EP2229731A2

EP2229731A2 - Switching device and method to switch on an electrical appliance

Info

Publication number: EP2229731A2
Application number: EP08870266A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hagen Herbsleb; Johannes Oberndorfer; Peter-Jürgen POHL
Original assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Europe AG
Current assignee: Panasonic Industrial Devices Europe GmbH
Priority date: 2008-01-09
Filing date: 2008-12-12
Publication date: 2010-09-22
Also published as: DE102008003596A1; WO2009086879A2; WO2009086879A3

Abstract

A switching device is described to switch on an electrical appliance (50) which has a power supply connector (55) connected to a power supply (E). The switching device has an electromechanical power converter (1) arranged in or against a housing (56) of the electrical appliance (50) and is actuated manually by an operator of the electrical appliance (50) for conversion of a kinetic switching pulse (F) into an electrical pulse (SP), and a power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) which in a first switched state connects the power supply connector (55) to an operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50), and in a second switched state disconnects the operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50) from the power supply connector (55). The power converter (1) and the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) are connected together by circuitry so that when the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) is in the second switched state, said power supply switching unit is switched into the first switched state by means of an electrical pulse (SP) produced by a mechanical actuation of the power converter (1). Also described are a power converter (1) to be used in such circuitry device, an electrical appliance (50) with an associated switching device, and a method to switch on an electrical appliance (50).

Description

Switching device and method for switching on a

electrical appliance

The invention relates to a switching device for switching on an electrical appliance. Moreover, the invention relates to a usable in such a switching device energy converter, an electrical appliance with a corresponding switching device and a method for switching on an electrical appliance.

In the following, the term "electrical appliance" is understood to mean any electrically operated commodity article in the private or commercial sector, in particular electrical household appliances such as the so-called "white goods" (ie devices for completing domestic work such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, stoves, etc.), thermal or small motorized devices, the so-called "brown goods" (ie consumer electronics), but also heaters, home improvement appliances, room air conditioners, lights, meters, personal care appliances, wellness equipment or electric toys. Usually, such electrical appliances, if they are not exclusively battery or battery operated, connected by means of a power supply connection to an external power supply. This is usually a public power grid or the household power grid, which is why the power supply connection is usually referred to as a grid connection.

These electrical appliances have a so-called. Power switch, with which the user can manually switch on and off the power supply by a line that leads from the power supply connection inside the device to an operating unit, such as the control electronics or other, electrical power required components of the electrical appliance , is interrupted or is reconnected when switching on the electrical appliance. Such a switch can be a classic toggle switch, a button, to a Rotary switch or the like act. Especially with larger devices such as household appliances that belong to the white or brown goods, these power switches are usually in a control unit on a front panel on the front of the device.

In the context of a modern design, however, newer devices are often no longer equipped with such a power switch, but with small electronic buttons or operating elements which are integrated in so-called user interfaces or "touch panels." An example of this is shown in DE 198 11 372 A1, A pressure applied to the piezo sensor is detected by an evaluation unit and the actuating signal generated thereby is further processed using conventional logic or a microprocessor.

In particular z. B. in large equipment such. As electric stoves that work with mains voltages, or rinsing or washing machines, where the operator can get in contact with moisture, it is also useful for safety and / or reasons of design, in the front area instead of the classic power switch, the immediate interrupt the mains voltage to use suitable non-mains contact probes to turn on the unit. However, such a construction requires that the power supply of the power button, the respective device is in the so-called "standby mode" in which the power supply of the electrical device is not completely switched off.This in turn means that the device in the off state, if This is only a very small amount with respect to the individual electrical appliance, but the amounts of energy consumed by appliances in standby mode add up to a very high amount of energy worldwide, so that a standby Operation off Environmental protection and resource conservation should be avoided. In DE 10 2005 044 615 A1, therefore, a remote-controllable circuit for electrical devices is described, which allows a greatly reduced standby power consumption.

One way to completely conserve standby power would be to re-insert power switches of the classical type, even on more modern devices, which the user manually operates to completely disconnect the operating units of the electrical appliance from the power supply connection. On the one hand, however, this has the above-mentioned safety-related disadvantages or the power switch must be elaborately manufactured in such a way that it meets special safety requirements. On the other hand, the classic power switches are difficult to integrate into a modern control panel design.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative switching device and an alternative method for switching on an electrical appliance and a corresponding electrical appliance with which all electrical safety regulations can be easily complied with and can also be dispensed with a standby operation of the electrical appliance.

This object is achieved by a switching device according to claim 1, an electrical device according to claim 13 and by a method according to claim 17.

A switching device according to the invention has an arranged in or on the housing of the electrical appliance, manually operated by an operator of the device electromechanical energy converter for converting a kinetic switching pulse into an electrical pulse. This energy converter is circuit-coupled with a power supply switching unit, wherein the power supply switching unit in a first switching state the Power supply connection to an operating unit of the electrical appliance connects and separates the operating unit of the electrical appliance from the power supply terminal in a second switching state. In this case, at least one current-carrying line, for example, in the case of a mains connection, at least the phase line, and the operating unit a power supply, control electronics or other components of the device that are operated with the aid of electrical energy, are to be understood as the power supply connection. This can also be a combination of different operating units, which are all connected to or disconnected from the power supply connection by the power supply switching unit. The power supply switching unit can also consist of a plurality of subunits, which different operating units of the electrical appliance (if this has a plurality of separate operating units) respectively from the power supply terminal or from different partial power supply terminals connects or connects to these terminals. The coupling of the energy converter with the power supply switching unit is carried out via suitable lines in the electrical appliance so that the power supply switching unit, when it is in the second switching state, is switched by a generated during a mechanical actuation of the energy converter electrical pulse in the first switching state.

