EP3652765B1 - Mechanical switch - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mechanical switch, in particular a light switch and/or shutter switch and/or thermostat switch. The invention also relates to an electromechanical actuator unit for such a mechanical switch, a switch arrangement comprising such a mechanical switch and such an electromechanical actuator unit, and a method for controlling a switch.

In the field of electrical installation, mechanical switches of the type mentioned are known, for example from the published application EP 2 187 419 A2 or the U.S. Patent 6,714,106 . If a user is to be provided with additional functions, in particular electromechanical functions, such as enabling the switch to be actuated remotely, then the switch generally has to be replaced by a switch with such a range of functions. Examples of such switches include off CN 202 871 661 U and DE 10 2015 010 820 A1 known.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a mechanical switch that can be expanded to include additional functions in a simple manner or without additional wiring effort (plug and play).

To solve the problem, a mechanical switch of the type mentioned is proposed, which comprises a switching contact arrangement, in particular a monostable, bistable or tristable switching contact arrangement, and a base support in which the switching contact arrangement is accommodated. The base support also includes a guide device. The mechanical switch includes an operating mechanism that is guided in the guide device and is suitable for assuming an operating position as a result of an external mechanical effect in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement, and to assume a rest position if the external mechanical effect does not occur. The base support also has a receiving device for receiving an electromechanical actuator unit, the receiving device is designed in such a way that an electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device can be supplied with voltage in order to bring about a state change of the switching contact arrangement by means of the electromechanical actuator unit independently of an external mechanical influence on the operating mechanism.

This refinement makes it possible to provide the mechanical switch with an actuator unit in a simple manner, in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement from a distance, for example.

According to the invention, the receiving device comprises a first plug-in connection device that can be connected to a second plug-in connection device of the electromechanical actuator unit in order to supply voltage to the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device, with the first plug-in connection device preferably being designed as a socket and the second plug-in connection device being designed as a plug.

This configuration enables the actuator unit to be easily connected to the receiving device in order to supply the electromechanical actuator unit with voltage.

According to the invention, the switching contact arrangement is decoupled from the operating mechanism when the operating mechanism assumes the rest position.

This configuration makes it possible to bring about a state change of the switching contact arrangement in a simple manner by means of the electromechanical actuator unit.

The guide device preferably has at least one linear guide element for linear guidance of the operating mechanism and/or at least one rotary guide element for rotatable guidance of the operating mechanism, with the linear guide element also preferably being designed as a slot open on one side or as a slot and/or the rotary guide element as Opening or blind hole is formed with each circular cross-section.

This configuration enables the use of different operating mechanisms for the mechanical switch.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching contact arrangement has at least one switching rocker mounted rotatably in the base support and at least one first switching contact, the switching rocker being suitable for a first switching position, in which the switching rocker is in contact with the first switching contact, and at least one neutral position, in which the rocker switch is spaced from the first switching contact to take.

The base support preferably also includes a guide arrangement and the switching contact arrangement has a carriage which is mounted in the guide arrangement so that it can move along and/or counter to a guide direction, with the carriage preferably being suitable for assuming a neutral position in which the carriage is mechanically decoupled from the rocker switch is.

This refinement also makes it possible to operate the mechanical switch using the operating mechanism, even if an electromechanical actuator unit is accommodated in the receiving device.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises at least one spring element, which is connected to the base support and the slide in such a way that the spring element exerts a force on the slide, which causes the slide to move from a first switch position and/or a second switch position and/or a first intermediate position and/or a second intermediate position can be converted into the neutral position.

The carriage preferably has a first contact surface which is suitable for being brought into contact with a first plunger of a first actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device in order to move the carriage along the guide direction and thereby bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the carriage has a second contact surface, which is suitable for being brought into contact with a second plunger of a second actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device, in order to displace the carriage along the guide direction and thereby change the state of the switching contact arrangement to effect.

The first contact surface and the second contact surface are preferably designed in such a way that a successive movement of the first tappet and the second tappet causes the carriage to move from the neutral position into a first switching position.

A movement of the carriage from the neutral position into the first switching position preferably causes the switching contact arrangement to be transferred into the first switching position. The aforementioned configurations make it possible to reduce the forces to be exerted on the carriage by the electromechanical actuator unit in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the carriage has a third contact surface which is suitable for being brought into contact with the first plunger of the first actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device in order to move the carriage in the opposite direction to the guide direction and thereby change the state of the switching contact arrangement to effect.

The carriage preferably has a fourth contact surface which is suitable for being brought into contact with the second plunger of the second actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device in order to displace the carriage in the opposite direction to the guide direction and thereby bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface are designed in such a way that a successive movement of the second plunger and the first plunger causes a movement of the carriage from the neutral position to a second switching position.

These refinements make it possible to transfer the switching mechanism into a second switching position by means of the carriage and the electromechanical actuator unit when the carriage is moved from the neutral position into the second switching position.

By arranging the contact surfaces as described above, the movement of the carriage, starting from the neutral position, is determined either in the guiding direction or counter to the guiding direction by the sequence in which the actuators are actuated. If, starting from the neutral position of the carriage, the first actuator is actuated first and the second actuator second, this results in a movement of the carriage in the guide direction into the first switching position, as a result of which the switching contact arrangement is transferred to the first switching position. If, starting from the neutral position of the carriage, the second actuator is actuated first and the first actuator second, this results in a movement of the carriage against the guide direction into the second switching position, as a result of which the switching contact arrangement is transferred to the second switching position.

The first contact surface is preferably at an oblique angle in relation to a direction of movement of the first plunger of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device and/or the second contact surface is at an oblique angle in relation to a direction of movement of the second plunger of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device and/or the third contact surface is in relation to the Direction of movement of the first plunger of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device at an oblique angle and/or the fourth contact surface obliquely angled relative to the direction of movement of the second plunger of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device.

This configuration makes it possible to effect the movement of the first ram and/or the second ram in a movement of the carriage in or against the guide direction.

• wobei die erste Kippposition zwischen der ersten Schaltposition und der Neutralposition angeordnet ist,
• wobei die erste Kippposition einen Kipppunkt der Schaltwippe darstellt, sodass die Federeinrichtung die Schaltwippe in die erste Schaltposition überführt, wenn die Schaltwippe eine Position zwischen der ersten Kippposition und der ersten Schaltposition einnimmt, und
• wobei der Schlitten geeignet ist, die Schaltwippe von der Neutralposition in Richtung der ersten Schaltposition und über die erste Kippposition hinaus zu überführen, wenn der Schlitten von der Neutralstellung in eine erste Schaltstellung bewegt wird.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching contact arrangement comprises at least one spring device and the switching rocker is also suitable for assuming a first tilted position, in which the switching rocker is at a distance from the first switching contact,

• wherein the first tilting position is located between the first shifting position and the neutral position,
• wherein the first tilting position represents a tilting point of the rocker switch, so that the spring device moves the rocker switch into the first switching position when the rocker switch assumes a position between the first tilting position and the first switching position, and
• wherein the carriage is adapted to translate the paddle shifter from the neutral position toward the first shift position and beyond the first tilt position when the carriage is moved from the neutral position to a first shift position.

The switching rocker preferably comprises a projection and the carriage has a window, the projection penetrating the window, the projection also preferably being able to be brought into contact with a border of the window in order to bring about a state change of the switching contact arrangement.

This configuration allows for a simple mechanical coupling of the rocker switch and the carriage.

In a preferred embodiment, the guiding direction and an actuating direction of the first plunger and/or the second plunger intersect or the guiding direction and an actuating direction of the first plunger and/or the second plunger are skewed to one another, with the guiding direction preferably being essentially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the first Plunger and / or orthogonal to the direction of movement of the second plunger.

