Patent Grant
10373782
This application is a filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application PCT/EP2015/058157, filed Apr. 15, 2015, and claims the priority of German Patent Application DE 10 2014 209 192.6, filed May 15, 2014, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a switching device for a wireless switch, to a switch and to a method for producing a switching signal of a wireless switch, especially in the field of home technology for surface installation.
2. Background Information
In particular, wireless switches are used in home technology, for example, for an exposed solution. By means of the wireless switch, a plurality of consumers can be controlled by means of the switching signal, for example, illuminants, shutters and the like. DE 20 2004 005 837 U1 discloses a switch housing for surface installation and for receiving an electronic module.
Against this background, the present invention provides an improved switching device for a wireless switch, an improved wireless switch and an improved method for producing a switching signal of a wireless switch according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments are depicted in the sub-claims and the subsequent description.
According to embodiments of the present invention, a switching device for a self-powered wireless switch can be provided for building technology, by means of which it is possible to produce a switching signal. In particular, depending on the embodiment, a switching mechanism or a so-called “toggle” mechanism of the switching device makes it possible that during a switching operation or actuation process merely one energy impulse can be produced or even two or multiple energy impulses can be produced. In a first embodiment and mounting option, the switching mechanism is designed to activate or actuate an energy converter in a switching operation merely one time, and in a second embodiment and mounting option to activate or actuate an energy converter in a switching operation, for example, two times.
The present invention relates to a switching device for a wireless switch, wherein the switching device comprises actuating means for receiving mechanical energy that can be applied during a switching operation to the switching device, wherein the switching device with the actuating means and an energy conversion device for converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy comprises mechanically connectable switching means for transmitting the mechanical energy from the actuating means to the energy conversion device, wherein the switching means are designed to be actuated during the switching process by means of the actuating means, in order to transfer, when connected with the energy conversion device, the energy conversion device at least from a first stable condition to a second stable condition, which is different from the first stable condition, to produce at least one electrical energy impulse.
The wireless switch can be designed to control by means of the switching signal at least one external device, by means of radio transmission of the switching signal. Furthermore, the wireless switch can be designed to be surface-mounted, for example, using building technology. The switching device could also be depicted as a switching module. The switching device can comprise mechanical components for activating or actuating the energy conversion device. In particular, the switching device can be designed to actuate or activate the energy conversion device in response to a switching operation or actuation process in which an external actuating force representing the mechanical energy is transmitted to the switching device. The energy conversion device can be designed to convert mechanical energy of the actuating force to electrical energy. The energy conversion device can also be designed in bistable fashion. Here, the energy conversion device can comprise the first stable condition and the second stable condition. The energy conversion device can be designed to perform an actuation motion between the first stable condition and the second stable condition by means of the mechanical energy transmitted by means of the actuating means and the switching means to the energy conversion device and to produce or generate in the process an electrical energy impulse. Here, the energy conversion device is designed to produce an electrical energy impulse in an actuation motion from the first stable condition to the second stable condition and to produce an electrical energy impulse in an actuation motion from the second stable condition to the first stable condition. The actuating means can involve at least a lever element, a lever, a double lever, a twin lever or the like. The switching means can be arranged or designed to be contacted mechanically by means of the actuating means. The switching means can also be mechanically connected with the energy conversion device. The switching means can be designed to transmit during a switching operation or actuation process the mechanical energy from the actuating means to the energy conversion device. The switching means can be designed to transfer when connected with the energy conversion device the energy conversion device from the first stable condition to the second stable condition and, in addition, or alternatively, from the second stable condition to the first stable condition.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the described approach can advantageously be used to implement a KNX-RF-capable switch or wireless pushbutton. Because of the switching mechanism, on the one hand, the energy converter can produce sufficient energy when actuating the switch and, on the other hand, an actuating force can be kept at the lowest possible level. Since, in most applications, it is sufficient to produce a single energy impulse, it is not required to produce unnecessary energy and it is not required to apply an unnecessary actuating force. Furthermore, an application in KNX-RF-radio networks is made possible, wherein a performance can be obtained independent from a battery or a connection to the power supply network. This allows for flexible application and low maintenance.
Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, disadvantages of many customary switching devices or switching modules provided as switches for surface installation in building technology can be avoided, which, among other things, are designed in such a way that an actuation of respectively one of two movable levers is introduced, which activate an electromagnetic energy converter. Usually, such switching modules have a housing with a rigid design and require a certain amount of space below a button to avoid a collision when tilting the button. At the same time, one of, for example, four coding switches is actuated with a supplementary component of the button. During the actuation process, an energy impulse is generated and, depending on the already actuated coding switch, converted in an electronic module to a radio signal and transmitted by means of radio communication.
Such light switches are able to use an actuating mechanism in which, especially when actuating and releasing the button, inevitably a respective energy impulse is generated, wherein the energy impulse is, for example, rejected when releasing the button or it is used for a telegram repeat, which can be avoided with the switching mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention. As a result, it is possible to also avoid a problem, which involves that a performance of the energy converter to transmit KNX-RF telegrams has to be increased to the extent that the actuating forces and an operational noise would exceed acceptable values. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to avoid a double klick or double sound, which would further deteriorate the acoustic noise of the switch. In this way, it is also possible to avoid a two-way operating concept, which requires some getting used to and is not always well accepted on the market, and in which a button is placed, for example, in a central position to be pushed on the top and on the bottom. In most cases, a conventional button, which has its actuation point on the bottom, is desired.
In particular, the switching means of the switching device can comprise a movable carriage, which can be mechanically connected with the energy conversion device, and at least a carriage lever, which can be actuated by means of the actuating means. For this purpose, the at least one carriage lever can be designed to move the movable carriage between a first position, which is assigned to the first stable condition of the energy conversion device, and a second position, which is assigned to the second stable condition of the energy conversion device. Such an embodiment has the advantage that, by slightly adjusting the structure of the switching means, it is possible to perform a one-time or, in particular, two-time or repeated activation of the energy conversion device by switching operation or actuation process.
At the same time, the switching device can comprise at least one roller or sliding component, which can be mechanically connected with the movable carriage and, in addition, or alternatively, with the at least one carriage lever. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a movement of the carriage between the first position and the second position is facilitated and made more reliable. For example, the sliding component can involve a sliding plate with a sliding surface. Alternatively, it is possible to use a sliding block instead of a sliding plate. It is important that the sliding component has a sliding surface, by means of which the frictional resistance can reduced when the carriage makes a sliding movement. At the same time, the sliding surface can have optimal dimensions. In other words, a dimension of the sliding surface can be arbitrarily selected, depending on the desired reduced frictional resistance of the sliding movement. Preferably, the sliding surface can have a surface comprising a reduced frictional resistance.
According to one embodiment, the switching means can comprise elastic means, which are designed to have an effect on the movable carriage, in order to move the movable carriage from the second to the first position. For this purpose, the switching means can comprise the movable carriage, a carriage lever and the elastic means. At the same time, the actuating means can comprise a lever or single lever or a lever element. The carriage lever can be arranged and designed to be actuated because of the mechanical energy by the lever or single. In the process, the movable carriage can be moved by the actuated carriage lever from the first to the second position, wherein the elastic means can be compressed, wherein energy for a return movement of the respective carriage from the second position to the first position can be arranged in the elastic means. As a result, the switching means can be designed to cause the energy conversion device to produce two energy impulses during a switching operation. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a one-way module, in which the wireless switch is provided to perform a single actuation motion, can be implemented in an easy and cost-effective manner as an actuation concept with two impulses and a low actuating force and high yield of electrical energy.
Alternatively, the switching means can comprise elastic means and two carriage levers. At the same time, the elastic means can be designed to preload the carriage levers in a rest position, wherein the movable carriage is arranged between the carriage levers. Here, a first carriage lever can be designed to move the movable carriage from the first position to the second position, wherein a second carriage lever can be designed to move the movable carriage from the second position to the first position. At the same time, the actuating means can comprise a double lever or two levers or lever elements. The carriage lever can be arranged and designed in such a way that during a switching operation one of the carriage levers is actuated because of the mechanical energy by means of one of the levers of the actuating means. As a result, the switching means can be designed to cause the energy conversion device to produce during a switching operation only one electrical energy impulse. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a two-way module, in which the wireless switch is provided to perform different actuation motions, can be implemented in an easy and cost-effective manner as an actuation concept with a single impulse per switching operation and a low actuating force and high yield of electrical energy.
