EP2237295B1 - Intuitively operable electric switch - Google Patents

Intuitively operable electric switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2237295B1
EP2237295B1 EP10003674A EP10003674A EP2237295B1 EP 2237295 B1 EP2237295 B1 EP 2237295B1 EP 10003674 A EP10003674 A EP 10003674A EP 10003674 A EP10003674 A EP 10003674A EP 2237295 B1 EP2237295 B1 EP 2237295B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
state
operator control
control elements
electrical
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Not-in-force
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EP10003674A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2237295A1 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Kupper
Jürgen Müller
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Individual
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
    • H01H13/85—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H2009/188—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks with indication of rating
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H2009/189—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks with a tactile symbol or indication, e.g. for blind people
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/024—Profile on actuator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/052—Selectors, e.g. dimmers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical switch which allows the setting of different discrete power levels of a connected consumer, and whose operation principle and its operation for selecting the specific power level opens up to the user intuitively.
  • the switch allows direct selection of each power level by a single operation.
  • a switch as a light switch for controlling a room lighting this can optionally be operated with reduced electrical power, so reduced brightness. This may be desirable, for example, for energy saving purposes, or to achieve a desired lighting mood through reduced brightness.
  • Suitable control devices are known as "dimmers". They usually allow the stepless adjustment of the power consumption of a connected consumer - ie in particular the brightness of the connected light source - between a maximum value and a minimum value. As a control element of such dimmer knobs, sliders and rocker or sensor buttons are common. As an electrical circuit for controlling the power supplied to a connected load, the so-called. Phase control is known.
  • a rotary switch tap changer designed as a rotary switch tap changer are known in which a provided with a control knob adjusting axis engages in several angular positions.
  • such tap changer are used to control multi-part constructed electrical consumers who can take different power levels or operating conditions by appropriate selection or interconnection of multiple consumers - such as in the selection of power levels electric hobs, or when dialing different brightnesses by switching on one or more light bulbs in appropriately trained lights.
  • a tap changer can also be used, for example, for controlling a phase-angle control which influences the power of a load operated in series with the phase-angle control.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide electrical switches that allow intuitive operation as well as the direct, targeted selection of different power levels. This is achieved by a switch having the features of claims 1 to 8.
  • an electrical switch with according to claim 1 a plurality of operating elements for selecting an off state and at least a first switch-on state and a second switch-on state according to claim 1 is provided.
  • the number of turn-on states is countable, i. the switch can not assume a continuum of states but a natural number of discrete on states.
  • the switch is connected in series with an electrical voltage source and an electrical consumer, the consumer is operated in the first switch-on state at a first power stage in which a first electric power is supplied to it, and is operated in the second switch-on state at a second power stage in which it a second electrical power is supplied.
  • the design of the controls gives an indication of the selectable by the operation of the control or the controls power levels
  • a particularly direct and thus easy hand / eye coordination is achieved because the user-to-actuated controls by their design also transmit the information about the respective selectable power level.
  • the user's attention therefore does not have to switch back and forth between the controls and, for example, a scale attached next to the controls.
  • the embodiment of the invention simultaneously solves existing in the art design problem that compete with limited space, the controls and a scale to be attached to the available space and the operation is made difficult by too small controls or too small and therefore difficult to read scale inscription.
  • the electrical switch is designed such that the number of operating elements is greater than or equal to the number of switch-on states and, in order to select each switch-on state, exactly one control element is provided in each case.
  • the controls that are used to select the individual switched states, for example, by their repeated operation select the off state.
  • Such a configuration supports the intuitive acquisition of the available power-on states and power levels by the user.
  • it offers the advantage that each power level can be selected directly without having to go through intermediate stages, as is the case with a rotary on-load tap-changer.
  • the operating elements can be arranged relative to one another in a preferably linear manner such that the position of the operating elements corresponds to the power levels which can be selected in each case with the operating elements.
  • the color or the brightness value of the operating elements correspond to the respective power levels that can be selected with the operating elements.
  • the controls of the switch are designed so that the respective selectable with the controls power levels are haptically distinguishable based on the controls. This can be achieved, for example, via the size, shape or surface texture of the controls. Haptic distinctness may take the place of visual distinctiveness or may be combined with one or more of the visual distinctions described above.
  • the haptic distinctiveness offers many advantages: It allows the use of the switch even in the dark; This is for example when using the switch as a light switch with night light function particularly advantageous. Furthermore, it also enables blind or visually impaired users to safely operate the switch. The haptic distinctiveness is also advantageous in applications in which the visual attention of the operator is directed to the observation of other processes. Finally, a haptic distinctness can support the intuitive operability in a particularly advantageous manner, since the operator receives feedback about the expected effect of the operating element via a further sense channel.
  • the switch so that the respectively selected power setting can be read on the basis of the operating elements.
  • the operator can already recognize before the operation of the switch, which power level is currently selected and in what relation it is to the other available power levels - so if, for example, a further increase in the set power is possible.
  • This represents an advantage over common known switching elements, such as with stepless dimmers with rotary or rocker switch.
  • the switch according to the invention can in particular be designed in terms of its design and the electrical connection values so that it is suitable for use as a light switch. Particularly preferably, it can then be used to select different brightness levels of a room or building lighting.
  • the switch according to the invention can be used advantageously that it intuitively indicates to the operator that There is a savings opportunity and how to use them.
  • the electrical switch according to the invention can be used as a light switch for selecting different brightness levels of lighting.
  • the ratio of the size of the two controls of the switch allows a conclusion that with the smaller of the two controls a lower and with the larger control a higher brightness level of controlled via the switch lighting is selected.
  • the controls differ in place of or in addition to the different sizes in the color or hue or gray scale to give the user an indication of the two selectable levels of brightness.
  • the controls differ in addition to their size and color depth in a very particularly preferred embodiment in their shape and / or surface structuring, so that they feel haptic let distinguish.
  • a light switch with these features allows the operator, for example, at night in the bedroom or bathroom, targeted to turn on the lower of two levels of illumination, thus preventing the operator himself dazzled and other people are disturbed.
  • a preferred embodiment of in illustration 1 Illustrated examples of the electrical switch according to the invention provides that the switch contains two operating elements which differ, for example, in their size and / or color and / or structuring and thus allow an intuitive selection of an off state, a first on state or a second on state.
  • the in Figure 1A shown inventive electrical switch not two include independently movable controls, but have as a central control a rocker switch.
  • the shape of the two ends of the rocker switch is selected so that the operator can distinguish the ends visually and in a preferred embodiment also tactile and thus intuitively opens up the targeted selection of the desired power level.
  • Figure 2 is schematically shown the selection of one of two control elements of the electrical switch according to the invention.
  • the finger of the drawn hand points in Figure 2A on the larger in a preferred embodiment of the two controls of the switch and should illustrate the selection of this control. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this control is even brighter and smoother than the smaller control to allow both a visual and haptic distinction from the second control.
  • Figure 2 B shows the selection of the in this particularly preferred embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention in relation to Figure 2A selected control element smaller, darker and rougher second control element.
  • illustrated selection of the first and second control element is used to represent the operating steps in Figure 3 illustrated state diagram of the switch.
  • Figure 3 shows in a state diagram how you can set by dialing one of the two controls of the electrical switch according to the invention from each of three switching states directly any other switching state of a connected consumer.
  • the connected load is lighting with a turned-off state (i), a first muted turn-on state (ii), and a second bright turn-on state (iii).
  • the lighting can be switched off by selecting the small control element (arrow (ii) - (i)).
  • the larger control is selected (arrow (ii) - (iii)) the light becomes Switched on state.
  • both the muted switch-on state (ii) and the switch-off state (i) can be selected by selecting the small control element (arrow (iii) - (ii)) or the large control element (arrow (iii) - (i)) be set directly.
  • the electrical switch according to the invention can be used, for example, to control the lighting of a room in which different activities are performed that require different degrees of illumination. For example, for television, a dim lighting and for reading or sewing a bright lighting may be desirable.
  • these embodiments are particularly suitable for use in hotels or holiday apartments. Guests can intuitively grasp that different levels of performance can be directly selected from the connected consumers. In addition to ease of use, the energy savings associated with setting the lower power level are attractive to both the guests and, in particular, the facility operators.
  • the electric switch according to the invention In order to distract the attention of motorists as little as possible from the traffic, in many cases controls are integrated into the steering wheel.
  • two haptic distinguishable controls for selecting the low beam and the high beam could be integrated into the steering wheel of vehicles.
  • the electrical switch according to the invention is also suitable for selectively selecting different power levels of other lights or connected consumers in motor vehicles, in the cockpit of aircraft, on the bridge of ships and in the cab of trains and thus increase safety.
  • Figure 4 A is shown in plan view another embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention with five controls. Unlike the in Figure 1 - 3 described embodiments, the controls do not differ in size. Instead, the controls are arranged the position of the operating elements corresponds to the power levels of the connected consumer which can be selected in each case with the operating elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the color depth or the gray value and / or the surface structuring of the operating elements correspond to the selectable power levels.
  • Figure 4 B schematically shows the selection of one of the five controls of the electrical switch according to the invention shown in FIG. 4A. It is described in the description of the operating options of the switch in the state diagrams in Figure 5 and 6 used.
  • FIG. 5 shows Figure 5 in a state diagram, how to select a control element of the in Figure 4 sketched switch can set directly a specific switching state of a connected consumer.
  • three of the possible in the exemplary embodiment six switching states are shown.
  • a preferred embodiment provides that the switch controls lighting with a total of six (6) selectable power levels. If none of the controls are pressed in, the backlight will be off (i). From this switched-off state (i), 5 different switched-on power levels can be set directly.
  • a muted switch-on state (ii) and a very bright switch-on state (iii) are shown.
  • the corresponding control element To directly set each of the other two switch-on states ((ii) and (iii)) from the off state (i), the corresponding control element must be touched. Also in order to set the respective other switch-on state starting from one of the two switch-on states ((ii) or (iii)), the control element corresponding to the switch-on state to be set must be selected. From both turned-on states ((ii) or (iii)), the lighting is turned off by selecting the control corresponding to the currently set on state.
  • FIG 6 is an alternative logic to operate the in Figure 4 sketched switch again represented by state diagram.
  • a dedicated control element for selecting the augeschalteeten state is provided here.
  • the number of operating elements is therefore identical to the number of selectable switching states including the switched-off state.
  • the desired switch-on state is always set by the fact that the Switch state corresponding control element is touched. This is true - in contrast to the execution according to Fig. 5 - Also for the transition from one of the switched states in the off state to: For this purpose, each of the switched-off state associated control is actuated.
  • a disadvantage compared to in Figure 5 illustrated embodiment is that one of the controls corresponds to the off state and thus is not available for setting a further on state.
  • it is advantageous that the operating step to be executed for a state change depends exclusively on the desired target state and is independent of the initial state.