The carriage preferably comprises at least one blocking element suitable for blocking the operating mechanism when the carriage is outside the neutral position.

This refinement makes it possible to prevent the operating mechanism from being operated while the state of the switching contact arrangement is being changed by means of the electromechanical actuator unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the carriage comprises, adjacent to the first engagement surface, a first latching device connectable to a head of the first plunger to hold the carriage in a first intermediate position, the first latching device being arranged such that the head of the first plunger is suitable is to slide along the first engagement surface into the first latching device in order to connect the head of the first plunger to the first latching device in the first intermediate position. The first latching device is preferably designed in such a way that the head of the first plunger is also held in the first latching device when the first actuator is not energized.

The first contact surface, the second contact surface and the first latching device are preferably arranged and designed in such a way that a movement of the head of the first tappet up to the first latching device causes a movement of the carriage from the neutral position to the first intermediate position and a subsequent movement of the second plunger causes a release of the connection between the head of the first plunger and the first latching device and a movement of the carriage from the first intermediate position into a first switching position. The first latching device is also preferably designed in such a way that the first plunger of the first actuator that is not energized is released from the first latching device when the carriage is transferred from the first intermediate position to the first switching position, as a result of which the first plunger is retracted counter to the first direction of movement .

A movement of the carriage from the first intermediate position into the first switching position preferably causes the switching contact arrangement to assume the first switching position.

In a preferred embodiment, the carriage comprises, adjacent to the fourth engagement surface, a second latching device connectable to a head of the second plunger to hold the carriage in a second intermediate position, the second latching device being arranged such that the head of the second plunger is suitable is to slide along the fourth engagement surface into the second latching device in order to connect the head of the second plunger to the second latching device in the second intermediate position. The second latching device is preferably designed in such a way that the head of the second plunger is also held in the second latching device when the second actuator is not energized.

Preferably, the fourth contact surface, the third contact surface and the second latching device are arranged and designed in such a way that a movement of the head of the second tappet into the second latching device causes a movement of the carriage from the neutral position to the second intermediate position and a subsequent movement of the first plunger causes a release of the connection between the head of the second plunger and the second latching device and a movement of the carriage from the second intermediate position into a second switching position. The second latching device is also preferably designed in such a way that the second plunger of the second actuator that is not energized is released from the second latching device when the carriage is transferred from the second intermediate position to the second switching position, as a result of which the second plunger is retracted counter to the second direction of movement .

• wobei der Schlitten geeignet ist, eine erste Schaltstellung und eine erste Zwischenstellung, die zwischen der Neutralstellung und der ersten Schaltstellung angeordnet ist, und das Anschlagelement geeignet ist, eine Startstellung, eine erste Drehstellung, eine zweite Drehstellung und eine dritte Drehstellung einzunehmen,
• wobei die Federvorrichtung zumindest teilweise eine Kraft auf das Anschlagelement ausübt,
• wobei das Anschlagelement, die Federvorrichtung und der Schlitten derart ausgebildet sind, dass der Schlitten von der Neutralstellung in die erste Zwischenstellung überführt werden kann, wenn das Anschlagelement die Startstellung einnimmt,
• wobei Anschlagelement, die Federvorrichtung und der Schlitten derart ausgebildet sind, dass das Anschlagelement bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens von der Neutralstellung in die erste Zwischenstellung von der Startstellung in die erste Drehstellung überführt wird,
• wobei das Anschlagelement in der ersten Drehstellung einen Anschlag für den Schlitten in der ersten Zwischenstellung bildet,
• wobei Anschlagelement, die Federvorrichtung und der Schlitten derart ausgebildet sind, dass das Anschlagelement bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens von der ersten Zwischenstellung in die Neutralstellung von der ersten Drehstellung in die zweite Drehstellung überführt wird,
• wobei das Anschlagelement, die Federvorrichtung und der Schlitten derart ausgebildet sind, dass der Schlitten von der Neutralstellung in die erste Schaltstellung überführt werden kann, wenn das Anschlagelement die zweite Drehstellung annimmt,
• wobei das Anschlagelement, die Federvorrichtung und der Schlitten derart ausgebildet sind, dass das Anschlagelement bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens von der Neutralstellung in die erste Schaltstellung von der zweiten Drehstellung in die dritte Drehstellung überführt wird, und
• wobei das Anschlagelement, die Federvorrichtung und der Schlitten derart ausgebildet sind, dass das Anschlagelement bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens von der ersten Schaltstellung in die Neutralstellung von der dritten Drehstellung in die Startstellung überführt wird.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base support also includes a spring device and a rotatable stop element,

• wherein the carriage is adapted to have a first shift position and a first intermediate position located between the neutral position and the first shift position, and the stop member is adapted to a take up a starting position, a first rotational position, a second rotational position and a third rotational position,
• wherein the spring device at least partially exerts a force on the stop element,
• wherein the stop element, the spring device and the carriage are designed in such a way that the carriage can be transferred from the neutral position to the first intermediate position when the stop element assumes the starting position,
• wherein the stop element, the spring device and the carriage are designed in such a way that the stop element is transferred from the starting position to the first rotational position when the carriage moves from the neutral position to the first intermediate position,
• wherein the stop element in the first rotational position forms a stop for the carriage in the first intermediate position,
• wherein the stop element, the spring device and the carriage are designed in such a way that the stop element is transferred from the first rotary position to the second rotary position when the carriage moves from the first intermediate position to the neutral position,
• wherein the stop element, the spring device and the carriage are designed in such a way that the carriage can be transferred from the neutral position to the first switching position when the stop element assumes the second rotational position,
• wherein the stop element, the spring device and the carriage are designed in such a way that the stop element is transferred from the second rotational position to the third rotational position when the carriage moves from the neutral position to the first switching position, and
• wherein the stop element, the spring device and the carriage are designed in such a way that the stop element is transferred from the third rotational position to the starting position when the carriage moves from the first switching position to the neutral position.

The invention also relates to an electromechanical actuator unit for a mechanical switch according to the invention, the electromechanical actuator unit being suitable for being accommodated in the receiving device of the mechanical switch in order to supply the electromechanical actuator unit with voltage and to use the electromechanical actuator unit independently of a external mechanical influence on the operating mechanism of the mechanical switch to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement of the mechanical switch.

According to the invention, the electromechanical actuator unit comprises a second plug-in connection device which can be connected to a first plug-in connection device of the mechanical switch in order to supply voltage to the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device, the second plug-in connection device preferably being designed as a plug.

This configuration allows the electromechanical actuator unit to be easily connected to the mechanical switch.

In a preferred embodiment, the electromechanical actuator unit includes a first actuator with a first plunger, the first plunger being designed to be brought into contact with a first contact surface of the carriage in order to move the carriage along the guide direction and thereby change the state of the switching contact arrangement to effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the electromechanical actuator unit includes a second actuator with a second plunger, the second plunger being designed to be brought into contact with a second contact surface of the carriage in order to move the carriage along the guide direction and thereby change the state of the switching contact arrangement to effect.

The first plunger is preferably also designed to be brought into contact with a third contact surface of the carriage in order to move the carriage counter to the guide direction and thereby bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the second plunger is also designed to be brought into contact with a fourth contact surface of the carriage to move the carriage against the To move guide direction and thereby cause a state change of the switching contact arrangement.

Preferably, the first ram is movable in a first direction of movement and the second ram is movable in a second direction of movement, the first direction of movement and the second direction of movement being coplanar, preferably parallel to one another.

The invention also relates to a switch arrangement comprising a mechanical switch according to the invention and an electromechanical actuator unit according to the invention, the electromechanical actuator unit being accommodated in the receiving device of the mechanical switch.

