EP0022516A1 - Elément de signalisation sans lampe - Google Patents

Elément de signalisation sans lampe Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0022516A1
EP0022516A1 EP80103744A EP80103744A EP0022516A1 EP 0022516 A1 EP0022516 A1 EP 0022516A1 EP 80103744 A EP80103744 A EP 80103744A EP 80103744 A EP80103744 A EP 80103744A EP 0022516 A1 EP0022516 A1 EP 0022516A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
element according
fluorescent
signal element
fluorescent body
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP80103744A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0022516B1 (fr
Inventor
Ferdinand Dr. Quella
Heinz Dipl.-Phys. Pape
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT80103744T priority Critical patent/ATE10551T1/de
Publication of EP0022516A1 publication Critical patent/EP0022516A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0022516B1 publication Critical patent/EP0022516B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/32—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission with indicator element moving rectilinearly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/052—Phosphorescence

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lampless signal element (z. B. signal button, toggle switch, rotary knob, slide switch), possibly in conjunction with a label, which assumes different positions with respect to a fixed housing part in different switching states.
  • a lampless signal element z. B. signal button, toggle switch, rotary knob, slide switch
  • a lampless signal button is already known, the switching state of which can be easily recognized by one or more light symbols (areas or inscriptions) and which does not require a lamp (DE-AS 20 32 839).
  • a switch position mirrors redirect the ambient light falling laterally in a component of the switch button. In the other position, no light penetrates this component.
  • the invention has for its object to realize a switching element, the position of one or several light symbols (areas or inscriptions) can be easily recognized and that works without a lamp.
  • the detectability of the signal should be guaranteed over the widest possible range of ambient brightness.
  • the structure should be simple and the principle of operation versatile.
  • a light collecting device consisting of a body (fluorescent body), which consists of a material with a refractive index n) 1, contains fluorescent particles and collects incident light by fluorescence scattering and subsequent reflections at its interfaces, fluorescent light concentrated over decoupling areas emits, is provided, and either the lighting conditions of the collecting device, direction or the coupling of the collected light to the outside depends on the position of the actuating part.
  • light-collecting device which is called fluorescent body in the following
  • several light-collecting devices preferably of different colors, can also be used. This also applies to the features listed in the subclaims, in which, for the sake of simplicity, only one light collecting device is generally mentioned.
  • the solution according to the invention it is possible to illuminate not only a signal button, but also other switching devices, such as toggle switches, rotary switches and slide switches or the like.
  • the possibility of collecting light, in particular also diffuse light, and concentrating it on defined coupling-out areas makes the signal element proposed according to the invention far superior to a system with mirrors in terms of its range of application and moves it close to active signal displays in terms of its recognizability.
  • the display is easy to read both at dusk and in very bright ambient light, for example with LEDs or glow lamps does not apply to this wide range.
  • the fluorescent body is integrated in the actuating part of the signal element. Since the actuating part is the movable part, this has the advantage that the lighting conditions can be changed in a simple manner.
  • the fluorescent body is part of the housing. In this way it is possible to achieve much larger quilts than z. B. in the movable part of the usual switch is possible.
  • the fluorescent light is guided or coupled out via light guides. This enables lossless light guidance over areas that do not contribute to the collection of light.
  • FIG. 1 denotes a translucent button housing, in which a disk-shaped fluorescent body 2 with decoupling points 3 is introduced. Embossed notches or printed pigments in the form of symbols (letters or numbers) can be provided as decoupling points. White, colored, fluorescent or phosphorescent particles can in turn be applied as pigments.
  • the narrow sides of the fluorescent body 2 can be mirrored, which is indicated by the reference number 4.
  • the rear wall of the signal button is mirrored or has a diffuse-reflective coating.
  • An opaque mask 6 is attached to the front of the fluorescent body, leaving only the decoupling points 3 free.
  • the signal button is installed in a housing 7.
  • the signal lights up (writing, e.g. B. "ON” / "OFF", symbols or the like) on.
  • ambient light in FIG. 1 a strikes the plate-shaped fluorescent body 2 directly or via the mirror 5.
  • This is a body with smooth, parallel surfaces, which is made of a transparent material with a refractive index n ) 1 exists (e.g. PMMA) and contains a fluorescent dye.
