Control device for a drive, darkening apparatus arrangement and method for replacing a battery of a control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for electronically controlling a drive of a darkening apparatus. The control device has a control unit having a control unit housing in which electrical components of the control unit are arranged. The control unit housing has a battery compartment for receiving a battery. The control unit housing is connected to an operating part at a front face of the control unit housing. The operating part can be removed from the control unit. The battery compartment opening adjoins or faces the operating part in the use state. Alternatively or additionally, the battery can be removed from the battery compartment as part of a removal movement and / or can be inserted into the battery compartment as part of an insertion movement. The invention further relates to a darkening apparatus arrangement and a method for replacing a battery of a control device.

Description

[0001] Control device for a drive, darkening device arrangement and method for replacing a battery of a control device

[0002] The invention relates to a control device for the electronic control of a drive of a blackout device, in particular for controlling the movements of the drive, according to the preamble of claim 1, a blackout device arrangement according to claim 11 and a method for replacing a battery of a control device according to claim 12.

[0003] A control device of the type in question serves, in particular, to control the drive of a blackout device, either wired or wirelessly. The control device allows the blackout device to be adjusted by motor to achieve a desired degree of blackout, especially steplessly. Blackout devices include, for example, roller shutters, awnings, blinds, curtains, vertical blinds, but also security devices such as roller doors or roller curtains.

[0004] Premises typically have a primary escape route via a stairwell, a front door, and / or an apartment door. This escape route serves to free people from life-threatening situations, where assistance from others may be required. To increase the safety of the premises, a secondary escape route may be mandatory to ensure safe evacuation even if the stairwell, front door, and / or apartment door are blocked, for example, by a fire. This secondary escape route could, for instance, involve exiting the premises through a window. To enable the secondary escape route to be cleared by moving the blinds or shutters even in the event of a power outage, such as one caused by a fire, some control devices incorporate an integrated battery.In the event of a power outage in the household electrical grid, the battery provides sufficient energy to adjust the blackout device in such a way that the escape route is cleared.

[0005] A disadvantage is that the integrated battery must be regularly checked and / or replaced to reliably ensure the second escape route is activated in the event of a power outage. Replacing the battery requires professional disassembly of the control unit, resulting in significant effort and high costs for the user.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to design and further develop a control device and a method for replacing a battery of a control device in such a way that the convenience of operating the control device can be increased and the costs over the lifetime of the control device can be reduced.

[0007] The above problem is solved by a control device for the electronic control of a drive of a blackout device according to claim 1, by a blackout device arrangement with a control device according to claim 11, and by a method for replacing a battery of a control device according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The proposed control device is designed for the electronic control of the drive of a blackout device, in particular for controlling the movements of the drive. The control device includes a control unit for controlling the drive, specifically for initiating movements of the drive or the blackout device. The control unit has a housing extending along a geometric housing axis from a first end face to a second end face. Electrical and / or electronic components of the control unit are arranged within the housing. The electrical and / or electronic components are electrically connected to the household power supply.

[0009] The control unit is preferably embedded in or arranged in a wall that defines the space.

[0010] The control unit housing also features a battery compartment for a rechargeable battery. This compartment contains a battery to supply power to the control unit in the event of a mains power failure. The battery compartment has an opening designed to allow the battery to be inserted into and / or removed from the compartment through this opening.

[0011] The control unit also includes an operating element for operating the control unit and / or the drive and / or the blackout device and / or for initiating movements of the drive. For example, a person can manually initiate and / or stop movements of the drive, particularly of the blackout device, via the operating element. The operating element is connected to the control unit housing, preferably directly, or connectable to it. In particular, the operating element is electrically connected to the control unit or connectable to it. Preferably, the operating element is arranged on the second end face of the control unit housing.

