EP2008290B1 - Dimmer - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2008290B1
EP2008290B1 EP07728200A EP07728200A EP2008290B1 EP 2008290 B1 EP2008290 B1 EP 2008290B1 EP 07728200 A EP07728200 A EP 07728200A EP 07728200 A EP07728200 A EP 07728200A EP 2008290 B1 EP2008290 B1 EP 2008290B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dimmer
touch element
light
front panel
knob
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.)
Active
Application number
EP07728200A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2008290A1 (en
Inventor
Andrea Lichtinghagen
Richard Vicktorius
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Merten GmbH
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Merten GmbH
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Publication of EP2008290A1 publication Critical patent/EP2008290A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/0213—Combined operation of electric switch and variable impedance, e.g. resistor, capacitor
    • 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
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/0271—Bases, casings, or covers structurally combining a switch and an electronic component
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H2003/0293—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch with an integrated touch switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H01H2219/0622—Light conductor only an illuminated ring around keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/054—Application timeslot: duration of actuation or delay between or combination of subsequent actuations determines selected function

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a dimmer with a rotatable knob and a square knob surrounding the control panel.
  • Dimmers are used, among other things, to steplessly change the brightness of a connected light source.
  • the user relies on the visual impression and adjusts the brightness of the light source or the power to be emitted by the dimmer as per feeling.
  • a dimmer is described which has a display field for the percentage of the respective load value of the dimmer.
  • buttons for switching the connected consumer on and off and for adjusting the load value are arranged in the central disk, which forming a front panel. A rotatable knob is not provided with this dimmer.
  • a dimmer from which the preamble of claim 1 proceeds, is described in DE 22 18 980 A , This dimmer has a front panel that forms a large rocker switch. In the central area of the front panel is a knob of a dimmer. With the rocker switch switching functions and sub-functions of the switching device can be controlled.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a dimmer with rotating knob, which has an additional light switching function.
  • the dimmer according to the invention is characterized by the claim 1.
  • the front panel has at least one probe element for switching on a function or a parameter of the dimmer.
  • the front panel has at least one probe element for switching on a function or a parameter of the dimmer.
  • Another function that can be activated by a front panel button is to turn on and turn off an orientation light.
  • At least one probe element is provided for the activation of a brightness value independently of the rotational position of the adjusting knob. It is possible to selectively call a brightness value by tapping the probe element, without the user would have to visit this brightness by regulating the knob.
  • the at least one probe element consists of a region of the front plate.
  • the probe element is preferably a motionless button, z. B. a capacitive or inductive button that operates by approaching a finger becomes. The appearance of the dimmer is not significantly affected by the button.
  • a mechanical button can be used.
  • the feeler elements can be arranged in corners of the front panel or at other locations, for example in the positions 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock.
  • At least one probe element can be provided for activating an upper dimming limit. This is an energy-saving feature that sets the maximum adjustable brightness, for example, to 80%.
  • the front panel includes a light strip whose luminous length indicates the respective brightness value.
  • the term "light strip” also includes a thin strip of light.
  • the light strip may consist of segment sections or individual light sources, eg. B. LEDs, exist.
  • the light strip is arranged in a circle around the adjusting knob and recessed in the front panel. The light strip allows the user to easily recognize the set brightness. It forms a brightness analog display.
  • the light band can also form an orientation light, making it easier to find the dimmer switched off in the dark.
  • the dimmer shown has a viewing frame 10 which is mounted pre set a wall.
  • the viewing frame 10 is quadrangular in front view and it contains a window 11 which is flush closed by a front panel 12.
  • the rectangular or square front plate 12 carries a central knob 13, whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the front panel 12.
  • the adjusting knob 13 can be rotated to adjust the brightness of a lamp connected to the dimmer or also pressed to perform a switching operation.
  • the viewing frame 10 obscures the metallic support frame 14 (FIG. Fig. 2 ), which carries on its back a base 15 and can be inserted into a conventional wall box 16 and lies flush against the front of the wall.
  • the base 15 is provided at its front with a multiple contact socket 17 and a guide member 18.
  • pins 19 At the back of the front panel 12 are pins 19, which fit into the multi-contact socket 17 and a guide 20 which cooperates with the guide member 18 to the front plate 12 in the correct position to precede the base 15 can.
  • the front panel 12 includes on its rear side electrical circuits to which the contact pins 19 are connected. There is an exclusively electrical connection of the front panel 12 with the base 15 via the contact pins 19. Movements or mechanical adjustments are not transmitted.
  • the front panel 12 holds the viewing frame 10 to the base 15 firmly.
  • each of the scanning elements here consists of a non-contact switch, which is integrated into the one-piece front panel, but also mechanically movable sensing elements can be provided.
  • the two upper feeler elements T1 and T2 are characterized by relief-like double webs to be able to feel the position of the feeler elements. By appropriate identifications and the lower sensing elements T3 and T4 can be marked.
  • This light strip serves as a display and lighting device for the dimmer.
  • FIG. 3 shows by the white actuating arrows, the different types of operation of the dimmer or the sensing elements, the functions are indicated.
  • the scanning elements T1 and T2 serve for the rapid setting of brightness values. By pressing one of the two scanning elements, a light value stored for this scanning element is called up, for example for the scanning element T1 the light value 30% and for the scanning element T2 the light value 50%. If a probe element is pressed longer than, for example, 2 s, the light value currently set on the control knob 13 is stored for this probe element.
  • the probe element T3 serves as an off switch for an orientation light function. In this case, a certain section of the light strip 30 is activated in order to find the dimmer in the dark can. This function is only possible when the dimmer is switched off.
  • the probe element T4 is used to define an upper dimming limit, whereby the dimming range is limited, for example to 80% of the maximum possible brightness value. This is an energy-saving feature.
  • the upper dimming limit may be fixed or user-selectable, similar to the brightness values set by the T1 and T2 probes.
  • the switching on and off of the dimmer are effected by pressing the knob 13 and an adjustment of the brightness is done by turning the knob.
  • FIG. 4 different light states of the light strip 30 are shown, wherein the luminous part of the light strip is shown in black.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C Displayed brightness values is the zero point at the bottom of the circle, so at 6:00 clock. From there, the illuminated part of the light strip continues in a clockwise direction. This means that FIG. 4A a brightness value of 75%, FIG. 4B of about 10% and FIG. 4C of 50%.
  • Figure 4D is the orientation light 31 shown, in which the upper segments of the light strip from 11:00 clock to 01:00 clock lights. The orientation light 31 is distinguishable from the representation of the brightness value in this way.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