• wobei der Schalter eine Schaltkontaktanordnung, insbesondere eine monostabile, bistabile oder tristabile Schaltkontaktanordnung, einen Basisträger, in welchem die Schaltkontaktanordnung aufgenommen ist, und eine elektromechanische Aktoreinheit umfasst,
• wobei der Basisträger eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung umfasst, in welcher die elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit aufgenommen ist,
• wobei die elektromechanische Aktoreinheit einen ersten Aktor mit einem ersten Stößel und einen zweiten Aktor mit einem zweiten Stößel umfasst,
• wobei die Schaltkontaktanordnung wenigstens eine drehbar gelagerte Schaltwippe und wenigstens einen ersten Schaltkontakt aufweist,
• wobei der Basisträger ferner eine Führungsanordnung umfasst und die Schaltkontaktanordnung einen Schlitten umfasst, der entlang und/oder entgegen einer Führungsrichtung in der Führungsanordnung bewegbar gelagert ist,
• wobei der Schlitten eine erste Angriffsfläche aufweist, die geeignet ist, mit dem ersten Stößel des ersten Aktors der in der Aufnahmeeinrichtung aufgenommenen elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit in Berührung gebracht zu werden, und
• wobei der Schlitten eine zweite Angriffsfläche aufweist, die geeignet ist, mit dem zweiten Stößel des zweiten Aktors der in der Aufnahmeeinrichtung aufgenommenen elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit in Berührung gebracht zu werden,
• Verfahren gekennzeichnet durch folgende Verfahrensschritte:
  • Ansteuern des ersten Aktors, um den ersten Stößel mit der ersten Angriffsfläche in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten entlang einer Führungsrichtung von einer Neutralstellung in eine erste Zwischenstellung zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe von einer Neutralposition zu einer ersten Zwischenposition zu bewirken;
  • Ansteuern des zweiten Aktors, um den zweiten Stößel mit der zweiten Angriffsfläche in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten entlang der Führungsrichtung von der ersten Zwischenstellung in eine erste Schaltstellung zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe von der ersten Zwischenposition zu einer ersten Schaltposition zu bewirken.

Ultimately, the invention relates to a method for controlling a switch,

• wherein the switch comprises a switching contact arrangement, in particular a monostable, bistable or tristable switching contact arrangement, a base support in which the switching contact arrangement is accommodated, and an electromechanical actuator unit,
• wherein the base support comprises a receiving device in which the electromechanical actuator unit is received,
• wherein the electromechanical actuator unit comprises a first actuator with a first tappet and a second actuator with a second tappet,
• wherein the switching contact arrangement has at least one rotatably mounted switching rocker and at least one first switching contact,
• wherein the base support further comprises a guide arrangement and the switching contact arrangement comprises a carriage which is movably mounted in the guide arrangement along and/or counter to a guide direction,
• wherein the carriage has a first contact surface which is suitable for being brought into contact with the first plunger of the first actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device, and
• wherein the carriage has a second engagement surface which is suitable with the second plunger of the second actuator in the to be brought into contact with the receiving device received electromechanical actuator unit,
• Process characterized by the following process steps:
  • activating the first actuator in order to bring the first plunger into contact with the first contact surface and in order to transfer the carriage along a guide direction from a neutral position to a first intermediate position and to cause the switching rocker to be transferred from a neutral position to a first intermediate position;
  • Activation of the second actuator in order to bring the second plunger into contact with the second contact surface and in order to transfer the carriage along the guide direction from the first intermediate position to a first switching position and to cause the switching rocker to be transferred from the first intermediate position to a first switching position.

• wobei der Schlitten eine dritte Angriffsfläche aufweist, die geeignet ist, mit dem ersten Stößel des ersten Aktors der in der Aufnahmeeinrichtung aufgenommenen elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit in Berührung gebracht zu werden, und
• wobei der Schlitten eine vierte Angriffsfläche aufweist, die geeignet ist, mit dem zweiten Stößel des zweiten Aktors der in der Aufnahmeeinrichtung aufgenommenen elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit in Berührung gebracht zu werden,
• wobei das Verfahren durch die weiteren folgenden Verfahrensschritte gekennzeichnet ist:
  • Ansteuern des zweiten Aktors, um den zweiten Stößel mit der vierten Angriffsfläche in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten entgegen der Führungsrichtung von der Neutralstellung in eine zweite Zwischenstellung zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe von einer Neutralposition zu einer zweiten Zwischenposition zu bewirken;
  • Ansteuern des ersten Aktors, um den ersten Stößel mit der dritten Angriffsfläche in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten entgegen der Führungsrichtung von der zweiten Zwischenstellung in eine zweite Schaltstellung zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe von der zweiten Zwischenposition zu einer zweiten Schaltposition zu bewirken.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching contact arrangement has at least one second switching contact,

• wherein the carriage has a third contact surface which is suitable for being brought into contact with the first plunger of the first actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device, and
• wherein the carriage has a fourth contact surface which is suitable for being brought into contact with the second plunger of the second actuator of the electromechanical actuator unit accommodated in the receiving device,
• the method being characterized by the further following method steps:
  • activating the second actuator in order to bring the second plunger into contact with the fourth contact surface and in order to transfer the carriage from the neutral position to a second intermediate position counter to the guiding direction and to cause the switching rocker to be transferred from a neutral position to a second intermediate position;
  • Activation of the first actuator in order to bring the first plunger into contact with the third contact surface and in order to transfer the carriage from the second intermediate position into a second switching position counter to the guiding direction and to cause the switching rocker to be transferred from the second intermediate position to a second switching position.

• Verbinden der ersten Rasteinrichtung mit dem Kopf des ersten Stößels in der ersten Zwischenposition, um den Schlitten in der ersten Zwischenposition zu halten und/oder um den Kopf des ersten Stößels in der ersten Rasteinrichtung zu halten; und/oder
• Verbinden der zweiten Rasteinrichtung mit dem Kopf des zweiten Stößels in der zweiten Zwischenposition, um den Schlitten in der zweiten Zwischenposition zu halten und/oder um den Kopf des zweiten Stößels in der zweiten Rasteinrichtung zu halten.

In a preferred embodiment, the carriage comprises a first latching device and/or a second latching device, the first plunger having a head and the second plunger having a head, the method being characterized by the following additional method steps:

• connecting the first detent to the head of the first plunger in the first intermediate position to hold the carriage in the first intermediate position and/or to hold the head of the first plunger in the first detent; and or
• Connecting the second detent to the head of the second plunger in the second intermediate position to hold the carriage in the second intermediate position and/or to hold the head of the second plunger in the second detent.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the switching rocker is in contact with the first switching contact in the first switching position and is spaced apart from the first switching contact in the neutral position and/or the switching rocker is in contact with the second switching contact in the second switching position and is in contact with the second switching contact in the neutral position second switching contact spaced and / or the carriage is mechanically decoupled in the neutral position of the rocker switch.