In the method according to the invention for switching on the electrical appliance, a kinetic switching pulse is converted into an electrical pulse by means of a manually operated electromechanical energy converter mounted in or on the housing of the electrical appliance. By means of this electrical pulse, a power supply switching unit which connects the power supply terminal to the operating unit of the electrical appliance in the first switching state and disconnects the operating unit from the power supply terminal in a second switching state is switched from the second switching state to the first switching state. The crux of the invention is thus to use an electro-mechanical energy converter to avoid a standby state for switching on the electrical appliance, which converts the output by the operator kinetic switching pulse into an electrical pulse upon actuation of an actuating element of the energy converter to this electrical pulse then to use for switching the power supply switching unit of the electrical appliance. Such an electromechanical energy converter is completely energy self-sufficient, that is, no power supply is needed to keep the energy converter operational. It can be constructed in the form of a button, or have a button as an actuator that can be easily installed in a control surface, in particular the front panel of any electrical device. Since the energy converter is technically coupled to the actual power supply switching unit via suitable lines, there is no direct contact of the operator with the power supply switching unit to which the mains voltage is applied. The switching device thus meets the highest safety requirements.

To create an electrical appliance according to the invention this must be equipped only with a switching device according to the invention. Basically, it is also possible to retrofit already in series running device types so that they are now equipped with the switching device according to the invention instead of previously used switches. More extensive design or design changes are not required, so that relatively quickly, inexpensively and with little redesign effort electrical appliances according to the invention can be produced.

Electromagnetic energy converters are already known for use in remote switches, which have to make do without a mains voltage. It is characterized by the electromagnetic pulse, by the mechanical actuation is generated in the energy converter, a transmitting unit put into operation, which emits a corresponding radio pulse, which in turn switches a relay or the like. A typical use for this is the use of such radio remote switch for switching lights when additional power switch are needed and a laying of additional lines would be too expensive or not feasible. On the part of the electrical device to be switched, this requires a receiver in standby mode, which receives the relatively weak signal from the transmitter, amplifies and decodes, and then executes the switching command. An electromagnetic energy converter for such use is described for example in DE 103 15 765 B4, this document also gives a relatively good overview of the state of the art with respect to such energy converters. Another energy converter is described in WO 2007/060072 A1.

The electromagnetic energy converter described in DE 103 15 765 B4 has a permanent magnet and a movable element, which is enclosed by an electrical coil. In a first rest position of the movable element, a magnetic flux is closed by the movable member. In a movement of the movable member in a second rest position, a reversal of the magnetic flux is effected in the magnetic element. The permanent magnet is formed so that its magnetic north and south poles are respectively opposite to the ends of the movable element and thereby form stops for the movable element. So that the movable element can be tilted within the coil, there is a free space between the coil and the movable element. In this construction, therefore, only relatively low voltages and powers are achieved.

For the inventively desired use for autonomous switching of a power supply switching unit in a device that does not is in standby mode, the achievable peak voltage and the achievable power of the current pulses is too low in the previously known and on the market energy converters to ensure safe switching. Therefore, in the switching device according to the invention, an energy converter is particularly preferably used which has a fixed yoke which has at least two ends each with a first pole face and is wrapped in a region between the ends of at least one induction coil. The energy converter also has a permanent magnetic armature, which has at two ends in each case a first armature pole face and is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis on the yoke that in a first rotational position of the armature, the first armature pole faces respectively, forming a stop for the first rotational position, abut the first yoke pole faces at the two ends of the yoke. In addition, the energy converter has an actuating element, for example in the form of a button for moving the armature by an external mechanical force from the first rotational position to a second rotational position, wherein in the induction coil electrical energy is induced.

In principle, however, electromechanical energy converters of quite different types, e.g. In addition to electromagnetically operating switches and piezoelectric switches o. Ä. Are used for the inventive use, as long as they provide a sufficiently large electrical impulse or sufficient energy.

The dependent claims and the further description each contain particularly advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention. The dependent claims of one category can also further develop the independent claims of the other categories.

Particularly preferably, the switching device is constructed such that the electrical pulse generated during the mechanical actuation of the energy converter switches the power supply switching unit directly, ie no active further amplification, coding, decoding or other processing of the pulse is required, but at most passive components such as capacitors for eventual smoothing of the pulse, etc. may be used.

Depending on the type of electrical appliance, the power supply switching unit may comprise an AC switching unit and / or a DC switching unit. In general, either only an AC switching unit or a DC switching unit is needed. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the energy supply switching unit to comprise both an AC switching unit and a DC switching unit as partial energy supply switching units in order to connect different operating units of the electrical appliance to the energy supply connection in the manner that is meaningful for the respective operating unit.

In the case of a DC switching unit, the power supply connection, if this is an AC voltage connection, is preferably followed by a rectifier, which is connected, for example, to a rectifier. B. directly on the input side of the power supply terminal of the electrical appliance, and the power supply switching unit is connected between the rectifier and the operating unit.

It should be noted at this point that although the power supply connection is in most cases a mains connection. In principle, however, the energy supply need not be an energy supply network, but may also be another energy supply, for example a separate power supply of the electrical appliance, an emergency power generator or the like. act.

The power supply switching unit can be realized by various circuits. A circuit, which is particularly suitable for switching AC, is a relay circuit with one or more relays. Likewise, for this purpose, a thyristor circuit, preferably a triac circuit, can be used, which is also able to switch alternating current. Another preferred variant is a transistor circuit, in particular with field effect transistors, especially so-called power MOSFETs, which are able to switch higher powers. It depends on the type of circuit, whether a circuit of alternating current or only a DC circuit is possible. In principle, the power supply switching unit can also be realized from a plurality of components of the abovementioned types.

In a preferred embodiment, the energy converter and the power supply switching unit are circuit-coupled with each other so that the power supply switching unit, when in the first switching state, is switched to the second switching state by an electrical pulse generated upon actuation of the energy converter. In this case, the energy converter can therefore be used not only as a power switch but also as a circuit breaker.

This is particularly useful when the power supply switching unit is inherently bistable. Bistable power supply switching units can be realized, for example, by suitable relays.

An alternative to using an inherently bistable power supply switching unit is the use of a holding circuit that keeps the power supply switching unit in the first switching state after switching from the second switching state to the first switching state. In this way, even monostable switching units can be made quasi bistable.