[0012] The operating unit is detachable from the control unit, in particular from the control unit housing.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the battery compartment opening is adjacent to the control unit in the operating state. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "operating state" means the state in which the control unit is connected to the drive of the darkening device and the adjustment of the darkening device can be initiated via the control unit.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the battery compartment opening faces the control unit. This arrangement of the battery compartment opening allows for particularly easy removal of the battery. To remove the battery, it is then only necessary to detach or remove the control unit from the control unit, specifically the control unit housing. The control unit, especially the control unit housing, can then remain in a wall recess while the battery is being removed. Complete disassembly of the control unit, and in particular removal of the control unit from the wall, is therefore not necessary for removing and / or replacing the battery. Battery removal and / or replacement can thus be carried out in a particularly simple, quick, and therefore convenient manner. It is then not necessary to have the battery replacement performed by qualified personnel, which also reduces the operating costs of the control unit.According to a second aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the battery can be removed from the battery compartment by a removal movement along the housing axis in the direction defined from the first end face to the second end face, and / or inserted into the battery compartment in the opposite direction by an insertion movement. The removal and insertion movements are preferably each designed as linear movements. The battery can then be pulled out of the battery compartment by means of a linear removal movement and inserted into the battery compartment by means of a linear insertion movement. Removing and / or inserting the battery can then be carried out in a particularly simple and intuitive manner. The effort required to remove and / or replace the battery can thus be reduced.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit housing has a locking element for closing the battery compartment opening. The locking element is preferably adjustable from a position that at least partially closes the battery compartment opening to a position that releases the battery compartment opening. In the position that at least partially closes the battery compartment opening, the locking element prevents the battery from being unintentionally removed from the battery compartment. In the position that releases the battery compartment opening, the locking element opens the battery compartment opening so that the battery can be removed from or inserted into the battery compartment through the opening. Preferably, the locking element can be fixed in the position that at least partially closes the battery compartment opening.

[0016] The locking element can be moved into a position that at least partially closes the battery compartment opening and / or fixed in this position, particularly by means of a screw. Such a screw-type locking element reliably prevents unintentional removal of the battery.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit housing may have at least one fastening element for fixing the control unit housing in a flush-mounted box and / or a wall recess, or it may be fixed in the flush-mounted box and / or the wall recess by means of a fastening element. The fastening element may be designed as a screw, claw, and / or clamping element. In particular, the control unit housing may be fixed to the flush-mounted box and / or the wall recess by means of at least one screw.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control unit can have a connector for electrical connection to a mating connector of the battery. The connector can, in particular, be an integral part of the control unit housing. Preferably, the connector can be connected to the mating connector along the housing axis in the direction defined from the second end face to the first end face. Alternatively or additionally, the mating connector can be detached from the connector in the opposite direction. In this way, the mating connector can be connected to the connector parallel to the insertion movement and detached from the connector parallel to the removal movement. The connection and disconnection of the two aforementioned connectors can thus be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

[0019] Preferably, the operating element can be inserted into and / or connected to the control unit housing, at least partially, during an assembly movement. In particular, the operating element can be plugged into the control unit housing, at least partially. The assembly movement is preferably linear, thus enabling a particularly simple connection between the operating element and the control unit housing.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the operating element can be separated from the control unit housing and / or removed from the control unit housing in a disassembly movement. In particular, the operating element can be pulled off the control unit housing. The disassembly movement is preferably linear.

[0021] The control unit can be designed as either a digital or analog control unit. In the former case, the control unit can have a display and / or at least one digital input element. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can have at least one analog input element. The control unit is specifically designed to switch off the drive of the blackout device when the control unit is or becomes separated from the control unit housing. This prevents the battery from being removed by a person while it is under load, i.e., supplying power to the operating drive. Removing the battery while under load poses a risk of electric shock. The automatic shutdown of the drive prevents this risk of electric shock, thereby increasing the overall safety of the control unit.

[0022] The drive of the blackout device can also be controlled independently and / or without a control unit, for example via an external interface, such as a branch office and / or fire alarm system or a wireless connection for control via an app, a smartphone or the like.

[0023] Furthermore, a blackout device arrangement with a

[0024] blackout device, a drive for motorized adjustment of the

[0025] A blackout device and a corresponding control unit have been proposed. Reference may be made to all details concerning the proposed control unit.