• Fig. 1: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Schalteranordnung, umfassend einen erfindungsgemäßen mechanischen Schalter und eine erfindungsgemäße elektromechanische Aktoreinheit nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 2: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Schalteranordnung gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht der elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht der elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 5 eine schematische Darstellung der Schalteranordnung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht des mechanischen Schalters der Schalteranordnung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 7 bis 9 eine seitliche Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 6;
• Fig. 10 zeigt die perspektivische Ansicht eines mechanischen Schalters einer Schalteranordnung nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 11 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines mechanischen Schalters einer Schalteranordnung nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 12 eine perspektivische Ansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 10;
• Fig. 13 eine perspektivische Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 10;
• Fig. 14 zeigt eine seitliche Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 10;
• Fig. 15 zeigt ein Diagramm der verschiedenen Schalt- und Zwischenpositionen, die eine Schaltmechanik des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 14 annehmen kann;
• Fig. 16 zeigt eine seitliche Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 6;
• Fig. 17 zeigt ein Diagramm der verschiedenen Schalt- und Zwischenpositionen, die die Schaltmechanik des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 16 annehmen kann;
• Fig. 18 zeigt eine seitliche Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 10;
• Fig. 19 zeigt ein Diagramm der verschiedenen Schalt- und Zwischenpositionen, die die Schaltmechanik des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 18 annehmen kann;
• Fig. 20 zeigt eine seitliche Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 10;
• Fig. 21 zeigt ein Diagramm der verschiedenen Schalt- und Zwischenpositionen, die die Schaltmechanik des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 20 annehmen kann;
• Fig. 22 zeigt eine seitliche Schnittansicht des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 10;
• Fig. 23 zeigt ein Diagramm der verschiedenen Schalt- und Zwischenpositionen, die eine Schaltmechanik des mechanischen Schalters aus Fig. 22 annehmen kann;
• Fig. 24 bis 29 zeigen den mechanischen Schalter aus Fig. 6 mit unterschiedlichen Schaltpositionen der Schaltkontaktanordnung und unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Schlittens ; und
• Fig. 30 bis 36 zeigen eine Schalteranordnung mit einem mechanischen Schalter und einer elektromechanischen Aktoreinheit nach einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Details and further advantages of the mechanical switch according to the invention, the electromechanical actuator unit according to the invention, the switch arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention for controlling a switch are explained using four exemplary embodiments described below. The following illustrate in detail:

• 1 1: a perspective view of a switch arrangement according to the invention, comprising a mechanical switch according to the invention and an electromechanical actuator unit according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment;
• 2 12: shows a perspective view of the switch assembly according to the first embodiment;
• 3 a perspective view of the electromechanical actuator unit according to the first embodiment;
• 4 a perspective view of the electromechanical actuator unit according to the first embodiment;
• figure 5 a schematic representation of the switch arrangement according to the first embodiment;
• 6 a perspective view of the mechanical switch of the switch assembly according to the first embodiment;
• Figures 7 to 9 Figure 12 shows a side sectional view of the mechanical switch 6 ;
• 10 shows the perspective view of a mechanical switch of a switch arrangement according to a second embodiment;
• 11 shows a perspective view of a mechanical switch of a switch arrangement according to a third embodiment;
• 12 Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the mechanical switch 10 ;
• 13 Figure 12 shows a perspective sectional view of the mechanical switch 10 ;
• 14 FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the mechanical switch from FIG 10 ;
• 15 shows a diagram of the different switching and intermediate positions that a switching mechanism of the mechanical switch 14 can accept;
• 16 FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the mechanical switch from FIG 6 ;
• 17 shows a diagram of the different switching and intermediate positions that the switching mechanics of the mechanical switch 16 can accept;
• 18 FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the mechanical switch from FIG 10 ;
• 19 shows a diagram of the different switching and intermediate positions that the switching mechanics of the mechanical switch 18 can accept;
• 20 FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the mechanical switch from FIG 10 ;
• 21 shows a diagram of the different switching and intermediate positions that the switching mechanics of the mechanical switch 20 can accept;
• 22 FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the mechanical switch from FIG 10 ;
• 23 shows a diagram of the different switching and intermediate positions that a switching mechanism of the mechanical switch 22 can accept;
• Figures 24 to 29 show the mechanical switch off 6 with different switching positions of the switching contact arrangement and different positions of the carriage; and
• Figures 30 to 36 show a switch arrangement with a mechanical switch and an electromechanical actuator unit according to a fourth embodiment.

The invention relates to a mechanical switch 10, in particular a light switch and/or a shutter switch and/or a thermostat switch. The mechanical switch 10 includes a switching contact arrangement 20, in particular a monostable, bistable or tristable switching contact arrangement 20, and a base support 40 in which the switching contact arrangement 20 is accommodated. The base support 40 also includes a guide device 42. The mechanical switch 10 includes an operating mechanism 60, which is guided in the guide device 42 and is suitable for assuming an operating position B as a result of an external mechanical effect in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement 20, and take a resting position R in the absence of the external mechanical influence. The base support 40 also has a receiving device 50 for receiving an electromechanical actuator unit 100 . The receiving device 50 is designed in such a way that an electromechanical actuator unit 100 received in the receiving device 50 can be supplied with voltage in order to bring about a state change of the switching contact arrangement 20 by means of the electromechanical actuator unit 100 independently of an external mechanical influence on the operating mechanism 60.

The switching contact arrangement 20 can preferably assume at least one first switching position SP1 and at least one neutral position NP.

The switching contact arrangement 20 can have at least one switching rocker 22 rotatably mounted in the base support 40 and at least one first switching contact 24 . In the first switching position SP1 the switching rocker 22 is in contact with the first switching contact 24 . In the neutral position NP, the switching rocker 22 is at a distance from the first switching contact 24 . Furthermore, the switching contact arrangement 20 can have a second switching contact 24a. In this case, the switching rocker 22 can be suitable for assuming a second switching position SP2, in which the switching rocker 22 is in contact with the second switching contact 24a. In this case, the switching contact arrangement 20 can be, in particular, a tristable switching contact arrangement 20 .

In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the switching contact arrangement 20 can comprise two separate switching rockers 22, namely a first switching rocker and a second switching rocker, with the first switching rocker preferably being moved by a movement of the carriage 26 from the neutral position N into the first switching position S1 into a first Switching position SP1 can be converted and the second rocker switch can be converted into a second switching position SP2 by a movement of the carriage 26 from the neutral position N into the second switching position S2.

The receiving device 50 includes a first plug connection device 52 . The electromechanical actuator unit 100 includes a second plug-in connection device 102. The first plug-in connection device 52 can be connected to the second plug-in connection device 102 in order to supply the electromechanical actuator unit 100 accommodated in the receiving device 50 with voltage. When the electromechanical actuator unit 100 is installed in the receiving device 50 , the first plug-in connection device 52 is connected to the second plug-in connection device 102 . The first plug-in connection device 52 can preferably be in the form of a socket and the second plug-in connection device 102 can be in the form of a plug. This is in particular from the Figures 1 to 4 apparent.

The electromechanical actuator unit 100 can be designed in such a way that switching can take place independently of the actuation of the operating mechanism 60 .

The switching contact arrangement 20 can be decoupled from the operating mechanism 60 when the operating mechanism 60 assumes the rest position R.

The operating mechanism 60 can be designed to continue a shifting process that was started by means of the actuators 120, 130 and has not been completed. As a result, the function of the mechanical switch 10 can remain guaranteed in the event of a fault in the actuator unit 100 .

The operating mechanism 60 according to the second exemplary embodiment can include an actuating element 62 which is suitable for acting on the switching rocker 22 in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement 20 . The actuator 62 can either be a separate component, in particular a metallic stamped part or a stamped and bent part, as in FIGS Figures 12 to 14 reproduced, or integral with the rest of the operating mechanism 60 (not shown in the figures) may be formed.

A free space for accommodating the electromechanical actuator unit 100 is preferably present in the mechanical switch 10 and is also preferably delimited by the accommodating device 50 .

The mechanical switch 10 can be designed in such a way that the mechanical switching function can be carried out without an electromechanical actuator unit 100 accommodated in the accommodation device 50 .

The mechanical switch 10 can be designed in such a way that the electromechanical actuator unit 100 can be inserted into the receiving device 50 when the mechanical switch 10 is installed or when the mechanical switch 10 is removed. In a preferred embodiment, the electromechanical actuator unit 100 can be plugged onto the mechanical switch 10 from the front, that is to say from a direction which corresponds to a mounting direction of the mechanical switch 10 .