Furthermore, the switching device can comprise at least one return spring, which is designed to preload the actuating means in a rest position. The actuating means are designed to be arranged in the rest position in the absence of mechanical energy of a switching operation or in the absence of an actuating force. As a result, it is possible to provide for actuation processes a definite starting position.
The present invention also relates to a wireless switch with an embodiment of the previously mentioned switching device; an energy conversion device, which can be mechanically connected with the switching means of the switching device, in order to convert the mechanical energy, which can be introduced during the switching operation into the switching device, to electrical energy for transmitting the switching signal; a circuit carrier with a signal output device for transmitting the switching signal, wherein the circuit carrier can be connected in an electrically conductible manner with the energy conversion device; a housing with at least one housing element, wherein the housing is designed to receive the switching device, the energy conversion device and the circuit carrier; and a switch for transmitting the mechanical energy to the actuating means of the switching device, wherein the switch can be mounted on the housing.
In connection with the wireless switch, it is possible to advantageously use an embodiment of the above-mentioned switching device, in order to activate especially the energy conversion. The housing can be designed to allow the wireless switch to be mounted on the surface of a wall or any other surface in a building or the like. The circuit carrier can involve a circuit board, a printed circuit board, or the like. At the same time, the circuit carrier can be arranged between the energy conversion device and the switch. The signal output device can be applied to the circuit carrier by means of methods customary in semiconductor technology. The signal output device can comprise an antenna configuration, especially an antenna configuration that is printed on the circuit carrier. The signal output device can be designed to transmit the switching signal by means of radio communication to an interface to a control device and in addition, or alternatively, to at least one controllable device. An electrical contact between the circuit carrier and the energy conversion device can be implemented by means of SMD spring contacts formed on the circuit carrier, which can be connected in electrically conductible manner with a circuit board, which is soldered with contact points of the energy conversion device. Alternatively, the circuit carrier can comprise a coated metal grid with spring contacts. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the circuit board and the associated costs for soldering. This can involve another cost advantage and increase the reliability of the contact.
According to one embodiment, the signal output device can comprise radio electronics for producing and transmitting a radio signal. At the same time, the radio signal can fulfill the requirements of a pre-determined radio protocol. The circuit carrier can comprise at least one code contact, which can be actuated during the switching operation, in order to provide a code signal. For example, the code signal can be transmitted to the radio electronics, wherein the radio electronics is designed to produce and transmit based on the code signal a radio signal appropriate for a pre-determined radio protocol, wherein the radio signal can represent the information on which the code signal is based. The signal output device and the at least one code contact can be arranged at different main surfaces of the circuit carrier. In addition, the circuit carrier can comprise at least one electric circuit, which is electrically connected with the code contacts, the signal output device and the energy conversion device. For example, the radio electronics can be designed to be exchangeable. The circuit carrier with a first radio electronics can also be exchanged with a circuit carrier with a second radio electronics, which is different from the first radio electronics. When contacted by means of actuating means or a switch, the code contacts can be designed to allow for the provision of the code signal in a switching operation. For this purpose, the circuit carrier can comprise an electrical encoding circuit, which is electrically connected with the code contacts and designed to produce an individual code signal, depending on which of the code contacts is contacted by the actuating means or the switch. The code signal can represent information as to which of the code contacts is contacted by the actuating means or the switch. At the same time, the actuating means can be designed to actuate the switching means, while at least one of the code contacts is contacted. Such an embodiment has the advantage that, when exchanging the radio electronics, the wireless switch can be operated not only according to the KNX-RF-protocol, but also according to other radio protocols in different radio bands, for example, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.4 GHz etc., and thus can be used in an extremely flexible manner.
In particular, the actuating means or the wireless switch for contacting the at least one code contact can comprise a switch membrane with a plurality of switch projections. The switch membrane can be formed from an elastically deformable material. The switch projections can be designed in the form of switching pills, switching lugs, or the like, and can be arranged on a main surface of the switch membrane. The switch membrane can be arranged between the switch and the circuit carrier. The switch or the actuating means can be designed to actuate in a switching operation the code contacts by means of the switch membrane. During a switching operation, the switch projections can be moved independently from one another or together to an encoding position. The arrangement and number of switch projections can correspond to the arrangement and number of code contacts.