The holding circuit may have, for example, a signal generator or with a signal generator, for example as part of an operating unit of the electrical appliance, wherein the signal generator is supplied with energy via the energy supply connection when the energy supply switching unit is in the first switching state. The signal generator can then permanently output a signal in order to keep the power supply switching unit in the first switching state.

Preferably, the switching device has a signal transmitter coupled to the power supply switching unit, which is configured and / or controlled by an operating unit of the electrical device such that the power supply switching unit switches from the first switching state to the second switching state as a function of a defined operating program of the electrical device. That is, the switching device has a so-called "self-turn-off" capable of turning off the electric device without user intervention, and the power supply connection actually performs a real shutdown of the operating units rather than a standby state.

This signal generator may also be the signal generator used within the holding circuit. In this case, the signal generator is driven, for example, by the operating unit of the electrical appliance, that it switches off the signal to turn off the electrical appliance, which ensures in the holding circuit that the power supply switching unit remains in the first switching state. However, in this case as well, in particular when bistable energy supply switching units are used, this may be a special signal generator which outputs a pulse in order to actively switch a power supply switching unit from the first switching state to the second switching state. In both variants, it is preferably possible for the user in addition to be able to switch the energy supply switching unit from the second to the first switching state via the actuation of the energy converter. For this purpose, the electrical appliance preferably has an electronic control unit which supplies the power supply Switching unit according to a certain program flow back into the second switching state. A typical example is the shutdown of a washing machine, a dishwasher or a dryer when the program has been run through. Likewise, an automatic shutdown of a stove or oven can be provided when the desired program has expired or when it is determined in a monitoring program that certain parts are too hot or, for example, is on a stove no pot.

Furthermore, the energy converter can also during operation for the input of control pulses for other functions such. Stopovers, program changes, etc., are used. For this purpose, the output of the energy converter may additionally be connected to an input of a suitable control device of the electrical appliance.

In a further preferred variant, the switching device has a processor unit coupled to the energy converter, which in the switched-off state of the device, i. H. when the power supply switching unit is in the second switching state, it is kept in a sleep mode. This can be done with the help of a buffer energy storage such as a battery, a sufficient buffer capacitor, etc. Upon receipt of a switching pulse from the power converter, the power supply switching unit is then switched from the second switching state to the first switching state by the processor unit. In this variant, further functions of the electrical appliance can also be activated or deactivated via the processor unit by means of the energy converter during ongoing operation.

The energy converter with the actuating element is usually arranged in an operating unit, for example a control surface, in the front panel of the electrical appliance. For the above-mentioned safety reasons, however, the power supply switching unit is preferably in one remote area in the housing of the electrical appliance, z. B. in large equipment back in the device, arranged so that the energy converter, which is operated by the operator, and the power supply switching unit, which directly switches the mains voltage, as far as possible from each other can be spaced.

The above-described, preferably used energy converter is preferably constructed so that opposite at each of the ends in each case a first armature pole face and a first yoke pole face and a second armature pole face and a second yoke pole face.

Particularly preferably, the armature has at its ends in each case mutually facing first and second armature pole faces, and the yoke and the armature are formed and arranged to each other that the ends of the yoke at the ends of the armature respectively between the first and the second Anchor pole surface are located. Alternatively, the yoke may also have respective first and second yoke pole faces facing each other at its ends, and the yoke and the armature are formed and arranged with respect to each other so that the ends of the armature at the ends of the yoke between the first and the second Yoke pole surface are located. That is, in the first variant of this embodiment, the armature is fork-shaped at the ends and has on the inner sides of the two "forks" each the armature pole faces, and the ends of the yoke engage between the forks the yoke has bifurcated ends, with the yoke pole faces on the inside of these "forks" and the anchor ends each between the tines. An advantage of both variants may be that stops are formed in the two rotational positions of the armature by the respective outer pole faces. The yoke preferably has a U-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil. In this case, the induction coil is preferably wound on the transverse bar of the U-section and the two U-legs form the free ends of the yoke, which each have the yoke pole faces. Thus, the axis of rotation is also preferably perpendicular to the winding axis or longitudinal axes of the induction coil, ie, the longitudinal axes of the armature and of the central, the U-beam forming part of the yoke are in parallel planes. To form the axis of rotation, the yoke can have, for example, a pin extending parallel to the U-legs between the U-legs. The armature then has a corresponding bore or a through hole through which the pin protrudes, so that the armature on the pin is rotatable about the axis of rotation.

On the other hand, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, the yoke is preferably substantially circular in cross-section, i. circular or slightly elliptical, or more preferably at least approximately square. These forms have the advantage that the induction coil can be tightly wound with a high-speed winding machine close to the yoke.

Particularly preferably, the yoke in cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil is substantially rectangular, preferably rectangular, formed and a region of the induction coil covered only on two opposite first sides with a cladding layer which forms an insulating layer between the coil wire and the yoke on these sides , At the other two opposite second sides of the yoke remains between the yoke wall surface and the induction coil only a non-material filled air gap or

Cavity as insulation. For this purpose, the cladding layer, which covers the first two sides, protrudes a little beyond the edge, in each case at the edges to the two adjoining second sides, whereby At the two edges of the second sides in each case a bead-like projection is formed, which serves as an attachment for the winding. When the yoke is firmly wound, the air gap, which preferably has a maximum thickness of 0.1 mm, then automatically remains on the second sides. By such a construction, the coil wire can be performed with sufficient insulation at least on two sides of the yoke very close to the yoke along, which significantly increases the efficiency of the energy converter.

In particular, in the case of the yoke described above, the armature is preferably designed such that it has an H-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The H-legs of this H-armature then enclose the free U-legs of the yoke between them, so that the above-described embodiment results, in which the armature has two mutually facing first and second armature pole faces at each of its two ends sandwiching the yoke end therebetween, each opposing a first armature pole face and a first yoke pole face, and a second armature pole face and a second yoke pole face.