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  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Abstract

The electric switch has a set of operating elements for selecting a switched off condition and a set of switched on conditions. A series connection of the switch with an electric voltage source and an electric load is operated using two different power stages in two of the switched on conditions, respectively, where power is supplied to the power stages in the switched on conditions. The operating elements provide information about the power stages that are selected by actuation of the operating elements, where the power stages are haptically differentiable based on the operating elements.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Schalter, der die Einstellung unterschiedlicher diskreter Leistungsstufen eines angeschlossenen Verbrauchers erlaubt, und dessen Funktionsprinzip sowie dessen Bedienung zur Auswahl der spezifischen Leistungsstufe sich dem Anwender intuitiv erschließt. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform erlaubt der Schalter die direkte Anwahl jeder Leistungsstufe durch einen einzigen Bedienschritt.The invention relates to an electrical switch which allows the setting of different discrete power levels of a connected consumer, and whose operation principle and its operation for selecting the specific power level opens up to the user intuitively. In a preferred embodiment, the switch allows direct selection of each power level by a single operation.

Elektrische Schalter sind in zahlreichen Ausführungsformen bekannt. Weit verbreitet sind insbesondere Kipp-, Druck- oder Drehschalter, die nur zwei Schaltzustände einnehmen können, nämlich eingeschaltet oder vollständig ausgeschaltet.Electrical switches are known in numerous embodiments. Tilting, pressure or rotary switches, which can only assume two switching states, namely switched on or completely switched off, are widespread.

Häufig besteht der Wunsch, die Leistung eines an einem Schalter angeschlossenen elektrischen Verbrauchers darüber hinaus gezielt steuern zu können. Beispielsweise soll bei Verwendung eines Schalters als Lichtschalter zur Steuerung einer Raumbeleuchtung diese wahlweise mit reduzierter elektrischer Leistung, also reduzierter Helligkeit betrieben werden können. Dies kann beispielsweise zum Zweck der Energieeinsparung wünschenswert sein, oder um durch reduzierte Helligkeit eine gewünschte Lichtstimmung zu erzielen.Often, there is a desire to be able to specifically control the performance of an electrical consumer connected to a switch. For example, when using a switch as a light switch for controlling a room lighting this can optionally be operated with reduced electrical power, so reduced brightness. This may be desirable, for example, for energy saving purposes, or to achieve a desired lighting mood through reduced brightness.

Geeignete Steuereinrichtungen sind als "Dimmer" bekannt. Sie erlauben in der Regel die stufenlose Einstellung der Leistungsaufnahme eines angeschlossenen Verbrauchers - also insbesondere der Helligkeit der angeschlossenen Lichtquelle - zwischen einem Maximalwert und einem Minimalwert. Als Bedienelement derartiger Dimmer sind Drehknöpfe, Schieber sowie Wipp- oder Sensortaster verbreitet. Als elektrische Schaltung zur Steuerung der einem angeschlossenen Verbraucher zugeführten Leistung ist die sog. Phasenanschnittsteuerung bekannt.Suitable control devices are known as "dimmers". They usually allow the stepless adjustment of the power consumption of a connected consumer - ie in particular the brightness of the connected light source - between a maximum value and a minimum value. As a control element of such dimmer knobs, sliders and rocker or sensor buttons are common. As an electrical circuit for controlling the power supplied to a connected load, the so-called. Phase control is known.