A dimmer that has a rotatable adjusting knob (13), incorporates touch elements (Tl - T4) on the front panel (12) for turning on various functions or parameters. The adjusting knob is surrounded by an illuminated strip (30) that constitutes a display for the selected brightness level.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Dimmer mit einem drehbaren Stellknopf und einer den Stellknopf umgebenden eckigen Frontplatte.The invention relates to a dimmer with a rotatable knob and a square knob surrounding the control panel.

Dimmer werden u. a. benutzt, um die Helligkeit einer angeschlossenen Lichtquelle stufenlos verändern zu können. In der Regel verlässt sich der Benutzer auf den optischen Eindruck und er stellt die Helligkeit der Lichtquelle bzw. die vom Dimmer abzugebende Leistung nach Gefühl ein. In EP 0 516 008 B1 ist ein Dimmer beschrieben, der ein Anzeigefeld für den Prozentsatz des jeweiligen Lastwertes des Dimmers aufweist. Außerdem sind Taster zum Ein- und Ausschalten des angeschlossenen Verbrauchers und zur Verstellung des Lastwertes vorhanden. Die Taster sind in der Zentralscheibe angeordnet, welche eine Frontplatte bildet. Ein drehbarer Stellknopf ist bei diesem Dimmer nicht vorgesehen.Dimmers are used, among other things, to steplessly change the brightness of a connected light source. As a rule, the user relies on the visual impression and adjusts the brightness of the light source or the power to be emitted by the dimmer as per feeling. In EP 0 516 008 B1 a dimmer is described which has a display field for the percentage of the respective load value of the dimmer. In addition, there are buttons for switching the connected consumer on and off and for adjusting the load value. The buttons are arranged in the central disk, which forming a front panel. A rotatable knob is not provided with this dimmer.