The yoke pole faces and / or the anchor pole faces can each be designed with respect to the position of their surfaces such that the pole faces lying in each case in the rotational positions lie plane-parallel on one another or stand at a precisely defined, optimized angle to one another.

In this case, the two armature pole faces, which are diagonally opposite at the ends of the armature, are particularly preferably smaller than the first armature pole faces and / or two second yoke pole faces, which are diagonally opposite at the two ends, are smaller than the first yoke arm faces. pole faces. For example, in the H-armature, two of the diagonally opposite H-legs may be shorter. Through this training is achieved by the reduced cross-sectional areas of the second yoke pole faces and / or second armature pole faces relative to the first yoke pole faces and / or first armature pole faces, the magnetic resistance in the first rotational position is smaller than in the second rotational position.

Alternatively or additionally, in each case separating elements may be arranged to increase the magnetic resistance, in particular between the second armature pole faces and the second yoke pole faces associated therewith. Suitable separators are z. B. release plate of non-magnetic material. As materials for this is stainless steel, for example Nirosta, on. Likewise, e.g. between the second armature pole face and the second yoke pole face in the stop position remaining air gaps, which are deliberately achieved by appropriate design measures such as one or more additional stops or a displacement of the axis of rotation, serve as separating elements.

As a material for the yoke and the iron parts of the anchor, a particularly good magnetic conductive material, such as soft iron, is used. The anchor can be made of different materials. Preferably, it has a permanent magnetic core of ferrite, e.g. Barium oxide ferrite, samarium cobalt, aluminum-nickel-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron and optionally other parts of soft iron, which form the pole shoes or anchor pole faces.

If this is desired in a specific application, separating elements, for example separating plates, can also be arranged between the first armature pole faces and the first yoke pole faces in order to slightly increase the magnetic resistance even in the first rotational position. The separating plates can then form part of the armature pole faces or yoke pole faces and thus the stop for the first rotational position. As a result of the embodiments of the second armature pole faces and / or yoke pole faces with a reduced cross-sectional area and / or by inserting separating elements, in one preferred embodiment the energy converter is designed in such a way that the magnetic flux direction through the yoke during an adjustment of the armature from the armature first rotational position in the second rotational position in which the second armature pole faces to the second yoke pole faces (possibly with the interposition of the separating elements) abut, is maintained or the magnetic flux in the second rotational position is zero. That is, there is no magnetic field reversal, so that no magnetic holding forces act on the armature of the second rotational position. If the magnetic flux direction is maintained, the armature, as soon as no external force is exerted on the actuator, automatically returned from the second rotational position to the first rotational position. The energy converter can thus be formed monostable without a return spring.

If desired, however, an additional return spring may also be used to return the armature from the second rotational position to the first rotational position. This is z. B. useful if the magnetic field is designed so that when switching from the first to the second rotational position, a dead center effect is achieved, wherein the armature from a certain distance of the first armature pole faces of the first yoke pole faces with reduced Force, namely no longer against the attractive force of the magnet between the first pole faces, can be moved to the second rotational position. Even so, a preferably monostable energy converter can be realized.

The actuator is, as already mentioned, preferably designed as a manually operable button or switch itself or it is alternatively coupled with a manually operated button or switch. Of the

Actuation of the actuator for switching the armature from the first to the second rotational position is preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably at max. 1, 5 mm. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures with reference to embodiments. This gives even more details and advantages of the invention. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance with a second exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance with a third exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention,

6 shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention, FIG.

7 shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an energy converter according to the invention from above with the housing open in a first rotational position, FIG.

9 shows a representation of the energy converter according to FIG. 1 in a second rotational position, FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the yoke and the armature from the energy converter according to FIGS. 1 and 2,

11 shows a cross section through the armature and the yoke with the induction coil from the energy converter according to Figures 1 and 2,

FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal section through the yoke with the induction coil of the energy converter according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a switching device according to the invention. This switching device operates with a bistable relay 60, which has two antiparallel acting on a relay armature coils 63, 64 and two by a mechanical element 65 with each other coupled contacts 61, 62. Via a contact 61, the operating unit of the electrical appliance is connected to the mains connection. In FIG. 1, the operating unit is simply represented by a load resistance R. The power supply E is, for example, a conventional power supply which supplies an alternating current with 230 volts rms voltage. In addition to the ground line, not shown here, such network connections always have a phase line P and a neutral line N.

As shown in Figure 1, it is sufficient if one interrupts the power connection 55 of the phase line P to the load, here the load resistor R, by means of the relay 60. In principle, it is also possible, a Relay to use in which still another contact is connected in parallel to interrupt zero and phase line can.

The second contact 62 of the relay 60 is used for internal wiring of the coils 63, 64 with the energy converter 1. The exact structure of such an energy converter 1 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS 8 to 12. In the case of the relay 60, this is a bistable relay 60, which remains stable after switching in the respective switching position and only tilts over again into the other switching state by means of a corresponding activation. For this purpose, the two coils 63, 64 of the relay 60 are each connected with their negative terminal (-) to the negative terminal (-) of the energy converter. The positive terminals (+) of the coils 63, 64 are each connected via the switch 62 to the positive terminal (+) of the power converter 1, wherein it depends on the switching position of the contact 62, whether the first coil 63 or the second coil 64 with the energy converter 1 is connected.

In the switching position of the contacts 62 (tilted to the right) shown in FIG. 1, the first induction coil 63 is connected to the energy converter 1. If now a current pulse P is generated in the electromechanical energy converter 1 by the operation of the operator, a magnetic field is induced in the induction coil 63, which ensures that the contacts 61, 62 in the relay fold over into the other switching position. As a result, on the one hand the load resistor R is connected to the mains connection 55. On the other hand, by switching over the contact 62, the connection between the energy converter 1 and the first coil 63 is interrupted and instead a connection between the energy converter 1 and the second coil 64 is established. When the energy converter is actuated again, the current pulse SP produced thereby is applied to the second induction coil 64, so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction reverse to the first coil 64, as a result of which the contacts 61, 62 return to the starting position shown in FIG fold back, ie it is the contact of the consumer R to the power supply 55 is interrupted again.