The mechanical switch 10 can include connection terminals 41, 43, 45, as in particular in figure 5 disclosed. The connection terminals 41, 43, 45 are preferably arranged in the base support 40.

The electromechanical actuator unit 100 can include a contact bridge 10 which is used to establish an electrical connection between the connection terminal 41 and/or the connection terminal 43 and the switching contact arrangement 20 when the electromechanical actuator unit 100 is accommodated in the receiving device 50 .

In a preferred embodiment, the particular 6 shows, the guide device 42 comprises at least one linear guide element 44 for the linear guidance of the operating mechanism 60. According to the exemplary embodiment from FIG 6 the guiding device 42 can comprise two linear guiding elements 44 . Alternatively or additionally, the guide device 42 can comprise at least one rotatory guide element 46 for rotatably guiding the operating mechanism 60 . This is too especially from 6 apparent. A rotary guidance of the operating mechanism 60 by means of the rotary guide element 46 is particularly important for the Figures 12 to 15 reproduced second embodiment of the switch arrangement provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism 60 has a stroke that is less than about 8 mm, preferably less than about 4 mm, more preferably less than 2.5 mm.

The same base support 40 can be designed to accommodate different operating mechanisms 60 in order to enable different applications of the mechanical switch 10 .

The linear guide element 44 can preferably be designed as a slot open on one side or as a slot and/or the rotary guide element 46 can be designed as an opening or blind hole, each with a circular cross section. This is also particular from 6 evident.

The base support 40 can also include a guide arrangement 48 and the switch contact arrangement 20 can include a carriage 26 . The carriage 26 can be movably mounted in the guide arrangement 48 along and/or counter to a guide direction F. The carriage 26 can be suitable for assuming a neutral position N, in which the carriage 26 is mechanically decoupled in the rocker switch 22 . Furthermore, the carriage 26 can assume a first switching position S1, in which the carriage 26 acts mechanically on the switching rocker 22 in such a way that the switching rocker 22 is transferred into the first switching position SP1. Furthermore, the carriage 26 can be suitable for assuming a second switching position S2, in which the carriage 26 acts mechanically on the switching rocker 22 in such a way that the switching rocker 22 assumes the second switching position SP2.

The carriage 26 can be made of a metallic material. The carriage 26 can be designed as a stamped sheet metal part or as a stamped and bent sheet metal part. The carriage 26 may have a uniform thickness.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical switch 10 comprises at least one spring element 28, which is connected to the base support 40 and the carriage 26 in such a way that the spring element 28 exerts a force on the carriage 26, by which the carriage 26 moves from a first switch position S1 and /or a second shift position S2 and/or a first intermediate position Z1 and/or a second intermediate position Z2 can be transferred to the neutral position N. The spring element 28 is in particular in the 13 played back.

The carriage 26 is preferably transferred to the neutral position N when neither of the two actuators 120, 130 is activated. Also preferably, the carriage 26 is moved into the neutral position N by means of the at least one spring element 28.

The spring element 28 can be designed as a leaf spring. The spring element 28 can be formed in one piece with the carriage 26 . The spring element 28, together with the carriage 26, can consist of a stamped sheet metal part or a stamped and bent sheet metal part.

The carriage 26 can comprise a total of two spring elements 28 , with each of the spring elements 28 preferably being attached to one end of the carriage 26 . The spring element 28 can be connected to the base support 40 by means of a screw connection or a rivet connection or a flanging. To simplify the illustration, the connection between the spring element 28 and the base support 40 is not shown in the figures.

In order to be able to effect a displacement of the carriage 26 along or counter to the guide direction F, the carriage 26 can be provided with a large number of engagement surfaces 30, 32, 34, 36. A first contact surface 30 can be designed so that it can be brought into contact with a plunger 122 of a first actuator 120 in order to occupy the carriage 26 along the guide direction F. The carriage can also be provided with a second contact surface 32 suitable for being brought into contact with a second pusher 132 of a second actuator 130 in order to move the carriage 26 along the guide direction F. By moving the carriage 26 along the Guide direction F can cause a change of state of the switching contact arrangement 20, in particular in a first switching position SP1.

The first contact surface 30 and the second contact surface 32 can be designed in such a way that a successive movement of the first tappet 122 and the second tappet 132 (in this order) causes a movement of the carriage 26 from the neutral position N into the first switching position S1.

The carriage can have a third engagement surface 34 which is suitable for being brought into contact with the first plunger 122 of the first actuator 120 in order to move the carriage 26 counter to the guide direction F and thereby bring about a state change of the switching contact arrangement 20 . The carriage 26 can also have a fourth contact surface 36, which is suitable for being brought into contact with the second plunger 132 of the second actuator 130 in order to displace the carriage 26 counter to the guide direction F and thereby bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement 22. The third contact surface 34 and the fourth contact surface 36 can be designed in such a way that a successive movement of the second tappet 132 and the first tappet 122 (in this order) causes a movement of the carriage 26 from the neutral position N into a second switching position S2.

The contact surfaces 30, 32, 34, 36 can each be arranged at an oblique angle relative to a direction of movement M1, M2 of the respective plunger 122, 133. As a result, a movement of the rams 122, 132 in their respective direction of movement M1, M2 can be converted into a movement of the carriage 26 in or counter to the guide direction F.

The switching contact arrangement 20 can also include a spring device which is connected to the switching rocker 22 . The spring device can also be attached to the base support 40 .

The rocker switch 22 can assume a first tilted position and a second tilted position in which the rocker switch 22 is spaced apart from the first switch contact 24 and/or the second switch contact 24a. Preferably, the first tilting position is between the first Switching position SP1 and the neutral position NP arranged. The second tilt position may be located between the second shift position SP2 and the neutral position NP. The first tilting position and the second tilting position can each represent a tilting point of the rocker switch 22 . The spring device moves the rocker switch 22 into the first switch position when the rocker switch assumes a position between the first tilted position and the first switch position. The second tilting position can preferably represent a tilting point of the rocker switch, so that the spring device moves the rocker switch 22 into the second switching position SP2 when the rocker switch 22 assumes a position between the first tilting position and the second switching position SP2. The carriage 26 can be designed to transfer the rocker switch 22 from the neutral position NP in the direction of the first switching position SP1 and beyond the first tilting position when the carriage is moved from the neutral position N into the first switching position S1. The carriage 26 can also be adapted to transfer the shift paddle 22 from the neutral position towards the second shift position SP2 and beyond the second tilt position when the carriage 26 is moved from the neutral position N to a second shift position S2.

Like in particular 13 As can be seen, the rocker switch 22 can include a projection 23 and the carriage 26 can have a window 27 . In this case, the projection 23 can penetrate the window 27 . The projection 23 can preferably be brought into contact with a border 27a of the window 27 in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement 22 .

The guiding direction F and a direction of movement M1 of the first tappet 122 can intersect one another or be skew to one another. The guiding direction F and a direction of movement M2 of the second tappet 132 can intersect one another or be skewed to one another. The guide direction F preferably runs essentially orthogonally to the direction of movement M1 of the first plunger 122 and/or orthogonally to the direction of movement M2 of the second plunger 132 16 apparent.

The carriage 26 can comprise a blocking element 25, preferably two blocking elements 25. The blocking element 25 is suitable for blocking the operating mechanism 60 when the carriage 26 is outside the neutral position N.

An external mechanical actuation of the operating mechanism 60 can thus be prevented if one of the actuators 120, 130 is activated in order to bring about a change in the state of the switching contact arrangement 20.

The blocking element 25, or the two blocking elements 25, is preferably designed and arranged in such a way that a switching process started by the electromechanical actuator unit 100 can be completed by the operating mechanism 60, but a switching process in the opposite direction can be prevented.