The switch can also be designed in the form of a rocker, a double rocker or multiple rocker. Such an embodiment has the advantage that different operating concepts for devices to be switched in various ways can be implemented by selecting an appropriate switch or an appropriate variant of the switching means of the switching device.
Furthermore, the housing can be formed at least partially from a sound-decoupling material for reducing an operational noise. In addition, or alternatively, the wireless switch can comprise a sound-decoupling capsule for absorbing the sound of the energy conversion device. The sound-decoupling material can comprise a material having an elasticity that is higher than the elasticity of a housing material. As a result, the housing can comprise a two-component housing, consisting of a hard material and a soft material. The sound-decoupling capsule can be produced from the sound-decoupling material. For example, with regard to a vibration distribution, the energy conversion device can be insulated by means of a rubber capsule to form a sound-decoupling capsule of the housing parts. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a further reduction of the noise level can be achieved.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a switching signal of a wireless switch, wherein the method can be performed in connection with a wireless switch, which comprises an energy conversion device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy and a circuit carrier with a signal output device, wherein the circuit carrier is connected in electrically conductible manner with the energy conversion device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: generating at least one electrical energy impulse for transmitting the switching signal by means of the switching device and the energy conversion device using a mechanical energy introduced during a switching operation into the switching device, wherein the mechanical energy is received by actuating means of the switching device and transmitted to the energy conversion device by means of switching means, which are mechanically connected with the actuating means and the energy conversion device, wherein the switching means are actuated during the switching operation by means of the actuating means, in order to transfer the energy conversion device at least from one first stable condition to a second stable condition, which is different from the first stable condition, for generating the at least one electrical impulse of the energy conversion device; and releasing the switching signal by means of radio communication by means of the signal output device, using the at least one electrical energy impulse.
Advantageously, the method can be performed for producing a switching signal in connection with above-mentioned wireless switch or in connection with the above-mentioned switching device.
Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, for example, by using the switching device, the switch or pushbutton can be used in the KNX-RF radio network, because it allows for a high energy yield of the energy converter and a bidirectional radio operation. When actuated and in addition, or alternatively, when released, the wireless switch can produce a respective energy impulse and transmit a respective radio telegram. This variant can offer an advantage when used with a dimmer or for controlling roller blinds or shutters. In applications in which the second energy impulse and the second radio telegram is not required when releasing the switch, the switching device can be designed to merely produce an energy impulse and avoid unnecessary physical effort and disturbing noises when actuating and releasing the wireless switch. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to achieve an improvement of acoustics, haptics and noise generation of the wireless switch.
As a result, it is possible according to embodiments of the present invention, to provide a self-powered switching module or self-powered wireless switch for universal use in the KNX-RF/KNX-RF-ready-network. It is possible to allow for the use of different or customer-specific radio protocols and free radio bands. It is also possible to minimize an actuating force and an operational noise and haptics, for example, designed analogous to wired light switches. The wireless switch can be suited for controlling light sources with dimmers and without dimmers, as well as for controlling shutter drives and roller blind drives. Furthermore, it is possible to allow for bidirectional radio operation, at least during a configuration or preparatory phase of the wireless switch. The switching device can be designed to be modified for two operating concepts, similar to a building block system or variant assembly kit, wherein an implementation for a two-way module or one-way module can be provided, wherein both concepts can be implemented with only moderate modifications. Thus, the device can be used with a simple pushbutton or double pushbutton or with a switch or double switch.
The invention is explained in more detail and in an exemplary manner by means of the enclosed drawings. It is shown:
In the subsequent description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements, which are shown in the different figures and which have a similar mode of action, thus refraining from repeating the description of these elements.