In the switching device shown in Figure 1 so the operator can switch the relay 60 by an actuation of the electromechanical energy converter both on and off, and thus the complete electrical appliance on and off again. As an optional further element, the circuit has two capacitors 66, 67 which are connected in parallel to the coils 63, 64 of the relay. These serve to smooth out the voltage pulse SP coming from the electromechanical energy converter so as to prevent inadvertent re-switching, i. H. a "bouncing" to avoid the switch.

Figure 2 shows a very rough schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an electrical device 50 according to the invention. This may be any electrical appliance, such as a coffee machine, a dishwasher, a washing machine, dryer, television, etc., act. Via a network connection 55, the electrical device 50 is connected to an external power supply E, here again with a public grid with 230 V AC, this power grid has a phase line P, at which the AC voltage is applied and a neutral conductor N. Both are coupled in the usual way, for example, with a standard power plug with the electrical appliance. In the following, at least the phase conductor P is to be understood as a power supply connection, which will also be referred to simply as "grid connection" in the following, since it is usually sufficient to interrupt the phase line P in order to decouple the electrical appliance from the energy supply In principle, however, it is possible to switch both the phase conductor P and the neutral conductor N with the switching device according to the invention, as shown in Figure 2. This is particularly advantageous in devices in which a power plug in different direction can be plugged into the socket of the network and ultimately Zero and phase line can be reversed, as is often the case, at least in Germany for electrical equipment and lights.

According to the invention, the electrical appliance 50 is equipped with an energy converter 1 arranged in the housing 56 of the electrical appliance 50, which generates an electric current or voltage pulse SP by means of an external force F which an operator exerts on the energy converter 1 by pressing an actuating element 5. The actuator 5 is e.g. around a button integrated in a user interface of the device 50. This current pulse SP is forwarded to a power supply switching unit 70, which interrupts at least the phase line P - but possibly also here as in FIG. 2 the neutral line N - or switches the connection of this line to an operating unit 51 of the electrical appliance 50. The operating unit 51 may be, for example, the power supply unit 51 of the electrical appliance 50, which supplies the further operating units 52 with the required voltages.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the power supply switching unit 70 is a relay circuit which is constructed similarly to the circuit in FIG. Again, this is a bistable relay with two coils 72, 73. Both coils 72, 73 are connected with their negative side to ground potential. The coils 72, 73 are arranged so that they switch a contact arrangement 71 of the relay 70 in different switching states. The positive side of a coil 72 is connected to the energy converter 1, so that a magnetic field is induced by a supplied from the energy converter 1 voltage pulse SP in the coil 72, which switches the contact assembly 71 in a state in the phase P and neutral N with the power supply 51 are connected. That is, that

Electric device 50 is turned on. By contrast, the positive connection of the second coil 73 is connected to a signal unit 53 in an operating unit 52, for example a logic unit of the electrical appliance 50. connected. In this logic unit 52 runs a specific work program. If this work program is completed, a signal 53 is applied to the positive input of the second coil 73, whereby here a magnetic field is induced, which switches back the contact arrangement 71 of the relay 70 in the initial state shown in Figure 2 and thus the connection of the power supply 51st to the power connection 55 interrupts. Thus, this is a "self-shutdown", in which the device decides on the basis of a predetermined programming that it shuts itself off so that the operator can turn off the electrical device 50, for example, in a user interface further electronic buttons can be provided, which also be queried by the logic unit or other control logic and upon actuation of a dedicated off-button or a combination of certain keys is correspondingly output from the logic unit 52 and the signal module 53, the corresponding signal to the relay circuit 70 for switching off the electrical device 50.

In order to be able to use the energy converter 1 during operation of the electrical appliance 50 in the manner described above for the input of control commands, the output of the energy converter 1 can be connected via a line 57 to an input 58 of the logic unit 52. It is then in particular a shutdown of the electrical device 50 via the logic unit 52 by re-actuation of the power converter 1 possible. Such an optional connection of the energy converter output to an input of the logic unit 52 can also be realized in the further exemplary embodiments, even if the connection is not shown in the respective figures.

Alternatively, the signal output of the energy converter 1 and the signal output of the signal module 53 of the control logic 52 can also be given via an OR circuit to the relay circuit 70, so that switching off via the energy converter 1 is possible. It is clear that within the electrical device 50, any number of other unillustrated operating units may be present, which are all supplied for example via the power supply 51 with the required voltages.

FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical appliance 50 according to the invention. Overall, the structure is very similar to the structure in FIG. 2. Only here is another energy supply switching unit 80 used. This is a switching unit 80 with a triac 81, which interrupts only the phase line P. Of the

Neutral N is permanently connected to the power supply. In order for the triac 81 to switch the alternating current of the phase line P to the power supply 51, a specific voltage must be applied to an input 83 of the triac 81. In such a triac 81, which is composed of a plurality of thyristors, it is a monostable circuit, i. H. it must be permanently applied to the input 83, a voltage level to keep the triac 81 in the on state. This is done first with the help of the voltage pulse SP, which is generated by the energy converter 1 upon actuation of the operator. After switching through the triac 81, the power supply 51 is supplied with the required AC voltage. A control logic 52 supplied by the power supply unit 51, which has already been explained in connection with FIG. 2, has here a signal module 53 which, as soon as the control logic 52 is active, outputs a signal in the form of a specific voltage level, which is transmitted via an OR circuit 82 the power supply switching unit 80 is applied to the input 83 of the triac 81 in order to keep the triac 81 in the on-state.

The shutdown of the electrical device 50 takes place here by the control logic 52 and the signal module 53, the output of the signal, ie the voltage level is interrupted to the power supply switching unit 80, whereby the triac back on. The OR circuit 82 thus forms together with the signal module 53 in the Control electronics 52 a kind of holding circuit for the triacs 81 to hold them in the open state. The shutdown can, as described previously in connection with Figure 2, take place after a program run or by, for example, certain electronic buttons in a user interface of the device, which can be pressed by the user queried.