The carriage 26 can comprise a first latching device 21 adjacent to the first contact surface 30, which can be connected to the head 123 of the first plunger 122 in order to hold the carriage 26 in a first intermediate position Z1. In this case, the first contact surface 30 preferably transitions into the first latching device 21 . The latching device 21 can be arranged on the carriage 26 in such a way that the head 123 of the first plunger 122 is suitable for sliding along the first contact surface 30 into the first latching device 21 in order to move the head 123 of the first plunger in the first intermediate position Z1 122 to be connected to the first latching device 21 .

The carriage 26 can have a second latching device 21a adjacent to the second contact surface 32, which can be connected to a head 133 of the second plunger 132 in order to hold the carriage 26 in a second intermediate position Z2. The second engagement surface 32 can open into the second latching device 21a. The second latching device 21a can be arranged in such a way that the head 133 of the second plunger 132 is suitable for sliding along the second engagement surface 32 into the second latching device 21a, in order in the second intermediate position Z2 to engage the head 133 of the second plunger 132 with the second To connect locking device 21a.

The second intermediate position Z2 is, for example, in the 26 played back. The head 133 of the second plunger 132 is connected to the second latching device 21a. Similarly, in the first intermediate position Z1, the head 123 of the first tappet 122 is connected to the first latching device 21.

In the first intermediate position Z1, the first actuator 120 can be deactivated, so that when the head 123 of the first plunger 122 leaves the first latching device 21, the first plunger 122 is moved counter to the direction of movement M1 of the first plunger 122.

In the second intermediate position Z2, the second actuator 130 can be deactivated in the same way, so that when the head 133 of the second plunger 132 leaves the second latching device 21a, the plunger 132 is moved counter to the direction of movement M2 of the second plunger 132.

The first contact surface 30, the second contact surface 32 and the first latching device 21 are preferably arranged and designed in such a way that a movement of the head 123 of the first tappet 122 causes a movement of the carriage 26 from the neutral position N to the intermediate position Z1 and a subsequent movement Movement of the second plunger 132 causes a release of the connection between the head 123 of the first plunger 122 and the first locking device 21 and a movement of the carriage 26 from the first intermediate position Z1 into the first switching position S1 is effected.

In a further preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch 10 according to the Figures 30 to 36 As shown in the fourth embodiment, the base support 40 may further include a spring device 54 and a rotatable stop member 56 . In this case, the carriage is suitable for assuming a first switching position S1 and a first intermediate position Z1, which is arranged between the neutral position and the first switching position S1. The stop element 56 can be suitable for assuming a starting position I, a first rotational position D1, a second rotational position D2 and a third rotational position D3. The spring device 54 can be designed to at least partially exert a force on the stop element 56 .

The spring deflection of the spring device 54 is preferably limited in the direction of the stop element 56 .

In the first rotational position D1, the stop element 56 can form a stop for the carriage 26 in the first intermediate position Z1.

• dass das erste Anschlagelement 56 bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens 26 von der ersten Zwischenstellung Z1 in die Neutralstellung N von der ersten Drehstellung D1 in die zweite Drehstellung D2 überführt wird,
• dass der Schlitten 26 von der Neutralstellung N in die erste Schaltstellung S1 überführt werden kann, wenn das Anschlagelement 56 die zweite Drehstellung D2 annimmt,
• dass das Anschlagelement 56 bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens 26 von der Neutralstellung N in die erste Schaltstellung S1 von der zweiten Drehstellung D2 in die dritte Drehstellung D3 überführt wird und
• dass das Anschlagelement bei einer Bewegung des Schlittens 26 von der ersten Schaltstellung S1 in die Neutralstellung N von der dritten Drehstellung D3 in die Startstellung I überführt wird.

The stop element 56, the spring device 54 and the carriage 26 can be designed in such a way

• that the first stop element 56 is transferred from the first rotary position D1 to the second rotary position D2 when the carriage 26 moves from the first intermediate position Z1 to the neutral position N,
• that the carriage 26 can be transferred from the neutral position N into the first switching position S1 when the stop element 56 assumes the second rotational position D2,
• that the stop element 56 is transferred from the second rotational position D2 to the third rotational position D3 when the carriage 26 moves from the neutral position N into the first switching position S1 and
• that the stop element is transferred from the third rotational position D3 to the starting position I when the carriage 26 moves from the first switching position S1 to the neutral position N.

This configuration makes it possible to switch a monostable or bistable switching contact arrangement 20 in a simple manner. In this case, preferably only one actuator 120, 130 is required to actuate the carriage 26 by means of the electromechanical actuator unit 100.

Electromechanical actuator unit 100 is suitable for being accommodated in receiving device 50 of mechanical switch 10 in order to supply electromechanical actuator unit 100 with voltage and, by means of electromechanical actuator unit 100 to bring about a state change of the switching contact arrangement 20 of the mechanical switch 10 independently of an external mechanical influence on the operating mechanism 60 of the mechanical switch 10 .

The electromechanical actuator unit 100 can include an interface 104 through which a connection can be made to an input/output device mounted on the mechanical switch 10 . Alternatively or additionally, the electromechanical actuator unit 100 can include a radio interface for sending and/or receiving radio signals.

The switch arrangement according to the invention comprises a mechanical switch 10 and an electromechanical actuator unit 100, with the electromechanical actuator unit 100 being accommodated in the receiving device 50 of the mechanical switch 10.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling a switch 10, in particular an electromechanical switch 10 according to the invention. In this case, the switch is preferably provided with an electromechanical actuator unit 100 which is accommodated in the receiving device 50 of the mechanical switch 10 .

The switch 10 comprises a switch contact arrangement 20, in particular a monostable, bistable or tristable switch contact arrangement, and a base support 40 in which the switch contact arrangement 20 is accommodated. The electromechanical actuator unit 100 can include a first actuator 120 with a first tappet 122 and a second actuator 130 with a second tappet 132 . The switching contact arrangement 20 comprises at least one rotatably mounted switching rocker 22 and at least one first switching contact 24. The base support 40 also comprises a guide arrangement 22 and the switching contact arrangement 22 has a carriage 26 which is movably mounted in the guide arrangement 42 along and/or counter to a guide direction F is. As previously described, the carriage 26 has a first contact surface 30 and a second contact surface 32 which can be brought into contact with the first plunger 122 and the second plunger 132, respectively.

• Ansteuern des ersten Aktors 120, um den ersten Stößel 122 mit der ersten Angriffsfläche 30 in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten 26 entlang einer Führungsrichtung F von einer Neutralstellung N in eine erste Zwischenstellung Z1 zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe 22 von einer Neutralposition NP zu einer ersten Zwischenposition ZP1 zu bewirken;
• Ansteuern des zweiten Aktors 130, um den zweiten Stößel 132 mit der zweiten Angriffsfläche 32 in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten 26 entlang der Führungsrichtung F von der ersten Zwischenstellung Z1 in eine erste Schaltstellung S1 zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe 22 von der ersten Zwischenposition ZP1 zu einer ersten Schaltposition SP1 zu bewirken.

The process is characterized by the following process steps:

• Activation of the first actuator 120 in order to bring the first plunger 122 into contact with the first contact surface 30 and in order to transfer the carriage 26 along a guide direction F from a neutral position N to a first intermediate position Z1 and to transfer the switching rocker 22 from a neutral position NP to a first intermediate position ZP1;
• Activation of the second actuator 130 in order to bring the second plunger 132 into contact with the second contact surface 32 and in order to transfer the carriage 26 along the guide direction F from the first intermediate position Z1 to a first switching position S1 and to transfer the switching rocker 22 from the first To effect intermediate position ZP1 to a first switching position SP1.