[0026] Furthermore, a method for replacing a battery of a control unit, particularly as proposed, for the electronic control of the movements of a drive of a blackout device is proposed.

[0027] It is preferably provided that the battery is removed from the battery compartment by a removal movement along the housing axis in the direction defined from the first end face to the second end face. The removal movement is preferably linear. The battery can thus be removed from the battery compartment by a linear movement towards the room or the control unit. It is then not necessary to remove the control unit or the control unit housing from the wall and / or to further disassemble the control unit. It is then also possible for untrained persons to easily remove the battery from the battery compartment. The control unit is preferably removed from the control unit or the control unit housing by a disassembly movement, particularly a linear one, in the direction defined from the first end face to the second end face, and in particular by pulling it off.To remove and / or replace the battery, the control unit simply needs to be separated from the control unit housing before the battery can be removed, making battery removal and / or replacement particularly easy.

[0028] The mating connector is preferably separated from the connector along the housing axis in the direction defined from the first end face to the second end face, in particular pulled off, in order to disconnect the electrical connection of the aforementioned connectors in a particularly simple way.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the mating connector can be connected to the connector along the housing axis in the direction defined from the second end face to the first end face, in particular by plugging them together, in order to electrically connect the two connectors.

[0030] The battery is inserted into the battery compartment, preferably by a linear insertion motion along the housing axis in the direction defined from the second end face to the first end face. Specifically, the battery is plugged into the battery compartment. This allows for particularly simple integration of the battery into the battery compartment.

[0031] After the battery is inserted, the control unit can be connected to the control unit housing in a linear assembly movement in the direction defined from the second end face to the first end face. Specifically, the control unit can be at least partially inserted into the control unit housing. Inserting the control unit into the control unit housing is what creates the mechanical and / or electrical connection between the control unit and the control unit housing.

[0032] The battery compartment opening can preferably be at least partially closed by means of the locking element to prevent unintentional removal of the battery from the battery compartment. After inserting the battery and before connecting the control unit to the control unit housing, the battery compartment opening can be at least partially closed by the locking element in such a way that the battery is secured in the battery compartment.

[0033] After separating the control unit from the control unit housing, the battery compartment opening can be released by removing and / or adjusting the locking element. This ensures easy removal of the battery from the battery compartment.

[0034] The aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, as well as the aspects and features of the present invention resulting from the further description, can be realized independently of one another, but also in any combination.

[0035] Additional advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description and a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a proposed blackout device arrangement with a blackout device, a drive for motorized adjustment of the blackout device and a proposed control device in a front view.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the control device from Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment,

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the control device from Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the control device from Fig. 2 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the control device from Fig. 3 according to the second embodiment,

[0040] Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a control unit of the control device from Fig. 1 with a battery inserted into the control unit housing before the battery was replaced.

[0041] Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the control unit with the battery removed from the control unit housing.

[0042] Fig. 6C shows a perspective view of the control unit with a new battery before it is inserted into the battery compartment and

[0043] Fig. 6D shows a perspective view of the control unit with a battery inserted into the battery compartment.

[0044] The figures use the same reference symbols for identical or similar parts, achieving corresponding or comparable advantages even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a blackout device arrangement 1 with a blackout device 2, a drive 3 for motorized adjustment of the blackout device 2 and a control unit 4 for electronic control of the movements of the blackout device 2.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a window 6 arranged in a wall 5 of a building, which can be shaded by the associated motor-driven blackout device 2, here in the form of a roller shutter.

[0047] The motorized adjustment, in particular the upward and / or downward movement, of the blackout device 2 can be initiated and / or stopped by means of the control unit 4 located next to the window 6. For this purpose, the control unit 4 is electrically connected to the drive 3. The control unit 4 can be operated manually by a person to adjust the blackout device 2. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 4 and / or the blackout device 2 can be operated via a remote control and / or an app on a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or similar device.