FIG. 4 shows a further variant in which likewise only the phase line is interrupted. Here, a conventional transistor is used instead of the triacs. In principle, any transistor can be used which can switch corresponding powers. Since such a transistor 91 can only switch DC voltage, a rectifier 94, which converts the AC voltage into DC voltage, is located directly at the mains input 55 in the phase line P. The collector side of the transistor 91 is connected to this rectifier 94, the emitter side is connected to the power supply 51. The base of the transistor 91 is coupled to the output of the energy converter 1 and receives from this for switching through the voltage pulse SP. Since the transistor 91 is a monostable switching element, it is again necessary, via an OR circuit 93 immediately after switching from a signal module 53 of a control logic 52 of the electrical device 50, a signal in the form of a constant voltage level to the base of the transistor 91st to give.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment which corresponds to FIG

Embodiment in Figure 4 is very similar. The only difference is that, instead of a "normal" transistor 91, a field-effect transistor 101, here an n-channel MOSFET 101 (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), is used Rectifier 104 is connected in the phase line P and the drain connection to the power supply 51 of the electrical device 50. The gate input is connected via an Circuit 103 on the one hand coupled to the energy converter 1 and on the other hand with a signal module 53 in the control logic 52nd

FIG. 6 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the invention. The difference between the power supply switching unit 100 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 and the power supply switching unit 110 shown in FIG. 6 is that here a double MOSFET with two MOSFETs 111, 112 connected in series is used to switch both half-waves on the phase line P. can. Instead, one can

Rectifier be waived. The gates of both MOSFETs 111, 112 are coupled in parallel with the OR circuit 114, which connects the gates to both the power converter 1 and the signal module 53 of the control logic 52 to keep the MOSFETs 111, 112 in the on state From the signal generator 53, the required voltage level is output.

In the embodiments described above, the switching device is in each case constructed such that the electrical pulse of the energy converter switches the power supply switching unit directly. At most passive components such as e.g. Capacitors used to smooth the pulse etc.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment with an additional processor 122, which can switch a switch 121, for example in the form of a relay. This process 122 is supplied with the help of an internal power source 124, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery, even in the off state of the electrical device 50 with a residual energy. An input A of the processor 122 is connected via an OR circuit 123 on the one hand to the output of the energy converter 1 and on the other hand again with a signal generator module 53 of the control logic 52. This power supply switching unit 120 functions so that upon actuation of the energy converter 1 through the operator is given the current pulse SP to the input A of the processor to wake it up from its sleep mode. The processor then switches the relay 121, whereupon the power supply unit 51 is connected to the mains connection 55. Via the signal output 53, a corresponding pulse can be given via the OR circuit 123 to the input A of the processor 122, which then switches off the relay 121 again. Alternatively, the switching off can also take place via a renewed current pulse SP of the energy converter 1.

In the following, a preferably used energy converter 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12. This energy converter 1 has as main components a yoke 10 held in an induction bobbin 14 and an armature 20 pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation D and arranged in a housing 2. The yoke 10 and the armature 20 can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 10 and 11 and the position of these parts within the housing 2 in FIGS. 8 and 9.

On the housing 2 there is an actuator 5 in the form of a button, with the armature 20 by an external force F, for example, by a user presses on a plunger 8 of the button 5, so that the plunger 8 is pressed against the armature 20 of a first rotational position I (Figure 8) in a second rotational position Il (Figure 9) can be pressed. The actuation path of the plunger 8 is here at 1, 5 mm.

For this purpose, located at an opening in the housing 2, a plunger guide 6, in which the plunger 8 is mounted longitudinally displaceable. The plunger 8 is externally sealed by a closed end, bellows-like rubber sleeve 7, which encloses the plunger end, relative to the housing 2 and the plunger guide 6 sealed. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger can also be arranged below a flexible user interface of the electrical appliance, which still further Covering keys and optionally also contains display surfaces or the like.

In the housing 2 can also be a return spring 4 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 8), here in the form of a arranged on the longitudinal side of the housing 2 leaf spring, which upon release of the external force F, the armature 20 again from the second rotational position Il in the first Rotary position I pushes back. This spring 4 is optional, that is, it can be provided with a corresponding configuration of the armature 20 and the yoke 10, in particular their pole faces, that the armature 20 automatically folds back into the first rotational position I, as soon as no external force F more on the button 5 is applied.

Both the armature 20 and the yoke 10 are elongate and the longitudinal axes L _S) L _{A of} both elements are substantially, apart from the rotational position of the armature 20 relative to the yoke 10, parallel to each other (see Figure 11).

From the basic structure, the yoke 10 is U-shaped. This can be seen particularly well in the longitudinal section through the yoke 10 in FIG. The two U-legs 11, 12 form the ends of the yoke 10. The longitudinal axis of the yoke 10 and the longitudinal axis of the U-beam is at the same time also the longitudinal axis Ls of the middle U-beam between the two U-legs 11, 12 wound induction coil 30th

In cross-section perpendicular to the coil longitudinal axis Ls, the yoke 10 is approximately square in the region of the U-crossbeam, which can be seen in FIG. This design contributes to the fact that the fastest possible wrapping of the central region of the yoke 10 with the coil wire can be done with a high-speed winding machine and thereby the tightest possible dense winding is achieved, and thus the efficiency of the energy converter is optimized. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the yoke 10 made of soft iron is injected in an induction bobbin 14 made of injection-molded plastic. This induction coil body 14 encloses the yoke 11 in each case in the region of the transitions from the U-beam in the U-legs all around and only at the ends protrude the U-legs 11, 12 of the yoke 10 from the induction bobbin 14 out. In the middle between the U-legs 11, 12 of the yoke 10, a pin 15 is molded onto the induction bobbin 14, which extends parallel to the U-legs 11, 12 and which forms the axis of rotation D for the armature 20. In the two sections of the U-beam between the U-legs 11, 12 and the central region in which the pin 15 is molded, the yoke 10 is only on two sides, here parallel to the U-legs 11, 12 extending Pages covered by a serving as insulation plastic layer 18 of the induction coil body 14. Preferably, the thickness d 'of the plastic sheath 18 is below 1 mm, more preferably below 0.5 mm and most preferably at a maximum of 0.3 mm to wind the induction coil 30 as closely as possible to the soft iron core of the yoke 10 (see FIG 11). This plastic layer 18 projects slightly beyond the edges at the edges, thus forming a bead running along the edges. In a fixed winding of the induction bobbin 14 so each leaves a small air gap 16 as insulation between the other two side surfaces of the yoke 10 (in Figure 11 the top and bottom) and the induction coil 30. The thickness d of this air gap 16 is preferably at most about 0th ,1 mm.

