Retractable Capacitive Switch Kit

Abstract

A retractable capacitive switch kit (10) for an electrical system, comprising: a switch block or assembly (12) disposed within a partition of a wall (26) and beneath a plate (28) covering said wall (26), said switch block or assembly (12) having no elements protruding outwardly relative to said plate or cover; a communication interface means with a system control / management device; connection means (15) between said switch block or assembly (12) and said communication interface means; The retractable capacitive switch kit comprises:

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable capacitive switch kit.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a kit for a switch of an electrical system suitable for switching lights on and off or for enabling the opening and closing of shutters and similar systems, said capacitive switch being retractable into a wall, a piece of furniture or a furniture accessory or furniture surface. [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, switches for use in electrical systems of residential or commercial buildings are typically mounted on walls and comprise a box element (or rocker) fixed to the surface of the wall or recessed in an opening or recess in the wall, said box element comprising a switch block defined by electronics, a connection to the electrical system, and an actuation element (such as a button or knob) for establishing or interrupting electrical continuity of the electrical circuit.

[0004] Traditionally, in the case of recessed switches, a box element containing the switch block is closed by a plate from which only the actuating element protrudes, said plate and actuating element having shape, material and color features related to purely aesthetic needs.

[0005] Over the years, with changing aesthetic trends, attempts have been made to make the actuating elements more uniform with the switch block and, in particular, the plate covering the switch block, in order to seamlessly define a single body (in effect, having the actuating element protrude outward relative to the cover plate). Furthermore, with the development of technology related to home automation (more properly known as domotics), actuating elements have been modified to better accommodate changing technology and new trends in aesthetics.

[0006] Thus, conventional switches are adjacent to capacitive switches. In said capacitive switches, the actuating element is not a button or knob that is actuated by snapping or turning (for example, to dim or adjust light intensity), but rather a "swipe" or "touch" type that is integrated directly into the plate that closes the switch block and does not protrude relative to the switch block. Thus, a switch comprises a switch block, an actuating element (or a plate that integrates the actuating element), and a sensor (disposed on the plate and connected to the switch block). The sensor is activated based on a swipe / touch operation on the plate (at the location of the actuating element). The sensor detects when a user's finger touches the plate and sends a signal to the switch block that commands the on / off of a light or the activation / deactivation of another type of system.

[0007] However, even these types of switches have drawbacks related to the fact that they are devices that are not fully integrated into the wall structure and do not define a single body, although they are in some way "camouflaged".

[0008] In particular, in the case of wall covers, such conventional switches are applied to said covers or, in any case, such covers must be processed for their application (e.g., cutting operations on the covers to form a seat suitable for containing the switch or its parts).

[0009] Thus, conventional switches do not completely solve the problems associated with today's increasingly felt aesthetic needs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a retractable capacitive switch kit that is integrated into a wall.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a capacitive switch kit that is completely retractable and has no externally protruding or visible elements relative to the wall and its cover.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a retractable capacitive switch kit that does not necessarily require (unless necessary) treatment of wall coverings or other types of coverings or furniture to which the retractable switches are applied.

[0014] Another object of the invention is represented by the reduction of the installation time of the material and consequently the associated costs, as a result of the fact that the cover does not need to be treated.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a capacitive switch kit that is reliable, durable over time, and yet easy and economical to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

[0017] The present invention provides a retractable capacitive switch kit for an electrical system, comprising a switch block or assembly arranged within a wall partition and beneath a plate covering said wall, said switch block or assembly having no externally protruding elements relative to said plate, communication interface means with a system control / management device, and connection means between said switch block or assembly and said communication interface means.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims.

[0019] The structural and functional features of the retractable capacitive switch kit of the present invention can be better understood from the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which represent non-limiting embodiments thereof, presented solely as preferred, non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic front views of a retractable capacitive switch kit of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a retractable capacitive switch kit of the present invention during installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring to the aforementioned figures, the retractable capacitive switch kit of the present invention, generally designated 10, comprises a switch block or assembly 12 and a KNX protocol type Based on It comprises a communication interface means defined by an electronic interface device 14 (or KONNEX interface) and connection means 15 between said switch block or assembly 12 and the electronic interface 14 .

[0022] The switch block or assembly 12 comprises an electronic board 16 (printed circuit board or PCB) on which the electrical and electronic components necessary for the operation of the switch of the kit of the invention are arranged. The electronic board 16 is intended to connect with a KNX-type electronic interface 14 and to connect a switch actuation / detection element stabilized to the board. The switch block or assembly further comprises housing means for the board. The switch actuation / detection element comprises at least one capacitive detection element 18 defined by elastic means of a coil spring type, the operation of which will be better explained below. (In the illustrated embodiment, there are two capacitive detection means, the number of which is selected according to specific needs (e.g., depending on the device controlled by the switch).) According to the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element defined by a coil spring is stabilized at one end of the electronic board 16 and has a free end at the opposite end for a function that will be better explained below.

[0023] The electronic board 16 is placed inside a receptacle element 20 defined by a standard junction box and is preferably secured to the receptacle element 20 by spacers 22 and support tabs 24. The receptacle element 20 is adapted to be installed in a suitable dedicated seat provided in or inserted into a cavity in a wall partition (e.g., in the case of a plasterboard wall or similar panel), as will be better explained below.

[0024] An electronic interface 14 of the KNX type enables the switch to communicate with a system control / management device, defined for example by a control unit or computer, for programming, diagnostics, control and other related operations of a home automation system (not shown) of the electrical system to which the switch is associated. Said electronic interface is not mounted on the electronic board 16 (and therefore not inserted inside the enclosure element 20), but is located remotely with respect to said electronic board and is connected to said electronic board via a connecting cable 15 defined by a multi-wire strap.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the installation of the retractable switch kit of the present invention is shown.