[0048] The control unit 4 is preferably connected to the household electrical network via a power supply unit (not shown in detail in Fig. 1). The household electrical network can have a voltage of 110 to 240 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

[0049] The control unit 4 is preferably galvanically isolated from the household power grid in order to increase the safety for operating and / or maintenance personnel of the control unit 4 or the blackout device arrangement 1.

[0050] The term "galvanic isolation" preferably refers to the isolation between the primary circuit of the household electrical network and the secondary circuit of the control device 4 or the blackout device arrangement 1.

[0051] Preferably, the secondary circuit has a lower voltage than the household electrical grid. The voltage of the secondary circuit can preferably be 24 V or less, for example 12 V.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows the control device 4 according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 3 shows it according to a second embodiment, each in a perspective view. Fig. 4 shows the control device 2 according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 5 shows the control device 2 according to the second embodiment, each in an exploded view.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the control device 4 preferably comprises a control unit 9. The control unit 9 is specifically designed to initiate movements of the darkening device 2, particularly electrically, especially by user input. The control unit 9 preferably has a control unit housing 10 extending along a geometric housing axis G from a first end face 7 to a second end face 8.

[0054] In the operating state, the control unit housing 10 is preferably arranged completely within the wall 5. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "operating state" means the state in which the control device 4 is mounted on or in the wall 5 and electrically connected to the drive 3 of the blackout device 2, and the adjustment of the blackout device 2 can be initiated via the control device 4.

[0055] In its operational state, the control device 4 is preferably embedded or arranged at least partially in the wall 5.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the second end face 8 can be flush with wall 5 or protrude from wall 5 by less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, towards the room.

[0057] The control unit housing 10 can be fixed in a flush-mounted box 11 and / or a wall recess by means of at least one fastening element. The fastening element thus serves to securely fix the control unit housing 10 in a flush-mounted box 11. Alternatively, the fastening element can also be designed to securely fix the control unit housing 10 in a wall recess.

[0058] Standard cavity wall, flush-mounted and / or

[0059] Fire-resistant junction boxes are used. In particular, the flush-mounted box can have a depth of at least 60 mm. Due to the small installation space required by the

[0060] For control unit housing 10, the use of a double and / or backpack box is not necessary.

[0061] The control unit housing 10 is specifically designed to accommodate electrical components of the control unit 9 for controlling the blackout device 2. Preferably, electrical components for controlling movements of the blackout device 2 are arranged and / or fixed within the control unit housing 10.

[0062] The control unit 9, in particular the control unit housing 10, has a battery compartment 12 for receiving a battery 13. The battery 13 ensures that the motorized adjustment of the blackout device 2 can be maintained even in the event of a power failure. In the event of a power failure, the battery 13 can at least guarantee the one-time release of the escape route, in Fig. 1 of window 6, which is obscured and / or blocked by the blackout device 2.

[0063] Preferably, the battery 13 is configured to adjust the darkening device 2 completely in both directions more than twice, preferably more than four times, and more preferably more than ten times. Referring to Fig. 1, the battery 13 is then configured to move the darkening device 2 from the bottom to the top and / or vice versa more than twice, preferably more than four times, and more preferably more than ten times.

[0064] In particular, the battery compartment 12 has a battery compartment opening 14 for inserting and / or removing the battery 13. Preferably, the battery compartment 12 is bounded on one side by the battery compartment opening 14, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0065] Furthermore, the control device 4 preferably has an operating element 15 for the manual operation of the control unit 9 or the control device 4. The operating element 15 can be used to manually initiate and / or effect movement of the darkening device 2.

[0066] The operating element 15 is preferably arranged on the second end face 8 of the control unit housing 10, connected to it, and / or connectable to it. In particular, when connected to the control unit housing 10, the operating element 15 is electrically and / or mechanically connected or coupled to the control unit 9, especially to the electrical components arranged in the control unit housing 10. Preferably, in the operating state, only the operating element 15 protrudes from the wall 5. In particular, the operating element 15 projects into the space bounded by the wall 5.

[0067] The control unit 15 can be configured as a digital control unit 15 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 15 can have a display 16, for example a touchscreen, and / or at least one digital input element 17.