According to the embodiment of the present invention shown in
The switch 120 can be mounted on the housing 110 or is attached to the housing 110 when the wireless switch 100 is operating, although this is not explicitly shown in
The actuating means 170 of the switching device 160 are designed to receive mechanical energy, which can be introduced by means of the switch 120 to the switching device 160 during a switching operation. Furthermore, the actuating means 170 are arranged and designed to actuate the switching means 180 in response to the mechanical energy received. The switching means 180 can be mechanically connected with the actuating means 170 or can be actuated by means of the actuating means 170. Furthermore, the switching means 180 are mechanically connected with the energy conversion device 150. The switching means 180 are designed to transmit the mechanical energy from the actuating means 170 to the energy conversion device 150.
The energy conversion device 150 is mechanically connected with the switching means 180 of the switching device 160. Furthermore, the energy conversion device 150 is designed to convert the mechanical energy to be introduced to the switching device 160 during a switching operation to an electrical energy for transmitting a switching signal.
The switching means 180 are designed to be actuated during a switching operation by means of the actuating means 170 for transferring the energy conversion device 150 at least from one stable condition to a second stable condition, which is different from the first stable condition, in order to produce at least one electrical energy impulse.
The circuit carrier 130 with the signal output device 140 is arranged between the energy conversion device 150 and the switch 120. The circuit carrier 130 is connected in electrically conductible manner with the energy conversion device 150. The signal output device 140 is arranged on a main surface of the circuit carrier 130 facing the energy conversion device 150. At the same time, the signal output device 140 is designed to transmit or release the switching signal.
According to one embodiment, the switching means 180 of the switching device 160 can comprise a movable carriage, which is mechanically connected with the energy conversion device 150 and at least one carriage lever, which can be actuated by means of the actuating means 170. At the same time, the at least one carriage lever can be designed to move the movable carriage between a first position, which is assigned to the first stable condition of the energy conversion device 150, and a second position, which is assigned to the second stable condition of the energy conversion device 150. In addition, the switching means 180 can comprise at least a roller, which can be mechanically connected with the movable carriage and, in addition, or alternatively, with the at least one carriage lever. In a variant, the switching means 180 can comprise elastic means, which can be designed to exert an effect on the movable carriage, in order to move the movable carriage from the second position to the first position. In a further variant, the switching means 180 can comprise elastic means and two carriage levers. For this purpose, the elastic means can be designed to preload the carriage lever in a rest position, wherein the movable carriage can be arranged between the carriage levers. A first carriage lever can be designed to move the movable carriage from the first position to the second position, wherein a second carriage lever can be designed to move the movable carriage from the second position to the first position.
According to one embodiment, the signal output device 140 can comprise exchangeable radio electronics. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the circuit carrier 130 can comprise at least one code contact, which can be actuated during the switching operation, in order to provide a code signal. Optionally, the switch 120 can be designed in the form of a rocker, a double rocker or multiple rocker. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the housing 110 can be formed at least partially from a sound-decoupling material for reducing an operational noise. In addition, or alternatively, the wireless switch 100 can comprise a sound-decoupling capsule for absorbing the sound of the energy conversion device 150.
The method 200 comprises a step 210 of generating at least one electrical energy impulse for transmitting the switching signal by means of the switching device and the energy conversion device, using a mechanical energy introduced into the switching device during a switching operation. For this purpose, the mechanical energy is received by actuating means of the switching device and transmitted to the energy conversion device by switching means, which are mechanically connected with the actuating means and with the energy conversion device. At the same time, the switching means are actuated by means of the actuating means during the switching operation, in order to transfer the energy conversion device from a first stable condition to a second stable condition, which is different from the first stable condition, for generating the at least one electrical energy impulse. In addition, the method 200 comprises a step 220 of releasing the switching signal by means of radio communication by means of the signal output device, using the at least one electrical energy impulse.
The actuating levers 370 can be mounted on the housing 110. Each of the actuating levers 370 comprises an elongated hole 472 and a pin 474. Due to display limitations, only one of the pins 474 is visible in
The switch membrane 430 is arranged between the cover 310 and the circuit carrier 130. The auxiliary circuit board 455 can be electrically and mechanically connected with the energy conversion device 150 and is arranged adjacent to the energy conversion device 150. By means of the auxiliary circuit board 455, the energy conversion device 150 can be connected in electrically conductible manner with the circuit carrier 130.