Weiterhin sind als Drehschalter ausgebildete Stufenschalter bekannt, bei denen eine mit einem Bedienknopf versehene Stellachse in mehreren Winkelpositionen einrastet. In der Regel werden derartige Stufenschalter zur Steuerung mehrteilig aufgebauter elektrischer Verbraucher verwendet, die durch geeignete Auswahl oder Zusammenschaltung mehrerer Teilverbraucher unterschiedliche Leistungsstufen oder Betriebszustände einnehmen können - so etwa bei der Anwahl von Leistungsstufen elektrischer Herdplatten, oder bei der Anwahl unterschiedlicher Helligkeiten durch Einschalten einer oder mehrere Glühlampen in entsprechend ausgebildeten Leuchten. Grundsätzlich kann ein derartiger Stufenschalter aber beispielsweise auch zur Steuerung einer Phasenanschnittsteuerung verwendet werden, die die Leistung eines mit der Phasenanschnittsteuerung in Serie betriebenen Verbrauchers beeinflusst.Furthermore, designed as a rotary switch tap changer are known in which a provided with a control knob adjusting axis engages in several angular positions. In general, such tap changer are used to control multi-part constructed electrical consumers who can take different power levels or operating conditions by appropriate selection or interconnection of multiple consumers - such as in the selection of power levels electric hobs, or when dialing different brightnesses by switching on one or more light bulbs in appropriately trained lights. In principle, however, such a tap changer can also be used, for example, for controlling a phase-angle control which influences the power of a load operated in series with the phase-angle control.

US 4,589,593 offenbart einen Schalter gemäß den Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. US 4,589,593 discloses a switch according to the preamble of claim 1.

Das Ziel der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Bereitstellung von elektrischen Schaltern, die eine intuitive Bedienung sowie die direkte, gezielte Anwahl verschiedener Leistungsstufen ermöglichen. Dies wird erreicht durch einen Schalter mit den Merkmalen der Ansprüche 1 bis 8.The object of the present invention is to provide electrical switches that allow intuitive operation as well as the direct, targeted selection of different power levels. This is achieved by a switch having the features of claims 1 to 8.

Beschreibung der ErfindungDescription of the invention

Erfindungsgemäß wird ein elektrischer Schalter mit gemäß Anspruch 1 einer Mehrzahl von Bedienelementen zur Anwahl eines ausgeschalteten Zustandes sowie mindestens eines ersten Einschaltzustandes und eines zweiten Einschaltzustandes gemäß Anspruch 1 bereitgestellt. Die Anzahl der Einschaltzustände ist dabei abzählbar, d.h. der Schalter kann kein Kontinuum von Zuständen einnehmen, sondern eine natürliche Zahl von diskreten Einschaltzuständen. Bei Serienschaltung des Schalters mit einer elektrischen Spannungsquelle und einem elektrischen Verbraucher wird der Verbraucher in dem ersten Einschaltzustand bei einer ersten Leistungsstufe betrieben, in der ihm eine erste elektrische Leistung zugeführt wird, und wird in dem zweiten Einschaltzustand bei einer zweiten Leistungsstufe betrieben, in der ihm eine zweite elektrische Leistung zugeführt wird. Die Gestaltung der Bedienelemente gibt einen Hinweis auf die durch die Betätigung des Bedienelements oder der Bedienelemente anwählbaren LeistungsstufenAccording to the invention, an electrical switch with according to claim 1 a plurality of operating elements for selecting an off state and at least a first switch-on state and a second switch-on state according to claim 1 is provided. The number of turn-on states is countable, i. the switch can not assume a continuum of states but a natural number of discrete on states. When the switch is connected in series with an electrical voltage source and an electrical consumer, the consumer is operated in the first switch-on state at a first power stage in which a first electric power is supplied to it, and is operated in the second switch-on state at a second power stage in which it a second electrical power is supplied. The design of the controls gives an indication of the selectable by the operation of the control or the controls power levels

Durch die Gestaltung des Schalters, so dass die Bedienelemente selbst einen Hinweis auf die jeweils anwählbaren Leistungsstufen geben, wird in vorteilhafter Weise eine besonders intuitive Bedienung erreicht:

  • Einerseits kann der Bediener bereits an der Gestaltung des Schalters und insbesondere seiner Bedienelemente erkennen, dass eine Mehrzahl von Einschaltzuständen und Leistungsstufen wählbar sind. Im Gegensatz dazu ist bei bekannten stufenlos arbeitenden Dimmern für einen Anwender, der mit der spezifischen Ausgestaltung eines gegebenen Dimmers nicht vertraut ist, in der Regel nicht offensichtlich, dass überhaupt eine stufenlose Einstellung möglich ist: So ist ein Dimmer mit Wipptaster nicht in offensichtlicher Weise von einem konventionellen Kippschalter unterscheidbar; ein Dimmer mit Drehknopf kann in der Regel visuell nicht von einem Druckschalter unterschieden werden.
Due to the design of the switch, so that the controls themselves give an indication of the respectively selectable power levels, a particularly intuitive operation is achieved in an advantageous manner:
  • On the one hand, the operator can already recognize from the design of the switch and in particular its operating elements that a plurality of switch-on states and power levels can be selected. In contrast, in known continuously variable For a user who is unfamiliar with the specific design of a given dimmer, it is usually not obvious that stepless adjustment is possible: a dimmer with rocker switch is not obviously distinguishable from a conventional toggle switch; a dimmer with rotary knob can not usually be distinguished visually from a pressure switch.

Andererseits wird eine besonders direkte und damit einfache Hand/Auge-Koordination erreicht, da die vom Benutzer zu betätigenden Bedienelemente durch ihre Gestaltung auch unmittelbar die Information über die jeweils anwählbare Leistungsstufe übermitteln. Die Aufmerksamkeit des Benutzers muss daher nicht zwischen den Bedienelementen und einer beispielsweise neben den Bedienelementen angebrachten Skala hin und her wechseln. Die erfindungsgemäße Ausführung löst gleichzeitig das im Stand der Technik bestehende gestalterische Problem, dass bei beschränktem Bauraum die Bedienelemente sowie eine anzubringende Skala um den verfügbaren Platz konkurrieren und die Bedienung durch zu kleine Bedienelemente oder aber eine zu kleine und damit schlecht ablesbare Skalenbeschriftung erschwert wird. Die erfindungsgemäße Gestaltung des Schalters, so dass die Bedienelemente selbst einen Hinweis auf die jeweils anwählbaren Leistungsstufen geben, erlaubt es demgegenüber, die visuelle Erkennbarkeit und die manuelle Bedienbarkeit gleichzeitig zu optimieren.On the other hand, a particularly direct and thus easy hand / eye coordination is achieved because the user-to-actuated controls by their design also transmit the information about the respective selectable power level. The user's attention therefore does not have to switch back and forth between the controls and, for example, a scale attached next to the controls. The embodiment of the invention simultaneously solves existing in the art design problem that compete with limited space, the controls and a scale to be attached to the available space and the operation is made difficult by too small controls or too small and therefore difficult to read scale inscription. The inventive design of the switch, so that the controls themselves give an indication of the respectively selectable power levels, it allows contrast, to optimize the visual recognition and manual operation at the same time.