[0068] According to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the control unit 15 can be designed as an analog control unit 15 and / or have at least one analog input element 18.

[0069] It is also possible to provide a control unit 15 with analog and digital components, for example with a display 16 and an analog input element 18.

[0070] As shown by way of example in Figs. 1 and 2, a cover frame 19 can be arranged between the operating element 15 and the control unit housing 10 in the operating state to cover the control unit housing 10. The cover frame 19 is preferably a cover frame 19 with internal dimensions of 55 mm x 55 mm, although other internal dimensions are also possible. The cover frame 19 allows for a particularly attractive appearance.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, it is preferably provided that the battery compartment opening 14 faces the control unit 15 and / or is adjacent to it in the operating state. The battery compartment opening 14 is then formed or arranged on the second end face 8 of the control unit housing 10. In particular, the battery compartment opening 14 interrupts the second end face 8. The battery compartment 12, and thus the battery 13, is / are therefore easily accessible from the front when the control unit 15 is detached from or removed from the control unit housing 10. "From the front" here refers to the area of ​​the control unit 4 that faces the room. The battery 13 can thus be easily removed from or inserted into the battery compartment opening 14 by a person standing in front of the control unit housing 10, which is mounted in the wall 5, looking towards the room.For this purpose, the operating unit 15 simply needs to be detached or separated from the control unit housing 10 beforehand.

[0072] The removal of the battery 13 from the battery compartment opening 14 or from the battery compartment 12 is shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, with the replacement of the battery being discussed in detail below.

[0073] Preferably, the battery 13 can be removed from the battery compartment 12 by means of a removal movement, in particular a linear one, along the housing axis G in the direction R1 defined from the first end face 7 to the second end face 8. The battery 13 can thus be removed from the battery compartment 14 in a particularly simple manner.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, the battery 13 can be inserted into the battery compartment 14 along the housing axis G by means of an insertion movement, particularly a linear one, in the opposite direction R2, i.e., in the direction R2 defined from the second end face 8 to the first end face 7. The battery 13 can then be inserted or inserted into the battery compartment 12 and thus into the control unit housing 10 in a particularly simple manner. In particular, the battery 13 can be partially or completely inserted into the battery compartment 12.

[0075] The insertion of the battery 13 into the battery compartment opening 14 or the battery compartment 12 is shown in Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the control unit housing 10 preferably has a locking element 20 for at least partially closing the battery compartment opening 14. By means of the locking element 20, the battery compartment 12 can be at least partially closed in such a way as to prevent unwanted and / or unintentional movement of the battery 13 relative to the battery compartment 12. In particular, electrical isolation between the battery 13 and the control unit 9 or the electrical components of the control unit 9 arranged in the control unit housing 10 can be prevented particularly effectively.

[0077] The locking element 20 is preferably capable of being moved into a position that at least partially closes the battery compartment opening 14 and / or fixed in this position. In particular, the locking element 20 can be fixed in the position closing the battery compartment opening 14 by means of a screw 21. The screw 21 can make unauthorized removal of the battery 13 more difficult or prevent it altogether.

[0078] Starting from the position in which the battery compartment opening 14 is at least partially closed, the locking element 20 can preferably be moved into a position that releases the battery compartment opening 14. In particular, the locking element 20 can be moved into the position that releases the battery compartment opening 14 after loosening the screw 21.

[0079] As shown in detail in Fig. 6C, the control unit 9 or the control unit housing 10 preferably has a connector 22 for electrical connection with a mating connector 23 of the battery 13. In particular, the connector 22 is an integral part of the control unit housing 10 and / or is located and / or formed within the battery compartment 12.

[0080] The connector 23 can be connected to the battery 13 via a cable, as shown by way of example in Figs. 6A to 6D. The connector 23 can also be an integral part of the battery 13 and / or be directly fixed to an outer surface of the battery 13.