The switching means 180 comprise the movable carriage 482, the carriage lever 484, the tension spring 486 and the roller 488. Each carriage lever 484 can be provided with a roller 488. The movable carriage 482 is arranged between the carriage levers 484. The carriage levers 484 can be attached on the opposite ends of the movable carriage 482. The tension spring 486 can be mechanically connected with the carriage levers 484. At the same time, the tension spring 486 can be received in the movable carriage 482.
The energy conversion device 150 with the auxiliary circuit board 455, the return spring 476 and the switching means 180 are arranged between the circuit carrier 130 and a base portion of the housing 110 facing away from the cover 310.
The housing 110 and the cover 310 can be produced from plastic material by means of injection molding and can be designed for a simple injection tool construction. In particular, it is possible to use a soft, noise-absorbing plastic material, in order to minimize a noise transmission from the energy conversion device 150 to other switch components of the wireless switch 100.
The actuating levers 370 or a so-called twin lever are used as actuating means. Both actuating levers 370 are designed in such a way that two equally molded parts are used. As a result, it is possible to lower the costs for tools and parts. The actuating levers 370 can be configured as a lever assembly and pivoted n the housing 110. For this purpose, the actuating levers 370 can be connected with one another by means of elongated holes 472 and pins 474, wherein both actuating levers 370 can be set in motion, as soon as one of the two actuating levers is actuated or activated by means of the actuating force. The actuating levers 370 are reset by means of the return spring 476. It is possible to use a compression spring, tension spring, torsion spring or a flexible spring as return spring 476. In
The switching means 180 in the form of a so-called toggle mechanism are functionally toggled between the actuating means or the actuating levers 370 and the energy conversion device 150. In particular, the switching means 180 comprise the movable carriage 482, which can be received in the housing 110 with bush bearings or rolling bearings and which can be mechanically connected with an actuator of h energy conversion device 150.
For example, the cover 310 is produced from a noise-absorbing plastic material. The housing 110 can be closed by means of a cover 310. The cover 310 comprises mounting elements and a pivot bearing or pivot pins for a switch. The circuit carrier 130 comprises an electric circuit for energy management, as well as the signal output device with radio electronics and an antenna (not explicitly shown in
In other words,
In the representation of
In the representation shown in
On a main surface of the circuit carrier 130, which faces in mounted condition the energy conversion device, the circuit carrier 130 can be provided with electronic components (not shown in
Subsequently, with reference to
When moving the carriage 482 from one end position to the other end position, the energy conversion device 150 is activated in the one or other direction. The carriage 482 is provided on both sides with the carriage levers 484, which are selectively provided with the rollers 488 or, alternatively, with the sliding components for reducing friction forces. In a different embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the rollers 488 for financial reasons. Alternatively, a sliding component could be used instead of the roller 488, for example, a sliding plate or a sliding block or, in general, an element with a sliding surface. As a result, the carriage 482 could be designed in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner. Both carriage levers 484 are connected by means of the tension spring 486, which is placed in an interior hollow space of the movable carriage 482, and which is held in a neutral position or rest position, so that they can perform a clockwise and counter-clockwise rotational movement, at least in a specific angular range. The carriage levers 484 can be returned to their rest position by means of the tension spring.
In an assembled condition of the wireless switch 100, and when the wireless switch 100 is actuated, the switching means are, or the “toggle mechanism” is, transferred in one of two positions or end positions inside the housing 110, in the one or other direction, because of the bistable mechanical properties of the energy conversion device 150. At the same time, one of the two carriage levers 484 is in an engagement position.
When actuating the actuating lever 370 or the twin lever, an engaged carriage lever 484 is picked up by a bearing notch 978 of an actuating lever and transferred into a rotational movement. At the same time, the carriage 482 is moved in linear manner to its second position and activates or actuates the energy conversion device 150. After switching the energy conversion device 150 in this way, the movable carriage 482 is arranged in the second position.
A reset of the actuating lever 370 is performed by means of the return spring of the wireless switch 100. When releasing the actuating lever 370, the previously engaged carriage lever 484 abandons the bearing notch 978 of the respective actuating lever 370 and is put into its neutral position or rest position by means of the tension spring 486. In a further reset movement of the actuating levers 370, the bearing notch 978 of the opposite actuating lever 370 deflects the other carriage lever 484 in the opposite direction and lets the bearing notch 978 of the actuating lever 370 pass. Shortly before the rest position of the actuating lever 370, the other carriage lever 484 is released and reset to its rest position. Now, the other carriage lever 484 is engaged. In a subsequent actuation of the actuating lever 370, the movable carriage 482 is reset and again activates the energy conversion device 150. Thus, the movable carriage 482 or energy conversion device 150 completes with each further actuation a switching movement or so-called toggle movement.