Ein Dimmer, von dem der Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 ausgeht, ist beschrieben in DE 22 18 980 A . Dieser Dimmer hat eine Frontplatte, die einen großflächigen Wippschalter bildet. Im Zentralbereich der Frontplatte befindet sich ein Stellknopf eines Dimmers. Mit dem Wippschalter können Schaltfunktionen und auch Teilfunktionen der Schalteinrichtung gesteuert werden.A dimmer, from which the preamble of claim 1 proceeds, is described in DE 22 18 980 A , This dimmer has a front panel that forms a large rocker switch. In the central area of the front panel is a knob of a dimmer. With the rocker switch switching functions and sub-functions of the switching device can be controlled.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Dimmer mit drehbarem Stellknopf zu schaffen, der eine zusätzliche Lichtschaltfunktion hat.The invention has for its object to provide a dimmer with rotating knob, which has an additional light switching function.

Der erfindungsgemäße Dimmer ist durch den Anspruch 1 bezeichnet. Bei ihm weist die Frontplatte mindestens ein Tastelement zum Einschalten einer Funktion oder eines Parameters des Dimmers auf. Auf diese Weise ist es möglich, beispielsweise einen Helligkeitswert durch Betätigen eines Tastelements abzurufen und einzustellen, ohne dass der Drehknopf gedreht werden müsste. Weiterhin besteht die Möglichkeit, eine obere Dimmgrenze einzustellen, die dann durch Drehen des Stellknopfes nicht überschritten werden kann. Eine andere Funktion, die durch einen Taster der Frontplatte aktiviert werden kann, ist das Einschalten und Ausschalten eines Orientierungslichts.The dimmer according to the invention is characterized by the claim 1. In this case, the front panel has at least one probe element for switching on a function or a parameter of the dimmer. In this way it is possible, for example, to retrieve and adjust a brightness value by actuating a probe element without having to turn the rotary knob. Furthermore, it is possible to set an upper dimming limit, which can then not be exceeded by turning the knob. Another function that can be activated by a front panel button is to turn on and turn off an orientation light.

Mindestens ein Tastelement ist für die Aktivierung eines Helligkeitswertes unabhängig von der Drehstellung des Stellknopfes vorgesehen. Dabei besteht die Möglichkeit, durch Antippen des Tastelementes einen Helligkeitswert gezielt aufzurufen, ohne dass der Benutzer diese Helligkeit durch Regulieren des Stellknopfes aufsuchen müsste.At least one probe element is provided for the activation of a brightness value independently of the rotational position of the adjusting knob. It is possible to selectively call a brightness value by tapping the probe element, without the user would have to visit this brightness by regulating the knob.

Vorzugsweise besteht das mindestens eine Tastelement aus einem Bereich der Frontplatte. Das Tastelement ist vorzugsweise ein bewegungsloser Taster, z. B. ein kapazitiver oder induktiver Taster, der durch Annähern eines Fingers betätigt wird. Dabei wird das Erscheinungsbild des Dimmers durch den Taster nicht wesentlich beeinträchtigt. Alternativ kann auch ein mechanischer Taster benutzt werden. Die Tastelemente können in Ecken der Frontplatte angeordnet sein oder an anderen Stellen, beispielsweise in den Positionen 3 Uhr, 6 Uhr, 9 Uhr, 12 Uhr. Mindestens ein Tastelement kann zur Aktivierung einer oberen Dimmgrenze vorgesehen sein. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine Energiesparfunktion durch die die maximal einstellbare Helligkeit beispielsweise auf 80 % festgelegt wird. Es besteht auch die Möglichkeit, die obere Dimmgrenze durch den Benutzer zu verstellen, indem beispielsweise eines der Tastelemente über eine längere Zeit gedrückt gehalten wird. Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung enthält die Frontplatte ein Leuchtband, dessen leuchtende Länge den jeweiligen Helligkeitswert angibt. Unter den Begriff "Leuchtband" fällt auch ein dünner Leuchtstreifen. Das Leuchtband kann aus Segmentabschnitten oder einzelnen Lichtquellen, z. B. Leuchtdioden, bestehen. Vorzugsweise ist das Leuchtband kreisförmig um den Stellknopf herum angeordnet und in der Frontplatte versenkt. Das Leuchtband ermöglicht es dem Benutzer auf einfache Weise, die eingestellte Helligkeit zu erkennen. Es bildet eine Helligkeits-Analoganzeige.Preferably, the at least one probe element consists of a region of the front plate. The probe element is preferably a motionless button, z. B. a capacitive or inductive button that operates by approaching a finger becomes. The appearance of the dimmer is not significantly affected by the button. Alternatively, a mechanical button can be used. The feeler elements can be arranged in corners of the front panel or at other locations, for example in the positions 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock. At least one probe element can be provided for activating an upper dimming limit. This is an energy-saving feature that sets the maximum adjustable brightness, for example, to 80%. It is also possible to adjust the upper dimming limit by the user, for example, by pressing one of the sensing elements over a longer period of time. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front panel includes a light strip whose luminous length indicates the respective brightness value. The term "light strip" also includes a thin strip of light. The light strip may consist of segment sections or individual light sources, eg. B. LEDs, exist. Preferably, the light strip is arranged in a circle around the adjusting knob and recessed in the front panel. The light strip allows the user to easily recognize the set brightness. It forms a brightness analog display.