[0081] The mating connector 23 is preferably connectable to the connector 22 along the housing axis G in the direction R2 defined from the second end face 8 to the first end face 7. The connector 22 can thus be electrically connected to the mating connector 23 in a simple and quick manner. Electrical connection of the battery 13 to the control unit or the electrical components arranged in the control unit housing 10 is then possible in a particularly quick and convenient manner. Preferably, the mating connector 23 can be connected to the connector 22 with a movement parallel to the insertion movement.

[0082] It is possible that inserting the battery 13 into the battery compartment 12 creates a connection between the mating connector 23 and the connector 22. In this case, it is not necessary to connect the mating connector 23 to the connector 22 independently of inserting the battery 13 into the battery compartment 12, thus further simplifying the replacement of the battery 13.

[0083] The mating connector 23 can alternatively or additionally be detached from the connector 22 along the housing axis G in the direction R1 defined from the first end face 7 to the second end face 8, thereby allowing the battery 13 to be electrically disconnected from the control unit 9 or the electrical components arranged in the control unit housing 10 in a particularly simple manner.

[0084] Preferably, the mating connector 23 can be separated from the connector 22 by a movement parallel to the removal movement.

[0085] In particular, the removal of the battery 13 from the battery opening 12 can cause the separation of the connection between the counterpart connector 23 and the connector 22, which can further simplify the removal of the battery 13 from the battery opening 12.

[0086] As indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, the operating element 15 can be inserted, in particular plugged in, and / or connected to the control unit housing 10 at least partially in an assembly movement, particularly a linear one. Preferably, the assembly movement also provides the mechanical and / or electrical connection or coupling between the control unit housing 10 and the operating element 15.

[0087] At least in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 4, it is provided that the operating element 15 can be inserted at least section by section into the control unit housing 10 during the linear assembly movement. Alternatively or additionally, the operating element 15 can be connected and / or coupled to the control unit housing 10 by the assembly movement, in particular mechanically and / or electrically.

[0088] The assembly movement preferably extends along the housing axis G and / or in the direction R2 defined from the second end face 8 to the first end face 7.

[0089] To detach or separate the operating element 15 from the control unit housing 10, it is preferably provided that the operating element 15 can be separated from the control unit housing 10 in a disassembly movement, in particular linear, and / or removed from the control unit housing 10, in particular peeling it off.

[0090] In this way, to remove the battery 13, the control unit 15 can first be separated from the control unit housing 10 to make the battery compartment opening 14 accessible.

[0091] The disassembly movement can extend along the housing axis G and / or in the direction R1 defined from the first end face 7 to the second end face 8.

[0092] Subsequently, the locking element 20 can be removed and / or adjusted, and the battery 13 can be removed from the battery compartment 12.

[0093] When removing the battery 13 from the battery compartment 12, care must be taken to avoid the battery 13 being under load - i.e., supplying power to the running drive 3 - in order to prevent electric shock and / or endangering the person removing the battery 13.

[0094] The control unit 9 is preferably designed to switch off the drive 3 of the blackout device 2 when the operating element 15 is or becomes separated from the control unit housing 10. In this way, the drive 3 can be switched off automatically when the operating element 15 is separated from the control unit housing 10. This ensures that the battery 13 can only be removed when the battery 13 is not under load, i.e., when the drive 3 is switched off. Removing the battery 13 while it is under load is then impossible, thus improving the overall safety of the control device 4.

[0095] Figures 6A to 6D show the replacement of a battery 13. A method for replacing the battery 13 of the control unit 4 is explained below with reference to Figures 6A to 6D.

[0096] To replace the battery 13, it is preferably necessary to first remove it from the control unit 4 before a new or recharged battery 13 can be inserted into the control unit 4.

[0097] At the beginning, the operating element 15 is preferably removed from the control unit 9 or the control unit housing 10 during the disassembly movement, which is particularly linear, in the direction R1 defined from the first end face 7 to the second end face 8. In particular, the operating element 15 can be pulled off along the housing axis G. The disassembly of the operating element 15 can thus be carried out in a particularly simple and intuitive manner.

