Arrangement of a switching device with a functional module, functional module and method for operating the same
An arrangement of a functional module for installing in an installation box with a manually operable switching device used in building installation technology. The functional module can be influenced by actuation of an actuating element connected to the switching device and associated with an upper part of the switching device. The functional module has at least one interface, via which at least one actuator can be activated in accordance with an actuation of the actuating element. At least one magnet, which changes its position when the actuating element is actuated, is arranged on the switching device. The functional module has a sensor for sensing the magnetic field, so that the change in the magnetic field when the actuating element is actuated is detected. The functional module has an evaluation unit for evaluating the change in the magnetic field and designed to identify from the sensed change in the magnetic field what kind of switching device is concerned, and this identification is used in the activation of the actuator by the functional module.
1 . An arrangement of a functional module for installing in an installation box with a manually operable switching device used in building installation technology, wherein an actuating element is connected to the switching device and associated with an upper part of the switching device, and wherein at least one magnet, which changes position when the actuating element is actuated, is arranged on the switching device, comprising:
the functional module having at least one interface, via which at least one actuator is operable in accordance with an actuation of the actuation element,
wherein the functional module has a magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field such that a change in the magnetic field is detected when the actuating element is actuated,
wherein the functional module has an evaluation unit for evaluating the magnetic field, the evaluation unit configured to identify, based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor, what type of switching device is being used, and such identification is used in controlling the at least one actuator by the functional module.
2 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnet is arranged on the actuating element.
3 . The arrangement of claim 2 , wherein the at least one magnet is arranged on a side of the actuating element facing away from a user during operation.
4 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the switching device is configured as a button or switch.
5 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the functional module contains all components necessary for its function in a closed housing, and the interface of the functional module comprises only connections necessary for power supply and/or controlling the at least one actuator.
6 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the functional module comprises a dimming actuator for dimming a dimmable load.
7 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the functional module comprises a switching actuator for switching plug sockets.
8 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the functional module comprises a blind actuator for controlling blinds.
9 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the functional module comprises a tactile sensor for actuating an electrical device.
10 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic field sensor is a MEMS magnetic sensor.
11 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnet is adhesively bonded or mechanically fixed to the actuating element.
12 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the functional module is supplied with energy by an energy storage device.
13 . The arrangement of claim 12 , wherein the energy storage device is a battery.
14 . A method for operating a functional module of an arrangement according to claim 1 , comprising the steps:
sensing, by a magnetic field sensor of the functional module, the magnetic field produced by the at least one magnet arranged on the switching device,
detecting the change in the magnetic field as a result of a predetermined actuation of the actuating element,
evaluating the detected change in the magnetic field by an evaluation unit of the functional module to determine what type of switching device is being used, and
controlling an actuator by the functional module in accordance with a predetermined function mode, depending on the type of switching device identified.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the evaluation unit determines whether the switching device is a button or switch.