[0026] In particular, the receptacle element 20 of the switch block or assembly 12 is inserted into a suitable dedicated seat obtained in a partition (or in the inner surface of a plasterboard plate) of a wall 26 and stabilized therein by known retaining means. The wall 26 (and therefore the seat obtained in the wall) is covered with a plate 28 of porcelain stoneware, marble or other similar known stone or other suitable covering material.

[0027] More specifically, when the plate 28 is placed over the wall 26, the at least one capacitive sensing element 18 contacts the inner front surface 28' of the plate 28 opposite the outer front surface 28''. (The free end of the resilient element defined by the coil spring, opposite the end fixed to the electronic board, is placed in contact with the inner front surface of the plate.) The plate 28 completely covers the switch block or assembly 12, without allowing its elements to protrude to the outside, and without openings or seats through which switch elements could protrude. (The switch plate 28 can have an indicator of the capacitive area underneath. The indicator can be defined by a graphic element obtained by screen printing or stamping, or by an applied adhesive element, or the like. Alternatively, such an indicator can be defined and created by a mechanical process, such as drilling holes in the plate to define keys for activating / deactivating the function to which the switch is set.)

[0028] The electronic interface 14 is placed in a remote location relative to the switch block or assembly 12, for example inserted into a dedicated seat 30 formed in a wall partition in a location that allows easy user inspection if necessary (for maintenance, breakdown, replacement, etc.). The interface is then placed in connection with a control unit (not shown) or computer that manages the signals from the switch block or assembly and from other devices (in the case of a home automation type system).

[0029] As mentioned above, the connection between the electronic interface 14 and the switch block or assembly 12 is made by the connecting cable 15. With respect to the connecting cable 15, preferably only the wires at the end of the multi-wire strap of the connecting cable are used (this is to separate the antennas and avoid interference during operation).

[0030] In use, and to activate / deactivate a device to which the switch is connected (such as a room lighting system, shutters, a single curtain, or similar device), a user touches (or more accurately "swipes") the surface of the plate on the switch. This touch is detected by an actuation / detection element, which transmits a touch signal via the electronic board and connection means to the electronic interface 14. The electronic interface 14 communicates with a control unit / computer to enable / disable the corresponding device.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the capacitive switch kit can be associated with a remote server (e.g., housed in a control unit / computer with which the electronic interface 14 communicates, or defined by accessory elements in communication with said electronic interface 14 and control unit / computer), which serves to establish communication with a device such as a smartphone or tablet, mobile phone, etc., allowing remote command and control of the operation of the storable capacitive switch by dedicated software or applications installed on the mobile phone, tablet, etc.

[0032] As can be seen from the above, the advantages provided by the device or kit of the present invention are clear.

[0033] The retractable capacitive switch kit of the present invention advantageously allows for a completely retractable switch to be installed in a wall, with no externally protruding or visible elements relative to the wall or its cover.

[0034] A further advantage of the switch of the present invention is that the plate placed on the cover does not necessarily require additional machining (e.g., creation of openings by a cutting process), thus creating a uniform and homogeneous surface with high aesthetic appeal.

[0035] A further advantage is the fact that the switch of the present invention is easy to install.

[0036] Furthermore, advantageously, electronic interfaces that are not directly fixed to the body of the switch block or assembly but are located remotely thereto can be located in a comfortable and easy location, and there is no need to remove any previously installed material, such as cover plates, simplifying inspection and maintenance operations.

[0037] Additionally, the spring-defined capacitive sensing element has the advantage that it does not require maintenance or software updates, resulting in reduced costs and increased lifespan of the switch itself.

[0038] While the present invention has been described above with particular reference to embodiments given by way of non-limiting example only, numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above description. It is therefore intended that this invention encompass all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retractable capacitive switch kit (10) for an electrical system, comprising: a switch block or assembly (12) located within a partition of a wall (26) and under a plate (28) covering said wall (26) or within a cover / surface of a piece of furniture or other furniture, characterised in that no elements protrude outwards relative to said plate or cover; a communication interface means with a system control / management device, said communication interface means being arranged in a dedicated seat (30) formed in a partition of the wall (26) at a position accessible to a user for inspection, said communication interface means being arranged to remotely or indirectly contact said switch block or assembly (12) and being arranged in connection with a control unit or computer; connection means (15) between said switch block or assembly (12) and said communication interface means; Equipped with The retractable capacitive switch kit, wherein the switch block or assembly (12) includes a container element (20) having an electronics board (16) and a switch actuation / detection element disposed therein.

2. 2. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication interface means comprises a KNX protocol (KONNEX communication protocol) electronic interface (14).

3. 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the switch actuation / detection element comprises at least one capacitive detection element (18) stabilized relative to the electronic board (16).

4. 4. The kit of claim 3, wherein at least one capacitive sensing element (18) comprises a resilient element defined by a coil spring, the resilient element contacting an inner front (28') of the plate (28) opposite an outer front (28'') when the switch block or assembly (12) is operably mounted within a partition in a wall (26).

5. 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the capacitive element (20) comprises a junction box in which the electronic board (16) is stabilized by spacers (22) and support tabs (24).

6. 6. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection means (15) between the switch block or assembly (12) and the communication interface means comprise a connection cable (15) defined by a multi-wire strap.

7. 7. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a remote server for establishing communication with a device such as a smartphone or a tablet, allowing remote command and control of the capacitive switch.

8. 8. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the switch the plate (28) comprises an indicator of the lower capacitive area, said indicator being defined from a graphic element obtained by screen printing or stamping, or by application of an adhesive element or the like, or defined and obtained by drill-type machining on said plate or the like.

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