By this type of encapsulation of the yoke 10 of the induction bobbin 14 is stable overall and the yoke 10 is sufficiently insulated from the coil wire, so that it is not a short circuit between even with a fault in the insulation of the wire, which is usually provided with insulating Yoke 10 and coil 30 can come. On the other hand, coil 30 may be as tight as it is to optimize efficiency, particularly because of the air gap design possible to be wound around the yoke 10. In addition, the entire structure is reinforced by the induction coil 30 closely wound around the yoke 10.

The ends of the induction coil 30 are each connected to Spulenterminals or taps 3, which are led away downwards (see Figure 10) and over which the induced voltage can be tapped.

Each end or each U-leg 11, 12 of the yoke 10 forms two yoke pole faces 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b. In each case, a first yoke pole face 11a, 12a and a second yoke pole face 11b, 12b is formed shorter by pulling in a portion 17 on the side of the respective second yoke pole face 11b, 12b, the plastic of the induction bobbin 14 slightly higher is. In addition, the second yoke pole faces 11b, 12b each have a separating plate 13 made of nonmagnetic material, for example stainless steel. As a result, the magnetic resistance of the second yoke pole faces 11b, 12b is increased in contrast to the first yoke pole faces 11a, 12a. The induction bobbin 14 is thus formed and the separator plate 13 is applied so that the first yoke pole faces 11a, 12a and the second yoke pole faces 11b, 12b are opposite to each other diagonally with respect to an axis of symmetry extending through the axis of rotation D.

The armature 20 of the energy converter 1 is constructed of several components. Inside the armature 20 is a permanent magnet core 23 preferably made of samarium cobalt, aluminum-nickel-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron or another particularly strong permanent magnetic material. This permanent magnet core 23 is magnetized so that its magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the axis of rotation D and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA of the armature 20. The magnetic field direction M is shown schematically in FIG. Basically, the magnetic field direction M but also be exactly the opposite, since the entire energy converter 1 is constructed symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation D.

On the two longitudinal sides of the permanent magnet core 23 extend over the entire permanent magnet core 23 and beyond pole pieces 21, 22, for example made of soft iron.

The permanent magnet core 23 is arranged together with the pole shoes 21, 22 in a potting body 24 made of plastic, which holds the entire ensemble firmly together and thus forms the compact armature 20, wherein the pole shoes protrude on both sides of the potting 24. By virtue of this construction, the armature 20 has an H-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation D, which is why such an armature 20 can also be referred to as an H-armature, in which case, as can be seen in the figures, the legs of the pole shoes 21, 22 are formed asymmetrically.

The pole shoes 21, 22 of the armature 20 may be formed conically (viewed in a perpendicular to the axis of rotation D cross-sectional area) at the ends to a defined angle between the yoke pole faces 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b and the armature pole faces 21a , 22b, 22a, 21b in the first and second rotational position of the armature 20 to achieve.

The permanent magnetic core 23 may also be formed in several parts. For example, it may be formed in two parts while leaving a free space for a Drehachsenführungsloch 25. In this case, the rotation axis guide hole 25 is preferably injected into the potting body 24 equal with suitably. This rotary axis guide hole 25 is formed so that it fits snugly on the pin 15 of the induction coil body 14 and the armature 20 can be freely rotatably mounted on the pin 15 with the least possible tolerance, as shown in Figures 8 to 12. If a continuous permanent Magnet core is used, it can be introduced into this also a corresponding through hole.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, in each of the pole shoes 21, 22 one of the two ends, with which it protrudes from the potting body 24, is shortened in relation to the respective other end, which on the other hand has a very large area and so long is that in the assembled state almost to the outer edge of the U-leg 11, 12 of the yoke 10 protrudes. These ends each form on their inner side the first armature pole faces 21a, 22a, which lie opposite the first yoke pole faces 11a, 12a. In order to further reduce the magnetic resistance, the first armature pole faces 21a, 22a are even enlarged transversely to the longitudinal axis LA of the armature 20, in that the pole shoes at their ends are each extended at right angles downwards. As much as possible of the yoke available at the first yoke pole face 11a, 12a is used. In a plane lying diagonally through the armature 20 parallel to the axis of rotation D, which runs through the pole piece areas with the first armature pole faces 21a, 22b, the armature 20 thus likewise has a U-shaped cross section, the open side of the U cross section of the armature 20 in the direction of the open side of the U-section of the yoke 10 points.

The sharply shortened ends of the two pole pieces 21, 22 form the second armature pole faces 21b, 22b. In this case, the second armature pole face 21b, which is formed by the shortened end of the first pole piece 21 (in FIG. 11 the north pole N of the armature 20), lies opposite the second yoke pole face 12b of the second U leg and the second yoke pole face 22b, which is formed by the second pole piece 22 (in FIG. 11 the south pole S of the armature 20), lies opposite the second yoke pole face 11b of the first U leg 11 of the yoke 10. This asymmetrical design means that in the first rotational position I very large opposite first yoke pole faces 11a, 12a and associated armature pole faces 21a, 22a are available, so that in the first Rotary position I, the magnetic contact resistance between the armature 20 and the yoke 10 is very low. On the other hand, the second yoke pole faces 11b, 12b and second armature pole faces 22b, 21b abutting one another in the second rotational position II (see FIG. 9) are relatively small, the magnetic resistance being increased by the separating platelets 13 made of non-magnetic material.