Das Leuchtband kann auch ein Orientierungslicht bilden, wodurch das Auffinden des ausgeschalteten Dimmers im Dunkeln erleichtert wird.The light band can also form an orientation light, making it easier to find the dimmer switched off in the dark.

Im Folgenden wird unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung näher erläutert.In the following an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine perspektivische Ansicht des Dimmers,
Fig. 2
ein Explosionsschaubild des Dimmers,
Fig. 3
eine Funktionsdarstellung des Dimmers und
Fig. 4
verschiedene Zustände des um den Stellknopf herum angeordneten Leuchtbandes.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a perspective view of the dimmer,
Fig. 2
an exploded diagram of the dimmer,
Fig. 3
a functional representation of the dimmer and
Fig. 4
various states of the light band arranged around the adjusting knob.

Der dargestellte Dimmer weist einen Sichtrahmen 10 auf, der einer Wand vorgesetzt montiert wird. Der Sichtrahmen 10 ist in Frontansicht viereckig und er enthält ein Fenster 11, das durch eine Frontplatte 12 bündig verschlossen wird. Die rechteckige bzw. quadratische Frontplatte 12 trägt einen zentrischen Stellknopf 13, dessen Achse senkrecht auf der Ebene der Frontplatte 12 steht. Der Stellknopf 13 kann zum Einstellen der Helligkeit einer an den Dimmer angeschlossenen Lampe gedreht oder auch zum Durchführen eines Schaltvorganges gedrückt werden.The dimmer shown has a viewing frame 10 which is mounted pre set a wall. The viewing frame 10 is quadrangular in front view and it contains a window 11 which is flush closed by a front panel 12. The rectangular or square front plate 12 carries a central knob 13, whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the front panel 12. The adjusting knob 13 can be rotated to adjust the brightness of a lamp connected to the dimmer or also pressed to perform a switching operation.

Der Sichtrahmen 10 verdeckt den metallischen Tragrahmen 14 (Fig. 2), der an seiner Rückseite einen Sockel 15 trägt und in eine übliche Wanddose 16 eingesetzt werden kann und sich bündig gegen die Vorderseite der Wand legt. Der Sockel 15 ist an seiner Vorderseite mit einer Mehrfach-Kontaktbuchse 17 sowie mit einem Führungsteil 18 versehen. An der Rückseite der Frontplatte 12 befinden sich Kontaktstifte 19, die in die Mehrfach-Kontaktbuchse 17 hineinpassen sowie eine Führung 20, die mit dem Führungsteil 18 zusammenwirkt, um die Frontplatte 12 lagerichtig dem Sockel 15 vorsetzen zu können. Die Frontplatte 12 enthält auf ihrer Rückseite elektrische Schaltungen, an die die Kontaktstifte 19 angeschlossen sind. Es erfolgt eine ausschließlich elektrische Verbindung der Frontplatte 12 mit dem Sockel 15 über die Kontaktstifte 19. Bewegungen oder mechanische Verstellungen werden nicht übertragen. Die Frontplatte 12 hält den Sichtrahmen 10 an dem Sockel 15 fest.The viewing frame 10 obscures the metallic support frame 14 (FIG. Fig. 2 ), which carries on its back a base 15 and can be inserted into a conventional wall box 16 and lies flush against the front of the wall. The base 15 is provided at its front with a multiple contact socket 17 and a guide member 18. At the back of the front panel 12 are pins 19, which fit into the multi-contact socket 17 and a guide 20 which cooperates with the guide member 18 to the front plate 12 in the correct position to precede the base 15 can. The front panel 12 includes on its rear side electrical circuits to which the contact pins 19 are connected. There is an exclusively electrical connection of the front panel 12 with the base 15 via the contact pins 19. Movements or mechanical adjustments are not transmitted. The front panel 12 holds the viewing frame 10 to the base 15 firmly.