  • n refractive index 1
  • PMMA a transparent material with a refractive index
  • FIG. 2 denotes the transparent front (light guide) of a lampless signal button which is somewhat modified compared to FIG.
  • the light collecting device 2 is tubular, the rear ' side surfaces of which are provided with reflectors 4.
  • the fluorescent light is reflected via the reflectors 9 in the light guide 8, which forms the front.
  • the collected light is emitted to the front. So that no ambient light reaches the fluorescent body (through the transparent front plate 8) when the signal button is pressed in, a cover 6 adapted to this embodiment against ambient light is provided, as in FIG.
  • the translucent housing 1, which can also be made like milk glass, primarily serves to protect the fluorescent body against scratching. In principle, the housing can be dispensed with will.
  • FIG. 3 shows a toggle switch with the axis of rotation 10, in which the fluorescent body is located in the actuating part.
  • the light collected by the fluorescent body 2 is guided through the light guide 8 and leaves it at 3.
  • the fluorescent body is folded into the housing 7 and the covers 6 prevent light from entering the transparent housing 1. Accordingly, in this switch position at 3 no light off.
  • Principal changes to the invention are possible if only care is taken to ensure that only in one switching state is a light entry opening open in the other switching state. condition is closed or covered.
  • Figure 4a shows a rotary switch in plan view and Figure 4b in section.
  • the reflectors 9 guide the fluorescent light into the light guide 8, so that it exits at 3.
  • the housing parts designated 7 are opaque.
  • the fluorescent bodies 2 disappear behind the opaque housing parts 7, so that they are not reached by the ambient light. Instead, the preferably differently colored fluorescent bodies 2 'are now illuminated by the ambient light. Instead of a division into 90 ° sections, any division is possible.
  • a plurality of fluorescent bodies can also be connected in series in front of a light entry opening 1.
  • FIG. 1 A plate-shaped fluorescent body 2 is on a slide 12 upset. On one side, the collected fluorescent light is fed to the viewer via the light guide 8 and the decoupling point 3. The other sides are provided with reflectors 4. This figure shows the state in which the signal element is illuminated. If the slide is sunk to the right behind the opaque housing wall 7, the decoupling point 3 remains dark.
  • FIG. 6 shows a push button in which several switch positions can be displayed.
  • the fluorescent body 2 is part of the housing.
  • the push button consists of opaque material 13 in which light guides 8a and 8b are provided. Reflectors 9 serve to guide the light. In the position shown, light passes through the light guide 8a and the decoupling point 3a, for. B. punctiform. In a middle position, in which the push button is pressed in so deep that the light guide 8b is struck by the fluorescent light, light, e.g. B. ring-shaped. If the push button is pressed in further until the light guides are sunk into the housing, the decoupling point remains dark.
  • FIG. 7a shows a toggle switch in section in a side view and in FIG. 7b in a top view.
  • the fluorescent body 2 represents the cover plate.
  • Light is thus coupled in in each switch position and light is coupled out once above and once depending on the switch position. Accordingly, the upper designation lights up, e.g. B. "ON”, and once the lower name, z. B. "OFF” on.
  • Figure 8a shows a rotary switch in section and Figure 8b in plan view.
  • the fluorescent body 2 Collected light is deflected via the reflectors 9, passes the actuating part through the light guide 8 and is coupled out via 3.
  • the switch is turned with the aid of the switch button 11, light is transmitted at different points depending on the distribution of the reflectors 9 and the arrangement of light guides 8.
  • the slide switch shown again in two views in FIG. 9 has, for example, four switch positions A to D.
  • the sectional view is 9a. rotated 90 ° with respect to the top view 9b.
  • the generally translucent housing 1 of the actuating part carries a bar made of light guides 8 and translucent areas 13.
  • a light guide 8 is located above the reflector 9 and is therefore from below. illuminated with fluorescent light.
  • the invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described and illustrated. In this way, the principle can be adapted to any shape.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
EP80103744A 1979-07-16 1980-07-01 Elément de signalisation sans lampe Expired EP0022516B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT80103744T ATE10551T1 (de) 1979-07-16 1980-07-01 Lampenloses signalelement.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19792928700 DE2928700A1 (de) 1979-07-16 1979-07-16 Lampenloses signalelement
DE2928700 1979-07-16

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0022516A1 true EP0022516A1 (fr) 1981-01-21
EP0022516B1 EP0022516B1 (fr) 1984-11-28

Family

ID=6075855

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP80103744A Expired EP0022516B1 (fr) 1979-07-16 1980-07-01 Elément de signalisation sans lampe