[0098] Subsequently, the locking element 20 can be moved from the position that closes the battery compartment opening 14 to the position that releases the battery compartment opening 14. For example, the screw 21 can be loosened and the locking element 20 removed from the battery compartment opening 14, as shown in Fig. 6A. Alternatively, the locking element 20 can also be moved from the closing to the releasing position.

[0099] In particular, after the battery compartment opening 14 has been released, the battery 13 can be removed from the battery compartment 12 as part of the, in particular linear, removal movement along the housing axis G in the direction R1 defined from the first end face 7 to the second end face 8, as shown by the transition from Fig. 6A to Fig. 6B.

[0100] The battery 13 is preferably movable out of the battery compartment 12 along the housing axis G. In particular, the battery 13 can be pulled out of the battery compartment 12. Simultaneously, before, or after this, the mating connector 23 can be disconnected from the connector 22, particularly along the housing axis G in the direction R1 defined from the first end face 7 to the second end face 8. Preferably, the mating connector 23 can be disconnected from the connector 22 by a linear movement. A particularly simple disconnection can be achieved if the mating connector 23 can be pulled off the connector 22.

[0101] Particularly advantageously, removing the battery 13 from the battery compartment 12 can cause the separation between the connector 22 and the mating connector 23. In this way, the person replacing the battery can grasp the battery 13 and pull it out of the battery compartment 12, thereby disconnecting the connection between the connector 22 and the mating connector 23.

[0102] The removed battery 13 can be tested and / or recharged or replaced with another battery 13.

[0103] Subsequently, the tested and / or charged or new battery 13 can be inserted into the battery compartment 12 along the housing axis G in the direction R2 defined from the second end face 8 to the first end face 7, as shown in the transition from Fig. 6C to Fig. 6D. Preferably, the battery 13 is plugged into the battery compartment 12, which makes inserting the battery 13 particularly easy.

[0104] Simultaneously, before, or after this, the mating connector 23 can be connected to the connector 22 along the housing axis G in the direction R2 defined from the second end face 8 to the first end face 7. In particular, the mating connector 23 can be plugged together with the connector 22, thereby creating a simple electrical connection between the connector 22 and the mating connector 23.

[0105] After inserting the battery 13 into the battery compartment 12 and connecting the mating connector 23 to the connector 22, the battery compartment opening 14 can be at least partially closed by means of the locking element 20 to prevent unintentional removal of the battery 13. For this purpose, the locking element 20 can be moved from the releasing position to the position that at least partially closes the battery compartment opening 14.

[0106] In the position where the battery compartment opening 14 is at least partially closed, the locking element 20 can be fixed in place using the screw 21. This effectively prevents the battery 13 from being removed unintentionally.

[0107] The operating element 15 can then be connected to the control unit housing 10 by means of an assembly movement, in particular a linear movement, in the direction R2 defined from the second end face 8 to the first end face 7. The operating element 15 can be inserted into the control unit housing 10, at least partially. The assembly movement can be performed along the housing axis G.

[0108] By connecting the operating unit 15 with the control unit 9 or the control unit housing 10, movements of the darkening device 2 can be controlled by means of the operating unit 15.

[0109] Individual aspects, features and process steps of the present invention can be implemented independently of one another, but also in any combination or sequence.

[0110] Reference symbol list:

