side view, comprises a functional module F and a switching device S, in particular a switch or push button, and includes an actuating element B of a top part O that pivots when actuated to control 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). The switching device S is fixed in a junction box D by means of adjustable claws K using an adjustment device EM. The actuating element B is mounted on a top part O. The functional module F is suitable, for example, for push-button operation, switching, or dimming of light and includes an LED light source, which is regularly used during commissioning and parameterization.The light L emitted by the LED light source is directed towards the back of the switching device S.
[0021] Figure 2In contrast, a schematic side view of an arrangement according to the invention is shown, wherein a flexible light guide LL is integrally formed with the functional module F in order to direct light L generated by the LED light source into the area of the actuating element B. In this case, the light L emerging from a diffuser DF passes through a passage SP between the design frame D and the actuating element B, which can be enlarged when the actuating element B is actuated. This passage SP enlarges due to a pivoting movement of the actuating element B during actuation. This passage SP allows visible light L to pass through, thus providing a lighting function, for example for status indication and / or as orientation lighting, in a design-wise completely unobtrusive manner.In addition to its design-related invisibility, an advantage is that it enables attractive wall lighting (W) (typically at least 1m from the floor), suitable both as diffuse (and therefore non-glaring) orientation lighting and for aesthetic reasons (ambient lighting). In this case, the light L passes through the expandable opening SP without reflection, thus achieving a high output of light L to obtain optimal visible light output. The wall surface WO is illuminated. 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 light source 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 light source, are preferably arranged on a circuit board (not shown for clarity). Such a circuit board is typically located in the functional module F.
[0022] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of another arrangement according to the invention, wherein a diffuser DF connected to the light guide LL surrounds the upper part O, at least partially, preferably completely, to generate a homogeneous distribution of the light L. Such a diffuser DF can, for example, follow a circular path or the like, so that a particularly homogeneous distribution of the light L is achieved. A further advantage of the functional module F is that it has recesses X which engage with projections of the switching device S, thus saving installation depth.
[0023] Figure 4Figure 1 visualizes a schematic top view of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein the switching device S has an opening Ö through which the light guide LL of the functional module F is passed in order to direct the light L generated by the LED into the area of the actuating element B. The light guide LL is mechanically protected and guided or held, thus simplifying installation. Reference symbol list
[0024] B Actuating element D Installation box D Diffuser DR Design frame EM Adjustment device F Functional module K Claws L Light LL Light guide LED Light source O Top part O Opening R Back S Switching device S K Claws SP Passage W Wall WO Wall surface X Recess
Claims
1. Arrangement comprising a 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) that can be pivoted when actuated for influencing an actuator, wherein the switching device (S) has a design frame (DR) enclosing the actuating element (B), wherein the arrangement further comprises a functional module (F) installed behind the switching device (S), for example for pressing or switching or dimming light or operating a blackout device, with at least one light source (LED), characterized by the fact that A flexible light guide (LL) is formed on the functional module (F) to direct light (L) generated by the light source (LED) into the area of the actuating element (B).
2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe light (L) passes through a passage (SP) between design frame (DR) and actuating element (B) which can be enlarged during the actuation of the actuating element (B).
3. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The light (L) serves as a status indicator for the actuator.
4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that that the light (L) serves as an orientation light.
5. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the end of the light guide (LL) is located in the area outside the can (D).
6. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the switching device (S) has an opening (Ö) through which the light guide (LL) is passed.
7. Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatThe light guide (LM) is connected to a light receiver, so that touching the end of the light guide (LM) causes a change in reflectivity as an indication of operation by a user during installation / parameterization.
8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the light source is designed as an LED.
9. Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the functional module (F) has a receiver, in particular a radio receiver, through which a signal, in particular a radio signal, is received for controlling the actuator.
10. Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that that the light (L) serves as a status indicator for the communication of the function module (F).
11. Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that the end of the light guide (LL) has a diffuser (DF).
12. Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatThe diffuser (DF) for generating a homogeneous distribution of the light (L) surrounds the upper part (O) at least sectionally, preferably completely.