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4340817A (fr)
EP (1) EP0022516B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPS5615513A (fr)
AT (1) ATE10551T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE2928700A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2539241A1 (fr) * 1983-01-07 1984-07-13 F M Atelier Meca Precision Composant electromecanique a visualisation
FR2589276A1 (fr) * 1985-10-29 1987-04-30 Lutron Electronics Co Dispositif d'interrupteur a intervalle d'air

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3736617A1 (de) * 1987-10-29 1989-05-11 Asea Brown Boveri Einrichtung zur anzeige einer bestimmten stellung eines innerhalb eines gebaeudes beweglichen bauelementes
JPH08207194A (ja) * 1995-02-01 1996-08-13 Ykk Kk 蓄光体
ES2114827B1 (es) * 1996-07-31 1999-05-16 Schneider Electric Espana Sa Sistema de señalizacion de elementos electricos.
US7755506B1 (en) 2003-09-03 2010-07-13 Legrand Home Systems, Inc. Automation and theater control system
US7778262B2 (en) 2005-09-07 2010-08-17 Vantage Controls, Inc. Radio frequency multiple protocol bridge
US20210202188A1 (en) * 2019-12-27 2021-07-01 Eric Benden Luminous Light Switch Assembly

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3237591A (en) * 1963-03-01 1966-03-01 Hewlett Packard Co Pushbuttons
DE2032839A1 (de) * 1970-04-02 1971-11-04 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Signalknopf und Verwendung desselben
FR2308155A1 (fr) * 1975-04-18 1976-11-12 Aerospatiale Procede et panneau d'affichage photoluminescent

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1420829A (en) * 1917-02-07 1922-06-27 Maxwell C Frank Attachment for electric switches
US2032540A (en) * 1934-09-01 1936-03-03 Standard Mirror Co Inc Illuminated faceplate for electric switches and the like
US2428792A (en) * 1945-06-28 1947-10-14 George H Evans Illumination system
US3037137A (en) * 1959-05-18 1962-05-29 James F Motson Flexible light source
US3484607A (en) * 1968-01-30 1969-12-16 Mid Continent Mfg Co Apparatus producing radiant energy at an exit face from stimulation of a luminophor through the phenomenon of dielectric trapping
US3691985A (en) * 1971-02-08 1972-09-19 Jon L Otterlei Spring biasing means for a self-illuminating pushbutton
CH541195A (de) * 1971-04-16 1973-08-31 Pneumotech Ag Digitale Anzeigevorrichtung
DE7209163U (de) * 1972-03-10 1972-05-31 Daimler Benz Ag Elektrischer Druckknopfschalter für Kraftfahrzeuge od. dgl
DE2554226C3 (de) * 1975-12-03 1985-07-11 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V., 8000 Muenchen Strahlungskollektor und -verdichter in Form einer fluoreszierenden Kunststoffplatte
DE2833679C3 (de) * 1977-08-08 1981-04-23 Deutsche Itt Industries Gmbh, 7800 Freiburg Drucktastenschalter mit optischer Schalterstellungsanzeige

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3237591A (en) * 1963-03-01 1966-03-01 Hewlett Packard Co Pushbuttons
DE2032839A1 (de) * 1970-04-02 1971-11-04 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Signalknopf und Verwendung desselben
CH517367A (de) * 1970-04-02 1971-12-31 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Betätigungsknopf mit Signalteil und Verwendung desselben
FR2308155A1 (fr) * 1975-04-18 1976-11-12 Aerospatiale Procede et panneau d'affichage photoluminescent

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2539241A1 (fr) * 1983-01-07 1984-07-13 F M Atelier Meca Precision Composant electromecanique a visualisation
EP0117160A1 (fr) * 1983-01-07 1984-08-29 Atelier De Mecanique De Precision F.M (Sarl) Composant électromécanique à visualisation
FR2589276A1 (fr) * 1985-10-29 1987-04-30 Lutron Electronics Co Dispositif d'interrupteur a intervalle d'air
GB2182493A (en) * 1985-10-29 1987-05-13 Lutron Electronics Co Indicator for air gap switch assembly
US4783581A (en) * 1985-10-29 1988-11-08 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Air gap switch assembly
GB2182493B (en) * 1985-10-29 1989-09-20 Lutron Electronics Co Air gap switch assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5615513A (en) 1981-02-14
US4340817A (en) 1982-07-20
ATE10551T1 (de) 1984-12-15
EP0022516B1 (fr) 1984-11-28
DE2928700A1 (de) 1981-02-19

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