Erfindungsgemäß ist der elektrische Schalter dabei so ausgebildet , dass die Anzahl der Bedienelemente größer oder gleich der Anzahl der Einschaltzustände ist und zur Anwahl jedes Einschaltzustandes jeweils genau ein Bedienelement vorgesehen ist. Zur Anwahl des ausgeschalteten Zustands kann dabei ein separates Bedienelement vorgesehen sein. Alternativ können die Bedienelementen, die zur Anwahl der einzelnen eingeschalteten Zustände dienen, beispielsweise durch ihre wiederholte Betätigung den ausgeschalteten Zustand anwählen.According to the invention, the electrical switch is designed such that the number of operating elements is greater than or equal to the number of switch-on states and, in order to select each switch-on state, exactly one control element is provided in each case. To select the off state while a separate control can be provided. Alternatively, the controls that are used to select the individual switched states, for example, by their repeated operation select the off state.

Die derartige Ausgestaltung unterstützt die intuitive Erfassung der verfügbaren Einschaltzustände und Leistungsstufen durch den Benutzer. Zudem bietet sie den Vorteil, dass jede Leistungsstufe direkt angewählt werden kann, ohne dass - wie etwa bei einem Dreh-Stufenschalter - ggf. Zwischenstufen durchlaufen werden müssen.Such a configuration supports the intuitive acquisition of the available power-on states and power levels by the user. In addition, it offers the advantage that each power level can be selected directly without having to go through intermediate stages, as is the case with a rotary on-load tap-changer.

Das Merkmal, dass die Gestaltung des Bedienelements oder der Bedienelemente einen Hinweis auf die durch die Betätigung des Bedienelements oder der Bedienelemente anwählbaren Leistungsstufen gibt, kann auf unterschiedliche Weise erreicht werden:

  • Einerseits können die Bedienelemente des Schalters unterschiedliche Größen aufweisen, wobei die Größe der Bedienelemente mit den jeweils mit den Bedienelementen anwählbaren Leistungsstufen korrespondiert.
The feature that the design of the control or the controls an indication of the by the operation of the control or the Controls gives selectable power levels, can be achieved in different ways:
  • On the one hand, the operating elements of the switch can have different sizes, with the size of the operating elements corresponding to the respective power levels that can be selected with the operating elements.

Andererseits können die Bedienelemente relativ zueinander in bevorzugt linearer Weise so angeordnet sein, dass die Position der Bedienelemente mit den jeweils mit den Bedienelementen anwählbaren Leistungsstufen korrespondiert.On the other hand, the operating elements can be arranged relative to one another in a preferably linear manner such that the position of the operating elements corresponds to the power levels which can be selected in each case with the operating elements.

Weiterhin ist erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagen, dass die Farbe oder der Helligkeitswert der Bedienelemente mit den jeweils mit den Bedienelementen anwählbaren Leistungsstufen korrespondiert.Furthermore, it is proposed according to the invention that the color or the brightness value of the operating elements correspond to the respective power levels that can be selected with the operating elements.

Alle vorgenannten Gestaltungsvarianten der Bedienelemente bieten den Vorteil, dass die anwählbaren Leistungsstufen visuell unmittelbar erkennbar sind. Zahlen, Schriftzeichen oder sonstige Symbole sind dazu nicht erforderlich. Dies verbessert einerseits die Ablesbarkeit bei schlechten Sichtverhältnissen oder eingeschränkter Sehkraft des Bedieners, und erleichtert andererseits die Bedienung unabhängig von Sprachkenntnissen oder Lesefähigkeit - etwa durch kleine Kinder.All of the aforementioned design variants of the operating elements offer the advantage that the selectable power levels are visually immediately recognizable. Numbers, characters or other symbols are not required. On the one hand, this improves the readability in poor visibility or limited vision of the operator, and on the other hand facilitates the operation regardless of language skills or reading ability - for example, by small children.

Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung sind die Bedienelemente des Schalters so gestaltet, dass die jeweils mit den Bedienelementen anwählbaren Leistungsstufen anhand der Bedienelemente haptisch unterscheidbar sind. Dies kann beispielsweise über die Größe, Form oder Oberflächentextur der Bedienelemente erreicht werden. Die haptische Unterscheidbarkeit kann an Stelle der visuellen Unterscheidbarkeit treten oder mit einer oder mehreren der oben beschriebenen visuellen Unterscheidungsmöglichkeiten kombiniert werden.According to the present invention, the controls of the switch are designed so that the respective selectable with the controls power levels are haptically distinguishable based on the controls. This can be achieved, for example, via the size, shape or surface texture of the controls. Haptic distinctness may take the place of visual distinctiveness or may be combined with one or more of the visual distinctions described above.

Die haptische Unterscheidbarkeit bietet zahlreiche Vorteile: Sie erlaubt die Verwendung des Schalters auch bei Dunkelheit; dies ist beispielsweise bei Verwendung des Schalters als Lichtschalter mit Nachtlichtfunktion besonders vorteilhaft. Weiterhin ermöglicht sie auch blinden oder sehbehinderten Anwendern die sichere Bedienung des Schalters. Vorteilhaft ist die haptische Unterscheidbarkeit auch in Anwendungsfällen, in denen die visuelle Aufmerksamkeit des Bedieners auf die Beobachtung anderer Vorgänge gerichtet ist. Schließlich kann eine haptische Unterscheidbarkeit die intuitive Bedienbarkeit in besonders vorteilhafter Weise unterstützen, da der Bediener über einen weiteren Sinneskanal eine Rückmeldung über die zu erwartende Wirkung des Bedienelementes bekommt.The haptic distinctiveness offers many advantages: It allows the use of the switch even in the dark; This is for example when using the switch as a light switch with night light function particularly advantageous. Furthermore, it also enables blind or visually impaired users to safely operate the switch. The haptic distinctiveness is also advantageous in applications in which the visual attention of the operator is directed to the observation of other processes. Finally, a haptic distinctness can support the intuitive operability in a particularly advantageous manner, since the operator receives feedback about the expected effect of the operating element via a further sense channel.

Besonders bevorzugt ist es weiterhin, den Schalter so zu gestalten, dass die jeweils gewählte Leistungseinstellung anhand der Bedienelemente ablesbar ist. Auf diese Weise kann der Bediener bereits vor der Betätigung des Schalters erkennen, welche Leistungsstufe derzeit gewählt ist und in welcher Relation sie zu den weiteren verfügbaren Leistungsstufen steht - ob also beispielsweise eine weitere Erhöhung der eingestellten Leistung möglich ist. Dies stellt einen Vorteil gegenüber verbreiteten bekannten Schaltelementen dar, etwa gegenüber stufenlosen Dimmern mit Dreh- oder Wippschalter.It is also particularly preferred to design the switch so that the respectively selected power setting can be read on the basis of the operating elements. In this way, the operator can already recognize before the operation of the switch, which power level is currently selected and in what relation it is to the other available power levels - so if, for example, a further increase in the set power is possible. This represents an advantage over common known switching elements, such as with stepless dimmers with rotary or rocker switch.