[0111] Blackout device arrangement 15 Control unit

[0112] Blackout device 16 Display

[0113] Drive 17 Input element

[0114] Control unit 18 Input element

[0115] Wall 19 Cover frame

[0116] Window 20 locking element

[0117] Front side 21 screw

[0118] Front side 22 connector plug

[0119] Control unit 23 Connection plug

[0120] Control unit housing

[0121] Flush-mounted box G housing axis

[0122] Battery compartment R1 direction

[0123] Battery R2 direction

[0124] Battery compartment opening

Claims

22 Patent claims:

1. Control unit for the electronic control of a drive (3) of a blackout device (2), - with a control unit (9) for controlling the drive (3), in particular for initiating movements of the blackout device (2), - wherein the control unit (9) has a control unit housing (10) extending along a geometric housing axis (G) from a first end face (7) to a second end face (7) for receiving electrical and / or electronic components, - wherein electrical and / or electronic components of the control unit (9) are arranged in the control unit housing (10), - wherein the control unit housing (10) has a battery compartment (12) for receiving a battery (13), - wherein the battery compartment (12) has a battery compartment opening (14) for inserting and / or removing the battery (13), - with a control unit (15) for operating the control unit (9) and / or the drive (3) and / or the blackout device (2) and / or for initiating movements of the drive (3), - wherein the control unit (15) is connected or connectable to the control unit housing (10), wherein the control unit (15) is removable from the control unit (9), in particular from the control unit housing (10), characterized in that the battery compartment opening (14) in the operating state faces the control unit (15) and / or adjoins the control unit (15), and / or that the battery (13) can be removed from the battery compartment (12) in the direction (R1) defined from the first end face (7) to the second end face (8) by means of a, in particular linear, removal movement along the housing axis (G) and / or can be inserted into the battery compartment (12) in the opposite direction (R2) by means of a, in particular linear, insertion movement.

2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element is directly connected to the control unit housing.

3. Control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit housing (10) has a locking element (20) for closing the battery compartment opening (14), wherein the locking element (20) can be moved from a position releasing the battery compartment opening (14) to a position at least partially closing the battery compartment opening (14), preferably wherein the locking element (20) can be fixed in the position at least partially closing the battery compartment opening (14).

4. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (9), in particular the control unit housing (10), has a connector (22) for electrical connection with a counterpart connector (23) of the battery (13), wherein the counterpart connector (23) can be connected to the connector (22) along the housing axis (G) in the direction (R2) defined from the second end face (8) to the first end face (7) and / or can be detached from the connector (22) in the opposite direction (R1).

5. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (15) can be inserted, in particular plugged in, and / or connected to the control unit housing (10) at least section by section in an assembly movement, in particular linear.

6. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (15) can be separated from the control unit housing (10) in a disassembly movement, in particular linear, and / or removed from the control unit housing (10), in particular peeling off.

7. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (15) is designed as a digital operating element (15) and / or has a display (16) and / or at least one digital input element (17).

8. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (15) has at least one analog input element (18) and / or is designed as an analog operating element (15).

9. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit housing (10) can be fixed in a flush-mounted box (11) and / or a wall recess with at least one fastening element.

10. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (9) is designed to control the drive (3) independently of the operating element (15) and / or to switch off the drive (3) when the operating element (15) is or becomes separated from the control unit housing (10).

11. Blackout device arrangement comprising a blackout device (2), a drive (3) for motor-driven adjustment of the blackout device (2) and a control device (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Method for replacing a battery (13) of a control device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the battery (13) is removed from the battery compartment (12) in the context of a, in particular linear, removal movement along the housing axis (G) in the direction (R1) defined from the first end face (7) to the second end face (8).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the operating element (15) is removed from the control unit housing (10) in the course of a disassembly movement, in particular a linear one, preferably in the direction (R1) defined from the first end face (7) to the second end face (8).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the control unit (9), in particular the control unit housing (10), has a connector (22) for electrical connection with a mating connector (23) of the battery (13), wherein the mating connector (23) is separated, in particular pulled off, from the connector (2) along the housing axis (G) in the direction (R1) defined from the first end face (7) to the second end face (8), and / or wherein the mating connector (23) is connected, in particular plugged in, to the connector (22) along the housing axis (G) in the direction (R2) defined from the second end face (8) to the first end face (7). 25 15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the battery (13) is inserted, in particular plugged in, into the battery compartment (12) in the direction (R2) defined from the second end face (8) to the first end face (7) as part of an insertion movement, in particular a linear movement, along the housing axis (G).

16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the operating element (15) is connected to the control unit housing (10) in the context of an assembly movement, in particular a linear movement, preferably in the direction (R2) defined from the second end face (8) to the first end face (7), in particular partially inserted into the control unit housing (10).

17. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the battery compartment opening (14) is at least partially closed by means of a closure element (20), and / or wherein the battery compartment opening (14) is released by removing and / or adjusting a closure element (20).

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