Erfindungsgemäß befinden sich an den Ecken der Frontplatte 12 Tastelemente T1, T2, T3 und T4. Jedes der Tastelemente besteht hier aus einem berührungslosen Schalter, der in die einstückige Frontplatte integriert ist, jedoch können auch mechanisch bewegbare Tastelemente vorgesehen sein. Die beiden oberen Tastelemente T1 und T2 sind durch reliefartige Doppelstege gekennzeichnet, um die Position der Tastelemente erfühlen zu können. Durch entsprechende Kennzeichnungen können auch die unteren Tastelemente T3 und T4 gekennzeichnet werden.According to the invention are located at the corners of the front panel 12 sensing elements T1, T2, T3 and T4. Each of the scanning elements here consists of a non-contact switch, which is integrated into the one-piece front panel, but also mechanically movable sensing elements can be provided. The two upper feeler elements T1 and T2 are characterized by relief-like double webs to be able to feel the position of the feeler elements. By appropriate identifications and the lower sensing elements T3 and T4 can be marked.

Um den zylindrischen Stellknopf 13 herum ist in die Frontplatte 12 ein kreisförmiges Leuchtband 30 eingelassen. Dieses Leuchtband dient als Anzeige- und Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für den Dimmer.To the cylindrical knob 13 around a circular light strip 30 is inserted into the front panel 12. This light strip serves as a display and lighting device for the dimmer.

Figur 3 zeigt durch die weißen Betätigungspfeile die unterschiedlichen Arten der Betätigung des Dimmers bzw. der Tastelemente, wobei die Funktionen angegeben sind. FIG. 3 shows by the white actuating arrows, the different types of operation of the dimmer or the sensing elements, the functions are indicated.

Die Tastelemente T1 und T2 dienen zum raschen Einstellen von Helligkeitswerten. Durch Drücken eines der beiden Tastelemente wird ein für dieses Tastelement gespeicherter Lichtwert abgerufen, beispielsweise für das Tastelement T1 der Lichtwert 30 % und für das Tastelement T2 der Lichtwert 50 %. Wird ein Tastelement länger als beispielsweise 2s gedrückt, wird der momentan an dem Stellknopf 13 eingestellte Lichtwert für dieses Tastelement gespeichert.The scanning elements T1 and T2 serve for the rapid setting of brightness values. By pressing one of the two scanning elements, a light value stored for this scanning element is called up, for example for the scanning element T1 the light value 30% and for the scanning element T2 the light value 50%. If a probe element is pressed longer than, for example, 2 s, the light value currently set on the control knob 13 is stored for this probe element.

Das Tastelement T3 dient als ein Ausschalter für eine Orientierungslichtfunktion. Hierbei wird ein bestimmter Abschnitt des Leuchtbandes 30 aktiviert, um den Dimmer im Dunkeln finden zu können. Diese Funktion ist nur bei ausgeschaltetem Dimmer möglich.The probe element T3 serves as an off switch for an orientation light function. In this case, a certain section of the light strip 30 is activated in order to find the dimmer in the dark can. This function is only possible when the dimmer is switched off.

Das Tastelement T4 dient zur Festlegung einer oberen Dimmgrenze, wodurch der Dimmbereich begrenzt wird, beispielsweise auf 80 % des maximal möglichen Helligkeitswertes. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine Energiesparfunktion. Die obere Dimmgrenze kann fest eingestellt werden oder auch vom Benutzer wählbar sein, ähnlich wie die Helligkeitswerte, die von den Tastelementen T1 und T2 eingestellt werden.The probe element T4 is used to define an upper dimming limit, whereby the dimming range is limited, for example to 80% of the maximum possible brightness value. This is an energy-saving feature. The upper dimming limit may be fixed or user-selectable, similar to the brightness values set by the T1 and T2 probes.