Der erfindungsgemäße Schalter kann in Bezug auf seine Bauform und die elektrischen Anschlusswerte insbesondere so ausgeführt werden, dass er zur Verwendung als Lichtschalter geeignet ist. Besonders bevorzugt kann er dann zur Anwahl unterschiedlicher Helligkeitsstufen einer Raum- oder Gebäudebeleuchtung verwendet werden.The switch according to the invention can in particular be designed in terms of its design and the electrical connection values so that it is suitable for use as a light switch. Particularly preferably, it can then be used to select different brightness levels of a room or building lighting.

Bei dieser Verwendung des Schalters können die unterschiedlichen Leistungsstufen einerseits der Einsparung von elektrischer Energie dienen, andererseits zur Erzielung unterschiedlicher Lichtstimmungen und insbesondere zur Wahl eines blendfreien Nachtlichtes dienen. In beiden Einsatzfällen ergeben sich aus der erfindungsgemäßen Gestaltung der Bedienelemente besondere Vorteile:

  • Zur Unterstützung der Energieeinsparung ist es hilfreich, dass der Bediener unmittelbar erkennen kann, dass mehrere Leistungsstufen zur Verfügung stehen. Dies weist auch einen mit der jeweiligen Installation nicht vertrauten Anwender darauf hin, dass eine Einsparmöglichkeit besteht und wie diese zu bedienen ist. Beispielweise kann ein kleiner Bedienknopf eine kleine Leistungsstufe, ein großer Bedienknopf eine große Leistungsstufe wählen. Die intuitive Erkennbarkeit der Bedienung fördert die tatsächliche Nutzung der Einsparmöglichkeit.
  • Die gezielte Anwahl verschiedener Helligkeiten und Lichtstimmungen wird durch die Gestaltung der Bedienelemente ebenfalls unterstützt. Besonders vorteilhaft ist dies bei der Bedienung einer Nachtlicht-Funktion, die in völlig dunkler Umgebung eine blendarme Beleuchtung mit stark reduzierter Helligkeit bereitstellen soll: Hier ist es besonders wichtig, ein versehentliches Anwählen einer hohen Helligkeitsstufe zu vermeiden. In diesem Anwendungsfall werden die Bedienelemente bevorzugt so gestaltet, dass auch eine haptische Unterscheidung bei Dunkelheit möglich ist.
In this use of the switch, the different power levels can serve the one hand, the saving of electrical energy, on the other hand serve to achieve different lighting moods and in particular for the selection of a glare-free night light. In both applications arise from the inventive design of the controls special advantages:
  • To help save energy, it is helpful for the operator to immediately see that there are several levels of power available. This also indicates to a user unfamiliar with the particular installation that there is a savings opportunity and how to operate it. For example, a small control knob can select a small power level, a large control knob a large power level. The intuitive recognition of the operation promotes the actual use of the savings option.
  • The targeted selection of different brightness and lighting moods is also supported by the design of the controls. This is particularly advantageous in the operation of a night light function, which should provide a low-glare lighting with greatly reduced brightness in completely dark surroundings: Here it is especially important to avoid accidentally selecting a high brightness level. In this application, the controls are preferably designed so that a haptic distinction in the dark is possible.

Die Anwahl unterschiedlicher Leistungsstufen zur Energieeinsparung kann nicht nur bei Beleuchtungseinrichtungen, sondern auch bei zahlreichen anderen elektrischen Verbrauchern gewünscht sein - etwa bei elektrischen Heizgeräten aller Art. Auch in diesen Anwendungen ist der erfindungsgemäße Schalter dadurch vorteilhaft einsetzbar, dass er den Bediener intuitiv darauf hinweist, dass eine Einsparmöglichkeit besteht und wie diese zu bedienen ist.The selection of different power levels to save energy can be desired not only in lighting devices, but also in many other electrical consumers - such as electric heaters of all kinds. Also in these applications, the switch according to the invention can be used advantageously that it intuitively indicates to the operator that There is a savings opportunity and how to use them.

Ausführungsbeispieleembodiments

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der beigefügten Abbildungen, in denen Ausführungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters sowie die Bedienung dargestellt sind, näher erläutert.

  • Abbildung 1 : Zwei unterschiedliche Ausführungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters in Draufsicht.
  • Abbildung 2 : Schematische Darstellung der Auswahl des großen (A) bzw. kleinen (B) Bedienelements in einem Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters.
  • Abbildung 3 : Zustandsdiagramm des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters mit Illustration der Bedienschritte zur direkten Auswahl des ausgeschalteten Zustandes (i), eines ersten Einschaltzustandes (ii) oder eines zweiten Einschaltzustandes (iii).
  • Abbildung 4 : Ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters mit fünf bzw. sechs Schaltzuständen (A). Schematische Darstellung der Auswahl eines der Bedienelemente in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel (B).
  • Abbildung 5 : Zustandsdiagramms des in Abbildung 4 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters, mit Illustration der Bedienschritte zur direkten Auswahl des ausgeschalteten Zustandes (i), eines ersten Einschaltzustandes (ii) oder eines zweiten Einschaltzustandes (iii).
  • Abbildung 6 : Illustration einer alternativen Bedienung des in Abbildung 4 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters zur direkten Auswahl des ausgeschalteten Zustandes (i), einem ersten Einschaltzustand (ii) oder einem zweiten Einschaltzustand (iii).
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the electrical switch according to the invention and the operation are shown.
  • illustration 1 Two different embodiments of the electrical switch according to the invention in plan view.
  • Figure 2 : Schematic representation of the selection of the large (A) or small (B) operating element in an embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 : State diagram of the electrical switch according to the invention with illustration of the operating steps for direct selection of the switched-off state (i), a first switch-on state (ii) or a second switch-on state (iii).
  • Figure 4 : An embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention with five or six switching states (A). Schematic representation of the selection of one of the controls in this embodiment (B).
  • Figure 5 : State diagram of in Figure 4 illustrated embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention, with illustration of the operating steps for direct Selection of the switched-off state (i), a first switch-on state (ii) or a second switch-on state (iii).
  • Figure 6 : Illustration of an alternative operation of the in Figure 4 illustrated embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention for direct selection of the off state (i), a first on state (ii) or a second on state (iii).