The switching contact arrangement 20 can have at least one second switching contact 24 and the carriage can have a third contact surface 34 and fourth contact surface 36 as described above.

• Ansteuern des zweiten Aktors, um den zweiten Stößel 132 mit der vierten Angriffsfläche 36 in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten 26 entgegen der Führungsrichtung F von der Neutralstellung N in eine zweite Zwischenstellung Z2 zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe 22 von einer Neutralposition NP zu einer zweiten Zwischenposition ZP2 zu bewirken;
• Ansteuern des ersten Aktors 120, um den ersten Stößel 122 mit der dritten Angriffsfläche 34 in Berührung zu bringen und um den Schlitten 26 entgegen der Führungsrichtung F von der zweiten Zwischenstellung Z2 in die zweite Schaltstellung S2 zu überführen und ein Überführen der Schaltwippe 22 von der zweiten Zwischenposition ZP2 zu der zweiten Schaltposition SP2 zu bewirken.

The method can be characterized by the following additional method steps:

• Activation of the second actuator in order to bring the second plunger 132 into contact with the fourth contact surface 36 and to move the carriage 26 counter to the guide direction F from the neutral position N into a second intermediate position Z2 and to move the switching rocker 22 from a neutral position NP to to effect a second intermediate position ZP2;
• Activation of the first actuator 120 in order to bring the first plunger 122 into contact with the third contact surface 34 and in order to transfer the carriage 26 counter to the guide direction F from the second intermediate position Z2 to the second switching position S2 and to transfer the switching rocker 22 from the second To effect intermediate position ZP2 to the second switching position SP2.

The carriage can comprise a first latching device 21 and/or a second latching device 21a. The first plunger 122 can have a head 123 and/or the second plunger 132 can have a head 133 .

• Verbinden der ersten Rasteinrichtung 21 mit dem Kopf 123 des ersten Stößels 122 in der ersten Zwischenposition ZP1, um den Schlitten 26 in der ersten Zwischenposition ZP1 zu halten und/oder um den Kopf 123 des ersten Stößels 122 in der ersten Rasteinrichtung 21 zu halten; und/oder
• Verbinden der zweiten Rasteinrichtung 21a mit dem Kopf 133 des zweiten Stößels 132 in der zweiten Zwischenposition ZP2, um den Schlitten 26 in der zweiten Zwischenposition ZP2 zu halten und/oder um den Kopf 133 des zweiten Stößels 132 in der zweiten Rasteinrichtung 21a zu halten.

The process can be characterized by the following additional process steps:

• connecting the first latch 21 to the head 123 of the first plunger 122 in the first intermediate position ZP1 to hold the carriage 26 in the first intermediate position ZP1 and/or to hold the head 123 of the first plunger 122 in the first latch 21; and or
• Connecting the second latching device 21a to the head 133 of the second plunger 132 in the second intermediate position ZP2 in order to hold the carriage 26 in the second intermediate position ZP2 and/or to hold the head 133 of the second plunger 132 in the second latching device 21a.

The switching rocker 22 can be in contact with the first switching contact 24 in the first switching position SP1 and can be spaced apart from the first switching contact 24 in the neutral position NP. The switching rocker 22 can be in contact with the second switching contact 24a in the second switching position SP2 and can be spaced apart from the second switching contact 24a in the neutral position NP. The carriage 26 can be mechanically decoupled from the rocker switch 22 in the neutral position N.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. changes, e.g. B. in the embodiments of the various components or replacements by technical equivalents are possible at any time, as long as they remain within the scope of the claimed protection.

Claims (20)

1. Mechanical switch, in particular light switch and/or roller shutter switch and/or thermostat switch, comprising:

   a switching contact arrangement (20), in particular a monostable, bistable or tristable switching contact arrangement (20), and

   a base carrier (40), in which the switching contact arrangement (20) is received,

   wherein the base carrier (40) further comprises a guide device (42),

   wherein the mechanical switch (10) comprises an operator control mechanism (60) which is guided in the guide device (42) and is suitable for assuming an operator control position (B) as a result of an external mechanical action in order to cause a change in state of the switching contact arrangement (20), and for assuming an inoperative position (R) when the external mechanical action is absent,

   wherein the base carrier (40) further has a receiving device (50) for receiving an electromechanical actuator unit (100), which is designed in such a way that an electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50) can be supplied with voltage in order to cause a change in state of the switching contact arrangement (20) by means of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) independently of an external mechanical action on the operator control mechanism (60),

   wherein the switching contact arrangement (20) is decoupled from the operator control mechanism (60) when the operator control mechanism (60) assumes the inoperative position (R),

   characterized in that the receiving device (50) comprises a first plug-in connecting device (52) which can be connected to a second plug-in connecting device (102) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) in order to supply the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50) with voltage.
2. Mechanical switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first plug-in connecting device (52) is in the form of a plug socket and the second plug-in connecting device (102) is in the form of a plug.
3. Mechanical switch according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the guide device (42) comprises at least one linear guide element (44) for linearly guiding the operator control mechanism (60) and/or at least one rotational guide element (46) for rotatably guiding the operator control mechanism (60).
4. Mechanical switch according to Claim 3, characterized in that the linear guide element (44) is in the form of a slot which is open on one side or in the form of an elongate hole and/or the rotational guide element (46) is in the form of an opening or blind hole with a round cross section in each case.
5. Mechanical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the switching contact arrangement (20) has at least one switching rocker (22) mounted in a rotatable manner in the base carrier and at least one first switching contact (24), wherein the switching rocker (22) is suitable for assuming a first switching position (SP1), in which the switching rocker (22) is in contact with the first switching contact (24), and at least one neutral position (NP), in which the switching rocker (22) is at a distance from the first switching contact (24).
6. Mechanical switch according to Claim 4, characterized in that the base carrier (40) further comprises a guide arrangement (48) and the switching contact arrangement (20) comprises a carriage (26) which is mounted such that it can move along and/or against a guide direction (F) in the guide arrangement (48), wherein the carriage (26) is suitable for assuming a neutral position (N) in which the carriage (26) is mechanically decoupled from the switching rocker (22).
7. Mechanical switch according to Claim 6, characterized by at least one spring element (28) which is connected to the base carrier (40) and the carriage (26) in such a way that the spring element (28) exerts a force onto the carriage (26), by way of which force the carriage (26) can be transferred from a first switching position (S1) and/or a second switching position (S2) and/or a first intermediate position (Z1) and/or a second intermediate position (Z2) to the neutral position (N).
8. Mechanical switch according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the carriage (26) has a first engagement surface (30) which is suitable for being brought into contact with a first plunger (122) of a first actuator (120) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50) in order to move the carriage (26) along the guide direction (F) and to cause a change in state of the switching contact arrangement (20) as a result.
9. Mechanical switch according to Claim 8, characterized in that the carriage (26) has a second engagement surface (32) which is suitable for being brought into contact with a second plunger (132) of a second actuator (130) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50) in order to shift the carriage (26) along the guide direction (F) and to cause a change in state of the switching contact arrangement (20) as a result.
10. Mechanical switch according to Claim 9, characterized in that the first engagement surface (30) and the second engagement surface (32) are formed in such a way that a successive movement of the first plunger (122) and of the second plunger (132) causes a movement of the carriage (26) from the neutral position (N) to a first switching position (S1).
11. Mechanical switch according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the carriage (26) comprises a blocking element (25) which is suitable for blocking the operator control mechanism (60) when the carriage (26) is outside the neutral position (N).
12. Mechanical switch according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the carriage (26), adjacent to the first engagement surface (30), comprises a first latching device (21) which can be connected to a head (123) of the first plunger (122) in order to hold the carriage (26) in a first intermediate position (Z1), wherein the first latching device (21) is arranged in such a way that the head (123) of the first plunger (122) is suitable for sliding along the first engagement surface (30) as far as into the first latching device (21) in order to connect the head (123) of the first plunger (122) to the first latching device (21) in the first intermediate position (Z1).
13. Mechanical switch according to a combination of Claims 10 and 12, characterized in that the first engagement surface (30), the second engagement surface (32) and the first latching device (21) are arranged and formed in such a way that a movement of the head (123) of the first plunger (122) causes a movement of the carriage (26) from the neutral position (N) to the first intermediate position (Z1) and a subsequent movement of the second plunger (132) causes the connection between the head (123) of the first plunger (122) and the first latching device (21) to be released and causes a movement of the carriage (26) from the first intermediate position (Z1) to a first switching position (S1).
14. Mechanical switch according to Claim 6, characterized in that the base carrier (40) further comprises a spring apparatus (54) and a rotatable stop element (56),