Das Einschalten und Ausschalten des Dimmers werden durch Drücken des Stellknopfes 13 bewirkt und eine Verstellung der Helligkeit erfolgt durch Drehen des Stellknopfes.The switching on and off of the dimmer are effected by pressing the knob 13 and an adjustment of the brightness is done by turning the knob.

In Figur 4 sind verschiedene Leuchtzustände des Leuchtbandes 30 dargestellt, wobei der leuchtende Teil des Leuchtbandes schwarz dargestellt ist.In FIG. 4 different light states of the light strip 30 are shown, wherein the luminous part of the light strip is shown in black.

Bei den in den Figuren 4A, 4B und 4C dargestellten Anzeigen von Helligkeitswerten liegt der Nullpunkt am unteren Ende des Kreises, also bei 6:00 Uhr. Von dort aus setzt sich der beleuchtete Teil des Leuchtbandes im Uhrzeigersinn fort. Dies bedeutet, dass Figur 4A einen Helligkeitswert von 75 %, Figur 4B von ca. 10 % und Figur 4C von 50 % anzeigt. In Figur 4D ist das Orientierungslicht 31 dargestellt, bei dem die oberen Segmente des Leuchtbandes von 11:00 Uhr bis 01:00 Uhr leuchten. Das Orientierungslicht 31 ist auf diese Weise von der Darstellung des Helligkeitswertes unterscheidbar.In the in the FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C Displayed brightness values is the zero point at the bottom of the circle, so at 6:00 clock. From there, the illuminated part of the light strip continues in a clockwise direction. This means that FIG. 4A a brightness value of 75%, FIG. 4B of about 10% and FIG. 4C of 50%. In Figure 4D is the orientation light 31 shown, in which the upper segments of the light strip from 11:00 clock to 01:00 clock lights. The orientation light 31 is distinguishable from the representation of the brightness value in this way.

Claims (8)

  1. A dimmer with a rotatable control knob (13) and an angled front plate (12) surrounding the control knob, said plate comprising at least one touch element (T1-T4) for activating a function or a parameter of the dimmer, characterized in that at least one touch element (T1, T2) is provided for the activation of a brightness value irrespective of the rotational position of the control knob (13).
  2. The dimmer of claim 1, characterized in that the at least one touch element (T1-T4) is formed by a portion of the front plate (12).
  3. The dimmer of claim 1, characterized in that the brightness value is adjustable and can be stored by operating the touch element (T1, T2) for a longer time.
  4. The dimmer of one of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least one touch element (T4) is provided for activating an upper dimming limit.
  5. The dimmer of claim 4, characterized in that the upper dimming limit is adjustable by operating the touch element (T4) for a longer time.
  6. The dimmer of one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the front plate (12) includes a luminous strip (30) whose illuminated length indicates the respective brightness value.
  7. The dimmer of claim 6, characterized in that a section of the luminous strip (30) forms a manually switchable orientation light (31) that is lit when the dimmer is in the turned-off state.
  8. The dimmer of claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the luminous strip (30) encircles the control knob (13).
EP07728200A 2006-04-20 2007-04-17 Dimmer Active EP2008290B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202006006509U DE202006006509U1 (en) 2006-04-20 2006-04-20 dimmer
PCT/EP2007/053737 WO2007122143A1 (en) 2006-04-20 2007-04-17 Dimmer

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EP2008290A1 EP2008290A1 (en) 2008-12-31
EP2008290B1 true EP2008290B1 (en) 2011-03-30

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EP (1) EP2008290B1 (en)
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DE (2) DE202006006509U1 (en)
ES (1) ES2364288T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2007122143A1 (en)

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ATE504072T1 (en) 2011-04-15
DE202006006509U1 (en) 2007-08-30
EP2008290A1 (en) 2008-12-31
ES2364288T3 (en) 2011-08-30
WO2007122143A1 (en) 2007-11-01
DE502007006838D1 (en) 2011-05-12

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