In Abbildung 1 sind zwei unterschiedliche Ausführungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters dargestellt. In einer bevorzugten Ausführung kann er als Lichtschalter zur Anwahl unterschiedlicher Helligkeitsstufen einer Beleuchtung verwendet werden. Dabei erlaubt das Verhältnis der Größe der beiden Bedienelemente des Schalters einen Rückschluss darauf, dass mit dem kleineren der beiden Bedienelemente eine niedrigere und mit dem größeren Bedienelement eine höhere Helligkeitsstufe der über den Schalter kontrollierten Beleuchtung angewählt wird. In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführung unterscheiden sich die Bedienelemente an Stelle oder zusätzlich zu den verschiedenen Größen auch in der Farbe oder dem Farbton oder Grauwert, um darüber dem Nutzer einen Hinweis auf die beiden anwählbaren Helligkeitsstufen zu geben. Um die gezielte Auswahl der gewünschten Helligkeitsstufe auch bei sehr schlechten Sichtverhältnissen oder eingeschränkter Sehkraft des Bedieners zu vereinfachen, unterscheiden sich die Bedienelemente in einer ganz besonders bevorzugten Ausführung zusätzlich zu ihrer Größe und Farbtiefe auch in ihrer Form und/oder Oberflächenstrukturierung, so dass sie sich haptisch unterscheiden lassen. Ein Lichtschalter mit diesen Eigenschaften ermöglicht es dem Bediener beispielsweise nachts im Schlaf- bzw. Badezimmer, gezielt die niedrigere von zwei Beleuchtungsstufen einzuschalten und verhindert auf diese Weise, dass der Bediener selbst geblendet und andere Personen gestört werden.In illustration 1 two different embodiments of the electrical switch according to the invention are shown. In a preferred embodiment, it can be used as a light switch for selecting different brightness levels of lighting. The ratio of the size of the two controls of the switch allows a conclusion that with the smaller of the two controls a lower and with the larger control a higher brightness level of controlled via the switch lighting is selected. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controls differ in place of or in addition to the different sizes in the color or hue or gray scale to give the user an indication of the two selectable levels of brightness. In order to simplify the targeted selection of the desired level of brightness even in very poor visibility or limited vision of the operator, the controls differ in addition to their size and color depth in a very particularly preferred embodiment in their shape and / or surface structuring, so that they feel haptic let distinguish. A light switch with these features allows the operator, for example, at night in the bedroom or bathroom, targeted to turn on the lower of two levels of illumination, thus preventing the operator himself dazzled and other people are disturbed.

Eine bevorzugte Ausführung der in Abbildung 1 illustrierten Beispiele des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters sieht vor, dass der Schalter zwei Bedienelemente enthält, die sich zum Beispiel in ihrer Größe und / oder Farbe und / oder Strukturierung unterscheiden und somit eine intuitive Auswahl eines ausgeschalteten Zustandes, eines ersten Einschaltzustandes oder eines zweiten Einschaltzustandes erlauben. Alternativ kann der in Abbildung 1A dargestellte erfindungsgemäße elektrische Schalter nicht zwei unabhängig bewegliche Bedienelemente umfassen, sondern als zentrales Bedienelement einen Wippschalter aufweisen. In dieser Ausführung wird die Form der beiden Enden des Wippschalters so gewählt, dass der Bediener die Enden visuell und in einer bevorzugten Ausführung auch haptisch unterscheiden kann und sich somit die gezielte Auswahl der gewünschten Leistungsstufe intuitiv erschließt.A preferred embodiment of in illustration 1 Illustrated examples of the electrical switch according to the invention provides that the switch contains two operating elements which differ, for example, in their size and / or color and / or structuring and thus allow an intuitive selection of an off state, a first on state or a second on state. Alternatively, the in Figure 1A shown inventive electrical switch not two include independently movable controls, but have as a central control a rocker switch. In this embodiment, the shape of the two ends of the rocker switch is selected so that the operator can distinguish the ends visually and in a preferred embodiment also tactile and thus intuitively opens up the targeted selection of the desired power level.

In Abbildung 2 ist schematisch die Auswahl von je einem von zwei Bedienelementen des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters dargestellt. Der Finger der gezeichneten Hand zeigt in Abbildung 2A auf das in einer bevorzugten Ausführung größere der beiden Bedienelemente des Schalters und soll die Anwahl dieses Bedienelementes illustrieren. In einer ganz besonders bevorzugten Ausführung ist dieses Bedienelement zusätzlich noch heller und glatter als das kleinere Bedienelements, um sowohl eine visuelle als auch haptische Unterscheidung gegenüber dem zweiten Bedienelement zu ermöglichen. Abbildung 2 B zeigt die Anwahl des in dieser besonders bevorzugten Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters gegenüber in Abbildung 2A angewählten Bedienelementes kleineren, dunkleren und raueren zweiten Bedienelementes. Die in Abbildung 2 A und 2 B dargestellte Auswahl des ersten bzw. zweiten Bedienelementes dient zur Darstellung der Bedienschritte im in Abbildung 3 dargestellten Zustandsdiagramm des Schalters.In Figure 2 is schematically shown the selection of one of two control elements of the electrical switch according to the invention. The finger of the drawn hand points in Figure 2A on the larger in a preferred embodiment of the two controls of the switch and should illustrate the selection of this control. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this control is even brighter and smoother than the smaller control to allow both a visual and haptic distinction from the second control. Figure 2 B shows the selection of the in this particularly preferred embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention in relation to Figure 2A selected control element smaller, darker and rougher second control element. In the Figure 2 A and 2 B illustrated selection of the first and second control element is used to represent the operating steps in Figure 3 illustrated state diagram of the switch.

Abbildung 3 zeigt in einem Zustandsdiagramm, wie man durch Anwahl eines der beiden Bedienelementes des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters aus jedem von drei Schaltzuständen direkt jeden anderen Schaltzustand eines angeschlossenen Verbrauchers einstellen kann. In einer bevorzugten Anwendung ist der angeschlossenen Verbraucher eine Beleuchtung mit einem ausgeschalteten Zustand (i), einem ersten gedämpften Einschaltzustand (ii) und einem zweiten hellen Einschaltzustand (iii). Um die ausgeschaltete Beleuchtung (i) einzuschalten gibt es zwei Möglichkeiten. Wie entlang der Pfeile, die die Schaltzustände (i) und (ii) verbinden, dargestellt, wird durch Anwahl des kleineren Bedienelementes der gedämpfte Einschaltzustand (ii) der Beleuchtung eingestellt. Anwahl des größeren Bedienelements führt vom ausgeschalteten Zustand (i) direkt zum hellen Einschaltzustand (iii). Wenn sich die Beleuchtung im gedämpften Einschaltzustand befindet, kann die Beleuchtung durch Anwahl des kleinen Bedienelements (Pfeil (ii) - (i)) ausgeschaltet werden. Wird das größere Bedienelement gewählt (Pfeil (ii) - (iii)) wird der helle Einschaltzustand eingestellt. Auch vom hellen Einschaltzustand können sowohl der gedämpften Einschaltzustand (ii) als auch der ausgeschaltete Zustand (i) durch Anwahl des kleinen Bedienelementes (Pfeil (iii) - (ii)) bzw. des großen Bedienelements (Pfeil (iii) - (i)) direkt eingestellt werden. Figure 3 shows in a state diagram how you can set by dialing one of the two controls of the electrical switch according to the invention from each of three switching states directly any other switching state of a connected consumer. In a preferred application, the connected load is lighting with a turned-off state (i), a first muted turn-on state (ii), and a second bright turn-on state (iii). There are two ways to turn the lights off (i). As shown along the arrows connecting the switching states (i) and (ii), by selecting the smaller control element, the attenuated switch-on state (ii) of the lighting is set. Selection of the larger control element leads from the switched off state (i) directly to the bright on state (iii). If the lighting is in the muted switch-on state, the lighting can be switched off by selecting the small control element (arrow (ii) - (i)). When the larger control is selected (arrow (ii) - (iii)) the light becomes Switched on state. Even from the bright switch-on state, both the muted switch-on state (ii) and the switch-off state (i) can be selected by selecting the small control element (arrow (iii) - (ii)) or the large control element (arrow (iii) - (i)) be set directly.