For example, in an assembled or mounted condition of the wireless switch 100, the switch or light switch rocker is swivel-mounted on a rotational axis of the cover 110 and stands in a central position. When actuating the switch on the one or other direction, a primary actuator pin of the switch activates one of the actuating levers 370. In addition, at least one secondary actuator pin of the switch activates at least one of the code contacts before the energy conversion device 150 is actuated or activated. After activating the energy conversion device 150, electronics of the circuit carrier 130 are supplied with energy and, corresponding to the previously actuated code contact, a respective coded radio telegram or switching signal is produced. When releasing the switch, the at least one code contact is switched back. In the process, the energy conversion device 150 is activated.
This property can be used to produce two different switching signals when the same switch is actuated. According to the preceding description, the switching signal is not produced immediately during the actuation, but only after a measurement of a time interval between closing and opening he at least one code contact. For example, in a time interval shorter than 100 milliseconds, a first switching signal is produced and transmitted. When the time interval is exceeded, a second switching signal, which is different from the first switching signal, is transmitted. For example, this property can be used to differentiate between a simple action of turning on the light and the start of a dimming process. For example, when pressing the button briefly, the lamp is immediately switched to full power. When pressing the button for a longer period of time, the brightness is increased. For example, when pressing the button in opposite direction, a stop signal for the dimming process is produced.
In other words, by changing the assembly, it is possible to change in a cost-effective manner a function of the wireless switch 100 with regard to the switch of
Even the wireless switch 100 configured as a one-way module can be operated with a rocker, double rocker or multiple rocker. With a simple reconstruction, it is possible to implement a cost-effective variety of wireless switches 100. The further processes and sequences are similar to the wireless switch configured as a two-way module and escribed in
Due to display limitations, the sectional views of
Due to display limitations, the top views of
Subsequently, with reference to
The embodiments described and shown in the figures are used only for exemplary purposes. Different embodiments can be combined with one another completely or with respect to individual properties. It is also possible to supplement an embodiment with properties from a different embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to repeat invention-based procedural steps or perform these in a different sequence than the one described.
If an embodiment comprises an “and/or” connection between a first property and a second property, this may be read in such a way that the design example according to one embodiment comprises the first property, as well as the second property and, according to a further embodiment, only the first property or only the second property.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2014 209 192 | May 2014 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2015/058157 | 4/15/2015 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/172958 | 11/19/2015 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6272073 | Doucette | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6617535 | Lacroix | Sep 2003 | B2 |
| 6630894 | Boyd | Oct 2003 | B1 |
| 20030193417 | Face | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20140088917 | Gasparini | Mar 2014 | A1 |
| 20140353135 | Erdmann | Dec 2014 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 202004005837 | Aug 2004 | DE |
| 102010003152 | Sep 2011 | DE |
| 102010028623 | Nov 2011 | DE |
| 102011076191 | Nov 2012 | DE |
| 202012008994 | Feb 2014 | DE |
| 2747111 | Jun 2014 | EP |
| WO 9628873 | Sep 1996 | WO |
| WO9628873 | Sep 1996 | WO |
| WO 2007136359 | Nov 2007 | WO |
| WO-2007136359 | Nov 2007 | WO |
| WO2013053565 | Apr 2013 | WO |
| Entry |
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| German Office Action dated Apr. 2, 2015 for German Patent Application No. DE 10 2014 209 192.6 (German language), 7 pages. |
| English translation of p. 7 of German Office Action dated Apr. 2, 2015 for German Patent Application No. De 10 2014 209 192.6 (2 pages). |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jul. 3, 2015 for PCT/EP2015/058157 (German language, 11 pages). |
| International Search Report dated Jul. 3, 2015 for PCT/EP2015/058157 (English language, 3 pages). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170076888 A1 | Mar 2017 | US |