    wherein the carriage (26) is suitable for assuming a first switching position (S1) and a first intermediate position (Z1),which is arranged between the neutral position (N) and the first switching position (S1), and the stop element (56) is suitable for assuming a start position (I), a first rotation position (D1), a second rotation position (D2) and a third rotation position (D3),

    wherein the spring apparatus (54) at least partially exerts a force onto the stop element (56),

    wherein the stop element (56), the spring apparatus (54) and the carriage (26) are formed in such a way that the carriage (26) can be transferred from the neutral position (N) to the first intermediate position (Z1) when the stop element (56) assumes the start position (I),

    wherein the stop element (56), the spring apparatus (54) and the carriage (26) are formed in such a way that the stop element (56) is transferred from the start position (I) to the first rotation position (D1) when the carriage (26) moves from the neutral position (N) to the first intermediate position (Z1),

    wherein the stop element (56) in the first rotation position (D1) forms a stop for the carriage (26) in the first intermediate position (Z1),

    wherein the stop element (56), the spring apparatus (54) and the carriage (26) are formed in such a way that the stop element (56) is transferred from the first rotation position (D1) to the second rotation position (D2) when the carriage (26) moves from the first intermediate position (Z1) to the neutral position (N),

    wherein the stop element (56), the spring apparatus (54) and the carriage (26) are formed in such a way that the carriage (26) can be transferred from the neutral position (N) to the first switching position (S1) when the stop element (56) assumes the second rotation position (D2),

    wherein the stop element (56), the spring apparatus (54) and the carriage (26) are formed in such a way that the stop element (56) is transferred from the second rotation position (D2) to the third rotation position (D3) when the carriage (26) moves from the neutral position (N) to the first switching position (S1), and

    wherein the stop element (56), the spring apparatus (54) and the carriage (26) are formed in such a way that the stop element (56) is transferred from the third rotation position (D3) to the start position (I) when the carriage (26) moves from the first switching position (S1) to the neutral position (N).
15. Electromechanical actuator unit for a mechanical switch (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the electromechanical actuator unit (100) is designed to be received in the receiving device (50) of the mechanical switch (10), wherein the electromechanical actuator unit (100) comprises a second plug-in connecting device (102) which can be connected to a first plug-in connecting device (52) of the receiving device in order to supply the electromechanical actuator unit (100) with voltage, and wherein the electromechanical actuator unit (100) is designed to cause a change in state of the switching contact arrangement (20) of the mechanical switch (10) by means of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) independently of an external mechanical action onto the operator control mechanism (60) of the mechanical switch (10).
16. Switch arrangement comprising a mechanical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 14 and an electromechanical actuator unit (100) according to Claim 15, wherein the electromechanical actuator unit (100) is received in the receiving device (50).
17. Method for controlling a switch (10),

    wherein the switch (10) comprises a switching contact arrangement (20), in particular a monostable, bistable or tristable switching contact arrangement, a base carrier (40) in which the switching contact arrangement (40) is received, and an electromechanical actuator unit (100),

    wherein the base carrier (40) comprises a receiving device (50) in which the electromechanical actuator unit (100) is received,

    wherein the electromechanical actuator unit (100) comprises a first actuator (120) with a first plunger (122), characterized in that the electromechanical actuator unit (100) comprises a second actuator (130) with a second plunger (132),

    wherein the switching contact arrangement (20) has at least one rotatably mounted switching rocker (22) and at least one first switching contact (24),

    wherein the base carrier (40) further comprises a guide arrangement (42) and the switching contact arrangement (22) comprises a carriage (26) which is mounted such that it can move along and/or against a guide direction (F) in the guide arrangement (42),

    wherein the carriage (26) has a first engagement surface (30) which is suitable for being brought into contact with the first plunger (122) of the first actuator (120) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50), and

    wherein the carriage (26) has a second engagement surface (32) which is suitable for being brought into contact with the second plunger (132) of the second actuator (130) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50),

    the method comprising the following method steps:

    driving the first actuator (120) in order to bring the first plunger (122) into contact with the first engagement surface (30) and in order to transfer the carriage (26) along a guide direction (F) from a neutral position (N) to a first intermediate position (Z1) and to cause a transfer of the switching rocker (22) from a neutral position (NP) to a first intermediate position (ZP1);

    driving the second actuator (130) in order to bring the second plunger (132) into contact with the second engagement surface (32) and in order to transfer the carriage (26) along the guide direction (F) from the first intermediate position (Z1) to a first switching position (S1) and to cause a transfer of the switching rocker (22) from the first intermediate position (ZP1) to a first switching position (SP1).
18. Method according to Claim 17,

    wherein the switching contact arrangement (20) has at least one second switching contact (24a),

    wherein the carriage (26) has a third engagement surface (34) which is suitable for being brought into contact with the first plunger (122) of the first actuator (120) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50), and

    wherein the carriage (26) has a fourth engagement surface (36) which is suitable for being brought into contact with the second plunger (132) of the second actuator (130) of the electromechanical actuator unit (100) received in the receiving device (50),

    characterized by the following further method steps:

    driving the second actuator (130) in order to bring the second plunger (132) into contact with the fourth engagement surface (36) and in order to transfer the carriage (26) against the guide direction (F) from the neutral position (N) to a second intermediate position (Z2) and to cause a transfer of the switching rocker (22) from a neutral position (NP) to a second intermediate position (ZP2);

    driving the first actuator (120) in order to bring the first plunger (122) into contact with the third engagement surface (34) and in order to transfer the carriage (26) against the guide direction (F) from the second intermediate position (Z2) to a second switching position (S2) and to cause a transfer of the switching rocker (22) from the second intermediate position (ZP2) to a second switching position (SP2).
19. Method according to either of Claims 17 and 18,

    wherein the carriage has a first latching device (21) and/or a second latching device (21a), and

    wherein the first plunger (122) has a head (123) and/or the second plunger (132) has a head (133),

    characterized by the following further method steps:

    connecting the first latching device (21) to the head (123) of the first plunger (122) in the first intermediate position (ZP1) in order to hold the carriage (26) in the first intermediate position (ZP1) and/or in order to hold the head (123) of the first plunger (122) in the first latching device (21); and/or

    connecting the second latching device (21a) to the head (133) of the second plunger (132) in the second intermediate position (ZP2) in order to hold the carriage (26) in the second intermediate position (ZP2) and/or in order to hold the head (133) of the second plunger (132) in the second latching device (21a).
20. Method according to one of Claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the switching rocker (22) is in contact with the first switching contact (24) in the first switching position (SP1) and is at a distance from the first switching contact (24) in the neutral position (NP), and/or in that the switching rocker (22) is in contact with the second switching contact (24a) in the second switching position (SP2) and is at a distance from the second switching contact (24a) in the neutral position (NP), and/or in that the carriage (26) is mechanically decoupled from the switching rocker (22) in the neutral position (N).

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