Neben der oben beschriebenen Anwendung als Nachtlichtschalter kann der erfindungsgemäße elektrische Schalter beispielsweise zur Steuerung der Beleuchtung eines Raumes verwendet werden, in dem unterschiedliche Aktivitäten ausgeführt werden, die eine unterschiedlich starke Beleuchtung erfordern. So kann zum Beispiel zum Fernsehen eine gedämpfte Beleuchtung und zum Lesen oder Nähen eine helle Beleuchtung wünschenswert sein.In addition to the application as a night light switch described above, the electrical switch according to the invention can be used, for example, to control the lighting of a room in which different activities are performed that require different degrees of illumination. For example, for television, a dim lighting and for reading or sewing a bright lighting may be desirable.

Neben dem Einsatz im häuslichen, beruflichen oder öffentlichen Umfeld, eignen sich diese Ausführungsbeispiele in besonderem Maße auch für den Einsatz in Hotels oder Ferienappartements. Gäste können intuitiv erfassen, dass bei den angeschlossenen Verbraucher unterschiedliche Leistungsstufen direkt anwählbar sind. Neben dem Bedienkomfort ist die mit der Einstellung der niedrigeren Leistungsstufe einhergehende Energieeinsparung sowohl für die Gäste als auch insbesondere für die Betreiber der Einrichtung attraktiv.In addition to the use in the home, professional or public environment, these embodiments are particularly suitable for use in hotels or holiday apartments. Guests can intuitively grasp that different levels of performance can be directly selected from the connected consumers. In addition to ease of use, the energy savings associated with setting the lower power level are attractive to both the guests and, in particular, the facility operators.

Um die Aufmerksamkeit von Autofahrern so wenig als möglich vom Verkehr abzulenken, werden in vielen Fällen Bedienelemente in das Lenkrad integriert. In einer bevorzugten Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters könnten zwei haptisch unterscheidbare Bedienelemente zur Anwahl des Abblendlichtes und des Fernlichtes in das Steuerrad von Fahrzeugen integriert werden. Neben der intuitiv haptisch unterscheidbaren, direkten Anwahl unterschiedlicher Schaltzustände des Fahrlichts im Auto ist der erfindungsgemäße elektrische Schalter auch geeignet, verschiedene Leistungsstufen anderer Beleuchtungen bzw. angeschlossener Verbraucher in Kraftfahrzeugen, im Cockpit von Flugzeugen, auf der Brücke von Schiffen und im Führerhaus von Zügen gezielt auszuwählen und damit die Sicherheit zu erhöhen.In order to distract the attention of motorists as little as possible from the traffic, in many cases controls are integrated into the steering wheel. In a preferred embodiment of the electric switch according to the invention two haptic distinguishable controls for selecting the low beam and the high beam could be integrated into the steering wheel of vehicles. In addition to the intuitively haptically distinguishable, direct selection of different switching states of the driving light in the car, the electrical switch according to the invention is also suitable for selectively selecting different power levels of other lights or connected consumers in motor vehicles, in the cockpit of aircraft, on the bridge of ships and in the cab of trains and thus increase safety.

In Abbildung 4 A ist in Draufsicht ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters mit fünf Bedienelementen dargestellt. Im Gegensatz zu den in Abbildung 1 - 3 beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen unterscheiden sich die Bedienelemente nicht in ihrer Größe. Stattdessen sind die Bedienelemente so angeordnet, dass die Position der Bedienelemente mit den jeweils mit den Bedienelementen anwählbaren Leistungsstufen des angeschlossen Verbrauchers korrespondiert. In einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel korrespondieren auch die Farbtiefe bzw. der Grauwert und / oder die Oberflächenstrukturierung der Bedienelemente mit den anwählbaren Leistungsstufen. Abbildung 4 B zeigt schematisch die Auswahl eines der fünf Bedienelemente des in 4 A dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Schalters. Sie wird bei der Beschreibung der Bedienungsmöglichkeiten des Schalters in den Zustandsdiagrammen in Abbildung 5 und 6 genutzt.In Figure 4 A is shown in plan view another embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention with five controls. Unlike the in Figure 1 - 3 described embodiments, the controls do not differ in size. Instead, the controls are arranged the position of the operating elements corresponds to the power levels of the connected consumer which can be selected in each case with the operating elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the color depth or the gray value and / or the surface structuring of the operating elements correspond to the selectable power levels. Figure 4 B schematically shows the selection of one of the five controls of the electrical switch according to the invention shown in FIG. 4A. It is described in the description of the operating options of the switch in the state diagrams in Figure 5 and 6 used.

In Analogie zu Abbildung 3 zeigt Abbildung 5 in einem Zustandsdiagramm, wie man durch Anwahl eines Bedienelementes des in Abbildung 4 skizzierten Schalters direkt einen spezifischen Schaltzustand eines angeschlossenen Verbrauchers einstellen kann. Exemplarisch sind drei der in der beispielhaften Ausführung möglichen sechs Schaltzustände dargestellt. Eine bevorzugte Ausführung sieht vor, dass mit dem Schalter eine Beleuchtung mit insgesamt sechs (6) anwählbaren Leistungsstufen gesteuert wird. Wenn keines der Bedienelemente eingedrückt ist, befindet sich die Beleuchtung im ausgeschalteten Zustand (i). Von diesem ausgeschalteten Zustand (i) können 5 unterschiedliche eingeschaltete Leistungsstufen direkt eingestellt werden. Beispielhaft sind in Abbildung 5 ein gedämpfter Einschaltzustand (ii) und ein ganz heller Einschaltzustand (iii) dargestellt. Um vom ausgeschalteten Zustand (i) direkt jeden der anderen beiden Einschaltzustände ((ii) und (iii)) einzustellen, muss das korrespondierende Bedienelement berührt werden. Auch um ausgehend von einem der beiden Einschaltzustände ((ii) oder (iii)) den jeweils anderen Einschaltzustand einzustellen, muss das mit dem einzustellenden Einschaltzustand korrespondierende Bedienelement ausgewählt werden. Von beiden eingeschalteten Zuständen ((ii) oder (iii)) wird die Beleuchtung ausgeschaltet indem das dem derzeit eingestellten Einschaltzustand korrespondierende Bedienelement ausgewählt wird.In analogy to Figure 3 shows Figure 5 in a state diagram, how to select a control element of the in Figure 4 sketched switch can set directly a specific switching state of a connected consumer. By way of example, three of the possible in the exemplary embodiment six switching states are shown. A preferred embodiment provides that the switch controls lighting with a total of six (6) selectable power levels. If none of the controls are pressed in, the backlight will be off (i). From this switched-off state (i), 5 different switched-on power levels can be set directly. Exemplary are in Figure 5 a muted switch-on state (ii) and a very bright switch-on state (iii) are shown. To directly set each of the other two switch-on states ((ii) and (iii)) from the off state (i), the corresponding control element must be touched. Also in order to set the respective other switch-on state starting from one of the two switch-on states ((ii) or (iii)), the control element corresponding to the switch-on state to be set must be selected. From both turned-on states ((ii) or (iii)), the lighting is turned off by selecting the control corresponding to the currently set on state.