Depending on the choice of the magnetic material and the separating plate matehal selection or thickness, it is possible to ensure that the magnetic field M does not turn through the yoke 10 during an adjustment of the armature from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, but at most to zero declining. Therefore, as already explained at the outset, basically a return spring 4 can be dispensed with. Incidentally, the asymmetrical design of the armature pole faces that are located opposite each other at a yoke end has the advantage that an effective energy converter can be realized with a very small actuation path.

First series of experiments with a so-constructed energy converter have shown that, regardless of the speed with which the user is pressed the key, voltages of over 30 volts can be reached, the power with increasing load resistance, which is attached as a payload to the coil terminals, to to 1, 5 mWs increases. In this case, a voltage of 25 volts is still achieved at load resistances in the range of 0.5 to 3.5 kΩ. These values are easily enough to directly control a relay in the power supply switching device of the electrical appliance. Amplification of the signal by active components is not required.

It is finally pointed out again that it is in the figures shown in the figures devices and the energy converter and the concrete method explained in connection therewith only exemplary embodiments, which the expert in can be varied in many ways, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also noted for the sake of completeness that the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not preclude that the characteristics in question may also be present more than once.

Claims

claims

1. Switching device for switching on an electrical appliance (50), which has a power supply connection (55) to a power supply (E), with an in or on a housing (56) of the electrical appliance (50) arranged by an operator of the electrical appliance (50) manually operable electromechanical energy converter (1) for converting a kinetic switching pulse (F) into an electrical pulse (SP) and with a power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) which in a first switching state the power supply connection ( 55) with an operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50) and in a second switching state, the operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50) from the power supply terminal

(55), wherein the power converter (1) and the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) are circuit-coupled with each other so that the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 , 120), when in the second switching state, is switched to the first switching state by an electrical pulse (SP) generated during a mechanical actuation of the energy converter (1).

2. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that in a mechanical actuation of the energy converter (1) generated electrical pulse (SP), the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110) switches directly.

3. Switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 110), an AC switching unit (61, 71, 81, 111, 112, 121) and / or a DC switching unit (91 , 101).

4. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the power supply connection (55), a rectifier (94, 104) is connected downstream and the

Power supply switching unit (90, 100) between the rectifier (94, 104) and the operating unit (51, 52) is connected.

5. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the power supply switching unit (60, 70,

80, 90, 100, 110, 120) comprises a relay circuit (60, 70, 120) and / or a thyristor circuit (80) and / or a transistor circuit (90, 100, 110).

6. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the energy converter (1) and the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 120) are coupled together in terms of circuitry that the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 120) when they are is in the first switching state, is switched by a upon actuation of the energy converter (1) generated electrical pulse (SP) in the second switching state.

7. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the power supply switching unit (60, 70) is formed bistable.

8. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a holding circuit (82, 93, 103, 114, 123), which the power supply switching unit (80, 90, 100, 110, 120) after a

Switching from the second switching state holds in the first switching state in the first switching state.

9. Switching device according to claim 8, characterized in that the holding circuit (82, 93, 103, 114, 123) comprises a signal generator or with a signal generator (53) is coupled, which is supplied via the power supply terminal (55) with energy when the power supply switching unit (80, 90, 100, 110, 120) is in the first switching state.

10. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a with the power supply switching unit (70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) coupled to signal generator (53) which is formed and / or by an operating unit (52) of the Electric device (50) is controlled so that the power supply switching unit (70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) switches in response to a defined operating program from the first switching state to the second switching state.

11. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a with the energy converter (1) coupled to the processor unit (122), which is held in a sleep mode, when the power supply switching unit (120) in the second

Switching state is located, and which upon receipt of a switching pulse (SP) from the power converter (1), the power supply switching unit (120) switches from the second switching state to the first switching state.

12. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the energy converter (1) comprises the following components:

a fixed yoke (10) which has at least two ends (11, 12) each with a first yoke pole face (11a, 12a) and is wrapped in a region between the ends of at least one induction coil (30), - A permanent magnetic armature (20), which at two ends in each case a first armature pole face (21a, 22a) and about a rotation axis (D) is rotatably mounted on the yoke (10) that in a first rotational position (I) of the Anchor (20) the first armature pole faces (21a, 22a) each to form a stop for the first

Rotary position (I) on the first yoke pole faces (11a, 12a) abut the two ends of the yoke (10),

- An actuating element (5) for moving the armature (20) by an external mechanical force (F) from the first rotational position (I) in a second rotational position (II), wherein in the induction coil (30) electrical energy is induced.

13. Electrical appliance (50) with a switching device according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Electrical device according to claim 13, characterized in that the energy converter (1) with the actuating element (5) in an operating unit of the electrical appliance (50) and the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) is disposed in a remote area in the housing (56) of the electrical appliance (50).

15. Electrical device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by an electronic control unit (52) which the power supply switching unit

(70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) switches back to the second switching state according to a specific program sequence.

16. Use of an electromechanical energy converter (1), which one upon actuation of an actuating element (5) of the

Energy converter (1) converted by an operator kinetic switching pulse (F) into an electrical pulse (SP) to within an electrical appliance (50) of a power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) of the electrical appliance (50) having a power supply terminal (55) to a power supply (E) from a second switching state in which the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) separates an operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50) from the power supply terminal (55) to switch to a first switching state in which the power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100 , 110, 120) connects the power supply terminal (55) to the operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50).

17. A method for switching on an electrical appliance (50) which has a power supply connection (55) to a power supply (E), in which by means of in or on a housing (56) of the electrical appliance (50) arranged, manually operated electromechanical energy converter ( 1) a kinetic switching pulse is converted into an electrical pulse (SP) and by means of this electrical pulse (SP) a power supply switching unit (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) which in a first switching state the

Power supply connection (55) to an operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50) connects and in a second switching state, the operating unit (51, 52) of the electrical appliance (50) from the power supply terminal (55) disconnected, switched from the second switching state to the first switching state becomes.