In Abbildung 6 ist eine alternative Schaltlogik zur Bedienung des in Abbildung 4 skizzierten Schalters wiederum durch Zustandsdiagramm dargestellt. Im Gegensatz zu dem in Abbildung 5 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist hier ein dediziertes Bedienelement zur Anwahl des augeschalteeten Zustands vorgesehen. Die Zahl der Bedienelemente ist also identisch mit der Zahl der anwählbaren Schaltzustände einschließlich des ausgeschalteten Zustandes. Der gewünschte Einschaltzustand wird stets dadurch eingestellt, dass das dem einzustellenden Schalterzustand korrespondierende Bedienelement berührt wird. Dies trifft - im Unterschied zur Ausführung gemäß Abb. 5 - auch für den Übergang von einem der eingeschalteten Zustände in den ausgeschalteten Zustand zu: Hierzu wird jeweils das dem ausgeschalteten Zustand zugeordnete Bedienelement betätigt. Ein Nachteil gegenüber dem in Abbildung 5 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist, dass eines der Bedienelemente mit dem ausgeschalteten Zustand korrespondiert und somit nicht für zum Einstellen eines weiteren Einschaltzustandes zur Verfügung steht. Vorteilhaft ist andererseits, dass der für einen Zustandswechsel auszuführende Bedienschritt ausschließlich vom gewünschten Zielzustand abhängt und unabhängig vom Ausgangszustand ist.In Figure 6 is an alternative logic to operate the in Figure 4 sketched switch again represented by state diagram. Unlike the in Figure 5 illustrated embodiment, a dedicated control element for selecting the augeschalteeten state is provided here. The number of operating elements is therefore identical to the number of selectable switching states including the switched-off state. The desired switch-on state is always set by the fact that the Switch state corresponding control element is touched. This is true - in contrast to the execution according to Fig. 5 - Also for the transition from one of the switched states in the off state to: For this purpose, each of the switched-off state associated control is actuated. A disadvantage compared to in Figure 5 illustrated embodiment is that one of the controls corresponds to the off state and thus is not available for setting a further on state. On the other hand, it is advantageous that the operating step to be executed for a state change depends exclusively on the desired target state and is independent of the initial state.

Ob eine der beiden Schaltlogiken intuitiver und damit zu bevorzugen ist hängt vermutlich stark davon ab welcher elektrische Verbraucher mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Schalters geschaltet werden soll und könnte im Einzelfall mit Hilfe einer Gruppe von Testpersonen etabliert werden.Whether one of the two switching logics is more intuitive and therefore preferable depends heavily on which electrical consumer is to be switched with the switch according to the invention and could be established in the individual case with the help of a group of test persons.

Claims (9)

  1. Electrical switch having a plurality of operator control elements for selecting a switched-off state and also at least a first switch-on state and a second switch-on state, wherein the number of switch-on states can be counted, and wherein, when the switch is connected in series with an electrical voltage source and an electrical load, the load is operated at a first power level, at which a first electrical power is supplied to the said load, in the first switch-on state, and is operated at a second power level, at which a second electrical power is supplied to the said load, in the second switch-on state,
    wherein the configuration of the operator control elements provides an indication of the power levels which can be selected by the operation of the operator control elements, wherein the operator control elements are configured such that the power levels which can be selected by the operator control elements in each case can be haptically distinguished with reference to the operator control elements, characterized in that the number of operator control elements is greater than or equal to the number of switch-on states and in each case exactly one operator control element is provided for selecting each switch-on state.
  2. Electrical switch according to Claim 1, wherein two operator control elements for selecting a first switch-on state and a second switch-on state are formed as the two ends of a rocker switch.
  3. Electrical switch according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein an operator control element for selecting the switched-off state is additionally provided.
  4. Electrical switch according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the operator control elements have different sizes, and wherein the size of the operator control elements corresponds to the power levels which can be selected by the operator control elements in each case.
  5. Electrical switch according to Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the operator control elements are arranged relative to one another in a preferably linear manner such that the position of the operator control elements corresponds to the power levels which can be selected by the operator control elements in each case.
  6. Electrical switch according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the colour or the brightness value of the operator control elements corresponds to the power levels which can be selected by the operator control elements in each case.
  7. Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6 for use as a light switch.
  8. Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6 for use as an energy-saving switch.
  9. Use of an electrical switch according to Claim 7 for selecting different brightness levels for a room or building lighting system.
EP10003674A 2009-04-03 2010-04-01 Intuitively operable electric switch Not-in-force EP2237295B1 (en)

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DE102009016224A DE102009016224A1 (en) 2009-04-03 2009-04-03 Intuitively operated electrical switch

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DE102013222371A1 (en) * 2013-11-04 2015-05-07 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft RFID key and switching device
US9572233B1 (en) 2015-08-18 2017-02-14 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Systems and methods for operating a lighting system based on user lighting preferences

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2581207A (en) * 1951-01-18 1952-01-01 Gen Electric Touch adjustment for electric control devices
DE2734051C2 (en) * 1977-07-28 1985-12-05 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt Vacuum cleaner or the like. With an electric motor for a suction fan
JPS60244652A (en) * 1984-05-17 1985-12-04 Toyota Motor Corp Control device for operating function discriminating switch
US4649323A (en) * 1985-04-17 1987-03-10 Lightolier Incorporated Microcomputer-controlled light switch
GB2221345B (en) * 1988-07-28 1993-03-24 Lutron Electronics Co Wall-mountable switch and dimmer
DE10239449B4 (en) * 2002-02-06 2013-10-24 Ulrich Kuipers Method and device for the realization of LED lights with color and brightness adjustment and the associated control element
DE202007003457U1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-05-16 Insta Elektro Gmbh Electrical/electronic installation device for building system engineering, has operating unit comprising switching unit that is designed as proximity switch and another switching unit for switching-on and switching-off of consumer
US7608948B2 (en) * 2006-06-20 2009-10-27 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Touch screen with sensory feedback
US7573208B2 (en) * 2007-03-05 2009-08-11 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Method of programming a lighting preset from a radio-frequency remote control
DE202007004162U1 (en) * 2007-03-17 2008-07-31 Beck, Wilfried Multi-way switch, especially for the blind
DE202008002181U1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2008-05-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Control element for a public transport object

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ATE539441T1 (en) 2012-01-15
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